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Spring! The first day of September brought
the return of summer time on our watches and clocks, my one year wedding
anniversary and a brand new fashion season - all wonderful reasons for joyous
celebration. There’s nothing better than that ‘newness’ feeling in the air. And
of course with the new season comes New York Fashion Week, new runway trends
and, the piece de resistance of
glossy fashion magazines- THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE.
As temperatures begin to rise more flesh goes on display - an unsettling thought for winter fitness slackers and pale un-tanned
bodies. But not to worry, your friendly fashion advisor at The Style
Element is to the rescue. This week I give you my three favourite Spring/Summer
trends, and accompanying fitness tips to help you look good enough to rock them.
(You’re
welcome)
Vintage-Inspired Swimwear
There’s a scene in 1956′s
High Society where Grace Kelly kneels poolside and pushes a model boat, the True Love, across the still water. She’s
wearing a white halter neck swimsuit that ends in a small, ruffled skirt; her
chin-length hair is neatly curled, her feet are bare. Never has a swimsuit
looked so elegant.
Of course it’s the bombshells - the pin-ups, of the same era
we’re more inclined to think of when it comes to 1950s swimsuits, in
particular – Marilyn Monroe. The 50s was the highlight of her playful,
curvaceous, steeped in sex appeal persona.
These two women underline the fact that vintage-style
swimwear has a place amongst 2013 swimwear trends. The modern twist is a subtle infusion of
vintage cuts and prints – and can be as bombshell as Monroe or as sophisticated
as Kelly. This season it’s all about high waisted bikini bottoms as a way to inject a slight vintage feel
into otherwise modern swimwear.
How to prepare: Tony Greco (also known as the Bikini Whisperer)
created the Ultimate Best Bikini Workout for Glamour Magazine, that will help
tone up abs, thighs, and butt—the areas on full display in your average
two-piece.
Bodycon Dress
Bodycon dresses first came to prominence in the nineties,
rising in popularity for the sleek lines they created on the female figure. The
term refers to, and is an abbreviation of, body conscious - as this is
definitely a dress worn to highlight the body.
A bodycon dress is essentially a tight fitting, figure hugging dress, made from
elasticized material or composite material such as spandex or lycra. They tend
to be short in length, usually falling to about mid-thigh level, with the
occasional longer styles.
Due to its tightness, this style of dress certainly isn't flattering for all
figures. Ideally this dress works best on a woman with an hourglass shape. Women with an athletic build, or small hips and bust will find
that the bodycon does nothing for them. Similarly a pear shape figure, that is
hips that are much larger than the bust, will want to steer clear of this
dress. Remember, the bodycon will only highlight your ‘problem’ areas and will fail
to capitalise on your other natural assets.
How to prepare: Follow the ‘Eat to Lose Pounds’ eating plan
created by Women’s Health to lose weight fast and safely within seven days.
Bermuda Shorts
The slouchy, cool-girl shorts that were all over the New
York runways this season are perfect for every girl who never felt like she
could pull off those cheek-baring cutoffs so beloved on Instagram (i.e. most of
us). Done properly, they’re ultra chic, fam-friendly, and flattering on anyone.
If the idea of short shorts fills you with dread, but you
still want to partake in summer's favoured pant, seek comfort in the
Bermuda. While in the past you might have been reluctant to wear these
knee-length shorts, this season's rendition is anything but frumpy. Imitate
the spring runway and style with feminine or edgy accents. While solid
colors, preferably in darker tones, work best for the office,
playful prints and denim-styled shorts are great options for more casual
settings. As for the most flattering pairs, look for a slim-cut
design that tapers down your leg that you can pair with feminine tops like a
peplum and high heels.
How to prepare: Get lean legs by starting this workout,
created by Marcela Ceselka, a personal trainer at Club H Fitness in New York
City, targets every inch of your lower body—glutes, quads, hamstrings, hips,
inner thighs, and calves.
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