Fashion: How To

How to dress in style:
The procedure is as simple as 1-2-3!

1. Choose a design and style!
2. Pick the right fabric!
3. Accessorise!

Tailored clothing, using the most natural fabrics, always lasts longer and feels better. So this spring and summer, look and feel your best with your customised wear. Polyester creations are no longer the fashionable thing to wear; instead, all-natural silks, linens and cotton are the way to go. Find a store which sells completely natural fabrics.

How to care for fabric:
If there is no label and/or you wish to wash a garment or fabric at home instead of dry clean, the properties of each fabric will help you determine the care of the fabric or garment. Otherwise, the best rule is to follow the label on the garment.

How to look slimmer:

• Prints should be scaled to your body - for example, no large prints if you are a fuller figure. In general, it's the space between prints that makes them unflattering, so look for prints that have overlapping images.
• Don't shy away from sleeveless garments, especially with evening wear when you can cover up with a shawl, sheer top or a jacket instead.
• Don't think that baggy clothes make you look slimmer. Body-conscious clothes that hint at your curves - without being clingy or tight - are the most flattering.

Why do millions of women want a body that less than 1% of the population can attain (and not without their fair share of starvation and exercise torture)? The answer is simple.

Because that small minority of women who seem to have the “perfect figure” are models. Women who flaunt their bodies, wear the latest designer clothing, and show off millions of dollars worth of products as their career. Models simply look good because it is their job to do so. They are paid to be human clothes hangers. Good clothing is made of fabric that is natural and comfortable against the skin. Good clothing consists of designs and styles that complement your body shape and your skin tone. Good clothing often needs to be tailored and not bought off the shelf.

The latest designs in the haute couture world can be copied and custom-made to suit your own looks and body shape. It is not necessary to spend thousands of dollars to purchase a piece of clothing that a model wore, just for the sake of trying to look like her. It is important for a woman to recognise the positive points of her own body, and tailor-make clothing that complements that.

d’Italia, a designer fabric store located in Malvern (Melbourne, Australia), imports Italian silk and French lace directly from Europe. The fabric comes from the same European fashion houses which supply to the biggest names in haute couture. d’Italia is open six days a week, and is located at 61 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, Victoria. Australian tailor and seamstress services should be booked in advance (especially for wedding couture). More information can be found at: www.ditalia.com.au. Visit d’Italia’s blog at www.ditaliadesignerfabric.blogspot.com.