Summer 2008
- A Word From the Editor. Dawson Ko.
- Swimsuit Style-a-thon. Eliza Tickle.
- A Few Simple Guidelines For Guys. Tomasz Forfa.
- Cheap Fashion - Endless Ideas. Joy Tsai.
- $200 Challenge. Dawson Ko.
- The Little Bag Lady. Tina Nguyen.
- Kiss & Make up. Ly Huynh.
- Elixirs of Summer Essence. Alaejandra.
- Eau de Toilette. Nastasia Campanella.
- Sunsmart and Fashionable? Emma Fraser.
- End Credits.
A word from the editor
I'm very pleased to welcome you back to Fashionable Eye for the Blind Guy... & Gal for 2008. It’s a joy to spend our second summer with you, from all of us here at Fashionable Eye, we hope you had a great festive season, and refreshed for another year. Our publication is the only one of its kind, a fashion magazine for the blind. However, if your not in this sub-culture and have full sight, we reckon you'll also enjoy the read.
Aside from Christmas and the New Year, the next biggy during summer is the post-Christmas sales. Hands up if you were apart of that mad rush for bargains? If you’ve missed them, I'd personally say it’s no big loss. The crowds, the madness, the queues...... sometimes it’s not worth the few bucks which you save. And like they say..... "Its all fun and games until someone loses an eye". So my little anecdote for this summer edition..... Is to pay full price! It means your purchasing the garment when its still brand spanking new, you'll be ahead of the trend, your more likely to find one in your size, and the sales assistance treat you better. It’s all about quality instead of quantity.
Our Fifth issue of Fashionable Eye is a true gem. Each season we produce a publication which I personally believe is gold, can't possibly improve on. However this season's effort has really exceeded our 2007 efforts. If you’re a repeat reader, you'll notice that this year our format and structure of the mag has changed, it’s more professional, more to the point and more graphics for those who have remaining sight.
This season we welcome a new face to the writer's fold, that being Joy Tsai, who works in the industry, so she knows her stuff. While I have to draw your attention to the following articles: Kiss & Make Up; Swimsuit Style-a-thon; and Elixirs of Summer Essence. These articles will go down into fashion literature history, for its contribution to informing the blind and general timeless fashion tips. Hey, this whole entire summer edition is a must read, and I'm astounded and so privileged to have such a talented and dedicated writing crew.
If you enjoy the read, If you want to drop us a line, or for complaints and suggestions, do contact us at: dawson_ko@hotmail.com we love it when we hear from our readers. From all of us at Fashionable Eye for the Blind Guy, we hope you enjoy our summer 2008 creation, had a read of all the articles, and please spread the word by telling a friend or two.
Dawson Ko.
Fashionable Eye for the Blind Guy..... & Gal, Editor
Swimsuit Style-a-thon
The Aussie summer is all about sun, surf and sand. Eliza Tickle shines a much needed light on the topic of bikinis and the perfect fit for you.
Summer is here and the swimsuit-shopping season is now upon us. Surf-shop and department store racks are now filled with a range of new bikinis in hundreds of different patterns, colours, shapes and sizes. Now it's up to you to choose a swimsuit that makes you look and feel great throughout the summer months.
Chances are, if you feel at all self-conscious about your body, shopping for a bikini is not at the top of your list of favorite things. But if you think you can't wear a bikini, you're wrong. The art of bikini-wearing is about playing up what you have, and downplaying what you don't.
Bikini bodies
There are plenty of bikini styles out there to suit every body type. When you reach the store, it's important to try-on a variety of bikinis in different shapes and styles. Don't limit yourself to a particular style - keep your options open and experiment with new bikini shapes. But at the same time, don't let yourself be talked into buying a trendy, new bikini that you're not comfortable with. If you have an old swimsuit that you absolutely love, don't be afraid to take it into the store with you and ask the shop assistant to find a similar style.
Comfort is the key
Most importantly, your bikini must be a comfortable fit. If you're physically comfortable in your swimsuit, chances are you'll look great too. Choose a bikini set that draws attention to your best assets and diverts attention from your 'problem areas'. For example, women with large chests should avoid string bikinis and opt for a bikini top with underwire, or a haltertop, which offers the most support. On the other hand, there are plenty of bikinis available with in-built padding or fabric cups for those women wishing to enhance a more flat chest. Make the swimsuit work for you.
Colours
When selecting a colour, remember that darker colours suit most skin tones. Blacks, browns, greys and navy blues contrast with fair skin and enhance olive skin. These darker colours also have slimming effects, especially when worn on the bottom half. It's hard to say no to a solid black bikini - they're slimming and sophisticated. On the other hand, white bikinis are also very sexy.
But if you're sick of plain bikinis, you'll be pleased to know that bright, preppy colours along with fluoro shades, are back in fashion this season. Common colour combos in swimsuits this summer include blues, yellows and greens with fun, contrasting trims.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for sophisticated black and white combinations along with metallic fabrics in stylish gold and silver. (Remember - metallic swimsuits often have very specific care instructions. Be sure to read these instructions carefully before washing or tumble-drying your bikini It's also good to rinse your new bikini after swimming in a heavily-chlorinated pool or spa).
Patterns
If it's an outrageous, attention-grabbing swimsuit that you're after, opt for bikinis with wild polka-dot patterns, or those with added extras like belts, frills and buckles. Another trend this summer is the pinstriped bikini. But remember - if you're self-conscious about your weight, look for bikinis with smaller patterns (like floral) with darker colours to minimise your appearance.
Where to shop
City Beach stores have a huge variety of bikinis this season. City Beach bikinis are grouped in size order so it's easy to locate a bikini that fits (For store locations visit www.citybeachsurf.com.au). Surf Dive 'N' Ski (SDS) also have an impressive range of swimsuits and bikinis this summer (For store locations visit www.sds.com.au). The post-Christmas sales are still going, so hurry and head to the stores!
Shopping tips
- Shop with a trustworthy friend who will give you their honest opinion on which bikinis look good and those which don't.
- Use three-way mirrors so you can see how the bikini fits you from every angle.
- Be sure to check how the bikini feels when you're squatting, sitting and moving around. You will quickly become alert to a too-skimpy bottom, a loose strap or an uncomfortable style.
Eliza Tickle
A Few Simple Guidelines For Guys
Men's fashion writer Tomasz Forfa outlines 3 vitals to remember during Australia's hot summers.
Summer? What Summer? We just got back from Poland where it was -10 degrees Celsius and now in London, it’s only 5 degrees. Five degrees now seems like t-shirt weather compared to Poland. But in Australia it's much warmer, and so the fellas need to dress differently.
For this issue I'm gonna stick to the classics for guys. And a few simple rules that will get you through the next couple summer months. Mainly because I'm a little out of touch with any kind of warm weather at present, but still know what works for guys and what doesn't.
As the hot sun continues to beam down and the heat causes you to sweat and even smell a little peculiar, it can be quite unpleasant for some and can be unappealing to the opposite sex. Rule One - if you can smell your B.O. without having to stick your nose deep inside the rain forest that is your sweaty arm-pit, then that means everyone else can smell it too. Women have an especially sensitive sense of smell, so make sure you have deodorant on before you head out.
Another thing to have on before you go into the summer is sun screen. This might sound a bit wimpy to the Aussie Bloke but there are a lot of products which cover up the fact that you're putting it on. For example, there is moisturizer with sun screen in it. And I know that for some guys putting on moisturizer is one step down from putting on make up and a dress. So why would I suggest the sun screen? Chicks. Chicks dig a nice tan not a red faced guy sitting at the table with flakes of skin peeling off into his drink.
You can also just wear a hat. Trucker hats are still good. Or if you wanna go extra cool and international get a hat where a small brim goes all the way around. These are like stiff panama hats or slightly like a small brimmed, less extravagant cowboy hat. They are popular in London. (I've written about them in a previous edition).
One last rule, we all wear thongs a.k.a. flip flops in the summer. And guys need to remember to cut their toe nails and wash their feet. Seems obvious but we forget.
'Till next time,
Tomasz Forfa