Monthly Archives: March 2019

Your Favourite Styling Techniques

I’ve noticed that there are a few styling strategies that I use frequently in my outfits. The first three pander to my personal figure-flattering priorities which are to create outfit structure, shorten my neck, and lengthen the leg line. The last panders to my need to create polish and look visually pulled together. 

1. Chunky Pearl Necklace Fills the Gap

I have a long neck that looks even longer because of my narrow shoulder line and pixie haircut. I effectively shorten my neck and broaden my shoulders by wearing close-fitting, narrow, and high necklines because the coverage is visually shortening on the neck and lengthening on the shoulder. Sometimes though, crew necks and boat necklines are still too wide and I need more coverage. My pearl necklaces add coverage by filling the gap, and do the shortening trick. Bonus that they add a dressy integrity to my outfit.

2. Scrunch Long Sleeves

Showcasing skin adds structure to an outfit because it reveals the natural contour of the body. When I scrunch long sleeves to showcase my forearms, I add structure to my look, which makes proportions work better on my slight frame.

3. Semi-Tuck or Tuck Tops

I wear flats 99% of the time. I don’t want to feel dumpy, overly long in the torso, or flat-footed, so I lengthen the leg line from the hips upward by semi-tucking or fully tucking a top. This brings up the position of the hem of the top, thereby shortening the torso and lengthening my leg line. Hinting at or fully defining the waist adds structure to the outfit too.

4. Sport a Complement

I will often add a complement of footwear and accessories to my outfit to pull it together. In other words, I’ll match my bags to my shoes, or match my shoes to my belt. I can also match my bag to a scarf, or my scarf to a belt. I’ve also matched bag, belt, scarf and shoes for maximal good measure.

Wearing a tailored topper over a fluid or flowing untucked top is one favourite styling technique among my clients. The untucked fluid top camouflages muffin top, while the tailored topper tempers the volume and adds structure. Keeping a jacket or blazer open in front is another favourite. It creates a line down the centre front of the body which accentuates the vertical integrity of the outfit. Another is to add heels to an outfit to lengthen the leg line.

Over to you. What are your favourite outfit styling techniques and why? Are they similar or the opposite of mine?

Adventurous Drama in Sacramento

We’re ending 2018 on a bang with blogging legend Kasmira Kit (43). Sacramento-based Kasmira is a state emergency services analyst who has been blogging for 12 years, and posts an outfit almost every weekday. What a feat! Over the years, her style has remained so very recognizably her very own. It’s creative, unique, timeless, quirky, and beyond trends. Kasmira is an adventurous dresser who loves statement leggings and novelty hosiery. She’s also a master of maximal pattern mixing and unusual outfit combinations.

A fun jacket + turtleneck + statement skirt + novelty hosiery is one of Kasmira’s go-to outfit formulas. For this particular version, our 5’5” blogger has tucked a simple black turtleneck into an eye-catching, flowy midi skirt. Tucking the top streamlines the look and accentuates Kasmira’s svelte waist. So does the wide black belt. Her plaid, black, white, green and red skirt is the statement piece. The rest of the outfit cleverly works within the same colour palette. The cropped, waist-length moto jacket lengthens the leg line and adds a casual touch. The white hose with black polka dots are a quirky way to add some pattern mixing. Kasmira’s tassel necklace echoes the wood heel on her black loafers. The red crossbody ties the outfit together.

Kasmira is a master pattern mixer and regularly combines dressy and sporty pieces. Here she’s wearing a brown leopard print shirt under a black and white patterned mini dress. The warm-toned leopard print is repeated in the sand-coloured pointy-toe booties, which bookends the look beautifully. At the same time, Kasmira’s grey updo picks up the colours in the cool-toned dress. Adding sporty statement leggings with see-through panels is unexpected and very Kasmira. The siky black pussy bow is the playful finishing touch. A fun and dressy juxtaposition against the sporty leggings.

This is a fab example of Angie’s Arty Kimono Jacket with Denim outfit formula. Kasmira has paired light-wash denim shorts with a striped top that is cropped enough to showcase her brown patterned belt. The breezy kimono is an easy way to add a third piece to an outfit in warmer weather. It also creates a dramatic vibe that fits Kasmira’s style personality perfectly. The rugged cowboy boots work well with the faded denim shorts and bring the on-trend Western vibe into the look. Wearing boots with patterned insets is an unexpected and fun way to pattern mix. The brown necklace echoes the brown in the kimono and Kasmira’s belt. Soft peachy lipstick and she is ready to go.

Kasmira has been documenting her outfits for 12 years! I asked her where she keeps getting ideas for putting together an outfit she loves every day:

Shocking pink with earthy brown tones is an unusual yet very fun colour combo. By wearing the sweater over a dress and adding a belt, Kasmira has created a faux-skirt look that makes her dress an even more versatile wardrobe piece. The gauze, floaty fabric of the knee-length dress creates dressy elegance. The felted balls on the sweater are a playful touch that is trademark Kasmira. Her brown high-heeled boots lengthen the leg line and work well with the brown frock. Sporting floral patterned tights with the floral dress is a creative pattern mixing move that adds extra pizzazz. Note how the colour of the sweater is repeated in the pink flowers on the tights. Pink lipstick and long, pink feather earrings tie everything together.

Kasmira didn’t intentionally bookend this outfit, but mentioned that she really likes how the greyish taupe boots and her gray hair look with an almost all-black outfit. She’s layered a slim-fit wrap sweater over a black and white striped tee and tucked both into high-waisted black jeggings. The on-trend high rise and button-fly are emphasized by adding a black belt with oversized silver buckle. A hip-length black velvet blazer adds soft textural interest. So do the over-the-knee suede boots that are high contrast against the black skinnies. Opting for light-coloured over-the-knee boots makes them stand out more and creates extra drama. The horizontal line created by the high-contrast top of the boots is offset by the length of the boots, which lengthens the leg upward from the calves. Soft pink lipstick and a dainty silver necklace complete this polished casual outfit.

A bold outfit that has Kasmira’s name written all over it. She’s paired a straight, mid-thigh sweater dress with eye-catching galaxy print leggings. I love that the blue in the cosy striped sweater dress is brighter than the navy you usually see in Breton-striped items. It’s also the same blue that comes back in the bold leggings and the bright floral patterned scarf. This helps tie everything together beautifully, and makes the advanced pattern mixing work so well. Adding an on-trend longer length blazer in light toffee adds warmth to the otherwise cool-toned colour palette. So do the cognac cowboy boots. And aren’t they the perfect way to add a classic Western vibe to our blogger’s space cowboy leggings!

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Kasmira’s bold, dramatic style. Let us know in the comments, and then hop on over to her website to browse the rest of her wonderful outfits.

 

Outfit Ideas with Floral Coats

It’s not entirely warm out yet so you might need some layering for this season, especially during nighttime. It’s time to hide our thick and dark winter heavies because we don’t need that now. What’s totally in style right now are floral coats.

 

You can easily wear one with an oversized shirt white dress to give out a chic feel then just adding accessories that will make you look super trendy.

 

Or a nightfall look such as this one – a sleeveless navy dress with this gorgeous navy and pink floral-print coat and just finishing it off with cutout leather sandals, slice marquise earrings and a sexy and seductive perfume scent.

 

A bright and fresh look that consists of this lovely yellow dress layered with this sunset and floral-print coat with matching accessories to perk up a gloomy day.

 

Come spring time with a white sundress, girly accessories like a floral envelope bag, gold accessories and orange bangles. Wedges and aviators will give your look that extra oomph it needs.

 

Not feeling dresses at the moment? Simply layer your flower coat over a nice black top and denim jeans then just complete your look with a suede boots for the perfect casual yet dressy outfit.

 

Recreate an edgy street style look that consists of white jeans instead of denim top, a floral coat and a statement handbag.

 

Rock those flare jeans with this floral coat. Want to know how to make your look incredibly trendy? Choose a retro-colored coat to go with these jeans.

 

Steal the night away with a striking red dress paired with a dark floral jacquard coat and just complete the look with ankle strap high heels and embroidered leather bag.

 

Give your minimalist outfit a bit of a twist by layering your black dress and choosing a black floral coat with a bit of color then completing the look with a black handbag, statement black ankle boots and a low ponytail for that sleek look.

 

Look fabulous in floral with a pretty floral coat with black denim jeans, black carryall and black suede ankle boots. Add in a floppy black hat and oversized sunglasses then you’re good to go. Instant glam.

Seven typical Tunisian dishes you must try

Tunisians love to eat, but not as much as they love to feed their guests. If you’re invited to a Tunisian home for dinner, you’ll be regaled with a variety of heartwarming and palate-pleasing delights. Beautiful ceramic platters painted in colourful geometric patterns or the traditional green and yellow make the presentation of a dish as impressive as its preparation – you’ll want to dig in immediately.

Tunisian food favourites are often served up on colourful ceramics © Francesco Rocca / EyeEm / Getty Images

Even if you’re not lucky enough to be extended an invitation to feast, there are many options for a meal, from fine-dining restaurants to simple eateries and roadside stalls serving up street food. Tunisian cuisine is typically Mediterranean and made up of vegetables, cereals, legumes, lamb, chicken or beef, as well as a plethora of aromatic spices and herbs, and generous amounts of olive oil. It also reflects its rich history: there are Berber, Arab, Jewish and Andalusian influences, as well as smatterings of Turkish, Italian and French fare.

Beware: Tunisian food can be spicy! Many dishes are enhanced with generous dollops of harissa, a household staple. This heady mixture of chilli peppers, garlic, caraway seeds and salt are all ground into a thick paste, which is also almost always served as a condiment.

Here are a few of the most common dishes you’ll come across in Tunisia and must sample to expand and humour your palate.

Though you’ll now find it the world over, shakshuka is originally a Tunisian dish © istetiana / Shutterstock

Shakshuka

This typical Tunisian dish is also popular in the Middle East, where it was introduced by Tunisian Jews who migrated to Israel. Hearty and delicious, this stew-like dish is prepared with tomatoes, onions, garlic and green peppers, along with a variety of optional ingredients such as potatoes, courgettes or even broad beans when they’re in season in early spring. Eggs are often added during the cooking process so that they slowly poach in the liquidy soup. This simple lunch or dinner is eaten with bread: break off chunks to dip into the sauce.

If you want to try an authentic shakshuka, head to Dar Bellaaj in Sfax’s historic medina. Shakshuka is one of the specialities of this charming family-run eatery, and several different versions can be sampled here. The ingredients vary according to the season, so just ask what the special of the day is.

Menus across the country will include brik, made from runny eggs fried in pastry © fazeful / Shutterstock

Brik a l’oeuf

Brik à l’oeuf is a classic you’ll find on every Tunisian restaurant menu. A thin sheet of pastry called malsouka is filled with an egg yolk, folded into a triangular shape and deep fried. Coriander and parsley are common ingredients added to the filling, or sometimes cheese or a bit of potato or tuna. It’s best when piping hot: give it a sprinkle of lemon juice before biting into the crunchy pastry. Brik à l’oeuf must be eaten with your hands, and the trick is to not let the runny egg drip down your chin or onto your fingers!

Couscous is a quintessential North African dish © De Leval, Audrey / Getty Images

Couscous

Couscous is probably the best known dish from North Africa and is common to all the countries of the Maghreb. At its origin, couscous is a Berber dish and consists of a stew-like sauce of vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, courgettes, carrots, squash or pumpkin, and lamb or chicken that’s served on a bed of semolina. Fish is a common ingredient in the version from the island of Djerba and other coastal regions. Couscous can be prepared in a multitude of ways, but in Tunisia the stew always contains tomatoes and the semolina is mixed with a tomato-based sauce.

Le Kef has its own regional cuisine, and the couscous prepared here is unique for its tantalising combination of spicy and savoury flavours. At Dar Boumakhlouf, order the bourzguen, a typical dish of lamb cooked with rosemary served on a bed of steamed semolina topped with dates and nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pine nuts or pistachios.

Lablabi

Lablabi is a simple but hearty winter dish that’s served at casual eateries (often called gargottes) across Tunisia. Don’t be surprised if the waiter brings you an empty bowl and a basket of bread immediately after taking your order. This is your cue to set to work by breaking off bits of bread and filling your bowl with them. Over this, the waiter will then pour ladles of a soup-like mixture made of chickpeas stewed with a divine mixture of olive oil, harissa, cumin, lemon juice, garlic and salt. Lablabi is sometimes topped with sliced hard-boiled eggs and tuna, so ask for it sans oeufs et thon if you’re vegetarian or vegan.

Whether or not you order it, you’ll receive mechouia salad with almost every meal in Tunisia © ALLEKO / Getty Images

Slata mechouia

This salad is another Tunisian staple served as a starter at almost every meal. Literally meaning ‘grilled salad’, it’s made up of tomatoes and green peppers charred over an open fire and then finely chopped and mixed with onions, garlic, ground coriander and caraway seeds, lemon juice and plenty of olive oil. Harissa is also a dominant ingredient so watch out – this salad is spicy! Capers can also be added for a bit of extra zing, and common toppings are sliced hard-boiled eggs and tuna.

Tunisian salad

Refreshing and light, Tunisian salad is a common side dish of finely chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and sometimes radish or apple. Olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper are the main seasonings, along with dried mint to add flavour and depth. Olives liven things up further, and the ubiquitous toppings of chopped egg and tuna once again make an appearance.

These traditional Tunisian sweets, called makroudh, are mainly made of durum wheat semolina, olive oil and dates that are deep fried in oil and soaked in honey syrup © Kelly Cheng / Getty Images

Makroudh

Among the many calorie-rich Tunisian sweets, makroudh is one of the most popular. Originating in Kairouan, this fried dessert is made of semolina flour and olive oil and filled with date paste before being doused in sugar syrup.

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My Wild Cards for 2017

I include wild cards in my seasonal must haves because they are an excellent way to evolve and refresh your style. They can be new-to-you colours or silhouettes of clothing, footwear and accessories. Or a new way that you wear your hair, your make-up, or put together outfits. They are often atypical of your style, but speak to you in some way. Most importantly, they are things you don’t anticipate.

2017 has been my year for wild cards. They have an earth-toned and casual theme.

Utility Pants

Utility pants used to feel too casual, slouchy and masculine for me until Greg found a dressier pair for my birthday which are tailored and sleek. He liked the utility look, and I fancied the idea of keeping them polished and pretty. I wear them with soft blouses, dainty shoes, dressy bags and drapey scarves to create a Utility Pretty vibe. I loved my birthday utility pants so much that I bought a second more casual pair with embroidery. Both pairs were perfect for our Summer road trip. 

Brown Specs 

Custom Findby Angie

I didn’t think I would ever wear dark specs after wearing bright, happy, acidic apple green specs for four years. They were one of the best fashion purchases of my life, and nothing could top them. Greg threw a spanner in the works and chose a dark brown pair of Modern Retro cat’s eyes with orange inner detailing as my new pair of specs. That was that. It took me a while to get used to them, but now I love them as much as my green pair.

Olive

Olive matches my green eyes, but I would often feel blah wearing it. The colour didn’t spark enough joy. So I would stick to having one olive wardrobe item in my wardrobe at a time.

My Summer utility pants were the catalyst for change. I felt like adding a new neutral to my wardrobe, and since the dirty shade of green works well with my new brown specs — why not. White pearls, which I wear most days, brighten the colour against my face. 

I’ve been building an olive capsule for Fall/Winter from scratch, and here are my items. I like that the shades of olive are different. Some tonal, some mismatched, but all working together. I plan to wear olive with navy, ink blue, denim blue, black, cream, gold, chartreuse, citron and Bordeaux. Maybe some pink, orange, turquoise and tomato red too. 

Bordeaux

Custom Findby Angie

I was all set to purchase a new pair of cognac booties to replace the Pradas I’ve worn out. But when I stumbled upon these Bordeaux darlings I rethought my strategy. They are an extremely dark red, which makes them look brown. They bookend my new specs and work with the olive capsule. They’re also quite maximal, whereas I usually prefer simple footwear. A completely unexpected colour with bling. Wild card for sure. I’ll be adding a bag in the same colour to create a complement, and perhaps a light-coloured scarf with a subtle Bordeaux pattern too. 

Small Crossbody Bags 

I was the “anti-crossbody” gal, finding them awfully uncomfortable and cumbersome. But the small crossbody bag in a classic shape with a bit of glitz DOES work for me. If you asked me last year whether I would build an assortment of small crossbody bags for my style in 2017, I’d have said, “no way.” Now I have three small crossbody bags — one of them is OLIVE — and I adore the casually dressy and relaxed vibe. Never say never in fashion and style.

Custom Findby Angie

My wild cards have led me to a new leg of my style journey, which is part of the fun and keeps things interesting. No style rut, and no dull dressing moments. True to my style, but with an earthy and more casual flavour. You do run the risk of needing to purchase a support act to go with wild cards in order to create complete outfits that look and feel pulled together. Be mindful of that as you work within your budget and add wild cards to your wardrobe.

Women Shoe Types that are Worth Investing in

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Shoes are not just fashion accessories – they are basic necessities as well. They are basically considered as a vital part of the personality of a woman.

 

Purchase it here
Espadrilles are comfortable and ideal for use day in and out. This is the perfect footwear for travelling and also a great pair to come in handy in the future.

 

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Rain boots – some – are stylish. You must have it in your collection because they’re comfy to wear and will definitely keep your feet dry during rainy season.

 

Purchase it here
Ballet flats have so many styles. You should pick a style that suits you and will go with your personality. These flats are great for work, weekend, shopping, hanging out and many more. They’re the perfect versatile pair of shoes that can go about anywhere you go.

 

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Kitten heel is women’s new fashion friend. They’re practical, always on trend and will definitely give your outfit a stylish and sophisticated finish.

 

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Whether you’re working out or running around, a good pair of sneakers is very important. It will give your feet comfort and it’s great to wear when you have to stand for long periods of time.

 

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Wearing tall boots can boost your confidence and is really helpful to keep your feet warm during cold seasons. They’re truly an all-around footwear that they can go just about with anything on your wardrobe.

 

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Nude high heels are perfect for skinny jeans or even an evening dress.

 

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Wedges will complete your look and will give you the height and elegant look you desire with less stress on your precious feet.

 

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Classy flat sandals are nice to wear during warm seasons. They’re comfy and stylish and will definitely look so much better on your feet.

 

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Let your feet shine with high heels. Whether for desk, for disco or even the weekends, these are super versatile.

Under the radar USA: Fredericksburg's culinary revolution

Fredericksburg, Virginia, has long been renowned for its small-town charm, colorful colonial architecture and Civil War history. Now there’s another revolution taking place, one that has left time-tested eateries standing strong and a new wave of flavors flooding in for locals and visitors.

Today, there are more than 55 chef-owned restaurants in downtown Fredericksburg alone, but with so much culinary energy sparking, these options feel like only the beginning.

For a tiny town, Fredericksburg has a surprisingly strong foodie scene, including local coffee shop Hyperion Espresso © Charley Carter / Shutterstock

Longtime dining staples

Fredericksburg’s staples lean toward the classic, including casual and fine dining options (minus the pretension). Nestled at the bustling intersection of Princess Anne and William streets, Hyperion Espresso is where most locals have been starting their day since 1994. Here it’s all about a flavorful latte, with options like blackberry, pomegranate and eggnog, depending on the season. Drinks always come out pretty here, too – Hyperion was mastering flowery latte art long before it was cool. The spot itself is as tantalizing as the drinks it serves up. With towering windows and outdoor tables lining the walls, this is the spot to enjoy panoramic views of Fredericksburg’s steeple-clad skyline.

Goolricks Drug Store and Cafe has been a fixture in Fredricksburg since the 1860s and still operates as a café and pharmacy © James Kirkikis

Back down on Caroline Street, Goolrick’s Pharmacy is home to America’s oldest continuously operating soda fountain, which has been serving drinks since 1867. It’s hard to miss the spot, with a massive neon sign that glows ‘Goolrick’s Drugs.’ Few things are as quintessentially Fredericksburg as an old-time soda fountain experience at Goolrick’s expansive counter, and it’s hard to go wrong with a classic root beer float. Eats are simple, but among the many sandwich options (including ham salad and liverwurst), Goolrick’s creamy chicken salad on plain white bread takes home the gold.

Once a private residence, the 1793 Kenmore Inn provides a memorable dining experience as well as a comfy night’s stay, thanks to a brick-clad dining area and an adjacent patio loaded with strings of lights. Entrees include a seared duck breast, pan-seared rockfish and hearty center-cut pork chop, and the appetizer menu is loaded with local flair: Virginia crab dip is chock-full of crab, complemented with layers of gooey parmesan. Pre- or post-meal, its tiny bar is the coziest spot in town for a cocktail. Go-to craft concoctions include the Fredericksburg (locally distilled John J. Bowman bourbon, Benedictine, bitters and Grand Marnier) and George Washington (gin, muddled herbs, orange, simple syrup and sour).

The bustling interior of Benny Vitali’s Pizza is a great spot to grab a late-night slice © Jesse Scott / Lonely Planet

Regional delights roar in

The favorite spots of other Virginia towns have inevitably landed in Fredericksburg, attracting visitors and keeping locals from having to hop in their cars. Benny Marzano’s opened in Blacksburg, Virginia, in 2011. Since, the regional pizza chain (which changes last names in each location) has expanded to a handful of other Virginia towns and nearby states. In 2014, Benny Vitali’s landed on Caroline Street and quickly became downtown Fredericksburg’s favorite place for a slice. And it’s some slice: the mammoth, $5 piece of pizza takes up two plates. Quantity doesn’t trump quality, though; a ‘Virginia slice’ delivers happiness all around. Its crust is lightly crispy, with New York-esque layers of sauce and cheese on top. Even better news in a town with few late-night options, Benny Vitali’s is open until 11pm Sunday through Thursday and until 2am on Friday and Saturday.

Another regional chain, Sedona Taphouse, has a similar local story. The original Sedona opened in Midlothian, Virginia, in 2011. Eight years later, Sedona has brought its roster of 500 craft beers and pub-style menu to six states. The William Street location, which opened in 2015, has consistently good service and a diverse menu, including morsels like Kobe beef sliders and a wild man steak layered in fontina cheese, mushrooms and a gorgonzola cream sauce. Sedona knows how to give back, too. Every Thursday, the spot awards ‘heroes’ (folks like police officers, nurses, teachers and military members) a free flatbread pizza, no questions asked.

Savory steaks are the #1 draw but Fahrenheit 132 also serves up lip-smacking desserts © Jesse Scott / Lonely Planet

Hometown heroes

Fredericksburg’s restaurants are chef-driven and increasingly emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients. Survey locals about where to grab lunch or dinner, and Foode will be mentioned. Housed in a historic national bank building on Princess Anne Street since 2016, it is the brainchild of Top Chef alum Joy Crump. But it’s Crump’s second Fredericksburg creation, Mercantile, that is most worthy of a meal. Mercantile specializes in carefully crafted breakfasts and brunches. With an ever-changing menu, it can be hard to maintain a favorite. But anything resembling its cranberry walnut french toast (made with cranberry-walnut bread, house fruit compote and crème anglaise) will be a win.

If steak is on the mind, Fahrenheit 132 is ready to make it reality. The vibe here is a melding of worlds – part colonial, with exposed brick and cement, and part saloon, with a polished wooden bar and booths. If dining solo, head straight for the butcher cuts, which include prime Australian Wagyu New York strip and veal tomahawk options. For a date night or shareable spread, Fahrenheit 132 offers up a belly-busting, three-course meal for two, anchored by a 28-ounce prime Kobe cowboy steak and carried home by a rich and buttery peanut butter pie.

Latest and greatest for foodies

Among the 2018 restaurant arrivals, The Falafel Joint stands out. At The Joint’s topping bar you can personally load your handheld, homemade falafel or chicken shawarma wraps with various Mediterranean sauces and vegetables. Best of all, it’s adjacent to beloved Sugar Shack Donuts.

And an all-new attraction is coming in 2019. Dominion Public Market, a massive 35,000-sq-ft food hall and culinary marketplace, will open at 1010 Caroline Street this summer. The spot is steadily inking in various small businesses to house their culinary operations, including a gluten-free bakery and homemade pie operation.

The 18th-century Kenmore Inn is a cozy spot to dine (or dream) © Jesse Scott / Lonely Planet

Make it happen

Located 45 miles south of DC and 58 miles north of Richmond on Interstate 95, Fredericksburg can keep you entertained for days or during a simple day-trip. The traffic can be completely unpredictable in and around these parts, but fortunately Fredericksburg has rail options connecting the town with the broader region.

The Virginia Railway Express commuter rail runs from DC’s Union Station south to nearby Spotsylvania on weekdays, with Fredericksburg being the next to last stop. Amtrak also has a steady stream of Fredericksburg stops, including weekends. The Fredericksburg station, located on Lafayette Boulevard, is adjacent to the town’s primary thoroughfare, Caroline Street.

‘Under the radar USA’ is a series of articles about lesser-known USA destinations. Previous pieces explored Akron, Cheyenne, Columbus, Ithaca, Omaha and Paducah.

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8 Women’s Fashion Trends That Men Hate

There are so many fashion trends that women love to wear and men love to look at. Stiletto heels, little black dresses and skinny jeans are just a few styles men have no problem seeing their girlfriend in. It’s another matter for other styles though.

Here are some top fashion trends that women love but men just don’t.

Peplums

Peplums are that extra piece of fabric on a shirt, dress, or skirt that cinches in at the waist and ruffles out. Women love how they emphasize the smallest part of their waists and then flow over the belly’s problem areas. However, peplums aren’t the way to garner positive attention from your men folk. Some men think the ruffled peplum looks silly and childish, while others think it look like maternity clothing.

Harem Pants

They are trendy and comfortable. They are baggy around the seat, and the thighs are tight from the knee down, giving the wearer a unique silhouette. Men however don’t like their unconventional shape. At best, guys bemoan the way these pants do nothing for a lady’s rear end, and at worst, they compare this look to a full diaper.

Rompers

A romper is a perfect day outfit for women. You don’t have to worry about what top should go with what bottoms, as its all one piece! However, the cross between overalls and a dress is just too strange for a lot of dudes. For many of them, the outfit is meant for a baby.

Acrylic Nails

There are so many upsides to getting acrylic nails. Natural nails are brittle and difficult to grow long. Nail polish chips off quickly. And of course, you get acrylic nails in many fun designs and colors. Men don’t really pay attention to women’s nails, but when they do, they are turned off by long, fake nails. Acrylic nails are obviously fake. Guys think they are ridiculous.

Bright Lipstick

Bright, bold colored lipsticks have always been a staple in women’s makeup. They are fun. They make a statement. It’s not the actual look that men hate about bright lipstick, but how it ends up everywhere. It will rub off on your food, rim of the glass, but worst, on your date’s face.

Strapless Tops

Strapless tops are great for the summer. It makes you look a little sexier. But does it always look better? Most men say no. Most ladies need a complete bra (straps included) to keep their bust in place. In a strapless top, men find they look flat or even saggy.

Retro Bikinis

Ever since Taylor Swift wore her red, polka-dot, retro bikini last year, everyone wants one. However, men aren’t so excited to go back to the 40s. Many women like the tummy control a high-waisted bottom offers, men wonder what exactly they are hiding. It only makes them think of granny panties.

High-Waisted Pants

Speaking of high-waisted bottoms, they are back in style as pants, jeans and shorts. Women are pairing these bottoms with crop tops, tucked-in tees and cute cardigans. However, there’s something about these pants that men can’t stand. This look was referred to as a “mom jean” before, and guys cannot forget that label. Plus, men don’t find high waists flattering to a woman’s behind. Don’t expect your dude to be impressed.

Refreshing My Jeans Capsule

Trendy jeans are one of my wardrobe essentials, and I particularly enjoy wearing statement jeans. I’m wearing jeans less frequently than I used to — sometimes favouring pants or dresses instead — but I do wear them often enough to warrant refreshing my capsule for Spring and Summer. 

I passed on two pairs of very faded and worn out essential blue jeans this year. Here they are: 

Sale

Dark denim is on trend and after purchasing two pairs of full length White House Black Market Slim Jeans last year, I have that covered. Here is my jeans capsule before the refresh with the exact items from my wardrobe. 

Sale

Sale

Sale

The items I add have to work hard to earn a place in this capsule. The pairs I passed on were essentials, but am thinking about replacing them with statement jeans. The newcomers need to be cropped, tailored (not body-con), made of substantial denim that’s crisp and not overly stretchy, not too high in the rise, and different in some way to the pairs I have already. I’m thinking embroidery, patterns, statement cuffing and red jeans as refreshers. I could also do with another pair of white essential jeans, since those are a laundry bottleneck. Or a pair of white denim culottes.

These are the styles I have on my radar:

I’ve committed to the first three pairs already. The Pilcro High-Rise Cropped Flared Jeans with their all-over pretty daisy embroidery screams Summer and have a retro flavour. They look great with my eyelet tops, white cotton pullovers, and a few of my patterned blouses. The Pilcro Lemon Grove High-Rise Cropped Flared Jeans make my mouth water. They look great with white, red, navy, light blue, blush and chambray tops. The Ann Taylor Frayed Crop Jeans are a great extra essential so that I no longer bottleneck in the laundry. All three pairs of jeans need to be altered at the back of the waist because I have a slight sway back and they are high rise. The lengths are perfect, the fabric substantial, and the fit flattering.

The very trendy Massimo Dutti jeans are dark, but look significantly different because of the oversized turn-up. They might look more like streamlined culottes in person and can work throughout the year. The KUT embroidered boyfriend jeans look a little too faded and rough around the edges, but I like the mid-rise and the substantial fabric of the KUT brand enough to put them in the running. The red Zara culottes might be fun, but are least important since I already have red trousers.

Let me know what you think of these options. I’ll keep you posted on what works out and what doesn’t.

The only style of pants women will need this fall

We’ve seen many types of trousers everywhere, but why do you think these are very essential to a working woman’s wardrobe? Even modern women are on their way to the stores to get a pair of these.

 

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They call it the “kick-flare”. They are flared trousers but it’s a cropped one. Kick-flares come in different colors, but for this season, pick out something dark that has well-placed pockets and is made of a professional suiting fabric. You’re going to need something that’s quality enough to last you a season (or even more.

 

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Any pants that are cropped and flared will work with just about every body type and every work environment. So if you work at a corporate environment, don’t worry about not being able to wear this because you simply can.

 

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You can wear this to the office with your usual blazer and top combo then just complete your look with kick flares and closed-toe high heels then you’re good to go.

 

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With these trousers, you can’t really go wrong with what you are going to pair them. They’re the kind of pair that’s pretty versatile and will make you look polished and smart without even trying too much.

 

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It’s very multipurpose that even in the summer you can pair this with billowy cotton tops and lightweight blazers. We believe that this type of trousers originated during summer – when everyone couldn’t be bothered with full-length trousers because of the heat, but would still like to look professional and smart.

 

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For casual wear, you can wear this with a cute cropped top over a denim jacket and then complete the outfit with canvas shoes.

 

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For fall, you can definitely pair this with chunky knits and mid-calf boots. Also, a turtleneck sweater and masculine oxfords will look great with these trousers. Pick out your most feminine clutch bag just to balance your entire look.

 

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When in doubt, just stick to the basics – for work, don a cream girly blouse with a black fitted blazer then strappy Mary Jane shoes. For the weekend, mix this with your trench coat, your favorite sweater and combat boots for a comfortable yet edgy ensemble.