Tips on saving

Strings of Cotton is brought to you by a group of university students and the biggest problem I have while trying to keep up with fashion trends is the cost. I mean, what university student has that much money? Haha well, I've compiled a list of things I usually to keep my spending to a low. Hopefully this list helps you save some money too!

1. Always check for student or corporate discounts.
   
   

   
   
   
   
2. Fill out surveys, sign up for company's mailing list (physical and email), like on facebook, follow on instagram and twitter to get all the promos you can.
3. Just because something is a good deal doesn't mean you should buy it. Only buy what you would wear (or what you are sure that you can resell for more).
4. Buy things that work with your existing wardrobe.
5. Only buy things that you will wear. If something is the wrong color, size, texture, shape, or if you already have a better alternative that you will always wear instead of it, or if it doesn't match your style or doesn't fit in your wardrobe, dont buy it!
6. Shop the clearance racks. items who's season just ended often hit the clearance racks. if possible, buy things like coats at the end of winter, and shorts at the end of summer.
   
   

   

   Just an example of a clearance sale.

   
   
7. Know what you want. think out the looks you want to complete and have a list of items you need.

With just a few of these tips you'll be able to save some money when it comes to adding more to your wardrobe.

Hope it helps!

Wei

Dressing up for Interviews

I just started university again after a two week break, and during that time I've went to a few of my friends' graduations. So what happens next? I assume they jump into the nauseating grind of the job search, so here's a little advice to give yourself a little confidence boost when planning what to wear for your job interviews. There is nothing better then walking into an interview prepared and confident; I can't really help with you being prepared but here's some advice I use when getting ready for any interviews.

LOOK PROFESSIONAL!

Pretty obvious right? This being said, looking professional doesn't really help that much but doesn't hurt. However, dressing poorly can potentially make or break the interview. Most interviewers don't notice how we dress, except when it's distracting. The aim of the interview is to hire someone that can do the job and work in teams to do that job, and the way we dress is not an indication of your ability to do these things.

So, what does it mean to dress professionally? That really depends on the job you're applying for, most professional positions working behind the desk will require a suit, while some will only require a simple button up shirt and dress trousers or Chinos. The trick is not to overdress, getting information about the typical dress code in the office before hand helps out a lot. Jobs that require you to meet clients may be more impacted the way you choose to dress so think about the industry!

For suits, I recommend a conservative 2-button dark grey or dark blue suit, with either black or dark brown shoes, a simple striped tie, and a standard white collared shirt. The idea is to keep it conservative, keeping jewelry to a minimum (cuff links etc).


For jobs that do not require a suit, a simple white or blue collared shirt tucked into dress trousers or chinos and a pair of black or dark brown shoes. Go for a blazer if you want that sharper look, but not necessary. Minimal is best, wear what's comfortable.

The entire point is, what you're wearing is so standard that the interviewer can ignore what you are wearing and focus on your resume, personality and how you answer questions. Still, it can't hurt to walk into the interview with confidence and putting some effort into what you wear will definitely help.

Hope the advice helps!
Wei

Leggings Faux Pas

Many believe that leggings are not pants. However in Australia they have become acceptable to be worn on warm days when leg-hugging jeans are too hot to wear. To avoid the many possible shames of leggings that may occur here are some Do’s and Don’t’s J

DO wear them with the appropriate coloured underwear. Please. I have not gone a day without seeing a girl wearing obvious in-your-face underwear.

DON’T wear any form of bright/colourful underwear. No matter what colour your leggings are (mainly black), they can show through. Especially when you’re bent over or in bright light. Yellow underwear under leggings = No. Pink underwear under leggings = No. Polka dotted underwear under leggings = No. You get the point. You may think you can get away with it by not bending over throughout the day, but girl, trust me. I can see them when you’re walking in front of me up the stairs.

DO wear them with the appropriate type of underwear. Black seamless underwear under black leggings are best. As they don’t show panty lines and are the same colour.

DON’T wear underwear with frills, bows, or any other texture. Against the thin material of the leggings they do show through.

DON’T wear super tight underwear. Because then it becomes very apparent what kind of underwear you’re wearing (granny, boy leg, bikini, thong, etc). However, don’t go the opposite route and wear large, saggy undies.

DO buy good quality leggings. This is for the sole purpose of opacity. See-through leggings will defeat all efforts in choosing the correct underwear.

Okay ladies, now lets talk camel toe (sorry guys if you’re uncomfortable). No. No. NO. It’s so simple. Just don’t wear leggings pulled up so high. Before you leave the house, check they aren’t tight and pulled up around the crotch region. Simple. No one likes to see it, and if pointed out it can be painfully embarrassing.

So girls, remember these rules next time you decide to wear leggings in public. But if you’re at home do whatever you feel comfortable and wear that crazy underwear!

Christine 

Fixing your ugg boot Dilema

As the weather gets colder and my motivation to leave the house weakens completely particularly when I’m stuck with the dilemma of deciding on whether it’s suitable to walk out the door wearing ugg boots or it may get me ridiculed by others. I love my Ugg boots. They are like fleecy cuddles for my feet. They are the first things I put on in the morning and the last things I take off at night.  Well, almost the last things - in winter I also wear pants. Der. We’ve seen celebrities, fashion icons, models, neighbors, friends, and work colleagues wearing this winter shoe. Everyone is doing it! You are probably on the exact same boat as I am. But really is the act of wearing one’s comfy home footwear outside of the house really all that bad? Are we so stuffy a society as to dictate the wearing of “proper” footwear just to go up shop and buy some milk? We seem to have erroneously clinched rubber thongs as almost a national symbol, and yet their winter equivalent must still stay hidden behind closed doors. I have been thinking a lot about this lately have decided there are indeed occasions when Ugg boots should be considered appropriate.  I figured you can still wear ugg boots outside, but you need to make sure you are wearing them correctly and fashionably. So here are many ways to coordinate different fashion styles with Uggs. I am going to give you some fascinating suggestions, but feel free to use your imagination!

Since they´re stout, styling ugg boots is about proportion, balance and details. Always wear them with leggings and skinny jeans and add some interesting details on your outfit. You can wear leggings and a babydoll dress. A babydoll dress can create curves for rectangle-shaped figures or hide those few extra curves.

The easiest way to wear your Uggs is with your comfortable skinny jeans and a baggie blouse accessorized by a necklace. This way, you will be comfortable, warm and stylish. Wear baggy pants and tuck them in your Uggs. Accompany this look with a with a tight blouse and cardigan. This is another easy and comfortable way to go about your day in both comfort and style.

It is also best to avoid neon-colored Uggs. If you really want to wear your Uggs in funky colors, do so with jeans and a neutral-colored blouse. You don't want your outfit to compete with the strong statement of your attention-grabbing footwear.

So, hopefully you won’t need to think twice about walking out that door with your ugg boots on. Just do it stylishly and you will pass. Remember, there are always ways in which you can equip yourself with stylish ways to wear ugg boots and it all starts now in the cold.

Nadia

Beauty is sometimes simple

So, last week we talked about man in suits.  This week, we talk about ladies in dresses.

Weddings, proms, balls, formal dinners, you name it.  These events are always when girls turn to ladies.  Taking every single detail into count, they glam themselves up from head to toe.

A dress suited for these kinds of events doesn’t necessarily have to be a long dress.  Instead, it can be short and elegant, and it would still fit the occasion.

 

However, some people may prefer long dresses to extenuate their slim figure.

The main thing that ladies should keep in mind when choosing a dress is not how nice the dress looks on it’s own.  Rather, it should be how nice the dress looks on you.  Be sure to look for a glamorous shade that brings out color in your face.  When choosing a fabric finish, in mind that shinier finishes will tend to show off figure flaws while matte finishes will obscure and diminish undesirable features. 

Try on dresses in a variety of different styles and cuts to find the one that works best for your body. 

If you have a slim figure, you may look best in a sheath-style dress that shows off your silhouette.  If you are curvy, you may want to consider an A-line dress that will highlight your waist and minimize your hips and thighs.  If you're short and petite, dress shopping may be a nightmare; cocktail dresses become full gowns and party dresses become cocktail dresses.  If you're looking for a longer dress, look for a short dress that is long on you.  It will fit better and will fit you everywhere else without being too long.

But lastly, don’t forget that beauty is sometimes simple. 

Take this advice with a pinch of salt.  I hope it helps. 

Sheryl.

Winter is coming!

Woke up this morning, freezing, winter is finally coming, and as the only male blogger on this fashion blog, I feel it's necessary for to show off various options for guys when it comes to outerwear (Coats, jackets, etc.) during the winter months to come.

Despite how little variations are available to us guys when compared with the ladies' collections, do not lose hope! We have a quite few versatile choices to tide us over these winter months ranging from leather jackets to toggle coats, depending on the look you're going for. I'll will be focusing on my favourites, leather jackets and pea coats.

I feel that richer darker colours really fit and complement the winter. So colours like blacks, browns, darker reds and maroons, grays  and navy blue work well and can be well balanced with lighter colours like ivory, olive greens, or tan colours.

Classic Leather Jacket

Leather jackets have not and will never go out of fashion and is the perfect addition to any fall/winter (guys and girls!) wardrobe. Windproof and practical, this is great choice and goes with most outfits, I personally prefer a black leather jacket but the classic brown should definitely not be overlooked.

Faded Black Denim Pea Coat by Ralph Lauren

Originating from sailors and members of the European Navy, the pea coat has become a staple for most guys' fall/winter wardrobe. Pea coats are easily recognised by broad lapels, double-breasted fronts, large buttons and vertical or slash pockets. Typically easy to wear with most outfits and will definitely keep you warm while looking your best. I bought a great one on sale from H&M and I have not regretted it since!

There are many other choices available such as 

• Quilted Jackets
• Tweed Sportscoats
• Corduroy Sportscoats
• Wool Blazers
• Quilted Vests
• Down Vests
• Chesterfield Coats
• Down Coats
• Car Coats
• Duffle Coats
• Toggle Coats
• Parkas
• Fleece Jackets
• Overcoats
• Fishtail Parkas
• Mackintosh Coats

These can be chosen based on the style you're aiming for and are all valid choices for any fall/winter wardrobe and the colour choices I mentioned above applies to these as well.
Anyways, hope this helps and as usual take my advice with a pinch of salt. See you next Monday!

Wei

Man up, Suit up.

So, few weeks ago we had a formal dinner in my college.  People were dressing up, girls in dresses and heels, and guys in suits and ties.  Let me repeat – SUITS AND TIES. 

There’s always something about guys in suits that makes me melt a little inside, especially when that special someone dons it.  So some may ask, how does a complete suit look like? 

Well, there are four main criteria to take into consideration – colour, pattern, material and context.  The colour of the suit should be a matching fit, and soothing to the eyes.  The pattern of a suit should just be light and simple, nothing over the border.  Personally, plain suits win hands down.  Another importance of a suit would be the material. It can be smooth or slightly rough.  It all depends on the look that you are trying to pull off.  Classy, or a little old school.  Next up, context.  The thing about suits is that people always think that it’s only meant for formal events but they don’t realize how combining different styles of suits would make a it suitable for any occasion.  Sometimes all you need to do is mix and match and you’ll end up with the perfect suit for any occasion.

Classic Perfection

A simple taste

Take this advice with a pinch of salt.  I hope it helps.

Sheryl.