How to find the right size bra? Last week, after I went through my wardrobe and tossed all my discoloured and misshapen basics, I headed towards my 'lingerie' (and I use that term VERY loosely) draw and was unsurprised to find a pile of unfortunate articles in varying states of decay and deformation. I trudged into David Jones for my first ever professional bra fitting and was horrified to find that instead of the 12C I was wearing, my true size is actually as 10DD! Having had two children, I guess it is no surprise that breast shape can change. Even more strangely though, my right breast was 1/2 a cup size bigger than the left! So I've dug around and found some info on just how to find the right bra size and more importantly, have some fabulous BNWT divine high end lingerie from Novia& EA Lingerie from the manufacturer pulling out of the Australian market. Novia is a lingerie design house located in Colombia South America. Latin America has always been a source of style and sensuality but in recent years these countries have gained a hold on the world stage. It may be due to the sultry styles or angled cuts of fabric, but the fact remains that South America is a leader in the lingerie industry. To View our BNWT Clearance stock from Novia Click here FAT ONE'S REVIEWS www.fatone.netgives some great advice on just how to find the right size bra and correct fit. Tips for ensuring correct bra fit:- If you find that your bra rides up your back it may be because it has stretched. Try tightening the bra with the hook and eye fastener or buying a smaller band size (32 instead of 34). If the opposite is happening and your bra is too tight try another band size up or even a bra that has a wider band fitting. You can get extra hooks to fit on the end of your current bra that will ease the tightness under the bust. Bulging sides can be remedied by wearing a bra that offers more cup coverage or is one band size bigger. If you find that your bust is bulging out of the cups then you will probably need a larger cup or band size. (Unless of course that is the fashion statement you are aiming for!)   For ladies who have larger busts, a bra with wider shoulder straps or even padded ones will give relief from sore shoulders.   A sagging bust line can be overcome by choosing a bra that offers firmer support and avoiding stretchy fabrics. An under-wired bra may give problems with soreness under the bust if not correctly fitted. In which some ladies prefer to wear a non-wired soft cup bra. Straps that slip usually mean they are too long so they can be shortened to correct the problem. Otherwise choose a bra style with wider straps that will not slip down or buy a bra clasp to hold the straps together at the back for more on this article click thru to http://www.fatone.net/how-to-find-the-right-size-bra

SNAP UP THESE GUCCI BEAUTIES UP FOR A STEAL IF YOU ARE A SIZE 39 1/2!

RRP: $1095.00AU
MMP$$599.00AU 

These gorgeous, current US season (purchased two weeks ago),high ankle boots are brand new and NEVER been worn! And the Australian winter Fashion is behind the rest of the World SO these will be what is hitting our shores this Winter!! Purchased from Saks Fifth Ave New york, (the winning bidder is welcome to the original receipt).
GUCCI 'OLD WIMBELDON'BLACK BOOTS

BRAND NEW
SIZE 39 1/2
US $995 (approx $1095 AUS $$)!!
They are platform style with a slight patent finish. The finish also features some distressing which makes them look both unique and expensive.

The heel Height is approx 12cm with a platform at the front of 2cm.
The boots come in the original box with all the original packing and two Gucci dust bags, one for each boot.The heel Height is approx 12cm with a platform at the front of 2cm. The boots come in the original box with all the original packing and two Gucci dust bags, one for each boot.

Only one pair so snap them up beforew some other clever fashionista!

MMP x

Our resident Sylist has ofter talked about 'Cost Per Wear' to work out just what is good value over the long term. More often than not, the seemingly more 'expensive' designer purchases work out to be far better value in the long term (especially if you can pick them up prisine and second-hand (pre-owned) for half the price!) with cheaper options just not getting the longevity out of the investment. All part of my argument for not buying poor quality clothing from now on and actually saving money in the long term - whilst looking the goods all along.

Great site that looks at this is:



They have a great section called "Fashion Math" where they evaluate the Cost per Wear of fashion and beauty items. The basic 'Math' is Cost divided by the estimated number of times worn

Fashion Math: Are $100 Rain Boots Worth The Splurge?

We’ll be the first to admit rain boots are not the sexiest shoes to wear. They’re big, bulky and hide all the results of those intense leg workouts you do at the gym everyday. But like them or not, waterproof rain boots serve a very practical purpose: keeping feet dry in nasty, wet conditions. Invest in a good pair whose soles have traction and they’ll help prevent falls, too. Hunter is pretty much the best you can get. The brand has been around since the 19th century and for good reason—their boots not only keep moisture out, but also last a really long time. We love them for the quality, but also for all the pretty colors they come in like purple, pink and silver. The original tall boot retails for $115, which wouldn’t be that bad if this were a shoe you could wear every day, but they make quite a splash.

Behold our Fashion Math equation:

According to the MyForecast.com Almanac, states in the Northeast get around 10 days of precipitation each month. Wear these rain boots every time it rains or snow for one year-that’s about 120 times-and you’ll be paying less than one dollar every time you pull them on. That’s cheaper than a lotto ticket, and you’re guaranteed to get something every time-dry feet!

Just so happens we have a fab pair of designer rain boots for sale right now on Miss Money Penny. At only $80 this equation makes our Kors by Michael Kors "Splash" rainboots (US10) magnificent value - especially if you live in Melbourne or Queensland!

Similarly, the same applies for a basic Pump and a great pair of jeans.

Fashion Math: Are “Basic” Black Pumps Worth A Few Benjamins?

Black pumps are an office mainstay, but not what most would call groundbreaking fashion. But these Cole Haan Genevieve Air Pumps have a secret: hidden under the subtly woven calfskin exterior is an uber-comfortable interior made with Nike Air technology that makes the 3-inch heelsway more cushy than any average pair you’ll find. So, are these far-from-basic black pumps worth nearly $200? Let’s do the Fashion Math:

If you wear these shoes just twice a week for a year, they’ll cost you less than a Starbucks coffee for each use. And you’ll brandish your financial smarts to all your coworkers while looking chic doing it. Do the 'math' on some on these bargains available on Miss Money Penny now;

1. Urban Soul Metallic Pumps 7 - $50

2.Joanne Mercer cherry leather pump heels 38 -  $29.00

3.Steve Madden Joanie Style Heels - $50.00

4.Zoe Wittner Design Priscilla Pumps -$50.00

FASHION 'MATH' FOR JEANS

If you’ve ever worn a pair of 7 for All Mankind jeans, you’ll know why we’re obsessed with them. No matter what your body type, it seems like these jeans were cut especially for you. These 7 for All Mankind bootcut jeans are $155, so you could also probably afford to buy 3 or more pair of cheaper jeans that fit just okay. Don’t settle, though. Here’s how to work this one out, Fashion Math style:

If you wear them every Saturday while running errands, or out on the town, you’ll have only paid about $3 each time you wore them. And that’s only once a week–wear these jeans to parties every few months, and you’ll break even in no time.

Just so happens we have some fabulous jeans to fir this bill including; 

7 for all Mankind Navy denim bootcut low-rise jeans 27

$180.00

$50.00

FOR MORE hot DENIM bUYS CLICK HERE

so if that's not justification enough to invest in quality well made designer fashion, i don't know what is. Not only that, you can get pre-owned, never worn samples here on miss money penny for less than half the price!

Happy 'investing'! and keep your eye on www.  for more cost per wear Fashion math!

MMP

Hopefully after the rellies are gone and the turkey has settled, many of us will have time to sit down and relax and read that big pile of books and notes we've put aside - before the New Year hits us back into reality.

While we take stock and make plans for 2010, some of these books might just help get our state of mind and wardrobe sorted. I know I always struggle with 'what's my fashion scene?'. I like to think it's sophisticated and 'expensive' looking, when in reality I always go for super comfy -with a twist. And everything is black and white!

Next year, my fashion goal is to sort out what my scene really is, and plan my wardrobe to suit. That will involve a major wardrobe workout using the tips we have already discussed on this site - such as tossing clones, getting rif of 'it's not really me', and the 'moment has passed' items. Putting aside and properly storing (more 'how to' on this later) sentimental fave's (eg wedding frock) and replacing the out of shape/discoloured basics at the stock take sales.

Once this has happened there is a great chance to cash in your quality, but no longer worn designer gear to put towards your new shopping list. Of course that is right here on Miss Money Penny's second-hand fashion emporium where other girls (who have hopefully sorted out there scene are are ready to hunt for new classics) will come and snap up designer bargains.

To help with getting the mind set right, here are some of the latest fashion books to inspire - they also make great gifts as I have actually received many of these as pressies!

1. In Vogue - 50 years of Australian Style - edited by Kirstie (Aust Vogue ed) and Lee Tulloch (fashion maven from way back)

Personally, this was a fantastic walk down memory lane for me. Leafing through the quintessentially Australian images by helmut Newton and Graeme Shearer were highlights. Actually remembering covers and fashion spreads from the 80's long forgotten was amazing. Like reminiscing with an old friend you grew up with - it was fantastic looking back on familiar Aussie faces we have also grown with and watched bloom - the celebs, Sarah O'Hare (Murdoch), Kylie, the models - Maggie T, Isobel Cowen, Elle, Emma Blafour, Annalise Scheubert, Kristy Hinze and so on right up to the fashion stars of today.

Actually - I also wonder what ever happened to that divine male model Jules Revelle? My girlfriends and I had such a huge crush on him and he adorned many a teen bedroom wall.

Publisher Harper Collins describe this book as follows;

"In this lavish, beautiful book, editors Kirstie Clements and Lee Tulloch showcase the best of Australia′s leading fashion magazine: photography by Helmut Newton, Norman Parkinson, Deborah de Turbeville, Monty Coles, Graham Shearer and Richard Bailey, and the images of the women who inspired them: Maggie Tabberer, Elle MacPherson, Emma Balfour, Gemma Ward and Catherine McNeil among others; fashion icons from Norma Tullo and Jenny Kee to Collette Dinnigan; artistic collaborations, including the guest editorships of Baz Luhrmann, Karl Lagerfeld and Kylie Minogue, and a spectrum of Australian artists, musicians, actors, writers and thinkers.

A gorgeous document of a magazine′s confident coming of age, this stunning book is a must for anyone who loves fashion."

2. Vintage Handbags - collecting and wearing designer classics. Marnie Fogg (with foreword by Anya Hindmarch)

As reviewed by Amazon.com,  "Decade by decade, the lavishly illustrated "Vintage Handbags" recounts over 100 years of shoe history, from Elsa Schiaparelli's mesh bags for Whiting & Davis in the 1920s through the Hermes Kelly bag in the 1950s to the Fendi Baguette of the 1990s. Accompanied by archive images, fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of period pieces, the most collectible and beautiful handbags are showcased. An invaluable reference as well as a visual delight of times past, the book explores the key designers, technical developments and cultural influences that shaped handbag design, revealing exquisite and groundbreaking work from such luminaries as Salvatore Ferragamo, Coco Chanel, Hermes, Fendi, Bonnie Cashin and Judith Leiber."

And guess what? If you keep your eyes peeled, you might just find one of these treasures on Miss Money Penny's Designer Fashion Emporium!

3. The Sartorialist

by Scott Schuman

4. Dreaming Of Dior

by Charlotte M. Smith

5. Fashion Makers Fashion Shapers - Anne-Celine Jaeger

More than pretty pictures, this book takes a behind the scenes look at how fashion is created and what it takes to make it tick. For those who take their fashion seriously and want to know more this release  is described by publishedartbookshop.com.au as;

"A book of two halves, Fashion Shapers Fashion Makers is an up close and personal exploration of the fashion world which gives as much attention to the work of editors, stylists, buyers, PR specialists, trend forecasters and educators as it does to fashion creatives.

In depth interviews with Fashion Makers - from famous designers, founders of fashion labels and other key creative figures - unveil the processes of creative alluring designs, collections and brands. But the distinctive roles of the Fashion Shapers are also discussed, answering questions like how Jane Rapley, head of Central Saint Martins, decides who will be the next McQueen, or how Alexandre de Betak gets inspiration for the spectacular fashion shows that he creates for the biggest designers.

This book is a window into the world of fashion, uniquely offering an exploration of all aspects of the industry, and is a must have for anyone who wants to know what makes fashion function."

6. The Towering World on Jimmy Choo : A Glamorous Story of Power, Profits and Pursuit of the Perfect Shoe.”

Essential summer juicey beach reading! What girl doesn't want to low down on what goes on behind their faveourite super shoes brand?

http://www.businessoffashion.com reported back in March this year;

"We love leaks.

Lauren Goldstein Crowe, a fashion and business journalist, and Sagra Maceira de Rosen, head of the Luxury & Retail division of Reig Capital Group, have teamed up to write the first fashion book to cover both the design side and the business side with equal vigour and rigour.

The book tells the story of how one Tamara Yeardye (now known as Tamara Mellon), an accessories editor at British Vogue meets one Jimmy Choo, and turns him from couture shoe designer into £185m brand. Today, Jimmy Choo (the brand) kicks it heels with Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik in the triumvirate of high-potential luxury shoe businesses, but Jimmy Choo (the man) is no longer involved in the business that bears his own name.

Along with Robert Bensoussan, Jimmy Choo’s former CEO (Gucci Group-trained Josh Schulman has now replaced him), Ms. Mellon created one of the most famous new fashion brands to emerge in the past 10 years. Can you think of another name that has become so recognisable in such a short period of time?

Through some savvy marketing (Sex and the City style), a design partnership with Choo’s niece Sandra Choi (who broke ranks with her uncle to work with Mellon), and apparently a good deal of coy manoeuvring (this book has drama and intrigue too), Mellon and Bensoussan sold 83% of the business to Towerbrook Capital and its affiliates for £185m in 2007 (versus only £20m in 2001), at a rumoured EBITDA multiple of 13x, which is very high by industry standards.

This book is sure to cause a frenzy when it is published, as fervent fashion business executives, private equity gurus, admiring entrepreneurs, brand managers and, of course, the brand’s fans will all have reason to find out just exactly how Mellon and Bensoussan did it.

Stay tuned.

But don't just take our word for it, there are no better testimonials than those from within the bowels of the fashion industry itself;

""Fun and powerful...like a great pair of heels!!!”
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

7. Like I Give a Frock: Fashion Forecasts and Meaningless Misguidance - Michi Girl  

Melbourne Girls have relied on Michi's daily online weather updates and fashion tips for years. Finally we can all take Michi onto the couch or the beach this summer to get a more substantial chunk of her fashion musings and pick up some handy must and must-nots - in case you were wondering.

Penguin books introduces Mishi as follows;

Meet Michi. She's sometimes stylish and sometimes tragic, but she always knows best. She's sharp and funny. (And maybe just a tiny bit opinionated.) She's just a shopping queen, weather-watcher and quite possibly the best advice-giver you've ever met.

Do you ever wonder when a baguette became a bag and and not just a piece of bread? (Fendi, 1998.) Or when it became acceptable to wear a tracksuit to the supermarket? (It didn't.) Fishnets at work? Evil sales assistants? The plague of the fat ankle? Michi has all the answers. And if you were thinking of buying a playsuit, just don't.

8. Fashion by Jennifer Craik

 

For a more philosophical read, look into fashion and its meaning in our culture and world today.  Jennifer Craik talks global fashion politics and meanings.

Borders.com.au give the following synopsis;

"Fashion is everywhere. It is now one of the main ways in which we present ourselves to others, signaling what we want to communicate about our sexuality, wealth, professionalism, subcultural and political allegiances, social status, even our mood. It is also a global industry with huge economic, political and cultural impact, from the impact of the catwalk on mainstream retail to sweatshop production to celebrity branding.nbsp; Fashion: The Key Concepts presents a concise overview of this complex phenomenon--the meanings of clothes, the different cultural and fashion systems around the world, how fashion uses the media to reach its markets, how fashion shapes global culture and is replicated or challenged in various subcultures, how fashion operates as a political system of its own and also serves as a tool of politics, how the fashion industry is structured and how it "thinks" and behaves. Illustrated with a wide range of images and case studies, the aim throughout is to present a comprehensive, but also accessible and provocative, analysis of fashion."

Good thought starter material for the new year!

9. The New Secrets Of Style

by In Style Magazine Editors

For a more realistic and approachable view of fashion and how to use it, In Style mag is a fashion bible for those who want to look great but don't want to take themselves too seriously.

Instyle mag was a proud sponsor of Miss Money Penny's recent Designer Sell & Shop Event in Melbourne so we feel a real synergy with her no nonsence approach to fashion. After reading this book you shouold have a great idea on what to keep, what to toss and, most importantly - what to cash in on Miss Money Penny!

Instyle The New Secrets Of Style synopsis by Borders.com.au

The latest edition ofInStyle's top-selling classic, TheNew Secrets of Stylefeatures even more expert guidance for looking fabulous. The editors who have madeInStyletoday's leading style publication take the mystery out of fashion with plenty of practical and simple strategies for building your best wardrobe. WithThe New Secrets of Style, you'll never again stand in front of a full closet and declare that you have nothing to wear! What you'll learn fromThe New Secrets of Style is that the key to dressing well and developing a personal style is surprisingly uncomplicated: Figure out what works best for you-and stick with it. The payoff? When your clothes work, life's a lot simpler. Inspired by Hollywood 's most fashionable,The New Secrets of Stylehelps you stock your closet with beautiful, flattering pieces you can just pull out, put on and go. It begins with the basics: choosing styles that work with your shape, finding the right fit for all your clothes, and focusing your choices-so you'll end up with a wardrobe that coordinates, complements and fits. The next step: adding creativity, allowing your clothes and accessories to express your personal style. The result is a confident look that's all your own. A clear, convenient reference guide,The New Secrets of Styleis highly organized and simple to read. Each chapter analyzes a different aspect of your wardrobe, from lingerie to coats, and features "flattery" charts arranged by body type. Throughout, informative, annotated overviews tell you how to select classic pieces and must-have items in every clothing category.

THE world of fashion is a busy place and it's growing ever more crowded. An increasing number of educational institutions are offering an increasing number of fashion-related courses, and even couture is moving into the mainstream, with major newspapers devoting more of their pages to covering fashion weeks.

No longer the preserve of heiresses and socialites, fashion publications such as Vogue, Elle and Harper's Bazaar are pulling in a wider audience, thanks in part to the use of pop culture icons such as Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham on their covers. The demand for fashion is so high that in the past few years weekly glossy fashion magazines have been launched in order to sate our appetites.

Quite simply, the fashion world is saturated, and the number of working designers continues to grow. So how exactly do you edit the thousands of designers working today down to an exclusive list of an elite 100, while still managing to include everyone from Parisian couturiers to edgy London designers living on baked beans?

It was a challenge that Terry Jones, the founder and creative director of i-D magazine, relished when he came to edit a new fashion tome from Taschen entitled 100 Contemporary Fashion Designers. For the two-volume compilation he picked out highlights from Taschen's Fashion Now! series to create the ultimate guide to the best fashion designers working across the globe today.

"This was a very tough one to work on and we were switching names up until the very last minute," he says. "The main criteria for us was to get a real cross-section of designers. We wanted to include younger designers and we were also keen to include people whom we felt would have longevity, who would be around for a while. Of course, there are some designers in there that I wear regularly – Yohji Yamamoto and Commes des Garçons – but from a creative point of view there were just so many to choose from."

Featuring the very best of fashion photography – from the beautiful to the quirky and even the downright odd – the book showcases the work of designers, photographers and stylists, all working hand in hand to create beautiful images. Following an A (Haider Ackermann) to Z (Italo Zucchelli) format, its success lies in the selection of designers, which range from fashion's big-hitters to smaller independent labels.

There are the ones you will have heard of, the ones that might ring a bell and the ones you should be watching in the future. Big cheeses Karl Lagerfeld and Alber Elbaz sit alongside smaller designers, including Scots Christopher Kane and Jonathan Saunders.

It may be a fashion bible that would buckle many a coffee table, but one of the book's most attractive selling points is its price: just £34.99 for two hefty hardback volumes that come in a hardcover slipcase. This was an important factor for Jones, who wanted it to appeal to everyone from the impoverished fashion student to a person with just a passing curiosity about fashion.

"I find the book very accessible; I love that people who don't know about fashion can be interested in it," he says. "The price is amazing, and perfect at the moment of course. You can't escape the recession and fashion is always very much a mirror of our time. It feeds our fantasies and it's interesting to see how designers respond to that.

"Despite the recession, there's still space for flamboyancy, and we always find space for fashion in our lives. It feels very democratic and it feels like it's the right time for this book."

Amen! Foir lovers of quality and well designed fashion - Miss Money Penny couldn't agree more!

Happy Holidays fashion Lovers and happy reading! Hoe you get to flick through even a few of these tomes. They can always go on the 'to read' list for 2010!

TTFN until next year.

MMP xx

 

Lulu Wong Limited Edition Bags and Scarves

Here is the perfect and simple little bag to hold the i-phone, cell or mobile phone, wallet, keys, etc. To open, pull apart; to close, pull the drawstring cords. 

Most of these bags are made from 'obi' fabric.  The obi is the Japanese adornment made of artisan textiles that is then worn over a kimono. These textiles were sourced from flea markets in Japan and dealers who specialize in Japanese antiques.  Most of the textiles are vintage, created by an artisan tradition that is fading as time-consuming craftsmanship is giving way to mass production.  It may seem rather destructive or disrespectful to cut an obi and make it into something else, but if it is no longer wanted/needed by its owner, then perhaps I am reviving the display of it.  There are a few obi that I will not cut up, but will leave intact.

Approximate size  as in the above closed position is approximately 8 inches high X 8  inches wide/ 20 cm X 20 cm.

Lulu's bags are now also in the window of Melbourne Style, a gorgeous shop of clever, exquisite designed objects of desire at 155 Clarendon Street.  The owner is Maree Coote, who is also the force behind the photo book "Melbourne".  She designs some of the jewelry, furniture, art, gifts and housewares - much of it as an expression of her love for Melbourne. 

Think global but buy local.

To view the current selection for sale go Click here

but be quick - these are one offs!

View Lulus Blog at  http://luluwong.typepad.com/
Also recommended by, and quoted above http://fivefigscouture.wordpress.com/