How was your Christmas, dearies? I hope you’ve all recovered from your post-holiday stuffing, err, haze.

For those who were too busy wrapping my presents (hint, hint!) last week to read my updates, I came up with my own naughty n’ nice list. Last week was about the fashion faux pas; this week, it’s all about the niceties!

1. Find the most flattering neckline – A great neckline frames your chest or bust, your face and your hair. In fact, the easiest way to have people notice a spanking new ‘do, hair color or an accessory such as a necklace or earrings is to make sure your top has a neckline that showcases it perfectly. If your main concern is your chest, a flattering neckline can either reveal or conceal. Not all assets are below the neck, though. If you’re blessed with a gorgeous eye color, naturally long lashes, pretty freckles (freckles can be pretty!) or even dimples, then play those up!

2. Find the right length for your body type -I’ve always emphasized the importance of knowing your body shape because knowing your proportions is winning half the battle! Lengths on trousers and jeans are always tricky so I highly recommend finding a good tailor in your neighbourhood. If not, ask around if anyone you know is handy with a needle, thread or sewing machine. As a last resort, there is always DIY – so check out our DIY channel to pick up new skills for the new year!

3. Wear the right attire for the right occasion – Aside from body shape, first impressions are also very important. Not only do you present your best self (or the best version) to the other person, but it also sets the tone on how your potential relationship will go (I’m just not talking about romantic relationships here). So it really pays to be appropriately attired for the occasion, whether it’s an internship, your graduation, travelling for work or attending a wedding.

4. Learn the difference between tights and leggings – No doubt leggings are here to stay but there is also no doubt that most people are still unable to tell the difference between the two. One commenter in my previous post made a very astute observation about this matter. Simply put, “tights” are the British English term for what is usually referred to as “pantyhose”, which are considered as undergarments in a way. On the other hand, leggings are usually footless (cuts off at the ankle) and also come in sheer and opaque varieties. My personal rule is that it’s okay to wear leggings as long as they’re opaque and do not reveal what should remain hidden. Thus, if you ever find yourself pulling out a pair of tights/pantyhose or sheer leggings from your closet and intending to wear them as your pants, ask yourself: “Am I ready to expose myself to the world?”

5. LOVE YOURSELF – The number one rule to feeling good about your body is to embrace who you are inside and outside. So you like wearing purple or pink from head to toe. Or you really just love dressing up like your favorite K-pop star, down to the banana shirt and blinding neon jackets. Whether you’ve lost or gained a few inches, made a huge change in your life or still rocking it at 40, accept yourself – flaws, scars, beauty marks, wrinkles and all. You have only one life to live so make it your best life ever!

Happy New Year, darlings! Here’s to 2012 with more fashion hits than flops!

xoxo,

Nikki

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