Certain Style | Miranda

Christmas - A Time for Nightgowns?

Nov 202009

Stainless Steel and Swarovski Crystal Christmas Tree Stand

I am not yet ready for Christmas. This seems to me to be deeply wrong. If I were still in the UK I’d have already placed my order with Marks and Spencer and Foreman and Field, the menu would be organised and I’d be thinking about the decorations and the tree, since advent is almost upon us.

Here in the USA I am lost. There is this thing called thanksgiving which seems to get in the way, and worse still thanksgiving fare seems to be Turkey and all the trimmings. In that case what do we do for Christmas dinner? Surely it’s not the same?

So, in the hope someone will enlighten me, I’ll get on with planning the tree. Nothing flashy this year, though I thought this might make a nice stand. It’s very very sparkly, due to all those lovely swarovski crystals. I’ve got just the nightgown and robe to go with it.

The Latest in Bridal Nightgowns

Bridal Nightgowns No Responses »

Nov 032009

Hurray! Romance is not dead! It seems the trend to super translucent nightgowns has suffered a reverse and full length nightgowns are once again ‘in’. It’s an interesting observation. Many brides, unable to find the sort of romantic lingerie they were looking for for a honeymoon have in recent times resorted to vintage lingerie, reveling in the sort of nylon and lace which, while certainly feminine and romantic to look at is not very comfortable to wear.

Tina wearing our bloomer pajamas in pure white eyelet cotton. Can be trimmed with ribbons!

This is Tina, from our latest photo shoot, showing off our bloomer pajamas, in pure, bridal white.
What’s interesting is that we find that although all Certain Style nightwear is customizable, so you can trim your white bloomer pajamas with the colors of your wedding scheme, most brides opt for white. Looking at this dreamy picture, you can certainly see why!

Just Who is a Nightgown For?

Nightgown Things No Responses »

Nov 022009

Pure, butter colored silk nightgown with a halter neck and drawstring bodice.

A wise man once said that the UK and the USA were two nations divided by a common language – certainly as a resident of 12 months standing (just) I am struck by the many differences between life in the UK and my new life here in Florida.

Most striking is the sunshine – even with the news reports of doom and gloom it’s pretty difficult to feel depressed in all this sunshine – and it’s equally difficult to feel good about wearing all those sensible wardrobe ‘basics’. While navy, charcoal and black are pretty well the only colors you see in the UK, Florida sunshine seems to demand brighter, happier colors which would be regarded as pretty poor taste in Bond Street.

But it’s in attitudes that the differences become really apparent. While a European woman will dress for herself – understanding that much of her appeal lies in her self-confidence – women in the US still seem to dress for others. When we talk to women about the kind of nightwear they want they keep telling us what their husbands like, invariably something short, transparent and not for the shy. When pressed the same women admit that they actually fall into bed in an old, but comfortable sweatshirt.

Ladies of America! The pleasures of silk, satin and lace at bedtime are many and they ARE for YOU and not just for HIM. The fabric feels fantastic -you feel feminine – relaxed, elegant, comfortable, cool, in all senses of the word!

What is georgette and why do I want one?

Nightgown Things No Responses »

Oct 312009

Josephine nightgown - made from double silk georgette

Light, textured, sheer and drapey; all characteristics of the fabric type known as Georgette, often used in the creation of luxury lingerie and nightgowns.

Designers love georgette because it’s texture gives it movement, seamstresses tend to hate it because it is difficult to sew. It is also difficult to pin, and may show pin marks or snag, so the seamstress must take extra care. The layers are slippery and may need to be interlayered with tissue paper, making the process take longer. Good quality georgette garments will usually have doubled seams, which also adds to the cost of construction. This is one reason why georgette garments tend to be in the luxury bracket and are more expensive.

Silk georgette is a delightful fabric. As silk thread is very absorbent it takes dies very well and hence is often available in a huge range of gorgeous colours, plain and print. We love using silk georgette in our luxury nightgowns and robes because of the wonderful colors and the drape of the fabric. Although silk itself can be delicate, silk georgette is not only a luxury fabric it is strong and generally more durable.
These days georgette is also created from polyester threads. Polyester georgette tends to me thicker than silk georgette but is usually machine washable and far more crease resistant, a fact which makes it more popular for everyday wear. As it is very light georgette can be used as layers without making the garment too heavy. This can result in some interesting effects where, for example, the georgette overlay and it’s lining are two different colors.

Double georgette is constructed in the same way and can be silk or polyester. It is less sheer than ‘normal’ georgette but just as drapey and may be used without a lining. Double georgette is great for luxury nightgowns because it provides the same floaty feeling without too much transparency. We also use it in the creation of some of our pajamas where double georgette pants make a great contrast with the luxury silk camisole top, giving just a hint of the leg below.

Our Jospehine blue silk nightgown is made from pale blue double silk georgette, light, floaty. Luxury lingerie at it’s best! (Note: Josephine can be made in the color of your choice and makes an excellent special occasion nightgown, for example for brides.

Plus Size Trends in 2010

Nightgown Things No Responses »

Oct 302009

If youv’e seen my facebook page then you’ve already seen the picture of the torn stockings which are, apparently ‘in‘ for fall 2009 and 2010? According to who? I can’t imagine Tim Gunn telling me to go about with my stockings in tatters. Is that what they call ‘fashion forward’ these days? I was delighted to know that black is now ‘in‘ (hey guys, it’s never been out except in some cloud cuckoo land) and that designers are catering to our need for cheaper things to wear by reducing the number of items in their collections and using black and grey to denote the somber mood.

Do I need help to feel somber? No. I can manage that perfectly well for myself, thanks. And frankly from the look of Agent Provocateur latest collection I’d say they’d taken the ‘pared down’ thing a little too far. Two spots and a couple of chains for $290?

There are some trends to admire. Deep, rather than dark colors can give a wonderful feeling of warmth and luxury, deep purple’s and teals will be high on our list as we prepare for 2010 – but frankly they’re my favorites anyway. Here are some of the ‘rules’ we live by at Certain Style

Black is never ever ‘out‘.
Grey and navy always look smart
Torn tights and stockings may be fashionable but they look AWFUL, whether it’s called grunge or ‘distressed’
There are three colors in the ideal outfit, not just two
Business clothes require high contrast e.g. navy suit, ivory blouse, grey suit, white blouse, etc. etc.
As you get older brighter colors may suit you more – don’t get stuck in a rut
If something is ‘in‘ there is the instant implication that at some time it will be ‘out‘. If something is ‘classic‘ it’s never ‘out‘. Which makes the better wardrobe investment?
Red is much easier and fun to wear than people seem to think

You look best in colors that suit you Find out what these are – find out what the trends are and wear those colors from your palette which are, supposedly, ‘in‘ if that’s what makes you feel good. Otherwise, just wear what suits, as to whether it’s in, if you look and feel great, who cares?

Fall Fashion Preview From Head To Toe

Nightgown Things No Responses »

Sep 132009

There is a chill in the air and the leaves are starting to turn. Fall is here. Make sure you are ready from head to toe to feel and look great this season!

Starting at the top, hair. Think of going a little darker or adding in some low lights to warm up you color. Bangs are the way to go look for the style that best suits you. Bangs frame your face and give your style a pick up without a major change.

Time to go to your favorite make-up counter and stock up on wonderful colors for fall. Think dark purples for the eyes and more browns and burnt colors for the cheeks and lips. Keep it subtle but fun. Remember you can accentuate your eyes or lips not both. So, if you go for a dark smokey eyes make sure to have neutral lips. Conversely if you are wearing a fun crimson lipstick play up your eyes but keep the color to a minimum.

A scarf is the perfect fall accessory. Look for one that is wide enough to be used as a wrap if necessary but still light enough to be worn as a scarf. This will give you versatility. Look for a color that will translate with much of your wardrobe. My favorite color is purple so I use merlot colored accessories that are neutral enough to match almost anything but give me that little flare.

As far as clothing look for things that make you feel great. Fall is all about being cozy, embrace it. Find fabrics you just can’t stop touching that will feel great on your skin. Flowing lines and fun layers are a must this fall!

For nails the color is silver and gray. Have fun with it. Do a charcoal on your toes and a flat gray almost white on your fingernails. Remember lighter colors show chipping less, so toes are best for the darker colors. If you are feeling adventurous go for something with some iridescence and sparkle. Hold the bottles up to your skin to make sure you find the shade that goes best with your skin tone, if you cannot decide ask your girlfriend or manicurist for their advice.

One of my favorite parts of fall are boots! Look for lots of structure and a functional look. We will be seeing more cowboy and riding boots this season. Just remember not to over do it, your looks should be inspired by the ranch not functional for it.

This will be a fun fall, full of color and fashion. Stay tuned to be sure you have that Certain Style…

Summer Flowers

Nightgown Things No Responses »

Sep 132009

[/caption]Summer may have been late arriving this year but it packed a punch when it got here, a bright floral punch. Fashion this summer was fun and feminine. With lines returning to those most flattering to the female form. Labor day has since come and gone but that does not mean you have to let go of your favorite summer trends just yet. Here is a retrospective view of what we saw this summer and how to transition it to fall.

We saw belted waists, a great way to create a waist if you are like me and lack one. If you are one of the lucky hourglass few, this fashion looked fabulous on you as well. Pair this look with your favorite sweater to transition it to fall.

I loved all the fun floral prints we saw this season they are so feminine and fun. They take me back to dress up, dolls and everything quintessentially girly. Keep the fun going into the fall by putting your favorite floral dress over jeans or pairing it with a blazer and leggings. The same can be said for your other floral pieces just be sure to pair them with fall colored pieces so they are the accent rather than the focal point they have been all summer.

I stocked up this summer on may fun colorful tops. They made me feel so light and happy. I love them too much to let them go just yet, but as the weather turns cooler, I must find a way to transition them. Remember a favorite tank can act as a cute vest over a simple thermal or wear it as a camisole under a blazer. The little bit of color will lift your spirits and keep summer with you a bit longer.

Everywhere I looked this summer, plaid was there. This is by far the easiest piece to transition. I do not think plaid is going anywhere anytime soon so look for the new warmer pieces creeping in for fall. Tuck away your bright plaids for now but feel free to rock your more muted and neutral ones with your favorite scarf all fall long.

Another trend I think we will continue to see into the fall is the one shouldered dress. For this find a great neutral wrap and some leggings or tights and continue to look fabulously asymmetrical. Look for the fall versions of long sleeve one shoulder stresses coming your way soon!

Summer sun and fun may be done but I have a feeling we have a fabulous fall headed our way. Keep wearing your favorite pieces and keep your spirits high. Remember confidence is one of the sexiest traits a woman can have. People can tell when you feel good and that translates into how they see you.

A Nightgown by any other name.

Nightgown Things No Responses »

Sep 012009

Evening Rose - Chiffon and lace nightgown - but is it lingerie?

What’s in a name? Was Shakespeare right? Does it matter? YES! What we call things is extremely important. Yes, it’s important from the viewpoint of search engine optimisation and all that jazz, but get down to basics. There’s nothing more important than the elevator pitch and something I discovered the other day.

Question: what do you do? Answer: luxury nightgowns Result. A polite smile, but no real interest.

Question: what do you do? Answer: luxurious lingerie. Result. Oh really? Do you have a shop?

When is a nightgown a nightgown and when is it a piece of lingerie? The dictionary doesn’t provide any clues but when I asked around the answer I got was that lingerie is what you buy for your wife or your girlfriend, a nightgown is something you would buy for your Mother. What do we make at Certain Style? Well it seems we make lingerie. And nightgowns. Here’s a picture. You decide.

Christmas - A Time for Nightgowns?

The Latest in Bridal Nightgowns

Just Who is a Nightgown For?

What is georgette and why do I want one?

Plus Size Trends in 2010

Fall Fashion Preview From Head To Toe

Summer Flowers

A Nightgown by any other name.

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