Simply The Best by LK Bennett

I’ve just treated myself to a sexy pair of nude coloured LK Bennett Sledge2 platform heels that our very own Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge was seen wearing at the Epsom’s Derby Races.

I wore these shoes when I was presenting at a fashion show in Kingston and they were just perfect – they looked sexy, they made my legs look longer and more toned, yet they didn’t make me feel nervous about striding out onto a stage in front of an audience. Nude patent shoes are a great trick anyhow – they really elongate your legs and look great with just about anything. Seriously. That’s why I own about four pairs of nude courts, but these are by far my favourite – and most frequently worn. The patent leather is superb, the shade of nude is spot-on – not too pinky, not too grey, and the glossy patent is drop dead sexy! Love it!

Camelia, Director of The Divine Image x

What To Wear On A First Date

Your first date is all about the entire package you present when you walk in the room.  So for just a minute, let’s forget about picking out your first date outfit.  The main focus is what attitude you will wear when you meet up with this new person. 

You want to stay true to who you are, not an overly exaggerated version of yourself.  Exude confidence and comfort with your own image, not necessarily arrogance.  Stay positive about the date and the possibilities it holds, but not overly eager.  Keep your energy up, but don’t get too intense or nervous.  Make the effort to remain open and attentive to the other person and what s/he is presenting to you.  And remember minding your manners or a little chivalry takes you a long way.

The goal is not to fake your date out with how great of a person you can pretend to be.  It is to see if they like you as you are, and vice versa.  Honestly putting forth the best you help to cut out half of the games, suspicions and early trust issues that many singles experience when getting to know a romantic interest.

With that understanding, we can get dressed.  So it’s time to get fly.  Turn up that swag.  Of course!  Alright, slow down.  Scroll back up to the beginning and apply similar ideas to your clothes, accessories, shoes and hair style/hair cut.  What’s your favourite (presentable) dress or shirt?  The one you know turns heads and accents all your hotness.  The one that makes you feel comfortable and you move around in easily.  Ladies, don’t bother with the dress you have to readjust all night to prevent your cleavage from hanging across the dinner table. Gentlemen, don’t even think about the tight muscle shirt you can’t breathe in because you’re too busy holding in your gut.  Leave the outfit that makes you look like you are trying too hard in the closet.  Go for your sexy, but hold back from the slutty and gaudy.  As much as you may love Katie Price or Tom Jones, this is not your opportunity to channel them. 

Adorn yourself in jewellery that complements your attire.  However, stay away from the huge ‘bling’ watch too heavy for your hand to carry.  Put on the shoes you can manage throughout the night.  Forget about the 5 inch stilettos if they make your ankles wobble.  You know which hair styles/cuts you get the most compliments on, so stick to one of those.

Here is your practical cheat sheet:

• Dress according to the weather and activity, if you know it ahead of time.
  Risk being overdressed, rather than showing up to a five-star restaurant in jeans and a t-shirt.
  Options for Ladies – Preferably a little black dress with a simple and sophisticated accessory.
  Options for Gentlemen - A dark suit, preferably in gray and a white shirt or my favourite, a navy pin stripe suit with a light pink shirt. For the day, wear a pair of jeans, a crisp white cotton short and a good blazer.
• Make sure everything is clean and pressed. (If you can tell it’s not fresh, they can too.)
• Opt for the better quality shoes.
  Ladies - Wear heels you can tolerate and carry flats in your purse.
• If you wear makeup, keep it close to a natural look.  Bright eye shadow and false eyelashes will more than likely scare your date.
• Avoid anything too trendy. 
• Follow the fabulous Coco Chanel’s advice, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.”

Do not be afraid to try something new here.  Just make sure to first try it out a day or two before the date. This should take the initial anxiety out of what to wear on a first date.  Good Luck and Happy Dating!

Camelia, MD of The Divine Image x