Blog | Uniqueischic

G R E E N - Wear 'em and eat 'em!

2 min read

Green is definitely one of my favourite colours. I love to wear it, eat it, surround myself in it - I love a good tree hug ha!

Here are some interesting facts about the colour green and it's amazing benefits to us when we wear the different shades.

Green is a dominant colour in nature which represents natural and forest environments. Out of all the colours on the colour wheel, green is regarded as the most restful and relaxing colour for the human eye. Green symbolises harmony, tranquillity, and peace. As a soothing, relaxing colour, it enhances stability and endurance. It is most often associated with growth and renewal, and it promotes optimism, hopefulness, and balance. Nature is nourishing in so many ways.

Green has calming effects. Celebrities appearing on tv often wait in a holding area that is painted in green. The idea is that green will help them relax and focus, and also reduce their anxiety - this is called The Green Room! Maybe I should paint my whole house in green, hmm food for thought! Green enhances positive cognitive outcomes, such as improved memory, problem-solving, positive thinking.

Now let's talk about the benefits of wearing green and the impact that has on our mood in terms of wearing the colour. It is a versatile colour that can be worn in many different ways. It is a great colour to wear all seasons, and it can be paired with many other colours to create a variety of different looks.

When it comes to eating green, there are many benefits associated with consuming green foods. Green vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, and they are an excellent source of fibre. I have to eat lots of leafy greens to keep my hypothyroidism in check. So glad someone out there invented the idea of Kale Chips! I could easily eat a bag of kale in one go once it's baked and covered in salt. Even my 8 year old eats kale chips as she thinks they're crisps heehee!

Whether you are looking to add more green to your wardrobe or your diet, there are many ways to incorporate this wonderful colour into your life.

I'll leave you with a fun fact about about the colour green that you may not have heard before:

Green is known as a safe colour worldwide, which is why first-aid equipment is often green.

Bet you never thought of colour that way before!

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new about the colour green and its benefits.

See links below for the items. You can make people green with envy (clever, eh lol) especially with those luxury shades!

Have a colourful day!

Orla xx

The Vest Whisperer!

2 min read

I have a vested(ahem) interest in sweater vests.. not just because the punchlines roll off the tongue but because they are so darn practical and cosy. I also love saying the words "Sweater Vest". It sounds so grown up and fancy! Like a well travelled and chic lady that auditioned for The Devil Wears Prada movie! Say it 5 times in a row for instant sophistication vibes. It's also called a tank top (lol) or a pullover (No, it's a cardigan!) but they sound way less chic IMO!

Anyway, enough randomness for the moment. Lets take a little history lesson if you will.

The sweater vest originated in the 19th century as a practical menswear garment. The story goes that in 1882 the arms of the sweater were hacked off so a men's rowing team in the US could stay warm but also perspire and lose weight. It then gained popularity in the early 20th century as part of sports attire and school uniforms. Over time it evolved into a trendy fashion statement and it's not gender biased either.

The sweater vest made an appearance in Friends.. yes, of course you didn't know that or remember it but there you go now. Chandler Bing was partial to a sweater vest. As was Princess Diana, who made it all preppy and Country Club chic.

Lately though, it's Harry Styles who is the Golden boy of the sweater vest era. Wearing the only ultra cool and trendy Styles. I bet he even wears one to his local Sushi restaurant.

Vestimonials: From the high street to luxury fashions houses, there is a sweater vest out there for all budgets and all personalities.

A sweater vest can be worn over a basic tee with jeans. Such a versatile garment it can take you from desk to drinks.

In the Style File above I've paired a pink fluffy one with a sequin skirt. It's cosy on top party on the bottom.

I love the red one - wear to the office and stay chic and cosy (move away from the thermostat Gerry jeez we're freezing!). Wear with jeans or some nice soft leather trousers. Easy to dress up and down.

I love wearing mine over dresses for an added layer plus, if you get too hot, whip it off!

Have I convinced you yet that you need one??

So, are you Vexed by Vests or will you be my Vested companion?

Thanks for reading :-)

Orla

xxx

Petite Power!

3 min read

One of my oldest and dearest friends asked for a blog post for gorgeous gals like herself who are "petite" in stature.

With a few styling hacks in your back pocket you can navigate petite sizing like a pro. Okay, lets go :-)

First off, let’s explore the average height for women and how petite sizing is categorised:

Average Height for Women:

In the US, the average height for women is approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall.
In Europe the average height for women is 5 feet 6 inches tall. Globally, average heights can vary by country due to factors like genetics, nutrition, and health.

Petite Categorization:

Petite refers to a specific clothing category designed for shorter folk.
Petite sizing typically caters to women who are 5 feet 4 inches or shorter.
Key features of petite clothing include shorter sleeve lengths, narrower shoulders, and adjusted proportions to flatter smaller frames.
Petite clothing is not limited to height; it also considers other proportions like torso length and leg length.

Dressing well as a petite lady is all about proportion, fit, and confidence.

Here are some tips to help you maximize your wardrobe and create flattering looks:

Find Your Fit:

Invest in achieving the right fit. A fair few brands cater to petite sizing (M&S Petite, ASOS Petite, Topshop Petite and MAJE and BA&SH Boden, Reformation). Lots of vintage out there too with alterations back in fashion and so on trend now. Proper fit ensures longevity in your wardrobe so it's worth investing in your clothes. I use The Zip Yard for my alterations. My daughter attends a pricey sewing class but, I figure it will pay for itself in the future once she starts doing my alterations. She's also teaching me how to use a sewing machine. It's a win-win!

Silhouette Matters:

Cropped trousers and denim can look chic with flats.
Consider A-line shapes, which create an elongated look.

Proportion and Necklines:

Pay attention to necklines. V-necks and scoop necks elongate the neck and torso. I'm 5'6" and I notice this when wearing a V-neck tee-shirt.
Three-quarter sleeves or bracelet-length sleeves can make a difference.

High-Waisted Everything:

High-waisted bottoms, such as skirts, trousers and jeans, visually lengthen your legs.
Tuck in tops to emphasize your waist.
Keep your belt the same colour to elongate your silhouette.

One-Piece Outfits:

Jumpsuits and dresses create a streamlined look without breaking up your silhouette.
Fold the hem up if too long or find a seamstress!

Layering:

Long layers add vertical lines and create an illusion of height.
Try a long cardigan or duster coat over a fitted top.

Jeans and Trousers:

Choose slim-fit jeans or straight-leg trousers. Avoid wide-legged styles that overwhelm your frame.
Opt for floor-skimming lengths to elongate your legs. Also called "puddle pants". Not a joke!

Shoes:

Pointed toe footwear is your friend. I've been wearing pointy toes for years to elongate my frame.
Chunky sole sneakers.
Platform shoes and boots.
Espadrilles in summer.

I've added some items below from petites that I like and thought you might too.

I hope you found this post helpful for you and your wardrobe. As always, reach out if you would like some help from me :-)

Stand tall my petite friends and remember good things come in small packages :-)

Lots of love,

Orla xxx