Monthly Archives: July 2012

First Look: The London Olympic Uniforms, Country By Country!

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As one of the most fashionable cities in the world, it comes as no surprise that top fashion designers have capitalized on the London Summer Olympic Games. Olympic athletes will be dressed to the nines beginning with the opening ceremonies on Friday, July 27.

Famous designers from different countries have created Olympic uniforms representing their home teams. These will be  showcased during the 2012 summer games.

While some designers created looks strictly for the opening ceremonies, others have gone above and beyond to create performance wear lines athletes can actually compete in called “team kits.” With the whole world watching, we can assure you these Olympic Games are are going to mirror a true fashion runway show!

Here we take a look at 7 different countries’ Olympic uniforms (with our favorite being first) and the renowned designers who created their unique looks.

1st Place:

Jamaica (opening ceremony and team kit) designed by singer and designer Cedella Marley (Bob Marley’s daughter) in collaboration with Puma.


Marley said she used some of her father’s songs as inspiration for her designs. The line is vibrant and upbeat with flashy prints, a reflection of the Caribbean country’s culture.

2nd Place:

United Kingdom  (team kit) designed by Stella McCartney in collaboration with Adidas.

“I always was excited from a design point of view in pushing boundaries on design technology so having access to materials that were cutting edge in the sporting arena and also working with different fabrics, ” said McCartney.

3rd Place:

Republic of San Marino (opening ceremony) designed by Salvatore Ferragamo.


In true Italian chic style, the line covers everything from sportswear to gala event with an emphasis on sophistication and craftsmanship.

4th Place:

New Zealand (opening ceremony) designed by Rodd & Gunn.


The line has a 1960s retro feel with the white trimmed blazers and busy patterned dresses.

5th Place:

France (equestrian team kit) designed by Hermes.


Hermes created tailored riding jackets using flexible technical fabrics to be worn by the show jumping and evening team.

6th Place:

United States (opening ceremony) designed by Ralph Lauren.


Although Ralph Lauren is under fire for these uniforms being made in China, we still think the red, white and navy designs represent true American patriotism and athleticism. However, we must question the berets, they look très French.

7th Place:

Italy (team kit) designed by Giorgio Armani.

“”Fashion represents a great Italian flag for the whole world and it is a beautiful idea to combine it with sports,” said Armani.

The London Olympic uniforms really represent a wide array of cultural styles and it’s incredible to see such big name designers coming forward to show their support.

Ambush Makeover For A Friend – A Do Or A Don’t?

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Have you ever thought about changing a female co-workers image? If so, don’t, and we repeat DON’T, suprise her with a Today Show style ambush makeover. She will feel humiliated and hurt.

Instead, talk to this person first to ensure they are on board. Then, and ONLY then, seek out a professional but PRIVATE image consultation.

In the world of fashion and beauty, we share stories with other image consultants. Recently, we heard about a company that drove an employee across the country (from Ohio!) for a “meeting in NYC”. Unbeknownst to her, she was meeting a stylist for a complete image overhaul. Let’s call her Betty.

Betty cried (not tears of joy) but went along with it anyway. She was already hundreds of miles from home and probably felt the pressure. With a fake smile plastered on her face, she sat through a hair makeover and color, a make-up tutorial and tried on dress after dress in Bloomingdales.

After an 8 hour day of altering her look, Betty went back to Ohio only to quit her job and return all the clothes her boss and personal shopper had purchased in NYC. She wasn’t ready for a change or willing to budge from her comfort zone.

With that being said, there are certain styles that should NEVER be tried in the professional world. Unfortunatly, Betty was sporting most of them.

If you are trying to determine whether or not your co-worker needs an image update, check this list for our top 3 cringe-worthy styles. But remember, sometimes the soft approach is a better remedy for bad fashion than a surprise beauty and wardrobe trip:

Business in the front, party in the back hair (A.K.A. mullets)

There should be no party going on with your hair if you want to be taken seriously. To change a mullet hairstyle into a more polished do, cut off the length in the back and go with a shorter, choppier style with bangs. This will look more professional but still keeps things fun.

Moo Moo dresses


Do not hide under shapeless dresses. They look sloppy and are unflattering. Clothing does not have to be skin tight but a little tailoring goes a long way in making you look better and feel more confident. Wrap dresses (we love Diane Von Furstenburg‘s signature wrap dress) and dresses with rouching are great alternative styles that will accentuate your shape while concealing flaws.

Purple eyeliner


Colored eye make-up can make you look like a clown if not put on properly. If you must have purple on your eyes, we suggest laying off the bold hued pencil and opting for a soft lilac shadow instead. Also, head to your local department store’s make-up counter for a free tutorial on how to apply eye make-up.