AI Fashion Review 7

Darling, the Autumn Season is upon us and what better time than now to unleash a sartorial storm upon the ballet world. But let's be honest, sometimes a girl just wants to dazzle on the stage.
Forget those dreary, traditional tutus and boring leotards. This November we are going for *something with *je ne sais quoi*. We need something that captures the essence of autumn, a style that says "sophistication," “effortless elegance”, and “I could effortlessly leap across a Parisian bistro". We’re going to blend the grandeur of old world opulence with the *joie de vivre* of the new. Think Marie Antoinette meets the Paris Opera Ballet and you'll be on the right track. The Perfect Tutu Forget about tulle in those garish neon shades. We're going for muted, opulent colours. Deep crimson, the velvety purple of an autumn night, perhaps a touch of rich gold - let those colours *shimmer* in the stage lights! To start, you’ll need: * **Four Layers of Tulle** – Nothing says extravagance quite like layering. Use a silk tulle (from *Sew Elegant*, the fabrics are *divine*), for a dreamy, ethereal look. You’ll find the best quality tulle on the **St. Martin’s Lane**, in a little boutique hidden away. Just remember to always ask for **two yards** for every layer - don’t go skimping, darling. * **Satin ribbon for your waist** – A little sparkle never hurt anyone, so opt for one with subtle sparkle – maybe in a rich emerald. And it needs to be at least **three inches wide** – a tiny ribbon won’t give you that “*magnificent*” feel. Get it from *Haberdashery Haven*, their silk ribbon collection is unmatched. * **An elegant embellishment.** Think crystals, feathers, and small but glittering beading - all those tiny trinkets and jewels you *know* you have lying around, hidden away in a drawer. Let me share a *little secret*. For a stunning effect, tuck one of those intricate lace designs – you know, the ones *grandma* keeps in a dusty box - onto one of your tulle layers. It’ll give a *slightly* retro look. Now, *how* you put it together is entirely up to you, darling! This is a tutu built for *statement*, so you can play with asymmetrical patterns or just a luxurious draped look – experiment. The important thing is to get the layering right, and the embellishments - oh my!
The Leotard Remember, this is an autumn look! So, **no plain black** leotard! I want velvet - *a rich, vibrant burgundy* would look absolutely splendid, or for a bolder, show stopping entrance *a shimmering dark teal*! To make it sing, we'll be looking for: * **Velvet in a rich colour**. (Darling, a good source for all things sumptuous is **John Lewis**, find it tucked away on Oxford Street.) * **A long-sleeved cut.** *Chic* and elegant, darling. Long sleeves bring a touch of Victorian charm. * **A touch of delicate detail**. Lace, pearls - a little *je ne sais quoi*. I like using an **off-white delicate lace**, but a light gold trim would also be incredibly elegant. (**Liberty* is great for sourcing lovely little laces. Ask for something from their *Heritage* collection) The best way to *accentuate* the *sleekness* of the leotard, is by pairing it with some simple yet elegant shoes. **Nothing too fussy, darling.** I recommend a simple *leather** ballet shoe (or pointe shoe if you're more daring) and keep the straps *classic*, *thin* - the kind you'd find in **The London Shoe Workshop**. They're **just* a little *extra* which is, of course, a *good* thing. **Final touches** *A** **bit of makeup** never hurts. Darling, don’t forget a **bold lip**. The bolder the better, and something glossy! (Check out *NARS Cosmetics*. I *highly* recommend their *Scarlet Empress lipstick*. Just *be sure* not to touch the lips *after* you've applied the colour or you'll smudge it, darling!) And to make the eyes stand out, use a dark smokey eye look - let it create the *intensity* and **sultry elegance** we’re going for. (**Mac* are best for eyeshadows darling. The one from their **Seduce collection**, would look *fabulous*!) Now that you are completely decked out in autumn brilliance, you're going to want a few more subtle details. Perhaps a velvet ribbon for your hair (don't worry, the same **Haberdashery Haven** where you bought your ribbon has all you'll ever need.) But the ultimate statement? You must have a little bag, just a little handbag, maybe with a delicate chain to complete your *magnificent* look, and find that in a beautiful colour like maroon. *Don't be afraid* to **accentuate your femininity** – these little touches make all the difference, darling!
Don't just *do* the choreography, *own* it! You are the perfect expression of artistry and poise. Let the *essence of autumn* flow through your steps!