Katie Trotter: On being polished and poised



Poised, polished and appropriate - all words to describe this summer's latest trend. Not the most exciting, of course, but then again neither are the Middletons. But before you write the look off as uninspired or unobtainable, take a minute to think things over.

Think for a moment of a world free of unsuitable high heels and uncomfortable strapless bras. Think of a world free from Spanx, spray tans, neurotic layering and the general everyday slog. Instead think of a risk-free life, a self-assured one of composure and dignity of manner. Think about long walks in the park without the fixture of a permanent grimace. Think about ease and finesse, of stolen glances with a romantic stranger across afternoon tea. Which, come to think of it, sounds like an altogether rather appealing version of life.

So how do we achieve this? Well, for a start, poise is not so much a style as it is an art, and despite what the punters may say it's one that can, in fact, be learnt. The number one rule is modesty. It may be obvious but hemlines shouldn't rise above the knee and décolletage must be kept well under wraps.

When it comes to footwear think the unthinkable - practicality. Poise doesn't wobble or flounder or throb. Platforms are out (too risqué) as are straps as thin as dental floss (too sultry). Instead opt for a midlevel heel with a built-in platform.

Stick to heavier fabrics that keep their shape. A good test is to roll your dress, jacket or trousers into a ball and hold it tightly for a minute or two. A garment that will hold its shape should not wrinkle on unravelling.

If you are going to invest, choose a well-fitted jacket as this will be a key note to work around. Another trick is to go with one "flash" item; a smart YSL tote bag sets the mood for the rest of your look, even if you picked it up in the discount basket at Marks & Spencer.

It's also important not to appear too severe - one sharply tailored garment per look should be enough. Not everything has to be high end - the key is to mix and match. Look to midlevel brands such as Jigsaw and Reiss for cut and quality. No one apart from you will know the huge topaz rock on your finger is made of glass.

Hair and make-up should be neat and unassuming, and accessories should be kept simple. You want to look like someone who cares enough about your appearance to look good - but not so much that you are superficial.

As I said, this isn't quite what dreams are made of - not exactly a fashion moment. Which perhaps is the point. It's a brave (and I predict extremely short) attempt at anti-fashion. So enjoy it while it lasts.

M-ometer

This week's highs and lows

INES'S LITTLE DIARIES We love watching this muse's videos on www.rogervivier.com.

BRIDAL OVERLOAD Now it's the model Anja Rubik who needs a custom-made Emilio Pucci dress. Yawn.

A/W 2011 COUTURE SHOWS Fresh off the catwalk, our fave couturier, Alexis Mabille,wows us again.

IN THE PINK Why is the designer Chris Benz sporting neon pink hair?

NAOMI FOR GIVENCHY The ever-dramatic supermodel rocks the new Givenchy ad campaign.

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.

Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion

The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".

The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.

He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.

"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.

As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.

Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Disclaimer

Director: Alfonso Cuaron 

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville 

Rating: 4/5

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'Midnights'
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Look north

BBC business reporters, like a new raft of government officials, are being removed from the national and international hub of London and surely the quality of their work must suffer.