PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: NEW YEAR, NEW WARDROBE?

As we head into a new year, often we may feel refreshed and invigorated to stick to goals we have set ourselves! If one of your resolutions is to feel more stylish, confident, or even work on making new connections, get a new job, or build your business – one way to start can be understanding your wardrobe and style in a better way.

Where to start with a new personal style

The first step to discovering your new style, is to understand what you want to portray through your fashion. A few questions I always ask my styling clients are:

• What are the first few words you’d like people to think of when they see you?

• Who are your style icons or inspirations?

• Do you feel a certain way in particular colours?

When you know these, it can help you start developing a sort of style mood board, which is what I create with my personal styling clients on Pinterest, to help you see a selection of options in one space that will help you with future purchases.

Remove items for your wardrobe that don’t fit within your style

When you know the type of style you want to portray through your clothes, that you feel confident in and showcases the personality you’d like to convey, you can then start to edit your current wardrobe.

Having a wardrobe detox helps with several things when it comes to developing your personal style:

• It will save you time each day – no more wondering what will go with what!

• Your wardrobe will work smoothly together as full outfits that you can mix and match easily.

• You’ll no longer have any clothes that you don’t feel comfortable in – removing items that don’t fit you is one of the most important parts of this process, as well as the ones you don’t love or feel confident in when you put them on.

Once you have a wardrobe of items you already own, that work within your style you can move onto the next step – finding new items that work with your current ones!

How to find clothes that work with your personal style

Now you have a wardrobe that you can maximise outfits from, that makes you feel your best, and you have a curated mood board for your style inspiration, you can begin your shopping journey!

As a personal shopper myself, I am sure you wouldn’t be surprised to hear that I think making a shopping experience fun, enjoyable and functional is the most important part of your shopping experiences! You’ll want to make sure you do a few things before heading to the shops (whether online or in person).

• Note which items you want to purchase to create outfits from your current pieces in your wardrobe.

• What new items do you want to get to create new outfits?

• What is your budget for this particular shop, or perhaps your quarterly shop? Knowing your finances that you are happy to spend each season for particular items will make sure you know what you can invest in and what you need to save for.

• What colours do you want to add to your wardrobe, if any?

• Which accessories would be a great addition to your collection to help develop fuller more diverse outfits? Whether it’s a belt, a bag, shoes, jewellery, or hair pieces, accessories can transform a look and finish an outfit!

When you have a plan, and an understanding of the style and messages you want to convey through your styling choices, your shopping experiences should be more economical and more useful for you. When we reactively buy because of new year’s sales, a sudden need for something quickly, and without thought, it can cause us to buy items that we ultimately don’t wear. Fast fashion, trends, and garments that don’t last cause us to spend our valuable money on pieces that don’t suit our style for the long term. Taking time to consider what you want your style to showcase, why you want to create that style for yourself – perhaps for your work wardrobe, your confidence, journeying into a new age bracket, or merely to feel great – can truly make a huge difference to how you feel.

Clothes and fashion should work for you – not against you. I hope you will walk into the new year with more confidence and joy each day, and if you’d love help to do this using fashion as one of the tools to manage this, please get in touch.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SHOPPING TRIP

If you have already managed to get to your local high street, you will have noticed that many people are making the most of once again being able to shop, eat, and connect with loved ones. But the new normal may feel a little daunting in terms of getting out and shopping for perfect items for your wardrobe, without wasting your time and money.

In this article, I wanted to share my guide to maximising your shopping trip to make it enjoyable, functional, and economical. This is so important, as shopping, particularly for fashion, should be an enjoyable experience. For many, it can be overwhelming and expensive, particularly as at the moment, many stores are not allowed to have changing rooms.

Have your technology ready

The first important thing to note for going shopping after lockdown is that many stores will have a QR code to scan for your NHS tracker. Make sure you have that set up on your phone, and can easily check in and move into the store.

Technology can also be really handy too to help you know the items you want to get – so bring your phone with your style board already downloaded (if you’d like your very own style & confidence boosting guide, book my styling session!). This can be a really excellent way to make sure you are picking up the right items for your personal style, without getting distracted by the current trends that feel shiny and new, but may not suit your current wardrobe.

Know what you need, and what you want

What you need and what you want are two wonderfully different things when it comes to shopping. Knowing which of each you would like to get when shopping will help you feel more in control of what you are looking for, rather than aimlessly walking through shops, feeling like you can’t find what you want!

How to know what you need:

1.       Consider the outfits you already have and love – see if they need an update for the season

2.       If you have a go-to outfit that you love, but perhaps an item doesn’t fit, or you have only one so can only wear it once, then see what extras you need to replicate the look regularly!

3.       Know your basics – do you have them? For example – do you have an easy to wear light jumper for spring; perfect jeans you can pop on and feel confident in; a tee that can be comfortable but suitable for seeing colleagues, loved ones, and friends; and if you need an update in shoe options since we’ve been in slippers for a year!

How to know what you want:

1.       If you love a certain style of outfit but your wardrobe doesn’t currently accommodate, you can see if you can make this from items you find while shopping

2.       Non-essential items in your wardrobe, but ones that will bring a little more personality and joy to your outfits.

3.       Special occasion events – let’s be honest, we aren’t going out to lots of parties, so a special occasion outfit isn’t as essential as work, meeting, and networking outfits!

Once you have your “needs” and “wants” lists with you, keep them in your bag so you can refer back to them throughout your shopping trip and tick them off as you pick them up.

Do some research!

One thing my clients find so helpful once we’ve had our personal shopping together is seeing how we plan prior to the shopping trip. I do my research on local shops that offer the colours, cuts, styles, and personal brand options that my client wants.

This helps us to know more than just the right shops to visit, but also that they will be a good shop to go to and enjoy the experience. For example, if you are looking solely for excellent jeans, then you should find the highest recommended jeans shop in your area, or go to a store like Selfridges which has a lot on offer in one easy to visit area. You can then try different brands to see which ones fit your body best.

Within this research stage, you could check out the outfit ideas that are shown on the shop’s Instagram, and website to inspire you for future outfits. It’s also important to know the sizes that fit you in this store. This can be a learning curve, and without being able to try on in the store for many shops, you may want to get a few sizing options and ignore the number – it is different in so many places and is not a reflection of anything other than the shop’s creations.

Enjoy the shopping experience

My most important thing to remember when you go shopping is to enjoy it.

So often we are rushing around, feeling concerned about our timing, other things to do, where to go, and what to find. With your research and list in your pocket, your style knowledge on your phone so you know exactly which colours, cuts, and stores to gravitate to, you have removed the stress element. Then you can make the experience an enjoyable one.

Give yourself time to walk around the shops – don’t have appointments you have to rush to afterwards, let this be a meeting with yourself that you can enjoy.

Find a local coffee shop for a pick me up – I find having some delicious coffee, or tea, stopping for lunch, and knowing the little places you can stop, recuperate, and enjoy the day, is so important to my mindset when shopping.

Bring a friend – when we are able to shop with different households, see if you can bring a friend that is confidence-boosting, who knows you well, and can perhaps bring a different idea to your clothing choices that really reflect you, but perhaps push you to new styles you may not have picked up.

Use a professional – if you still feel overwhelmed by the whole experience, I would love to recommend finding a local stylist who can help you. Whether it’s an online guide, a personalised experience, or just seeing what professionals suggest, will make shopping happy for you.

I hope these tips have helped you feel more encouraged about the shopping experience for yourself. If you have any questions or want to discuss how I can help, please reach out – I love making sure all of my clients get to enjoy their wardrobe and feel confident every day.

7 TIPS TO FIND THE PERFECT PAIR OF TROUSERS

In this article I am delighted to have a guest post from tailor, Dara Stringham, who shares her advice on how to find the perfect trousers for you, and how to use a tailor to help make them fit perfectly.

Why is it so hard to find trousers that fit?

7 tips to get the perfect pair of trousers

I’m sure that most of us have asked ourselves this question: Why is it so hard to find trousers that fit? And perhaps we’ve taken it further to think: What is wrong with my shape?

The truth is that trousers are one of the most difficult garments to get right - especially for women. We all carry our weight in different ways and as we age our shape changes too. I am certainly seeing a difference in my waistline now that I have reached my forties. Partly it’s having had children, but it’s also natural metabolic changes that occur as we grow older.

When drafting a pair of trousers for my clients, I take into account a variety of factors that go beyond simple measurements. For example, the shape of the hips, tummy, thighs, and seat. Are they round or straight, what is the angle of the hips from front to back, left to right, the overall posture?

Conventional ready-to-wear can only accommodate a basic symmetrical shape - and if you’re lucky you’ll fit into it. However, it’s far more common not to, which is why I’d like to share a few tips on getting trousers to fit better, and what to consider when purchasing a pair.

1.     Always fit your largest measurement.

When purchasing clothing, it’s a good rule of thumb to fit your largest measurement and then work with an alterations tailor to fit the rest of the garment to your shape. So, if your hips are wide, make sure you have enough room in the trousers to sit comfortably and not have unsightly creases cutting across your thighs. Then have the waist taken in to fit.

Have a look at the waistband on the trousers, and ask yourself these questions:

·       Does it have a centre back seam?

·       Are there belt loops that might get in the way?

·       How easy is it to open and detach from the trouser legs?

·       Are there pockets in the side seam which could make taking it in at this point more difficult?

Considering these questions when you are shopping will help you decide whether it will be an easy alteration or a more complex one. If you’re not sure, buy them and take them to a tailor for advice.

2.     Find a tailor that will do a fitting with you.

Following on from my point above, I would suggest finding a tailor or dressmaker that will do a fitting with you. So, rather than going in and saying, “I need the waist taking in by 4cm”, have your tailor look at the fit with you. Often in addition to taking in or letting out the waist, adjustments need to be made to the crotch and inside leg seam. Having an expert give you advice is the best way to achieve a good result. For tips on how to find a good tailor you can read my blog here.

3.     Consider the seam allowance.

Most conventional garments only have 1cm seam allowance to save on production and material costs. However, better brands will have a deeper seam allowance of around 2cm for the leg seams, and 3+cm on the centre back. Taking note of this at time of purchase will give you more scope for alterations in the future - especially letting out your favourite pair of trousers should it become necessary. (And after a year at home this is increasingly the case!)

4.     Buy more than one pair.

As a good pair of trousers are so difficult to find, I recommend buying more than one pair of the same design if you find ones that fit. I have so many clients who come to me disappointed that their favourite pair are no longer stocked. Retailers change their collections, even their basic styles, on a regular basis. So don’t rely on your favourite design being available forever.

5.     Find the best style to suit your shape.

Finding the perfect trousers begins with understanding which style suits you best. Are you long or short waisted? Are your legs long or short in comparison to your torso? What is your overall body shape? A personal stylist such as Stefania can give you expert advice on which styles are best for you and more importantly where to find them. For example, if you are long waisted, high rise trousers are ideal for you. They optically shorten the torso and lengthen your legs bringing your body into proportion. Or if you are wider on your top half than your lower half you could choose wide legged trousers to balance this out.

6. Consider the pockets.

Pockets and their placement can play a big role in the fit of trousers. If you have a round tummy slanted pockets on the front are more likely to gape open and add bulk where you don’t want it. Instead, having pockets in the inseam or choosing ones that can be closed with a zipper can be a better option.

On the back, the placement of patch or jetted pockets with flaps can help break up the area. Again, considering your shape and knowing what will work best for it is important.

7. Trouser Pleats.

Pleats or sharp creases are a great way to define the leg and make sure it looks neat and long. The vertical line creates length. The direction of the pleats is also important. If they are facing towards the middle, they draw the eyes inwards, minimising wide hips. Folded towards the outside the reverse is true. So, a simple reversal of the pleat direction can make a big difference to the look of the trousers.

I hope the above tips are useful and give you some ideas on how to achieve a better fit. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

And if you’d like to find out more about the most common fit problems when it comes to trousers you could also read my post here.

NEW YEAR NEW YOU - TOP TIPS TO KICK START 2021 AND FEEL YOUR BEST

As a personal stylist I love helping my clients boost their confidence through their personal style and with a wardrobe that they feel truly showcases their personality. This year has been a tough one for so many of us, so I wanted to share some of my confidence boosting tips to help you start 2021 with a growth of confidence and feel your best!

Find colours that you love and wear them more often

Do you find that sometimes you put something on that is in a certain colour and you just feel more confident? Colour can be a truly transformative element to our confidence. Bright colours, especially during the colder months, can be a wonderful way to make you feel a little more bright and fun. Try adding some colour to your outfit with accessories like a hat, scarf, or if you’re feeling really adventurous a coat or go for a classic with some bright and beautiful shoes!

Dress up for yourself

With everything that’s been going on in 2020, many of us have been staying indoors, living in our yoga pants, or pyjamas unless a meeting calls for it. Although this was fun at the beginning, it can feel a little repetitive. I find dressing up can really improve my mood, and is something I am actively doing at least twice a week. Whether it’s for date night indoors with your partner, a meeting online, or just to get yourself some coffee, going the extra mile with your outfit can be a great way to improve your confidence.

Whether it’s a demure long dress for the evening, or a glamourous shirt that you feel great in, treat yourself to an outfit you love and wear it.

Actually treat yourself!

Relaxation and self-care are ways to help build your confidence, and are important parts to helping us feel our best. For me, having a relaxing bath is a really lovely way to treat myself, and makes me feel great – I get to read a book, light some candles, and have some wonderful smelling body soaks to unwind. For other ideas you can treat yourself by painting your nails, reading a book, taking a break for coffee, calling a loved one, or using some wonderful body care items.

However you are planning to spend the last week of the year, and planning for 2021, I hope you spend time on yourself too. If you would like to treat yourself to the gift of a wardrobe that brings you joy, please do get in touch and we can organise an online Personal Style Masterclass together! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

PERSONAL SHOPPING TIPS: HOW COVID-19 HAS CHANGED FASHION TRENDS

2020 has been a strange year for all of us, and as a personal shopper and stylist I have seen many changes within the world of fashion. From access to sustainability, and even the trends that reflect the mood of the world right now, we are seeing huge changes in the industry. Within this article, I wanted to share some of my findings as well as the winter trends that we have seen previously, versus the trends we are seeing right now.

2019 Winter Fashion Trends:

In 2019, fashion during the winter was all about sparkles, dresses, and formal wear with fun at their core. With many people having special events to attend and parties to go to, fashion during this year, as with many years previously, reflected these events within their clothing ranges.

You will have potentially invested in some party dresses, sparkly jumpers, a long beautiful coat or gorgeous shoes for a special occasion in the past and either re-used them with a few additional accessories to change up the look, and hoped to do the same this year with a diary of events with work colleagues, friends, or family. To say our diaries probably look a lot different now is an understatement, and fashion houses are showing these huge changes within their collections.

2020 Winter Fashion Trends.

The real puzzle, after working from home which, for many, was a completely new thing this year, as well as shops being closed, parties being a no-go (at least in person) and gatherings not on the cards for the near future, your plans will undoubtedly look different. The truth is that fashion trends adapt to times and people’s needs, and nothing has been seen more this year than the need for comfort, but with a twist. People are becoming fed up of wearing their yoga pants and pyjamas, the element of enjoyment and fun wearing these items seems to have tired, and people now want to dress up, if even for an online gathering, small social event outside, or a date with their loved one in the home.

Here are some trends I have seen for this winter, from head to toe, from high street to high end!

Comfortable & Luxurious Sweaters

Countless companies have been adding loungewear to their collections, and there is no difference for the Winter styles, however, a touch of sparkle is being brought in. From cosy jumpers with a touch of sparkle,  to luxurious yet comfortable loungewear sets, expect to make comfort & luxury a combination that will remain this month!

Upgraded Loungewear

Countless companies have been adding loungewear to their collections, and there is no difference for the Winter styles this year. Luxurious materials, unique colours, and comfort at the heart of each design, these loungewear designs have changed the way we can look at these comfortable styles. From luxurious yet comfortable loungewear sets, to a beautiful dusty pink set in soft cotton-jersey  expect to make comfort & luxury a combination that will remain this month.

Fun & inspiring words

I’ve seen the classic sayings on tops and jumpers for a few years now, and with 2020 being as it has been, we all need a little bit of positivity, if even on our clothing to remind us & bring a smile to our faces, and to those we connect with through VC or in person. From eco-cashmere jumpers by Alberta Ferretti with a range of positive quotes, to colourful rainbow sweatshirts that are more casual, clothing is working to bring a smile to your face during these colder months.

Leggings and Jogging bottoms get an upgrade

With many of us only needing to dress-up from the waist up, we are seeing many designers creating luxe-joggers and leggings. From suede effect joggers by Max Mara, to cream knitted joggers by Mint Velvet, expect your jogging bottoms to feel amazing, and perhaps even work outside of the home (if you so wish).

Keep your feet warm!

If you’re foregoing the stilettos this year, or perhaps having your work Christmas do online, then you’ll be pleased to hear that keeping snuggly and warm for your feet is top of the agenda. Whether it’s gorgeous shearling-lined slip-ons by Porte & Paire, or cosy knitted booties from Mint Velvet, expect the most comfortable year yet – at least for your feet!

Glam but Comfortable

If you are on the lookout for a party-ready look, then designers have a huge host of comfortable yet glamourous styles that have come to retailers across the globe. So for those of you looking to dress up this Christmas, why not try a beautiful lace shirt by Dolce and Gabbana or a more budget friendly version by  & Other Stories to add some drama to your look? If you love dresses, then there are countless comfortably glam styles to choose from. I think a knitted dress is  great way to feel comfortable and warm, yet stylish, and with the right care they can last for years, so when we are able to go out once again, you can re-wear them. From a casual-chic cashmere and wool-blend midi dress by Isabel Marant with balloon sleeves, to a zebra patterned jersey midi dress with turtleneck and A-line silhouette, there are some beautiful options to get dressed up while remaining comfortable this season.

So, will you be dressing to impress this season, or will you be investing in some comfortably chic items to add to your Working from Home looks?