Embracing the Capsule Wardrobe: Finding Joy in Less

In a world inundated with fast fashion and overflowing closets, finding joy in a smaller, more concise wardrobe might seem like a daunting task. However, as someone who has undergone a transformative journey from fashion excess to the simplicity of a capsule wardrobe, I can attest to the incredible power it holds in not just simplifying your style, but also in unlocking a sense of empowerment and joy.

Confessions of a Former Shopaholic

Hands up, I confess: I used to do it all wrong. From being a shopaholic to hoarding fast fashion pieces, my wardrobe was once bursting at the seams with items I rarely wore. However, life had other plans for me, and a move from Italy to London nine years ago forced me to confront the chaos of my closet and reevaluate my relationship with fashion.

The Journey to Wardrobe Renaissance

Downsizing my closet became a necessity, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It marked the beginning of my journey towards a wardrobe renaissance. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of letting go of my excess of clothing, I embraced it as an opportunity to redefine my personal style and embrace a more intentional approach to dressing.

Personal Styling Principles

One of the pivotal moments in my wardrobe transformation was applying the same styling principles I used on others to myself. I began to discern what truly empowered me and what was merely cluttering my closet. By focusing on pieces that complemented my figure, lifestyle, and personality, I was able to curate a wardrobe that reflected my authentic self.

Strategic Shopping

Gone were the days of aimlessly browsing through racks of clothing in pursuit of the latest trends. Instead, I adopted a more strategic approach to shopping. Every purchase became a deliberate choice, guided by the principles of quality over quantity. By investing in fewer, but higher-quality pieces, I not only reduced clutter but also cultivated a collection of timeless staples that stood the test of time.

Quality over Quantity

The shift from a mindset of quantity to one of quality was a game-changer. Rather than succumbing to the allure of cheap, disposable fashion, I learned to appreciate the craftsmanship and durability of well-made garments. This shift not only had a positive impact on my wardrobe but also on my overall mindset towards consumption and sustainability.

Advocating for the Capsule Wardrobe

Today, as a passionate advocate for the capsule wardrobe lifestyle, I am committed to helping others unlock the power of a curated closet. It's not just about having fewer clothes; it's about having the right clothes – pieces that bring joy, confidence, and versatility into your everyday life. Whether you're embarking on your own wardrobe journey or simply seeking inspiration to simplify your style, I invite you to join me in embracing the beauty of less and discovering the joy that comes from a wardrobe that truly sparks joy.

In a world where more is often equated with better, the concept of a capsule wardrobe offers a refreshing alternative. By prioritising quality over quantity and embracing a more intentional approach to dressing, we can not only simplify our lives but also rediscover the joy and empowerment that comes from a curated closet. So, why not take the first step towards a more mindful wardrobe today? Trust me, the journey is well worth it.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: THE BASICS OF PERSONAL STYLING - HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR UNIQUE STYLE

Personal style is often something my clients feel is “out of reach” or only for those with their own team of stylists to help them curate expensive, large, uneconomical wardrobes. But what if I told you this isn’t what personal styling is about?

Your unique style is something you can curate, enjoy and discover, with a few simple tips and insights. As a personal stylist myself, I have gone through a few style changes. When I was in Italy, in a fashion house, then when I became a Mum, following that when I launched my own business, and when I celebrated certain milestones. These may be moments for you where you feel you need to mould your wardrobe slightly, but that doesn’t mean your core unique personal style changes.

In this article I wanted to share with you a few tips to help you discover how to create your own personal style, and make a wardrobe that you love.

Why is a unique style something to embrace?

Do you have a wardrobe that feels scattered, unauthentic or filled with garments you feel you should love but just don’t quite sit right? This is a wardrobe that doesn’t reflect your personal style. You may have to wear a uniform, or feel that you have to follow certain expectations in your own life, so you’re making investments in clothes that others impose upon you, rather than your own.

A unique style is something that can help you find the stores, clothes, outfits, patterns, and shapes that you feel your best in. It will reflect your personality (as is in the name!) and you will finally feel “yourself” in the pieces you put together. The transformation and relaxation this can give you is priceless. I promise you, when you discover your own unique style, your wardrobe and confidence will fall more in place than before. Just like finding a hobby you love, a personal style that is truly yours will bring you joy and comfort.

Start by finding inspiration

The easiest way to start finding your personal style is by finding others who have a style you love. Look on Instagram, find celebrities, and utilise Pinterest to collate a storyboard of inspiration for your style.

Being able to quickly look at a collection of those you find inspiring in terms of fashion, then helps you consider how you can reflect this in your wardrobe.

If you’re finding it difficult to do, speak with a friend and ask them to share who they feel are the top celebrities that are similar to your personality. This can then help you search for similar people to get more ideas!

Backwards picture search/Link to Know

You may have seen that plenty of Instagram “influencers” share in their content to “click the link in my bio” to shop their wardrobe. This is done with an app called “Link to Know”. The great thing about this app is you can search based on styles, trending, and even follow creators you like. This gives you the opportunity to physically shop their wardrobe so you can replicate your own creations. This is great if you find it difficult to create outfits on your own.

Another way to do this is to “backwards picture search” on google, by inputting a picture to Google and using the shopping option. Apps like Asos also have this option in their search function too, and they will use the picture you have uploaded and suggest garments that the AI can see.

Consider the personality you have

One of the first things I do with my clients during a colour and style clinic, is finding out all about their own personality. We go through different styles like abstract and romantic (there are lots of different ones!) to then make a board that reflects them. There may be mixes of the different styles with one main style at the top. This can then influence the pieces that you’ll feel your best in.

You can find out even more about the different style personalities, and how to define them, in our blog post, here, or book a colour and style clinic with me to work together.

This personal style base can then work for your outfits, while you can curate outfits that work with your daily needs such as work and family, without feeling outside of yourself.

Find the colours and patterns you love

When you find colours and patterns that make you joyous, your wardrobe will be filled with pieces you love! Colour has a strong relationship with mindfulness and happiness. Whether you love deep rich colours or bright ones, find the colours that make you feel joy.

It may feel a little overwhelming to pack your once neutral wardrobe with colour and pattern straight away, so take it in stages! Accessories, handbags, even nail varnish, can be an inexpensive solution for you to start.

If you want to find the colours that would work best for your skin tone, book in for a Colour Clinic, and we can do this together. This will also provide you with your full fabric book of the colours that work together, including your base colours, neutrals and accent colours. This will help you put colours together in your wardrobe and create outfits that work in synergy.

The most important thing that fashion should do for you is make you feel great. On days when you may feel low, an outfit should be easy to pull together, because you have a wardrobe that feels truly “you”. If this isn’t how you are feeling right now about your wardrobe, I’d love to support you.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW TO DRESS FOR AN AUTUMNAL WEDDING

Autumn can be a tricky time to dress for, then add on top of that an occasion such as a wedding and you may be baffled for what to wear.

In the UK, Autumn tends to be drizzly and cool – so being prepared for these weather changes is essential for your outfit.

In this blog, I’ll be sharing some top tips on how to dress for an autumnal wedding so you still feel appropriately dressed for the special occasion, even if the weather decides to change on you!

Select a warm layer

Layering is all important at this time of year. You’ll want to have a small additional layer to pop into your handbag, hotel room or car for the late afternoon/evening. Something like a bolero, pashmina, or blazer can be excellent solutions.

A pashmina works over dresses, jumpsuits and suits, and can be a boho-chic option, while a bolero is a more formal option. A blazer is an excellent solution for your two piece outfit, and you could go all out and wear a formal suit for the wedding, or why not play with different colours to make a statement?

Another option to keep yourself warm during an autumnal wedding, particularly if you are in older venue without heating (or when the fire isn’t lit) or if you are at an outdoor wedding, is to look for hosiery. A thicker dernier pair of tights can go a long way to keeping warm, without deterring from the elegance of your outfit.

Sleeve length

While during the spring and summer you may be wearing sleeveless or short sleeved garments, an autumn wedding may call for a longer sleeve. A ¾ length sleeve is a great option for this time of year and can be excellent for highlighting your waist. Look for a length of sleeve that stops right at the smaller part of your waist so it brings the eye in.

A full length sleeve is another option, and can be perfect for outdoor weddings where you know it will get a little chilly.

For an elegant look, why not try a dress with a cape attachment? This covers the shoulders, and adds an additional layer for warmth.

Play with suiting

Suits are becoming more and more fashionable, and are a beautiful choice for an autumnal wedding. Look for autumnal colours to really pop for the season, and match with a warm, elegant shirt underneath. To really play with the suiting element, you could mix and match your blazer and trousers, and add accessories to make the look more feminine such as jewellery, heels and your bag.

I wrote an article all about how to style a suit, for more inspiration, should you want to try a suit.

Try a jumpsuit

A jumpsuit is an effective option for this cooler weather as it keeps your legs covered, while looking formal and fun. Depending on the colour, pattern and style, you can dress up or dress down the jumpsuit to match the wedding.

Look out for the right shape for your body shape to elevate your confidence. Some jumpsuits can have a shorter torso or gusset area, so I always recommend trying your jumpsuit on at the shop.

One of the most important things about dressing for a special occasion is to feel confident and align with the dresscode. If you’re unsure on what to wear, speak with the couple or fellow attendees to gauge what level of styling will suit best. If it is a black tie or more casual affair, this will help inspire you for the outfit.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: FINDING THE PERFECT JEANS AND HOW TO STYLE THEM

When it comes to the “go to” casual look for many of us, it’s got to be the jeans and tee/top combination. However, when we are looking for jeans that suit our body shapes, it can be a minefield!

Which of the countless styles, colours, rises, and shapes work for our body shapes so we can feel confident in the outfit? Well, if you are wondering which styles will best suit your body shape, this blog will help you.

Wide Legged Jeans

Wide legged jeans are back from the 90’s, and they are the comfortable, cool style we want to wear but can be tricky to style depending on your personal style type.

Depending on your body shape these can be a great option for your day to day looks.

You may already be wearing your wide-legged trousers for your workwear, so these can be an easily approachable style of jeans for more casual days. Pairing with a blouse for a chic look, pop on a blazer, and a pair of heels and your jeans will elevate this style. Match the wide-legged look with a chunky knit (best for rectangle shapes or oval shapes). Or for hourglass and pear shapes, you’ll want to bring the eye to the waist with a belt and tuck in your blouse or a vest on top.

source: StyleIdealist

How to style low rise jeans

All of us who went through the low rise 90’s and 00’s looks are gasping at these, but what if there were certain ways to style them that work beautifully? While this style of jean can be more approachable for certain body shapes, it can be quite freeing to no longer be pulled in by a tight waisted jean that is mid or high rise!

For an easier move into the style, look for a mid-rise that you can size up in so it’s more relaxed and sits below the navel. Try out the wide-legged look with a lower rise for more comfort – great for pear shapes and rectangles too! While hourglasses could work this look with confidence, a top that stops at the waist (either a cropped tee or a cropped jacket to bring in the waist) will be the best option for styling. A straight leg can be another option, paired with a looser top casually tucked to elongate those with a shorter torso.

source: SylvieMus_

Ultimately, this style of jean is meant to be all about comfort and ease – moving away from the structured pulled in styles of tighter high rises – so go for the comfort and play with the style!

How to style straight leg jeans

Straight leg jeans are as they say on the tin – straight cut! They are cut straight from the waist to the ankle. They’re a great shape for oval, rectangle, and triangle shapes. They can be more tricky for pear shapes & hourglasses, but if you style them with a waist-sinching belt this can be a good option.

Styling your straight leg jeans can be more professional due to the shape, but you can rock them up by wearing a pair of black straight cut jeans with a pair of combats, and add on a leather jacket. Pop on a pair of vintage denim straight cut jeans, a fluffy cardigan and tuck it in at the waist, with your statement belt and heeled boots, and you have a chic look ready for running errands.

source: an Indigo Day

Due to the shape, they work excellently with your cowboy boots, heels, and your chunky sneakers – so these are a great accessory to play with to make the style more or less casual.

source: Style Du Monde

How to style cigarette style jeans

Another shape often reserved for the more formal trouser, cigarette styled jeans have a slim silhouette and, unlike it’s counterpart the “skinny jean”, the cigarette jean is cut straight from the knee to the ankle. They are also, often, ankle length. They are a much more approachable slim-fit style than the skinny jeans, while showing off more of our curves than the straight cut.

source: Rag & Bone

You can style them with a pair of heels, blazer and a beautiful top for a comfortable yet sexy date night look. Punk them up with a leather jacket or trench. Or, for running around with the kids, pop on an oversized blouse and sneakers and you’re ready to go.

These are my top picks for the trends this year, and you can find even more in my guide here with more styles including flares, cropped jeans and skinny jeans.

No matter the current trends, jeans should make you feel confident and comfortable. They are a versatile staple in the wardrobe and should feel approachable.

HOW TO LOOK PROFESSIONAL IN 5 MINUTES - DRESSING FOR THE SCHOOL RUN AS A WORKING MUM

When you’re juggling work, parenthood, school runs, and meetings, you want to be able to quickly and confidently create outfits that work for all of the hats you wear.

For many of us, the way we dress for work may have changed since the pandemic, but this doesn’t mean we are going to work in the comfy yoga pants we wish we could do the school run in (unless we are perhaps working from home!).

For my clients who are parents, like myself, the additional requirement to quickly and effectively get dressed before all of the additional morning tasks like breakfast, packing bags, and helping our children get out the door, is just another reason we want to get dressed in a flash.

If you feel the same, then I hope this article will help you with some advice on how to get dressed quickly for your morning, while remaining professional and ready for work.

Preparation is key!

Preparation really is the key to success when it comes to making your morning routines more enjoyable, and the same goes for when you are dressing. If you can prepare your outfit for the next day the night before, then this will drastically reduce your thinking time in the morning.

When the kids have gone to bed, and just before you tuck yourself in, take 10 minutes to create your outfit for the next day. You could go as far as putting your full outfit on the back of the bathroom door, or on a hanger together in your wardrobe. Putting it on the bathroom door can actually help by taking away any wrinkles by the steam of the morning showers!

I often create the full outfit on a hanger together with the accessories I want to wear such as a belt, head scarf, and jewellery, so I can quickly grab and go. By doing this it drastically reduces my morning stresses of trying to make an outfit that works for my day ahead, while also juggling all of the other morning requirements.

Utilise apps to save you time

When you know what you like, it can save you time buying new items and creating outfits. The beauty of tools like Pinterest and Moonsift is that they can quickly be accessed and remind you of the looks you liked and felt suited your style. On days when you are in a rush and can’t decide what to wear, you can head to the previously saved outfits & looks to inspire you in a flash.

There are also apps that you can spend a little time on at the beginning, but that will save you time that you can upload your wardrobe items to, and create outfits from them. Just like the iconic wardrobe scene in “Clueless” technology has now let us have our very own Cher moment and swipe through our items in our wardrobe to mix and match without getting sweaty.

Consider a capsule wardrobe

The most important thing, I find, when wanting to feel my best but save myself time is knowing that the items in my wardrobe can be pulled together and work together with minimal thinking. I know, as a personal stylist, I have the added benefit of training in this area, but there are some top tips to help you get there, alongside meeting with a professional who can help you do this.

A capsule wardrobe is something that can truly transform your dressing experience. A capsule wardrobe is unique for everyone, it neds to reflect your needs, your personal style, and your seasonal colours, but ultimately it will be a space that has outfits and pieces that work succinctly together. If your morning is spent worrying how you can create an outfit that works for you from everything in your wardrobe, that is an additional stress that you don’t need. I created a blog on how to create a capsule wardrobe, that explains what it is, and how to create your own. It could be a really great option for you to save you time as a working parent, to make your morning routine a little more enjoyable.

Comfort vs Workwear

While we want to remain as professional as we need to be when going to the office or meetings, we also need to be able to do the running around in comfort. This is where the requirements of comfort vs workwear can become a little tricky.

Depending on where you work you may have some wiggle room in terms of the attire you need to wear to be appropriate. For example, you could wear platforms, high quality sneakers, or flats to work, if these are appropriate. These will make a huge difference to your comfort levels when you are walking or driving the kids to school.

If the shoes need to be heeled, you could take a bag with you with those change of shoes in, and wear ballet flats or sneakers while doing the school run.

Another thing to consider is the comfort level of the bottoms. A pencil skirt or dress can be quite restrictive, while wide legged trousers or a silk midi skirt enable more room to walk and move, while still remaining professional. Paired with an elegant blouse, shirt, blazer, or high quality jumper will mean you feel comfortable while also looking professional.

Fabric choices

As we head into the warmer weather, fabric choices are essential to keeping yourself cool while doing the school run. You won’t want to wear restrictive fabrics that prevent you from being able to carry your children if they need to be, or strapping your children in safely into their booster seats. Linens, silks, and cottons are great for the warmer weather and suited to the office.

You will also want to look for darker hues in case of the (inevitable) spill of juice or cereal as you head out of the door!

If you want to change how you feel about your professional and personal styling, and make each morning more joyous and time-saving, my services might be the perfect solution for you! Explore how I can help you HERE or get in touch with me to learn more.

PERSONAL SHOPPING TIPS: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PERSONAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Let’s be honest, shopping for clothes can either make or break our day. When you have a plan, find what you need, the temperature is just right, and you feel confident within the pieces you have selected, a clothes shopping experience can be amazing.

For many of my clients, they have less of a fabulous result when they go shopping. They don’t have time for it so rush through the shopping, ending up with clothes they don’t love, don’t work with their current wardrobe, and ultimately waste money on garments they won’t wear.

For some, the feeling of overwhelm from the multitude of options can consume them. They can either rush around the stores and feel there’s “nothing for them”, or they spend hours trying to find the right pieces, but just don’t know where to go.

Finally, the most often feeling is that they just don’t know what will suit them from the shops, and feel they don’t know what to buy.

A personal shopping experience brings a specialist by your side to help you transform these downward spirals when shopping, and make them enjoyable and cost effective. Gone will be the countless pieces in your wardrobe that you never wear, but don’t have time to return!

That’s why we love helping people who feel this way with our online or face to face shopping experiences.

When you come to One of a Style for a personal shopping experience, what can you expect? Great question, here’s what we do here.

Personal Shopping – what you can expect from face to face shopping experiences

A personal shopping experience is one that we go through together, in person. The experience gives you the opportunity to have a full day or half day with one of our style experts to discover the shops, styles, and pieces that work for you.

It starts with a consultation, we get together online or in person, to find out what your wardrobe delivers, and what you may need to complement the outfits you already have and love.

Our experts will create a list of inspirational styles and will browse brands and collections beforehand, so when we get together for the shopping experience, we have clear ideas of what you need and what to look for.

We use our insights, knowledge, and experience to recommend stores that align with your personal style, your wardrobe requirements, and your shape. Because we already understand and know what is on offer across a variety of stores and budgets, we don’t have to try out loads of options, we have them in place already, and can take you to them for a new and welcome experience.

We may guide you to try a few new things, so you can step out of your comfort zone, while remaining true to your personality. We will also enable you to try on pieces, play with outfits, and have a style expert to hand to give you feedback on looks as well as how to style those garments for future looks.

You will walk away knowing that the pieces you have purchased will not only feel and look great, but they will work for you within the wardrobe you already have.

A personal shopping experience will feel like you have an expert there to hold your hand, give you new discoveries, and make shopping a more pleasurable experience. You will also be given advice and feedback for future shopping when you go out on your own, so you won’t fall back into the overwhelming and costly experience it may have been before.

Online Personal Shopping – What to Expect from an online shopping experience with One of a Style

You may think that online personal shopping would mean you miss out on that personal aspect, but we make sure that our online and face to face experiences feel as personal and engaged as one another. There are some differences, of course, as we are not there with you in person during the experience, but we are able to give a guiding hand throughout your experience.

With our Curated Online Shopping Experience, you will still get a real, accountable stylist (and no AI) working for you! We are here to make sure your shopping experience will be enjoyable, so having someone there to help you makes it all the more easier.

After an initial briefing call to discuss your goal, budget and needs, we create a bespoke lookbook just for you!

You will see different outfit ideas with links to the places to buy those exact items, so you can quickly and easily get what you see and like, with an approachable example of how to style them. No longer will an online shopping experience of urgency for one garment mean it only works for one event or outfit!

If you perhaps don’t love an exact piece, we have multiple options within your lookbook to try out, such as different colours, and patterns that still align with your outfit preferences and personal style, based on the briefing we have together.

You can go out, with the informed decisions and items that work for you thanks to these elements, and to add on that personal experience, we can organise a Zoom Fit Call, to show off your pieces once you get them, and see how they fall, and get an expert insight into the looks.

While the one-off experience can be so beneficial for you moving forwards, we understand that the trends that come into play, and the seasons come around, which may mean you need further support. This is why we offer our curated online shopping sessions in a one-off, bi-annual, or quarterly option.

Shopping should ultimately be a joyful, useful experience that makes your wardrobe more fun and useable. If shopping for clothes feels like an overwhelming experience for you, and holds you back from enjoying your wardrobe, we can help.

Whether you choose to have someone by your side in person, or via an online experience, each option provides a personal and bespoke solution to your clothes shopping experiences.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Use a Personal Stylist

Personal Stylists are often thought to be just for those who are attending galas, Oscars, and red carpets. With the idea that Personal Stylists are for the rich and famous only, they actually offer support to a variety of people.

Whether you are a business owner, professional, Mum, or someone who is looking for a way to feel more confident and comfortable, a personal stylist can help you.

1. Give yourself confidence

The biggest reason to use a personal stylist is to help you feel confident each day. You deserve to feel great no matter the occasion, and sometimes fashion or outfit choices can help or hinder this feeling. So often, clients come to our Style Masterclasses or Personal Shopping Sessions because they just don’t feel confident in their outfits.

Getting to understand your shape, colours, and personal style will mean your wardrobe feels more approachable, you know what to purchase at the shops, and you confidently select the outfits you know you’ll feel great in no matter the event.

One of the biggest rewards we see when we work with people who come to us for this reason is seeing their attitude change completely. Thanks to knowing and understanding the right styles for their personality, and how to create outfits that feel great, they walk a little taller!

2. Save yourself time

Do you spend a long time in the morning trying to figure out what to wear?

Perhaps you change outfits several times before seeing friends or attending events?

This is precious time wasted that a personal stylist can help you bring back! A personal stylist will work with you to help you curate a selection of outfits that you feel great with, and have a wardrobe that you can utilise to chop and change between so it doesn’t feel like you’re repeating the same look.

A personal stylist will also save you time when you go shopping for new pieces to add to your wardrobe as you’ll know exactly what to look for. From shapes and styles, to colours and patterns that help you shine. Understanding your personal style will go even further than the colours and shapes as you’ll know the shops that create the pieces that you will love.

3. Save yourself money

Alongside the time saved when shopping and dressing, you’ll actually begin to save money when you utilise the skills that personal stylists can bring to you.

With the knowledge of your personal style and colours, you’ll stop purchasing items that just don’t get used in your wardrobe. Often people purchase garments that they love in the store, and then wonder why they just don’t feel “right” with any of their outfits – this can often be because they aren’t the right colour, fabric, or style for them.

With a wardrobe that reflects what you feel great in, you’ll want to re-wear outfits more and more, because you know you feel fabulous in them, too. This may stop you panic buying for pieces that you think you need, when you actually have all you love right there!

4. Create a wardrobe that reflects your personality

A personal stylist will be able to curate a wardrobe with you that reflects your own personal style. At One of a Style we go through a unique process to discover what style (or styles) you gravitate towards the most. With this in hand, we then work together to make outfits and get inspiration that feels truly you. With the knowledge of what styles reflect your own personality beautifully, you can then start to curate a wardrobe that feels like yours.

Rather than filling a wardrobe with the current trends, you will have a collection of pieces that will last throughout many years to come, and you’ll know when to invest and when to walk away from trends!

5. Fashion and style will feel more approachable

Some people just know how to style themselves from the start, and for others, we need a little help. If you have an accounting question, you don’t expect yourself to just know it unless you’ve done some training – the same goes for styling!

When you have an expert who has worked with you, to help train you in the best ways to dress for your own confidence, for your body, for your needs, your work life and your personal life, you’ll then have the tools at hand to make fashion more approachable and appealing.

A personal stylist is an expert that works with people who want to have outfits that bring confidence to their day. They want to stop the dreaded morning outfit change, the feeling of “nothing to wear”, or simply to celebrate a milestone and curating a wardrobe that appropriately reflects that.

Fashion and style should work for you, not against you, and a personal stylist can do this for you.

If you are spending too much money on clothes that you don’t wear, want to feel confident each day, and want to save time when dressing no matter the occasion, we can help. Our stylists understand how to make you feel your best, and utilise fashion, colours, and style to do so. Please get in touch to find out more about how we can help.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: DRESSING IN A RECESSION – THE THREE MOST VERSATILE PIECES TO HAVE IN YOUR WARDROBE AND HOW TO STYLE THEM

When it comes to dressing for an occasion or a season, you may feel like you have to have a full wardrobe to accommodate. In the times we are in right now, going out and buying lots of pieces just isn’t effective for the environment, our wallets, or our sanity!

As a personal stylist, many people come to me with “I have nothing to wear”-itis. However, when I see their wardrobes, they are overfilled and a concoction of fast fashion items that don’t serve their needs.

So, what if I told you the secret to curing the daily struggle of what to wear, that not only helps you save money in the long run, but will create a more confident day to day is, in fact, less is truly more?

The importance of investing in good quality, versatile pieces that work across seasons and events, will save you time & money.

What are my three most important pieces to have in your wardrobe?

·        A great pair of jeans that suit your body shape

·        Two to three blazers

·        Three to four dresses

Seems pretty simple, right? The thing is, many of us are buying with the trends and filling up our wardrobes with items that we don’t know how to use outside of the “norm”. So, while you may have these items already in your wardrobe, you may not be maximising the ways to use them.

I wanted to help you with this problem, so you can find the perfect pieces in your wardrobe and know how to reuse them without feeling like you’re re-wearing the same outfit over and over again.

Three different ways to style your jeans

Let’s start with a girls’ best friend (when she finds the perfect pair) – jeans! Now, you may be recoiling at the thought of jeans, but I promise you, when you know the shape for your body type, you will want to wear them day in and day out.

Here’s a whistlestop tour of the shapes I recommend, before we dive into the different ways to style them:

·        Flares – for pear shapes and petites

·        Mom jeans – for hourglass, rectangle, and pear shapes

·        Boyfriend jeans – for inverted triangle, oval, and rectangle shapes

·        Skinny jeans – don’t be surprised by this, but most body types can wear this style, you just need to be conscious of how skinny you go with them!

·        Cropped jeans – for petites

Now you’re inspired to try out the right style for your body type, and I recommend trying out a variety of designers & high street stores to find the perfect fit for your unique body, let’s play with how to style them.

3 Casual outfit ideas for styling your jeans

Starting with the easiest option, casual outfit ideas. These are outfits you’d wear running out of the house but still wanting to feel confident and put together. They may also work for meeting up with friends during the day, or heading to the play park with your family.

1. Pair your jeans with a cotton tee, square toed shoes, a long line cardigan, and your favourite everyday earrings for a “I just threw this together” look. Add a touch of colour with your crossover body bag – as this can bring some definition to your look if your cardigan is a little oversized.

2. Another option, if you are more of an edgy style is popping on a leather jacket and combat boots or DMs with a slogan cotton tee or band t-shirt.

3. If you just don’t feel “right” in a cotton t-shirt, then you can invest in a silk blouse with a relaxed cut and add a pair of platform sneakers to still feel casual, yet chic.

If you are an hourglass shape or a pear shape, you’ll want to define your waist, so adding a belt will ensure you showcase your waist, while also averting the gap that can sometimes happen at the back.

For warmer months, a short sleeved body suit, a square-necked cotton or a linen vest can be an easy option too.

3 Work-appropriate outfit ideas for your jeans

Depending on the profession or space in which you work, jeans can be an appropriate option for you, it just depends on the pieces you pair them with!

1. Pairing a high quality, dark washed pair of jeans with a blazer and a blouse, with a pair of heels can be a powerful, professional look.

2. You can also pair your deep blue denim jeans with a silk shirt, a pair of dolly shoes, and an elegant blazer & handbag for an on-the-go professional look.

3. There’s also the option to make your personality shine by wearing your jeans with a pair of metallic sneakers (such as the iconic Vivienne Westwood shoes or similar inspired shoes available on the high street), a tunic top and a funky bag, should this work for your profession.

3 date-night looks for your jeans

Now we’re going from day, to night, and using those jeans in a different way yet again! If you’re heading out for a date, this gives us a few more options in terms of jewellery and fabrics.

1. Add a sparkly bag or sequinned top to your outfit to bring out a little more glam. Perhaps drape a blazer over your shoulders, pick up a shoulder bag, and pop on  pair of stilettos to finish the look. I’d also recommend either wearing a necklace or earrings to really finish it off.

2. For an edgier date-night look, a mesh long-sleeved top over a beautiful piece of lingerie (or a vest), with a red lip, leather jacket, and block heels will help you feel ready to take on the night!

3. For a sexy option, the option to wear a “underwear as outerwear” look is a great way to boost your confidence and feel sexy. When you wear this option with a pair of jeans, it can feel a little more approachable as they add a more comfortable option on your bottom half. Pair with an oversized blazer or leather jacket to keep yourself warm and covered, should you wish to. I’d recommend a few key jewellery items to top off the look, an over shoulder bag, and a pair of your favourite heeled boots or shoes!

Now you’re ready with the jeans that work for all occasions, let’s move onto dresses!

How to style your dresses for the seasons

Dresses don’t have to just be for those who fall into the “romantic” personal style. Dresses come in many different patterns, colours, shapes, and cuts, so they can work across many different style personalities, when they are styled correctly.

The thing is, I often hear that the dresses we love for the warmer months, don’t get used during Autumn and Winter. There are lots of ways we can work with them to make them stay an integral part of our wardrobe, no matter the season.

How to style your dresses for Spring

This is often when most people get their dresses out from hibernation. They are fresh and inviting for a warmer season.

As Spring, particularly in London, can fluctuate in weather, I recommend popping a jacket, blazer, or light cardigan over the top, to keep you warm. You could also pair these with a pair of light dernier tights, and a pair of combat boots or sneakers.

How to style your dresses for Summer

Now the warmer month is welcomed, you can take off those tights and wear a pair of biker shorts to protect your thighs. Pop on a pair of strappy heels for a brunch with friends. Add a crossbody bag, or a shoulder bag for your essentials, and let your dress do all the talking.

If you want to define your waist further, adding a belt can help draw the eye to your waist.

A pair of sneakers, or platform wedges are a great casual, yet fun option for your shoes when you are welcoming the summer. Sandals can be a more casual option, too.

How to style your dresses for Autumn

Autumn can be the time when many put their dresses away, and head for the long-sleeved options, that are chunkier and warmer. While these can be great, I want to stay away from you feeling you can’t maximise the garments already in your wardrobe, just by rethinking how you see your dresses.

You can add a warm jumper over your dress, and roll up the jumper into your bra or with a hair tie for a comfortable option.

A long-line cardigan can also be an additional layer that works over most dresses – I’d recommend making it just a little longer than your hemline, unless the dress is a maxi dress, in which case flip that and have a cardigan that hits at your waist line.

For v-neck or strappy dresses, another option is to add a tee underneath for an added layer. This can feel a little more casual, so I find it’s more appropriate for daytime get togethers, or outside of the office. You can style this look up with the shoes, jewellery, and bag that you select, which go a long way to transforming a look!

Tights and boots also go a long way to keeping you warmer, while you wear your dress. Hosiery has come a long way from the 50 dernier classic black tights. You can find warm, yet patterned or high quality hosiery that won’t break as soon as you try to pull them on!

How to style your dresses for Winter

Swapping out the cardigan for a Winter jacket is one quick way to keep wearing your dresses into the Winter season.

You can also continue to wear your thicker jumpers over the dress, with a belt to keep them tucked in and defining your waist. If your dress is a v-neck, you could add a polo neck top or jumper (if the dress has a strappy sleeve) underneath for an additional layer, and add a necklace to draw the eye down.

Invest in a pair of great quality suede or leather knee high boots at this time of year, as they will work with your skirts, dresses, and even your skinny jeans. I’d recommend a pair with a block heel so you can stay comfortable, warm, and elegant.

Accessories such as a warm woollen hat, a scarf, and gloves also don’t go amiss at this time of year.

How to style your blazers for different occasions

Finally, one of my favourite essentials for any wardrobe, is the blazer. It’s a quick way to style up a look, add a pop of colour or pattern, and a great layer for the cooler months.

There are lots of different ways to style a blazer, but here I wanted to share just 3 to inspire you. The great thing is, if you haven’t got a blazer in your wardrobe yet, there are lots of charity shops that have a variety of options for you to try (you can even find some gorgeous men’s blazers, that you can get tailored to your shape for a unique option with a sustainable edge).

You will have seen above that I have mentioned the blazer in the jeans and dress styling options above, so already I have shared two ways to style your blazer, which I hope will inspire you.

Three ways to style your blazer

1. With a midi skirt.

When you style your skirt with a blazer, it’s a way to add definition at the waist and shoulders so can work really well for many body shapes. If you have a tee with your skirt, the blazer can transform the look to be more professional.

While if you have a patterned or colourful blazer, this can be the way to add your colours to a more monochromatic look that is underneath. I’d recommend a midi skirt as it can work across different occasions, but if you love showing a bit of leg, got all out and pop on a mini skirt, knowing your blazer brings a professional edge to the look.

2. With wide-legged trousers.

Wide-legged trousers are a beautiful, elegant option for any occasion, particularly suited for pear shapes or hourglass shapes, as they skim the legs and accentuate the hips. Pop on a belt under your blazer, a blouse, and a pair of block heels for a professional look. You can dress the look down by simply changing the blouse for a camisole or slogan tee.

Add a pair of platform sneakers to make the look even more comfortable, and pop on a bag for your essentials, and you’re ready to go.

3. With your knitwear.

Finally, adding your knitwear under your blazer, adds an additional warm layer, while also jazzing up your look.

A cashmere sweater, with your favourite jeans, and a pair of heeled brogues has an elegant yet cool outfit for Autumn. Whereas your chunky high neck knitted jumper, with a pair of tailored trousers and heels flips the script on professional dressing while remaining warm!

I hope this guide to dressing in a recession inspires you to continue to use your investment pieces in more ways. While we may be in a space to want to treat ourselves to more and more items for our wardrobe, I suggest you take a step back, consider what you already have, and perhaps invest in versatile pieces that you’ll wear over and over again.

If you’re unsure on where to start, or have a wardrobe that is spilling over, yet causing you more stress than pleasure, please get in touch. I can support you with a wardrobe edit, a style masterclass, or a personal shopping experience so you have someone there, by your side, to help you invest wisely for your future outfits.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: UNDERSTAND BODY SHAPES AND HOW TO DRESS FOR CONFIDENCE

Understanding our body shape is crucial if we want to feel more confident with what we wear. Apart from the shape and the proportions of our body though, it is absolutely important to consider how to dress all the individual parts of your body, rather than the entire body all at once. One of the first thing I do with clients is to determine their features, so if they are angular or curvy, and some people might have a mix and so be interjacent.

This helps to point in the right direction for choosing the best clothes, and fabrics to complement and suit our body to the best. Crispy fabrics and structured shapes, but also geometric (popelin shirts, cottons, structured blazers and jackets, geometric patterns, etc..) will suit best angular body features, while deconstructed shapes, soft fabrics and patterns (jerseys, viscose and silk, blouses, and “romantic” patterns like paisley, dots and flowers) will complement best curvilinear body features.

In order to determine if our features are angular, curvilinear or interjacent, a little exercise to do is to stand in front of a mirror in clothes that show your shape off. Look at your shoulders, are they straight across or do they slope down? Then, stand sideways, still looking into the mirror: do you have a straight back and flat bottom; or do you have a curved back and curvy bottom? Once you have determined which bits of you are straighter or curvier, you need to consider the actual construction of your clothes. Angular bodies, or sections, need straighter constructions; curvier bodies need softer and more shaped constructions. Interjacent people, will have to choose different clothing lines and structures depending on the different sections of their body.

Now, let’s dig into the body shapes: there are 6 different kinds of body shapes:

TRIANGLE (or so-called pear), INVERTED TRIANGLE, RECTANGLE, OVAL (or so-called apple), NEAT HOURGLASS and FULL HOURGLASS.

The difference stands mainly in the proportions between shoulder, hips and waist: when shoulder and hips are balanced (same width) they can either have a defined waist or a non-defined waist. In the first case, most luckily we deal with an hourglass (that can be neat or full..will explain more later on) while a non-define waist means we have either an oval or a rectangle body shape.

When the shoulders are wider than the hips, we are in front of an inverted triangle, as opposed to the triangle, where the hips are wider than the shoulders.

Now, let’s see shape by shape what this means:

1. Neat Hourglass: is characterized by a defined bust a defined waist, a neat bottom, and neat hips and have a naturally balanced body and also a defined waist, and while they have a wide range of choice, in terms of clothing styles, they should always try to keep this balance and also, and show off their body by wearing clothes that define the waist, enhance the bust and highlight hips and bottom. While they should avoid wearing clothes that hide their body line. So anything with waist definition is a “go-to”, while buggy, boxy and shapeless clothes are not recommended. Neat Hourglasses can wear most fabrics and patterns, as long as they complement their features (angular, curvilinear, interjacent).

2. Full Hourglass: you don’t hear about this body type often, many just talk about the “hourglass” generically, but some women, still having balanced shoulders, hips and a defined waist, have a full bust, a rounded bottom, and rounded hips and for them, rules differ a bit from neat hourglasses, and it’s important to wear clothes that follow their body line and curves, instead of those that are straight and constricting. In this case, I recommend choosing fabrics carefully and avoiding heavy or stiff fabrics, but rather opt for fluid, soft fabrics and more deconstructed shapes, like waterfall jackets, cardigans (and knitwear in general), crossovers or wraps tops and dresses, in soft fabrics, and as for patterns it’s preferable to avoid geometric patterns, and instead opt for more fluid shapes (spots, florals, paisleys).

3. Oval: usually has rounded or sloping shoulder line, curved back, flattish bottom, fullness around the middle and indeed the critical area is the central torso. My best recommendations for oval body shapes are:

-Draw eye attention to the area above your bust and below your hips. In order to do that play with accessorise (scarves, necklaces, earrings, hats) so keep any detail above the bust line and below the hip line.

-Create the impression of a slimmer body, so create optical verticality through the use of shapes and clothing lines. Wearing coats/jackets or cardigans which are longer than the hips line is a great way to do this.

-Clothing lines need to be straight, and fabrics soft to avoid any unnecessary volume or bulkiness.

-Opt for deconstructed shapes, simple lines and plain colours on the bust.

-Choose soft, fluid fabrics that hang well and don’t cling or hug the figure, and go for muted and subtle patterns.

4. Rectangle: Once again, hips and shoulders are balanced, but the waist is straight and undefined. Rectangle body types usually have flat hips and a flat bottom, however, some Rectangles can have a fuller bust, which gives a softer edge to their shape. Their main aim is to soften those edges even more and create the appearance of curves. This body type is characterized by a straight shoulder line, straight hips and bottom, very little waist definition, straight ribcage. I recommend using details on hips and bottom to create shape while avoiding details at the waist (such as noticeable waistbands or belts) and keeping the clothing line straight and structured. Most Rectangles can wear crisp fabrics, but those with a full bust, need to opt for softer fabrics, and generally geometric patterns work best for them.

5. Inverted Triangle: in this case, shoulders are wider than hips, and the waist is not defined. The body type is characterized by a straight and squared shoulder line, with flattish hips and bottom. I recommend highlighting the hips and bottom, focusing all attention below the waist. Shoulders are generally straight and squared, while hips and bottom are quite flat. Inverted triangles need to minimize details on their shoulders and keep this area as simple as possible while focusing the attention on their legs through, shapes, colours and details. Clothing line needs to be straight, clean and sharp. Halter neck is their neckline! jackets should be constructed and shaped with angular lines (like revered collars) and with no belts, while skirts should be straight and trousers used to add details to the legs and bottom (classic jeans are a perfect style!). I also recommend crisp, constructed fabrics and geometric patterns (like stripes and checks)

6. Triangle: as the name suggests, the bottom part is wider than the top, so the shoulders (and the top half in general) appears smaller than hips and the bottom part of the body, and usually the waist is well defined while shoulders may be slope. As opposed to Inverted Triangles, Triangles need to focus the attention on the top part of their body, through shapes, volumes, details, patterns and colours, and create the optical illusion of wider shoulders, while enhancing their waist with belts and waist-cuts, and minimize details and volume at the bottom. Soft, fluid fabrics work best for the bottom half, while it is recommended to opt for more volume and structure on the top part, to create a balance.

These are general guidelines, but everyone has their own, unique body and features, and there might be differences between two or more people fitting into the same body shape category. So while these tips can help to understand the different body types, it is always preferable to ask the help of an expert that can give personalized and customised advice.

This is an extract from the article published on Pick Me Up! Magazine 3 March issue

Publication: Pick Me Up! Magazine (c: 55,608) - Your Style - Dressing for you. Date: 3 March 2022.

If you would love to help in discovering the best outfits for your body shape, I’d love to help. Get in touch to find out more about my personal style masterclass and personal styling services.

COLOUR ANALYSIS: THE 18 SEASONS METHOD AND HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR COLOURS

As a personal stylist, colour is one of the most important parts of my work with my clients. Colour can completely transform how our skin looks in dramatic ways, and I use my colour analysis service to do this for my clients. We work together to discover their seasons, and the colours that they can gravitate towards to help them feel their best whenever they next go shopping.

Now, when I talk about the “seasons” you may be thinking – well there are just 4, right? Well, there are 4 main seasons and then their underlying notes which in fact makes it 18!

Don’t worry – you don’t have to know all of them, for you, you just need to know which one is the best aligned to your skin tones and therefore the colours that match you best.

I wanted to share a few insights into the colour analysis method, and help you dip your toe into discovering the colours that best suit you, but of course, if you’d like to have the knowledge of the colours that help you feel most confident, I’d be delighted to help.

Let’s dive in!

The four main seasons in a colour analysis

Before we dive deeper into the palette that work best with you, we need to find out the general features that characterize every season, and that you can find in yourself, and your natural colours:

Spring

Springs have a warmer undertone, with bright and light features. They are actually just like spring – bright, varied, and with strong colours working well for them. However, they need to stay clear of muted, dark and colours with cool undertones, as these will take away from their features.

Best metals: yellow gold and rose gold

One of my Spring clients.

Summer

Summers have a cool undertone with soft, and once again light features. Think soft brown or blonde hair, your classic beachy boho tones with cooler features. Colours that work beautifully on summers are pastels, softer tones, and mother-of-pearl shades. Nothing too vivid, harsh, or strong in terms of colours should be worn by Summers as it can wash them out.

Best metals: silver (possible antique) and platinum/white gold

One of my Summer clients.

Autumn

Autumns have deep and warm undertones, and soft contrasts. Think of all the beautiful colours you see in Autumn and these are the tones that work best on this type. Whether it’s deep greens, oranges, or the reds you see as the leaves turn – these colours should be welcomed in your wardrobe, while brighter and cooler colours should be passed by.

Best metals: gold (possibly antique) and copper

One of my Autumn clients.

Winter 

Winters have the cooler undertones with deep and bright tones. Winters do not just have lighter skin and bright eyes, they are often with olive skin and dark hair, but the contrasting features are the most obvious to spot when it comes to winters. Colours that work beautifully on winters are bright icy greens, blues, blacks and even many shades of pink, from fuchsia to sorbet pink. You can also step towards the wintery colours of deep purple and emerald green.

Best metals: silver and white gold

 One of my Winter clients.

The 18 sub-seasons of a colour analysis

Now we know the 4 main seasons we use for a colour analysis we can jump even deeper into the undertones we have.

Let’s be honest – we all have a range of skin tones, hair and eye colours, and therefore, putting us into just 4 options is restrictive. That’s why we have more options to help me discover the truly perfect matches for my clients.

The way I do this is through using the subgroups of each season:

·       Spring: Light, Warm or True, Bright

·       Summer: Light, Cool or True, Soft

·       Autumn: Deep, Warm or True, Soft

·       Winter: Deep, Cool or True, Bright

So while three different people may all belong to the same season, they might have different colourings, different level of contrasts and hue. Think of Jodie Foster, Emily Blunt and Kate Winslet, all summers but with different palettes. And this happens with all the 4 seasons, and these sub-seasons help us discover the specific palettes that will be the most appropriate for your skin tones, which is not just clothes, it includes accessories, make-up, hair colour (should you wish to change it!), and jewellery.

Now this way we have 12 main groups of colours. Then why do I say I work with 18 seasons? Now things get really complicated, I know. the thing is, while (based on my experience) the majority of people fit in one specific sub-season, others can have a mix of features (ie. Warm skin undertone but cool eyes and hair, or warm hair but cool eyes and skin undertone) or a predominance of one particular characteristic (i.e “warm”) that place them in between two seasons. These are so-called “neutrals”, and they can be:

• Spring/Summer (or Summer/Spring)

• Summer/Autumn (or Autumn/Summer)

• Autumn/Winter (or Winter/Autumn)

• Winter/Spring (or Spring/Winter)

• Autumn/Spring (or Spring/Autumn)

• Winter/Summer (or Summer/Winter)

Why is that? There can be varied reasons: some people can inherit a mix of features from parents/family members and have in them a balanced mix of those, which provides them with a wider range of opportunities in terms of which colours suit them; others can experience a transitional phase due to ageing, when hair naturally change, as well as the skin and the eye colours (getting softer), and this makes them shift from a brighter season (for instance) to a softer one.

It truly is transformative – and while I would say that because I love my job – it is always so wonderful to hear from my clients when they see the transformations in front of them, saving themselves wasted money on shopping trips with clothes they just don’t suit, and make-up that they love to put on.

Colour can bring us joy, change our mood, and as you can see, transform how we shine! I hope this insight into what goes into a colour analysis and the depth we go to so you can discover your best colours was beneficial! If you’d like to know more or book your own colour clinic, I’d love to help.

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 STYLING TIPS: 7 PERFECT PARTY OUTFIT IDEAS

Parties – let’s face it, dressing up can be a big headache if you are unsure on what to wear. Whether you already have a fabulous wardrobe or not, the dressing up side of parties, particularly during the festive season, can become tricky.

In this article, I wanted to share 7 of my favourite party outfit ideas that are headache-free and some that may already be in your wardrobe!

Try out a suit

Something I think will always be “on trend” is wearing a suit! If you have a colourful, well proportioned suit, you can transform it for each and every occasion as you see fit.

When it comes to dressing for a party with your suit, over and above the office-look, here are a few ways to play with it:

1.       Add some sparkle – whether it’s with a sequined cami top under your blazer, or with a sparkly pair of earrings, add a little sparkle to make your suit more festive.

2.       Add colour – if your suit is in a more formal, classic colour such as black, brown, or navy, adding some colour will make it more party-appropriate. If you can, I’d recommend finding a colourful blazer to go with your suit trousers, but you can also find colourful luxurious trousers in a velvet or satin, which can be a great switch-up.

3.       Add party heels! Finally, the quickest way to change up your suit for a party is adding a pair of beautiful heels. Think stilettos that peek out from your trousers for a perfect look, or for more comfortable option a pair of sequined block heeled boots.

If you want to try out a blazer that is particularly fun, festive, and party ready, as well as feeling totally personality filled, then now is a great time to get one. Perhaps invest in a colourful suit, or one in a fabric like velvet – go all out, it is the season for fun!

A classic Little Black Dress

A go-to on anyone’s essentials list for easy to throw on looks is the Little Black Dress. I shared some insights into how to style a little black dress for any body shape here, and if you want to have something simplistic and easy to put on that you’ll feel great in, then the LBD is a great option.

However, if you want to add a little fun and festivity to the look, you may want to play with your outer wear and your accessories.

Transforming your little black dress can be as simple as adding the right jewellery for your festive party look, to adding fabulously quirky disco boots, or even a cape! If you want to turn up feeling warm as well as festive and have that moment when you slide off your coat to show off your outfit, then a warm fluffy coat can be a good option.

Co-ord sets for Christmas

Co-ords, much like the suit, are very on-trend and will be a really easy way to make your outfit work for you in a flash. Think a skirt and top combination in the same colours or patterns, but that can be worn separately, too. The reason I love co-ord outfits is that they are so easy to put together in a rush. However, they can sometimes feel a little more “trendy” depending on where you get them, so perhaps less appropriate for a sustainable wardrobe. My top tip for finding a co-ord that would work for your Christmas parties but also for future wears, is to make sure it is in a colour that is within your palette and fits your personal style.

They can also feel a little casual, so make sure you look closely at the fabric options, if you want your look to work for a more formal occasion. For example, this recycled polyester deep purple crop top and midi skirt co-ord can be a good option for parties and separately for future events.

Festive Jumper – but styled up!

For a less formal event, or one with a little fun, you can go for a fun festive jumper that’s elevated and can be reused for future. The one thing that can happen when you are getting fun Christmas jumpers is you only wear them once – which isn’t incredibly sustainable. However, if you find a festive yet sophisticated jumper or cardigan, then you can still have that fun, without wasting money or harming the environment.

A few festive tops that I found are:

• Pearl embellished jumper – a great option for fun, quirky, yet sophisticated looks.

• Sequinned blouse – now, this is very sequined and glittery, but it can work really well for a festive event, as well as a party throughout the year as it isn’t “Christmas” themed.

• Black and silver v-neck jumper – this is more casual in terms of the look, but paired under your favourite blazer and with a satin skirt, you can dress this up very easily.

• Short sleeved navy glitter polo neck – and if you’re indoors so don’t need too many layers, this short sleeved glitter polo neck in a lovely warm fabric, can work well.

Cocktail dress

This style of dress is an elevated version of the Little Black Dress. Think different colours, fun elements such as ruffles, and will fall above the knee. When you go looking for a cocktail look, you can be a little more formal and consider that this outfit may only be worn for parties or dates, due to the length it may not be suited to black tie or formal events.

The great thing about cocktail dresses is they can come in a huge variety of colours, fabrics, and designs so finding one that suits your personal style is the most important part of this process. You may already have a cocktail dress in your wardrobe, so throwing it on with some jewellery, a clutch bag, and your heels will be one of the simplest but most effective looks.

For an elegant and easy look that is just below the knee and in a demure style, try this lilac cocktail dress with faux wrap top and pleated skirt – it has a gentle shimmer so can be easier to approach than a more festive option.

If sparkle isn’t something you gravitate towards, then this black almost grunge styled dress with ribbon detail and autumnal flower design is right up your “rock chick” cocktail look.

Sequined Dresses

For a sparkly, festive, glitter-fest of an outfit then you really can’t go wrong with a sequined dress. Becoming even more popular this year, I have seen plenty of beautiful sequined dresses that will work for any occasion. The great thing about sequins is they will sparkle and light up your day – however, they can sometimes look a little cheap, so if you are going full sequin and need to buy a new dress to treat yourself to this fun style then invest in a good quality dress.

Whether it’s a silver sequined mini dress with voluminous sleeves & a pencil skirt,  a colourful rainbow-like sequined dress with a higher neck, or an almost 20’s inspired sequin fringe midi dress, you will find a great selection of options.

Styling a sequin dress can be a little more tricky, so let the dress do all the talking and let your accessories complement it. For example, dark tights and a black pair of heels if you are wearing a shorter dress (and to keep your legs warm) or a pair of simple strappy heels – and you are ready to rock the dance floor!

Try out a jumpsuit

If a dress just isn’t your style, or you want to be able to throw on a full outfit that is ready to party all night in then you can’t go wrong with a jumpsuit! We are lucky enough to have a whole host of options for jumpsuits at our fingertips, so if you are opposed to the classic dress style, this is your year to try out the jumpsuit!

A few jumpsuits I have found online that would be great for any party, are:

·       For the smart/casual party – Try out this fun wide-legged gold-polka-dot jumpsuit. It’s fun, sparkly, and comfortable too! 

• For the unique black-tie event – this incredible white (also available in yellow and black) cross-halter jumpsuit is beautiful. No need to add a necklace, as the neckline is doing all of the work. Add some bangles and rings and you’re ready to drink cocktails and eat canapes.

• For the festive party – if you want to feel festive, but don’t want to wear a Christmas jumper, then I have found this velvet deep burgundy jumpsuit!

• For the girl’s night out –for a fun, flirty option for any type of party with the girls or over brunch, this elegant one-shoulder cape-detailed jumpsuit in salmon is beautiful.

• For the theatrical event – I can’t say how incredible this art-deco inspired bronze jumpsuit is (it is a big investment, however) and you will definitely make all the eyes in the room turn. It has long pleated sleeves that go all the way to the floor, so perfect for a theatrical event, particularly if your company is hosting a themed Christmas do this year – or just to feel fabulous.

I hope this 6 Christmas party outfit ideas have inspired you to get all dressed up! If you are looking for the perfect gift for under the tree for that loved one or friend that deserves confidence in all that they wear, I’d love to help – I am offering Christmas vouchers this year that can cover a particular service, or go towards a service so they can treat themselves to wardrobe happiness in 2022.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: 7 WAYS TO STYLE A LEATHER JACKET

A leather jacket is a staple for many people and can truly be versatile, besides being a crossover piece. The way to wear a leather jacket has changed over time, and today it really is one must-have piece that is able to add personality to a piece of clothing and style it up. From dresses, to trousers and skirts, everybody just needs to find their perfect shape, colour and also material (from vegan to genuine). So, if you’re looking for ways to make a leather shirt a new feature in your closet, or perhaps change up the one you wear in new ways, then this article will share 7 ways to style up your leather jacket!

Try a different shape

When you think of a quintessential leather jacket, you will probably be thinking of a classic biker jacket shape – cropped, with large lapels, and perhaps with a belt at the bottom. Now, for some body types, this looks incredible, whereas for others it just isn’t the right shape for you. When you are looking to invest in a leather jacket, you’ll want to try out a few shapes and styles to see which looks best for you, and works best for your style.

From a cropped option but in a draped or peplum style, which works well for people who are looking for a more relaxed form; to a longer leather jacket that works beautifully on those with a larger bust. Try looking for jackets in different shapes until you find one that you feel confident in.

Work with a different colour

Who said you have to just have a black leather jacket? With the incredible changes in options with dyeing, as well as options that are alternatives to leather, you really can change it up! If you love a particular colour, you will probably be able to find a leather or faux-leather jacket in that colour.

You can discover leather jackets in rose pink, or even gold, which means you really can change up your jacket game without having to give up on your colour-loves! For a classic look, but still with the edge of a leather style, try out a white leather jacket that can replace your classic white suit jacket.

Leather jacket and jeans

Let’s start with an easy-to-work look with your leather jacket – jeans, boots, and a tee. Simple, elegant, and classically cool. If you’re wearing a classic cropped jacket, then this will work beautifully with high rise jeans in a dark colour. Depending on your body shape, you can tuck in your favourite tee, add a chunky belt and go full rock chick. Whereas, for a more elegant look, try adding stilettos or open toed heels with your jeans, and add a turtle neck (autumn/winter perfection!).

Leather jacket and a dress

If you love wearing your dresses and need to find a way to keep yourself a little warmer, or to add a little “rock ‘n’ roll” to an outfit, then you really can’t go wrong with your leather jacket! A maxi dress with frills and flowers has a fantastic juxtaposition with a leather jacket, while a more tough denim dress brings even more edge. While you can bring your sexy little black dress out, with an additional over layer of your black leather jacket – I love this look too, as it is perfect for a date or dinner with friends.

Leather Jacket Replaces Your Blazer

Now, if you love a blazer, but are looking for a way to dress down your workwear, pack your leather jacket with you, and throw it over your suit trousers and blouse, bring in some bright jewellery and you’re ready for a night out! A blazer is one of my favourite staples in a wardrobe, but it sometimes isn’t appropriate for the event, or your personal style, so while you are wearing a more formal pair of wide leg trousers, and a crisp white blouse, you can instantly swap the blazer for your leather jacket.

For an even more demure look, keep on your suit and add your leather jacket over the top – this is best with an over sized jacket, or slung over your shoulders!

Wear your leather jacket with a mini skirt and knee high boots

I recently shared an article on the top 5 items you should have in your wardrobe for Autumn/Winter, and one of my favourite was the over the knee boot! These boots work really well with a mini skirt that is brought into a more casual style with your leather jacket. I recommend an a-line skirt if you want to try out the shorter style but have more of a curvaceous figure or have a more formal event to attend.

Leather Jacket with a midi skirt

Does the mini skirt feel a little too short for you? No worries – your leather jacket can work beautifully with a midi or full-length skirt. I personally love matching the metallic features of the zips and studs of a moto jacket with a feminine metallic midi skirt – pair it with some high heels for an evening look, or wear your sneakers to bring a little casual chic to the look.

The leather jacket really is a versatile piece to have within your wardrobe and if it feels like it would work within your personal style, now you have 7 great ways to play with it! I’d love to hear how you are styling up your moto jacket in your wardrobe, or if you are thinking about getting one, and are unsure where to start, I can help with my online personal styling service.

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS: HOW TO PREPARE FOR A BUSINESS OR BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT

I love being a business owner. It gives me the ability to work with people I love working with, do what I adore, and have special time with my family around my business commitments. Something I have discovered over the years of running my own business is the importance of photography.

People buy from people, so having photos of myself is something I have invested in regularly, particularly as I am a sole trader, to help people connect with me and find out more about me in a matter of seconds.

Something that truly worried me at the beginning of my business journey was how to show myself in the right way to my potential contacts, clients, and colleagues. As a personal stylist, I knew I had the edge in terms of knowing the right colours and shapes to feel my best, but it took time to understand the key elements I needed to get these branding photos just right. I discovered some really important tips, and use these with my clients that I now help solely for their business branding photoshoots.

If you are planning your own business photoshoot, but are feeling overwhelmed by the feeling of what to do to get it right, you’re not alone. So, I wanted to share with you a few of the top tips I share with my clients, to help you feel more confident.

Choose the venue carefully

Your photographer may be able to help you with this, as the venue can transform the way your photos look. If they are not from the area that you want to have your photos, then it’s time to do some research! Think about what you want your photos to portray – if you want it to be fun and relaxed this will mean the venue will be completely different to a professional and corporate style of branding images.

If you are having a multi-venue shoot, you will want to make sure the journeys between the venues are easy and well planned so you aren’t going back and forth with your team and your photographer!

There are also some important things to consider when it comes to photographing at venues, such as being permitted to do so without a fee; what the lighting will be like; how many people there will be, if it is a public place; and do you need to pay for a private room? Venues can have a huge array of legal requirements for photographs that will be used for marketing, so before you book your photographer, you’ll want to speak with the venue/s to make sure you are legally permitted to have photos there.

If you are planning to have some photos outside, speak with your photographer to understand the best time of day to do this, and so they can bring the right equipment. This is also important when it comes to your outfit choices as during the heat of the summer you won’t want to be overheating, and on the opposite side of the scale, you won’t want to be incredibly cold if you’re outside in the winter!

This leads me perfectly onto the photographer choice!

The photographer is so important

We all know that we get what we pay for, so one area to always invest in when it comes to your business photos is a great photographer. Not only do they need to be of great quality, but I find, they need to be in alignment with you.

You’ll want to feel comfortable and confident with your photographer, so get to know them before the photoshoot, and do some research before booking them. A few things to ask yourself during your photographer search are:

·       Do you like their style of photography?

·       Do you align with their story?

·       Can they share some examples of similar photoshoots, perhaps within your industry, to help inspire you?

·       What will the journey look like up to and during the photo session?

One great way to know you can find the perfect photographer, is to ask people who have had photos done that you like. Word of mouth is fabulous in this case – because you know they do a great job!

Plan your outfits attentively

I can’t share branding photoshoot preparation tips without talking about the outfits, I am a personal stylist after all! I find it’s really important to prepare in advance to help you know if you need to get any extra items to make the outfits pop, and to make sure your garments feel and look right for what you want to achieve. Here are my tips for planning your branding photoshoot outfits:

1.     Select the clothes you want to wear and put them out on the bed (or on your door).

2.     Create potential combinations to elevate your looks – and create the opportunities for multiple photos that can be used across social media and marketing.

3.     Don’t forget your accessories! Jewellery, scarves, shoes, and bags can transform a look – so add them to your outfits that are hanging up or on the bed and see how they can work together.

4.     Now take a photo of every combination and save them into a folder that you can access quickly, like Pinterest, or a camera roll folder in your phone!

5.     On the day of the shoot, steam/iron your garments to make sure they look their best.

6.     Pack your garments by outfit, to help you quickly change into what you had originally planned for.

These are the steps that I follow for myself and for my clients when helping them organise their outfits for a branding photoshoot, and it really helps save time on the day and be more efficient. If you would like support to make sure your branding photoshoot is a breeze, please get in touch.  

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW TO WEAR COMFY CLOTHES AND STAY STYLISH!

Style is changing, we have seen during the last year that fashion and style has evolved into a comfortable, practical form while we stay home and stay safe. However, for many of us, the “comfy” look can feel frumpy, and unstylish, so in this blog I wanted to share with you a few ways to make your comfy clothes feel & look great!

Go for colour!

Often the first thing I recommend to any of my personal styling clients is the importance of colour, and there is never a more important time to consider colour than when you are looking at your comfy wardrobe. While remaining comfortable, you want to feel put together, and a splash of colour really can help to bring through your personal style. Whether it’s a bright hoodie, or a colourful headband, bring some colour to your comfy wardrobe to feel more stylish.

Bring in texture

Something I find important about comfortable clothing is the textures. From textured velvets to wool, the textures you can find in your clothing will not only add an extra layer of comfort, but also work really well in adding a little style to your look. Velvet, for example, can look fantastic when on a video thanks to the different ways it picks up the light. Find some great textures & fabrics to add to your wardrobe and upgrade your comfy style.

 Add a blazer!

If you want to upgrade your athleisure look in a flash, add a blazer! The added layer works beautifully over many different casual looks – from over a hoodie and jeans, to upgrading your workout top if you need to jump on a video call. I recommend having a few different styles of blazer in your wardrobe, a formal muted blazer, a fun piece that showcases your personality, and a thicker (perhaps wool) blazer for colder days.

Indulge in high quality comfortwear

While you may feel that the classic active wear you want to wear to work out in can be a budget piece, I highly recommend investing in some key comfy pieces that will last a lifetime. When you invest in a high-quality piece, you instantly feel more put together. This isn’t to say you have to spend thousands on a designer item, but looking for something that isn’t fast-fashion priced will mean your piece will last longer, and feel a better quality too. Knitwear is one category I recommend investing in and you can find some stunning items from the high street that are built to last and look unique. I also recommend getting a few “casual” pieces that can also transform into work-ready items like a matching set.

Embrace comfort

My final tip is to embrace that many of us are having to deal with a huge amount right now, from looking after the kids, living through a rollercoaster of changes, and our lives genuinely changing almost every day, you should give yourself the permission to embrace the comforts in your every day life. Whether that’s giving yourself time to yourself, or living in your favourite snuggly jumper and yoga pants, giving yourself the permission to be comfortable is just one way to help build your wellbeing during these trying times.

If you would like some advice to upgrade your comfort wear, or want some advice on how to create a wardrobe that is stress-free, I’d love to chat.

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?

PERSONAL STYLIST TIP: THE CROSSOVER PIECES EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE IN THEIR WARDROBE

I love a tidy, organised, and season ready wardrobe, which you can learn about here, but there are often pieces that we call “crossover” pieces that can stay in our wardrobe during all seasons. They are items of clothing that you love, and can be timeless in your wardrobe.

Crossover clothing examples

I wanted to share with you a few of my favourite crossover pieces in my own wardrobe to help inspire you, and recommend some items you can add to your wardrobe that will work for Autumn, all the way to Summer!

Leather jackets

A leather jacket can be a staple in your wardrobe, and will always stand the test of time. I recommend investing in a really good jacket that you adore, if you are vegan there are countless faux-leather jacket options you can get nowadays, such as this Melrose vegan moto jacket, or this bright cobalt blue BB Dakota biker jacket, for those of you who just love a splash of colour! There are also the classic leather jackets that age with time and become softer and more classic with the years, such as this black All Saints moto jacket or this DOUBLE-FACED BIKER JACKET by Zara.

As someone who truly believes that eco fashion is something we really need to be conscious of, you can get some incredible vintage leather jackets from vintage shops in London or surrounding areas, so if you are able to visit a vintage clothes shop, I recommend having a browse for one that has been preloved and is much softer to use. You can also try out one of the online vintage stores such as Vestiare Collective, hardlyeverwornit.com, Thrift.plus, houseofvintageuk.com, or Vinted – which is an app you can use to sell or buy preloved items. Whichever place you go to, I truly love a leather jacket as it can last a remarkable number of years in your wardrobe as long as you take good care of it. You can wear these in the Winter as your top layer, or in the summer as outerwear over your shoulders to add a touch of protection for the evening.

Classic tee

A good t-shirt is hard to find, but when you have the go to shape and style that works for you, then you can utilise them as a great crossover piece in your wardrobe. I have a selection of white and black t-shirts that can just be thrown on in the summer, or added as an extra layer in the winter, that can I go to in my wardrobe when I need them. A cotton t-shirt is best for all weathers, like this one from & Other Stories, but if you are looking for something a little more trendy, you can look for a vintage band t-shirt, or a graphic tee with a cute design on it like this one from Lanvin that can add a little flair to your simple outfit of jeans and trainers, or keep some casual fun to your midi-skirt and heels.

One of my favourite t-shirt stores is Happyfern, a new sustainable brand launched by Gosha Doubtfire, that makes t-shirts and sweatshirts in recycled cotton, for women, men and kids. We’ve even collaborated to create a one of a style tee too!

Crossover dresses for all seasons

Dresses can be a really easy way to dress up or dress down in a flash, just using the right accessories. There are of course dresses that work specifically for summer or winter, but with the right additions you can change up your favourite dresses with a simple knitwear item over the top, or a long-sleeved top underneath. You could even add that excellent leather jacket or a blazer in autumn and winter to keep yourself warm. A simple strappy dress, such as this one from & Other Stories or this slip style dress from Envelope1976 can work beautifully for summer with a light blazer on top, as well as in winter with a lovely big high neck jumper over the top. If you prefer to keep your arms covered during the summer and winter, then this long sleeved polka dot midi dress can also work with a cardigan, or a cropped jumper to keep your waist the main focus while remaining warm.

If you like items that come as pairs, then this season, All Saints have already done all the hard work for you, with their jumper and dress combinations. I love this black feather print strappy dress with luxurious over jumper, both of which can be used separately or together so you truly have several outfits you can make with just 2 crossover items in your wardrobe!

I hope this has inspired you to not only see the benefit of having crossover items in your wardrobe for all seasons, but helped you know how to maximise those items already in your wardrobe. If you’re unsure on where to start when it comes to personal styling, then I’d love to chat with you.

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS FOR ENTREPRENEURS - WHAT TO WEAR FOR A BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT

As the world begins to re-open, and countless entrepreneurs are starting up new fantastic businesses, or wanting to rebrand and announce their business reopening, there are lots of people coming to me asking for advice on what to wear at their business photoshoot.

Photos are a pathway into getting people to notice you for all the right reasons. I know the importance of photography, particularly for my business, as my service is so personal, I want people to trust, like, and get to know me just by seeing my business images. With just a few correct selections, your business photos can convey the perfect message to your customers!

Here are just a few of my tips that I share with my clients in advance of their business photoshoot.

1) Define the message you want to give through your image and choose outfits and colours that'll help you express the right message. If you haven’t read it already, you can read my article on How Colours Affect your Mood, which can be a really useful piece to help when you are deciding on which colours convey your business in the best way. It’s incredible that a colour can instantly make someone feel a certain way, so if you haven’t gone through the process with a branding expert in terms of the right colours for your business logo, or just haven’t got there yet, then the colours you choose to wear in your business photos can make a huge difference, and should reflect your business in the best way.

2) Define your target audience. Understanding who are you talking to will have an influence in your image and looks choices. When you have a branding exercise, knowing your perfect clients is essential to your entire business. Who are your perfect clients? What do they expect from someone delivering your service or product? How do you want to be perceived by them? When you know your customer avatar, you will be able to attract them to you with the right outfit choices and image options through your photos.

For example, if you are a business coach working with women in corporate jobs, you may dress in a more formal pencil dress with a colourful necklace to show that you are professional, but with personality. On the other hand, if you are a make-up artist, you will want to show colour and flair, to show you know the current trends and how to work them. These are simple considerations you can have when thinking about the perfect outfit and styling to choose for your business photoshoot.

3) Enhance your personality. Remember, your personality is a unique selling point and can help you stand out, so always express it through your style. So, if you are a bright, bubbly, and excited person, let that show through the outfits you wear. If you are a reserved, professional, then you can choose more muted tones.

4) Wear colour shades that work best for you and your features. Although you may be overwhelmed right now with all the options of what to wear to get the best results, the most important thing I believe on top of all of this, is to make your feel confident and shine brightly. The way to do this best, is by choosing the colour shades that work best for you.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the thought of your upcoming business photoshoot, or perhaps you have a team photoshoot coming up and want your business to be reflected appropriately, and want to organise a group session to help get everyone ready, then please do get in touch. I am always so delighted when I can help my clients feel their best, look fantastic, and show their business in the best light through their photographs. Besides, you’re investing in your business with a professional photographer, so you should invest in yourself to make sure the photos look the best they can!

TIPS FOR WEARING YOUR FACE MASK WITH STYLE

Perhaps not everyone is wearing a face mask each and every day, but they have become an essential item to wear. However, with these safety measures that are keeping us all safe and allowing us to finally get out to the office, to shops, and to see friends at a safe distance, I have heard that people are struggling with certain aspects.

Here are my top tips to help you wear your face mask, without having the issues I have heard my clients share with me.

Make-up tips when wearing a face mask:

1. Focus on your eyes. As wearing lipstick is pretty useless when wearing a face mask as it can smudge, or people just aren’t going to see it, now is a great time to bring focus onto our eyes.

2. Use fun colours to help bring some joy into your and other people’s days, by showing off your personality through your eye make-up!

3.  Use concealer to help cover any redness or dark circles[Stefania 1] , so that your eyes can remain the focus of your face, whilst making you feel your most confident.  

Tips for choosing your face mask:

1.  Choose a mask in one of your best colours. What colours go best with your personality, your skin tone, your eye colour, and your wardrobe? With so many face mask options out there, you can be spoiled for choice, so make sure it is working for you.

2. Make your face mask a part of your accessories. Sequins, patterns, different shapes – these are all elements that are now being added to face masks by designers, so you really can have fun with your face mask, and make it a real accessory.

3. Consider eco-friendly, and washable options. There are some great designers out there who are giving back through the sale of their face masks – which can be a great way to give back to the community, whilst also caring for one another through wearing this essential safety item.

Where to buy your eco-friendly and washable face masks, in the UK:

To help you find some more fun, colourful, and eco-friendly face masks here are a list of shops I have found.

Pucker Masks

These colourful masks are all created by UK seamstresses who have been out of work due to Covid and are paid a living wage. They also have an adjustable nose bridge and a pocket for a filter, should you wish to add one. Added onto this, they also give 25% of their profits to charity.

NotJustClothing

This UK brand is offering a truly bespoke experience with customisable face masks. You can have a UK tube station, a word, or initials added to these minimal face masks. They are also made in the UK, are carbon neutral, with 50% of their profits from their face masks (and their t-shirts) going to Masks for NHS Heroes.

Isabel Manns

This UK-based womenswear company create their face masks, as well as all of their clothes, with fabric cut to minimise waste. Each of their face masks are reversible, and profits from their sale goes to the NHS. With an incredible range of patterns and colours, you really can let your personality shine with these masks.

Migrate Art

The charity, based in the UK, have created a range of reversible, reusable, and washable face masks in collaboration with 10 artists. They have a campaign called #masksformeals which has been set up so that 100% of the profits from sales of their masks will go to Refugee Community Kitchen to help them feed the homeless in the UK.

During these uncertain times, it can be worrying to consider what to do next, and you are not alone. I hope with these tips, you will feel more confident prior to your next shopping trip, and will have a face mask that truly reflects your personality. If you would like assistance with a personal shopper who can maximise your time, and make your experience less stressful, then please get in touch.