SHOPPING TIPS - TOP INVESTMENT PIECES TO BUY TO RENEW YOUR (LOCKDOWN) LOOKS

Although the lockdown has meant some essential shops will be opening, I wanted to share with you some investment pieces you can add to your wardrobe to help renew your looks for work and play!

Some tips for investing in accessories and clothing

Investing in items such as jewellery can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only does it means you have a cherished item in your wardrobe that you’ll love wearing, but you will have a piece that lasts the test of time.

I truly believe in eco-fashion, and with investment clothing pieces and jewellery, you will know that the items you spend slightly more on, will last throughout your life. They quality of the items I recommend below, will be that of pieces that you will cherish and lovingly care for, so when you do invest in them, I highly recommend ensuring you know the care requirements such as cleaning and adjustments if in future you need anything tailored or changed according to your lifestyle or body changes. I do recommend that pieces you adore that you want to fit you excellently can benefit from having a tailor work on them so they fit you perfectly.

Headbands

I have recently shared some tips for online meetings, which included my love of hair accessories to help totally transform your look, especially if you are busily looking after even more tasks each day during lockdown!

Colourful headbands such as these from Etsy designer LollyKiks, are a fabulous and easy option. They instantly add colour to your outfit and cover up that hairstyle that may be in need of the hairdresser! They are very budget friendly, and work for an array of hairstyles as they have the elasticated bottom to help keep it in place.

For a more classical style, Alice bands are another alternative way to transform your look, and are perfect for shorter hairstyles as they do not scrunch up your hair. I love this fabulously colourful and unique Alice band from Orelia, and it is available in an emerald green style with a tiger (!) or a more delicate option of pink with flowers.

If you prefer something without a pattern, I found this beautiful gold headband which has an added “knot” at the top to add definition. It is in a faux leather so is vegan friendly, and really adds a touch of glam to your hairstyle!

How to use colourful scarves to transform a look

Scarves are a fabulous way to add colour, personality, and definition to an outfit and can totally transform something that feels monochromatic. Now, I love the monochromatic style, especially for professional outfits, but when you add a scarf you can then add a touch of personality to the look with something that perfectly fits in your handbag (or even your back pocket!). You can transform a look with the same scarf but styled in countless ways, so have a play with the different options and have some fun!

One option for a scarf is the stunning Dolce and Gabbana silk scarf, which is an investment that you will cherish and will stand the test of time in terms of style. If you are someone who loves floral patterns and it works with your personal brand, it can definitely be an item to invest in for your wardrobe.

A shawl can be another option within your scarf collection, and can transform your outfit, especially this piece by Missoni which has fringes and colour! It is another high quality designer investment piece, but if you are looking for an item that can work to help bring some personality to any outfits, or if you are someone who wants to add colour without feeling committed to an entire outfit, I highly recommend a shawl such as this.

However, if you have a moderate budget for investing in scarves, you can invest in colourful items that work. This silk scarf which has been created using a design by 17th Century Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai. For a colourful floral silk scarf option, you could invest in this beautiful yellow number by Powder.

Colourful or detailed at collar tops

Tops can be accessories too, and there is nothing quite like a simple shirt with a touch of flair at the collar. Many brands have made fun collar accessories you can add to your shirts, or you can invest in the stylish top from the beginning and let your personality shine with your collar.

Starting with an investment item by designer Givenchy is this beautiful pussy bow blouse which is a simple black and white with the drama truly being shown by the collar detail. This shirt can be transformed depending on how you tie the bow, or how you style it. Try with jeans for a smart-casual style, or make it super professional with a blazer and work trousers.

For a more budget-friendly option, designer Kith and Kin have created this beautiful blouse which is perfectly simple with a touch of fun at the collar (and the cuffs) with a gorgeous design to let the blouse have some accents, without feeling overwhelming.

For even more fun, why not try out a quirky colourful shirt that will really add some personality and joy to your outfit? I love this Mariana Deri blouse which is a new fun take on a classic polka dot – isn’t it just sheer fun?

Top Investment Pieces for your Wardrobe - Earrings

Earrings can transform a look and can help to add a little sparkle or flair to your outfit in a flash. When you invest in a beautiful pair of earrings, and look after them, they can be a piece that you go back to for years to come.

For a little colour with a professional edge, you can try these beautiful hand-crafted earrings by Jennifer Behr with Swarovski crystals and glass pearls with a drop silhouette. There are also these beautiful colourful drop-earrings by Magpie Rose. This style of earrings work perfectly to transform your busy Mum white tee to a professional look, just wearing these earrings! They can also work beautifully with a classic monochromatic look, such as a black suit, slip dress, or polo neck.  I recommend colourful earrings like these if you want to add a touch of colour to your wardrobe, too.

I recently fell in love with Italian brand, Nali, which have excellent on-trend jewellery at very reasonable prices, like these colourful drop earrings at just 16euro! Such a steal and they are an easy way to try out new trends before finding which ones you truly want to invest in and keep forever. Nali sell online, as well as in stores such as TK Maxx and some independent stores, so you can try them before you buy them too.

For a more abstract or original look, these unique, 14k gold plated drop earrings by Pamela Love are amazing! The colours, shapes, and mismatched style are incredibly popular at the moment, and I think work really well for people who are more unique in their style choices. If you want to show off your personal flair, then earrings that are mismatched can be a great go-to. These are quite long earrings so may suit shirts that are more v-neck, to elongate your neck.

To try out the asymmetrical look, you can find this style on a tighter budget to test out the look, as it can feel strange to wear two different looking earrings if you are used to more traditional styling. this pair by Liars & Lovers are budget friendly and have some fun colours to bring some personality to your outfit.

Investing in necklaces for your wardrobe

My final investment pieces you can add to your wardrobe is necklaces – these are an accessory many of us may already have in our wardrobe and can help to make a simple look be elevated.

Colourful necklaces are a great investment to add to your wardrobe, as with the earrings above, they can go a long way to transform how your outfit looks without having to completely change – speed is of the essence, especially during lockdown! When you invest in a beautiful necklace, you will want to take into account the colours that work best for your skintone and your current wardrobe. From a blue necklace in 18k gold, to a pearl and pastel pink statement – you will want to make sure you find a colourful necklace that works for you. 

For even more of a statement, you can try the statement chain look which requires a more adventurous personal brand. This really is a statement, but one I love the look of when styled correctly. The great thing about these chains is that they not only make a huge statement for your outfit, but can mean the rest of your look can remain minimal – if you want it to, keeping your outfit choices simple, with just the jewellery to add your personal styling. Starting simple, you can try a gold or silver chain, which can be an easy first step into this trend, or for a more budget-friendly alternative Nali, have this stunning large chain necklace in beautiful pink tones at a very reasonable price. There is also this beautiful dual chain necklace by & Other Stories which is a more delicate but still on trend look.

No matter what trends are “hot right now” your investment pieces should be ones that you adore, especially when they have a higher price tag. You should consider the care they require to make sure they last, and that they work with your current wardrobe so you can get pleasure from wearing them.

I am here to help should you want to have assistance with how to create a personal style that you love, that works for you, and can help to keep you feeling confident during and after lockdown. To arrange an online personal styling session, please do get in touch.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW COLOUR CAN HELP YOU LOOK AND FEEL GOOD (during the lockdown)

During the lockdown we have been having to, in some cases, completely transform the way we are working, particularly as mumpreneurs. Our business lives are being swamped with online video calls, our kids are with us, and often our partners are also with us. To add to this, an overwhelming amount of emotions we seem to be going through, from highs from being able to spend more hours with our loved ones, to lows where we feel almost trapped within our own homes. I wanted to share a few tips to help build your positive mindset and confidence using something as simple as colour! 

What effect can colour have on our mindset?

Psychologists and marketers have poured countless hours into researching what colours can do to affect the mind, and this is only a small summary of some of the research I have found, particularly focusing on the colours themselves. Colours can greatly affect our moods, but also how people respond to us, with research by Keith Jacobs and Frank Hustmyer in 1974 finding that our heart rate, blood pressure, and even respiration, can be changed just by the colours we see. 

Knowing these basic elements to the ways people respond to certain colours could help you potentially reach for the colours you love, and consider how they’re making you feel. It could also help you if you want to have a specific mindset, or response by others to your outfit, whether another colour may be great to addition. 

Blue – how does this colour affect my mindset?

Blue, a colour I love to wear, and Pantone’s 2020 colour of the year, apparently encourages people to feel loyalty, stability, and tranquillity. It can help when you feel you need to bring some grounding to your life, as it can evoke feelings of truth, and according to psychologists is the most stable colour to wear. Blue can be a tricky colour to wear, so consider your skin tone and think about which type of blues can work best for you to help you feel confident, and bring some of the tranquillity you may be craving at these times to your day.

This blue, soft denim jumpsuit from Warehouse is something I love to wear as it works perfectly with my skin tone, has a belt to draw me in at the waist, but is still comfortable enough to wear when taking my child to the park. It also is professional enough for client calls!

How can Yellow affect my mood?

Yellow – a beautiful, happy colour, and one I can’t write without bringing a smile to my face, and I am sure many other people feel the same. This is a colour which brings happiness, optimism, and can bring joy to your outfit. However, it can apparently also bring about a feeling of unstableness as it’s such a bright colour it can be tricky to have an all over outfit in just this shade, and can be over-energising for the workplace. If you’re working from home, however, it can be a great colour to jump to if you need to pump up your energy! 

This is another colour which can be tricky for some skin tones, so I recommend having a colour consultation or putting different shades near your face to see which hues brighten you, rather than drain you.

In this wonderful outfit, you can see how blue and yellow have been brought together, to add the stabilising effect that blue can have on yellow. Then paired with a simple black skirt, but bringing the yellow pop in the shoes helps to bring the whole outfit together. I love that it can be appropriate for work and I truly see how yellow can bring brightness and joy to an outfit. If you are conscious of wearing yellow in this way, I’d recommend trying a yellow bag to add to your more toned down look, or perhaps yellow shoes for a little pop of fun colour!

Green and its effect on mindset

Now green is an interesting colour to wear! It is associated with healing, hope, and success! It’s also a great colour to wear if you are in front of a computer screen as it apparently has the least amount of eye strain. The use of green in an outfit can also bring a feeling of freshness and harmony, so it’s a fantastic colour to use in these times, and when attending business meetings, as its association with success can bring a more secure feeling to the person you are meeting with.

Deep greens can be a great starting point for you to dip your toe into the world of this colour. Lime greens and bright greens are often quite luminescent but can be great if your skin tone works well with it. I love the use of the neutral top with the deep green in this outfit, and it can be perfect for work and for date night – add a leather jacket or jewellery to upgrade to the date and you’re ready to go out!

What does the colour black do for your mindset?

A classic colour, but did you know that black can convey the message of power, mystery, and even professionalism? This is why it can be used in so many professional outfits such as suits and the classic, little black dress! I often find even if black isn’t considered to be the “right” colour for a client’s skin tone, it makes them feel great, so if you feel the same way about black, then go for it and add this professional colour to your day if you have several meetings coming up, or need to record a professional video for your business. Adding a hint of colour such as green, or blue, can add a touch of personality to an all-black outfit, should you feel you need it.

In this all black outfit, something I always recommend doing with black is showcased here perfectly – different textures! Black on black can look a little flat, so adding other layers of black that have a different texture or pattern are a great way to make an outfit look more polished. The arms on this dress go a long way to changing this dress from what could be quite simple, to something appropriate for the office.

Orange and its effects on the mindset

The final colour I’d like to showcase in this list of the top colours to transform your mindset, is orange. This colour is a good go between for red which can be seen as passionate and great for a first date, not so appropriate for the office! Orange, especially in these times, can be an excellent colour choice as it brings through feelings of energy, fun, and warmth. It’s a fantastic colour as it’s bright and colourful, like yellow, but can be worn on many more skin tones and is perhaps not quite as daunting. It also helps to bring a feeling of stimulation and enthusiasm, so if you’re feeling your get up and go has got up and gone, bring some orange into today’s outfit, it could go to help improve your energy!

Image from Edit 7.

As you can see, orange comes in so many shades, and is incredibly “hot” right now in the fashion world. A few ways to use it is like the above where the whole outfit is based on orange with perhaps black or green accents. If this feels a little too much, try starting with an orange scarf or shoes, so you can dip your toe into the colour for a little bit of a boost to your mindset!

I hope these colours have given you some ideas for adding some colour to your daily outfits whilst in lockdown and how they can potentially change your mindset. Do let me know some colours you love to gravitate to, and if you’d like to know which colours suit you best, I’d love to arrange an online stylings session with you!

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS FOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

When it comes to transitioning from the corporate world to running your own business, there are a whole host of incredibly overwhelming and exciting things that need to be thought about. What to call your business, what to offer as a service or product, where and how to market yourself, and with this marketing comes the potential to refresh your personal branding. Out with the corporate world requirements of you, and in with the ability to truly express your own self! Goodness, that can be a very scary thing, especially if you have moved from a role that had a uniform, or felt like it had a uniform even if it was not set upon you!

In this article, I wanted to share some fantastic examples of how female entrepreneurs are showcasing their personality with fashion, and how you can remain yourself, but keep “professional” or as much as you need to when running your business. Now, these are just my personal tips, and I love the uniqueness that fashion can bring to us, alongside the independence that running our own businesses can bring to our wardrobe, so you can wear whatever you wish, these are simply some ideas to whet your appetite!

Ideas for the networking meeting

As a business owner, I find that the best form of marketing is word of mouth and recommendation, so I attend regular networking events with fellow business owners to help me extend my network of contacts that I can recommend to clients, and in return, they may also recommend my services to their contacts too! In these meetings, there is often a lot of sitting, as well as the potential to stand up and share insights into your business. They are not informal, but they are not as professional as, say, a corporate meeting with investors. So I recommend keeping an outfit that feels comfortable yet professional enough to not feel to informal!

Try a button down shirt and leather trousers for a funky look when attending these meetings – one of my clients, an early-30’s business owner, loves being able to turn up in her leather trousers, a pair of heeled boots, and a fun, colourful shirt at her networking meetings. It’s a great talking point, and one that works well for her business.

If you are in a more corporate feeling mood, you can never go wrong with a pencil dress, or skirt. These are still quite a feminine look, but you can pair it with trainers (see my recent article which shows the new ways trainers are taking over the heeled world!), for a less formal feeling. There’s also no harm in throwing on a pair of killer heels, should you feel more confident in them.

If you prefer a more casual look, you can go for a great pair of jeans, paired with a blouse – potentially a silk or smart white cotton blouse, as these can be a good option for the potential nerves that arise when networking!  To help elevate the look, I’d recommend pairing your jeans with a pair of heels, but it totally depends on your preference.

For the business meeting

As a business owner, you may be meeting with clients, investors, potential business partners, suppliers, the list goes on! So, when it comes to showcasing your business, this may require a slightly more elevated look than for the more informal networking events. I always recommend getting a colour analysis to my clients, particularly if they are looking to boost their confidence with their wardrobe, so these outfit ideas will be on the basis that you either know the colours that work well for you, or feel a certain love for specific colours or patterns!

The classic monochrome look is one that works incredibly effectively for a formal outfit. Layering is an excellent way to help build up the look, without feeling too “samey”. I love the use of black, beige, or cream, as these are classically elegant options, however, I have noticed many women on the street using fantastical monochrome coloured looks including pinks, greens, and purples, and they look fantastic! For the best options, I recommend finding similar tones in the colour you are looking to build your outfit with, as well as utilising different patterns and textures to help the outfit feel really put together.

Upgrading your outfit from day to day, to business meeting, can be transformed with a simple and elegant blazer. I love using a blazer to transform my outfits, they are a great way to help a look feel more business appropriate. There are a range of options out there, from simple black, to blue velvet, as well as the classic tweed and linen options. Find a few blazers that you find work in your wardrobe, add them to your coat rack, and use these in place of your coat when you head out for a business meeting, it can transform the feeling of your look! They work fantastically over a turtleneck, a blouse, or a casual tee.

Now is the time to invest in key items

When it comes to letting your wardrobe make you feel super confident, you can’t go wrong with investing in pieces that perhaps were higher than you used to spend in your corporate job. Trust me, the investment is so worth it. The reason I find investing in key items so important is that I will tend to take better care of them, they last longer, and I get more wears out of them. Shops like Reiss and & Other Stories are great places to find slightly higher end wardrobe items that can have your key items that elevate your look (& Other Stories also offers a 10% off voucher if you take them old textiles, which is an excellent way to support sustainable fashion).

Reiss is the place I recommend for an elegant, effortless yet modern style. & Other Stories is a younger, more boho style that is quite Parisian. They have excellent choices to add to your wardrobe and I tend to find well-made piece of knitwear or beautiful dress are items I can pick up easily in these stores. Reiss even offer a tailoring service, so your items can be made to fit you like a glove.

For my petite clients, I highly recommend visiting HOBBS, as they offer not only an excellent range of smart pieces, they also have a petite collection – perfect for female entrepreneurs who are under 5 foot 3. Their styles are classic, and have a huge range of dresses that are a great solution for a “grab and go” outfit. If you are looking for a more corporate look for your business styling, you can also take a look at L K Bennet. Their workwear collection has a range of excellent blouses, suits and classic styling that would work perfectly in most corporate offices & your business office!

As a new Mum myself, I know the importance of being able to have comfort and professionalism come together, so there are a few brands I love to get my jeans and blazers from. One brand I highly recommend, particularly for those of us with problems finding jeans that fit both our hips and our waists, are Liu Jo. As for blazers, my go to option is Pinko, they are fantastic!

You will often find that heading to new shops on the highstreet can be an excellent way to find your new “branding” and you may gravitate to certain styles, let your gut instinctively tell you, and go and try it. I do recommend heading to a department store to get to see a big range of options in one handy place, somewhere such as House of Fraser or John Lewis are a good place to start. Once you find a brand that really embraces your style and shape,  The great thing about being a woman entrepreneur is that you make the rules – be yourself, let yourself be confident, and bring your personal style to the forefront! If you are feeling nervous about where to start, I’d love to help you with a personal styling session.

BRIDAL STYLING: HAIRSTYLE TRENDS FOR 2016!

6 HAIRSTYLES FOR THE 2016 BRIDAL DRESSES

For me the second most important choice for a Bride, after the dress, is the hairstyle. So, if you are going to choose one of the 6 top styles from the 2016 trends, which is the best combination between your dress and your hair? Obviously you'll have to deal with your hair kind : long, short, thick, thin, and so on... but this is my guide-line to get the perfect combination without being excessive or, on the contrary, "dull" on your Wedding day.

1. Hairstyle for a fairy tale dress : what's better then a fairy tale hairstyle for your fairy tale dress? The sample shown on the picture here reminds me of Elsa (frozen) but it could work for Cinderella or Aurora as well ;-) it is romantic, feminine and if you want to make it sparkling you can add some bright stones, even replacing the flowers. Since your bust will be already embellished enough, I'd suggest to leave your hair on the back, avoiding overwhelming elements on front; on the contrary this way you will balance your image giving importance to the back as well.

2. Hairstyle for a Cropped-top dress : being this, in my opinion, the most youthful of the dress styles proposed, I would have a "young" hairstyle as well, leaving them quite natural or gathered in a side braid. Since this kind of dress is quite simple, and since you must be anyway the protagonist of that day, I would enrich your hair adding flower crowns, for example, that would add color and freshness, or even sparkling elements, to be more sophisticated.

3. Hairstyle for a High-low dress:  Well, it should be clear now,  if you choose a high-low dress you know that you will be watched all-over and your hairstyle must be as much fascinating and attractive as your dress (actually you have to draw the attention on your face as well!). So what I suggest is a rich and voluminous high-gathered hairstyle, with the addition of tiaras if you wish. I'd not add flowers, you would risk to send contrasting messages.

4. Hairstyle for a 3D Flowers dress : Well, your dress will be decorated enough, so I wouldn't play hard with my hair if I were you. keep it simple.. sophisticated, bu simple. I would not even add flowers (cause you already have them all around your dress) nor sparkling elements (that wouldn't be in line with the rest of your look). You will be elegant and beautiful without need of add anything more, don't worry!

5. Hairstyle for a Blush Shaded dress:  In this case, being the color the key point of your look, I can't tell you how to gather your hair ('cause it depends mostly on the dress' shape) but I can tell you that I would recall somehow the blush of the dress in your hair, probably by adding blossoms. The blush is romantic, make your hairstyle being romantic as well.

6. Hairstyle for a Long Sleeved dress :  as I told, the long-sleeved dresses are maybe the most regal of all. To get an appropriate regal hairstyle the key-word is "simplicity". Go for a simple shape but enrich it with a precious veil (in lace like the sleeves maybe?!) or a fine tiara to add light.

Let your guests and the groom being fascinated by your look! Let them remember how perfect your were, not "too much" nor "not enough"...just PERFECT.  

LIFE OF A LONDON STYLIST : VISITING TRADE SHOWS

There's always something new to know about fashion... new trends, new brands and new connections! Visiting this trade shows, even as image consultant and not a buyer, can be very interesting and gives you new inputs and ideas for your clients, and even new connections, that are always important! 

And I am very happy and proud to see lots of Italian names to thrive among the PURE LONDON's stalls today with their genuine made-in-Italy products.  This is not a good moment, the fashion marked is full of valuable and fierce competitors and it is very difficult to conceive innovative and unconventional ideas with; but I've seen good proposals today, for quality and originality, between lots of cheap and, I daresay, dull products. I really hope that the buyers had noticed the same , choosing their suppliers wisely!