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 STYLIST TIPS: TOP AUTUMN COATS FOR YOUR WARDROBE TO SUIT YOUR SHAPE

As the cooler months set in, and we begin to take out more jumpers and put away the summer dresses, you may be looking to find an autumn coat. Coats can be an incredibly personal thing – I know of one client who tried on 10 coats and just didn’t feel any were “right”. The outer wear in any outfit needs to be comfortable, reflective of your style, and also, importantly for this time of year, warm! There are some go-to classics that will work each and every year, so I wanted to start the Autumn with the top three classic coats I love, with a few modernised versions for the trend-setters among you!

The Trench Coat 

This is a pure classic, and one we have seen throughout the years. Often in a camel tone, it can be an effortlessly chic option to layer on top of your clothes. Usually with a large belt to bring in the waist, this style can work incredibly well for many body shapes. If you are more curvaceous I recommend utilising the belt to show off your waist, whereas if you are tall and slender, keep it open to add more dimension to your shape.

For a similar shape and military style, but with a more elegant look, you could invest in this Danielle Frankel Allegra corded lace-trimmed organza and tulle trench coat – it is definitely an investment, so make sure you truly love the style. If you’re more colourful, you can try out a colourful trench coat, like this Topshop piece in mustard, which are becoming more and more popular and are a great way to add some colour to the darker days.

 (Bottega Veneta – convertible crinkled glossed-leather trench coat)

The trench coat really is the most classic of all coats, it can be worn in a chic way with all black underlayers, all the way to a modern take with a casual t-shirt and maxi skirt underneath.

The Aviator Jacket

An Aviator jacket is a true classic, vintage, boyfriend-esque vibe, while also being super comfortable and most importantly, warm! There are a range of new styles being brought to the fashion world this year, with oversized options by Pieces, to this classic shearling zip-up black jacket by REISS as well as their reversable version which means you have 2 jackets in one!

With most aviators, no matter whether they have the added belt at the base or a shearling interior, the style works perfectly for hourglasses due to the way they are shaped and often tapered in at the waist with their classic pockets. You can also style this jacket as a pear shape as long as the coat is more cropped in style, and finishes above your hips.

Teddy bear coats

You may have seen these blasting across the fashion world last year and they are here to stay again. A warm, luxurious, and comfortable overcoat, the teddy bear coat can come in a range of lengths. The classic teddy bear coat is by Max Mara, and comes in a range of colours to suit your preference.

The great thing about a teddy bear jacket is that it can work for every body shape. I suggest that if you are petite then look for a version that is specifically catered for your height, or a cropped option like this mint green teddy coat by ASOS Design. If you are an hourglass or pear shape, as with many oversized styles, you may loose your shape, so if you can get a belted version or wear it open rather than buttoned, you can still bring in your waist.

If you’re looking for a colourful option, rather than the neutral version, this baby blue Reclaimed Vintage option is a unique choice. You could also invest in this Stand Studio midnight blue faux fur option, that follows the similar styling as a teddy coat, this is another very easy coat that can be good for every body shape, although hourglasses and pear shapes might lose their waist definition by wearing this. It is still considerably cheaper than the Max Mara Teddy, but feels very similar with potentially a more mature fabric.

Double breasted coats

Military has such a wonderfully androgynous styling, and if this is your go to look, or you are looking for a coat that can toughen up your more girly style, then a double breasted jacket can be a great option for the autumn. Keep yourself warmer with a coat that is woollen, like this Balmain option.

A double-breasted coat is perfect for people with a more rectangular shape, who need to define their waist as the shape of the buttons, particularly on the Balmain option, create an optical illusion of a narrower waist. It also works incredibly well on hourglasses, as your naturally defined waist will fit perfectly within this coat. Tommy Hilfiger have also created a checked double blazer that is great if you love a professional pattern that is always a classic.

The belted jacket

If you like a coat that is truly a waist definer, then you can’t go wrong with a coat that has a belt! For added warmth, you can go for a quilted option as with this olive green creation by Alexa Chung – if you choose a similar style to this, be cautious of the quilted style if you are a more oval shape, as the belt may not do your shape justice.

If you are looking for a more classic option, perhaps without the quilted pattern, then & Other Stories are well known for their fabulous belted coats, such as this neutral alpaca option which also has buttons, as often just a belt on a jacket can still let the chill in! 

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.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS - HOW TO PACK SMART

HOW CAN YOU PACK SMART TO BUILD CONFIDENCE ON YOUR HOLIDAY?

With the country coming out of lockdown, and many of us yearning for even a few days away from the day to day lives we have been leading during these uncertain times, you may be thinking of taking a short break. The most important part of making a trip the most enjoyable experience, other than the location and the company, is, in my opinion as a Personal Stylist, a selection of clothes you feel great in.

In this article, I wanted to share a few of my tips to help you pack smart, and make your break the most enjoyable it can be.

Make sure you really need the item/s you are taking

Research is a key element of planning for a holiday, the same goes for packing! Make sure all of the items in your luggage will actually be useful where you are going. What are you planning to get up to during your time away? If you are planning lots of walking and rest, you probably won’t need the stilettos. If you are looking to break by the beach with cocktails and date nights with your loved one, then the walking boots may be taken out, and the stilettos put back!

Really research what you will be expecting from the location you are visiting, the weather that may be expected, and what you are planning to get up to, to help you maximise your luggage space.

Only take items that bring you joy

The clothes you want to take with you are those that really make you feel great. Ask yourself if you will wear the item, and take the first response as your true answer. If there is doubt, then don’t pack it. Make sure that you feel comfortable, confident, and know that the items you are taking are joy-bringers. Don’t pack items you haven’t worn for ages (unless, of course, it’s a bikini that you loved on last year’s holiday!)

Capsules are essential

It’s best to have less in your baggage, than a confusion of items. Making a capsule packing structure will help you to see multiple options of outfits from only minimal items. Bring clothes that work together in palette, and ones that you know you wear together regularly. This will help you maximise space and prevent stress when picking out your clothes.

Plan your outfits

If you have the time, I highly recommend you plan your outfits, especially those that are for fun nights out or special occasions. When you plan ahead, your stress levels will dramatically reduce, and you will find you will feel joyous about what you pick out of your holiday wardrobe for each of the events you have prepared for!

Tissue paper is a great way to prevent creases

The old trick of using tissue paper (the type you wrap with) is actually incredibly beneficial! For some breaks, especially when you are visiting somewhere for only a small amount of time, you will not have access to an iron. You also probably won’t want to spend your valuable time getting those creases out of your beloved items! One way to stop the creases is to use tissue paper when you fold your clothes, especially those that crease easily.

Have fun

After all this time in lockdown, and only just being able to take breaks around the UK, the last thing I recommend for packing smart is to have fun. Embrace the time you have on your holiday, and let your clothes bring confidence, joy, and the ability to truly enjoy your time away.

 What are your tips for packing smart?

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS: 3 STEPS TO STYLE SUCCESS

Style can feel a little overwhelming as an aspect – many of my clients feel they don’t know their own style before coming to me. They do know that they like certain fashions and styling, but are unsure where to start.

In this article, I wanted to share 3 steps you can take to help you start your journey to finding your own style, and make it a pleasure rather than stressful.

Step 1 – Colour can make all the difference!

Have you ever noticed there are certain colours you may gravitate to? Perhaps there are patterns and colours that make you feel your most confident? These are often the best colours for your wardrobe and for your skintone, which can be a great starting point to your style vision.

Look at your wardrobe and see which colour/s you see most of in there. Do these colours make you feel confident, beautiful, even sexy? These are the colours that you can go towards for the future investment pieces that you make.

I do suggest a more in-depth colour analysis to truly know the colours that work best for you, but to help you for the short-term, this step can be really helpful!

Step 2 – Consider what your day to day life looks like

Now that you know the colours you want to include in your style, you can think about the types of clothes that will work for your every day life.

What do you get up to each day? Are you running to the office and require professional looks to maximise your confidence and feel appropriate for the office?

Perhaps you are a business owner and head to meetings with clients, as well as needing comfortable clothes to work from home, but that can instantly swap out to work for the virtual meetings?

When you know what your daily needs are, then you can look at what can work for your wardrobe. Your style doesn’t have to follow the rules that others impose, but they do need to work for your needs. If you are a busy mother who runs your own business, 6 inch stilettos and pencil skirts may not be the most appropriate thing for your day to day style needs! However, you could have a pencil skirt and wedges, if that feels right for you.

This takes me onto step three!

Step 3 – Who are your style icons?

Something I often ask my clients in our Personal Style Masterclass, is who their style icons are. What makes them your icon?

Knowing who dresses in a way that you love can really help you find clothing that is similar, and can help you create a style that works for you. There can be several icons you can find that can have similar styles, so it can help you really drill down and see what styles are the ones you gravitate to. One of my clients I worked with recently shared that her style icon was Cate Blanchette, with an androgynous style and blazers that stand out, this helped her curate a wardrobe with outfits she loved.

When you feel your wardrobe sings your personality, and works towards building your daily confidence, dressing can be a pleasure each morning. If you are finding it difficult each day to plan an outfit, or go through clothes overwhelm, I’d love to help you with my Personal Styling Masterclass, where we will have 2 hours to create a style, learn your body and face shape to enable you to find the styles that work for you, and make you more confident each day. 

SEVEN SECONDS TO IMPRESS - HOW TO MAKE YOUR SEVEN SECONDS REALLY WORK FOR YOU

Did you know it can take just 7 seconds to make up your mind about whether you want to engage with someone, or not?

This can be very scary numbers for some of us, but what if you knew that those 7 seconds that someone had for you, they knew straight away who you were, your personality, your passions, and that they want to connect with you more? These 7 seconds can be essential for when you run your own business, work in a corporate office, have a date to go to (!) or any interaction really, and it also matters on video too.

I recently had an online talk with videographer and YouTube expert, Eugenia Zagoruyko of uFocus, where we shared our tips on how to impress in just 7 seconds using video. With her fantastic tips for getting everything right on your video, and with my tips on styling, we had great feedback from the attendees of the talk, to help give them the confidence to get started with their videos for their business!

I wanted to share some of the tips we shared, in terms of styling advice & video advice, so you can potentially get started with building your confidence, and know that the next time you meet someone new, those 7 seconds won’t worry you.

TIPS FOR IMPRESSING IN 7 SECONDS ON YOUR VIDEOS:

Some of the top tips Eugenia shared with the group were:

1. The light is important! Your camera will take on the light in a different way to how you see it with your eyes. Don’t have a bright light behind you, as people will be distracted by the bright light behind you, and lights above you will cause difficult shadows. Have a light in front of you to help light up your face.

2. Consider your background. As minimal distractions for people as possible is important, but don’t feel you have to have just a white background. You can show off your personality with your surroundings but help ensure that you are still the star of the video.

3. Set up your camera for a feeling of conversation. People look at you through your videos and feel as if they are there with you, so the perfect framing is with your face and shoulders. It helps viewers to feel as if you are close enough to have a conversation with them.

4. Take off your glasses – the effect is twofold here. Firstly, when you have your lights set up for your video, they can often reflect off your glasses, and can be distracting. It also helps you to prevent yourself from being distracted by yourself whilst you are filming!

5. Ground yourself. Take a moment before you start your video to ground yourself, smile, and take a breath. This will help you get prepared and in the zone prior to recording. When you finish, smile, count to three, and then you have enough time to stop your video comfortably.

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS FOR IMPRESSING IN 7 SECONDS ON VIDEOS:

Now here are my top tips for styling yourself for your videos, to help you feel confident and built rapport with people in just 7 seconds!

1. Consider how much people are seeing of you on your videos. Most of us only show our face and shoulders in our videos, so these are the most important parts of your outfit.

2.  More make up is often best. Video cameras pick up things differently to our eyes, so you will need to apply a little more make up that you usually would in your day to day life!

3. Bring the attention to your face through your styling. Steer away from too vibrant colours and consider minimal accessories, unless your brand is all about extravagance! Bring people’s attention to your face so they can listen to what you are saying, rather than fluttering between your clothes, your accessories, your background, and then your face and what you are speaking about.

4.  Consider the best colours for your skin tone. Try to understand what are the general characteristics of your face, for example light colours, which means lighter colours work best on your skin; vs darker colours work great on a darker complexion. For a more bespoke colour analysis to help you really know what works best for you on camera (and in person!) a colour analysis can truly help.

5.  Video is no different than in person. Although we want to be comfortable and embrace the joys of working from home, it is important to consider these video meetings, and professional videos as if we were meeting people in real life. It’s important to give the commitment to the videos as you would a talk, a meeting, or a business event. It can also help to make you feel uplifted and ready to take on the video!

I hope these 10 tips help you prepare for doing more videos whether for meetings, networking events, or when you decide to start filming for your business. To see the full video, head to my YouTube channel.

A huge thank you goes out to Eugenia of uFocus, for sharing such important and useful tips, and for all the time you have given. Please visit her website for more details on how she helps clients with videos, and her upcoming workshops.

TOP TIPS TO DEVELOP YOUR PERSONAL BRANDING AND ALIGN IT WITH YOUR PERSONAL STYLE

When it comes to running a business, your brand is something that makes you unique. Often, this branding is something that you work on studiously with a professional, so you can ensure that your business shares the right message, style, personality, ethos, values, and attracts the right clients. This branding is something that can carry across to your personal style, and it is something I love helping my entrepreneur clients work on together, so we can align their business brand with their personal brand.

Something I must share before I get into the nitty gritty, is that you don’t have to be a business owner to have a personal brand or personal style. When you discover your personal brand it makes shopping effortless, styling yourself stress-free, and helps you discover the style that you love for yourself, for each day. So whilst this article starts out with the background of business branding for entrepreneurs and how they can align their personal style with it, this can be beneficial to anyone looking to create a personal style that they can feel confident and comfortable in each day.

Authenticity is the base for your personal style

When I co-hosted a workshop with branding expert Marianne Hartley in May 2020, we spoke about the way business branding and personal branding can come together. The first thing we picked up on was the essential element to any personal branding and personal styling journey is authenticity. To be authentically yourself is something that can become a blessing each day. When you feel you can be confidently yourself, you will feel more comfortable, attract the right people to you, and you will be able to distinguish yourself in a unique way, without feeling uncomfortable.

When you can curate an authentic wardrobe that you can go to with confidence, you will be able to be yourself when it comes to conveying your message to new potential clients, in meetings, and through social media. Consider a few questions when starting to discover your authentic style:

1.       What do I feel most confident in?

2.       What style icons do I gravitate to the most, and why?

3.       What message do I want to convey to clients and with my personal style?

These are just a few questions you can ask yourself when you start to take the journey to working on your authentic style wardrobe!

The psychology of colours

I recently shared an article which takes a deeper look into the psychology of the colours we wear, and how they can be seen by others & affect your mood, which you can read here. Colours can be an incredibly important part of your business branding process, as you will discover when you speak with your branding expert. They can have hidden meanings, deliver certain reactions for people, and create an instant response when people see your branding. The same goes for the colours you choose in your outfits. Not only are colours an important part of helping you feel a certain way, as well as helping your specific skin tone light up (which can be discovered through a colour analysis), but they can also develop an instant psychological response by people who see the colour.

With just the above three options I have shared, different reactions to their colour choices for their outfits will happen, automatically and subconsciously within you. They are all professional women, who have chosen their outfits based on their personal style choices, their branding, and their confidence. This is not to say any colour is “wrong” to wear, it’s to consider what colours work best for your business and personal branding, so you can easily and effectively convey your personal message quickly, without having to say a word.

The reason why I love being a personal stylist is that I can work with men and women to help them create a wardrobe that speaks their message, helps keep them confident each day, and help them to discover the joy of shopping and creating outfits. This is never more important than with the colour choices they have – as this can so effectively boost your confidence in a moment.

Clarity and Consistency

My final tip, when discovering how to create a personal brand and personal style for yourself, is that you need to make sure you give the right message through your image, that your image quickly tells who you are and what you do at first sight, as well as making sure that this message is aligned with your brand message. That’s a lot to take in, I know! So let’s just quickly discuss the clarity side of your personal style.

When you work with someone, like a personal stylist, to help you develop your business wardrobe, you will speak with them about the day to day requirements of your wardrobe. You will also speak with them about the message you want to convey to those you meet, whether this is “confident and laid back”, “quirky and unique”, “professional and trustworthy” or any mix of feelings you want to bring to others. With this in mind, you have therefore discovered the clarity you need to have within your business wardrobe, making it much easier to know what outfits and colours can be used to convey these messages quickly to others, just through your personal styling. Just as you would do with a branding expert to create your logo, your website, and your marketing message!

For example, with a quirky, feminine personal style, like the first image above, you can play with the shapes of your dresses, the patterns, and even the colours, whilst continuing to have clarity around the message you wish to convey. In the second styling option, you can convey a professional yet approachable message, with the jewellery being a stand-out piece throughout your styling, and having a more laid-back styling option with your clothes, which you can easily add more professional styling with just with a change of shirt or less jewellery. Finally, a professional and corporate option as with the third styling image, will be easy to continue throughout your outfits with the addition of a blazer, suit trousers, a shirt, or more laid back blazer if you want to remain professional but perhaps a little laid back.

Once you have the clarity around what message you want to give to others through your business styling, you can then create the consistency within your wardrobe. You can have outfits that are easy to create each day, helping you to have a stress-free morning, and you can easily find new options when you go shopping.

If you are looking to develop your personal brand, or create a wardrobe that can be a joy to open up each morning, then I hope this article has helped. If you’d like a little more assistance to help you on your journey to creating a personal style, I’d love to help you. I offer my online personal style masterclass in just 2 hours, which can be hosted online and will help you create a personal style that you feel confident in. Give me a call to arrange a free virtual consultation and we can take it from there!

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 STYLING TIPS – THE KEY SHOES TO HAVE IN YOUR CUPBOARD

Shoes can be a fantastic finishing piece to an outfit, and I love seeing how many options we have on the market now. Whether you are looking to have an elegant trainer, a killer heel, a statement boot, or a simple dolly shoe, you can make your statement with your feet in this day and age!

The great thing about shoes is that they can last a lifetime with the right care, so I do recommend investing in a few key styles that can work with several outfits.

A pair of boots for Autumn/Winter outfits

I recommend investing in a pair of brown and a pair of black boots – these are excellent for Autumn to Winter. Now we are in Spring, you will find several stores are offering a great discount on their boots in store.

If you want a little touch of personality, you could break from the traditional black and brown, and invest in some colourful boots that work with your personal colour preferences. I love these white booties from Aldo, as they can be a great statement, but you could try maroon, purple, green, or even blue!

Comfortable Flats for every day

Alongside the boots, I recommend a pair of comfortable “every day” flats, these can be plain or with a touch of personality, but they are excellent for running between meetings if you prefer to be comfortable. There are a huge range of options available, but for a more smart look, I highly recommend the classic brogue or dolly shoe, as these can work well with any outfit, and you can potentially head to meetings in them without the need to swap your shoes around. If you need a little height, but don’t want the discomfort of your heels, a platform is an excellent solution.

And don’t forget about the trainers, one of the greatest (and most comfortable) trend in shoes at the moment! The can transform your outfit from formal to smart casual in an instant, making you look fashionable and stylish, while preventing sore feet!

The perfect pair of heels for any outfit

If you are a heels girl like me, then a pair of strappy heels can be great for the summer. If you want to show off a little flair when wearing your black monochrome outfit, then a pair of fabulous statement stilettos can be an fun piece in your shoe cupboard – there are these leopard print stilettos by Moda In Pelle, which are amazing, or for a little less statement, why not try these green stilettos by Hobbs of London. I also think a pair of nude heels can work wonders with a dress, jeans, trousers, or a skirt, so if you fancy treating yourself, I love the look of these nude shoes, as they are just the right heel for newbies and experienced heel wearers, and they basically go with everything!

Whatever your preference, you can truly show off your personality and style with your shoes, even if your business or job title require you to potentially stay a little more muted in your outfit choices. I hope these have given you some fun ideas for the essentials for your shoe cupboard, and I’d love to hear from you which shoes you love most to add a little spark to your outfit!

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.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIP: FIND THE PERFECT RED LIPSTICK

For some, lipstick is a daily essential, for others, it’s a sea of colours and confusion! Whether you are one or the other (or just dipping your toe into the world of lipsticks) I hope this piece will help you find the perfect shade for you, and hope to give you some red lipstick confidence boosting in preparation for International Women’s Day this month.

When I do a colour analysis with a client, we go through the colour wheel landing on the season that best suits their skin, which helps them to find the perfect colours to make them shine. In this article, I share a few tips on helping you to determine which season may be yours, but of course, would love to invite you to join me for a colour analysis should you want to have the benefit of knowing the best colours, fabrics, and make up for you!

Red Lipsticks For Summer Skin Tones

If you are cool-skin toned and naturally ash-blonde, you will probably be in the Summer category, and you are most likely to suit a more primary red with a blue undertone, such as the beautiful deep red shade from Pat McGrath in Elson with a touch of blue undertones, can work pretty well on all skin tones, but particularly works well on those with a Summer season.  

Red lipstick can work well on most cooler toned skin, from lighter to darker shades, as long as the undertone is correct with a hint of blue. You can try a sheer and pinkish red lipstick with Cover Girl’s Continuous Colour in Really Red, which is a lovely option for a less deep and bold colour.

Red Lipsticks For Autumn Skin Tones

Just like the season, Autumns have soft contrasts, and work best with the autumnal colours of the season - think aubergine purple, reds, and oranges. This means finding your perfect lipstick shade needs to be a warmer tone. Consider deep and warm lipstick hues for your selections. Brick reds, deep rich browns, or bright reds that have a brick-red undertone.

For even more of a statement, you could invest in something a little more unique with a deep rich brown lipstick, I know it isn’t in the “red lipstick” look, but I had to mention it as it is a shade that works so beautifully on the autumn skin tones!

Red Lipsticks For Winter Skin Tones

If you have fair skin with naturally dark hair, and eyes from very light and icy to very deep, or if your overall colours are dark with cool undertones, then you might fall into the Winter category, which means reds that work for you will be ones with deeper and cooler tones work beautifully for you. Consider scarlet red, such as Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution in Scarlet Spell, which is deep, luscious and perfect for your skin tone! 

You could also work with a beautiful fuscia pink, such as the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine in Fuscia Stiletto which is a very bright pink, and is a great option for you to try if red is perhaps not your colour quite yet. If you're willing to try a vegan and cruelty free option, I suggest the Smoothed Over Lipstick - Peony from Arbonne. I advise steering clear from any reds which are almost brick red, as this will potentially wash you out.

Red Lipsticks For Spring Skin Tones

Warmer skin tones with golden blonde or red hair and eyes with green shades usually tend to be a Spring, which means warm bright reds, as well as coral pinks work perfectly for you. Deeper reds can drain you, so this is one option of red that you will want to step aside from. I love the Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Matte Lipstick in shade 402 is a wonderful colour, with it’s bright hue, it may feel a little daunting, but practice with it and you will see how fantastic it looks on your skin tone, I promise!

Another option, if coral feels a little too bright for you, can be a bright brick red, then try the Becca lipstick in Rouge, this perhaps would be the darkest red hue that you can use without feeling a little too pale with it, so find the perfect one that makes you shine. If you want to keep a more natural look, still adding a touch of colour, and go vegan and cruelty free, my suggestion for you is the Glossed Over Lip Gloss, Mimosa by Arbonne. 

Whatever hue you choose to go for, preparation is key to making your lips feel lipstick ready! I recommend exfoliating and moisturising before you pop the lipstick on, as this will give it the right base for long wear. I also recommend you try a lot of shades on your own skin to find that perfect lipstick that will make you feel fantastic! If you would like some help to find the right make up to make you feel confident every day, then do get in touch, I’d love to help you with a colour analysis. 

PERSONAL SHOPPER ADVICE: GUIDE TO TIMELESS JEWELLERY - TRENDS THAT WILL NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE

Add to your capsule wardrobe some timeless jewellery staples. Here, Emily Tebbutt, Jewellery Commercial Manager at Ramsdens Jewellery, tells us which classic jewellery pieces we need in our collection.

You may have already started collecting some timeless essentials that you can wear for years to come, but the ideal capsule wardrobe shouldn’t stop at your clothing. Your jewellery can really complete your outfit and choosing classic staple pieces can ensure that you’re staying on-trend for years to come. In this article, I’ll be telling you which timeless jewellery trends you should be investing in, so you’ll never go out of style.

Diamonds and gemstones

Diamonds and gemstones are a continuous trend for jewellery. On Instagram, “#diamond” has seen huge amounts of engagement for years, with over 12,880,000 mentions. From simple diamond studs to gemstone rings, these pieces are perfect for dressing up any outfit, and their universal use is what makes them such a timeless accessory.

Gold and silver

When it comes to choosing the right jewellery to match your outfit, you probably ask yourself the same question each time: gold or silver? These materials are guaranteed on-trend colours and you can either decide to wear a mixture of both (if you are a real jewellery collector) or you could have a colour analysis and finally find out which one works best for you and your complexion.

Simple studs

The go-to for everyday earrings, simple studs aren’t going anywhere any time soon. With so many styles and shapes out there, from diamond studs to plain silver and gold pieces, they really can go with any outfit. Whether you match them to your necklace or wear them alone, these pieces are sure to give your outfit a touch of effortless glamour.

Hoop earrings

Perfect for framing your face, the classic hoop is a must-have for any earring lover. Whether you want to dress up your casual outfit or add a touch of glamour to your evening wear, the hoop earring is the ultimate choice. The best thing about hoops is that they come in different sizes, so you have the freedom to make a statement with big hoops or tone things down with a smaller set.

Charm bracelet

Charm bracelets are perfect for adding a touch of personalisation to your outfit and, because they can be so varied, they’re a classic staple that’s never going to go out of style. These pieces are perfect for passing down from generation to generation, and their timeless design means they’ll always be acceptable to wear. Why not mix and match your charms and metals to create a fresh and modern look? Then, as styles change, just swap your charms around to match.

Pendant necklace

No matter what style you choose, the classic pendant necklace is a timeless addition to your jewellery collection. You can choose from so many different styles, from simple gemstone pendants to traditional lockets and personalized pieces. So, whether you choose to stay subtle and only wear one, or make a statement by mixing more pieces, the pendant necklace will be perfect for every style.

Each of these classic pieces will make the perfect addition to your jewellery capsule collection. Wear them to dress up any outfit effortlessly and mix your styles to create something that’s unique to you. As with any fashion choice, as long as you feel good, you’re going to look good, too!

And if you need help to find the perfect timeless jewellery pieces for you and your style, why not to book a personal shopping session?

PERSONAL STYLIST ADVICE - NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION - TIME TO FEEL MORE CONFIDENT

We all deserve to feel confident within ourselves. Having a wardrobe that helps increase that confidence, so you can simply walk in, choose an outfit you know you’ll feel fantastic in, and go out is something that can not only be time-saving, but also truly life changing. As the new year sets in, I propose you have a resolution that you can stick to – make your wardrobe and clothes work for you, rather than against you. So often we spend our valuable time and energy going through wardrobes which don’t serve us or make us happy. I propose 2019 is the year you make a difference! Spend some time going through your own collection of clothes, and take the pieces that you don’t wear, or feel confident in, and giving them to a charity shop (or selling them, but I love handing pieces that will bring joy to others and help a charity close to my heart!). These pieces don’t serve you by being there, causing you to question yourself each time you get dressed, and are taking up valuable storage space for items that you do love!

You can start your 2019 with a fresh new start, a wardrobe that works for you, and helps you to feel ready to take on the year with confidence! Here are my tips to helping you get started on that all-important wardrobe edit.

1. Give yourself time – don’t rush through your wardrobe clean-up. Get yourself a cup of your favourite drink and make it an enjoyable, freeing experience.

2. Listen to your gut instinct – if an item of clothing makes you feel anything but positive, then it’s time to remove it from your wardrobe. If you are unsure, then place it in your wardrobe, with the hanger facing the opposite way to your other clothes, if in a month you haven’t worn it, that means it’s time to get rid of it.

3. Make it seasonal – unless you feel confident enough to match a summer dress with a lovely woollen jumper, you will probably have seasonal items taking up your wardrobe space. Take out any items that won’t suit the current climate, and place them neatly into a storage container, and put them away. A clean and seasonal wardrobe is a happy wardrobe! You can then go through these items before the new season comes in and take the same clear out process with these items before placing them into your wardrobe.

One of the toughest things my clients have when we go through the wardrobe edit is knowing what style most truly reflects them. This can often change throughout our lives, as we age, get new jobs, become parents, or simply feel a new personal style is more appropriate. Once we get to grips with the styles that not only suit our body, but more importantly suit what we want to project to the world, then our confidence can shine brightly. It makes it easy to shop and find new clothing that we will want to wear every day!

If this feels overwhelming to you, or you’d like some support and professional assistance in choosing the items in your closet which will look the best on you (as well as removing those which do not serve your personal style), then I’d love to chat. Please feel free to comment below if you’re hitting a roadblock, or have any questions, or call me to see how we can work together to make your confidence shine brightly.

PERSONAL SHOPPER ADVICE: HOW TO CREATE YOUR PERFECT WARDROBE

NO MORE WARDROBE MELTDOWNS is the title of the workshop I have handled on the 11th of May, in cooperation with Savio Los PT/Nutritionist and the Italian Fashion brand Liu Jo, at their flagship store in Marylebone, London.

The idea of this workshop came up from observing some of my clients. I have realized that more and more people, especially women, tend to buy lots of clothes and accessories every season, tempted by the millions of brands available in the high streets, by special offers, by the fashion trends of the moment and, sometimes, also by fashion bloggers.  As a result they usually end up with a wardrobe full of clothes and accessories, yet they feel they’ve got nothing to wear.

sounds familiar?! 

Well, Statistics show that the majority of people use a very little percentage of the items they own, and most of those items remain in their closet, sometimes still with the tags on.

I can tell you that most of the time having a minimal wardrobe can help us with our daily outfit choices and can turn out to be more functional than a full wardrobe! And the first step to get a functional wardrobe starts with our shopping choices. We need in fact to understand what to buy, to limit our purchases to what is really working for us: from the best cuts, shapes and combination to the best colours. It might seem difficult at the beginning but I can assure you that once you find your answers you will start shopping in a totally different way, more consciously and selectively and in the end you will find that this will also help you save money.

Another point that made me come up with the idea of this workshop is that most of my clients don’t just want to give a twist to their style, they actually want a dramatic change to their look and their image.  But, as I always say, while I can teach people how to enhance their features, I cannot change them.  So I thought to combine, in one single event, styling tips with fitness tips, thanks to the cooperation of Savio Los, an expert personal trainer and nutritionist.

Why have I chosen this particular store to host the event?! Liu Jo is an Italian fashion brand which is very popular in Italy and I’ve always been a fan. My opinion, as a stylist and a customer is that, apart from being original and different from other high street brands, their products have an incredible value for money, great quality and attention to details and great fit, especially for the denim, that is also their topic product, known above all for their exclusive BOTTOM UP formula. Yes...Bottom up! And it works!:-)

Anyway, fit and quality are, for me, essential elements for a good valuable shopping and a functional wardrobe.

Throughout the event we showed 5 models, each with a specific body shape and different proportions and colours. For every one of them I have created a personalized outfit, picking the best items to highlight their features; I called them one at a time, explained my choices to the audience. Savio could then give specific fitness and workout tips for every body shape we saw.

The first of the models was Benedetta

photo by Julia Andrzejewska

Benedetta is a typical inverted triangle, which means she has quite broad shoulders that are wider than hips; her point of strength, the one to be highlighted, is surely her bottom part (hips + legs) while she needs to be careful not to highlight even more her shoulders. This is why I created this outfit for her : the details are concentrated on the jeans, focusing the eye attention on what is her point of strength, while I chooses plain simple clothes in soft fabrics for the top. Benedetta has also very soft colours and contrasts, that is why I choose soft colours as well for her outfit, trying to respect her natural colouring; this way the colours can highlight and complement her features without prevailing or dragging her down.

Being her quite tall I dared a bottom fold at her jeans (not suggested for petit or for who has fuller or short legs instead); as for the accessories I went for a medium to big size handbag, good for her proportions, and high heels, but she can even decide to go for flat or small heels, as she doesn't really need to elongate the figure.

the second model was Maeva  another inverted triangle but this time with bright crispy colours and high natural contrasts 

photo by Julia Andrzejewska

To create her outfit I followed the same general rules as Benedetta, but I choose totally different colours and combinations, to highlight her features. For her, moreover, I choose a small sized handbag because she is a petit, and I also suggested (at least for her nights out) to wear always medium to high heels. 

To make targeted and right shopping choices, anyway, it is essential to know not only what works for us, but also what does not. For inverted triangles, like Maeva and Benedetta, here some clues of what to avoid: off the shoulders cuts, puffiness and volume on shoulders, stiff fabrics and horizontal stripes on top, specially if combined with plain darker trousers or skirts.

The third model was Crystel, this time a triangle, with deep colours and high contrasts.

photo by Julia Andrzejewska

Triangles have, typically, hips wider then shoulders and, generally, the bottom part of the body is curvy and full while the top is smaller, also shoulders are usually a bit slope. The rules for creating a perfect outfit for a triangle are exactly the opposite of the inverted triangle :-) So what it is working? ..Details and volume on top, puffed and padded shoulders, plain items and soft fabrics instead for the bottom; usually triangles are characterized also by a narrow waist, in that case it is also good to highlight the waist point with cuts and belts. 

What to avoid instead? Sheath and bottom clinging dresses, details on legs and hips, trousers with pleats and darts, stiff fabrics on bottom, patterns (especially bold) on legs and hips. For Crystel, besides, pastels or too bright colours are to avoid.

Then we saw Anna, a full hourglass with soft colours and light contrasts

photo by Julia Andrzejewska

We can say that someone is a hourglass when their shoulders and hips are even and they also have a narrow waist point; and when I talk about a "full hourglass" I mean someone with a quite curvy body. Basically hourglasses can wear any kind of clothes style, but generally speaking they need to pay attention to maintain their natural body balance with their outfits and full hourglasses in particular must take care to complement their natural curves with soft and fluid fabrics. They should also always try to highlight their waist through cuts and belts, being it a real point of strength. This is why I choose this dress for her, that gets all the elements to enhance her features. The outfit was then completed by a powder pink leather jacket (I am holing it in the picture) to create a nice soft contrast with the dress, high heels - good to elongate her legs - and a medium sized bag. 

What to avoid: stiff fabrics, sheath dresses, too much voluminous fabrics/shapes, horizontal stripes, stilettos (as their legs are usually quite full and needs to be elongated). For Anna, moreover, better to avoid bright or too dark colours and strong contrasts.

The 5th and last model was Giada, this time a neat hourglass with deep colours and soft contrasts.

Giada, with everyone's great envy (in the good sense of course), is the luckiest of the models and in general she represents the luckiest of the body shapes: naturally balanced and proportioned and, in her case, also tall! As I said before, anyway, hourglasses must always take care to maintain their natural body balance; so for Giada I tried to focus the attention on the whole figure, by choosing a quite detailed top, enriched by the belt that is highlighting her waistline, in soft deep colours and soft contrasts to complement her natural colouring, contrasted by a white slim fit jeans. For her I choose flat sandals, as she doesn't really need high heels to elongate her legs, and a big sized handbags. 

What to avoid: I suggested Giada to avoid small sized handbags and pastel or bright colours, specially if worn close to her face.

For all of the models and the body shapes they represented, our PT Savio Los gave then his workout tips 

There are, obviously, many other kind of body shapes and features, everyone is different and have their own characteristics; would have been impossible to speak about and show all of them in one single event. But people looked impressed by all the tips they were able to get all at once, and the hour after the demonstration they could practice, with my help for a shopping consultation in real time.

We are willing to do soon another event, seeing the great success of this first edition! 

Now enjoy the photo gallery, with shots also from the backstage :-) and don't miss the video too 

Gallery 

All photos by Julia Andrzejewska

Video

PERSONAL SHOPPER ADVICE: HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR OUTFIT FOR A WEDDING?

Summer 2017 is approaching and so the Wedding Season (as most of the weddings are celebrated in summer indeed!).

Stefania, image consultant - founder of One of a Style - wants with this video share 3 tips for guests (women) who are attending one or more weddings in the coming season, to help them with their selection of dressed and outfits. 

This idea came after as she dealt with lots of clients in the past who asked her consultation to find dresses and accessories to attend weddings. It is clear that this is not an easy subject and that most people (especially women) get lost, and sometimes crazy, in their seeks of an appropriate outfit for the occasion.

1st tip Stefania gives is about the location and venue, and so the style, of the wedding (villa or country house?! Castle or restaurant?!) that can make the difference in the choice of the dress'style!

2nd tip is about the accessories features! An outstanding outfit is not just done by the dress but by the whole set of elements and embellishment. She suggests to find metallic accessories (gold / silver/ rose gold...) that can be easily matching between them and with all the colours of the spectrum for a dress! A smart choice above all if you have more than one wedding/even in a single season, so that you can change the dress but leave the same accessories (shoes, clutch, jewellery).

3rd tip is more than everything the answer to a question many clients asked her : can we wear white or black at a wedding? If you wish to know the answer have a look to the video :-) We don't want to spoil you everything, do we?! 

PERSONAL STYLIST ADVICE: WHAT TO WEAR FOR A JOB INTERVIEW / BUSINESS MEETING?

Probably you have asked yourself the same question many times! Image consultant Stefania wants to share 3 top tips with you through this brief video, to help you leading a successful performance also thanks to your image. 

If you need some specific styling tips for yourself contact Stefania at stefania@oneofastyle.com and ask her help to impress.

LIFE OF A LONDON STYLIST: HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

For Mother's Day, Stefania is going to do a colour analysis for a mother and her two daughters! What a nice gift they have chosen to celebrate! It is nice to see daughters willing to make their mother feel special.. how did you celebrate your mother's day?

LIFE OF A LONDON STYLIST: BRIDAL PERSONAL STYLING SESSION

Stefania is ready to go to the second appointment with a bride to be for the research of her wedding dress, through her exclusive bridal personal styling service, and wishes her public a splendid Good Morning!