SHOPPING THE TRENDS

My wardrobe is definitely more suited to the autumn/winter season; it's the time of year where I get to dress up and be creative with my outfits.  I love layering and indulging in luxurious fabrics. 

Exposed to all the latest a/w trends it's tempting for me to get carried away, therefore, I decide what I want to buy before hitting the shops. Wandering around aimlessly can be demoralising as well as time wasting so I make myself a wish list. The one rule I do have, no matter what the season, is that the trend must suit me. I like to be fashion savvy not a fashion victim.

The key pieces for me this season would be:

WALLIS

0844 984 0266

www.wallis.co.uk

The Coat 
Always a big style investment and a favourite autumn/winter purchase. This year is no exception with styles ranging from oversized to streamlined, tomboy to womanly. Whilst neutral colours remain a popular choice, think about investing in a coloured, bright coat as seen on the catwalks. It will give your autumn wardrobe an instant update, add a new dynamic to your outfit and bring cheer to a dull, grey day. Given the British weather you will probably get to wear a  coat for a good chunk of the year so value per wear it’s a winner.

DOROTHY PERKINS

0845 121 4515

www.dorothyperkins.com

The Flat Shoe 
Loafers, brogues and oxfords are this season’s alternative to the ballet pump. Look out for silver and gold for extra polish. 

The Sweater & the Skirt

DOROTHY PERKINS

0845 121 4515

www.dorothyperkins.com

Embrace femininity and invest in a skirt. Knee length and longer are the order of the day in keeping with the more womanly and elegant trend. Pleats are flirty and the full circle skirt reminiscent of retro glamour.

The sweater and skirt combination featured heavily at the shows. Keep the sweater on the slouchy side and go for a skirt cut to the knee.  You will find an abundance of embellished sweaters if you want to add some razzle dazzle to your outfit.

Finally, a word on colour! Pink - a welcome injection of colour and femininity to our autumn and winter wardrobes! Anything pink from the palest rosebud to dusky rose. It looks great when teamed with grey, navy or black. 
Tip: Cooler complexions look best with the icy pinks and warmer complexions with coral or salmon pinks.

DON'T SAVE IT FOR BEST

My philosophy regarding getting the most out of my clothes is:  

“Wear it and love it. Don’t save it for best, best is everyday.” 

Given that I have a few fashion years and purchases under my belt, I've had the opportunity and life experiences to reach that conclusion but I was surprised the other day to hear the same mantra from a 15 year old fashionista. 

I was admiring her jacket. She told me she had bought it at an auction and that it had once belonged to a famous singer. She went on to tell me that she never has it off her back! She wears it whether she's meeting the girls for coffee or cleaning her bike. She loves it and when she wears it she feels special. How's that for style?!

So don't put your clothes into the holy shrine of 'only for best'. If it's a fashion item chances are you will get fed up of it before you can wear it out so wear it whilst it's still cutting edge and get your money's worth.  If it's a classic, with good care and maintenance, it will serve you well for many years.

HAPPY FEET

This weekend I was lucky enough to work with a very talented group of dancers at a marketing event at the Potteries INTU Shopping Centre in Stoke-on-Trent. High energy dance routines and scorching temperatures called for several wardrobe changes but the crew nailed it! Shoppers couldn't help but tap their feet!

http://www.marilynjonesdancecentre.com

BODY LINES

Clients often ask me about bodyshape and are intrigued to know whether they are pear, apple, diamond or triangular. In the first instance, however, I encourage them to think about their overall silhouette and whether the outline is straight or curved or a combination of both.

Complement the line of your body by using similar lines in your clothing. Curvier body lines benefit from a contour in the pattern or drape in the fabric whereas straighter body lines are complemented by geometric patterns and stiffer fabrics.

Once the bodylines have been identified we can then think about disguising

common figure variations or enhancing our best assets. I'll cover these in a future blog.

STRAIGHT CLOTHING DETAILS 

Jackets - square shoulder lines, square hemline, asymmetrical fastening, contrasting buttons and trims

Lapels - pointed or square, straight, stand up, piped 

Necklines - square, v-neck, slash, shirt collar

Sleeves - set in, square shoulders, cap or short sleeve, stiff cuff

Pockets - well defined, square, piped, slit

Hemlines - straight

Pleats - pressed down, stitched down

Darts - long and straight, sharply defined

Seams - well defined, perma creased, top stitching, piping

Belts - angular clasps

Buttons - angular

Fabrics - stiff, structured, crisp

Cuts - straight, angular, boxy, masculine

CURVED CLOTHING DETAILS

Jackets - curved hem, rounded shoulder lines

Lapels - rounded, notched, shawl

Necklines - round, draped, shawled, cowl

Sleeves - raglan, drop shoulder

Darts - soft

Pleats - eased, soft

Seams - curved, fine or no top stitching

Belts - soft materials, rounded clasps

Buttons - rounded

Fabrics - soft, flat, smooth with drape, flowing

Cuts - fitted, contoured

COOL IN SHADES

I'm sure the sun will come out eventually! When it does, you'll be wanting a pair of sunglasses that not only protect your eyes but look great too. 

Not sure what style of shades will suit your face shape?

Here are my tips:-

Oval face - evenly proportioned features, suits almost every style.

Oblong face - longer than it is wide, choose frames that are deep from top to bottom or have details at the temples.

Round face - avoid anything circular as these will accentuate the roundness, go for a more angular style.

Square face - broad forehead and strong jawline, go for oval or round frames or even cat-eye style.

Heart face - broad forehead and small chin, avoid frames that are wider at the top, rimless shades will flatter as will rounded or square styles.

Triangle face - narrow forehead and wider at the cheeks and chin, look for frames that have colour on the top half, you could also try an aviator frame.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL

I saw a great quote the other day on Facebook (Quotes & Sayings) and I would like to share it with you.

"Do not underestimate yourself by comparing yourself to others. It’s our differences that make us unique and beautiful."

On the same day I heard all the publicity surrounding the tightening up (no pun intended) of cosmetic procedures. 

Working as an image consultant it's my business to help people look and feel good. I believe that everybody has the right to feel good about their appearance irrespective of age, size, shape or wealth.

Looking and feeling good impacts on all areas of our life but we need to get the balance right. It's not about looking younger or having the 'perfect' body, it's about making the most of what you've got and being the best version of yourself.

Unfortunately, we are constantly fed images and messages setting out standards of physical beauty and perfection that can make us feel inadequate. Try not to be intimidated or pressurised by these unrealistic ideals.

FORGET ABOUT THE SIZE TAG

A client was horrified when, on a recent shopping trip, I suggested she try on a garment that was labelled size 14. Okay this lady is usually a size 10 but as I pointed out to her it’s not the size that counts; it’s the fit. It fitted her beautifully and she has since contacted me to say she has never had it off her back. Job done.

Manufacturers use different sizing criteria and the fabric and cut of a garment may mean you need to go up or down a size.  I have clothes in my wardrobe ranging from a size 0 (USA) to 42 (Italy) as well as 10 (UK) even though I am generally a size 6. 

Use your 'typical' size as a guideline by all means but don’t discount an item because it says something different than you are used to.