Monochromatic, meaning one colour (read up on the definition here), outfits can look extremely sophisticated and gorgeous, or if you’re not careful, a little boring and plain. So how do you ensure that your monochromatic outfits are stylish and sophisticated not dull? Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I discuss ways to put…
Navy Blue is a colour that seems to get a lot of attention these days. It’s back in fashion (yay!) and makes a great neutral for so many people as it’s way easier to wear than black for the majority of the population. The name came originally from the Royal British Navy and…
So you’ve got some clothes in your wardrobe in colours that don’t really agree with your colouring. It could be an element of an outfit, or it could be a whole piece. It could be a uniform that you have to wear. So how can you wear those colours that don’t do anything for…
I’m not much of a pants girl (that’s trousers for you English folk who class pants as underpants, and as I always argued with my English colleagues when I lived and worked in Bristol “pants go on top of underpants, that’s why they are called underpants, as they go under your pants!”. On the…
When you think about the value of someone with a darker skin tone, usually they have also darker hair which makes their overall value down the deeper darker end of the value scale. But what is their value contrast and colour contrast? Frequently their colour contrast is monochromatic – one colour – dark brown eyes, skin…
It was the year 1985, the location was Paris. It was my very first trip overseas and my first and long lasting love affair. The subject of my affections? Sunglasses After walking down the street with my eyes weeping as I squinted through the Parisian summertime glare, I bought my first pair of sunglasses and…
Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I discuss all aspects of animal prints in this video post. I explain the contrast elements of animal prints, both value contrast and colour contrast. Watch the video in this post if you want to know more about choosing prints and the contrast of prints (it’s the…
It’s very easy to get stuck in the same colour combination rut. You always put red with white and blue, wear your orange with your brown and then just stick with adding any colour to black as it’s ‘safe’ and you’re really not sure how to mix colours. So sit tight as it’s time to…
Autumn in Melbourne can be hot and cool and as we move through the season the mornings are cool and crisp while the days heat up, so layering is often key. Fabrics that are more trans-seasonal are also good, nothing too heavy and hot or itchy, nothing too thin and summery. Green and White with…
When you’re choosing a print, how do you know what contrast it is and how to choose the right value and colour contrast prints to flatter you? Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types do a show and tell inside my wardrobe with a bunch of patterned clothing items. In the video I talk about my “stair”…
The Barossa Valley in South Australia is a glorious place to visit, both visually beautiful and also one of Australia’s wine production hubs. If you enjoy wine and want a leisurely break in the country, then head there for a day, weekend or mini-break. There are a huge number of wineries both large and small…
Would you consider doing an article on spring and summer looks for high value contrasts? I can’t wrap my head around how to get a summery look with dark colors. Especially if I don’t want to wear navy all the time. I’d love some photos to help me see how to make it work. I…
How to Have a Lots of Outfit Options When You Have Limited Space in Your Wardrobe Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I discuss the question of the feeling of lots of options when you have a small space. Tips we discuss in this video: Wardrobe Organisation – make it work how you…
What are the differences between London and New York Pantone Forecasts? London has a cooler, brighter red in Flame Scarlet as compared to New York’s Grenadine. London’s Primrose Pink is a more muted pink than New York’s highly tinted Ballet Slipper. London’s Toast is a slightly cooler beige than New York’s Butterum London’s Royal Lilac is…
Answering another lovely reader’s question about how to work with a limited colour palette, Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I took up the challenge to help demystify and share our secret sauce on the subject. How to Use a Limited Range of Colours and Not Get Bored Is it really limited or is it…
I love yoga apps. They give me the opportunity to take a yoga class, or just do a quick routine. I can choose the level, the duration and even the kind of class I want to do all at the touch of a button. What’s more, I can do them in the comfort of my…
With the money and professional stylists in Hollywood, you’d expect celebrities to always get their outfits right. Yet, time and time again, we see stars wearing colours and contrasts that don’t flatter them. Why does this happen? It always amazes me just how much bad advice they are given and how many outfits they wear…
Overdying clothes into colours that flatter you can be a great way to “save” a garment that is a great shape and style, but the colour just isn’t right for you. You can change a colour completely, or just tweak it slightly to a more flattering shade for you. If you’ve been thinking about tackling…
Following on from a reader’s question on how to know if you’re in a style rut and how to get out of one if you’re in one, I thought this would be a great topic to discuss with Jill on video. Ruts can make you feel less than happy, as clothing affects how you feel…
Hi Imogen, It seems that different personalities especially regards to accessories, associated with a certain refinement level. For example elegant chic & classic seems accessories that associated with mainly level 1 or maybe 2. Relaxed person associated with refinement level 3, or maybe 2. However everybody has life situation that involve various refinement levels. Many…
What is beauty? Is beauty only for the model types? What makes you beautiful? Unless you’re one of the supermodels of the world, which I’m guessing your not, as I doubt they’d ever read this blog, then you’re probably like the majority of people. You probably talk down to your reflection in the mirror, it’s…
