So you’ve read the body shape guidelines and thought to yourself “but my body doesn’t really fit into just one shape … I’m more of a mix of a couple of shapes”. Fortunately, you are not unusual and you don’t have to worry that nothing works for you. All you have to do is understand…
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There are many ways to improve your style – from learning about the shapes and styles of clothes that flatter your figure, to understanding the colours and contrasts that harmonise with your own and not to ever forget how you personality influences your style choices (all of these foundations of style can be found in…
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I was delighted to be interviewed by Catherine Baxter for her Industry Leader’s interview series and I got to share some of my thoughts on becoming an image consultant and some of the keys to being a great image consultant. One of the questions Catherine asked about was what obstacles I’ve overcome over my…
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What’s a low-value contrast outfit anyway? It’s one where the value (that is the technical word for the lightness to darkness of a colour) is similar, and so is an outfit where there isn’t much value contrast. Many feel that low-value contrast outfits can be dull (and difficult) to put together with style. This is…
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One of the great first-world conundrums for women in the era of the cold shoulder, off the shoulder and other strappy top era fashion trends, is what kind of bra to wear with these items? When the temperature is nearing 40C (over 100F) degrees, loose layered and not too many foundations are often a way…
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Pantone has just released their 2020 Colour of the Year – and I’m super happy to announce after a few years of more non-traditional colours, 2020 will be the year of Classic Blue. It’s a mid-deep blue that is related to navy, but not as dark as traditional navy, and is likely to come in…
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Old socks with holes in them or just odd socks that have lost their pair? Worn out grubby sneakers? These are often apparel items that just get tossed in the bin, not good enough to give to any thrift store. I mean who wants your stinky old socks and shoes? Rather than throw them in…
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Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken – another great quote from Oscar Wilde. This is one of my favourite reminders when the toxic witch that is “comparison” enters my head. It’s way too easy to compare yourself poorly to others in so many aspects of your life, and style is one of these aspects…
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I was recently asked by a reader to talk about why so many women feel guilty about purchasing clothing and accessories. I’ve seen it many times, as women hide their purchases (or cost of purchases) from partners, from leaving a item in the bag for a while, to hanging it up and then not wearing…
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“Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable we have to alter it every six months”, so said Oscar Wilde Fashion is an industry, designed to make money. Nothing wrong with that. We all have to make money to live, feed ourselves and kids, keep a roof over our heads…. but the fashion industry…
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Body shapes, body proportions, body variations. These all impact on what your individual figure flattery guidelines will be as each of the body shapes and body proportion guidelines are generic and don’t take into consideration aspects of the other. What Does Body Shape Tell You? Where to put verticals to slim or elongate. Where to…
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Another great quote from Oscar Wilde … You can never be overdressed or overeducated Let’s tackle the overeducated bit of this quote first. Getting a Style Education One of the things I notice and have experienced myself, before I took on my extensive study of colour and style, is that we are not taught the…
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Would you consider a blog on an explanation of the Enigmatic color swatch. I am particularly interested in why the colors are warm but should be grayed, which is cool. Hmm, is this part of the enigma?! I love the colors and meld into them when I find the right ones but have found them…
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The great wordsmith Oscar Wilde once wrote: One should either be a work of art or wear a work of art Why does art matter? Every culture from ancient times onwards has created art. From the unknown artists of cave paintings and all the other artists who have come afterwards, every culture enjoys art in…
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What to do when you’re not feeling inspired by your wardrobe. It could be you’re having a day when you’re feeling a bit bloated and your regular outfits will not be comfortable, or you’re just a bit bored with what you’ve got. Rather than run out and buy something new, why not get a little…
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There has been some fascinating discussion between my 7 Step Style Sisters this past week or so about Uniforms, Wardrobe Capsules and Outfit Formulas. Each is a different concept, all can work for you and can work together, but some may feel more attractive to your way of thinking and doing than others! Wardrobe Capsules…
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Do you have some jeans (or other pants) that slide down, the waist is either a little too large, or you have a straight body shape (like my H shape) and they just slide down as you wear them? You’re not alone! I have this exact issue. Normal belts are OK, but I find they…
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Why are focal points in your outfits so important? They are the key to figure flattery. What Are Outfit Focal Points They create a place for the eye to stop and rest, drawing attention away from body parts you choose to camouflage, distracting, like the magician distracts you as they perform their illusions. Check…
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Please welcome Nina Bandoni from Tampa, Florida (USA) who writes the blog Sharing a Journey all about ageless life and style as she shares her Stylish Thoughts with you. What is the secret to great style? First, taking the time to figure out what styles, colors and shapes look best on you, combined with…
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What kind of glamorous things does an image consultant and style blogger do on her weekends? Attend fashion shows …. fancy soirees …. hobnob with the beautiful people? Not this one! What I have spent many of my weekends over the past two years doing is a massive garden makeover. Over the past two years,…
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I’m excited to be sharing with you here the latest copy of the AICI (Association of Image Consultant’s International) Global magazine, in which I’m featured in an in-depth interview. AICI is the image consultants professional association and I was awarded the 2019 AICI Jane Segerstrom award earlier this year when I was in Chicago at…
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