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7 Ingenious Tips for Choosing the Right Stripe In Your Outfit

Wearing stripes is an easy and stylish way to incorporate patterns into your wardrobe.

These simple, straight lines are classic and timeless: from Breton nautical stripes stemming back to Napoleon to pinstripes that featured on the suits of bankers in the early 19th century.

French sailors wear Breton stripe tops as part of their uniform in the late 1800s

The Breton stripe top was first introduced in 1858 as a uniform item for French naval personnel.

Today, there is a stripe for everyone and every occasion.

So that you feel confident and look your very best, here are a few style guidelines to keep in mind when wearing stripes. These are general guidelines because, as you know, there are always exceptions to ‘the rules’.

7 Ways To Know The Stripe Is Right For You

1. Creating Curves With Stripes

Big, bold stripes broaden and give the illusion of more curves and shape.

Three women wear wide striped garments which creates the illusion of a body with more shape and curves.

Create shape and the illusion of curves with large stripes. Shop this board.

2. Elongate with a Narrow Stripe

Small stripes that are closer together lengthen and slim your body.

3. Communicate with the Colour of  Your Stripes

When you wear neutral colour combinations such as navy and white, your outfit appears classic and chic. A more colourful combination comes across as fun and playful.

If you want to appear more professional and business-like, choose traditional colour combinations in medium to dark shades such as charcoal and white.

4. Use Stripes to Balance Your Body Shape

Stripes are perfect for creating optical illusions too.

For example, if you have an ‘A’ or pear shape body type, you can widen your top half with light, bright horizontal stripes.

If you have a V shape body (broad shoulders, no hips), add horizontal stripes to your lower half to balance your shoulders.

Vertical stripes, if narrow and close together, will elongate.

If you have a short upper or lower body, place vertical stripes in that area to create the illusion of length.

5. Mix and Match Patterns with Stripes

Of all the patterns, stripes are the easiest to mix and match. Play with different widths and different directions if you’re feeling courageous.

Speaking of being courageous, why not mix your stripes with prints like florals and geometrics? An easy way to combine them is to have a unifying colour in both patterns.

6. Use Stripes to Create Illusions

Diagonal stripes create movement. They can draw the eye up, down, in, or out. For example, a diagonal line that starts down on your right side and ends up on your left will draw others’ eyes up to your face.

Bold light and dark stripes such as black and white will appear larger and stronger. Whereas combinations where the colours are more similar in value, like light grey and white, seem more subtle and less obvious.

7. Choosing the Right Stripes for You

Unsure if stripes are for you? A smaller item like a piece of jewellery, a small handbag or some fun shoes might be a way to test the waters. Or, how about a stripe down the outer seam of your pants?

When you’re trying on a striped garment, look in the mirror and do the blink test. Close your eyes, count to five and reopen your eyes again. Use this technique to see where your eye is drawn and if the stripe placement is right for you.

Are you wondering which stripes are right for your style and body shape? During a Personal Style session, we uncover the prints and stripes that are most flattering for you. It’s three hours of fun and style information specific for you – you’ll never have to Google another thing about your style again 🙂

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By icadmin
August 26, 2022
In HomePage-Blog, Style
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8 Ways to Include Fashion Trends Without Becoming A Fashion Victim

Woman at an open air market wearing golden yellow coloured coat, teal felt hat and animal print scarf.

Want to try a new fashion trend and not sure if it’s you? Buy a less expensive item, like a scarf, and wear it in small amounts.

I get it. You want to look current and modern, but not appear like a fashion victim. So, how can you look stylish and up-to-date yet still be true to yourself and your style preferences?

Fashion trends are there to inspire us. They inject a sense of newness and interest into our wardrobes and keep you looking fresh.

Holding onto clothes that are past their use by date can make you look frumpy. But, dressing head to toe in the latest trends that don’t suit you will have you looking like a fashion victim. How to find the perfect medium?

Use these 8 easy ways to include fashion trends without becoming a fashion victim:

  • Combine an ‘on trend’ item that speaks to you and pair it with timeless classics. All you need are a few current items mixed with clothes you already own to stay looking up-to-date.
  • Only buy the trends you love and that resonate with your personal style preferences. This includes your personality, body shape, and your colouring. Be careful about being too influenced by others who you see as stylish wearing the latest trends. For example, you might love that floaty boho (bohemian style) dress on Sienna Miller or your best girlfriend but it doesn’t mean you’ll rock it if your personality style leans towards classic.
  • Choose from the current selection of trends – the ones you love, then wear them, wear them, wear them! A few years later you’ll be ‘over it’, the trend will have died, the garment will have worn out and it will be time to let the item go and find a new trend to play with.
Smiling woman wears a red and white stripe blouse with white jeans. She has her arms crossed.

Stripes are always in fashion.

  • Spend less on fashion trends, yet still buy quality. You want the fabric and fit to be on point.
  • Ask yourself: Does the trend flatter my body shape and proportions? If the answer is a definite “no” and your aim is to look and feel your best, then leave it alone or find a way to modify it. E.g. If oversized shirts and jackets swamp you, wait until more fitted styles are available or buy two or three sizes smaller than your standard size.
  • Colour trends are worth considering as well. Currently, greens are everywhere in stores, make sure you know which is your best shade because the wrong shade will make you look unwell. Not sure which versions of green suit you? A colour analysis will be a great investment to save you time, money and energy when shopping.
A multi-coloured scarf in orange, blue and leopard print.

Use the colour swatch from your Personal Colour Analysis consultation to choose clothes and accessories in the colours that are perfect for you.

  • Patterns come and go, but there are some that are classic like stripes and animal prints. Florals are always around, but their expression changes. Only choose the patterns that you really love and skip the others.
  • If you want to include a trend that isn’t a true representation of your style wear it in small amounts rather than an entire outfit. E.g. If animal print is trending, wear a scarf or a belt rather than head-to-toe leopard print.

Do you struggle figuring out what really works for you?

Would you love to find the right current trends to modernise your wardrobe? I’d love to help make this a fun, stress-free experience. Book a shopping trip and I’ll help you get your style sorted.

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By icadmin
June 27, 2022
In HomePage-Blog, Style
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Create a Versatile Wardrobe in 9 Easy Steps

Is owning a versatile wardrobe something you’d like to achieve but think it’s in the ‘too hard basket?

Many clients tell me they’re tired of owning a wardrobe full of clothes and feel they have nothing to wear. They confess they only wear about 10 to 20% of their clothes. And, they tell me they’re not interested in being ‘slaves’ to fashion fads and trends.

This is a quote from the famous actress Joan Crawford, "Make your wardrobe as versatile as an actress. It should be able to play many roles."

What they want are fewer clothes and less decision fatigue. They’re keen to wear all their clothes more often and get better cost per wear per item. They love the idea of a capsule wardrobe where pieces mix and match effortlessly to create different looks for various occasions. They want to get dressed, look good and feel good in record time. And they know a versatile wardrobe will save them money in the long run and contribute to a healthy planet.

So many wins!

There are no set rules when it comes to a versatile wardrobe. It can be any size you like. You might decide to create two collections to adapt to seasonal changes, i.e., Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. Or, you could curate one capsule for work and another for play. Your personality style and lifestyle will influence your decisions.

Dreaming of Owning a Versatile Wardrobe? These 9 Easy Steps Will Get You Started:

1. Does it work for your current lifestyle?

Begin with a lifestyle analysis. Where do you spend your time? What are the activities? What clothes, shoes, and accessories do you need for these activities? List and prioritise the items you need to support your lifestyle.

2. What do you want your clothes to communicate?

Have a clear understanding of what you want your visual image to project. What is the story you want your clothes to tell? How do you want others to perceive you? Armed with this self-knowledge, you’ll make informed, selective buying decisions about items that deserve a place in your wardrobe. They will be items you love, feel comfortable and confident wearing, and want to wear repeatedly.

Not sure? Let me help you with a Personal Style Consultation.

3. Do the colours make you look healthy?

Base your wardrobe around your ideal colour palette.

Clothes, shoes, and accessories coordinate with little or no effort when they have common elements, i.e., undertone, intensity, and value.

There’s a colour palette that’s perfect for you! It blends harmoniously with your colouring, i.e., your skin tone, hair, and eyes. These colours are incredibly flattering on you. Wearing them together creates a cohesive, flattering look. You can mix and match your palette in thousands of different ways – they will always work well together, adding to your wardrobe’s versatility.

4. Should you keep it or let it go?

A) If you love an item, but it doesn’t fit quite right, an alteration is a great investment.

B) What do you already own that deserves a place in your new wardrobe? Items that are never or rarely worn because they are too big, too small, damaged, the wrong colour, an unflattering style etc., won’t make a selection – best to let them go.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your wardrobe, let me help you edit your wardrobe, so you only have the best garments for you.

5. Build your wardrobe around your best neutrals.

The motto here is quality over quantity. Invest in quality basics in your best neutral tones: pants, skirts, jackets, plain basic tee, handbags, belts, and shoes. These items are the workhorses of your wardrobe, so they should be ‘built to last. Superior fabrics. Timeless designs.

If you have cool undertones, choose from grey, rose brown, black, white or soft white, mushroom, mahogany, or navy.

Folks with warm undertones select from khaki, olive green, tan, camel, green-grey, warm white, cream, russet, and marine blue.

 

 

Three models wear neutral coloured clothes e.g. black, white, tan, burgundy and beige. All of these neutral tones are useful to have if you want to create a versatile wardrobe.

Click the image to shop the board.

A model wearing a black coat holds a black handbag. There are four handbags on the left hand side of the image. They are brown, tan, soft white and beige in colour.

Click on the image to shop the board.

Six versatile handbags. Four are black. One is tan, and the other is maroon in colour.

This is a shoppable board.

Creating a functional wardrobe 

6. We all need a hero.

Once the foundations are sorted, add some carefully selected statement, aka hero pieces. These items inject your unique personality style into your outfits. They could be bolder colours or have an interesting pattern or adornments like fringing, studs, or sequins.

A personal shopping trip might be ideal if you don’t love shopping and are unsure what hero pieces would work for you.

7. Think layers.

Select multi-seasonal items that you can wear alone or layered to accommodate different weather conditions. The photos below show me wearing the same patterned skirt in summer and winter.

Ann Vodicka is a personal stylist in Sydney. This images shows her modelling the same floral skirt in two different ways. In the image on the left, she wears a rust coloured sleeveless top and suede slides. In the right hand side image she wears a teal polo neck jumper and rust coloured boots.

8. Laundry matters.

Choose fabrics that are easy to launder. Most of the clothes in your versatile wardrobe will be on high rotation, so the last thing you need is not to be able to wear an item because it’s at the dry cleaner or waiting to be hand-washed.

9. Finally, add accessories.

They alter the look of your outfits, take up very little space, and inject interest into clothes on constant rotation. Accessories can also be a fun and inexpensive way to express your style.

Does your current wardrobe offer you versatility and freedom? If you find sorting out your style tricky and would like some help curating a wardrobe that requires less thought, has greater impact, and works for your life and style, I’d love to help.

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By icadmin
May 25, 2022
In HomePage-Blog, Wardrobe
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4 Secrets You Can Learn About An Elevated Wardrobe From Coco Chanel

The Devil’s in the Detail

Gabrielle Chanel was a fashion trailblazer. She designed timeless, elegant, luxurious clothes and accessories that are still used to create garments we buy today. Her personal style, individuality, and how that translated into her designs are beautifully displayed at the ‘Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto’ exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (Australia).

I hadn’t realised before my visit that Chanel’s genius lay with her apparently simple designs paired with divine attention to detail. We can use her creations as a source of inspiration. ‘Simplicity with a twist’ is something you might consider when creating your own outfits.

Excerpt from L'art et La Mode, 'Chanel's creations are always the epitome of grace and youthfulness, and delight through the simplicity of the line and carefully considered details.'

Excerpt from L’Art et La Mode, September 1932.

Look at the skirt and top ‘sportswear ensemble’ below. The outfit appears unadorned, but cast your eyes down to the arrow-like features on the skirt – so subtle, yet very distinctive, and a luxury design detail that elevates the outfit to a whole new level.

This Chanel soft white sportswear ensemble consists of a sleeveless, collared blouse and a straight skirt with distinctive 'arrow-like' details on the front.

Over to you: What are the components of your outfits that make your look elevated?

How Chanel created outfits for her lifestyle

Coco Chanel designed garments to suit her lifestyle. She was active (thus the short skirt in the image above), forward-thinking, had a strong practical side, yet had a deep appreciation for elegance and femininity. She loathed the restrictive clothes of the past; tight corsets, long skirts, high necklines, and layers of fabric. Instead, she favoured styles that allowed freedom of movement and comfort and allowed for the practicalities of everyday life.

Photo of a white Chanel dress made from cotton chiffon. It has spaghetti straps and eleven ruffled tiers from hip level down.

Over to you: What’s not working for you in your wardrobe?

Chanel was the master of the timeless wardrobe.

One huge room in the exhibition featured dozens of Chanel’s iconic suits with their collarless, buttoned, boxy jackets and straight A-line skirts. Yes, they all had similar lines; however, each one was unique due to the interesting details that had been added.

Three Chanel suits. All are cream in colour with different red and black trim details.

A selection of nine classic style suits and coats in khaki, coral and cream colours.

Over to you: How much of your wardrobe is classic and more timeless, and how much is looking dated?

Practical Chanel

Gabrielle Chanel was free-spirited, was a rebel, and she enjoyed experimenting with style. She created garments on a mannequin rather than sketching them first. Fabrics such as jersey that had only been used as underwear were now outerwear in garments such as the Breton tee. Jersey fabric is easy to wash, with no special care required.

The quilted 2.55 bag – She threaded a fine stripe of leather through the metal chain, so it didn’t make any noise and was quiet to wear. Inside the bag was a special compartment for your lipstick (How often has your lipstick got lost in the bottom of your bag?)

A classic, black Chanel 2.55 bag. It is quilted and features a metal chain strap that is threaded with a fine strip of leather to minimise noise.

Chanel’s two-tone slingback pump was beige, so it’s elongating and very versatile. The toe was black, so it was easy to polish if it got dirty or scuffed.

Prototype of two-tone slingback pump in beige and black.

 

Over to you: Is your wardrobe working in the practical way you would like it to?

What have you realised about your current wardrobe after reading this? Is it as elevated and stylish as you would like it to be? Is it a pleasure to wear because it’s comfortable? If you’d like some help curating the wardrobe that really works for your life and style, discover how you can work with me. I’d love to help you create a beautiful wardrobe that makes you feel stylish, comfortable, and confident.

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By icadmin
March 15, 2022
In HomePage-Blog, Reviews
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The Three Body Types and Choosing Fabrics that Flatter You

Are you familiar with the three body types called ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph? Officially they’re known as Somatotypes. These body types are hereditary traits based on your skeletal frame, muscle mass, how much fat your body stores and where you store it.

Three women stand together wearing white bikinis. They all are different body types or somatotypes.

Body types from left to right: Endomorph, Mesomorph, and Ectomorph.

American physician and psychologist Dr William Sheldon devised somatotypes in the 1940s. You can read more about his research here.

Today Sheldon’s body types go further than just describing a person’s physical build. Most people are a mix of two somatotypes. The most common combinations are mesomorph-endomorph for women and endomorph-mesomorph for men. There are recommended diets and exercise programs to benefit each physique.

That’s very interesting, but how does this information relate to the clothes and fabrics you wear?

Well, there’s a range of fabrics that flatter each somatotype. Having a good idea of which materials suit your body type will help you make great choices when you’re shopping for clothes. So, not only will you love how the garment looks and fits, you’ll feel good too!

Discover Your Body Type(s) and Fabric Recommendations

Tip: If you are one somatotype on the top and another on the bottom, use the fabric recommendations for both. E.g., If you are ectomorph on top and mesomorph on the bottom, wear fabrics for ectomorph from your waist up, and then use materials that suit mesomorph from your waist down.

Endomorph:

• Your body has curves. It looks round and soft.
• Body fat settles in the lower half of the body, e.g., tummy, hips, thighs, and bottom.
• Endomorphs typically have shorter limbs, and often, narrow shoulders
• Your body tends to carry extra fat by default (this body type has a higher body fat percentage than the other two body types)
Famous endomorphs: Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Sophia Vergara, Oprah, Marilyn Monroe, Russell Crowe, and Chris Pratt.
Models wearing soft, floaty fabrics which are perfect for the Endomorph body type.

Shop these items by clicking on the image.

Recommended fabrics for Endomorphs

Fabrics that drape and skim (not cling) over your curves are ideal. They should be fluid to medium stiffness – anything stiff or bulky material will add visual weight to your curves. Think soft and flowy.
Best fabrics include cotton jersey, viscose, bamboo, rayon, silk, lightweight wool, wool challis, chiffon, crepe de chine, fine gauze, silk crepe, silk jersey, velour, fine cashmere, most types of knits, and fabrics containing elastane (including denim).

Mesomorph:

• Appears muscular. You have more muscle than fat on your body.
• These people find it easy to gain and lose weight and are naturally strong.
• Usually has a medium frame and tends not to be overweight or underweight.
• Their bodies are often rectangular with an upright posture. (Sometimes they have broad shoulders)
Famous mesomorphs: Madonna, Janet Jackson, Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Chris Hemsworth, and Mark Wahlberg.
Models wear clothes made from fabrics that are suitable for the mesomorph body type.

This shoppable board is for those of you with a mesomorph body type. Click here or on the image.

Recommended fabrics for Mesomorphs

If you have a Mesomorph body type, look for fabrics with some fluidity and a ‘hint’ of stiffness, i.e., nothing too soft and flimsy, but also nothing too heavy or rigid. You can get away with clothes that cling because often, your body is toned.

Look for these fabrics: linen, medium weight cotton and cashmere, denim, knits, wool crepe, fine wool gabardine, flannel, suede, wool jersey, boucle knits (think Chanel jackets), chenille, velvet (beautiful for evening and winter wear), and anything crocheted.

Ectomorph:

• Lean, slim build, often with long limbs (sometimes with protruding bones)
• Finds it challenging to gain weight
• Low body fat
• Has a fast metabolism
Famous ectomorphs: Cameron Diaz, Taylor Swift, Gisele Bundchen, Kate Middleton, Zac Efron, and Tobey Maguire.
Models wear garments made by fabrics suitable for someone with an Ectomorph body type.

Click here or on the image to shop this board.

Recommended fabrics for Ectomorphs

Stiffer fabrics with structure will add visual weight to your lean silhouette. Anything materials that are tight or clingy will draw attention to your bones.

Suggested fabrics for this body type are leather, cotton, pure linen, organza, raw silk, Thai silk, taffeta, brocade, corduroy, stiff lace, wool gabardine (often used to make coats and suits), microfiber blends, and denim.

Next Steps

Are you curious about your ideal style and how to achieve it? Your body type is just one piece of your overall style. A Personal Style Consultation covers everything from your personality, lifestyle, and the way you want to be perceived, to body shape, proportions, line, scale, patterns, face shape and jewellery (plus more!). It’s a fun and highly informative session that is specific to YOU. (No more trawling the internet for hours trying to find information that might be relevant for you.) In three hours you will have everything you need. You’ll find out what you love and want to change and have all the tools you need to make it happen, so you feel ‘style confident’ every day.

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By icadmin
February 15, 2022
In HomePage-Blog, Wardrobe
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Statement Necklaces to Liven Up Your Outfits

Statement necklaces provide an attractive focal point and turn a boring outfit into something special.

Eye-catching necklaces are a simple way to express your personal style. From classic to quirky, feminine to playful, there are plenty of designs, colours and styles to choose from. 

Are you finding it hard to find accessories to go with your outfits?

People often ask me to find unique jewellery pieces for them or want to know where to find them. I thought you might like to see some of my suggestions. 

Here are 10 statement necklaces to add to your jewellery collection.

Tip: Click on the image to take you to the source.

This handmade necklace in cool blues is made from Tagua nuts. It would look gorgeous with a scoop neckline. I love the organic shapes and adjustable cord (which can be lowered or raised depending on the top or dress you’re wearing).

Blue handmade necklace with five organic shaped flat beads with an adjustable black cord.

 

Here it is in beautiful warm greens.Green necklace made from Tagua nuts. It features five large organic shaped beads.

Now here’s a very versatile piece! Multi-coloured links made from resin. I can see it working with a great variety of outfits from super casual weekend wear (tee and jeans) right through to an office environment.

Colourful link necklace with adjustable length.

It’s handy to have a long necklace in your accessory stash. This style comes in 13 different colours including sunny orange, tradition black, and warm and cool reds combined. Don’t get too hung up on the silver beads if you suit warm colours – it’s far enough away from your face and in such a small quantity not to matter. Just make sure the coloured beads are in your palette.

Long statement necklaces with silver and resin beads. There are 13 colours to choose from.

If you’re looking for feminine sophistication, this Kate Spade ‘Lady Marmalade’ short (16″) necklace is a perfect choice. It will team nicely with a V neckline or an open collared blouse.

Kate Spade 'Lady Marmalade' 16" necklace in gold and diamonds.

‘Glamour personified’ is how I’d describe this statement necklace. Don’t you just love the glittery bits?! The shape is perfect for everyone because it’s not quite square and not totally round. Perfect for special occasions, the office or when you need a little sparkle in your life 🙂

Yellow gold soft square pendant necklace by Kate Spade. Beautiful glittering cubic zirconias are pave set on the square shape.

Statement Necklaces from Nature

This gorgeous bib necklace is made from strands of black onyx. The same style comes in seven other stones including lapis lazuli, turquoise, tiger eye, and amethyst.

Multi strand black onyx bib-style necklace with a silver ring clasp.

There’s so much to love about this cultured freshwater pearl necklace. At its shortest length the strands are 45 centimetres (18 inches) long and at their longest, 58 centimetres (23 inches) long. This stunning piece comes with a certified Seal of Authenticity. These silvery grey pearls are perfect if you suit cool tones.

multi strand cultured freshwater black pearl necklace.

I couldn’t leave my warm sisters out of the pearl party. Here’s your version of the multi-strand cultured freshwater pearl necklace. I love it!

Cultured freshwater pearl necklace in warm tones. It has nine strands.

So romantic! Swarovski’s Infinity Heart necklace features a white crystal heart and a rose gold infinity symbol that intertwine elegantly together. It may not be big, but this necklace really makes a statement – it’s a very special piece.

Swarovski Infinity Heart necklace featuring a white crystal heart intertwined with a rose gold plated infinity symbol.

 

 

 

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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By icadmin
February 11, 2022
In HomePage-Blog, Style
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Versatile Tops for Work and Play

What does your dream wardrobe look like?

I’m guessing there would be a few key factors you would mention:

Below you’ll find a selection of versatile tops for work and play. They’re items that can be worn in many different ways, for many different occasions.

Ideally, you want to be able to wear your clothes often, so you feel good about the money you’ve spent and you know you’re getting great cost per wear from each item. Because you love that item or outfit so much you’ll feel amazing in it and will happily to wear it over and over again – WIN!

Versatile Tops for Work and Play – Cool Undertones

How to Style Your Tops

You can easily team these tops with a tailored pair of pants and ballet flats or a more structured skirt and pumps for work. For casual Friday, you could wear the blouse with a pair of dressy denim jeans. And always remember to accessorise with some statement earrings or necklace.

Then, on the weekend, combine them with capri pants, a denim jacket and sneakers. If you have a defined waist, why not highlight it with a fabulous belt.

Swap the sneakers for a gorgeous pair of sandals or some stylish boots, and you’re ready for drinks and dinner with friends.

Off to a ritzy restaurant or the opera? Choose one of your shiny skirts or a 7/8 length skirt with some elegant heels.

One top – multiple uses 🙂

Versatile Tops for Work and Play – Warm Undertones

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By icadmin
November 23, 2021
In HomePage-Blog, Style, Wardrobe
0 Comment

Perfect Maxi Dresses for Summertime Bliss

Down here in Sydney Australia, it’s Spring, moving into Summer. And with that comes the call for dresses: for parties, the races, hot days, and warm, sultry nights.

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to wear. So, I’ve put together a collection of my favourite maxi dresses for all occasions.

But, before you spend any money, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your maxi.

  1. Maxis are often loose and flowy, so if you have a defined waist, show it off by adding a belt.
  2. Are you petite? The hem should be ankle length.
  3. Depending on the occasion, you can wear heels, sandals, wedges or sneakers with your maxi. Boho styles look great with cowboy boots.

Tip: When I refer to sneakers, I mean slimline white, neutral, or coloured ones that relate to the colours in your dress and not anything chunky or heavy-looking.

  1. Avoid maxis with volumes of fabric unless you are very tall.
  2. Look for solid colours, dense all-over prints, or vertical prints if you want to look taller and slimmer.
  3. Choose prints that are proportional to your scale. (We cover proportions and scale in a Personal Style Consultation)
  4. Soft, floaty fabrics will be cooler and more flattering.
  5. If your maxi is too long, i.e. hits the ground or fabric pools on the floor, shorten it. This is mainly for safety reasons. Tripping on your long dress is only going to end in tears!
  6. Dresses in plain, solid colours lend themselves to being accessorised. If your dress features a busy pattern, allow it to be the focal point and go easy on the jewels.
Seven maxi dresses in cool colours. Five of the dresses feature floral and paisley patterns.

Click here to shop this board.

How to Accessorise your Maxi Dress

Let your imagination run wild!

You could go understated with stud earrings, a simple necklace and a daytime tote. Or, you could add larger jewellery pieces to make more of an impact. How about some bling earrings and a statement bag for the evening?

Seven maxi dresses in warm colours. Five of them have either a floral or paisley print.

Click here to shop this board.

Now’s a Great Time to Buy

Are you (and your wardrobe) ready for all of the fun get-togethers and parties that happen this time of year? Don’t find yourself stressed out with the “I have nothing to wear” syndrome. Shop early so you’ll be prepped for summer – stepping out in style.

Watch the video to see why I’ve selected these maxi dresses.

Do you need help sorting out your wardrobe, creating new outfits and shopping for the new season?

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By icadmin
November 09, 2021
In HomePage-Blog, Style
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8 Ways to Wear Unflattering Colours

Unflattering colours will leave you looking washed out, ill or tired, or even a funny shade of orange (like you have jaundice) – gasp!

Have you ever been asked, “Are you feeling ok? You look a bit tired.”? And actually, you were feeling fine right up until the time they posed the question! 🙁 Chances are, the colour you wore that day was not one that suits your skin tone.

Wearing colours that compliment your complexion, hair, and eyes not only enhances your appearance but also contributes to you feeling good. When you like what you see in the mirror, it elevates your self-esteem and confidence, positively influencing your mood, setting you up for a great day.

Do you instinctively know when a colour is flattering or unflattering on you? Many of my clients answer this question with, “Umm, sometimes… It’s a bit hit and miss.”

A few reasons why you might wear unflattering colours

  • There are times you are drawn to colours that make you look less than amazing. If you’ve had a personal colour analysis, you’ll know which hues to avoid. But occasionally, there will be a strong desire to wear them anyway. (Colour psychology usually plays a part here.)

One of my dear image consultant friends, Bec, suits cool, blue-based colours. Orange is not an optimal colour for her, yet 2 years ago, all she wanted to do was wear orange. Bec was going through a rough patch and feeling flat, and she needed an uplifting energy boost. The excitement, enthusiasm, and warmth of orange was just what she craved and needed.

  • Another reason you might be wearing unflattering colours is you’ve had a personal colour analysis and know your optimal colour palette, but now you’re in the process of replacing clothes that are in unflattering colours. (This transition takes time.)
  • Your employer has issued you a uniform with no choice of colour or style.
  • A specific colour, e.g., lilac, has always been your favourite, yet it washes you out. Lilac becomes a hot trend for the season. It’s available in all the fashion outlets, and you’re desperate to wear it.

How to Wear Colours that are not your Best

  1. Wear the colour on your lower half, away from your face. e.g., shoes, pants, skirts, a belt.

2. If the unfavourable colour is near your face, e.g., a blouse, wear a scarf or a large piece of jewellery close to your face or around your neck in one of your best colours.

3. Wear the colour in small portions, e.g., Hints of the colour in a pattern (less than 20%). Or, accessories, like a belt, small earrings, ring, bracelets.

For example, Rebecca’s colour palette (called ‘Refined’) consists of light, bright, cool colours. Silver and white gold are her best metals, yet she loves the current yellow gold trend. So, Rebecca buys sandals and some bracelets in yellow gold. These items are worn away from her face and only make up a small portion of her outfit. Her cool colours are still near her face, which makes her look healthy and vibrant. Win, win!

Other Ways to Wear Unflattering Colours

  1. Create your outfit using 80% or more colours from your personal colour palette.
  2. Keep in mind your value, colour and ideal contrast levels. Ask yourself: Is the outfit overall too light or dark? Is there too much or too little colour? Are there the right mix of light, medium and dark colours for me? (If you have had a personal colour analysis you’ll know what I’m talking about)
  3. If it’s a top that’s the wrong colour, go for a lower neckline, so the colour is further away from your chin and doesn’t reflect onto your face.
  4. Wear fabric that is sheer so we can see your skin through it.
  5. If you wear makeup, add a bold shade of lipstick in one of your best colours. Our attention will be drawn away from the unflattering colour to the bold, beautiful colour on your face.

There’s always an abundance of colours to choose from when shopping for your wardrobe or selecting makeup and hair dye. This can make your shopping experiences and decision-making frustrating, overwhelming, and time consuming. It’s very easy to choose unflattering shades! If you would like to know my professional opinion on your best colours and receive a fandeck (swatch) of those colours to have as a guide so you always pick colours that make you look vibrant and healthy, check out my Personal Colour Analysis page.

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By icadmin
September 22, 2021
In Colour, HomePage-Blog
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Funky Flat Sandals for Easy Spring and Summer Style

Flat sandals are so handy to have in your wardrobe for spring and summer.

They allow your feet to breathe, and you can wiggle your toes (LOL)! They’re such an easy ‘grab and go’ option for the warmer months.

Nude coloured flats that are close to your skin tone are the most versatile. Then, neutrals like tan, navy, white, grey, brown, and black are handy because they mix and match with every colour. And finally, fun, interesting colours such as green, red, orange, purple etc., are the least adaptable but will add an element of interest to any outfit.

If you have skin with warm undertones, choose yellow-based colours. And, if your skin is ‘cool’, then select blue-based colours. I’ve included a range of both warm and cool coloured flat sandals, as you can see in the shoppable boards below.

 

 

 

Watch this video to see why I chose these flat sandals:

If you’ve had your colours done, you’ll know if you should be focusing on the warm or the cool range of colours. If you’re at a loss as to whether you suit yellow or blue-based colours, a personal colour analysis consultation will take all of the guesswork away.

What To Wear with Flat Sandals

  1. A maxi dress
  2. Jeans
  3. Casual skirt
  4. Knee or above the knee length dress
  5. Culottes
  6. Shorts
  7. A jumpsuit
  8. Cargo pants
  9. Casual pants made from light-weight fabric like linen

Let’s just look at #1 and #4. Flat sandals and casual dresses are a match made in heaven. These are two wardrobe items that require minimum thought and time, with maximum impact. No worrying about which top and bottom coordinate together – just slip on your dress, slide into your sandals, grab your handbag, and you’re out the door!

Here are some long and short dresses that would look great with your flat sandals.

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By icadmin
September 10, 2021
In HomePage-Blog, Style
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