You shall go to the ball...

So,be honest,how many of you have turned down invitations because when it came to it, you felt: too old; too overweight; too self-conscious? I know that it happens because my clients regularly tell me. If it makes you feel better, imagine what it is like for someone like me who makes a living advising others how to look good. Oh the pressure! I know what it is like to be having a "fat day" or to have to cook your kids tea before rushing out to an event.
And so I have perfected the art of not letting it get the better of me. Here are my tried and tested TOP TIPS on how to sparkle...and not just fizzle out:

. Have a plan. Decide how YOU want to look and feel beforehand. Don't care a hoot what anyone else is wearing. I have worn my dark denim jeans to a glam night out before now because they made me feel more confident than anything else I had. I went to town with the details though...

. ...And that means NEVER neglecting hair, nails and make-up. Don't allow anything to sap your confidence such as missing buttons, frayed hemlines or gaping arm holes. It just requires some forward planning. Be "all over the detail" as someone once said about Madonna.

. Focus on your BEST feature -you will have one and if you really can't find it then ask a trusted friend. Then go to town making a big spectacular show of it..with bells on if necessary. Do not, under any circumstances, point out what you don't like. Accept all compliments without fuss or deflection.

. Always take the opportunity to dress up - especially if you are unsure of the dress code. It can never be wrong to do so and it also gives you the chance to get more wear out of your wardrobe favourites. Coco Chanel once said: "it's best be as pretty as possible for destiny"...you just never know when you might meet yours.

. If it really is too late to change your outfit, lose weight or back out of the event, then try this for instant confidence: Close the door and the curtains. Put Michael Buble "feeling good" on LOUD (or on your ipod if loud is not acceptable) and let yourself go...guaranteed to make you feel sexy, desirable and at least half a stone lighter. Dancing will release all of those wonderful "feel good" hormones. Try it!

No more nights on the sofa wrapped in Pjs and dressing gown...shoulders back, chin up, tummy in and off you go heading for the night....

"Show Girl"

At long last the amazing new style and dance experience "Show Girl" is coming to town. It is a unique and highly original concept born out of Katherine's experience of what woman want....to feel good about themselves, forget their body image concerns and DANCE LIKE A DIVA!!! Clothes, hair and make up DO make a big difference but adding dance to the mix really does make a woman feel like a true goddess.

"Show Girl" opens it's doors in Princes Risborough, Bucks on Saturday 28th November. 10.00am until 1.00pm. £25 pp or £20 for groups of 4 or more.

Dress to feel comfortable, confident and ready to move. Think "disco queen" with a touch of "burlesque" (nothing too scary though!)

Suitable for women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

"Show Girl" is also available to go "On Tour" - what better way to celebrate a special event or liven up an office party. Contact Katherine to discuss your "Show Girl" options.

Katherine's "Show Girl" partner is the hugely talented dancer and choreographer, Karen Hollerbach. Karen and her partner, Xavier, teach couples who wish to make it a shared experience - ideal as a "1st Dance" show stopper for weddings.

Autumn 09....back to the 80's

AS if I wasn't already aware that Autumn 09 has taken us firmly back to the 1980's - I was greeted with "bat out of hell" as I entered French Connection last week. Very subtle.

Personally, I love the Autumn fashions anyway but THIS year it's fantastic! Bye bye dreamy boho and hello edgy power dressing. Yes, there are some shockers out there (sequined leggings wont be on my shopping list) but this season caters for everyone. Cover up with over sized knitwear, leggings and boots or reveal your curves in body conscious shift dresses.

Now I'm not advocating embracing each and every trend, but I like to show that I get what they are without looking ridiculous, so a simple leather cuff will cover "rock chick" and a Channel inspired jacket from Zara will sort the "power dressing" . I'll also look for pieces that can last longer than a few months in my wardrobe. A simple sequined skirt worn with a classic white shirt or plain knitwear will be one of those treasures that I want to wear for ever.

If nothing else, I'm going to make sure I get a healthy dose of "berries" this season. Nails and lips are going fruity but in a "deep plum" kind of way.

I've already purchased my fabulous new coat - got that in July just as it hit the stores. It really is the best time to get the pick of the crop. As for the rest of it,well it's time to prune the wardrobe first and see what I actually NEED. Maybe I'll dig out some 80's tunes for inspiration!

"Fun and sunshine....enough for everyone" (Club Tropicana - Wham!)

Wherever your "Club Tropicana" may be this year, here are some tried and tested "Summer Style Rules":

1. Do not sabotage - ditch the baggy shorts, unflattering swimsuit and shapeless fleece

2. Do not have items that will "do for holidays" - if they are not good enough for general consumption then they are not good enough full stop.

3. Cull the footwear - flip flops/gladiator sandals, wedges/dressier option and walking shoes are enough

4. Protect your hair as well as your skin - invest in some protection spray,leave-in conditioner and a hat

5. Ditch the foundation - it misbehaves in the hot weather. Tinted moisturiser with built in sunscreen is the way to go

6. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize - bangles, bag, sunglasses and/or statement necklace all detract from a less than perfect beach body (believe me I know!)

7. Forget those "just in case" items. They will just weigh down your suitcase and make deciding what to wear harder.

8. Give yourself credit - notice all those "real" women around you on the beach. Acknowledge your "best bits" that you are grateful for. NO ONE is perfect so don't waste your time trying.

Be yourself, relax and have a great time!

Winners, losers and "best in class" - Ascot '09

Ascot Ladies Day proved an interesting "smorgasbord of style" this year. I'm not going to stun you with any revolutionary insights but I do want to re-iterate some classic truths that should be ignored at your peril!:

1. Less is most definitely more. Hint at what lies beneath but don't put your goods out on display...especially not all at once.
2. Quality, quality, quality. The most memorable and stunning women wore simple but exquisite shift dresses topped with summer coats. The shoes and handbags allowed them to be a little more daring.
3. Step away from the fake tan - super model Erin O'Connor had porcelain white skin. She added a flash of red lipstick to prove that pale can be very interesting.
4. Start with the hat - as eye catching as you like but with beautifully tailored simplicity below. Don't just plonk one on as an afterthought.
5. Clever colour combinations stole the show in a sea of uninspiring black and white. I loved the pairings of teal with gold; purple with turquoise, and plum with magenta.

It really did bring home to me the importance of spending more on decent pieces that I never tire of wearing.

Strictly Come Star Struck...

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a HUGE fan of "Strictly Come Dancing" so imagine my delight at meeting Ian Waite, one of the "Adonis-like" professional dancers.

I have a regular monthly slot on BBC Radio Berkshire where I go into the studio and give comments, advice and top tips on any topical "image" matters.

This month I found myself sitting opposite 6' 4" of male gorgeousness....and I nearly blew it! felt hot, giddy and totally lost my cool. I just hope I didn't scare him too much.

If you would like to hear my incoherent nonsense then you have 7 days to listen again on www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/local_radio/ on the Sarah Walker show.

I did manage to advise him on which colours to wear...he is a "Vibrant Spring" in case you were wondering...

Too curvy to be dramatic...

My mission statement is "be yourself" and I am passionate about helping women (and men!) to identify their true selves and project this through their personal image.

It really doesn't matter what words you choose to describe your look - edgy, individual, glamorous, classic...its up to you. The point is that one man's "classic" will be another man's "natural"...we all see it differently.

So, I nearly choked on my coffee when hearing the words "you can't be Dramatic...Dramatics are angular and you're too curvy" from another Image Consultant. Says who???? I can be WHOEVER I want to be and that is down to my preference and NOT my bodyshape.

If you would like to find out more about "style personalities" or "style tribes", as I like to call them, then check out my article on "Be Fabulous" at http://www.be-fabulous.co.uk/

My current style icon has to be the gorgeous AND curvy Dita Von Tesse - try telling her that she's the wrong shape to be dramatic!

Colour and Style Workshops

Feeling like you need to update your image?

Wanting to make more of your current wardrobe?

Looking for inspiration on a budget?

...then join Katherine B for some truly inspirational advice

Colour Taster: warm, cool, deep or vibrant? discover which colours make you look and feel great

Saturday 25th April and Saturday 4th July 2009

Style Taster: dramatic, classic or glamorous? discover how to dress to suit your personality, lifestyle and shape

Saturday 16th May and Saturday 6th June

Venue: Hillmotts Retreat, Beaconsfield, Bucks. HP9 2SB

Time: 10.00am until 1.00pm

Cost: Just £45 incl.

Places are strictly limited to just 10 per workshop so book yours today!

07979 546372

info@katherineb.com

Charity shop chic...

It was the New Year fancy dress party that set me off on my "charity shop quest". The theme was 007 and, as it was way too cold to be a glamorous Bond girl, I went as 007 himself. I borrowed my husbands dinner tux and was suddenly transported back to the 80's. My statement look for most of that era had been an oversized man-fit jacket worn over leggings - a look that is very much back in fashion. I decided to embrace the current economic "thrifty chic" philosphy and began my search for my own black tux....



.....and that is exactly what I found in a charity shop on Lymington High Street. It is a perfect fit and a vintage Moss Bross from Covent Garden. It has brocade on the lapels and a neat ticket pouch inside one of the pockets. It cost me £8 and I have worn it to: business networking lunch over 50's style skirt, Alexander O'Neil concert over leggings and long suede boots and for a relaxed pub meal worn plain and simply over jeans. It is my pride and joy.



But the jacket wasn't my only gem of a find - I was drawn into the shop in the first place by a deep red, rose print silk scarf. I wear a lot of black, which does suit my colouring, but isn't very inspiring for someone who advises on colour for a living. The scarf was the perfect solution. It set me back £4. The scarf had the words "Jacqmar" on it and, I have to confess, that meant nothing to me. A quick google search filled me in on one of THE most collectible range of scarves ever produced in the UK. Lucky, lucky me!

"Classic with an edge"

I have a new "style icon". Unsurprisingly, she is French. The media has recently been full of pictures of the former French Justice Minister, Rachida Dati. She is, perhaps, infamous for returning to work within days of giving birth and then being "sacked" from her position. I, however, have become fascinated by her for her glamour and style - a cross between Audrey Hep. and Jackie O (does it get much better than that?). Many of my clients favour a classic style personality but struggle to avoid it becoming frumpy, boring or uninspiring. The aim is to think "classic with an edge" - Ms Dati does this beautifully. In one picture she is wearing a simple black skirt suit BUT:

1. Shoes are high, pointed toe, patent leather T-bar
2. Jacket undone to reveal a flash funky leopard print lining
3. Nails painted confident and contemporary deep plum
4. No jewellery except statement silver hoop ear rings - simple but stunning
5 Hair cut in sharp, current style that perfectly empasises her face and features

It's these details that really do make the difference. So, for all of you "classic" ladies, I would advise taking a look at this lady for inspiration. Okay, I admit that her personal and professional life are in tatters right now.... but she looks great!

.. who do you think you are?

Typically the start of the New Year brings with it a flood of articles about " a new year, a new you". But 2009 is different. Different because of the economic climate we are living in. A recent article in Elle magazine declared "if the early noughties were about the It bag, the It shoe and hot trends of the season, the late noughties are about defining your individuality." 2009 is all about "original style". Designers are not defining key trends but going out alone and playing to their unique signature strengths. That is exactly what I've been talking about since I set up "KatherineB". Obvious displays of consumerism are just not "cool" anymore. Time to play to your individual strengths but, more importantly, to define who you REALLY are. A good way of doing this is to pull out pictures from magazines of looks, gardens, interiors or anything that inspires you. Who do you think has great style? which actress would you like to play you in the film of your life?? It's all about being authentic rather than conforming to other peoples' expectations. The Elle article closed with the the words: " whatever you choose, be bold, be brave, and most of all be yourself." I couldn't agree more!