KatherineB

Ladylike Chic

2010-11-24T12:44:00.004Z

Phew.....at last it has become acceptable, in fact highly desirable, to be ladylike.

Whatever we may think of X-Factor, for me, it has done wonders to endorse this trend. Take Rebecca. Right from the auditions she stood out for her sophisticated style sense. So refreshing, especially for one so young. I would love for her to become the next big "style icon" for teenagers everywhere. Danni Minogue has also does this look proud with longer length dresses befitting of a WOMAN rather than a little girl...time to step aside Ms Cole??

Ladylike Chic takes it's fundamentals from the 1960's. Twinsets and pearls, full mid-calf length skirts and kitten heels. No plunging neck lines or exposed midriffs. Not even a hint of fake tan or, indeed, fake anything. It may sound prudish BUT there is nothing more eye-catching or coveted than SOPHISTICATION and ELEGANCE. This is true at any age but definitely when over 35. Don't strive to dress like a 20 year old - aim to be an inspiration to a 20 year old.

There are plenty of ambassadors of this look - Duffy, Mad Men, Carla Bruni and even Kate Middleton. But, a note of caution - you need to add an edge SOMEWHERE to avoid looking twee or, dare I say it, frumpy. This will come mainly from your choice of accessories, hair and make up.

Time to lower those hem lines and raise those neck lines ..... but you can still smoulder underneath with some very saucy lingerie.

Style Envy

2010-10-20T12:06:00.003+01:00

I was casually observing the "yummy mummies" in Costa, Marlow this morning. One after the other, they arrived with their young offspring. They were all under 30 in age and all looked equally fabulous yet appropriate and effortless. Their "dress code" consisted of:

1. Flat knee high or over the knee boots. Nothing boring or safe.
2. Great jacket - new season belted Barbour or 3/4 length statement piece
3. Great legs clad in either coloured opaque tights with shorty denim skirt or leggings
4. Great hair worn in sleek pony tail
5. Make up - current and natural
6. Handbag - mainly Mulberry "across the body" style as most practical

These ladies were totally following the "Style rules" and I applaud them. Of course, these rules apply to all women, of any age and life stage looking for a great daytime casual look.

Debbie Ford states in her book "The Dark side of the Light Chasers":

"If you admire greatness in another human being, it is your own greatness you are seeing" "if you did not possess that quality you would not be attracted to it".

We all know of someone whose style we envy - be it a colleague, friend or mum at the school gates. How do they ALWAYS get it right with never an off day?? Well, take heart from recognising their great style in the first place, and then get to work applying their greatness to yourself.

PS - remember to put your own stamp on it though .... no one likes a copy cat!

The Woman who prepares for Autumn.....

2010-09-17T13:51:00.003+01:00

.....saw this strap line in the latest French Connection advertising and just had to use it. "New Season"; "Back to School" whatever you associate this time of year with - it is NOW the time to do a little preparatory work to ensure that the next few months run smoothly....in the wardrobe department at least.

Here's how:

1. Remove all "high summer" from wardrobe. Store the good stuff and dispose of the worn out.
2. Do a thorough edit of remaining items. Be tough with yourself. Most of it will last a maximum of 3 years before losing its lustre (tailoring will be more robust).
3. Do not let the fear of poverty stop you from being ruthless. If money were no object would you still have this item in your wardrobe? if you have had your monies worth then part with it with a clear conscience. If you haven't, then it was a bad buy in the first place. Put it down to experience and move on.
4. Make a list of what is required to fill in the gaps - no matter how vague at this stage i.e. top to go with black skirt etc.
5. Plan 3 shopping trips - the first is for research only; the second is for trying on and coming up with a short list; the third is the time to make those purchases safe in the knowledge that they are necessary, needed and right for you. And that you have budgeted for them of course.
6. If nothing else then you MUST update your footwear; outerwear (jackets and coats) and bag. Spend as much as budget allows on these "cornerstones" of your wardrobe.
7. Once you have made your purchases, try them on SOON. Come up with several different combinations to get maximum cost per wear. This will also give you confidence to actually WEAR them and not leave them dangling unattended in the back of the wardrobe. It will also highlight what style and type of footwear you need.

See, not so hard is it? invest a few hours now and reap the rewards for the whole of Autumn/Winter 2010

Don't let shopping get you down

2010-08-17T15:04:00.003+01:00

I seem to be hearing this a lot - how many of you HATE shopping. This hasn't always been the case. There was a time when clothes fitted our bodies and we had the pick of the High Street.

I was in Windsor yesterday taking a look at the new season's collections. I love this time of year for that very reason. And I wasn't disappointed. So many desirable pieces if only budget was limitless. But actually, budget isn't the main constraint. The simple fact is that most of what I saw doesn't fit. It doesn't fit my short, curvaceous frame. But it also doesn't fit the majority of women it is designed to target. I did a quick poll of women around me as I drank my skinny cappuccino (well, what else was a girl to do??). It is not just us over 40's who find shopping for clothes difficult. Younger girls also have larger chests, smaller waists that need some kind of definition and legs that don't need to be displayed in tight fitting Lycra.

This season is all about long, shapeless tops worn over leggings tucked into biker boots or with flat brogues. Try as I might, that look isn't a good one for me. Or for many others. So what message of hope is there? Well, the message is: "don't succumb to fashion for fashion's sake - wear what fits, flatters and feels good". And if you simply cannot face the changing room mirror then invest your budget wisely on fabulous shoes, boots,scarf and bag. Oh and some new nail varnish too - I bought a striking pewter colour. That's it. They are all you need to update your wardrobe. And as for the brave - well you could always hire the services of an expert Personal Shopper......

Stick to your Style Guns

2010-07-19T13:30:00.004+01:00

Do you have a "signature style?

Can your friends and colleagues rely on you to dress in a certain way?

Are you known for always appearing in a "creative" or "glamorous" or "elegantly feminine" or "sharp and classic" or " head turning and daring" way?

Or are you a little more schizophrenic? Do you have a knack of being all 5 Spice Girls depending on how the mood takes you? (one day sporty, next day scary and who knows...maybe sometimes Ginger too??).

Having a consistent image is a must for any business. People know where they are with us, what we stand for and that we can be relied upon. It is also a must for our personal image too. It silently conveys a inner confidence.

BUT, more importantly than how others see us, it's about how we feel ourselves. It is quite liberating to recognise who you are and then show that to the world. We explored this in some depth at my recent "Style Icon" workshop. I'm strongly against "image stereo-types". I value freedom VERY highly. So this is not about always being neat and perfectly turned out or, conversely, never making any effort because you think others will mock. It's about acknowledging your inner Icon.

A simple exercise to try is to ask yourself:

1. If you were an animal what would you be?
2. If you were a place where would you be?

Ask anyone at hand (ideally 3 or 4 people)to write down against both answers qualities that they associate with them.....and there you have your starting point. The beginnings of an image identikit.

Consistent "style" is not about conforming to other people's expectations. It is about honouring your TRUE self each and every time you decide what to wear. Always be associated with having a GREAT unique, individual and confident style.

Maybe become something of an Icon yourself....

Summer Style Sabotage

2010-06-16T13:50:00.003+01:00

I'm going to get tough now.

But you can trust that it is meant with the BEST of intentions.
It is British Summer Time. That means the weather is warmer, the sky is bluer and we need to adjust our clothing accordingly. I do know that some people struggle style-wise when it gets hot. We are not all blessed with body-parts that are pleasing to the eye when naked. I also understand that it can be very tricky dressing to keep cool whilst maintaining a modicum of professionalism.

However, there are simply NO excuses for sabotaging your style - you deserve better than that. If the following list of "Top Offenders" is alarmingly familiar then please, please seek help immediately:

. Continuing to wear heavy black clothing and footwear. Pretending that it is still the depths of Winter will not make it go away.
. Recklessly adopting the leggings, baggy smock top and flat shoe look with no care for whether it actually suits or flatters you.
. Dressing like a man in shapeless cut-off trousers or shorts and equally shapeless polo shirt....and don't even get me started on those darned CROCS.
. Struggling on regardless in high, high heels and full-on make up. Fact: feet swell in the heat and make up melts = not a good look.

Sorry to be harsh.

... and, yes, I also struggle in the Summer but let me know if you would like me to share some of my "Summer Style Secrets" with you ....

Tales of the unexpected

2010-05-18T12:20:00.003+01:00

So who do you know that has a "normal" life? Do you have a "normal" life? Are you doing exactly what you always dreamed you would be doing at the age you are now?

I was in a room of seemingly "normal" women the other day. I cast my eye around and came up my opinions and judgements. We were asked to write our "origin stories" - in other words, the significant and important events that have shaped our lives thus far. One lady was happy to share her story with us. I could not believe what I was hearing - her life had run a very different course from the one I had imagined. She had taken brave, perhaps foolhardy, steps to find independence and freedom. We read about these regularly in books such as "Eat, Pray, Love". There is always a "happy ever after" outcome. Bravery and courage = rich rewards. In the case of my lady, it didn't work out like that. In fact she initially ended up in a worse place than the one she had left.

I am privileged to have heard many women's "origin stories" in the course of my work. How many of us figured that we were the only ones struggling in certain areas? Who does "have it all" and where would the challenge be in that anyway? So, in case you were wondering, you are not the only one with fat knees/ greying hair/ a desperate longing for a loving partner/ an un-fulfilling job and so on......

There are enough "self help" books out there designed to "fix us". "How to be a Goddess"(whatever for?); "How to be happy" (get real); "Change your life in 7 days" (no thanks I'm busy) and so I have decided to take a different approach - a sort of "Anti-Goddess" if you will. I simply want to take your experiences, learnings and challenges and put them out there (anonymously) as a guide to "Real Life". I've always been more than a little curious about other peoples lives - it is so reassuring to know that I'm not alone in my "un-normalness". It certainly takes the pressure off. I would like to think that you would find it richly informative and just a little comforting too.

I am looking for case studies from WOMEN. That is the only criteria. Age, shape, and birth sign are irrelevant. You may not think that you have an interesting tale to tell but I can assure you that you do. Fancy being a part of this? Simply drop me a line - would love to hear from you.

Feet first

2010-04-22T10:12:00.003+01:00

I recently was asked to do a spot of personal shopping for a client. The weather is changing and she didn't feel that she had anything to wear - a common situation yes? On inspection of her existing wardrobe it emerged that she had EXACTLY the right clothes, in the right quantities and colours - she simply lacked any suitable footwear. Footwear is crucial to any outfit - it can take a simple, classic look and transform to edgy, individual and stylish. It is also the most problematic area for most of my clients. We all seem to have "problem" feet - too narrow, too broad, too small, too sensitive and on and on. Don't ignore it and hope that people wont notice - they will. Face your demons!

Here's how:
. Take a long, hard look at what you currently have. Now discard any that are worn out; uncomfortable; ill-fitting or plain ugly.
. Look at your clothes and requirements. If you are mainly in smart business dress then you must have complimentary footwear. Take a leaf from the "politicians wives" and opt for peep-toe wedges or slingback court shoes. Black suede will be a lighter alternative to leather. Open toed sandals are rarely appropriate for business wear but heavy boots will make you appear ill at ease in warmer months.
. Most of us find it impossible to walk any distance in high heels, and yet a heel will always make us appear more elegant and polished. This season offers a fantastic selection of mid-heel styles. Try a very low wedge or kitten heel.
. Footwear absolutely has to be comfortable - but that doesn't have to mean boring. I recently wore a pair of enormous platforms for a magazine shoot. Amazingly they were so well proportioned and supportive that I was able to strut around in them for hours.
. Get your scale sorted (no, not talking hard skin here) - if you have delicate,slim feet and toes then opt for delicate, slim footwear. Avoid wide heavy straps/heels as you will look like you a little girl wearing her mother's shoes. Likewise, if you have larger, broader feet and calves then forget the dainty look.
. Finally - even if you have 100 pairs of assorted footwear, but none are quite right then you need to go out and get that 101th pair.

You owe it to those unworn dresses, trousers and skirts hanging in your wardrobe just waiting for an outing....

"45"

2010-03-04T15:19:00.003Z

In a few days time I will turn 45. In many ways it feels more symbolic than turning 40. If we were to take a cross section of other female 45 year olds we would find: mothers; grandmothers; singletons; divorcees; widows; those pregnant for the first time; those getting married for the first time....almost every significant life-stage would be represented.

Our 40's have long been branded as the "mid-life crisis". Astrologers would say that this is no accident but "written in the stars". It is all down to troublesome Uranus and it's "half return". This is when it reaches the exact halfway point in it's journey back to the precise position it was in at the moment of our birth. It brings with it chaos; new beginnings; dramatic changes to circumstances and a greater desire for individuality, self expression and freedom - like our "true self wants to break out in some fashion and make it's individuality known".

It's effects can be felt from our late 30's onwards so perhaps it is no surprise that most of my clients fall in to the 37 - 50 age bracket. Personal image is all about our identity and how we show up in the world and nothing to do with conformity or keeping up with trends.

It makes me smile when celebrities proudly pronounce to have finally found "fulfilment and serenity" when barely over the cusp of 30. Just you wait! Didn't we all feel like that? Everything was still to play for and possibilities were endless.

I recently had the fortune to receive words of wisdom from a lady in her early 60's. She told me to appreciate my age and that I still do have many more options available to me than I will do in my 50's and less still in my 60's. Thanks to her insights I will be more careful with my finances; spend more time being "light"; nurture my relationships and not make work more important than it actually is.

Uranus finally returns at ages 82-84....peace at last!

Love is in the air....

2010-02-11T15:03:00.004Z

Let's just forget the Valentine's hype and use February as an excuse to talk "romance". Maybe it's the promise of Spring that turns our thoughts to love? Whatever it is, this time we are turning our focus to our men and what they need to do to be worthy of our attention:

. Show respect to your "date" - forget slogan t-shirts or worn out rugby shirts. Aim to look like a capable man and not someone who still hankers after carefree youth.
. Pay attention to your grooming - smelling irresistible is a must. Choose a cologne that "will burn into her memory" (for all the right reasons obviously)
. Pay attention to the details - this means having a hair cut and shave AND take a look at your fingernails too. Apparently "A man who takes care of his appearance is likely to take care of his home, his future and his woman".
. Dress appropriately for the occasion - but even if that occasion is a walk in the park DO make an effort. Well fitting jeans, cool casual jacket,warm scarf in a colour that you know looks so good on you...you get the gist.
. If your date is more formal then nothing beats a well-cut sharp suit. We are not talking boring and corporate here. Try this season's trend for light navy or charcoal grey. Team with a shirt that tones rather than contrasts (this is a date not an interview) and forget the tie.
. Footwear can seal your fate either way - within seconds. Must be clean and contemporary. I suggest leaving shiny black patent, or colours other than black or brown, to dancers or artists.

Feel free to forward this to any man in your life who could use the advice and maybe win your heart??

Style Tips for the new decade

2010-01-19T10:44:00.003Z

We have had the mad spending trend - cheap and cheerful and slapped onto the credit card. We've adjusted to the "make do and mend" and "swap with thy neighbour" trend. Maybe now it's time to take a deep breath and go back to sensible shopping. Buying pieces that enhance your wardrobe, fit perfectly, emphasize ALL the right bits and work their magic though out your life.

Roland Mouret (designer of the much-coveted and copied "Galaxy dress") offers such no-nonsense "style pearls" in this month's "Elle" that I feel duty bound to share some of them with you:

. "Shopping is like going to the gym - it's not natural! you have to train yourself to be good at it"
. "Whatever you spend, it has to look at least 10 times more expensive than the amount you paid"
."There are two extremes: trying to to be trendy or playing it safe. Glamour is somewhere in the middle"

It is now your time to ditch EVERYTHING that robs you of your confidence in some way, and work harder at finding those items that you want to wear time and time again. Buy it because it is 100% right for you. Do not compromise and buy a cheaper version that falls short, it will end up as one the "1 out of 4 items that a woman has in her wardrobe but never wears" and that does not make good financial sense.

So what I am really saying here is - you now have permission to buy EXACTLY what you want - and that has to be a good thing. It will be your reward for exercising your shopping muscle and honing your spending habits. Marvellous!

You shall go to the ball...

2009-11-25T13:43:00.002Z

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"

2009-10-08T16:53:00.003+01:00

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

2009-09-09T12:20:00.002+01:00

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!)

2009-07-08T12:20:00.004+01:00

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

2009-06-21T18:42:00.002+01:00

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...

2009-05-19T13:33:00.002+01:00

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...

2009-05-19T13:19:00.004+01:00

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

2009-03-25T11:05:00.001Z

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...

2009-03-03T16:47:00.003Z

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"

2009-01-29T13:07:00.003Z

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?

2009-01-13T15:31:00.003Z

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!

Xmas party season

2008-12-16T13:30:00.003Z

I have just been talking on BBC Radio Berkshire about how to look good over the party season - here are my top tips on how to look and feel your best:

1. Be yourself - dress for you; know your strengths and play to them
2. Give yourself time - plan ahead and try your outfit on - nothing worse than discovering it doesn't fit or needs repairing at the last minute
3. Go for colour - even if that means a bold lipstick (apply with a lip brush and add some gloss to avoid that "drag queen" look) a jewel coloured bag or even a fabulous statement coat
4. Pay attention to the detail - hair, make-up and nails really do make the most impact
5. If unsure of the dress code - dress up

And now for the men...rules are simple:

1. Look clean
2. Smell nice
3. Make an effort
4. Dance well
5. Pay compliments to every female you talk to!

Happy Christmas

Sparkle through this "credit crunch" Christmas

2008-12-11T11:31:00.003Z

I'm sure that you, like me, are sick of hearing about the "credit crunch". So much doom and gloom. You might think that, as an Image Consultant, this is a bad time for me...well, you would be wrong. For many years I have helped my clients to save money by: a) not buying SO much b)learning how to wear what they have c) wearing what they have DIFFERENTLY. Most women spend far too much on clothes, yet we always seem to wear the same things, in the same way. So, here's how to feel like you have a whole new wardrobe without spending a single penny:

1. set aside half a day and try on everything including shoes and accessories
2. start to combine outfits that you haven't ever worn before
3. sort out your make-up "drawer" and wear a different combination - amazing what a change of lipstick can do!
4. call in a professional (like myself) to inject some fresh ideas...well, I would say that

My parting comment is a note of caution - on no account be tempted by the price reductions and generous sales. Price should NEVER be the main consideration. Step away from the sale rail!!

KatherineB

2008-12-08T09:28:00.000Z

WELCOME TO KATHERINE B:

How would it be to always feel great in what you wear?
How would it be to know that you love everything in your wardrobe?
How would it feel to have the confidence to wear exactly what you want - whatever your age, shape, budget or lifestyle?

KatherineB is passionate about helping people like you to step out of your image comfort zone. Her honest, practical and expert advice will leave you feeling inspired, confident and motivated to take your image to the next level …whatever that is for you.