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.
Wednesday 24 November 2010
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Style Envy
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!
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!
Friday 17 September 2010
The Woman who prepares for Autumn.....
.....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
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
Tuesday 17 August 2010
Don't let shopping get you down
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......
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......
Monday 19 July 2010
Stick to your Style Guns
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....
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....
Wednesday 16 June 2010
Summer Style Sabotage
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 ....
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 ....
Tuesday 18 May 2010
Tales of the unexpected
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.
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.
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