Style Tips for the new decade

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!

Sparkle through this "credit crunch" Christmas

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

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.