Feet first

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....

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.