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!

Xmas party season

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

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.