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....

"45"

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....

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

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...

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"

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

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!