Monthly Workshops (something new)

By popular request, Group Workshops are being held at my home on a monthly basis.

Minimal overheads mean a fantastic price of just $79
(covering colours, wardrobe planning, style personality, scale, body shape & proportions, flattering design lines, & how to camouflage figure challenges).
Group size is limited to 7, days and times vary each month.

The next one is on Friday 21st March, 9.30am to 2.15pm.
Please contact me to book your place or for more details:
Mobile: 021 234 8561
Email: margaret@personal-style.co.nz

Autumns 2014 Fashions & Trends

Have you had a chance to look at the new fashions coming into the shops? There seems to be something to suit everyone; useful essentials in neutrals (jackets, skirts, trousers), a fabulous array of colours and textures, plus a great variety in accessories.

There are many different patterns: tartans, checks, stripes, polka dots, and florals. If you prefer to wear solids you can keep it interesting by choosing them in different textures or opting for patterned accessories.

The lady-like style continues with lots of focus on skirts; they're longer (hemlines to the knee and below) and fuller. Team with a sweater - style knit and ankle boots to be right on trend.

Tailored masculine-looking suits are popular especially in tweeds and pin-stripes, rounded shoulders and over-sized. Soften the macho feel with gorgeous accessories and fabulous footwear.

Highly practical in chilly climates, winter coats are big - literally! Again, over-sized and with rounded shoulders. Tailored in heavy fabrics and available in various colours but especially popular in pink (dusky pinks are in high demand).

Autumn 2014 Fashions & Trends cont

Pantone advised Radiant Orchid was the fashion colour for 2014; you'll see many variations of it from deep purples to lilacs through to fuchsias.

Blues are widespread including navy blue (very useful and kinder than black), cobalt blue, some dusky blues.

Autumn 2014 Fashions & Trends cont

Grunge and Punk themes abound; leather, chains, spikes, mesh with tartan ... okay, not for everyone.

Have fun with interesting textures such as feathers, crocodile-skin prints, metallics and faux fur.

Statement sleeves, deep plunging V-necks, and polo-necks are in vogue. (And yes, it's fine to layer the high polo-neck with the deep V-neck.)

Black and white monotones continue, also available in warmer tones ie black with ivory or cream).

Lots of denim - waistcoats, shirts, jackets, dresses and, of course, jeans.

A delicious variety of browns are coming through eg cinnamon, nutmeg. Some deep burgundy reds, and a few oranges.

Autumn 2014 Fashions & Trends cont

Jewellery trends include chandelier earrings, fringe necklaces, and big chains with oversized links.

Tribal styles, and turquoise jewellery plus the punk trend (leather, chains, spikes and studs).

In footwear there's men's styled shoes, ankle- and high- (even above the knee) boots, with lots of details.

The trend for bags includes clutches, crocodile-print or fur bags, and the structured doctor's bag (now that's practical).

PS

It was a pleasure working with Mothers of the Bride / Groom this summer. Sometimes a phone call or email discussion was enough (no charge). For some, a meeting to see what they had and discuss options; with others a shopping trip. I always do a bit of research before taking clients to shops; in one case the ideal item was found at our first shop (I love saving you time and money!)

We enjoyed wonderful family times over summer, and are looking forward to some special get-togethers in the next couple of months.

What a blessing Skype is (video calls via computers) especially as children grow up so quickly - but there's nothing like face to face! (here I am with Adam, my youngest grandson.)

M

Accessories

Clutch Leather Bag from Hula Style Collective www.hula.co.nz

Accessories ... there are so many!

Think about the ones you wear everyday: jewellery (rings, watch, earrings, necklace, bracelets), glasses (reading & sunnies), handbag, footwear, hats, and scarves!

Do they reflect you? Are they the correct colours, style personality mix, scale, with flattering design lines? Do you have the right accessories for every occasion ie Casual, Smart, Dressy?

Naturally, there will be some occasions when you want/need to buy new accessories. But I'd hate you to turn down a last-minute invitation simply due to not having a basic essential.

So for maximum efficiency and versatility, opt for accessories in your neutrals.

Jewellery: silver for Cools, gold for Warms. Something for everyday (Casual & Smart) and something for a Dressy occasion ie rings, earrings, necklaces, watches, and bracelets.

Glasses: silver, greys, navy for Cools (black is usually too heavy). Gold, tortoiseshell, browns, a warm blue, beiges for Warms.

Generally, enhance your face shape by choosing angular frames if your face is round, or curvy shapes if your face is angular.
For a website with more specific info. click here

Handbag: The most useful neutrals (and easiest to find) are black or dark grey for Winters, grey or navy for Summers, browns for Autumns, tan for Springs. Ensure you have an everyday bag and a Dressy one (for evenings out, weddings, etc). Consider Silver or Gold for your Dressy one. Light neutrals are more suitable in summer-time, darker neutrals in winter.

Footwear: Same as handbags but not matching (although that may be coming back into fashion). Casual - flats, Smart - court shoes with a low to medium heel, Dressy - something with a higher heel. Add knee-high boots for when it's cold.

Hats: for the sake of your skin, do have a sun-hat in a light neutral for summer-time. If you feel the cold in winter-time, then a hat can make all the difference; most folk can wear a beret. Opt for something plain in one of your neutrals for maximum versatility.

Tallulah pump by Chaos & Harmony www.chaosandharmony.co.nz

Accessories 2

one of many ways to tie/drape a scarf

Scarves: such a variety of shapes, weights, and colours! They always fit and last for ages, plus there are so many ways to wear them. Choose flattering colours plain, mixed, and prints plus have a couple in neutrals.

Check out some scarf knots and drapes on my FaceBook biz page (saved as the album 'Scarf Ties' in Photos), instructions included.

Now I'm not saying never buy coloured jewellery, glasses, bags and shoes/boots. But I do recommend you have the basic essentials BEFORE you get the coloured versions.

Buy the best quality neutral basics you can because you'll wear them often!

The trouble with summer is ...

Regular readers know I love summer-time; I enjoy the heat and hardly notice the humidity. But swimsuit shopping is a pain! So here are some tips to make it a bit easier.

As taught in your Personal Style workshop, the basic principles apply; choose a flattering colour, match your style personality and scale, find the right design lines then highlight your assets and camouflage figure challenges.

Tummy issues

Tummy issues? Draping and ruching work well by preventing the fabric from clinging (photo on left). Or, distract away from the area by creating a focus elsewhere eg your bust (photo on right).

Pear shape

Pear shape? draw the eye upwards by using a print top with a plain & darker colour for the lower half. Both togs use horizontal lines at the top to highlight the bust, the halter neck shows off  slim shoulders while the wide-set straps help to widen narrow shoulders.

PS

I never tire of helping women discover their personal style; realise their figure assets and how easy it is to camouflage their figure challenges. I'll come home on a high, absolutely buzzing.

I particularly enjoy hearing how fabulous my clients felt at a special event. Being MOB or MOG (mother of the Bride or Groom) is an important day; if there are complications (break ups, new partners etc) then it's even more fraught with stress and anxiety.

Ladies, I can relate! Let's meet and talk it through; maybe we simply need to review what you already have and put it together in a new way. Or look at what's available in the local shops and find something fabulous for you. Perhaps you'll shop further afield once you know what you're seeking. I'd love to help ... there's nothing quite like feeling gorgeous and knowing you look your very best!

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and wonderful new year - M