My Mum

Let me introduce you to my mother; she is a Summer and wow! doesn't this blue-green outfit suit her? Wearing one colour helps her look taller and slimmer, the 'jacket' keeps interest on the top half (and covers upper arms).

Cool-toned Ladies can let their hair silver naturally. Remember, grey hair has no pigmentation it just reflects the underlying tone of your colouring. Cool = blue undertones Warm = yellow undertones.

I love seeing women enjoying the colours that suit them - they look gorgeous! And doesn't the wardrobe mix and match easily?

Men & Style (2)

Men’s and women’s body shapes may be quite different, but the basics of camouflaging figure challenges are the same.

The big difference is that the ideal body shape for men is the “Y” or inverted triangle – wide shoulders tapering down to narrow hips.

Here are some reminders from my workshops: use the design lines in clothes to emphasise assets and camouflage figure challenges. Vertical lines help everyone look taller and slimmer. Select horizontal lines carefully; across the shoulders work well for most men.

Nobody (and no body) suits shapeless clothes; big baggy garments make you look big and baggy too. Anything worn too tight causes you to look heavier eg tops stretched over a beer gut are NOT covering it up, they’re emphasising it. The same maxim applies to men as to women – ‘Skim not Cling’.

Good posture and grooming are major contributors to looking stylish. As an added bonus, standing tall has an immediate effect on reducing tubby tummies yet expanding chests.

Your physiology affects your mood: slouching or scuffing your feet and looking down are all communicating lack of confidence – to everyone who sees you AND to yourself. Act as if you’re positive and self assured via your body language and these feelings will soon follow.

The well groomed man showers daily, uses anti-perspirant, trims his facial hair (including eyebrows, nostrils, ears), washes his hair regularly and gets it cut by a good stylist.

He looks after his skin; it’s kept clean and clear and he uses sun-screen. While he may not pay for a manicure and pedicure, he cares for his hands and feet which are clean and smooth, with nails short and tidy.

His clothes are clean and ironed, without any buttons missing or repairs required. His shoes are clean and in good condition.

Have you noticed how important CLEAN is? Being well groomed doesn’t cost much - it just takes a bit of time.

Men & Style (1)

I’m sometimes asked about whether I run workshops for men; the simple answer is No. I choose to focus on women’s style, I like working with and helping women (besides, most guys I know aren’t that interested).

Having said that, I had one male attend a small group workshop and we had a great time identifying his personal style - Colours, Style Personality etc. What a difference! Apparel shopping is now quick and easy, and very successful for him.

Usually, the query is from a woman wanting to help the man in her life. Well, the style basics for his personal style are very similar to her own.

Start with determining which Colours compliment him. Is it the warm, yellow-based colours or the cool, blue-based shades? Can he wear the clear, bright, vivid tones or do they overwhelm him? We want to see him first, not the colour. Do the muted, smokey hues work better?

Is there a difference between men’s seasonal Colours and women’s? Yes and No. Most Kiwi males – even if the colour suits – wouldn’t wear some of the shades in women’s seasonal swatches eg Winter’s bright pink. Keep to the basics: yellow-based or blue-based, clear and vivid or muted and smokey.

These days most budgets require wardrobes that co-ordinate well, and are efficient rather than extensive. The simplest way to achieve this is to build ensembles around a base of neutrals that (a) flatter, (b) work well together and (c) harmonise with all other colours worn.

Second step: what’s his Style Personality? The four main types I refer to in my workshops are Classic-Chic, Feminine-Romantic, Natural-Casual, and Exotic-Expressive. (Just alter the terms a bit to suit a guy ie delete ‘chic’ and ‘feminine’). Remember one type usually dominates, with another as a secondary influence.

Don’t confuse dressing appropriately for the occasion with his Style Personality. Keep in mind we need clothes for casual (at home, relaxing), smart (business, going out) and dressy (formal events, weddings, etc)

Kiwis tend to live a casual life-style with few formal affairs. Many women bewail the lack of opportunities to dress up. In some circles it’s even acceptable to wear jeans to weddings, and many don’t own a smart jacket.

I wrote the last sentence about males but horrors! I realise it applies to women too.