Travelling Light

When you know your best neutrals and most flattering colours, creating a versatile wardrobe is simple. Your neutrals form the core and colours provide the impact (and fun).

Apply the same principles when you're travelling and you'll be carrying a lighter load by taking fewer items yet having more outfits.

Keep to a limited range of colours eg two neutrals and one colour. Accessories such as scarves and jewellery can provide extra colour.

Choose items that don't wrinkle (or hardly) such as knits, especially items which you can layer for maximum versatility and to cope with temperature variations.

Separates offer the most flexibility (refer to the capsule concept in your workshop notes). Consider the types of occasions your trip will cover: Casual, Smart or Dressy? Is it mostly business or a beach holiday? and pack accordingly.

It's practical to have more tops than trousers or skirts (5 to 1 ratio). And it's a good idea to plan your packing in advance; try creating different outfits from multi-purpose, favourite items (the ones you turn to again & again).

Limit shoes to three pairs and ensure at least one pair are really comfortable; you'll probably be walking more than you expect (exploring, shopping, making connections, getting lost, etc).

Make Up for Your Season

Have you discovered that choosing the right colours for your cosmetics is so simple now you know your season?

If all your clothes have been chosen to suit your skin tones, then one lipstick would go with all your clothes (and YOU!)

Blusher:
Spring - warm peaches
Summer - pale pinks
Autumn - warm browns
Winter - rose pinks

Lipstick:
Spring - coral pink
Summer - rose pink
Autumn - copper
Winter - cherry

Looking Slim - Rule 9

Continuing a series based around Leah Feldon's 10 Rules for Dressing Slim. It's good to know her Top Ten are all covered in the Personal Style Workshops, so this is just a refresher for you.

Rule 9 Don't Let Your Accessories Bring You Down (part one)

Shoes: If your legs are heavy-ish then beware of square toes and chunky heels, as well as ultra-pointy toes, stiletto heels, and ultra-delicate styles. Avoid wide dark straps across the instep or ankle eg the gladiator sandal. A slight heel gives a much longer leaner line than totally flats ones.

Ensure your shoes make sense with your outfit eg sneakers don't go with a business suit (only on 17yr old models!). Heavy shoes eg platforms add weight. High vamps (the bit that goes across the top of your foot) shorten and add weight to legs.

NB black doesn't go with everything eg when wearing light to mid-tones; opt for lighter neutrals (M: grey & pewter for Cool, bronze & copper for Warm)

Pantihose: avoid white (unless you're a nurse), patterned or novelty ones eg seamed, fishnet, striped, bright coloured). Choose nude or slightly darker than your skin. Sheer black and dark grey works well with dark skirts but ensure they fit well. Don't wear reinforced toes with sandals (sheer toes or go bare-legged). The dressier the shoe, the sheerer the stocking should be.

Belts: never wear tight belts. Avoid contrasting coloured belts (creates a horizontal line) and wide belts (unless you're tall and thin). Make sure the belt suits the outfit. If a garment comes with a belt (usually cheap and tacky) then replace it with a quality belt or simply eliminate it.

Balance Points for Necklines & Jewellery

I found an interesting website & blog recently which explained how to work out your 'balance points' (see photo)

Take a piece of string (purple) and measure the length of your face (forehead to chin) then use that same measurement from your chin to your chest. Necklines and jewellery look best within 1 cm of this point. If your necklines end here, it makes your neck look longer. Button your shirts up to it; the ideal lowest point of your decolletage.

Another balance point (green) is found by locating the widest part of your face (it may be across your cheekbones or forehead or chin) and drawing an imaginary line across your face. Now measure from this line to your chin. Using the same measurement, mark from the shoulder line down (onto your chest). This marks the highest point for your necklines and necklace.

PS

We had a wonderful family get-together for my husband's 60th at the beginning of October. Thanks to Belinda of Lemongrass Catering who made the fabulous food & greatly simplified things for us.

Christmas is coming up fast, my extended family will be gathering at my son's this year - creating great memories!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - M