On Line Advice

Do you want more info. and pictures regarding what to wear for your body shape? Maybe this will help; there's now a link on my website to The Personal Stylist (an Australian site).

Usually $A89, if you go via my website then it's just $NZ85 The program will ask you various questions and provide advice regarding your best shapes eg collars, necklines, tops, jackets, dresses etc (even hairstyles) which you can print out. Books are also available ($NZ30-38)

Yes, you can check it out first. View the video and look at the sample recommendations for "Ellen Sims".

Spring Fashion

This little top is from Farmers. It uses narrow stripes above the bust which visually widens the shoulders. Great for Triangles.

Spring Fashion

I love viewing all the gorgeous
clothes now in (and still coming to) the shops.

Ideally your wardrobe is 70-80% core essentials and 30-20% fashion. Now that's not to say you have to buy everything that's trendy (there'll be lots that won't suit you). But you can have an up-to-date looking wardrobe by having a few items which are current eg shape, colour or style (not all three, it'd be too much). Pick and choose the look that works for you.

There are lots of pastels and neutrals this season; Pastels won't suit everyone but it's a great time to stock up on your Neutrals (white, ivory, cream, beige, brown, grey, black). Autumns will be relieved to see khaki is popular - a great alternative Neutral for you.

The very bright Poppy Red is still popular - ideal for Springs but too bright for Autumns and too warm for Winters.

Lace and ruffles or frills are everywhere; so if your style personality includes the Feminine-Romantic, you'll enjoy this trend.

Also lots of stripes and polka-dots. Broad horizontal stripes are not your friends (unless you're tall and thin) but skinny ones can be RELATIVELY slimming.

Look for clever draping, asymmetrical and/or diagonal stripes to create the illusion of curves and optical illusions. Be careful where you wear stripes; try layering (see illustration) to wear them in the right place for you.

Looking Slim Rule 10

Finishing a series based around Leah Feldon's 10 Rules for Dressing Slim. Her Top Ten are all covered in the Personal Style Workshops. This item is Rule 10 Direct Attention to Your Face. Divert attention away from figures challenge(s) and towards your face (the centre of communication) and figure asset(s). Negative Space is created when bare skin is surrounded by material eg cut out sections, necklines. The more attractive the shape of the neckline, the better its negative space and the more effective it is at directing attention to to your face. Scarves they're unbeatable when it comes to redirecting attention plus they can help elongate the body and turn an ordinary outfit into something extraordinary. There are two main shapes: square and oblong. Square are great as shawls but oblongs are more elongating when tied or draped. Scarf Advice:

• Go for top quality; definitely a worthwhile investment as it never goes out of style and will always fit!
• Match clothing weight with scarf weight eg a lightweight chiffon scarf may look unbalanced with a heavy wool jacket.
• Wear scarves in colours that warm your skin and make it glow.
• A print scarf should always include one or more of the colours in your outfit.

Subsidised Workshops

The Katikati Resource Centre is hosting Personal Style small group workshops AND they're heavily subsidised (only $30!!) Just two more this year Saturday 30 October and 20 November. Phone them early to book your place on 07 549 0399

FaceBook

Do check out the Personal Style business page on FaceBook - you don't have to be a FaceBook member to view it. But if you are, please 'like' my page and boost its popularity, plus you'll receive the updates automatically.

PS

The day after we arrived to visit my daughter, her husband Ben and their 3 year old son Malakai, Cherie had their son Jakin. A lovely straight-forward birth, he was a whopping 4945g (10lb 14oz)!

We had wonderful family time for an all-too-short ten days. They plan to return to Cambodia at the end of October (new silk scarves should be available in November!).

I needed new biz photos; thanks to Logan Davey photographer, Lillybeth of A Beautiful Education for a great natural make-up, and Beks at B Hair for styling my hair (ph 07 571 4603)