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Yves St Laurent famously said "Fashions fade, Style is eternal".
Personal Style workshops teach you about Style rather than Fashion, which is why it's such good value - knowing what suits you is information that never dates.
However it pays to be aware of the current trends so we don't look hopelessly out of date.
As a guide, aim for 70-80% basics and 30-20% Fashion (current shape or colour) items in your wardrobe.
Layering different pieces continues to be popular, and it's wonderfully practical (especially as the temperature fluctuates).
As I look around, there are lots of neutrals: black (of course!), grey, and white for the Cool woman. Navy is finally making a come-back - a great alternative and so much kinder than black.
In a refreshing change - Warm ladies, you DON'T miss out: also appearing are khaki, camel, tan, soft nudes and creams.
Coral tints and shades are still around (Warm) as are various Purples and Blues (usually Cool) also Reds and Greens (which can be Warm or Cool).
I spotted lots of suits; jackets and skirts or trousers. Also tailored jackets worn with dresses. The Military look keeps popping up, as does the Preppy (posh school-girl) one. There's an old-fashioned but modernised Victorian feel to many items; plus lots of Leather and Lace, both separately and together (often Black).
The 50's continue to influence with flared skirts and fitted bodices, while the 70's retro vibe means capes are "in".
Plaid is making an appearance - Natural-Casuals will enjoy this. Meanwhile there's still plenty of pretty draping and frills to please the Feminine-Romantics.
Over-size knits abound; be careful with this look (easy for you to look big and shapeless too). It's made to work by showing lots of shapely, long legs (oh dear, I missed out on LONG legs) team with shorts / leggings / skinny trousers.
Footwear appears to be surprisingly sensible with laces everywhere. Boots - knee-high, ankle, and shoe-boots; brogue styles; and lots of wedges and Cuban (stacked) heels.
according to Nina Garcia (TV's Project Runway, and Fashion Editor at Marie Claire magazine (continued from my last newsletter). with my comments in italics
Skirt - A-line or pencil (or one of each) with a hemline just above/below the knee (whichever works best for you). Wool for autumn/winter, cotton for spring/summer. Dark solids or subtle prints in muted colours.
M: Pencil skirts don't suit all body types, A-lines are better. Neutral solids are the most versatile nb Winters/Springs don't suit muted colours. Solids are more useful as they can be worn with solids or patterns
Blazer - tailored blazer or suit-style jacket gives a put-together look.
M: Classic-Chics will love this, Natural-Casuals prefer a less structured jacket, Feminine-Romantics want a softer, drapier feel (maybe lace trim too), Exotic-Expressives like a unique look ie more creativity.
Little Black Dress - a simple black shift can be accessorised in many different ways. Choose a matte fabric, not too stretchy eg wool crepe. Good fit is important, tailor as necessary.
M: Opting for your darkest neutral would work better eg Navy is back in fashion and would be gorgeous for Summers. Black doesn't flatter everyone but you can make it work for you with the right-coloured accessories (earrings, necklace, scarf). If it isn't your best neutral then choose low rather than high neckline styles so it's away from your face. Consider a no-sleeve style; easy to wear a mesh top underneath to cover arms or in winter.
to be continued
Personal Style also has a business page on FaceBook - with (mostly) weekly comments.
You don't have to be a member to view my page: www.facebook.com/personalstylenz
Drinking WATER is one of the best things you can do for your health. Fantastic for glowing skin, marvellous for weight management, and the safest way to prevent/treat hay-fever.
How much? Multiply your weight (in kilograms) by 29.09 and it will give you how many litres per day you need to drink (then divide by 0.250 if you want to know it in cups). Drink more if you're working/exercising hard and sweating.
PLUS when you drink a diuretic (ie you lose more than you take in) such as tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, or alcohol, add a further 1.5 times that again in water.
Too hard? Just try it for a week - you'll be amazed at the difference. (Okay, yes you'll also visit the toilet more but only until your body adjusts and gets over the shock of actually getting the water it so desperately needs.)
Did you know?
- Women are 50-60% water (the brain is 85%)
- Most of us are constantly dehydrated
Come to a Small Group workshop (without organising it!).
The Katikati Resource Centre is hosting Personal Style Small Group Workshops (called Affordable Wardrobe Planning) AND they're heavily subsidised - just $30 in 2010 (may be reviewed).
The next one is on Saturday 19th March.
Phone them direct to book your place 07 549 0399 or to be wait-listed for the next one.
Wow - what a fabulous Summer; I love the warm weather. The only good thing about it getting cooler are the gorgeous new clothes in the shops!!
We were the hosts on Christmas Day (3 for breakfast, plus another 4 for lunch, and a different 4 for dinner!) On Boxing Day I drove up to Auckland and enjoyed a barbecue dinner with some of my relations.
At the end of January my daughter Cherie, her husband Ben and their boys Malakai (3) and Jakin (7 months) flew in. We had a marvellous time with them but all too quickly it was time to see them off. After a fortnight in Australia, they'll be returning to Cambodia.
Cherie brought over LOTS of gorgeous silk scarves which are for sale, a wonderful range of colours: new shades as well as some favourites.
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