Chrissy's Make-over

Make-overs are great to see aren't they? But a make-over may not help you know what actually works for you - it's a wonderful experience yet afterwards you can still feel a bit lost.

Let me introduce you to a friend of mine; Chrissy of Bliss Baskets & Gifts. She entered a magazine competition late last year and won a fab make-over.

I recognised Chrissy in the magazine and was delighted for her but some of the stylists' choices made me shudder! So I made contact and gifted a Personal Style Private Consultation (comprehensive workshop with wardrobe audit).

Chrissy is a Summer and suits the blue-based, greyed colours, her style personality is primarily Classic-Chic with Feminine-Romantic and a touch of Exotic-Expressive.

Like many mainly Classic-Chics she had great core essentials in her wardrobe but 'something' was missing. Now she knows to incorporate some soft draping and prettiness with a touch of pizzaz to reflect all her style personality.

Chrissy is just 1.57m (5'2") and Petite in scale, she is short-waisted with an enviable Hourglass figure. Best design lines for Chrissy highlight her lovely shape while elongating her.

This all made a lot of sense to Chrissy, who now understands what is was she liked about her favourite clothes and how to make wise buying choices in the future.

I referred her to my hair stylist Becky as Chrissy's hair cut was rather severe and the warm shades were aging her.

Becky began correcting the colour and gave Chrissy a softer style, as well as helping her with some easy ways of styling it.

Chrissy's Make-over (2)

What make-over would be complete without fabulous photographs capturing the 'new, improved' you?

Finding a date that suited five busy women was the first challenge!

I often refer clients to make-up artist Lillybeth, as not only does she do a fantastic natural look for the camera, but she loves teaching women how to apply their own make-up (everyday or special).

Chrissy's Make-over (3)

Our photographer Justine's experience in family portraits, weddings, commercial, and make-over guaranteed great photos and her practical expertise meant she could advise on flattering poses too.

It was a relaxed yet focussed photo shoot, we all enjoyed working together and - most importantly - Chrissy loves the outcome.

Dream Team

from left to right

Lillybeth Melmoth make-up artist

ph 07 578 4226

www.abeautifuleducation.co.nz

Margaret Stodart of Personal Style Ltd

ph 07 575 7415

www.personal-style.co.nz

Chrissy Mochan of Bliss Baskets & Gifts

ph 07 575 8005

www.blissgiftbaskets.co.nz

Becky Urquart of B.Hair

ph 07 571 4603

Justine McLachlan of Sassi Photography

ph 07 543 3101

www.sassiphotography.co.nz

Useful Tips

• Accept that you'll probably need to spend money on alterations to get a good fit. Tailoring can give your clothes shape and proportion, making you look trimmer

• Buy fewer items but better quality (ie fabric, fit, design).

The Must-Have List (and my comments)

According to Nina Garcia (TV's Project Runway & Fashion Editor at Marie Claire magazine)

with my comments in italics, continued from last newsletter

A Great Bag - a sturdy, roomy, yet classically styled leather bag, and a sparkly clutch.

Avoid embellishments, keep it simple and timeless in your favourite neutral.

Cashmere cardigan and turtleneck sweaters - great for layering; warm, soft and lightweight.

Gorgeous but expensive (cheap cashmere-blends shed terribly, lose shape and pill, so save up for a good one) meanwhile opt for good quality merino.

Denim - a great-fitting pair of jeans. One or two pairs of dark-rinse, coot-cut style jeans. Not too low-rise, sit just below the waist. Avoid extreme styles eg bling encrusted, bell bottoms.

May take time to find but you won't regret it.

Lingerie - make sure it fits properly and always have some sexy lingerie.

Yes, make sure it's properly fitted (our size changes as we mature). Also you'll need some different types eg t-shirt bra (smooth under knits), a sports bra (support 'the girls' during exercise), and an adjustable straps version (strapless, halter-enck, racer-back, single strap etc)

Footwear - classic toe (slightly tapered, rounded edges ie not really point or square or round). Slightly tapered heel (not thick, square ones). Smooth leather will age better (not patent or suede for longevity). Well-made ie stitched not glued.

• high-heeled pumps (we call them court shoes)
• ballet flats
• boots: knee high, high heeled (try riding boots for comfortable walking - seriously!)
• stilettos for special occasions

Again, take time to find footwear that fits properly - you don't want to be in pain or crippled by them. Definitely worth the investment.

Your Opinion

What's on YOUR 'Must-Have' list?

What are your core classics (your personal essentials)?

What are your 'go-to' outfits? (ie you always look good / feel fab in)

Men & Style

I'm sometimes asked whether I run workshops for men; the simple answer is 'No' (I've chosen to focus on women). 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.

Can you determine his under-tone? Do warm, yellow-based colours compliment him or cool, blue-based ones? Which is more flattering, white or ivory? Then decide if it's clear and bright hues or muted and smokey tones.

There are some difficulties; most Kiwi men - even if they looked good - won't wear colours that women will (Winter's bright pink?!) Also a brown suit doesn't have the same panache as a grey or navy one. So I'd just use it as a neutral and encourage him to wear a shirt with the right undertone for him.

(more in my next newsletter)

Group Workshops

Ideal for those of you on a really tight budget.

Katikati Resource Centre (Beach Road, Katikati) host Personal Style Small Group Workshops (they call them 'Affordable Wardrobe Planning') AND they're heavily subsidised - just $30!!

Usually held once per term with a maximum of 10 in the group, please contact the Katikati Resource Centre direct (ph 07 549 0399) to book your place.

Term 3: Saturday 24th September

Term 4: Saturday 29th October

10.30am to 2.30pm tea/coffee provided, BYO packed lunch.

More tips

Here are some tips & comments I've posted on Personal Style's FaceBook page www.facebook.com/personalstylenz

Figure Challenge: long waisted? Elongate your legs - opt for higher waisted clothes; slim legged trousers worn long; hosiery and slim heels which match skirt/trousers, belts to match your skirt/trousers.

Avoid anything low-waisted, patterned hosiery, capris and cuffed trousers.

The trouble with Fashion: a camel coloured trench coat does NOT suit everyone. Camel/tan is a warm colour so won't flatter cool-toned folk. Trench coats are double-breasted ie rather shapeless, which will make you look the same. Pockets and details add volume too (do you WANT to look bigger?)

How to shop UNsuccessfully: don't try on clothes. Buy for when you've lost weight. Buy something you feel uncomfortable in. Compromise so you haven't wasted your time :-(

Want to know what you REALLY wear? Try this for a month: everything you actually wear goes back in one side (eg Right) of your wardrobe. At the end of the month what you haven't worn will be on the other side (eg Left).

check out more comments on www.facebook.com/personalstylenz

Pleasing Proportions

Warning: if you don't like maths, you won't enjoy this item

Ideal body (head to feet) = 8 head lengths

Top of head to waist = 3 head lengths

(the waist is where your body bends from side to side)

if less than 3 you are short-waisted

if more than 3 you are long-waisted

Waist to floor = 5 head lengths

Ideal outfit combinations (nb just outfit NOT body)

length of tops to bottoms 2:3 or 3:5

Ideal skirt lengths:

measure waist to floor = "A" skirt measures 3/8 or 5/8 of A

PS

Yikes - we're half-way through the year already! As I write this it's another gorgeous sunny day - I'm enjoying our lovely mild Autumn.

But it's definitely turning chilly so, because I really feel the cold, I layer up with merino, add a beret and enjoy the warmth of gorgeous silk scarves.

If I'm still cold? footless leggings worn under trousers, plus socks inside my boots ....ahhh! happiness is being warm :-)

M