PS

So the crazy season is over (Christmas, New Year, summer holidays, Christmas bills, back to school, more bills) Did we have Summer? How can it be March already?!

Well, we did manage to spend some quality time with friends and family, and enjoy some wonderfully relaxed days. The grandchildren are growing up quickly; so precious when the youngest is delighted to see me and squeals saying "Nana!" while the older ones can't wait to show off their latest skills and accomplishments.

During the summer break, I took action on client comments and feedback. I split the Personal Style three-hour (sometimes longer) workshop into two, then added more information on identifying and overcoming Figure Challenges. So now you can choose to do Workshop One (focusing on colours and wardrobe planning) then follow up with Workshop Two (specialising in style personality, scale, flattering design lines, body shape & proportion).

Both workshops take about two hours, and can be done as a Private Consultation or Small Group. In a Private Consultation a 90 minute wardrobe audit follows each workshop; the practical application of workshop discoveries. More details and prices are on my website.

As always, I love to hear from you and am happy to answer any queries you may have. Do look at my new look FaceBook business page - it's full of tips and handy hints.

Margaret

Emergency Outfit

On a recent trip to Auckland, I'd carefully worked out what to take for each event and duly packed. But upon arrival I was stunned to hear all my 'hanging-up' clothes had been left behind - OH NO!

I managed reasonably well for a couple of days as I'd worn a sun-dress to travel in and had a pair of jeans, coloured singlet and a merino cardigan in my bag. However I needed something warmer and smarter than either of them for one particular event.

So with a tiny budget and limited time I headed to the shops - see photo above - and bought an outfit for $40!

I was determined it would be a useful addition ie that I'd wear again, and not a double up of something I already owned.

Thankfully my dressy sandals 'made' the outfit. I felt a bit strange not wearing any colour - bright blue earrings not withstanding!

Have I worn it again? Yes! once with a smart little jacket and cobalt blue scarf, another time with a teal green top underneath. Yipee - a winner!

If you'd like some help choosing useful additions to your wardrobe, then please contact me 07 575 7415 or margaret@personal-style.co.nz

2012 Winter Fashions

2012 Winter Fashions

The sad thing about March is that it heralds the end of Summer. (What Summer?!) However it's great to see the Autumn and Winter fashions coming into the shops.

Such an interesting range: there are slim pencil skirts (very popular) AND softly draping A-lines (kinder to more figures). A dress to suit every woman - flattering empire lines, oh-so-useful wraps, straight shifts and waisted with full skirts. Lovely lady-like looks from the 50‘s plus 60’s mod interpretations.

Wide and skinny legged trousers - choose the style that suits you, also leggings (to be worn with great caution: ensure your crotch and bottom are completely covered by your top AND your legs are worth showing off. If not, wear under a dress).

Marvelous jackets - short and long lengths, tuxedo style (a timeless classic) and with peplums (be careful - they tend to emphasise a tummy and widen hips). Heaps of cardigans - especially sweet little waisted ones, some are long and flowing. Plus waistcoats - in fact, lots of tailored-suit styling.

Fabulous colours too; my personal favourites are cobalt blue and teal green. There are some wonderful reds (blue-reds and yellow-reds) from each season’s palette. Lovely grey blues and soft mauve-pinks for the Summers. Oranges continue - bright corals for Springs and deep pumpkins for Autumns, with Mustard making an appearance (this has to be one of the hardest colours to wear, and it doesn’t suit all Autumn ladies).

If you need to update your core essentials ie neutrals, then this is the time to do it as it’s a massive trend to dress only in neutrals this season (boring!). In the shops - as always - heaps of black, but I’ve also found fantastic greys, browns, creams, and whites - you really are spoilt for choice.

Oh and if you need a coat you’re likely to find it - colours and neutrals, plain and prints, short and long, from parkas to dressy.

Remember to keep your wardrobe interesting by embracing different textures (very big this season) there’s leather, velvet, and lace often together on one garment.

Chunky knits and fur aplenty; which is great for keeping warm but can make you look big and bulky so team with slim, flattering lines.

You’ll find metallics and sparkly looks too; be careful where you wear these on your body as they reflect light ie makes things look bigger. Hmm - maybe not shiny silver skinny jeans then! Far better in fabulous accessories.

Animal patterns abound: mostly crocodile & snakeskin versions. Leave it to the young or really outrageous to wear from top to bottom; an item or two is all you need to show you’re up-to-date (perhaps in a top or simply an accessory).

Colour blocking (ref Mondrian style) continues in a cleverer, more flattering way eg a dress with princess seaming, and darker side panels. Tops and dresses that have a brighter colour across the shoulders which visually widens (making hips appear narrower), and geometric patterns - all part of the 60’s inspiration.

It really is a pick 'n' mix season - remember, not everything will work for you so select what will. Having a great core wardrobe (neutral basics) makes it easy to buy just a few items which will update your look.

Have fun! (and if you need some help, just ring me on 07 575 7415 or email me margaret@personal-style.co.nz)