Travelling Light

Going somewhere this summer? I used to take far too many things 'just in case' (and feel embarrassed about how much luggage I had) yet only wear some of them!

"This is NOT working." I grumbled. So I spent some time trying to figure out what did work, and how I could pack less but better.

Using the capsule concept to build your wardrobe really helps; neutrals for core essentials with flattering colours to liven things up. When you're packing, limit yourself to two neutrals eg a dark and a light*, and two colours (one main, one minor).
*a light neutral is good for holidays in the sun

Make sure you have an outfit for each type of occasion: Casual, Smart, and Dressy. Some items will work in two (or three) categories eg well-cut trousers for Smart and Dressy. Consider your trip; is it 50% Casual, 25% Smart and 25% Dressy? Then pack to that proportion.

Separates offer the most flexibility so pack more tops than bottoms (5:1)

Select items you can layer for maximum versatility. Take multi-purpose favourites - the ones you turn to again and again.

Choosing neutrals for footwear means they'll go with whatever you wear. One pair for each type of occasion; pack two and wear one for travelling (make sure they're comfortable as you'll probably do more walking than you expect, especially if you're flying - airports are enormous!)

Accessories don't take up much space yet can quickly take an outfit from Smart to Dressy. Scarves and sarongs are useful because they're so versatile: tied as a dress, a skirt, a top or a jacket. They'll cover your head / arms when sight-seeing or over-dosed on sun, and warm you in chilly air conditioning (or an NZ summer!)

Ideally, opt for things that hardly wrinkle (most creases will fall out if you hang items in the bathroom while you take a shower - it's the steam).

It can make sense to wear your Smart outfit to travel in as: a) you may be upgraded, b) you make a good impression en route and upon arrival, and c) you don't have to pack it (jackets can be bulky).

Travel Capsule Suggestions

Winters: black, white & bright turquoise

Summers: grey, white & smoky, Wedgewood blue

Autumns: chocolate, oyster white & deep jade

Springs: camel, ivory & bright aqua

Facebook

Do you know Personal Style has a business page on Facebook?
(you don't have to be a member to view it)

Visit me at www.facebook.com/personalstylenz

Here are some of the recent posts:

• How do you know if you have a short or long neck? ...
• Do you have favourite outfits? Just now this is one of mine ... [photo]
• How to camouflage a tummy ... [photo]
• Had a quick wander around Fashion Island this morning ... [photo]

'Tis the Season

Hello and welcome to this quarter's newsletter.

Hooray! the pohutakawas are in blossom, there's Christmas music and decor in the shops, and (my favourite) warmer weather.

It is a bit silly to have so many parties and get-togethers over just a short period but ... oh well!

I recently spent an afternoon at home trying on different Dressy outfits and seeing which worked, which didn't, and what was suitable for each event.

A few months ago I'd bought some shapewear (think of it as smoothing-out rather than sucking-in) plus made a real effort to maintain my weight over winter, rather than let it creep up. So I was very pleased to try on hardly-ever worn dresses and find they fitted.

One's a gorgeous long pink dress I've had for at least ten years; it's so simple and timeless it can be dressed up or down. Love that versatility!

Another is a Little Black Dress whose original price tag was well beyond me, but it was dramatically reduced in the sales. I've worn it on several special occasions and, with varied accessories, it looks different each time.

That's why accessories are very useful and worth buying.

The trouble with weddings is that photos are taken ... ensuring everyone can remember what you wore!

So for a family wedding in April, a new dress is required and before I'd really started looking, I found it!  I was browsing in a local shops, tried on a dress and was absolutely stunned at how good I looked in it - uh oh! when it makes you look that good ... it's a must-have!

Please take a moment to have a look at my new website - the address is the same, but a different design; far simpler for me to update now.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year; I hope you enjoy the celebrations, the weather and some relaxation time.

Margaret