Accessories

Clutch Leather Bag from Hula Style Collective www.hula.co.nz

Accessories ... there are so many!

Think about the ones you wear everyday: jewellery (rings, watch, earrings, necklace, bracelets), glasses (reading & sunnies), handbag, footwear, hats, and scarves!

Do they reflect you? Are they the correct colours, style personality mix, scale, with flattering design lines? Do you have the right accessories for every occasion ie Casual, Smart, Dressy?

Naturally, there will be some occasions when you want/need to buy new accessories. But I'd hate you to turn down a last-minute invitation simply due to not having a basic essential.

So for maximum efficiency and versatility, opt for accessories in your neutrals.

Jewellery: silver for Cools, gold for Warms. Something for everyday (Casual & Smart) and something for a Dressy occasion ie rings, earrings, necklaces, watches, and bracelets.

Glasses: silver, greys, navy for Cools (black is usually too heavy). Gold, tortoiseshell, browns, a warm blue, beiges for Warms.

Generally, enhance your face shape by choosing angular frames if your face is round, or curvy shapes if your face is angular.
For a website with more specific info. click here

Handbag: The most useful neutrals (and easiest to find) are black or dark grey for Winters, grey or navy for Summers, browns for Autumns, tan for Springs. Ensure you have an everyday bag and a Dressy one (for evenings out, weddings, etc). Consider Silver or Gold for your Dressy one. Light neutrals are more suitable in summer-time, darker neutrals in winter.

Footwear: Same as handbags but not matching (although that may be coming back into fashion). Casual - flats, Smart - court shoes with a low to medium heel, Dressy - something with a higher heel. Add knee-high boots for when it's cold.

Hats: for the sake of your skin, do have a sun-hat in a light neutral for summer-time. If you feel the cold in winter-time, then a hat can make all the difference; most folk can wear a beret. Opt for something plain in one of your neutrals for maximum versatility.

Tallulah pump by Chaos & Harmony www.chaosandharmony.co.nz

Accessories 2

one of many ways to tie/drape a scarf

Scarves: such a variety of shapes, weights, and colours! They always fit and last for ages, plus there are so many ways to wear them. Choose flattering colours plain, mixed, and prints plus have a couple in neutrals.

Check out some scarf knots and drapes on my FaceBook biz page (saved as the album 'Scarf Ties' in Photos), instructions included.

Now I'm not saying never buy coloured jewellery, glasses, bags and shoes/boots. But I do recommend you have the basic essentials BEFORE you get the coloured versions.

Buy the best quality neutral basics you can because you'll wear them often!

The trouble with summer is ...

Regular readers know I love summer-time; I enjoy the heat and hardly notice the humidity. But swimsuit shopping is a pain! So here are some tips to make it a bit easier.

As taught in your Personal Style workshop, the basic principles apply; choose a flattering colour, match your style personality and scale, find the right design lines then highlight your assets and camouflage figure challenges.

Tummy issues

Tummy issues? Draping and ruching work well by preventing the fabric from clinging (photo on left). Or, distract away from the area by creating a focus elsewhere eg your bust (photo on right).

Pear shape

Pear shape? draw the eye upwards by using a print top with a plain & darker colour for the lower half. Both togs use horizontal lines at the top to highlight the bust, the halter neck shows off  slim shoulders while the wide-set straps help to widen narrow shoulders.

PS

I never tire of helping women discover their personal style; realise their figure assets and how easy it is to camouflage their figure challenges. I'll come home on a high, absolutely buzzing.

I particularly enjoy hearing how fabulous my clients felt at a special event. Being MOB or MOG (mother of the Bride or Groom) is an important day; if there are complications (break ups, new partners etc) then it's even more fraught with stress and anxiety.

Ladies, I can relate! Let's meet and talk it through; maybe we simply need to review what you already have and put it together in a new way. Or look at what's available in the local shops and find something fabulous for you. Perhaps you'll shop further afield once you know what you're seeking. I'd love to help ... there's nothing quite like feeling gorgeous and knowing you look your very best!

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and wonderful new year - M