Who doesn't love online shopping?!

I have a few things I’d like to get off my chest. It’s about fashion. Online shopping to be exact. Please bare with me as I do so,  and keep in mind that there are few (if any) others who have quite the same amount of experience as I do on this subject! Oh, ok, so there may be a few others out there in online-land who do, but for now, I’d like to self-proclaim MY experience as a true expert on the subject…

A few years ago due to ongoing health issues (don’t worry! I’m not about to launch into all that!) my Personal Styling business took a necessary shift from the traditional Personal Styling and associated Personal Shopping to the ONLINE variety. Out of necessity I simply utilised all of my existing Styling skills and methods of finding the perfect outfit for my clients, to doing so for a slightly broader cross-section of the community (aka global!) via the wonders of the internet. Cool huh?! Well…

Fast-forward a couple of years or more… and lo and behold! The rest of the world has caught on BIG-TIME! Not to mention the retailers (now often dubbed e-tailers) who are now taking advantage of the fact that online shopping is here to stay and it really does help all of us who are  becoming more  time-poor.

We’ve all seemingly twigged on to the fact that the internet can and does offer us all a solution!  We can now shop at any time of the day or night – and many e-tailers (God LOVE ‘em!) are finally recognising the pulling-power of offering both FREE shipping AND FREE RETURNS! The initial hesitations of most of my clients had regarding buying online is slowly being replaced by an understanding that it really is “risk-free”. The hesitation backed by the excuse “But I like to see/feel/touch/try what I’m buying” is actually no longer relevant. Because you still get to do all of that! Just in the comfort of your own home, in your own time, without the pressure of some pushy salesperson, AND with your own wardrobe around you to see if it truly does mix and match. If you decide it doesn’t work, you simply return it FREE OF CHARGE! So now what’s your excuse?

Well, back to my original rant….

You wanna know MY frustration? ‘Cos it’s ME that spends hours scouring the net for YOU (not complaining. It’s an honour. It’s my job! Honest! I don’t mind a bit!). The reason I get frustrated is that I see far-too-often, far-too-many fashions for skinny-little-young-things, and not enough for the “slightly more mature but still just as gorgeous” set!  What is it with fashion? Why can’t we see more STYLISH pieces available to us online that are targeted to those over 30?!

Sure, there are LOTS of shops which have already embraced a strong online presence and do cater for all shapes/ages/sizes, but everyday in my quest to find the perfect piece at amazing prices for my clients, my inbox is constantly  inundated (trust me, I MEAN inundated!) with sites offering the latest bargains which are all in either only the latest passing fad/trend and at least six inches above the knee. They therefore can only be worn safely by: those under 25; those under 25kg; those with a 25cm waist, or those wanting to spend $25. Items which clearly only fit that “under 25″ criteria, and on way too many levels!

Oh sure, there are plenty of STYLISH pieces available – many of which also still make it into my coveted inbox – but they are often priced at well above $250. Even up to $2500 – certainly not $25! Lets be real shall we? Unless we have the income of a celebrity, how many of us in the real world can honestly look at these sites and buy their gorgeous pieces? I for one cannot. I also don’t feel comfortable even showing these items to my clients! Why, to purchase one of those pieces would surely feed a small African community for a year! I just can’t justify even spreading the word about prices like that! I doubt I’d ever sleep again if I did!

So why have I bothered even writing this post? Because I’m hoping that someone will read it and share with me some other great sites which even I may not have yet discovered (hard to believe, I know!). I have a great little stash (below) which I happily scour daily and send particular pieces to my faithful clients – but I’m hoping that some of you may also have a few other sites you’d like to share with me –  to show me that not all the online shopping is relegated to the (in the words of the late Michael Jackson) “PYT’s”. That perhaps even more of it can be utilised by us POT’s! That’s Pretty Old Things, in case you’re wondering!

Here are some of my favourite online sites which DO meet my strict Style Counsel criteria.

That is, they either represent great value for money, great service, great savings and/or suit a variety of styles/ages/body shapes. Mind you, these are only SOME of the sites I love/use! What I’d really love is for you to share YOUR favourite site with me! Don’t be shy! Adding a comment to my blog not only makes me VERY happy, it will also help so many others. And that’s got to be a good thing, right?

www.countryroad.com.au - for edgy/modern classic women’s, men’s, kid’s & homewares

www.trenery.com.au - for slightly more classic women’s, menswear. The sister-store to Country Road but slightly more conservative.

www.jcrew.com - a selection of great styles for the whole family. Some can be a little exxy, but some great buys as well. Good quality.

www.gap.com - affordable classics for men, women & children. Stores in some major Australian capital cities. Still waiting for a Brisbane store though!

www.asos.com - You can’t go past the sheer size of the range of clothes and accessories available on this site! With FREE shipping and FREE returns, you have nothing to lose!

www.styletread.com.au – An online shoeshop with FREE Shipping and FREE Returns. An incredible array of trusted brands to choose from. You just have to check this site out if you haven’t already!

www.birdsnest.com.au – A great array of labels from Sacha Drake to Esprit and everything in between. The service is amazing and very personalised. No risk shopping and they even give you style tips as they go. Check them out!

www.clubqt.com.au - A one-stop shop for such a broad range of clothing and accessories – way too many for me to mention here! Free shipping for many brands/stores. You must check it out!

www.witchery.com.au - We all know Witchery, right? Worth checking out for the pieces you missed out on in-store. Lots of great sale items to watch/buy!

www.boden.co.uk - Very classic, somewhat traditional – but great quality and pieces that will stand the test of time.

www.ezibuy.com.au - What a site! There’s nothing you can’t get here! From women’swear to homewares! And with incredible bargains every day! No risk returns policy. Great shopping to be had here!

www.sportscraft.com.au - Styles that generally are considered suitable for the more “mature” yet still up with the times and with a modern twist. Good quality and always have great VIP deals/sales too. Well worth keeping an eye on!

www.davidlawrence.com.au - Classic, conservative but very stylish pieces. Good prices – not cheap per se – but good quality and will last the distance.

www.barkins.com.au - Super-affordable, stylish pieces.

www.dotti.com.au - Slightly younger styles, but often really great prices and sales/offers. Don’t ever rule out a store as being “too young” for you. Even stores which are traditionally considered young can have some great little classics at great prices – just like here!

So! What’s YOUR favourite online shopping site?! Please don’t be shy! Share it with us all below…we’d really love to know!

These really ARE a few of my favourite things!

I am often asked for “my picks”. And I often put together a list of must-haves for clients after we’ve worked together. Well, this time I thought I’d share with you some of my personal ‘MUST HAVES’! My favourite things, stores, brands or products.

This list does change as I discover more new and wonderful products, but I’m also a big believer in the old adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”! I have a list of items a mile long – the wardrobe staples that seem to work year in, year out for not only my own wardrobe but for so many of my clients. Ask my clients. They’ll tell you! Some of the pieces they spot in my wardrobe (and want to know where they too can purchase them) are 5 seasons old – much to their disappointment! But it just goes to show, classics really do give you more bang-for-your buck!

Being a tad time-poor at the moment (You guys really are keeping me very busy. Which is great! I’m not complaining at all) and fully aware that I’ve neglected my blog for way too long since my mega-stay in hospital late last year, I’ve decided that this post will serve as my lazy-woman’s way of keeping you up to date with some great things. I actually prepared the following list during that very same hospital stay (what can I say? I’m talented like that! And who knew an iPad could  be so useful?).

These really ARE a few of My_Favourite_Things  Check them out now, and take note! Every one has different tastes/needs but these really are (cue The Sound of Music – Julie Andrews singing) A Few Of My Favourite Things…

You'll be walking on air after the sales if you follow some of these guidelines

OK. So here it is. I’ve teased you enough with all the preparations for the sales up to now.  So now, here’s how smart shoppers do it!

Remember, a bargain isn’t a bargain if you never wear it! A $400 designer dress reduced to $30 is NOT (I repeat, not) a bargain if it’s something you would never have considered buying before it was reduced. Just because it’s a designer label doesn’t mean it’s stylish or will suit you – but then you already knew that, right?!

Ask yourself these questions, and be really honest with the answers: 

1.  Do you REALLY LOVE IT? I mean, if you were to leave it behind would it be playing on your mind all day and you’d likely call the store to ask if it was still there the minute you got home without it? If you really really love it, regardless of price you must then ask…
2. Will it go with at least three other things in your wardrobe? You must be able to list those three items quickly – no desperately clutching at straws here trying to convince yourself  when deep down you know that it will probably only work with your black shoes (daah!)! And finally,
3. Will you get enough bang for your buck? I mean really…will you get enough wear out of it? No matter how much it’s been reduced, a bargain ain’t no bargain if you ain’t gonna wear it!

So what should you be looking out for during sale periods? Here are my suggestions for stylish, savvy shoppers…

Here’s Your Shopping List!

Use Sales to bag yourself bargains that you WILL wear, DO need, and WILL stand the test of time. Buy style staples - classic pieces you would’ve bought during the year, but can afford now they’re on SALE! Things like…

• Hot, dark wash jeans (I recommend Jag mid-rise slim/straight in a dark wash or Country Road Regular Skinny). Buy one size smaller than you think you need. They can, will and do stretch, and saggy baggy jeans are not flattering no matter what your size!
• Shoes, shoes, more shoes! The biggest issue most of my clients have when they visit me is that they don’t have enough shoes to really set off the outfits we create. If you don’t believe me, stand barefoot in your favourite frock. See? No matter how lovely the dress, the overall effect is somehow lost isn’t it? Having lots of shoe options can change an outfit from day to night, from formal to corporate etc etc. It’s the power of the shoe!
• The best quality, light neutral leather bag you can afford. A cheap PU bag cheapens most outfits. You don’t have to spend thousands to get a good leather bag. What you do have to do is your research so you don’t just settle for just any old bag. You must love it so you will use it year in and year out. Don’t go for too much bling or logos. Keep it simple, classy and functional and you’ll get true bang for your buck! If you’re starting out on your bag wardrobe, go for light neutral as it will go with almost everything. And don’t think that black is the only fail-safe neutral colour. Grey, beige, tan, cream are all neutral too you know! And by lightening up your outfit with a light bag, you’ll start yourself on a mystical journey away from boring, basic black (but more on that in later posts…)
• Shapewear. Gutsuckers. Nanna-knickers. Call them what you like, but the sales are a great time to refresh your undies drawer! I recommend Ambra Boyleg Waist Killers (no muffin-tops above your jeans with those little babies!) and for a sleek line under dresses go for the Triumph Sculpt ‘n Shape “skirt”. You can fold it over and pull it up or down for extra support where you most want it.
• For the home, ofcourse there’s the good ol’ favourites - bed linen, crockery and cutlery – but don’t overlook the pure pleasure you get drinking wine out of a beautiful wine glass. Or how about tossing out those ugly old teatowels you’ve had since you left home and buying some nice new ones in a colour that will set the tone for a revamp of more than just your kitchen? Repeat that splash of colour with new cushions for the living room and you’ll tie in the look, accessorising with colour just like I teach you to do with your clothes!
• Jackets are so, so important – they transform outfits and help you build a transeasonal wardrobe for Spring and Autumn. Keep an eye out for neutral cropped styles that you can layer over longer-line floaty tops. This is a fail-safe style that suits most body shapes (but more on that later too!)
• Scarves are a must-have (I’ll be giving tips on scarf-tying in future posts, so you’d better be prepared!). And this season why not take advantage of the many lovely statement necklaces out there? You can build on your accessories wardrobe during the sales and will never find yourself short of ways to reinvent outfits (and you’ll have saved a bomb in the process)!
• Luggage is always important and post-Xmas sales are a great time to get yourself some stylish pieces. Start with a small on-board case and build from there. Stay away from glitzy styles and go with simply, quality classic styles. I saw some the other day with bows all over it.Eeek? I think it was Alannah Hill’s range.  I guess you’d never miss your luggage on the carousel. And no one would steal it either. (See, I’m trying to find a positive, but I am struggling!)

Happy shopping girls! Please feel free to share any great bargains here as you go – I love comments on my blog, but I think you guys are kinda shy as many of you contact me directly. Why not take the plunge and share your thoughts here too? You’ll inspire others and we can all help eachother bag bargains along the way!

]]> http://stylecounselonline.com.au/smart-sale-shopping/feed/ 2 http://stylecounselonline.com.au/sale-preparation-is-vital/ http://stylecounselonline.com.au/sale-preparation-is-vital/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:10:34 +0000 stylecounsel http://stylecounselonline.com.au/?p=2013

Take some time to prepare yourself. Those fluorescent lights & fitting room mirrors will have you heading for the hills instead of the checkout if you don't spend some time preparing yourself for them first!

Just as you would prepare a surface when painting, gardening or  building  preparation is vital if you want the end result of your shopping trip to be everything you hoped it would be. Don’t hit the shops without first taking into account this plan of attack. You will be glad you did, I promise!

A few days before…

Before you even consider buying any new anythings, you should at least do some shopping in your own wardrobe to get a handle on where the gaps are. You need to remind yourself just how many black tops you have; or how many bright prints or bold coloured maxis you own – you know…the items you’ve forgotten you already have plenty of but just keep seem to buy more of whenever you hit the shops?

Think of your shopping expedition as a way of shopping smart and filling those gaps with classic, quality pieces instead of just another $20 tee that doesn’t make you feel great anyway!

On the Day…

7am - Roll out of bed & get into that shower!  Time’s a wastin’! You’ve got that Xmas Turkey to work off today girls! You’ll need to start early if you’re going to nab that perfect parking spot (if hubby isn’t dropping you in) and parking can get quite ugly during the sales – you learnt that lesson last year, right? You’ll also want to park as close to the entry as you can, so you can drop off your purchases as you go and free up your shopping arms too….right?!

 7.15am - Do your hair and makeup –  never go shopping looking or feeling daggy. Fluro lights and fitting room mirrors are scary enough without your eyes gazing at the zit on your chin instead of that great frock you’re trying on! Be armed & tackle this task head-on with confidence!

7.30am - Wear comfy clothes that you can get in and out of with ease. A simple frock is often best, and choose flats that you can kick on and off just as easily. Leave your large tote bag behind and go for a cross-body bag so you’re hands-free and can fend off all those chooks scratching around the sale tables trying to steal your bargains!

7.45am - Eat a decent breakky including protein so you don’t get to the mall and immediately feel the need for a coffee-stop .  You’ll only waste precious time sitting in cafes on a day like today!  Best to save that for lunchtime when you need to regroup and check your list/finances and gaze lovingly through your purchases!

8am - Get thee to the mall! And I recommend going it alone initially. You can meet up with a friend if you like but arrange to do that later to allow yourself time to do your own reccy first without being slowed down as your friend looks at children’s wear or manchester, all the while  those killer heels with your name written all over them are being snapped up by someone else!

There is an art to shopping. Honestly there is! And only the smart (or prepared) come out on top!

Over the next few days, I’m not going to do the predictable and give you Christmas gift ideas. Instead, I’m going to get into your head early and start preparing you for the next best thing! The Boxing Day sales!

There really is an art to shopping the sales and only the well-prepared will surface from the experience unscathed, clutching great bargains that they really will use for longer than the Christmas holidays.

Instead of giving it all to you in one hit, I’m going to try to keep you focussed on the job at hand by sharing different pearls of shopping wisdom with you over a few days…

So. First things first. What are your negotiating skills like?…

This is REALLY what he'd rather be doing the day after Xmas. And this is where the art of bargaining really begins...

Negotiating with Your Other Half

I love precious, rare gems. I call these gems “men who love to shop”. Sadly, I don’t own one. My gem is a little less precious and would rather have a root-canal or a colonoscopy than battle the shops on Boxing Day with me. It’s because of this sad state of affairs that over the years I’ve been forced to learn few survival skills that I will share with you now – if you promise not to tell him!   I’m pretty sure he has no idea how much I’ve manipulated the situation over the years, and now that our kids are old enough to not need babysitting, I’ve resorted to a few other tactics that also seem to work a treat. But remember timing is everything, so you have to pick your moment for any of these conversations…

If you have kids, or simply have  a partner who would make your day hell if he tagged along with you to the sales, it’s  important that you do one  (or all) of these three things:

  1. Guilt him into babysitting. In truth, he’ll  actually be flopped on the couch watching the cricket while the kids draw on the walls anyway, but I’m sure he’ll act like he’s doing you a huge favour  (eyes skyward, hand on forehead) by giving up the chance to go shopping with you so he can take care of the children!

  2. Tell him you’ll let him off the shopping-hook if he can give you a little extra cash. After all, surely you wouldn’t want me to max-out the credit card any further after the  pre-Xmas beating it’s already taken, now would  you honey?!

  3. Get him to chauffeur you to the door of the mall (tell him it will save you lots on parking) and to pick you up whenever you’re done. It will also help if he has a platter and a nice cold glass of wine for you upon your return! Tell him you are more likely to have the energy to model that beautiful  underwear for him after a long day at the shops if you haven’t had to battle the carpark crazies and have some sustenance to look forward to before you prepare dinner. Dinner will really just be leftovers from Xmas day, but you don’t have to tell him that yet, now do you?

Check in again soon for “Sales: Preparation Is Vital”…

"That" photo. That gorgeous woman. Those pearls...sigh...

I wrote this blog as a Guest Writer for A String of Pearls and thought I’d share it with my readers too…

“Some say pearls are drops of moonlight that fell in to the ocean only to be swallowed by oysters. Some say pearls are tears of the gods. Some say are just lovely little balls of beauty that we women get to hang from our ears, neck or wrists when we want to look elegant, classy and glamorous!”

No matter how they’re formed, be it naturally or cultured by man, pearls have long symbolized class, status and wealth. Once considered the rarest and most coveted jewel, they were generally only worn by royalty and the very wealthy upper-class – because only they could afford them!

Today, pearls are much easier to come by, but because of their long history many still feel that to wear them well requires a degree of etiquette; that they should be reserved for only special occasions. Because of their historic rarity, and the symbolism attached to the way a natural pearl is formed, pearls will always be considered appropriate choices as gifts for graduations, religious sacraments, or any occasion where one may want to congratulate the receiver for hard work, determination or accomplishment.

Today (as is the case with most fashions) there really are no strict rules for wearing pearls. However there are certain outfits and ways to wear them that will bring out their beauty (and yours) without making you look like a granny or a try-hard wanna-be. Here are some of my styling tips which should remove any confusion if you’re unsure of when/where or how to wear them!

Firstly, consider how you think of or describe a pearl. Words like simple, elegant, sophisticated, polished and timeless, classic, romantic, feminine spring to mind for me. Then think about what best matches your description, and you will know exactly what outfits to team them with.

After 5

Pearls worn with true style and "Grace"!

Always elegant, pears are perfect for evening. BUT beware. It again depends on what you wear them with. You want to look elegant and classy, not dowdy or matronly. And beware the old-fashioned pearl earrings, necklace and bracelet combo. In general, it’s best to break it up a little, unless you’re really going for that old-world movie-star glamour and your hair, makeup, dress etc are screaming out for the classic three-piece set.

Office/Corporate

Pearls are perfect for the office because of their simplicity and understated elegance. Don’t wear multiple long strands though – remember, if your colleagues can hear you before they see you, your jewellery is not corporate appropriate! Don’t wear long-dangling pearl earrings. A simple stud is plenty for the office.

One strand or two, simple earrings - Jackie O nailed it every time

Who says pearls have to be light? Stunning simple black pearls work a treat

It’s not what you wear – it’s how you wear it!

Pearls can be worn casually/everyday but always show some respect for how hard that little mollusk worked to create that precious little gem. Think of he symbolic nature and always remember the key words – special, elegant, sophisticated, feminine, polished, classic, timeless.

Don’t cheapen them by wearing them with shorts and thongs, sneakers and tees. You get the picture!

Pearl-Friendly Fabrics & clothing: Silk, wool, cashmere, fine knits, evening wear, satin, fine lace, suiting, simple sheath-dresses, twin-sets

Not Pearl-Friendly:  Cotton tees, linen, chunky cable-knits, broderie anglaise, casual shorts, tracksuits! You get the picture, I’m sure!

Less is More. A few strands is good, but a noose made of pearls may be a little heavy for most?

• Beware wearing pearls all over – studded on headbands, pearl-encrusted tops, long dangly earrings etc.  You can wear a few strands at once, but don’t go overboard with a dozen pearl necklaces all at once. Less is by far more. Multiple strands of pearls CAN be worn (ala Chanel) and teamed with other strands of beads or chains, but be very careful your look doesn’t get too busy, too tacky or just plain too much.

• Pearls worn with a simple, round-necked knit (wool, cotton, or cashmere if budget allows) and a matching cardie – yes, the classic twin-set – will never go out of style. Deconstruct the formality of this classic look by wearing with slim-fitting jeans, cuffed at the ankle, and classic ballet flats or loafers.

• If you can remember Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” film-clip, then you probably clearly  remember the 80’s and how the precious pearl suddenly went from elegant to trendy, tacky and cool. Pearls could be seen everywhere, worn in multiple layers, teamed with crucifixes, black lace, fingerless gloves and permed hair. Yikes.

• 

  Oh dear Lady Gaga. When they said "show us your pearly whites" I think they meant show us your smile!

If you did this look back then, it’s generally a good idea to not revisit it again. Perhaps you should leave the next tacky pearl trend to Lady Gaga while we channel some of the more classic looks, shall we ladies? After all, isn’t that the ways pearls were really MEANT to be worn?

High-waisted extra-short denim shorts - with or without camel-toe. Not a good look on anyone...

There. I said it. Camel toe. But the look I’m mainly talking about here is SSHWDS – or super-short high-waisted denim shorts (with or without rips; with or without camel-toe). The most disturbing part of this trend is that it generally comes with a side-serve of arse-cheek hanging out the back.

I’m sure we’ve all seen it – just head to any shopping mall around the country and look for the nearest group of teenagers. It’s one of the scariest looks ever. It’s generally seen on girls ranging from 13 – 18. Most of them travel in packs. Most of them don’t have long-lean super-model bodies (but really, who does?!). The thing is though, to be honest super-models are probably the only body-types who should be consider wearing this look. Most of them are not wearing heels.  Most  team them with sloppy, over-sized tees, or heaven forbid, crop-tops. Some wear them with thongs, others with gladiators, and worse still, others with those hideous black sneakers…

But before I really get going, allow me to give you a glossary of terms and abbreviations:

HWP = High Waisted Pants

CT = Camel Toe.  That unfortunate optical illusion that occurs in a woman’s nether-regions when pants are worn too high and too tight. Think about it. I’m sure you’ll get what I am referring to here.

HWS = High Waisted Shorts

SSHWDS = Super-Short High Waisted Denim Shorts (pictured below):

Step away from the shorts...Here's the offending beast - minus the body.

The pockets are often seen dangling out the front. As I said, arse-cheeks are often seen dangling out the back. Why these young girls think this look works on them is beyond me…

Supporters of high-waisted pants (check out some of the worst ever, below) claim that they

a) Make their legs look longer,

b) hold in their tummy and,

c) avoid muffin-tops.

BUT what fans of high-waisted pants DON’T seem to realise is this:

1.  They shorten your over-all appearance/waist making you look shorter and dumpier, even if you are neither. Think about it. When someone is conversing with you, their eyes are generally on the upper-body – your face, down to the chest/waist at most. If you elongate that section, by default you will appear at least on first impressions, longer and leaner
2. They make your lower half appear by default, well…larger!
3. High-waisted shorts defy point a) (above) because they are chopped off so high on the leg and with so little fabric, you may as well just be wearing your knickers! Unless you’re wearing heels or platforms your legs most definitely don’t look longer. And even then, unless you have super-skinny pins, don’t kid yourself that you are achieving that illusion either!
4. The feature of your whole outfit becomes the pelvic area (or from behind, your butt!). You draw attention to the one body part that we women least like! Note: After many years of styling and client profiling I can categorically prove this is fact. 

If, after all of my ranting here, you really MUST, here’s the WRONG way to wear high-waisted pants:

Mischa Barton not wearing it well. Such a beautiful girl in such a not beautiful outfit!

See how much bigger the lower half appears (of even someone who is so-not big on the lower half, like Katie Holmes) in HWP? Flats also are not recommended with full-legged HWP, no matter how tall you are!

Jessica Simpson in HWP. Not her best look. Also an example of camel toe creeping in here too, for those of you who are unsure of what to look for!

There are a few rules that apply (or at least should apply) when choosing to following this trend:

1. ALWAYS wear heels with HWP (high waisted pants).
2. If the leg is full/flared, wear a fitted top (tucked in).
3. Don’t ever do camel-toe. Ever. That is all.
4. If wearing high-waisted shorts (sniff) by day, elongate the leg with a wedge.
5. If shopping at your local mall in high-waisted shorts by day, do NOT wear stilettos. Ever.  Actually, if shopping by day in any outfit (this doesn’t apply to lunch-hours in the city etc) sky-high heels really don’t fit the ocasion or location (the first rule of thumb for stylish people!).
6. Do not team your HWS (high-waisted-shorts) with a crop-top. Ever. In fact, don’t wear crop-tops with anything. Again…that is all.
7. How do you identify if pants are high-waisted or low-waisted before trying them on? Check out the length of the fly/zipper. The longer the zip, generally the higher the waist (that’s not a rule, just a stylist’s tip I thought I’d throw in as a reward for reading this far!

OK. So I cheated a little. Even though these are considered HWP by the manufacturer, I see them more as mid to low-rise full-legged pants. See how much more flattering when you can see a little of the curve of the waist above the pant & how it lengthens the upper body?

Even though these pants are little OTT in the volume department, see how a belt worn lower on the waist can at least create some balance and lengthen the torso?

OK. So I admit it! Now I am cheating. These are NOT HWP. They are LWP. But see how many inches they shave off the rear-end? That is all.

I hope the tips above have helped in some way. But what do YOU think? Are you a fan of HWP? Don’t be scared…I’ll still speak to you if you are. I promise!!

Some days I watch TV and instead of focusing on what the presenter is saying I find myself distracted by their clothing choices. For media personalities, the key is simplicity and elegance. A touch of their personality can of course shine through  but too much “personality” can also distract. Case in point, the very worldly, intelligent, interesting, knowledgeable Dr Keith Suter. Love him! Love his work! Love his vision – but  really don’t love his clothing choices! He generally has way too much going on – striped shirts, spotty ties, pinstripe suits, kerchief, hair in need of a trim…too much of most things.

Recently I watched Weekend Sunrise and was delighted to see Prue MacSween in one of my favourite shades of grey (there are many, I know!). It was a softer hue than she’d generally choose, and with her platinum blonde hair, simple statement silver neck-cuff and grey top (could’ve been a dress, but can’t be sure as I couldn’t see below the desk) she was positively shining! Elegant, sophisticated, uncluttered, stunning – see the power of colour? Prue always “makes a statement”.  Never one to shy away from controversy, Prue really nails her segments when she  balances her strong stances/opinions with simple, uncluttered elegance.

Another Personality who gets my big thumbs-up is Morning Show’s  Kylie Gillies.

Her signature hair is fantastic – colour and style working perfectly – and her personal style always shows through in her choices of definite colours/prints (generally kaftan or shift-style dresses; interesting sleeves or necklines). She favours slightly shorter-length dresses and pulls it off well with great pins &g great shoes (statement shoes often, but  not OTT).

SO! There you have it! Some of Style Counsel’s Style critiques. What do you think? Got any faves or least-faves to share with me? Go right ahead! Because opinions really ARE like bums – everyone has one, and I’ve never seen two bum’s exactly the same – yet!

They say if you remember doing a certain trend the first time, don't go back for seconds...

Ever noticed how, at the beginning of a season, you see a new colour palette creeping into stores – and you cringe? Like right now? Bright reds, greens, almost fleuro yellows are fast taking over as winter’s dulls are being morphed into a circus of brights. You find yourself muttering to yourself as you pass yet another shop window of hyper-colours that you are clearly doomed to look like a road-worker if you embrace the latest trend, or worse…doomed to yet another summer without being able to find a THING to wear/to suit you?

Fast forward a couple of months and you somehow find yourself if not quite “warming” to the new trend, at least not vomiting in your mouth every time you spot it in stores? Fast forward a little further down the track to when a few pieces of that very same, once-despised cut of skinny or harem pants, bold or bland colour has somehow managed to make it’s way into (God forbid) YOUR wardrobe?

Aaah yes. The power of fashion!  And like it or not – fashion-follower or not – trends will find a way to work their way into our psyche, our homes, our wardrobes, our garages – whether we want them to or not!

Think back… to when Tuscan-style houses, mustard renders and terracotta were all the rage – from our floors to the paint colour on our houses. To when yellow and blue crockery were everywhere – as were blue Spanish wine glasses, dried flower arrangements, slate on floors, etc etc. It happens all around us, every day. From house paint colours, crockery, home wares, furniture, clothes, cars, bedding, makeup, hairstyles. The list goes on…

Fashion fades – style is eternal.

Media frequently contact me with the inevitable fashion-forward question “So tell us. What’s IN this season?” My response usually goes something like this…

“Take a look around you. Find the nearest teenager. See what they’re wearing? That’s what’s IN. Perhaps your question to me should be more along the lines of  ‘Should I be IN IT?’ But be prepared for my answer to quite often be an emphatic NO!”

Why? Well it’s not because I don’t LIKE new fashions or trends. Nor am I digging my heels in and refusing to be dictated to by fashion. It’s more because I believe it takes time for us (me included) to get used to many new-season looks and to feel confident enough to give them a shot. And it’s in that pre/early-season stage that many of the latest trends prove to be more of a passing FAD, replaced a month or so later with another variation and we’re then spared that part in the decision-making process! Remember, by the time said trends hit our Aussie shores, we’re often a good year or so behind and often getting the cast-offs from the other side of the globe. But I never said that…did I?

No sooner are the latest trends on every magazine cover, than they’ve already been replaced by a completely different fad overseas. The speed at which new ranges appear (for example in stores like Zara) is an indicator of just how quickly fashion-fads cycle – both in and out!

Those that do develop into a TREND only do so after they’ve stood a few more tests of time and market demand. And even then, those trends will be considered out of fashion before too long newer fashion trends continue to cycle. What’s out this season will eventually make return or make it’s come-back at some stage – it’s knowing “when” it’s safe to bring out those ol’ faves – those bell-bottom jeans and crocheted tops – and when it’s best to just keep them in the closet for the next fancy-dress party, that’s the tricky bit!

Test Yourself

Using the latest colour blocking trend as an example, decide whether to embrace or ignore by asking yourself the following:

• Do I even really like these colours? And if I do, do I really like them ALL together at once and on my bike Zara) is an indicator of jusis a little more like “me”?
• Will this particular piece look a little foolish on someone over 18? OR on someone with my more conservative/shy personality?
• Does the particular item I’m considering have enough essential classic elements for it to last longer than one season?
• Can some elements be toned down to suit me? Eg perhaps a bright red bag, a cobalt blue camisole, or bold green scarf will make you feel just as “on trend” without the need to buy a complete outfit of brights and overpowering you or your current wardrobe?
• Can my own classic wardrobe staples be successfully teamed with this piece? e.g. one or two brights mixed and broken up with my (more Style Counsel-approved) signature neutrals?
• Thinking of my budget now…will buying too many bejeweled brights this season mean less of a budget to embrace, say, next season’s pastels?

 It’s really all about conditioning and confidence…

We often pooh-pooh a new trend when it first comes out. But the media keeps chipping away at our resolve until it’s seen in so many magazines, TV shows and stores that we start feel like a dinosaur if we don’t at least make an attempt totry to inject just a little of that new trend into our current wardrobe.

Aaah…such is the power of fashion!  It can make you feel confident. It can make you feel “with it”, updated, fresh and new. BUT it can just as easily make you feel more confused and perhaps even look a little foolish! That’s why we Stylists are still (and probably always will be ) in business.

I don’t sell fashion, I sell confidence. I teach the tips and tricks about HOW to wear the latest fashions. Or perhaps not. At the end of the day, it’s all about how you feel in the latest fashions – or how you don’t. The choice is always yours. Still confused? Welcome to the wonderful world of deciphering the code – Fashion Vs Style.

I rest my case!

Spring is in the air - time to lighten up girls! In more ways than one!

I believe (so far at least in theory, and because it’s what the latest fashion in-stores is telling me) that “Spring has Sprung”? I guess I also believe it because it’s October and we DID have a few lovely warm days a little while back. I guess therefore, that also means it’s time for a Spring Clean which means it’s time we all got a little more organized and prepared for the business end of 2011?

Well, not being one to disappoint, here come my TOP TIPS for being stylish and getting ready for the lazy days/party season that lies ahead… 

As I’m also hoping you’ll have come to expect/understand that these tips won’t ALL be related to simply looking good! They are, in fact, mainly related to feeling good – and more importantly to helping others feel good. By now, we should all know how passionate I am about being stylish on the inside, not just the outside. (Right? Got it? Just checking) Good! Well without further ado then, here goes…

1. Spring is… time to OPEN UP. It’s warming up outside, which means we too can at least open up a little. That can easily be applied to “the person” especially if there’s been an unresolved issue festering or worrying you. Is there perhaps a way you can address it or bring it out into the open? Is there a way you can get it sorted or cleared up – before Xmas – which as we all know can be one of the most stressful times of year for so many of us

2. Spring is…time to get OUTSIDE. Not just into the sunshine, but outside of ourselves! It’s time to look past how we are feeling. Or what we are focusing on, and perhaps to shifting our focus on something other than our own needs? It’s surprising how a simple shift of focus can change our outlook! It’s almost addictive! http://stylecounselonline.com.au/blog/365-acts-of-kindness-love-is/

3. Spring is…time to LIGHTEN UP! And I don’t just mean our attitude, although that’s always important. I am actually now referring to your wardrobe (at last I hear you say?). Not that I have expected anything different from your Winter wardrobe, must I remind you again? White/light is your friend. Break out of your black/dark rut girls! Here’s why…

If I put a few cubes/boxes in front of you right now – a black one, a white one, a red, yellow, blue, green one – and then I asked you to identify the heaviest,  I bet you’d (in the main) say “the black one”. What’s that telling you?

• Black is a dense, heavy colour.
• Black by nature is dark, ominous, morbid, depressing, dull…HEAVY!
• There’s a reason we don’t dress our babies in BLACK!
• It’s generally not that flattering (it’s not even a colour!) and it’s certainly NOT always slimming despite what you’ve been brought up to believe!

Sure, dark colours may recede and light colours will then seem to advance. BUT it’s not a hard and fast rule for looking slimmer with your body/clothing!

There are many other ways to create a slim-line silhouette. Black is a lazy/fail-safe fallacy. A façade. Just ask me – I can prove it!

If you really want to know the simple answer to getting out of your black/dark rut…just ask me! I promise I’ll answer you, right here…

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