What's one of the easiest ways to look your best?

I've been meaning to write this post for a while but other things kept cropping up and it just got moved down the list, which ties in well with this post, because in terms of dressing and looking stylish people often neglect their underwear and make other things a priority - just as I have with this post.

You see underwear is such an important element to looking good and how we feel about our outfit. Just imagine you have found the perfect dress, it hugs you in all the right places, the colour is perfect and you can wear it a multitude of ways, but then you put it on... your knickers are digging into your hips giving you ridges around your sides, your bum has lines down each cheek showing exactly where your underwear lies.  You're wearing your "comfy bra" which also happens to be an unpleasant shade of grey, the strap keeps slipping down and you may as well not be wearing it at all for all the support it is offering.  That perfect dress seems less than a perfect outfit now don't you think?

I can not tell you how many times I have hoicked the straps of a client to show her how much better a top or dress will look with the correct fitting bra and how often I hear "oh this is my comfy one, - I wear it all the time" arghhhh!

You see a lot of people don't realise the right fitting, and also the right style, of underwear can achieve a  lot of the things that people want from their clothes i.e. look taller, slimmer, bigger/smaller bust, flatter tum etc etc.

I'm going to talk about this a lot more in forthcoming posts, in fact I could dedicate a whole blog to it. Have you ever committed any underwear crimes and fancy sharing your experiences here?

A weekend at Andrea Claire

This weekend I was so pleased to be asked to run a body shape clinic at a local boutique, Andrea Claire.  I was there over 2 days, and as well as a free session with me, customers were treated to drinks, nibbles and competitions.

I advised people on how they can dress to enhance their shape and used the pieces in store to demonstrate and on a couple of occasions showed the ladies how a tweak here and there with their own clothes could make a massive difference.  As I always do, I forced the ladies to look at their positives, it's always so easy for people to give me a long list of things they don't like about themselves but in most cases it's only noticeable to them.  Of course I gave them tools to disguise these areas as this gave them more confidence but at the same time I shifted their focus to enhancing their positives.

Gina Bacconi, available in emerald green

Andrea Claire is located in Cheadle Hulme, and is home to a unique Joseph Ribcoff Studio (one of my favourite lines in store).  Joseph Ribcoff is a Canadian label and the pieces suit all body shapes, from very glamorous evening wear to casual day wear - there is something for everyone.  Throughout the store there are little pieces that jump out at you, from the gorgeous jewellery and handbags, to the knitwear and outerwear.  Another highlight for me was Gina Bacconi, if like me, you love a bit of sparkle then this is a label for you.

Joseph Ribcoff

The thing that struck me whilst I was there was the difference in this shopping experience and shopping in the larger stores.  I spend a lot of time in the shops, and I won't lie, as a personal shopper I mostly spend my time in the larger stores and high street, I have experienced the best of customer service and probably some of the worst and don't even get me started on the changing rooms...

But here's the thing, at Andrea Claire every lady that walked through the door was made to feel welcome.  Most of the time Andrea and her team knew the lady's name and if not they did by the time she left.  They knew their customers so well and knew exactly what they would like, and if something didn't fit or look right, there was no hard sell or platitudes it was a case of "no that's not right for you, let's try something else".  The customers felt safe, they knew that what they were buying looked good and they knew not every other person they saw would be wearing the same thing.  It was a shopping experience, the customers were chatted to, looked after and the collections had been bought with them in mind.  I know what you're thinking too, this sounds expensive, but it isn't.  There is something to suit every budget and some fabulous, detailed knitwear for around £40.00.

I'm not being naive to the fact that such a personal service can't be expected on the high street, but there's definitely lessons to be learnt here.  You just had to listen to the way the customers were so loyal and how the new ones had been recommended to come down, to realise that this is something that all business should look to.

Please don't forget to support local independents, for without them all we have is mass produced clothes, being tried on 6 at a time in a less than pleasant changing room and where is the fun in that?

Tell me which independents do you shop in and what is it about them you like?

Andrea Claire
59-61 Station Road
Cheadle Hulme
SK8 7AA
www.andreaclaire.co.uk
0161 485 3331

Guest Styling at Modiste

I was really pleased to be asked to be the guest stylist at Modiste Boutique in Bramhall for their festive styling event.  We had such a great day, there were nibbles, bubbly, fabulous clothes, plenty of jewellery, make up and hairstyling, accessories and to top it all off - cake.  Ladies were invited to book slots with me so I could 'style them up' and boy did we have lots of takers.  I was so busy on the day I didn't get chance to take many pics.

As per usual when I'm shopping I was met with some resistance to some of my item suggestions "that won't suit me", "I'm too old to wear that" etc etc.  However I challenged the ladies to prove me wrong.  The didn't by the way :0)  I focused my selections on body shape and gave tips on how to dress to enhance their good bits and gave lots of hints on disguising the areas they were not so keen on.

Sue and her daughter Celia

Modiste, owned by Sue (who also creates made to measure pieces) is a lovely boutique, based in my native village of Bramhall.   The boutique first opened in 2008 and recently moved to the village square location.  Stocking labels such as Sugarhill Boutique, Mina, Ce Me and Nancy Dee to name just a few, there is something to suit all shapes (which made my job super easy).  The jewellery collection is definitely worth a view too, with some really unusual pieces and some real show stoppers and the prices are AMAZING with most of it being priced under £30!!

Here are some of my favourite pieces that are currently in store.

Mina Charlotte Dress

I love this (so much so that I bought it) it's super flattering and can be worn lots of different ways.  Dress it up with sparkle for a party, or with leggings and boots for the day.

Ce Me Taupe Jersey Dress

This has to win my award for super flattering dress of the day.  If you are conscious of a tum, then this is the dress for you.  The rouching at the sides nips you in and the wrap effect at the front hides any signs of a tum.

Mina Danielle Top

Until you put this top on you will not appreciate what it can do for you.  The sparkle clasp draws your eye to the waist.  Looks fab over a simple black vest and black trousers.

Sugarhill Boutique Jumpsuit

A great alternative to a dress and this one is super chic.  Don't be afraid of trying a jumpsuit, if you get the right style for your body shape they can look amazing.

Olivia looking gorgeous 

One of my favourite dresses was a teal Nancy Dee dress.  One of the ladies kindly agreed to pose for a pic after she had her hair and make up done and styled by me.  Everything she is wearing is from the store and I added the sparkly belt to highlight her waist and 'festive' up the dress.

So a fab day and a pleasure to work with Sue.  Sue regularly updates the Facebook page with the new stock as it arrives.  Modiste can be found at:

20 The Village Square

Bramhall

SK7 1AW

0161 478 5136

If you would like some help dressing for your body shape or choosing something for the festive season then please get in touch.

All Wrapped Up

I was really pleased to be recently asked to write a piece for Cheshire Mum, a local blogger, social media guru and all round good lass.

Claire's blog is a haven for us mums, not only to find out about what's new and happening in the mumisphere but also to chat and connect with other parents.  Pop over and say hello or catch her twitter.

So without further ado, here's my contribution...

*****

A coat is probably one of the most expensive purchases you make so it has to be right for you and a real investment, but not only that this is the one item that everyone sees regardless of what you’re wearing underneath.  So you want it to be stylish and maybe most importantly, dare I say it… functional.

The starting block for any new purchase has to be fit, not the size on the label but actually how our clothes fit us.  We all want our clothes to flatter us and we should not ignore our body shape when shopping for a new winter warmer.

If you carry your weight on your hips and bum, then you should be looking for a coat that balances out your lower half.  Look for coats with detailing on the top such as fur collars or wide lapels.

Topshop Dark Khaki Faux Fur Hood Waxed Parka £98

If you are wider on top with narrower hips then you will suit fuller skirted coats, this body shape looks better with items that have less detailing on the top half.  Look for coats with no collars and avoid double breasted as this will only make you look wider.

French Connection Flared Coat £190

For those with a sporty or boyish figure you need your coat to create curves as this will give you a more feminine silhouette.   Volume and detail at both the top and bottom of the coat will have this effect.  A double-breasted coat will also give the illusion of a bigger bust.

Warehouse Multi Stitch Coat £100

If you carry your weight around your middle, the last thing you want to do is add any bulk to this area.  Your coat should nip you in at the waist and smooth out any lumps or bumps.  A belted V-neck is great for giving the illusion of an hourglass figure.

Hobbs Reversible £499

The most fortunate of the body shapes is the hourglass as you can wear most styles, make the most of your even proportioned cures and show off your waist.

Faux Leather Trim Belted Drape Wrap Coat £95

If you’re on the shorter side avoid coats that falls below your knees and watch your arm lengths, don’t forget though if it fits you perfectly you can always get sleeves professionally shortened.

As well as fitting you properly a coat should be right for your lifestyle, if you spend most of your time pushing a buggy then make sure the coat feels comfortable with your arms outstretched and the sleeves are long enough to keep your wrists warm and dry.  Try your coat on with your handbag not only does this ensure it goes with it but you’ll get an idea of how it feels, some detailing on shoulder areas can make handbags slip of your shoulders or make the straps feel uncomfortable.  Run a few tests too, if it has a hood put it up, does it give you enough cover or even too much?  Are the pockets deep enough?  Will it keep you warm?  Think about what you’re going to be wearing underneath, some coats will not look right with certain length skirts so consider this too.

Whatever coat you go for choose a classic style, you’ll get years of wear out of it so now is not the time to skimp but buy quality.

Do not underestimate the impact a good coat after all regardless of what you’re wearing underneath a good fitting stylish coat will ensure you’re always looking fabulous.