BBC Radio Manchester - Retail Therapy Show

I was recently asked to appear as guest stylist on BBC Radio Manchester's Retail Therapy Show with Becky Want.  I was super excited to be asked to do it. The challenge was to conduct an almost live on air personal shop, meet someone in the morning, find out what they wanted, shop for it and then bring it back to 'base' and talk about all our selections.

So the challenge was on, I had just over an hour, a pretty specific brief and budget and the lovely Kirsty, my willing shopper to accompany me.

Kirsty's brief was pretty straight forward, she has 2 young children and a VERY busy life. She runs her own business (KJBS Financial and Office Systems), she's an active member of her children's PTA, is really involved in her local community and also co-runs a large successful networking group (Colony Networking).  She needs her clothes to work hard for her, to take her from school run to client meeting, to networking to meeting friends. Not only that, Kirsty really feels the cold and likes bright colours so this had to be taken into consideration too.

I had a look in mind for Kirsty, I wanted it to be classic but contemporary so not to age her, I wanted good foundation (capsule) pieces that could be mixed and matched and that she could add the colour to, and I wanted it to take her right through from school run to evenings with friends.  I also wanted her clothes to be durable, no hand washing or dry cleaning and no items that were going to take up her precious time to iron or look after.

First thing I wanted was a dress that would form the foundation to the look.  We selected a blue Oasis Shift Dress, this is quite a classic shape however the leather piping gives it the contemporary edge I was looking for. It is a stretchy polyester mix that will not crease during the day and can be layered a variety of ways to create different looks.

Next up came shoes, I wanted something with a heel, but not too high that they would be uncomfortable.    We chose a pair of ankle boots by Unisa, something that could be worn with different style dresses and also trousers.

From Zara we chose a gorgeous, fitted, wool blazer and a beautiful scarf that picked out all the colours from the selections.

From Zara I also selected this dress, a bargain at £35.99, again this is a versatile dress that can be worn alone with simple opaques or can be belted to add a bit of interest.

We also bought a black pencil skirt a black and white ponti top and a blue chiffon shirt.  We thought on the day that we had spent around £600 pounds (trying to add up under pressure) but it was closer to £450.  This equates to around £35 per complete outfit when you work out all the different combinations you could make.

It was a great experience and I really enjoyed shopping with Kirsty.  I have attached the clip if you fancy having a listen.  Let me know what you think.

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.

Bring out your burlesque beauty

You may be aware I have been working with Blush Dance to put on a fabulous weekend to help women to discover their inner diva. Click here for details.

Blush Dance, owned by Becky Campey, is a fabulous company that shares so many of the principles of my business.  They are real champions for women and femininity, showing you how you can be fierce AND feminine.  They really are more than a dance class and the moves and attitudes they teach you can be incorporated into your everyday life.

As style and image are more than just the clothes you wear I asked Becky to share her tips on bringing out your burlesque beauty.

So enough from me, I'll hand you over to Becky...

*****

Our mission at Blush Dance is to make everyone see how fabulous they are, inside and out.  We help women concentrate on their best bits instead of worrying about their worst and burlesque is the perfect way to do this.  The most famous burlesque stars are fabulous women who know how to work what they've got.  Think of Dita Von Teese, Bettie Page and Millie Dollar, all these women have fabulous curves and dangerous smiles and know how to use them!  Use these five fabulous tips to help inspire your inner goddess to come out and shine.

1. The street is your cat walk.

Walk tall, with your shoulders back and head held high and as if your best tune is playing as you walk. Walking with purpose creates an air of calm confidence, practice it wherever you go - work, the gym, the shops, everywhere.  The more you practice the easier and more natural it will feel. We often feel we have to dash around to fit things in and get to places, but instead take your time, find your hip wiggle and you will always enter a room with purpose and a general air of confidence.

2.  Eye Contact

Locking eyes with a person is a natural connection and the brain registers it before any other response. It subliminally says I am present, un-intimidated and at ease with you. When performing it creates a compelling connection with your audience and this has the same affect in everyday life. It is a powerful tool, so use it when talking to your boss, your friends, a new business associate, a colleague or the love of your life.  It registers to others you are confident, equal and unapologetic you.

3.  Add your Sparkle

Have a bowl of fabulous accessories to hand; bracelets, hats, brooches, earrings. Adding a touch of glamour to your everyday can start as simply as accessorising. The more sparkles, the better to add the glam. It will make you feel a million dollars and reinforce the purposeful walk and eye contact perfectly.

4.  Less is More

Being confident isn't always about strutting everything you have straight away, often less can be more. When on stage, holding back the last bit of your costume, act or reveal will create curiosity and leave them wanting more. In work, play or your love life drop a little of your wisdom slowly, hold back slightly to create an subtle impact and leave others curious and wanting to know more about your ideas, opinions and you!

5.  Posture Perfect

Whether standing, sitting, driving or walking, having an awareness of how you hold your posture creates grace and poise. Sit on the edge of your chair, boost your car seat to sit upright, let your shoulders fall down your back and hold your inner corset with 30% effort. With your body in a calmly aligned state it will create a confident and graceful poise in your mind and the people around you.

For more of these fabulous tips and instruction on how to bring out your burlesque star book onto our Burlesque Performance Course.  We will teach you how to develop your burlesque character by giving her a name, an outfit and even a favourite drink!  This course is perfect to help build self confidence and make you feel beautiful inside and out.  

If you'd like to try out one of our burlesque classes, we have classes on Monday nights in Cheadle and Wednesday nights in Fallowfield at 7.30pm.  Classes are just £5.50, come down and give it a go!

View our timetable of fab fit feminine classes online.

Stay Fit, Feminine and Fabulous!

Becky X