Phase Eight Bloggers Challenge

I'm a huge fan of Phase Eight and it's a go to brand for me when shopping with clients. So when I spotted this competition  to create the ultimate party outfit I thought I would join in the fun.

Phase Eight say they specialise in dresses and I agree however their tops are fabulous figure fixers and I'm loving their coat collection this year.

So here's my complete look...

Do you like?

I have chosen the Twinkle Jumpsuit as an alternative to a dress and I really like the sparkle detail and the draping trousers of this one.

Not everyone likes to expose their arms and us girls often feel the chill so I added the Paula Tuxedo Jacket. Not only is it a great staple item that you can wear so many different ways you will also be able to wear it throughout the different seasons too.

Then for the bling - how gorgeous is this beaded clutch! And I'm loving this rope style necklace just to 'edge' up the look.

Of course no festive outfit would be complete without statement party shoes. I have selected the Edina T Bar Shoes because as well as going brilliantly with the outfit, generally platforms and chunkier heels tend to be comfier and this girl is never happier than when combining practical and gorgeous! Also who wants cold feet when nipping between cocktail bars?

I want my clothes to work hard for me and I think this outfit does just that. You can wear it bar hopping with the girls or a romantic evening meal. A glamorous house party or whilst throwing some moves on the dance floor.

So what do you think? Do you like my party look? 

Retail therapy? Apparently not...

Do you shop for fun? When you're feeling low and need a pick me up? Or are you a necessity shopper only venturing out when the need calls?

Us women are not so happy whilst shopping it seems with a recent survey by Marisota revealing one in five women have cried whilst clothes shopping.

A third of the 2,000 polled hate clothes shopping. Eight out of ten said they would enjoy it more if they were thinner and ten per cent cry about being too skinny, and it appears weddings are the most dreaded event to have to shop for.

I hear moans about shopping all the time and experience it sometimes myself with poorly lit and dirty changing rooms and snooty sales staff (also mentioned in the survey). Women also can feel overwhelmed with choice or feel there is nothing for them at all and wander round for hours and come home empty handed and deflated.

Body image and shape are also a huge part in some women's dissatisfaction when shopping and the survey reports one in ten said they feel embarrassed asking for their size. But for some people they purely just don't like to shop. I dislike food shopping, no matter how nice the store is, the staff or the general experience, it's just not something I relish.

Many people are turning to online retailers for their shopping needs. As well as the detriment to the high street, the problems people find with shopping are still there. Body shape issues, not knowing what to look for, overwhelming choice are still factors. So many times I have seen unworn clothes in wardrobes that have been bought online and then not returned.

These are some of the reasons why people turn to me and utilise my shopping services, particularly my virtual shopping service. A number of looks, inspirations and suggestions are sent to you - think personal shopping without the changing rooms. All the choices are completely personal to you and are based on your budget, lifestyle and body shape. Many existing clients use this as a seasonal top up or if they need to shop for a special occasion. And it's great for the people that are too far afield to employ me for a personal shop (Skype and Facetime are great tools for this).

Give me a call (07980 789602) if you don't like shopping and I will happily point you in the right direction to improve your shopping experience and just for reading this blog, quote this blog piece and you can take £10.00 of the price of the Virtual Shop.

What do you like about shopping? Have you ever had a 'melt down' whilst shopping that you would be willing to share?

Jeans with BBC Radio Manchester

My poor neglected blog, I must admit I kinda lost my blogging mojo.  Although I have written for other blogs and contributed to other businesses newsletters, I did abondon mine for a while.  There's only so many hours in the day and with running a business, raising a family and living life in general (with a massive family bereavement inbetween) the blog suffered.  So I have vowed to do better and perhaps put a different spin on things, make it more personal? What do you think?

So what have I been up to?  Recently I was asked back to appear as guest stylist on BBC Radio Manchester's Retail Therapy show.  Last time I was featured shopping for a busy business mum.  This time I was asked to talk about jeans.

Jeans are one of those items that people just hate to shop for.  I hear all the time about gaping waistbands, too short/long legs, muffin tops, big bums - you get the idea.

My challenge was to find flattering and stylish jeans that didn't have a designer price tag.  Easy peasy (for me)!
  Nearly all stores offer a couple of denim lines, some more flattering and better quality than others.  The key to buying denim is to go for the best quality you can afford, just the right amount of stretch and as always an understanding of your body shape a must - this way you can avoid any of the annoying, but common fit problems.  Jeans are a really important element of most of our wardrobes (a capsule item) and if you get a pair that fits and flatters and can be worn a variety of ways then that's a winner as far as I'm concerned.  

Here's some of the items I selected on the day.  My special shop is ideal for buying jeans, so if you would like help choosing the perfect pair click here for more details.

What is your favourite denim brand? Have you found your perfect jeans?

What will you be wearing this Spring Summer?

I know, I know, it's only February, we're all still shivering in our chunky knits, but time stops for no man and this is certainly true in the fashion industry.

Most of the sales have come to an end now and with that means the new season stock is filtering though. So what are we meant to be wearing Spring Summer 2012? I have given the low down on this seasons trends and where to find them on the high street, but don't forget, as Yves Saint Laurent said "fashion fades, style is eternal", so look for items that will stand the test of time, suit your body shape and your lifestyle and that can be worn a variety of ways (think capsule).

Prints

Rodarte

Beautiful bouquets and paisley prints were featured by many designers.  Florals were big and bright.  Go as bold as you dare.  If big prints are a step too far for you, incorporate this look with a scarf or try a bright T and team with a plain jacket to break up the print.

Warehouse £50

Whistles £75

The 20's

Gucci

Channel The Great Gatsby with ultra glam drop waist evening wear.  Love this look but don't like to show your arms? Try a fur (faux of course) wrap.  With a looser cut this style dress is great if you're conscious of a tum.

All Saints on sale £147

River Island at ASOS £45

Colours

Phillip Lim

Think sugary cup cake toppings.  Don't forget everyone can wear every colour, it's just finding the right way for you.  If pastels wash you out, wear it on your lower half, or accessorise with a pastel belt or bag.

Mint Velvet £79

Dune £75

In complete contrast to the sugary pastel shades, yellow is tipped to feature a lot, not a shade for everyone though, but who can resist a little sunshine in their wardrobe?

Oasis £45

Shapes

YSL

It's all about the waist, 50's full skirts, cropped tops and peplums.  Perfect for creating the hour glass body shape.

Lipsy £65

Sports Lux

Versus

The new season sportswear, isn't about chucking on your trackies and working up a sweat.  It's all about the details, exposed zips,mesh and shiny anoraks.

Warehouse £45

So what do you think you will be wearing this Spring Summer?  Will you be updating your look or wardrobe this year?

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

Are you going wild for animal print?

I love animal print particularly of the leopard variety.  I have a pair of Dune flats that I have had for a couple of years now and i'm so sad that they are finally having to be sent to shoe heaven.

This is one area where I get most resistance from clients, and I kind of get it, not being much of a print wearer myself.  However animal print is such an easy way to add an interesting touch to an otherwise mundane outfit and I promise you won't end up looking like Bet Lynch.  Animal print can be lux, a statement or a subtle addition, it will not date and can look classic or contemporary.  It's everywhere on the high street at the moment too and this is one trend that you should invest in as you will get so much wear out of it year after year.

Add a animal print belt to a simple shirt and trousers combo and straight away you look chic.  A black dress, thick opaques and a leopard print boot is one of my favourite combinations.  Or make a statement with a bold print accessory.

A few items available in the shops now.

Duo Boots

Topshop

John Lewis

ASOS

Wolford

So have I persuaded you to try a little of the wild thing in your wardrobe?  Comments are great - pictures are even better!

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.

Singing in the rain

I live in the North West, rain is an everyday fact of life for about 11 months of the year.  So when I saw these little beauties I had to share.  These will cheer you up even on the greyest of days.

Love Umbrellas are a Manchester based company that produce the most gorgeous umbrellas that can be customised however you like.  Perfect for brides and days at the races or for just keeping the rain off.  Prices are so reasonable and would make a lovely gift - I'm a fan of the clear dome if anyone was wondering :0)

Bright pink heart shaped umbrella... can be used in sun or rain - £18 

Absolutely stunning - Ivory Edwardian umbrella with red flowers on each panel - £23

I have featured a pair of Muddz on my Facebook page before, however I couldn't write a piece about rainy days without these sparkling wellies now could I?

Since 2009 Muddz have been adorning the feet of festival goers, celebrities and those who simply want a bit of sparkle on their wellington boot.

Muddz Boots - Front

Flower strap boot £79.99

This mac from Topshop is such a cute buy at £49 what better way to add some fun to a rainy day?

Topshop £49

Boden Rainyday Mac £115

Don't forget to get in touch if you have any questions regarding image, style, body shape, fashion or shopping. 

I'm off to do a rain dance...

Wedding dressing (guest)

So you have been invited to a wedding, you have bought the gift but have you decided what to wear? Nowadays weddings are not the minefield of etiquette that they used to be. It was once considered improper to wear black to a wedding but nowadays it would be perfectly acceptable, however why would you want to when the shops are full of vibrant beautiful colours?

The first steps in deciding what to wear is to consider the venue. Is it a particularly formal affair? Is it outside? Is it an early wedding? Whatever you wear should feel good, you could be celebrating for up to 12 hours depending on the ceremony start time, so shoes and anything you wear should be comfortable.

Whatever you decide remember you will be having your photograph taken, so make sure whatever you wear will not date. In a few years time you won't want to see yourself on the bride and grooms mantle piece and wish you wore something else.

If you would like help dressing for a wedding or any other function. Please get in touch 07980 789602.

Christmas Party Outfit Offer

As a little Christmas gift to clients old and new I thought a little festive offer is on order.

£50 for a 2 hour personal shop to find your perfect Christmas outfit!  

I know some people find the whole Christmas party outfit a nightmare and with the high street awash with sequins and sparkle, it's hard to know where to start.  I'll find you the perfect outfit that suits your body shape and makes you look and feel fantastic.

This has to be booked to take place before the 24th December and doesn't include a pre-shop as the normal personal shop does, and has to take place Monday to Friday.

Give me  a call on 07980 789602 and we can have a chat x