My summer holiday style by number!

My summer holiday 1-2-6!

Holiday dressing and shopping is something I find a pleasure. I love the hotter weather, but dressing for the office in hot weather is sometimes a challenge so let's face it, in the UK I don't get to wear my shorts and sunnies that often (as weekend sunshine isn't guaranteed)!

This year was no exception, I loved planning my summer wardrobe and packing before my holiday, and shopping in Spain. So...
...Here's my 1-2-6 of this summers holiday style:

1. My make up bag travelled with me, but I really only used one item - my new "Oh my gloss" Rimmel lipgloss. It's rather lush - bright but subtle, not too sticky and stays put!

2. I seemed to do my accessories in two's* - I travelled with two hats (though only one mate it back sadly), two pairs of sunglasses, and brought two bracelets to match two rings, and two rings (not to match the bracelets!)
*I didn't stick to the two accessory rule when it came to shoes mind you!

3. I brought three new dresses: I hadn't intended to! I do always like to buy one dress on holiday as it's nice to have something that nobody else is likely to turn up wearing at a summer wedding! However, this time around I couldn't resist three beauties - one sassy, one sweet and one oh so-easy-to-wear. You can decide which the one below is...

One new dress, in white. With white sandals. Hair up, fringe back.

4. I seemed to wear four colours predominantly: red, pink, white and black. Picking colours in my palette that I could mix and match made dressing easy especially as my printed items could all be co-ordinated with one of these. It really helps with packing to focus on a few colours.

5. Shoes* are my packing nemesis - I need flip flops and trainers for practical reasons, but being petite and needing a variety of heel heights to make certain outfits work makes taking any less a challenge... for me.

On trend tropical print. Worn with hot pink. One pair of heels, out of 5 pairs of shoes.

6. My hair - I wore a curly ponytail which meant I could wear a full ponytail, a shortened ponytail and a full updo... add to that my fringe au natural, straightened or plaited and those six variations meant a whole range of 'hair-do's'

What's been your 2016 summer style by numbers, so far - make up, accessories, clothes, purchases? Let's hope we don't have to pack it all away too soon, so...

...Here's to a warm September!
Denise x

PS - More pics may follow.

A ban on black! Clothes, that is...

How many of you could wear NO black for a week?

The lovely Angie Greaves is on a mission with her #wearlessblack hashtag, but I've managed to inadvertently set myself the challenge of wearing no black to set a colourful example at work. I'm not sure that I'll keep going much longer but it's been a while since I last wore any black at all. For some people I know that'd be near on impossible as they revolve their whole wardrobe around black trousers! On the other hand, I recently met a lady who said she felt 'liberated' the day an image consultant 'suggested' that it didn't flatter her.

My colour combinations are all based on my colour palette and importantly, an understanding of how to combine them to suit my colouring, personality and lifestyle & work.

Here are some of the combinations I've gone for (so far)...

Do you have a fave colour combo from my selection of outfits, and what colour combinations could you go for from your existing wardrobe that doesn't include any black?

Hope you're enjoying the sunshine!
Denise x

PS - I've also had a navy & white PJ day, and my bag is taupe!

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New bag, old shoes...

One new bag, lots of old coloured shoes!

I can honestly say I make few rash purchases since becoming 'my-style' concious. I am fully aware of what's in my closet, so when I shop it's usually for something I 'need' or at least I can justify (eg it's something that will compliment lots of other things or is a likely long-term staple).

I do, however, have a bit of a thing for accessories like scarves, handbags and shoes.  So, imagine how happy I was to find a handbag that complimented sooooo much of what I already have - an item that will up-style a pair of jeans and a tee and not look out of place at a swanky wedding or garden party.

And here it is, my new handbag...

Cruther handbag from Aldo, with some of my shoes and Stella & Dot jewellery!

...Just had to share this bright Spring day.

Hope you love it, like I do!

Hope you're enjoying the sunshine!
Denise x

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Take your basics...

...Dress them up!

As I've mentioned in a previous blog, I have many roles. As a result of my many roles, I have little time. Despite little time, I like to love my look and live my brand. Sometimes I even need to be different (or at least look like different) people in one day!
Question: Does that sound familiar?

Believe me, it's not all about an extensive wardrobe either (though that would be nice!).  As an image consultant one of the things I love doing is helping people make what they already own work better/ harder/smarter.

Take this staple base of a plain black top and trousers.

In a super speedy ten minute headshot photoshoot* with the fabulous and talented Kate Darkins of http://www.katedarkinsphotography.co.uk/ I managed to get these different looks, all relevant and true to me with just: 3 scarves (each used differently), 1 jacket, 1 necklace and 1 hat!

What does each 'look' say to you,and where might they be appropriate?

I wanted to create a different impression with each of the 'looks', but at the same time be true to me and professional, relevant, happy (comfortable) and accessoried!

Knowing how to accessorise your basics is a great way to:

• Maintain and maximise a capsule wardrobe
• Go from daytime to evening events
• Have productive and considered shopping trips
• Save money on buying 'whole new outfits'
• Pack a light case for travelling
• Get the maximum out of a photoshoot! (*Yes, I'm serious, we made the changes and took the shots in just 10 minutes - so imagine what we could do with longer.)

So, how would you accessorise your best basic outfit?

If you'd like to know how to make the most of your wardrobe, how to accessorise, your best colours or have any style related challenges, I'd love to help!

'Til next time!

Denise x

For more:

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Why Autumn is awesome...

...By a Summer Lover!

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a summer lover with a need for heat*, so the move into autumn always unsettles me a little. Don't get me wrong, I like autumn. It's the fact it means we're getting closer to winter that's more the problem for me!

I like autumn because *I can wear layers without questions, I can wear more accessories (hats, scarves etc), and because I can indulge in comfort food, hot chocolate and chai lattes.

Colour-wise I move into deep greens, rich reds and plums and chocolate - all of which I love.

But more importantly, the change from summer to autumn means I start to slow down after the speed (and stress!) of the summer holidays.

Autumn is my time to chill out, as I watch nature gloriously do the same.

It's a great time to reflect (how was summer for you, what memories did you make?) renew, and refresh. Just watch how the leaves transition from green to golden brown for inspiration.

And finally... There's still time to squeeze in achieving your last New Year’s resolutions before the end of the year! 

Reflect, renew, refresh my lovelies,

Denise x

For more:

My "Mirabelle" in Autumn, by Chris Estcourt

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How to: Stay stylish in sunshine or showers!

All change... with the weather! 

With the weather being so changeable at the moment, it can be a bit of a challenge to know what to wear from one minute to the next.

If, like me, you need to keep dry when it rains and warm when it's cool, here are a few of my tips:

Keep your feet in:

Ankle/shoe boots or at least closed in shoes like on-trend brogues are the thing for now. If you must wear sandals or cute heels, carry them with you or keep them under your desk.

(Note: I am not 'natural' enough to condone the 'wear your trainers to work' trend!) 

Get a big bag out:

Pick the right one with these tips (http://damsonbelle.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/im-bag-lady.html) but remember, whatever else it is, it'll need to be big enough to carry everything you might need including...

...My number one accessory of the moment:  An umbrella, obviously. Go for a bright one as you'll probably need it to cheer you up in the rain!

I love this one: http://www.shop.masato.co.uk/collections/umbrella-s-by-klair

But, you should carry your sunglasses too, so that you can instantly look more spring-like when the sun comes out.

Layer up

You probably don't want to be wearing your winter coat in May, so go for a shirt under your dress or a light cardigan under your jacket for example, and a wear a scarf around your neck (PS: make it a bright one in the right colour please!).

Bottom half:

Whatever you're wearing on your bottom half, I learnt a valuable lesson this week: Have a pair of socks in your handbag - light to carry and warming in a 'I got soaked coming back from lunch' emergency. 

http://www.mytights.com/gb/miss-oroblu-heroes-knee-highs.html

And finally, just a little reminder to take care of your skin and protect it from the elements... there are lots of them!

Stay warm, cool & dry peeps!

Denise x

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How to... Wear red shoes!

Inspired by Mrs P & J!

I was recently asked by a former client how she could wear red shoes without looking like a .......! Then a friend posted a picture of her gorgeous new red shoes on Facebook; and now here we are.

The difference in the two perspectives - concern vs 'oh yeah' is probably down to association and style personality. Whereas red shoes are avoided as a little 'daring' or 'showy' for some, for others they will have been chosen because represent power and confidence. And whilst a dramatic will love the impact of a pair, a natural may find them frivolous.

Whether you're thinking of getting a pair of red shoes to be 'daring' or to add to your existing collection, below are my top five tips on how to make sure wearing your red shoes look suitably stylish!

• Watch the height:

The higher the heel the more dramatic the look. A red pump will be seen as a less threatening prospect than a pair of stiletto's. DM's are not covered by this point!

• Think about the material: 

Different fabrics will soften or intensify the colour/impact. Suede will come across as softer than patent, and if they sparkle you may be called Dorothy forever after!

• Consider the details:

Bows and ruffles will create a different look and again will 'soften' the overall appearance of your shoes/outfit. Also, are they rounded, pointed or peep toe?

• Consider the 'what with'?

If you wear high, patent, pointy red heels with hot pants or a leather mini dress the look will clearly take on a different angle compared to the same shoes worn with a long evening dress or a suit with a co-ordinated red handbag. So...

• ...Make them THE statement:

By anyone's standards wearing a red dress, red tights and red lippy might be a step too far, so unless you're going for all out drama, red shoes are best worn as a pop of colour with neutrals.

~~~~~~~~

For inspiration, check out the internet and Pintrest.
And if red shoes are a little too much for you even with all this considered, remember you can create the same impact with shoes in another statement colour or by having red as the trim on a neutral coloured shoe.

Do you own a pair of red shoes? Share a pic' with us! Here's a pic of me in a pair (one of many!)

A peak of my red shoes (and Stella & Dot bling) for BHF wear red day 2014

Until next time!

Denise x

For more:

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I'm a bag lady!

I love handbags!... And it seems like I'm in good company as even the Queen is famed for always carrying her boxy Launer handbag!

Unlike the pure adornment of a pair of earrings, for example, a handbag will (usually) have some practical application; unlike sunglasses they are useful all year 'round; and unlike shoes you have few comfort issues with a bag making it a fantastic accessory. Moreover a handbag can be a valuable commodity - Last year a Margaret Thatcher handbag sold at auction for £25,000 and recently a judge talked about how much a handbag links to a woman's sense of security. 

Unlike the Queen however, I have to admit to changing the style of mine (some might say too often!) to fit the season and occasion. 

So, what do I take in to account? Here are my tips for finding the perfect bag:

• Right shape eg if you're round a structured square-shaped bag works best
• Right proportion - if you're petite, like me, don't be swamped with a huge bag (a challenge when you like to carry as much stuff as I do!)
• Strap length - remember the eye will be drawn to where the bag sits especially if it's not the right bag re colour, shape or size
• Right colour - bags are a great accessory for adding a bit of colour without wearing it, but do get it right. Also, they're great if you have to wear a uniform and want to feel like 'you' (at least on the way to work!)
• Right statement - Think about what you want your handbag to say: I'm practical, I'm professional, I'm girly, I'm trendy perhaps.
• It's budget right: but do remember that if it's going to be used often it may be worth investing in
• Use & Fit - as any mum will tell you a bag has to fit everything in, but really... the kitchen sink should not be included! Think why you have it: It's meant to be practical so bags with compartments may work better if you've got lots going in.
• Is it comfortable? - Sorry to be boring but do think about issues like shoulder strain.
• It's nice: So, ignore the last bits about it being practical! - Some bags just have to be owned because, well, they're nice... that is all. So the question is do you like it? - After all, even if it breaks all the rules, chances are you'll put it down at some point!

How do you view your handbag, what do you take into account looking for one, and what does your choice of handbag say about you?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/9503929/Handbags-are-vital-for-women-to-feel-secure-judge-rules.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2161047/London-2012-Olympics-Queens-favourite-handbag-brand-Launer-designs-medal-inspired-range.html

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/belinda-white/TMG8602868/Margaret-Thatchers-handbag-sells-for-25000.html