#Fashfest - More than fashion...

...at "Meet the Stylists"

• The expectation:

Last night I attended Cosmopolitan's "Meet the Stylists" event. According to the write up in the mag we were to expect a 'chance to learn the trade secrets of celebrity style from our panel of fashion and beauty experts'

On that panel were Justine Jenkins, Michelle Humphrey, Lilah Parsons and Gemma Sheppard. Experts indeed. And they were interviewed by Farrah Storr, the editor of Cosmo herself.

• My reality:

However, I didn't come away with trade secrets. I came away with much more!

I had expected to be told about the latest trends, but instead we were treated to stories about the personal journeys of everyone on stage in an open and engaging manner.

If I'm honest I had expected them to a fair bit of ego and some posturing (sorry ladies), but instead we saw 'real' women who were humble, passionate and hardworking.

I had expected it all to be a little TV with the audience kept at a distance from these celebs of style, but each one of them answered questions graciously and waited at the end to speak to their eager audience.

I didn't come away with tricks of the trade - I came away believing that what they had was possible with a willingness to 'learn the trade' (Lilah), use social media and contacts (Michelle), do a little for free and then know/charge your worth (Justine) and to take your chances and be confident (Gemma); and lots more tips!

Unlike some of the (generally younger) audience I wasn't looking for the tricks of the trade or an in, I was looking for some tips. And I got them, but not tips on fashion, nails and beauty...
... I came away inspired, with tips (reminders) on how to get on in life.

• So, what am I going to do with all that?

I'm starting here, and will boldly share this blog with them!

I'm going to take a makeup class.

And, I can't wait to put this to the young people I speak to in schools who might well be told that fashion is shallow and not a real career.

Thank you ladies!*

More life than fashion, no spring chicken and proud!
Denise x

*Sorry, the photos aren't that sassy and there's no Instagram!

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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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Fashion Fever!

If you know me, you'll know that I don't consider myself a fashion blogger and so try to avoid 'promoting' brands and products. If you read my Twitter account, however, you'll know that I do have a wee crush on the classy, yet affordable, Fever Designs (http://www.feverdesigns.co.uk/) which I came across by accident.

In April I entered a competition to try and win yet another Fever item to add to my collection. The task was to say where you'd wear each dress, and I couldn't help but add the 'how' too!

http://www.feverdesigns.co.uk/blog/2014/04/competition-where-to-wear-spring-edition/

My opening line was a deliberate attempt to get noticed by the universe, even though they said the winner would be chosen at random. And, to my great joy (I kid you not, I was a very happy bunny because I never win anything*), I WON!

On Friday I went to the London store to meet Lauren to decide which dress to get, and though it was a tough choice I chose this one with the help of the super kind and patient staff. I'm really glad I tried them all on along with numerous other things (all lovely), as I might not have chosen this one if I'd have simply 'shopped' on-line. Like all my Fever dresses it's well made and cut perfectly for my petite frame, and the pockets are a bonus! I know it's going to become a staple - I can dress it up with heels and a pretty cardi' or down with wedge trainers and my denim jacket as just two options.

http://www.feverdesigns.co.uk/apple-dress-ink-lime-lemonade.html

Which one would you have chosen?

*I don't normally enter competitions which might account for some of this! Note to self: Enter more competitions to get clothes and save money ;-)

Until next time.....

Denise x

For more:

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How to... Wear a Jumpsuit

The shops are full of Jumpsuit love!

I think it is the survival of the onesie that has lead to the revival of the jumpsuit
(and dungarees) as a fashion trend this season. I've worn them in the past
and they can look super cool but there's also the risk that you'll look like
you're wearing a babygrow (especially if, like me, you're not the height of
a supermodel)!

My top tips for getting it right are these:

1.  Make sure the proportions are right, eg does the waist sit where it's
intended to?
2.  If you're going for shorts or cropped legs, make sure they don't stop at your
widest point
3.  If it's patterned, make sure the size of the print doesn't swamp you
4.  If it's a block colour, make sure it's in a colour that flatters you (or at 

least makes you feel fab)
5.  Make sure that the fabric is flattering and that means that it's not too clingy in all the wrong places!
6.  Don't over accessorise it - one of the best things about a jumpsuit is its
relative simplicity.

However, as with everything - don't wear it just to be on trend, wear a jumpsuit
if you find one that makes you look and feel awesome.

Personally, I love my new jumpsuit (even though it's black - a bit odd for me
for those who know me well). It fits perfectly, and it's a bit lacy and a bit racy!
Here it is, ready to be worn with an array of colourful heels and bright earrings.

Thanks Miss Selfridge for this classy petite one!

Jumpsuit love by denise-12 on Polyvore

Miss Selfridge jumpsuits romper

missselfridge.com

Nicholas Kirkwood pointed toe flat

net-a-porter.com

Stella Dot blue handbag

stelladot.com

Stella Dot peacock jewelry

stelladot.com

Gold Love Script

etsy.com