The Trend Challenge

 

With so many trends emerging each season, it can be hard to know which ones to go for or how many to wear without looking like you're trying too hard.  As such, some people therefore chose to ignore them completely which is fine so long as that's not a response based solely on fear (or laziness).

A survey by Groupon indicates that more than 52% of women are stuck in a style rut they'd like to get out of, and by adopting a trend a season is a great way to do this.

Wearing the colour of the moment or the 'in' look can send the message that you are socially aware, adaptable and creative... not to mention stylish!

The other challenge of course - especially if you've got a 'dramatic' style personality - is to not look like a clothes rail by wearing all the trends at once! This season the spectrum of trends goes from pastels to bright neon, volume to structure, and clashing and matching (phew).

But remember, you don't have to start from scratch, start 'shopping your wardrobe' and add a few accessories or make a few simple changes like changing buttons or adding a trim here and there. And why stop there, what can you get from your mum or nan's collection!

Whichever approach you go for - and whether you upcycle or do a complete ravamp - the main thing is to make sure you wear the trends YOU love and the ones that suit you.

For help and advice on what will work for you with a personalised style report for this season call Damson Belle on 07887 643807 or join Mirabelle's Club!

Take the trend challenge!:

Below are several examples of trend combinations. How many trends can you see in the three outfits? - Email me at denise@damsonbelle.co.uk or comment below, and I'll let you know if you're right! Have Fun, D x

All looks and items listed at http://denise-12.polyvore.com/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2219141/Just-like-Kate-Middleton-half-British-women-wear-type-clothes-make-day.html

A night of Noir and Wildfire!

The Mutsaa Mutsaa Fashion & Beauty Cocktail Party:

Launch of 'Wildfire' and showcasing 'Stephanie Demelza B collection.

This time last week I was 'working' as a stylist/dresser at a fashion show taking place in London, with event
producer and designer Mutsa Mankola of fashion label "Mutsaa Mutsaa", and designer Stephanie Bunt.

Mutsa - The lady herself!

I arrived at the Hilton Courthouse Hotel to a lobby full of models, make-up artists, a hair stylist and photographer for the day, Rico.

Once the room was set up with tables full of make-up and rails full of clothes our first task was to help decide which of Stephanie's outfits the chosen models would wear. All the outfits were black hence the 'noir' of the title and ranged from a short frilled dress to split Alladin-style trousers. Choosing who wore what was about making sure we showed the pieces at their best... the models themselves were well taken care of with the eyeshadows and hair tongs! The most coveted piece (by both the ladies and gents) - in other words, I wanted to wear it! - was a fierce hooded black jacket.

Designer Stephanie, with some of the girls modelling the 'Noir' collection... including my jacket!

We then matched Mutsa's wonderful and vibrant creations from her new "Wildfire" collection to the models, organised accessories and kept everyone energised before Mutsa took everyone through their 'walk' down the runway.

Mutsa Mutsaa style - I'd wear it all!

Despite a few challenges along the way (as expected we needed pins and a sewing kit), the show itself was flawless and went without a hitch ending with clapping that was heard down the hall.

From set up, through watching Cassandra with a blusher brush, to helping the models get dressed in between shows - it was a brilliant experience. Thanks to social media I'll be keeping in touch with everyone, including my fellow stylist Kirsty Tye.

Behind the scenes

So if you need a model, make-up artist, hair-stylist, bespoke outfit or stylist... let me know and I'll connect you!

For all the pictures of the event, like Rico's facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/RicoEdPhotography
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.423198964424602.95452.203497569728077&type=1
W: http://www.rico-edphotography.com/

For more from Mutsa, go to:
W: http://www.mutsamutsaa.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/mutsamutsaa


For more from Stephanie, go to:
W: http://www.stephaniedemelzab.com/
http://www.facebook.com/stephaniedemelzab?fref=ts

Lessons from the GG's 2013

I love awards season and the Golden Globes often sets the scene for the fashion year ahead as the first big film awards of the year.

This year provided me with some great visuals to highlight the following six styling tips.

Do:

• Look for ways to stand out but stay on trend – a stylish trouser suit as worn by Amy Poehler, Tina Fey's classic cut dress at a different length or floor length gown in a striking colour (Julie Bowen's dress) are all working here!

• Try swapping black for other dark colours which are less harsh and can be just as slimming. Navy and plum are two examples... they are often more flattering than black! Look at how it works for Glenn Close, Lena Dunham and Sally Fields.

• Consider your overall look including accessories: Jewellery and handbags are a great way to (a) show your personal style such as Helena Bonham-Carter’s handbag, and (b) add interest to the main piece such as Jessica Alba’s feather clutch.

Don’t:

• Let the clothes wear you, the idea is that a dress should show you off re both colour and style. Yves Saint Laurent said that “...what is important in a dress is the woman wearing it”  - yet Lucy Lui’s dress detracts from her as it is too big and fussy

• Show off to much flesh and expect to look as classy as being at least a bit demure – Halle Berry did cover up her top half, but only sort of... but look at how Kerry Washington (and others) gets around this by using different fabrics. If in doubt, go with the old ‘rule’ to show EITHER legs or cleavage!

• Forget to consider practicalities – Jennifer Garner looked great in her flattering red dress, but it’s not a good enough to look great if, for example, you can’t be sure it’ll stay up! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2262045/Golden-Globes-2013-Jennifer-Garner-narrowly-escapes-embarrassing-wardrobe-malfunction.html

FOR SIX TIPS ON DRESSING LIKE A STAR FROM THE GOLDEN GLOBES 2012, go to:

http://www.damsonbelle.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/what-we-can-learn-from-ggs.html

Check out all the pics at http://www.stylist.co.uk/people/70th-golden-globes-red-carpet-arrivals

Through the looking glass past!

The year that was... 

I love what I do. I have met some amazing people and done some great things as a result of it.

Last year I worked with a range of groups and individuals, and in both a personal and business capacity.

The business people usually came as part of something bigger and were ushered in to me, the fortunate ones have been treated to one my consultations as a gift; the 'ready' ones have recognised that something needed to change in their lives and could through their style, and have come to me entirely of their own choosing.

I have worked with people who came purely for fun, some  to learn something specific and some who came not fully knowing what they would get out of it!

Many have been surprised by just how much they have learnt about themselves as a whole, the impact of their style on others and the impact of colour and image for, and on, themselves...

I have seen people this year who have gained, eg a husband!, but I have also seen people who have lost (weight!, boyfriends, jobs and confidence). 

I believe in each case (especially with those who have lost) I have given the person a new, more positive perspective of themselves. I’m not going to share the stories of these individuals with you, but...

Some of the events I did were:

• An 'Oxfam day' where I gave advice about what to wear from the rack and helped raise money in the process
• A presentation to a team at The Hay Group where the men’s reaction was the best bit... they went from 'should I be here' to? 'so, what tie should I wear?'.
• The Christian women’s group presentation which allowed me to be 'all of me' talking fashion and faith - A great event (tinged with sadness as the organiser was very ill unable to make it).
• Several women's development programmes - all about helping women understand the power of their personal brand, embrace it and use it to help them achieve their goals.

And lastly (but by no means least)...

• The Best 'Bravest Woman Awards' - This, the last event in my calendar was simply "shamazing!" (to quote Nicole Sherzinger!) Whilst the Prima High Street Fashion awards were fun, this event was off the scale... I met 13 amazing women who had done a range of wonderful, inspiring things including paralympian Sophie Christiensen, The Kavanagh sisters and family members of Hillsborough victims. After doing a specially written workshop with them, and them having their make-overs I attended a ceremony where they were awarded for their bravery. Check out more about them here: http://www.facebook.com/bestmagazine?sk=app_276693012346152&app_data

Why ever people have come to me I have been grateful for their business and their lovely feedback, but more than that I thank them for their enabling me to do what I love and to make a positive difference.

Thank you all,

Denise.

The Styles of the Season!

This year's top trends for the Festive season.

Every December we are faced with the big decision about what to wear to the office party with some women apparently spending around £210* on a new look for the occasion; and that’s before Christmas Day itself, after which its New Year’s Eve when we’ve got to wear something else to wear that’s special.

Some trends return year after year, but there are always a few variations on the usual themes. This year, the High Street hits are as follows (plus a few tips about how to wear them).

• For the Ladies 

Sparkle & shine... in sequins and metallics  

-    Sequins reappear in some form most Christmas’ and the metallic trend seems to be a hangover from the Golden Jubilee and Olympics. Both looks are very popular among the stars as well as the High Street!

Tip: Wear what will go with your undertone... for example if you have a warm complexion, gold may work better for you whereas silver will work best if you have a cool complexion.

Red is the colour – from bright to plummy

-    Red is always a hot colour for the cold season as it is associated with warmth, energy and passion. And, there’s a shade for everyone.

Tip: If a sparkly red dress is too much for you, think about adding a colour pop of your best shade where you’d 

like to draw attention to, eg: to your waist with a belt, or your legs with a pair of red tights.

Peplums and ruffles

-    Ruffles are new for the season and refer to necklines and cuffs, but the peplum has been around all of 2012 and is all about drawing attention to your waist.

Tip: Peplums are great if you need to create curves or to exaggerate an hourglass figure!

Short shorts or maxi dresses

-    Short shorts are definitely going to make a statement in themselves so wear them with confidence!, but a maxi dress can be ramped it up in the style stakes if you combine it with another trend like red or shine.

Tip: A carefully chosen maxi dress is versatile so buy the best your budget can get... whereas sparkly short shorts are not likely to make it past one Christmas, so spend the least your ego will allow!

Make-up

-    Smoky eyes or red lipstick is the make-up for the season, or seeing as it’s Christmas you could get away with both for all out glamour.

Tip: If bold make-up is not your style, why not opt for deep, sparkly or bright nails instead?

 Cover-up in... Faux fur for glamour and warmth

-    It’s a faux-pas to cover up a stunning outfit in a less that stunning cover up. Getting it right can really lift an otherwise safe outfit and help you make an entrance!

Tip: As an alternative, look for a feathery cover-up.

• Ladies & Gentleman  

Texture

-    If you’re not going for colour – in other words, you’re wearing black! - go for texture instead. I’d recommend velvet for boys & lace for girls, though velvet can work for both.

Tip: Wearing lace? Make sure you’re undergarments don’t ruin the look!

 Trouser Suits

-    For boys it’s about colour but for ladies it’s all about white like Rita Ora and Nicole Scherzinger’s X-factor outfit.

Tip: Gents pick a colour that suits you, ladies – white doesn’t flatter everyone especially if worn too close to your face so if it doesn’t work for you wear it on your lower half only... and stay away from red wine!

Picture Jumpers

-    Think Bridget Jones... Christmas images on your front are all the rage at the moment, and are a fun and practical item to wear. I know, fashion is strange at times!

Tip: Wear a print that fits with your proportions... for example, if you are petite a huge jumper with a huge print will swamp you.

 Accessories

-    For ladies it’s about ‘bling’ from statement earrings through to diamante shoe clips livening up your plain black heels, for boys think Bing (Crosby)!... including bow ties, hankies and hats.

Tip: Have fun with it... accessories are a great way to update an old outfit and bring in colour, texture and shine without going all out.

Whatever you decide to wear, wear it with a sparkly smile... the best accessory ever!

Merry Christmas everyone.

For more on December dressing, check out the following Damson Belle blogs:

-    http://www.damsonbelle.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/tis-season-to-be-jolly-and-stylish.html

-    http://www.damsonbelle.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/dazzle-in-december.html

* http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2244635/You-spent-HOW-Women-spend-200-office-party--And-thats-starts.html

Tis’ the season to be jolly... And Stylish!

“Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat...

...You’ve got a party coming up, what should you wear to that?!”

Whilst most of us will welcome the opportunity to dress up over the festive period to escape the gloom of winter, deciding what to wear can be a challenge for many. As a result lots of people rely on a safe outfit, but Christmas is a great time to ramp it up in the style stakes and go for something a bit more daring, glitzy and glamorous.

This season the drama is full on as we continue our love affair with gold and silver following the Olympics, the shops are full of brocade, and sequins make their usual appearance.

Despite this, many of you will still reach for a black suit or dress. Yes the LBD is a classic, but it might not actually be the best colour on you and everybody is doing it so, why not go for colour?

Red is the colour to go for if you want to stand out in the crowd, but if you’d still like to keep it subtle – classy navy and opulent purple are great alternatives. Whatever colour you go for remember there will be a range, for example blue can go from deep navy to baby, so make sure it’s the right shade for you.

Guess which look I'm not recommending!

Introducing colour applies to you Gents too - easily done with a coloured shirt, tie, waistcoat, handkerchief or cufflinks. This year, even the suit is brighter than 007's! 

However gents, please no Christmas ties! If you are going for fun - a pair of seasonal socks or a festive hankie can be shown off as appropriate.

If you can’t see beyond black, think about going for texture like velvet, lace or sequins.

Better still, why not go for texture and colour! But, if a red sequin dress is too much and a plum velvet dinner jacket and bow tie is too fussy – use your accessories as a way of adding a pop of colour or luxury. They are also a great way to update an existing staple, especially if you need to look stylish on a budget. What about a glittery clutch bag for her or a velvet scarf for him?

When reviving your existing Christmas garments (are they in good repair?) or getting your new outfit, don’t forget to ask yourself if you’ll be comfortable after a turkey dinner and twenty minutes on the dancefloor... Uncomfortable is never a good look!

Over it all is your 'cover-up' - it's likely to be cold outside and unless you can immediately dump your coat on entry to the venue, it's as important as your main outfit. So invest in something nice that gets you to the event and complete your overall look.

Whether you're classic or dramatic, add a bit of 'bling' at Christmas!

And finally, after all that planning to get the right outfit – don’t let your grooming (eg hair and nails) let you down.

Getting your colour and style right at Christmas will set you up for New Year's Eve' and the year ahead!

For more on how to 'Dazzle in December' check out this blog: 

http://www.damsonbelle.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=2

The beauty of Bordeaux!

Apologies if you've opened this expecting a travel or wine blog because I've never been to the place and prefer white wine. This blog is because I love the colour; and the plummy, yummy colour that is burgundy/bordeaux/claret or whatever you call it, is one of my faves!

Ever since I saw the deep rich reddy purple on catwalk earlier this year and posted it on Pintrest, I've been hoping that it would make it to the high street. And on a reccie to find some items for a client last week, I am pleased to say I was hit with a sea of it (along with varying berry shades). If anyone was in doubt that it is a hot colour for the season is it worth noting that trend-setter the Duchess of Cambridge was recently seen wearing it.

It's a great colour for me especially in winter, and as an alternative to black. I can wear it top-to-toe but others may need to be a bit more careful, as it could look too harsh (for example, on someone very fair).

If, like me, you can carry off strong colours, my tip is a burgandy dress or alternatively you can team your bordeaux with something else strong - like a deep green, or with a bright colour... I like it with blush pink.

If burgandy isn't your best colour its best worn on your lower half in the form of coloured jeans or a skirt, or accessorise with it. 

There are also lots of other winey shades to chose from such as cassis (a deep reddy pink) and claret, along with the very versatile purple which works for everyone. And it's not just a great colour for clothes - it can look great on lips, nails and as a hair colour too!

As with any colour - whichever shade you go for, it's worth knowing where to where to wear it (eg top to toe, near your face or not) and whether to use it tone-on-tone (eg with another similar colour) or in a contrast/clashing/colour blocking way and.... A colour consultation can help with that!