My Style Companion

Fashion Vs Function

2011-06-21T00:20:00.000-07:00

Style Vs Function is definitely an issue I face with my clients on a weekly basis. Women commonly dress to either feel physically comfortable OR for the wow-factor, with few outfits achieving both. It can often end up that their more uncomfortable wow factor outfits, rarely see the light of day, but the fact that they keep wasting money on unworn ‘wow’ garments tells me that their day to day wardrobes aren’t fulfilling them and that a bit of ‘wow’ needs to be injected in to the comfort of their practical wardrobe.

Where comfort rules, it’s obviously physically great for the body, but somehow the ego and its’ confidence levels don’t seem quite as at home. The garments that women class as comfortable are usually things like boyfriend jeans, leggings, tracksuits, combats, loose jumpers and t-shirts and flat boots and shoes. It is quite rare that I come across women who describe heels and dresses as ‘practical’ or ‘comfortable’ although it certainly isn’t unheard of.

In my experience when women wear such garments they refer to the clothes as ‘quick’, ‘easy’, ‘practical’ and ‘comfortable’ and to themselves in the clothes as ‘unfeminine’, ‘scruffy’ and even ‘unattractive’, which is obviously a concern when the majority of the wardrobe reflects this. Even for the office, the idea of comfort and casualisation has become the ‘norm’ in the wardrobes I see, with many women choosing ill-fitting black trousers, v-neck jumpers, ballet pumps or low heeled boots as their work-wardrobe staple, because they find it a cheap, easy and comfortable solution for work. However I am seeing the negative effects that casualisation and practical-led wardrobes are having on today’s women and can recognise that this can be the start of a journey to low self-esteem.

I once worked with a post-operative transsexual in her 50s whose comments in the changing room one day gave me a real ‘lightbulb’ moment and insight in to all of my other female clients and explains the effect of clothing in relation to self-esteem. My post-op transsexual client said ‘You know, I have spent my whole life wishing to look and feel like a woman – really feminine. I’ve always had the mind of a woman, and now I have the female form to match, but I feel that I still dress like a man wearing jeans, trousers, jumpers and flat shoes or boots. I don’t feel feminine at all, even though for the first time, I am a real woman. As I don’t feel feminine, I constantly compare myself to and envy other more ‘feminine’ women and feel worse about my appearance.’

‘Feminine’ is defined as having the qualities or appearance associated with a woman. The connotations of this word, can change according to the society we live in and its’ traditions, culture and trends, but where and how we have been raised, and what we define as feminine, will undoubtably shape the way we see ourselves in relation to what a woman ‘should’ look like.

However to add complications, in Western Society over the last few decades thanks to the women’s movement in the late 19th century, androgyny became a more common trend in fashion, as women were entering the workplace and various other cultural shifts meant that gradually, the resistance against trousers for women diminished. Thanks to renowned designers such as Yves Saint Laurent who designed the famous tuxedo suit for women in 1966, it’s become increasingly more commonplace and indeed fashionable, for women to wear trousers.

In addition to androgyny on the runways, the general cultural trend of casualisation in our society such as ‘Casual Fridays’ and dress codes at work, not to mention how jeans became a wardrobe staple throughout the 80s and 90s, which now mean they are acceptable attire in bars, restaurants and clubs, have often come to mean that women now sometimes feel ‘overdressed’ in a skirt or dress. However the problem lies in that women often say they feel more ‘feminine’, ‘attractive’, ‘thinner’ and ‘stylish’ when wearing a skirt or dress, however they very rarely do.
Obviously we all need practical and comfortable clothes; and trousers became the ‘norm’ because we needed and deserved the choice! So I’m not saying that walking the dog, nipping to the supermarket or going to the gym needs to be a fashion parade, but in my experience too much of the ‘Practical Factor’ can lead to a woman feeling unattractive and unnoticed, eventually lowering confidence levels. And in the case of my clients this certainly has seemed to be the case, as when asked to finish the sentence ‘I would like to look more...’; over 90% of clients responded with the words ‘feminine’, ‘stylish’, ‘thinner’ or ‘smarter’.

On the other end of the style scale, I find that women these days can be great at dressing to work the latest trends and look more glamorous, but can end up feeling uncomfortable or even in pain by the end of the day, because their outfits aren’t as practical or as functional as they like. These are the women who sometimes live by the motto ‘Beauty is Pain’ which later in life manifests as a variety of health problems such as back pain (due to oversized handbags), fungal infections (due to tight, un-breathable underwear), and migraines and headaches (due to over-tight waistbands and belts).

The short-term health effects of impractical fashion can even be quite shocking, as it is estimated that 60% of GPs have treated foot and ankle injuries as a result of wearing heels, including fractures and broken bones! Ouch! My eyes personally became opened to the dangers of wearing high heels too frequently when I worked for a company who supplied the orthopaedic and podiatric industries. There I learned that the long-term wearing of heels could induce unsightly and painful bunions, shortening of the Achilles tendon (making it painful to wear flats), Metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot), arched toes and even ankle, knee and back strain that can lead to other symptoms such as migraines. Obviously I am not saying women who choose style over function go to such extremes as these, and am using worst case scenarios here to make a point; but function and practicality should be an important part of your style day to day. Of course you can wear the sky scraper heels on a night out and we all need a big handbag here and there but it’s important not to allow fashion to rule over our health.

So these are obviously extreme ends of the style spectrum with style and fashion at one end, and practicality and functionality at the other. Most women I find are somewhere in-between and fit in to both the Style Camp or Functionality Camp, depending on what day of the week it is. For example some women admit they make less of an effort to dress stylishly at work, whilst have no problem glamming up at the weekend. Other women say they find dressing smartly for work easy compared to find a ‘smart-casual’ outfit option for the weekend.

My answer to all of these challenges is that we need to start combining both style and function, and it is so much easier than a lot of women think. You still get comfort, practicality and function but you feel feminine and look really stylish. It really doesn’t need to be a choice and hopefully by the end of this article, you will realise this too.

The Best Jeans on the UK Highstreet

2011-06-20T06:11:00.001-07:00

JEANS!!! I get asked all the time about jeans. The best ones I have found are Levi's Curve ID, best for sizes 8 - 14 who have womanly curves. Rocha John Rocha at Debenhams, Bootlegs and Straight Legs are brilliant for anyone from sizes 12 - 22 and have TALL and PETITE options too. They have a great stretch that work for women's curves. Try J by JAsper Conran jeans whilst you are in Debenhams too as they're pretty good too.

For girls who are anywhere from 6 - 14 who have pretty good legs, but maybe a bit of a tummy (or not) try Dorothy Perkins - great price point and although they don't wash amazingly over time, they are certainly a good buy. I have a black pair myself!

For anyone who dreads jeans because of their hips and tummy you must MUST try a pair of Not Your Daughter's Tummy Tuck Jeans. You will be amazed!!!! They also are available in tall and petite lengths and go up to about a size 22 off the top of my head. They are super fabulous and I have had so much success with these. They aren't cheap but worth every penny if you usually don't feel confident in jeans. My clients don't want to take them off......ever!!!

Best STRAPLESS BRA. This is now the ONLY strapless bra in my style vocabularly. The Wonderbra Ultimate Strapless Bra. Not only does it look good, but it gives a great shape, and acts kind of like a bustier rather than a strapless. I have had big boobed clients jumping up and down in the changing rooms, and this doesn't budge. Hooray!

Our Best Picks in the shops NOW!

2011-06-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so as the sales are on I thought I'd point you in the direction of some fabulous bargains to be had. By bargains I do NOT mean because something is cheap, you buy it! ha ha I see enough of waste in women's wardrobes each week to know that cheap does not always mean cheerful.

However, if you want some good key pieces and are ready to buy now, then these are My Style Companion's top style picks in the shops now. Some may not be in the sale, but worth the investment in terms of price per wear.

Also just to make it clear, any advice you see from My Style Companion is completely formed from our experiences with clients. WE DO NOT GET PAID COMMISSIONS IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM for the advice we give to our clients or readers.

Damsel in a Dress - Knot Tops - available in an array of colours and absolutely fabulous for those who feel conscious about their tummies. They look great with jeans or trousers and can be dressed up or down depending on what accessories / layers you mix them with. Currently in the sale in John Lewis! Fabulous!

Wallis Wide Leg Soft Trousers - A great alternative to the usual 'linens' and much more versatile and practical! Use them for day to day with flats or dress up in the evening with wedges or platforms. Ensure when wearing any wide leg trouser, you go for a more fitted top that sits above the hip bone though otherwise you will look bigger all over. I like the navy as it's really versatile and won't date.

Ted Baker's Parka - this was only available in blue at the beginning of the season but they've now released it in a gorgeous soft neutral colour and a khaki. This is absolutely perfect for school runs (especially with the 'summer' we are having). It doesn't look much on the hanger but please try it on - you'll be very pleasantly surprised.

Phase Eight's Cardigans - a fabulous pick each season. Look out for subtle differences in the styles and fabrics as some may suit you better than others. We love the Linen Cardigans for taller women; the Aruna for more busty ladies or for a more casual feel. Definitely worth taking a few in to the changing room and seeing which suit you. You can layer them really easily over all sorts of tops and blouses (that currently may feel like they are exposing too much tummy) which means that you can pull out all those unworn tops and start wearing them again!! Talk about a great investment. Go for a colour that works with the majority of your wardrobe for the best ppw.

The Best UK Plus Size Collections

2011-06-07T05:17:00.000-07:00

So lately, I've worked with a lot of women who are size 18+ and each lady has been surprised at how many more collections were available to her than she originally thought.

There are now so many options on the highstreet that cater for sizes above 18 so there is no excuse. Some of the best collections I have found include: -

Dorothy Perkins - up to size 22
New Look - up to size 28
Betty Jackson Black (Debenhams) - up to size 20 / 22
Rocha John Rocha (Debenhams) - up to size 22
J by Jasper Conran (Debenhams)- up to size 20
Anna Scholz - up to size 28
Ann Harvey - up to size 32
Windsmoor - up to size 24
Evans - up to size 32
Gerry Weber - up to size 22
Kaliko - up to size 20
Planet - up to size 20
Betty Barclay - up to size 22
Next - up to size 28

Over a third of UK are a size 16 or over, so please don't feel alone or frustrated when shopping for new clothes - there are so many gorgeous options waiting for you out there!! Good Luck! N x

Trends for Autumn Winter 2010

2010-09-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

People are starting to ask me what they should be on the look out for a/w 10 in terms of the trends and key pieces that they should be grabbing, so here's my take on the season ahead.

CAPES
Capes are one of this season's biggest key pieces, camel capes in particular will be everywhere!
I've recently seen a gorgeous one in Zara Woman and in Asos's previous campaign modelled by the gorgeous Olivia Palmero. Stunning.

CAMEL
As previously mentioned above, camel is one of this season's hottest colours and is something that if you invest in now, you'll be able to utilise in your wardrobe for years to come as it's such a classic and beautiful feminine colour.

If you're worried about camel making you look pasty around the face as we start getting in to colder weather then go for a pair of camel trousers rather than a top or jacket. However if you fall in love with a camel jacket or coat but still worry that it's not flattering your skin tone, accessorise with a scarf or statement necklace to bring the colour back to your cheeks!

MINIMALISM
A huge trend on the a/w 10 catwalks was classic, simple, elegant lines and investment pieces that will remain your wardrobe heroes for years to come. Paris shows like Celine, Chloe and Stella McCartney showed feminine classic shapes in delicate hues that demonstrated how women are still being careful with their money whilst coming out of this recessions and looking to invest in the right pieces that will keep them looking stylish and modern for years to come.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Hiking style boots, tweeds, riding boots, jodpurs, padded jackets will be seen everywhere this season. Practical yet stylish this is a great trend for school mums who need to get up and out in the morning; whilst staying warm and looking stylish at the school gates. Choose one or two key garments such as the boots and jodpurs and then soften with something more feminine up top to avoid looking like you've just come from a horse riding lesson.

LEOPARD
One of my fave trends but needs to be handled with care at the risk of looking very Bet Lynch from Corination St!! Go for a skinny leopard belt or hairband and just team with all black or camel if you are at all concerned of looking too 'animal print'. Hobbs have a fantastic little leopard print belt that will update your wardrobe instantly.

If you want help from a Personal Stylist or Personal Shopper updating your wardrobe this season then get in touch with My Style Companion on 01625 508264 or visit http://www.mystylecompanion.com/

My Style Companion offer personal shopping and personal styling services in the North West region of the UK including areas such as Macclesfield, Mobberley, Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Prestbury, Poynton, Knutsford, Chelford, Wirral, Liverpool, Merseyside, Manchester.

How to Dress for First Dates

2010-09-15T03:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was a guest on BBC Radio Manchester's Heather Stott's show. What a fabulous woman and totally game for a laugh - I really enjoyed my time there so thanks to Heather and her lovely team.

I appeared on the show to provide a bit of style advice for people out there who are dating second time around.

You can listen my style advice on the Heather Stott show http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/p009vx67/
or alternatively read my style advice article about what to wear for first dates on my website by following this link
http://www.mystylecompanion.com/ArtAd_TopStyleTipsFirstDates.html

2010-09-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to the lovely people at Stockport Homes who have literally made me feel right at home this week whilst I have been providing 15 minute styling appointments for their staff as part of their Health & Well Being Week.

I hope I have managed to provide some style inspiration and positive style advice to the women I have been speaking to there!!

Yet again I am being asked the same questions proving that all of us women all worry about the same things regardless of our age, shape or size. This in many ways is so assuring as there is a certain comfort in knowing that as women, we all totally understand what each other are going through! However it also puts me on even more of a mission to raise awareness about ways in which you can get more control over how you feel about your image by having a chat with a personal stylist or even treating yourself to a wardrobe consultation.

I do believe all women deserve to have total confidence in their style and no matter what shape, size or age - you can! I promise. It's all about understanding your strengths and really putting them to good use; whilst recognising your weaknesses and finding ways to overcome them. It really is that simple - you just need to learn how to use clothes to do this, and that's where My Style Companion comes in.

Take a look on my website www.mystylecompanion.com and read the client testimonials from real women all over the North West region of the UK who have had wardrobe consultations, style consultations or personal shopping sessions with me. I don't just pick out a load of clothes that I think will work and cross my fingers; which is what most women who have gottne stuck in a style rut end up doing most of the time. And it's not like taking a girlfriend shopping with you either; as this always ends up with you buying something that is totally way out of your comfort zone and reflects more of your friend's style than yours - this always ends up sat in the wardrobe with the tag on.

I EMPOWER you to take control back over your wardrobe and your style. To make clothes work for YOU. I don't want you to have to wander around the shops trying to find out how you can fit in with the fashion showcased in the shops - we'll make it work for YOUR figure; YOUR personality; what YOU feel comfortable in; whilst also making you look like a million. It can be done; you just need to put your trust in your Stylist and wait for the compliments to start rolling in.

Nic x

Resolution to Blog!

2010-09-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Tis true, I have officially been the worst blogger over the last few months, but now I've moved house (My Style Companion has now relocated to Cheshire, however still provides perosnal shopping and styling services all over the North West) and am feeling slightly more organised (well as organised as I will ever be!?!) I resolve to blog far more frequently. :-0

Maybe it's a/w10 that get's me soooooo excited that I simply can't help but share all the great things I'm coming across this season; and seeing as I can't buy them all (for fear of losing boyfriend to severe clothing and accessory addiction - love you honey!) then I just can't see all these goooooorgeous pieces go to waste.

Wondering what to buy? A cape has to be one of the must haves of this season, camel would be even better! Divine. Embrace a shearling jacket if you have the funds but be prepared to pay a few hundred (if not a few thousand) for a great style - Hobbs have one on its way in to store v soon for £999 that easily rivals some of the designer labels for a third of the price. Worth the investment though for a classic piece to treasure for years.

For those of you working in a more formal environment, the pointed stiletto is back so dig deep to find your inner Melanie Griffiths (the original Working Girl) and hunt down that perfect pair that will elongate those pins. Wear with a fabulous pair of high waisted, wide legged trousers (look to LK Bennett, Hobbs) and tuck in a beautiful silk blouse to finish the look.

The countrified look we're seeing coming through inspired by the great outdoors is great for women who are outdoors a lot - ideal for the school run. Think padded / quilted jackets, lotsof tweeds and textured fabrics, and hiking style wedge boots (take a look in Kurt Geiger), and accessorise with cute brooches to personalise the look (see NW3 at Hobbs) or man's best friend for the more authentic look!

Get shopping girls. Here's to a fabulous and stylish season ahead...

Nic x

LBD season is upon us!

2010-09-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

The sun may be shining (woohoo) and even though I can't get enough of this vitamin D, I simply can't help but look forward to LBD season after seeing this fabulous Armani Exchange embellished dress at Met Quarter yesterday. Definitely worth a few more kms on the treadmill to get the legs for this (I will continue to dream)...

Met Quarter A/W10 Press Day, Liverpool

2010-09-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to Karen and Vicki at the gorgeous Met Quarter shopping centre in Liverpool after attending their press day yesterday.

Seriously covetting some a/w10 updates here girls....

To Die For.... Triwa Naked Brasco Watch from Azendi... it's on the birthday list already....

Must Have a/w10 Skirts!

2010-09-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

Oh it's my favourite time of year! a/w10 has landed.

If you're feeling a little uninspired lately, try some brands that you never normally would even consider - you may be pleasantly surprised!!

I often take my clients completely outside of their comfort zones when they tell me they are bored with their style or stuck in a bit of a rut. Very often women have pre-concieved ideas about a brand and this can prevent them from landing some unusual, unique and absolutely fabulous pieces.

For example, very often Phase Eight is believed to be an 'older lady's' brand, but I just LOVE their designs - you can really funk some of their pieces up. This is a skirt I will most definitely be investing in this season....the Phase Eight Pontoroma. Either smarten up for work with a crisp white shirt, blazer and a pair of opaques; or simply team with a black vest and rock some of this seasons hottest boots for a night out with the girlies.

Your Style Companion

Nic x

Styling Masterclasses for Hen Parties

2010-06-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of entertaining a group of very excitable ladies for a hen party in Allerton, Liverpool. What fun!

The group consisted of 16 women from the ages of about young twenty-somethings to mums of the bride and groom; however interestingly all females of the group wanted (as always) what someone else had!

The tall girls wanted to be shorter; the shorter girls taller; the athletic shapes more curvy and the curvy girls more athletic. Something I see most days when working with female clients however for some reason this weekend it seemed even more apparent with so many different shapes; sizes; ages and personalities in the same room.

I am making it my mission now to educate more women on how their body can be the envy of others if they just dress it in the right way. Every shape can be beautiful but I think the confidence needs to come from within in order to shine - however it seems that confidence can only start to grow once that particular woman can see how beautiful she really can look in the right outfit (as opposed to seeing herself as a size bigger than she actually is, when wearing the wrong clothing).

Ladies stop wasting so much time wishing you have the 'perfect' figure - I can confirm that it really doesn't exist; however the perfect state of confidence can mean everything and is far easier to achieve if you just take some action on the things you aren't 100% happy about. So start today, just take some form of action. Nicola x

ONE DAY Personal Stylist Course

2009-09-14T02:12:00.000-07:00

Image by Digital Sophia.

We are running a ONE DAY course teaching The Art of Personal Styling on Saturday 24th October in St Helens, Merseyside. Brilliant for women considering a career in image consultancy and want a taster course to learn some basics. Also ideal for those who already have a business in beauty, fashion or a related industry and feel that style advice would complement their services / products nicely.

The course includes the following modules: -
- Profiling your client and understanding their wardrobe needs

- Conducting Body Shape Analysis / Key Body Shapes

- Dressing the Body: Styles, Shapes, Accessories, Fabrics, Lengths

- Introduction to this season’s trends and how they apply to body shapes

- Introduction to Wardrobe Consultations

- Lunch and refreshments are included

This course is designed to help you to: -

- Gain the potential to earn extra money through styling people

- Train in time for Christmas Party Season and the New Year

- Gain expert knowledge on how to conduct body shape analysis

- Style yourself and others more successfully

- Learn the trade secrets of personal styling from an expert in the field- Learn more about wardrobe consultations

- Find out if Image Consultancy is the job for you!- Learn how to style people and earn some extra cash!

This one day course costs £285, BOOK NOW for only £250.

Visit http://www.mystylecompanion.com/ImageConsultancyCourses.html for further information

Career as an Image Consultant

2009-09-11T08:03:00.001-07:00

So what does being an Image Consultant and Personal Shopper really involve?

In this article we have included some frequently asked questions about image consultancy as a career and how you can get in to personal shopping for a living.

How do I become an Image Consultant?
Anyone can become an Image Consultant, however it can be a good idea to get some training and advice about how to do this for your full-time job or career. You may already have an eye for style, but this does not always make a great Personal Stylist!

There are lots of courses about who offer training in image consultancy, however not all of them teach you how to run an image consultancy business, so ensure you ask about all the help and support you will receive after you have trained, as starting your own business isn't easy.

If you have experience with personally styling your friends and family or have worked in fashion retail helping customers, it could be that you can work to build on your skills and client base without having any training. This can be a lengthily route as you build your knowledge, skills and experience and it is unlikely during this time, you will be able to rely on image consultancy as your primary source of income, however it is a valid route to this career.

Training courses basically just try to help you by cutting out this long learning curve that could take years, by teaching you how to conduct such services and may mean that you start to earn money quicker.

What training is available to be an Image Consultant?
There are some learn from home courses available but I personally feel that if you are going to be training to do something as visual as personal styling, which involves great communication skills, close physical contact with other people and working very much with the touch, feel and look of clothes, it may not be the best path. However it is often a cheaper option for those who are watching the pennies and can be more convenient as there is no travel involved. Great for those with no holidays left in work. Read the rest of the article at http://www.mystylecompanion.com/ArtAd_CareerasanImageConsultant.html

Refashionable

2009-09-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

Take a look at http://refashionable.com/

A fantastic concept set up by a fabulous girl whom I met the other day. Refashionable have made it so easy to resell clothes and accessories you no longer want and give them to a loving home!

Not only that, but you can donate sales to the charity of your choice if you wish, or make a few bob yourself.

Clothes have to be in good quality and there are some amazing unique pieces on there that would be ideal for those who like quirky items in their wardrobe.

10 Reasons to be an Image Consultant

2009-08-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

Clearly I am biased! I love my job and enjoy all the challenges that come with it every day.

I get asked a lot "What made you decide to become an Image Consultant?" and seeing as I have launched my own Image Consultancy training academy I guess I better answer that question!

1. You are your own boss! woohoo!

2. You say what hours you work

3. You make other people smile

4. You get to spend a lot of time playing with clothes!

5. You learn something new and become more creative each and every day

6. You get paid well in return for your expertise

7. Your running costs are fairly low as all your consultations take place at your clients home or at a studio in your own home.

8. You have a genuine excuse to buy all the latest fashion mags!

9. You can help others to stop wasting money and save a fortune yourself by knowing exactly what you should be buying for this season.

10. You know you've made a positive impact in someone's life

Want to train to be an Image Consultant?http://www.mystylecompanion.com/TrainingAcademy.html

Impact of Colour on Your Image

2009-08-18T02:45:00.000-07:00

In the last twenty years women have been getting their “colours done” and still to this day, one of the first questions I get asked is “do you do colours?” Not because women are particularly interested in being colour categorised but more because in the past, this was the most common form of image consultancy available and women who had been struggling with what to wear for years thought that getting their colours done could be the answer.

Having worked with many women who have had their colours done, I have been led to believe that there is so much more to having true style than being categorised as “autumn”. In my opinion colour analysis has nothing to do with fashion. Being pigeon holed as a colour type and being given a swatch of colours to stick to doesn’t tell you if you will suit any of the new trends coming in (or any of the old trends hanging in your wardrobe) so when it comes to shopping, things seem even more limiting than ever before. Not only are you still operating in the confines of the style rut you have built for yourself over the years e.g. wearing black trousers and a “top” Monday through Friday or only wearing v-necks because other necklines make your boobs look too big; but now you have been given even more restrictions in terms of the colours you have to wear!

I heard from clients about how they had chucked out and then replaced over half their wardrobes with the “right” colours, that quite frankly in my opinion, seemed to age them by being a bit too contrived as everything was so “matchy-matchy”. These clients of mine were obsessed with matching accessories and operating within the confines of their “swatch” focusing on how the colours enhanced their skin tones and hair, but they had completely overlooked the fact that the styles and shapes they had chosen made them look a size bigger and the ageing matchy-matchy outfit ensembles made them look ten years older and had completely hidden their unique style and personality. My style ethos on the other hand is that it doesn’t have to “go” it just has to work.

Wrong Colour? Bin It?
I was also doubly shocked to hear that if they had not worn a certain item in their wardrobe in the last year then it was time for the bin! To me this is not only wasteful but also stripped clients of the potential to create new and unique outfit options moving forward by using garments that aren't available on the high-street anymore – in the fashion industry they call it vintage! Not only that but to strip someone of all the clothes they have built up over the years is quite traumatic emotionally and financially! Plus, as a Style Expert you are getting rid of any clues to that person’s own unique style that will help you to work together to discover new and exciting ways of dressing to suit them.

I have never once asked any of my clients to take off their make-up, scrape their hair back and then try on clothes because I would hope to god they wouldn’t go out like that! Always better to do your face and hair before trying on outfits so that you look super-gorgeous in them. Plus fashion and style is all about having fun, experimenting and trying new colours coming through in the shops. I would be horrified to learn I couldn’t “get away” with neons or devastated to know that black was no longer one of my staple wardrobe colours. Colour for me is more about how it makes me feel and I find my clothes and the colours I choose tend to reflect my mood more than anything. This is a form of self-expression I wouldn’t be willing to give up no matter what. My job as a Style Companion™ is all about helping women build practical, unique and stylish wardrobes that make them feel fabulous, look modern and give them the knowledge and confidence to develop their own individual styles moving forward.

Buying "Matching" Accessories
So often I see women in outfits that consist of the dress with matching shoes and bag all from one collection and they think because everything matches that they look fashionable. After all it was in a stylish, contemporary store and cost a fortune didn’t it? For me compiling outfits in this way doesn't say "style" it says safe, no in fact boring! Plus the danger is of course that you’ll go to the races in your fabulous new matching outfit and see another five women wearing the same thing! Why not use your creativity and compile your own unique outfit by using different collections and even old items at the back of your wardrobe that you haven’t worn for years? Well, the answer is often because women lack the confidence to do this so it’s easier to look to your fave store to give you inspiration – good job I am here eh?!

The idea of Style Companion™ is to teach and educate you about your own body and how clothes need to work with and for it. We teach you how about the styles, shapes, fabrics and lengths you should be looking at, how and where to shop for them and then how to mix them in with your current wardrobe in order to achieve a unique look that accentuates your figure and personality. We want our clients to have the information to style themselves and no, it isn’t a miracle transformation that occurs overnight, after all you have been safely working within the confines of your style ruts and habits for years now so it will take a while to break some of them, however we get you started on the road to style heaven.

I’m not saying that colour isn’t sometimes a factor as yes, certain colours can be draining on a complexion and others invigorating and obviously darker colours are slimming. I often find that accessories can even transform colours that didn’t work before and give them a new lease of life - I do it all the time with my clients! The point is that colour is only a very small factor in achieving a fabulous image you enjoy and can have fun with and as you grow. Plus our hair and complexion will often change anyway (deliberately at the hair dressers and naturally through age and get a tan) and our style preferences and lifestyle choices will alter too, meaning that your wardrobe will need to keep up. We want to equip you with the knowledge to enable you to cope with these changes and keep smiling through the weight fluctuations, ageing process and constantly changing trends. After all you have to get dressed every day, you might as well start enjoying it! www.nicolacupples.com

Southport Flower Show

2009-08-17T03:02:00.000-07:00

I'll be at the Southport Flower Show this Friday 21st August with Met Quarter Shopping Mall.

We will be showing off some of this season's hottest buys and offering free style advice to anyone who comes along.

As part of this event, Phase Eight at Met Quarter are offering a 20% discount bounce back card so worth a look.

How to Wear Patterns

2009-06-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

I have recently been asked to contribute some style advice to Slim At Home regarding how to wear patterns and prints.

Here is my advice for wearing patterns and prints...

Wider horizontal stripes will draw the eye across the body width-ways therefore can give the illusion of a wider body, however thin stripes can have the opposite effect and be very slimming. Even better, mix wider stripes across the bust and shoulders with thinner strips around the waist and stomach and this will give a great hourglass effect!

For plus size ladies, the key to wearing patterns and prints is to use layers and mix with block colour garments. Add a tailored jacket to break up patterns and cinch in your waist or use a long cardigan to draw the eye vertically down the body making you appear longer and slimmer.

Big Boobs - Ensure patterned tops have an open v neck e.g. wrap styles, halter-necks, v-necks. Avoid high necks!

Pear Shape - Wear patterns and prints up top and keep the bottom half plain.

Tummies - Longer tops can make the tummy appear larger all over! Keep printed tops mid-belly (just below belly button) length which will 'cut' the tummy in half and minimise it.

Small boobs - if you want to boost your bust, use colours, patterns and prints to add volume and put a bit of oomph back in your bust!

Remember where you put a pattern on your body will attract the eye but also always consider the shape, style and fabric of a garment AND what you wear it with, as this will determine whether the outfit makes you sizes slimmer (or bigger).

Dressing to look slimmer

2009-06-26T04:10:00.000-07:00

Lots of women tell me they're not ready to "tackle" their image until they lose weight or achieve their "perfect figure" or "goal weight", however the reality is that they never get around to feeling better about their image because they never reach their "perfect figure"!

As women, lets face it, the grass is always greener so why not just start making the most of what we have rather than wishing we looked like someone else! Let's stop putting off feeling and looking good and start embracing who are today - no matter what shape or size you are, clothes when used in the right way can make you look slimmer! And it's a lot less tiring than working out at the gym!

Here are some basic tips for dressing to feel better!

Breathe In!
Don't buy clothes a size too small in the hope that you will one day fit in to them. This is just sending sub-conscious messages to your brain saying "You are NOT your perfect size". Live in the present when it comes to your image!

Breathe Out!
Just as importantly don't buy clothes a size to big in an effort to hide lumps and bumps. Sub-consciously this is also telling your brain that you have "room to spare" under than baggy jumper so it's ok to have another doughnut. Plus, big, baggy clothes make you look even bigger!
Think Enhance Not Disguise!

Dress to enhance, not to disguise.
Pick at least one physical attribute about yourself that you like. It can be anything from your hair, to your eyes, to your legs, boobs or nails! Anything at all. Then everyday for a week find a way to accentuate that part of the body. For example if you like your hands, wear a nice cocktail ring, do your nails, use hand cream each time you wash them, wear a bracelet. Keep doing this weekly and add a new physical attribute each week. By the end of the month you will be more focused on the good attributes rather than what you consider to be the bad and the ugly!

Read more of my articles on www.nicolacupples.com

Colours and Image

2009-06-25T02:21:00.000-07:00

Are colours important when it comes to image? A question I get asked on a weekly basis!

Over the last 20 years or so the term "image consultant" was associated with someone who would come and drape you in scarves and "do your colours" so for many years women have been led to believe that colours are the deciding factor in what makes you look good.

After doing yet another wardrobe consultation yesterday where the client had hundreds and hundreds of clothes in her colours, yet couldn't work out why she had nothing to wear, I thought it was time to set the record straight!

In my opinion, it doesn't matter what colour you are wearing if the style, shape and fabric of the garment is making you look two sizes bigger than you actually are! No wonder so many of my clients have had their colours done but still battle with what to wear on a daily basis.

The key is understanding your body shape and how certain fabrics, cuts, shapes, styles and trends can work for you in a way that makes you look younger, fresher and slimmer (yes please!)

A great way to sort out once and for all how to make the most of your figure is to get some advice from a professional like myself, who can tell you instantly what you're doing right and wrong. Why spend years and years trying to work out it all out for yourself when I can get straight to it and tell you in an hour, how to start looking and feeling better! It really is that simple and NO I won't throw all your clothes away OR make you stand naked in front of a mirror inspecting the bits you'd rather forget!! It's a feel good experience!!

http://www.nicolacupples.com

Training to be an Image Consultant

2009-06-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

I'm currrently in the stage of setting up a Training Academy after having a number of enquiries from people who want to spend their days shopping for a living!! Trust me, there is no better job!! (although I am biased! ha!)

So what makes a good Image Consultant? Well, you have to be a good listener and be able to understand how your customer feels. Styling people isn't about putting people in clothes that you like and telling them they look "gooooorgeous!!"

Personal styling is a form of coaching really - its about understanding whether your client needs to be taken in baby steps or is ready to be taken in great leaps and bounds on their way to their improved style!

You have to be patient, understanding, empathetic and genuinely want to help your client to achieve a style that not only looks great, but makes them feel confident too!

Personal shopping and styling is hard work - it requires lots of concentration (and will power to not get distacted by "that bag" you love!) Its always about your client remember! However it certainly helps you to burn lots of calories and get that number of steps up on the pedometer and is a really satisfying job when your clients email you telling about all the compliments they have had that day!

For more information on training to become an Image Consultant or Personal Shopper visit http://www.nicolacupples.com/TrainingAcademy.html

Outfits for Summer Weddings

2009-06-23T06:31:00.001-07:00

Well the topic of the day seems to be wedding outfits for summer - what to wear! Already today I have 4 emails asking the same thing.

One lovely lady in particular is having a nightmare because she is pregnant and can't find a thing that she feels good in, and with the wedding coming up in August, she is starting to get slightly stressed out!!

A classic dress such as the Column Dress from Isabella Oliver looks stunning on any mum-to-be and is a great start! Then all you need to finish the look is a gorgeous pill box bag and perhaps a cuff on your arm and your done!

One of the best general tips I can give for ladies who need a maternity outfit for a special occasion is to learn how to accessorise!! Basically when you use accessories, you gain control over where you want the eye to be drawn and also they can be used in clever ways to make you look slimmer and longer!! Plus accessorising is a really easy, cheap and hassle free way of achieving on-trend looks at minimal cost when you’re pregnant. For instance if you are feeling self conscious about your bum, draw the eye up with a eye catching bib necklace, however if you feel like your boobs would give Jordan a run for her money, you can break up the volume of the bust with a pendant that falls in a V shape over the bust.

The great thing about accessories is that they fit you no matter what size you are, so you can still use them post-pregnancy when you’re a yummy mummy.

Accentuate your strong features...If you have great hair, then work with different styles and hair accessories to draw the eye up to your hair. If you have nice hands or petit wrists, ensure you always get your nails done. No matter which parts of your body you like the most or feel most comfortable with during pregnancy, use your creativity to think of ways of drawing more attention to those areas (which will in effect, draw the eye away from those bits you’re not so crazy about).

For further information in general about Maternity Style read my article at http://www.nicolacupples.com/ArtAd_MaternityStyle.html

Most Common Style Mistake!

2009-06-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, the most common style mistake any woman can make is not wearing the right bra - whether it's style or size - most women I meet are wearing the wrong bra!!

Just imagine trying to build a fabulous house on a pile of sand! I guess the house wouldn't look to great! It's the same with your image - if you haven't got good foundations to start with, you aren't going to get very far.

Now, one of the best ways to get great foundations is to work out at the gym every day until you achieve the body of your dreams - however ladies, I am a practical girl at heart so one of the easiest and cheapest ways for you to look a size slimmer, improve your posture and give the appearance of a minimised waist, is to get a bra fitting!

However, don't rely on stores or bra fitters to give you the right bra - every woman should know the basics of how a bra should fit, look and feel - I meet women on a daily basis who have "been measured" but their bra is doing absolutely nothing for them. By all means, get some help from a bra fitter, but like anything in life, do your own research first.

Read my guide to know what you should be looking for when buying a new bra http://www.nicolacupples.com/ArtAd_GuideToTryingOnBras.html

Hiding a tummy!

2009-06-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

A common question from ladies that keeps popping up at style events is "how do I disguise a tummy with clothing?"

Here are my top tips:

1. Make sure you are wearing the right size and style bra to provide support otherwise your waist will look shorter and the effect of this is that your tummy will look bigger!

2. Wear Spanx! Control underwear is a great way to achieve a more toned appearance.

3. Be careful which fabrics you go for! Avoid anything that clings to / or creases around the tummy area.

4. Avoid patterns or details on the tummy area - keep things as plain as possible. Any patterns or details will just draw the eye there.

5. Use layers! Cardigans, waist coats, jackets will all help to minimise the stomach.

6. Use accessories to give the eye a point of interest and draw the eye away from the tummy!

Nicola x