Fashion is a strange business and although a new season’s fashion trends might be splashed across magazine covers and trumpeted in stores these “trends” have followed a very long process. Some fashion is more spontaneous but this tends to be limited to small scale designers and producers, whereas the fashion industry normally follows a much longer path and quite structured timetable. As an image consultant or personal stylist it is important that we understand this process.

It all starts with fabric

Fabric companies create collections, working a season ahead of the fashion designers. This actually makes fashion design quite limiting as the designers can only work with fabrics that are available and that already exist. Very few fashion brands actually create their own fabrics; some luxury brands might be able to request special prints, colour combinations, or dyes, but they will rarely get a fabric created and woven specifically for them.

The designers will often select their fabrics before the collection is designed or even researched. They buy from manufacturers or wholesalers and they then have about 6 months to work with these fabrics to create their clothes ready for their next fashion show.

An example timeline for a fashion designer is as follows:

February 2012:       Show their Autumn/Winter 2012/13 collection + Select the fabric for their Spring/Summer 2013 collection

March 2012:             Start designing their Spring/Summer 2013 collection

September 2012:    Show their Spring/Summer 2013 collection

After the major fashion shows the High Street designers take the main trends and then dilute them into the styles that they will produce.

 

Why do designers have the same ideas at the same time?

Designers don’t all have the same ideas at the same time, but a few themes are certainly repeated. They tend to be very secretive and certainly don’t have a chat about it beforehand!  Any similarities are usually unintentional but they do have the same ideas at the same time because they are exposed to similar influences and they are looking for inspiration at the same time.

They will be influenced by films, art exhibitions, photography, books, street fashion, new bands, travel as well as reviving fashion trends from different decades.

There are some trends that appear season after season but they might just be tweaked in a small way eg there will almost always be floral fabrics in the Spring /Summer fashion ranges but this year they are being used in trousers or as big bold prints on leggings and jackets.

Do you ever wake up in the morning, open your wardrobe doors and wonder what on earth you are going to wear? Well don’t despair you’re not alone!

 

Most women have varied lives and expect their wardrobes to fit in around their work, businesses, family and hobbies. But with some planning it is possible to achieve a flexible and co-ordinated capsule wardrobe.

Here are my 5 top tips for wardrobe management and outfit planning:

 1 Organise:

Remove any clothes that really shouldn’t be there any more, ie clothes that are too old, tatty or out of fashion; clothes that you will realistically never fit into again and/or any old maternity clothes. Also remove summer clothes from your everyday wardrobe during the winter – store them somewhere else until the temperature rises. The idea is that when you look at your clothes they could all potentially be worn that day.

2 Colour:

If you have had a colour analysis, this will be a bit easier, but even for those that haven’t, base your core wardrobe around a few colours (5-10 max). start with 2 – 3 neutral colours eg black, navy, grey, white, brown, camel, cream or beige and look for trousers, skirts, jackets, belts, shoes and handbags in these colours. Then choose upto 7 other colours from your wardrobe for your other garments.

3 Style:

Is the style of the garment flattering or does it make you look bigger, shorter, taller, fatter than you actually are? If it does any of these things then it doesn’t belong in your life!!

4 Occasion:

Where are you going?

What are you doing?

Who are you meeting?

What is the weather forecast?

5 You:

How do you want to be seen by the people that you’re meeting and how can you convey that in the clothes and accessories that you are wearing? Think of the 3 words that you would like to project, for example in a business meeting, and then choose your outfit to reflect these characteristics.

 

For more helpful hints on wardrobe organisation head over to our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/studyinstyle

Shopping Tips for the January Sales

Despite many clothes shops having slashed their prices over the past couple of weeks, due to the mild weather and the slow economy, most of the traditional “January” Sales start on Boxing Day or 27th December.

Here are my top tips to help you cope with the experience and to ensure that you really do bag yourself a bargain!

How to shop successfully during the sales

It’s all about Preparation – If you have already sorted your wardrobe you will know the garments that you need to replace or fill the gaps, so focus on these items first when you hit the shops.

Wear comfortable shoes and layers – Avoid wearing a big bulky coat because once you get into the shops it will just weigh you down and get in the way. Plus if you wear a vest top or slim-fitting t-shirt, it means that you can try tops and jackets on without having to queue for the fitting room!

Take a bottle of water and some snacks with you to keep you going.

Shop methodically – look for your colours first (this makes sales shopping so much easier), then you can check if the style and size is right for you.

Avoid being tempted by bright and sparkly things! If you get sidetracked follow the “magic 3 rule” to check the flexibility of anything you are thinking of buying, Say to yourself:

• Can it be accessorised in 3 different ways?
• Can I wear it to 3 different events or occasions?
• Does it go with 3 things that I already have in my wardrobe?

 

Also be aware of anything that is obviously “this season”, if you want to wear the garment for longer than a few months.

 

There should be plenty of winter coats and woolly jumpers on sale – so grab the bargains while you can and I hope you find something fabulous!!

Personal Stylist advice when buying jeans

Everyone has a pair of jeans somewhere in their wardrobe, as they are the versatile wardrobe staple that can be worn in a variety of situations and they rarely go out of fashion. Most of us have a favourite pair of jeans that we wear time and time again, but we probably also have a few other pairs which never see the light of day because they’re just not quite right!

Shopping for a new pair of jeans can be time-consuming, frustrating and sometimes soul-destroying but it is worth persevering. The right pair of jeans can make your bottom and legs look great but the wrong ones can make you look dumpy and shapeless.

When buying jeans you need to take into account a number of things:

• The colour of the denim – generally the darker the denim the more flattering and slimming the garment. If you have larger hips and thighs avoid stonewashed denim and any light colours.

• The shape of the jeans – skinny and straight jeans are better on slim legs or if you have a bigger bottom / heavy thighs, tuck them into Ugg type boots, for balance.

• Boot cut jeans flatter most body shapes as the wider hem can balance with larger hips &/ or shoulders. Be careful with “boyfriend” or baggy jeans as they might feel comfortable but could hide any curves.

• If you have a short body and longer legs you will be better with a low rise in order to extend your body. Conversely, if you have short legs and a long body look for a higher rise and if possible some heels.

• Back pockets should be in proportion to the size of your bottom and not too low as they will give the impression of a low-slung backside! If you are blessed with a larger bottom avoid sparkle and bling on the back pockets and definitely pocket flaps!

• Hourglass and pear shapes usually have problems getting jeans to fit properly at both their waist and over their hips. Look for some Lycra in the denim (about 2%) which is enough to add some stretch without creating “baggy knees”. Boot cut will always be the best shape for you.

• Find the jeans that suit you and your shape cost doesn’t always mean the best fit – I have found that a couple of pairs of Next jeans have worked over my curves just as well as my old Armani Jeans! However if you wear jeans a lot it is worth buying a good pair that will last because cost per wear they will be well worth it.

• Have at least one pair that you can wear with flats and one pair for heels – different pairs will have different jobs and be aware of this when you are buying.

Coloured Jeans

The trend for jeans this winter is most definitely colour – usually in a skinny style. There are numerous colours around but look out for the various shades of red available in the shops, from scarlet, pink, plum and burgundy through to aubergine. They are being worn with heels, ballet pumps, brogues, furry boots or plimsolls. If you have great legs they may be worth a go but be careful and go darker if your legs are more challenging!!

 

Understanding Colour Analysis through our training courses

Colour Analysis forms the basis of what we do as image consultants and is often our Unique Selling Point. Colour can make a huge difference to how we feel – if we wear a colour near our face that actually complements our natural colouring (our skintone, hair and eye colour) we look healthier and often younger.

Colour analysis is the simple and highly effective process of finding a selection of flattering colours to suit every client. These colours can then be used to help guide a client when they are buying clothes, accessories and make-up. As part of the analysis we provide a “swatch” (a credit card sized wallet containing a range of suitable colours) that the client can then use to organise their clothes and take shopping with them in the future.

The Colour Analysis Module can be studied on its own or as part of the Complete Foundation Course. During this module you learn how to conduct a colour analysis session – what to say, how to stand, what to wear, as well as receiving all the equipment you would need in order to conduct a consultation. The Colour Analysis Course can be studied Face to Face in the “classroom” or via Distance Learning at home.

Why study Colour Analysis?

Discovering the colours that work for you really is a life-changing experience that will have long lasting effects. Colour also forms the backbone of any other consultation. This is why we also include colour theory in our Personal Stylist Training Course.

E.g. If a client finds a jacket that fits her perfectly the next question will always be “which colour should I buy?” If the colour makes her look tired and ill it is unlikely that the jacket will get much wear. Also, if you are helping a client to buy a capsule wardrobe it is much easier to base this around a few key colours than a rainbow of different tones.

Add Colour Analysis Training to your existing skills

You can study just the Colour Analysis Module as a starting point for your image career or to add an extra dimension to your existing business in say hairdressing, retail or beauty therapy.

One of our distance learning trainees Karen Cross, quickly discovered the benefits of studying colour analysis. She said:

I had my colours done years ago and knew some of the basics. Having said that, when I signed up for the course it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. Colour Analysis is a real craft on its own. It’s a complete departure from the world of fashion design which I knew and the Study in Style course covers stuff that was never covered academically in my formal training.”

If you would like to join Karen and discover how you could become a successful Colour Consultant, please click here for the Face to Face option or click here for the Distance Learning option.

 

Personal Shopping for the Best Winter Boot Styles

Well the cold weather has finally arrived so at long last I can talk about boots! There are loads of different boots available in the shops this season and there is still plenty choice as we have only just stopped wearing our flip flops!

So that you make the right investment think carefully about what you want your boots to do for you, where and when you’re going to wear them and what you plan to wear with them.

Winter Boot Trends to look out for include:

Laces – continuing the brogue shoe theme into ankle boots and knee high boots

Fringing and tassels – usually on casual, flat, suede and knee high boots.

 

Animal print – high heel ankle boots for a bit of fun poking out of your trousers or a real statement if used on a knee high boot!

 

Wedge Heels – supportive and fashionable in a variety of fabrics and lengths.

Fur – lots of fake fur trims on ankle, ¾ length and knee high boots for a casual look and to keep us warm during the promised cold winter.

Boot Shoes – these are elegant, high heeled shoes with a high vamp great worn with narrow and wide legged trousers but also designed to be worn with dresses and pencil skirts. However beware if you have short legs and/or large calves as this style with a skirt might not be the most flattering!

Because boots are generally an investment take your time when buying and really think and plan what styles will work best for you. The photos are taken mainly from the LK Bennett website www.lkbennett.com if the prices are too steep for you look at the pictures for inspiration and then search for cheaper options.

If you have small / large feet or narrow / wide calves try these specialist brands.

www.daintyfeet.co.uk – for shoe sizes 1 – 3

www.amberandjade.com – for shoe sizes 8 -12

www.beyondskin.co.uk – vegan shoes

www.evans.co.uk – shoe sizes 3 – 8 with a wider fit.

www.duoboots.com – specialist boot makers offering 21 different calf widths and sizes 2 -10

Top tips to help you buy the right bra size

Having worked with a couple of clients recently who  were wearing bras that definitely weren’t flattering their assets – I thought I would look at how a bra should fit!!

Remember your clothes will NEVER fit properly if your boobs are in the wrong place!

There are three main areas that people struggle with getting the right fit – the back band measurement, the cup size and the straps.

1    The Back Band:

In most cases this is too loose, either because it was the wrong size to begin with or because the bra has been washed so many times that it has lost its elasticity!

The measurement for the back band is taken around your body from underneath your bust – it is not necessarily the same as your dress size. The back band should lie horizontally around the body as the band provides the support for the bust. It should feel secure – not so tight that you can’t breathe, not so loose that it rides up towards your shoulder blades! When you buy your bra it should fit on the first fastening so that you can tighten it up as it loosens through wear.

2   The Cup Size:

All the breast tissue should be contained within the cup and you should have a smooth outline – it is too small if there are bulges out of the top or sides. If you’re not sure try on a t-shirt over the top of the bra and look for any lumps or bumps. Another sign that the cup size is too small is if the underwires in the centre don’t lie flat against your breastbone.

Conversely, you need to fill the cup – it is too big if the fabric wrinkles or gapes too much.

An underwired bra is really essential for larger breasts (size D+) as it gives much greater support than a soft cup bra which may be more comfortable but won’t give you the necessary up-lift.

3 The Straps:

These need to be adjusted regularly as they can slip during wear and washing. Again they shouldn’t be too tight but if they’re in the right place you can suddenly find your waist!!

The other problem with bra sizes are that they can vary depending on the brand and style so only use your size as a guide and check to see if the actual bra fits properly when you try it on.

If you want more help then watch this great video from John Lewis.

Bra fitting guide

Which Autumn/Winter Fashion Trend should I wear?

This is a follow-up to my last blog when I promised to share with you which of this season’s styles and trends would suit different body shapes.

1. Natural Texture

With tweed and chunky knits be careful not to wear on a “wide” part of your body eg tweed trousers if you are a pear shape, however a short chunky jumper would be great to balance out your hips. Conversely if you are busty avoid polo-necked jumpers and double-breasted, textured coats/jackets but if you have great legs try tweed or leather on your bottom half.

If you are petite and you fancy a serape or poncho make sure it’s not too long or has too bold a pattern.

 

2. Retro – 40s

Most people will be able to find something from this trend. There are pencil skirts and pussy-bow blouses everywhere, at all price points. Just avoid bias cut dresses if you have large thighs, as the fabric will cling!

 

3. 60s Minimalist

Again with this trend you might find a skirt, collar or accessory that would work for you.

 

4. Boyish Tailoring

This trend will definitely work best for slim, straight, boyish figures, but it doesn’t mean that the rest of us can’t pick elements to suit us. Trousers are slim and slightly cropped – these styles are designed to be worn with brogues or loafers. Therefore if you have longish legs and can find a pair of trousers that flatter your hips – go for it!

 

5. Spice Tones

If you have a warm skin tone – enjoy! However if you have a cool skin tone you should really avoid the spice tones completely and choose burgundy/grey instead. If you really want to add some “spice”, then look for a skirt, handbag, belt or pair of shoes. (We did this with my daughter’s school capsule wardrobe by adding a burnt orange skirt to be worn with black, navy and white).

 

6. Tunics over Trousers

A structured move on from tunics and leggings (which are still around). This trend will suit straight body types better than those of us with curves.

 

More on accessories next time…..

 

What to wear this Autumn

It seems most odd covering autumn/winter fashion styles when I really don’t feel that I’ve had much wear from my summer purchases yet! Having given up on any hopes of an Indian summer I am going to pack everything away carefully and next spring take a good long look at the fashion pages and see what I can adapt and wear again.

Meanwhile, I must admit that it has been fun looking at the predictions for this season. Firstly because at least I know I’m actually going to get to wear them and secondly because there seems to be a range of styles for every body shape – more on that next time!

 

However, to the trends…..

Firstly, across pretty much everything we’re seeing:

• Polka Dots
• Lace
• Florals
• Snakeskin

.

Whether these details adorn your whole outfit, or are worn as an accessory such as a scarf or a bag you are certain to immediately be on trend.

 

1. Natural Texture

You’ll see a lot of tweed and houndstooth in the stores, along with chunky oversize knits in country tones. Match smart fabrics with casual denim or body skimming leather – we will see the return of leather trousers and leather pencil skirts are everywhere. Contrast fabric and fit to emphasise your good points and hide those that are less than perfect. This year’s fashion must-have is the Mexican inspired poncho or serape – in muted ethnic prints and worn around the shoulders.

 

2. Retro – 40s

Continuing the texture theme – fake fur, velvet, lace, silk and satin will make an appearance at parties and during the day throughout the autumn. We will see bias-cut dresses, wartime tea dresses and slim pencil skirts worn with structured pussy bow tops and fitted jackets. There’s print here too – think of classic florals and the polka dots.

 

3.  60s Minimalist

Yes it’s still with us and this is the last refuge of colour blocking. We’re seeing short A lines and trapeze styles, with geometric prints and bright colours. Peter pan collars feature heavily and pretty embellished necklines provide an alternative way to wear the trend.

 

4. Boyish tailoring

This look has been creeping in for a while and its now properly got a foot in the door. A white shirt or simple unfussy blouse/shirt is essential, coupled with a boyish blazer or tuxedo, paired with skinny trousers or tailored crops. Finish off with brogues or loafers and keep patterns to a minimum.

 

5. Spice Tones

There’s a whole range of colours here from balmy yellows and golds through to russet and tobacco shades.  All are warming and look great jumbled together or featured as contrasting separates. If you have cool colouring look out for the various shades of burgundy mixed with grey.

 

6. Tunics over Trousers

This look sounds a bit Star Trekkie but it appeared all over the catwalks this season. I’ve seen layers of toning colours, colour-blocking and plain monochrome two pieces. The trick with this look is not to go too floaty – trousers should be straight and tunics need to be fashioned in a heavy fabric to give the necessary structured look.

 

Accessories

Shoes and Boots

Streamlined loafers replace ballet pumps, still worn with skinny jeans. Mens style shoes like lace-up brogues complete the androgynous look whilst brown boots with chunky heels worn ankle length or just below the knee can be paired with the textured looks. I’ve also seen slipper shoes – not the fluffy type but in satins or velvets, beautifully embellished. There is also a definite return to pointed toe court shoes, especially in patent or an animal print – to keep it subtle and to elongate your leg, look for deeper tones of brown/caramel or burgundy/grey/black. If you want to be brave and beautiful go for boots with fringing – they are selling out everywhere.

 

Handbags

Needless to say there’s a lot of crocodile skin, snakeskin and glorious colour – although there’s also fair amount of natural colours around. We’re actually seeing matchy-matchy styling too as well as the discreet tassel. We really have said goodbye to big baggy statement bags – everything is much more structured and styles are getting smaller, even down to the return of the clutch as well as teeny tiny purse bags.  Saddle bags are everywhere as are colour-blocked 60s style bags featuring the warm hues we saw earlier.

I have spent the past few days trying to organise my 16 year old daughter, Katy’s new school “uniform” ready for her to start 6^th form this week. In her school the 6^th formers are told to wear “business wear” – this was easy for my son – a quick trip to M&S to buy two washable suits, a few shirts and a couple of ties and we were done!

However “business wear” for girls (and women!) is notoriously more difficult to pin down and having seen what the girls have worn in previous years was no help at all. I’ve seen their outfits range from skirt suits with court shoes (impractical when walking 2 miles up and down hills in the rain) to leggings with tunic tops.

You may think that I have it easy with my knowledge of building capsule wardrobes and working with corporate clients but it was much more challenging than I thought – trying to stick to a budget with a very style conscious daughter!!

We looked through her existing wardrobe first to see if there were any suitable clothes that could be incorporated into the new uniform “capsule”.

We found a grey marl jacket that was originally mine but seems to spend more time in her wardrobe than mine! A smart white t-shirt and black vest; a multicoloured patterned top; a navy top; a green cardigan; a black cardigan; a black skirt and a dark grey cardigan.

Our priority when out shopping was to find a couple of jackets and some smart, tailored trousers – Katy was adamant that she wasn’t going to wear a matched suit! Our budget was £200 to find the fundamental building blocks of her new uniform. We concentrated our search in the following high street stores mainly because I knew they offered value as well as style – H&M, Zara, Top Shop, New Look and River Island. I was very strict and although many items looked fantastic on her, everything we bought had to co-ordinate with at least 2 other items, be washable and be reasonably priced. Here is the list of items that we found:

.

• Black Trousers – Zara, £19.99
• Navy Trousers – Zara, £19.99
• Grey Trousers – H&M, £14.99
• Black thick jersey jacket – H&M, £29.99
• Burgundy thick jersey jacket – H&M, £29.99
• Navy jersey long sleeved dress – H&M, £12.99
• Green top – Top Shop, £16.00
• Blue shirt – New Look, £14.99
• Blue top – Top Shop, £7.00
• Ivory Top – Top Shop, £18.00
• Burgundy top – Top Shop, £16.00
• Burgundy Vest – New Look, £2.49

.

All for £2.42 over budget – but the vest top matches the jacket perfectly! I haven’t worked out all the various combinations of different outfits Katy can now achieve with these garments, especially when she combines them with her existing clothes but she should have enough to wear something different almost everyday until half-term!

I had also allowed about £50 for shoes and we are still debating whether to go for the burgundy loafers from Top Shop for £52, a pair of black loafers from River Island £30 or a pair of burgundy brogues from Top Shop £30 – I know which option I’ll be recommending!

All in all we are both pleased with the results and without too many arguments! It is possible for anyone to do this exercise – base your capsule wardrobe around a few key colours (we chose black, navy, grey, off white, blue, green and the colour of the season – burgundy). She now has some key pieces that she’ll be able to wear throughout the current academic year and hopefully beyond – although I’m sure she will want to add more to the mix at some stage!

Good luck if you are currently shopping for your children’s uniform, what ever their age and if you ever need any help organising a capsule wardrobe for yourself I would be happy to help!

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