How To Wear The Iconic Wrap Dress

Diane Von Furstenburg's iconic wrap dress has become a classic, staple since the invention in the 70s. The flattering shape creates a natural cinched waist and the plummeting neckline showcases a desired cleavage; therefore allowing the dress to be hailed as the perfect frock. The sophisticated length and sleeve option ensures that the dress is versatile and suits a variety of body shapes.

DVF celebrates the longevity of her frock creation and 40th Anniversary in her Resort 2014 collection. The designs have embraced the classic shape with a contemporary feel through print clashing, which gives a top and skirt feel to the designs.

Take a look below:

Head over to Bristol Fashion Week at Cribbs Causeway this weekend to discover where to find your perfect wrap dress. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our stylists we would love to help you on your quest!!

The Friday Girl's Picks; Brand Focus: Whistles

This week, I thought I'd do a little bit of a brand focus post inspired by a recent shopping trip that we took in prep for Bristol Fashion Week. Emmeline and I were in John Lewis and were totally wowed by the new Whistles collection. They seem to have just got everything right this season and I could have literally bought everything. Here are a few of my favourite picks.

Red Mara Dress
Camo Print Sweat Dress
Triple Stacker Rings
Small White Pouch
Pink Limited Calf Corine Clutch

Leopard Print Sculptured Top
Runway Look: Navy Slate Print Top

I absolutely love the cut and the drape of Whistles clothes, that classic boxy shift dress or top is one of my staple shapes in my wardrobe and they always hit it bang on. I also love their clutches, they always look so sharp and well made. 

Bristol Fashion Week is fast approaching and it's going to be 4 days of busy busy bees for us here at The image Consulting Company. Make sure that you come and see us at The Mall Cribbs Causeway from Thursday to Sunday, we'll be talking style, trends and what colours and shapes suit your body.

Allie x

Let's Get Lippy

Blue lipstick yes or no?

Rihanna has been papped wearing striking blue lipstick and I can't help but notice that when Rihanna makes a fashion statement (and makes it well) the whole nation follows. Do you think this will be a trend that is set to spread? If so which colour will you choose..........? 

Statement Evening Jewellery - boohoo.com

So as the nights draw in and people begin to build their party wardrobe. It's fair to say that no night time number is complete without some statement jewellery. With their being a recent surge in urban styling, this season bold necklaces in particular are bigger than ever. With shiny metal, chunky chains and tassels seemingly bang on trend. Here are three to consider from the fabulous boohoo.com. 

Even when simply worn with your favourite LBD, these pieces will make your outfit pop perfectly. 

For help in finding the perfect piece for that special occasion, contact one of our stylist's today!

Until next time,

Matt x

Ostwald Helgason Autumn/Winter 13

Ostwald Helgason's representation of Autumn/Winter 13 is quirky and full of character. I love the vibrant mix of deep red, lavish gold and forest green entwined into intricate patterns and shapes. The collection has a variety of pieces from cute dresses, tailored trousers and sharp jackets, which are layered effortlessly.

Below is a selection of designs by Ostwald Helgason. Which one is your favourite? 

The Friday Girl's Picks: London Fashion Week Style Picks #LFW

It's Friday! Happy Weekend!
But it's also the end of London Fashion Week! I thought I'd do a quick round up of some of my favourite outfits that I saw people wearing at the shows.

I love looking at events like these to see what people wear, it's a huge source of outfit inspiration for me!


Olivia Palermo - Absolutely love this girl's style all the time, she just always looks so chic and effortless. This caramel nude colour is gorgeous on her and I love that she's gone for flats over heels on a day where she'll be walking around loads! Yes for comfort Liv!



Suki Waterhouse is another one of my style crushes, different to Olivia, less polished and more I've just rolled out of bed and, yes, I still look incredible. That jacket just looks so cosy!

Alexa Chung always looks fantastic I think. This coat is so cute and suits her perfectly. Those shoes, oh my goodness, look at those shoes. I also love her laid back hair, it always looks so perfectly disheveled.

Gemma Arterton looks simply stunning in this all white ensemble. I think it looks so striking because of her gorgeous dark hair.

What do you think of these outfits? Where do you get your outfit inspiration from?

Allie x

LFW: Ji Cheng at Freemason's Hall

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending a vibrant LFW catwalk show. The designer in question was the beautifully talented Ji Cheng and what a show it was. Beginning with a stunningly original video projection, it became clear that this was set to be more than just your standard fashion show. As soon as the models took to the runway this was only proven more. Every spectator fell into instant awe at the designer's flair for colour and technical skills. With sheer fabrics, pinks and fluid silhouettes meandering through many of the looks, this only went to strengthen the list of possible trends that emerged from LFW as a whole. The second half of the show incorporated a live performance which not only lifted the energy on the catwalk but also gave the show its accessible eastern edge. The show ended with the humble designer making a swift but notable appearance. Below are some snaps I managed to take of this warm and wonderful display. 

                                        

                                     

                                     

                                     

                                         

Until next time,

Matt x

The Autumn Fashion Fix #ORACLEAFF

Just in case you didn't hear, we were at The Oracle in Reading on Friday 6th September hosting The Autumn Fashion Fix, a personal shopping event for all of the shoppers in The Oracle! We were offering free fashion advice on colours, styles and trends all day.

Here are a few snaps from the day!

 If you like the look of this then definitely come and see us at Bristol Fashion Week where we'll be running a similar programme but over 4 days! Bristol Fashion Week runs Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th. 

Fashion Vs Style

I find this quote to be very inspiring. It is true that fashion designers showcase their interpretation of fashion and we are then required to choose what suits our own personal style.

We would love to hear your opinions..............

If you would like for a stylist to help you choose items that suit you from the fashion collections on offer then book a personal shop today : )

AW13 TREND ALERT: TARTAN

So as well as already seeing some key colours coming through for A/W. Tartan detailing has also made its way into the spotlight this season. Whilst many garments have either been designed within a tartan palette, or include contrast tartan detailing. There are also many accessories that include this, enabling you to add a stylish pop of colour to your look and further detail to add depth. Worn with black, grey or against deep green and navy, this seasonal trend will remain versatile throughout the season. Here are a few of my top picks from the high street and asos. 

For help in developing your personal style this season. Contact one of our stylist's today for a consultation. 

Until next time,

Matt x

 

How to Dress For A Petite Frame

Last Saturday I hopped on a train to Swansea for an afternoon of personal styling. I met 17 year old Leah who wanted to find some new outfits to return to college the following Monday. She was intrigued to discover what style would suit her petite frame and what new colours to experiment with.

Leah loves finding bargains so after some initial style advice at Debenhams we headed over to Primark. We found that striking, bold colours like cobalt blue and bright red looked fantastic on her. She embraced the new shades, prints and shapes from the Autumn trends opting for bold tartan leggings, a cute denim pinafore and a warm khaki parka. She looked fantastic!!

Key points to consider when dressing for a petite frame:

1. Make sure that each item fits your perfectly. Clothing that is too big will make you appear slimmer than you are.

2. Opt for clothing with lycra. We found with Leah that a bodycon dress and shiny leggings worked well as the item fit her perfectly enhancing her curves and showcasing her long legs.

3. Layering is great for adding volume. Leah looked fantastic when we built outfits through layering and also perfect for a day travelling and studying at college.

4. Leah also wanted to balance out her body proportion. I demonstrated how wearing leggings teamed with a loose fit printed T-shirt brings the eye level down drawing attention to her legs.

5. Add volume. Leah's red biker jacket purchase had textured shoulder detailing which adds volume to her shoulder area and teamed with a skater skirt will create a hourglass illusion.

We had a great day and Leah went home with a lot of great buys. Take a look below. We also accessorised the outfits with statement necklaces and a pair of cute boots.

Leah's personal thoughts on the day: "Thank you for all the clothes you helped me choose! They are all amazing and I'm so happy!"

An assortment of colours, shapes and styles!

The yes pile - a range os styles that can all be worn in various ways together!

If you fancy a great afternoon like me and Leah had then please get in touch.

The Friday Girl's Tips: Find your perfect jeans!

Happy Friday lovely people!

 We all want to find that pair of jeans that makes us want to be like this lady below. You wear only the jeans because they make you feel that good you obviously don't need a top to get that washing detergent out of the cupboard. Those jeans. I've got a few tips this week for how to fit your shape and find your perfect jeans.

First things first, if you want your jeans to really flatter you, you have to work with your body. 

Let's start with body types: We all know that no two bodies are the same, but there are few different types that you might fall into.

If you're a straight up and down girl, with limited curves, you can sometimes be called 'Boyish', other terms are 'Athletic' but we, at The image Consulting Company, go for 'Straight', it's a lot easier to understand!

If you're a curvy or an 'Hourglass' shape then you've got a teeny tiny waist and those incredible Beyonce curves up top and bottom. Essentially in and out.

Full-busted or 'Top-Heavy' ladies are in perfect proportion until it comes to boobs, they're bigger than the rest of you and you need to balance it out with the bottom.

'Pear-Shapes' are the opposite and are bigger on the bottom than they are on the top.

Onto some of the main problems;
To hide a muffin top or a slight love handle, go for a slightly more high-waisted style. This is my problem, I can't wear a jean that will cut me low on the hips because we'll have overspillage and that's not attractive. I go for a slightly more high waisted option which creates a more slimlined silhouette. This is a great style, especially in a skinny jean for an Hourglass shape. These are great, from Missguided.com as they are quite a dark wash and therefore are also really good for creating that slim-lined look.

Top heavy? Go for a flared out or wide legged pair of jeans to balance out your generous top half. This is a great look for Autumn/Winter with some lovely heeled boots but you can also rock it in the Spring/Summer with some wedges. These ASOS dark wash jeans are perfect.

Bootcut jeans will flatter a Pear Shape as it will also balance out your hips just like the wide legged jeans balance out the Top Heavy ladies. This Denham pair will do the trick.

If you're a straight up and down girl, you can wear almost any style of jeans. Skinnies look great and they are are such a versatile wardrobe staple. You can be more adventurous though and why not go for the on-trend Boyfriend jeans? Wear them with Converse for a dressed down look and dress them up at night with a pair of killer heels. Try this lovely pair from Mango at ASOS.com;

 

Brands

If you want to really invest in a great pair of jeans that are perfect for you then brands such as Levi's do personal fittings and with their 'curve', 'demi-curve' fittings you can really find your perfect jeans.

Other fantastic brands for jeans are; Diesel, J Brand, Hudson and 7 For All Mankind. These are famous brands for jeans and you will definitely pay for the quality of the jeans. There are also some great high street options for you to choose from though, I personally love ASOS jeans and you can find so many styles and washes in Topshop and River Island so have a good old search online and set aside a day to go shopping and find those perfect jeans.

Top Tips

Don't get disheartened if you're a 10 in one shop and a 12 in another, sizes vary over brands and even if they're from the same brand family, they will differ! A lot of jeans come in Waist & Length measurements too so it's trial and error to find the perfect ones. It's hard graft, but worth it in the end.

Once you find your perfect measurements, make sure you keep a note of them  and keep them on you whenever you're shopping.
Straight girls can go for a thicker denim fabric, but the more curvy girls should go for a denim with a bit of stretch to really compliment those curves.

If you're still stuck and think you might need some extra help? Book an hour or two with one of our personal stylists and we'll help you find those jeans that you feel amazing in.

Trend Alert AW13: Berry

Having last time revealed that orange is set to be a key colour this autumn/winter. The attention now turns to the fruity range of berry hues that are beginning to work their way onto the high street. Having begun to creep into the style spotlight last winter, this rich, versatile colour is set to arrive with a bang as shops and designers drop their AW13 ranges. Worn with light grey, black, pale green or crisp white, this festive colour choice will be sure to see you through the entire season. Here are a few of my personal favourites already available. 

Whether its a bold block or vibrant print, contact one of our stylists for help in finding your key colours this season. 

Until next time,

Matt x

Topshop's Winter Coats

As the Winter months draw closer the need for a warm coat will become more apparent. Whilst browsing the Topshop online store I came across an array of exquisite jackets and coats that will see you through the season in style. A variety of shapes, colours and textures allow for Topshop to be a leading destination for selecting the perfect coat.

Take a look at my favourite picks from their coat department.

Blue/White Popper Front Boyfriend Coat: £58

Grey Furry Check Biker Coat: £85

Fuchsia Slouchy Mohair Boyfriend Coat: £89

Trend Alert AW13: Orange

With September upon us and there being a distinct chill in the air, it is safe to say that autumn has most certainly arrived. Whilst this may mean more layers, there is no reason for you to dull down your use of colour. In fact autumn brings with it a stunning range of seasonal tones that can be mixed to create vibrant and interesting looks. One such colour that has seen a huge boost in use for AW13 is orange. Varying tones of this warm hue can be identified all over the high street on varying items. With some more bold than others, the choice is completely yours as to how far you want to go. Here are a few key pieces for your consideration. 

For help in building your A/W wardrobe why not contact one of our stylists? For a one to one service that is designed around your individual needs. 

Until next time. 

Matt x

Spot The Difference

As you may have guessed I love looking to celebrity red carpet style for inspiration and just to have a good old nosy!! When browsing through the women's frocks at the GQ Awards I noticed an obvious similarity between the silhouette and colour choices.

The colours are very similar opting for a white and sliver palette enhanced by the minimalistic shapes and avoidance of print. What do you think? Trend setters or a tad boring?

Autumn Fashion Fix at The Oracle

Recently we told you about an exciting event that we are holding at Readings leading shopping centre: The Oracle. The first of a few Autumn/Winter events we are holding this season, the 'Fashion Fix' is a Personal Shopping experience for anyone

Today, alongside Heart FM we will be hosting a Personal Shopping area within the centre of The Oracle inspiring shoppers with the latest trends, style tips and giving no-end of fashion advice 

Our fashion stylists will be on hand to inspire and give friendly professional advice on dressing for your shape, managing your wardrobe, discussing colours and trends

All of the time you spend with us today is completely FREE! And if you want more, you have the chance to win a £500 gift card, get yourself a free manicure and listen to the experts on beauty with Beauty blogger: Nicola Bonn

Come along between 11-8pm today for your fashion fix of the season

Find us in the centre of 'The Oracle' next to Oasis on the lower floor and take advantage of free fashion and beauty advice all day!

The Friday Girl's Picks: Back to School, the Pinafore Dress

Happy Friday Everyone!

Very happy Friday if your kids have just gone back to school! I know my Mummy is loving life right now. September to me means the beginning of Autumn and a huge trend at the moment is the 'Back to School' trend with loads of cute little shirts, coats and loafers gracing our highstreet. Personally, I'm obsessed with the Pinafore dress trend, a little bit 90s, a little bit back to school, it's right up my street and I'm loving it. 

Primark - £12

I've recently bought this denim pinafore that I'm featuring and I really love it. I'm going to style it with a stripy top underneath and some Converse!

ASOS - £38

I love the lighter denim of this ASOS dungaree dress pinafore mixed with the cord patch it's super cute and will take you from the warmer September to the freezing January just by adding tights and a snuggly jumper!

ASOS - £120.00

 

If you want to really invest in your pinafore, this real leather one is amazing from ASOS, styled up with a pretty cream blouse and some little boots this would look great.

Glamorous - £24

I also love the Tartan trend and this playsuit from Glamorous really ties the two together.

Are you loving the Pinafore trend? How would you style yours?

Allie x


Don't forget to come and like us over on Facebook for your chance to win some customised  Converse!

Help.......Ryan Gosling is lost!!!

Now no jealousy ladies......................who is going to help her find her boyfriend - Ryan Gosling!!

I saw this image and it made me giggle and of course I wouldn't mind meeting the man of the moment!!