New Years Eve Outfit Solutions

So the big night of the year is drawing closer and plans have been made. Some people feel a lot of pressure to wear the most extravagant outfit that ever existed!!!! Countless times I have hit the shops to find the 'perfect New Years Eve' outfit, spending money on an outfit that I have only worn once! My advice is to look back at previous 'must have' outfits and experiment with these to create a new showstopper! Don't get me wrong if you have already seen/purchased an incredible outfit then certainly wear it tonight but my message is don't buy for the sake of it.

My choice is my deep red velvet dress with sparkles as I mentioned in my Christmas Day Outfit Solutions post. As I browse the shops I see a few versions of my dress I bought 3 years ago, which I was tempted to buy before realising my dress was at home waiting to celebrate the New Year once again!! I decided I would prefer to buy a new and exciting item to add to my wardrobe that enhanced my look and was needed.

My advice is to make use of your the items in your wardrobe that you already own. It is easy to fall into the habit of buying for the sake of it rather than spending wisely and realising that during the festive season similar trends appear. Maybe this year you will add a new top to a gorgeous skirt, a statement blazer to your lace dress or a new hairstyle to make you feel special.


Happy New Year from all at The Image Consulting Company!!! I look forward to 2014 with more style advice to share : )

How To Survive The Sales

Christmas Day is over (sad face) and many high street stores are heaving with bargain hunters hoping for the perfect item in the sales. My Facebook feed was filled with those who braved the Next sale on Boxing Day at 5am. Even though I love a bargain I refuse to shop on Boxing Day as I think this festive day should be reserved for family time, movies and food : ). Anyway, rant over and on with the task in hand.

• Brace the shops early to avoid elbowing your way through the crowds. The sale department will also be tidy and organised from the close the night before.
• Pick out pieces that you are drawn to and reassess later.
• Don't purchase items because of the cheap price, ask yourself do I actually need this and will I wear this regularly?
• Take a break to relax and compose yourself, especially if the stores are busy. It is easy to become irritated when there are a lot of people around.
• Don't wear too many layers! Stores and shopping centres are usually hot so you will end up carrying coats and cardigans, which make the process more difficult. 
• Either take a friend with you for support or go alone to make the task more focused. You could always meet up for a coffee to show off your purchases.
• Remember quality over quantity!! 

• Also, remember that this is a fun trip and there is no pressure to purchase anything - just enjoy it!
• Head out with a budget in mind and try not to exceed this amount with items you don't need.
• Good Luck!!!!!

If you need a helping hand to brave the sales why not book one of our personal stylists to help you find great bargains!!! I am off to the new Primark in my hometown today - wish me luck. 

Vivienne Westwoods quote is very relevant to sale shopping!! Choose those best pieces rather than purchasing a lot of 'ok' items!!

The Friday Girl's Style: New Year's Eve

If you say New Year's Eve to me, normally what pops into my head is a little sparkly dress, this has, in my opinion, become a bit of a cliche! So I thought this year I'd try and wear something a little bit different and make a statement with something else, like this fabulous French Connection coat. I went for a sixties theme with a comfy but chic roll neck from Miss Selfridge and some gorgeous Nasty Gal cigarette pants. Paired with this cute bag from Boohoo and some leopard print Kurt Geiger courts, you're good to go with a slick of liquid eyeliner and a bit of backcombing in that beehive. Marc Jacobs jewels to top that look off perfectly, aren't those daisies just the prettiest earrings you've seen all year?

Happy New Year ladies. xxx

Image Source

How To Accessorise: Part 3

Another useful accessory that can add interest to your outfits is jewellery. I have recently invested in a few key statement necklaces to transform my look. This is particularly relevant to my last post on Christmas Day Outfit Solutions!!! as those velvet dresses or lace tops can immediately appear different with a piece of stunning jewellery.

Jewellery is an inexpensive way to create a new look. High street stores are full of various types of necklaces, bracelets and earrings to add the right amount of BLING to your outfit this Christmas. Now, I know it's Christmas Eve and you are probably all shopped out but if a necklace is the secret to transforming your Christmas outfit then hit the shops. If you are focused on the task in hand then you will be back watching Christmas films before you know it!!!! Alternatively, there may be one stashed in your jewellery box from a few seasons ago that will do the trick.

Let me know what Christmas outfits you will be wearing this year. I have opted for a sequin skirt with a more casual tee............... and you've guessed it, a statement necklace!!!

Have a fantastic Christmas from us all at The Image Consulting Company.

Christmas Day Outfit Solutions!!

Christmas Day is approaching (quickly)! Presents are bought and wrapped, the Christmas tree is beautifully decorated and the turkey and trimmings are waiting to be cooked. Phew!!! Everything is sorted!!!!!! Then panic hits...........................What am I going to wear????

Now calm down, take a deep breath and head to your wardrobe. I have discovered that over the years similar trends appear during the festive season. Velvet, sequins, lace and glitter hit the high street distracting those dedicated present buying shoppers who are tempted to try on some slinky numbers to avoid buying those difficult gifts you leave until the last minute.

This year I have vowed to search through my wardrobe at the items I have bought in previous years. Proving my theory right I have a gorgeous velvet dress with glitter spots, a stunning black dress and a cute sequin skirt that have all been worn on only a few occasions. I have decided to wear one of these again this year. I plan to spend the afternoon re-inventing my outfit to give it a new look!!!

What dresses and skirts do you have in your wardrobe desperately trying to shine for Christmas Day???    Take a look through and remember don't panic!!!

The Friday Girl's Tips: Festive Party Survival Essentials

 

It's party season and from personal experience, girl to girl, I know that sometimes disasters can happen and that I need to have outfit and beauty emergency tools on hand to keep me looking and feeling fabulous. I'm sure a lot of you are the same and you can only feel your absolute best if everything goes to plan. Sometimes, things don't go to plan, and you need my little survival kit at home whilst you're getting ready and a few bits in your clutch bag to keep you looking 100% party ready.

First of all, you need perfect underwear for your shape and your outfit. If you haven't had a bra fitting, next time you're shopping take ten minutes for yourself and visit a department store or underwear boutique and have a fitting. You'll see an instant difference if you're wearing the wrong size bra, and trust me, around 80% of women the world over are wearing the wrong sized bra. Try some shapewear if you're wearing a slinky body-con dress to really show off your shape. Check out Topshop Shapewear to see the one I've featured. 

Secondly, a secret weapon of mine is the trusty body tape! You can pick this up in a lot of different stores and online and it's a god-send to keep everything where it should be. Personally, I find that I don't fill some playsuits or dresses enough for them not to gape open so I just grab a little bit of tape and voila, no unwanted peekaboos.

Blister plasters are a must to keep in your handbag, and I find that Compeed are the best by far, they really work on those poor heel-clad dancing feet! Also, if you're an over-sized clutch lover like myself you can grab a mini dry shampoo and deodorant to pop in there to keep you feeling fresh. 

How to Accessorise: Part Two

As discussed in last weeks instalment of How To Accessorise, I have invested in three different accessories that have enhanced my wardrobe.

This weeks accessory discovery is socks!!!

I found that various ankle socks are very practical for the Winter season and also stylish. I have invested in various colours and styles to add an extra touch to my look. Socks are versatile as they can be worn in the day through to the evening. I also team the accessory with skirts, trousers, jeans, shorts and dresses (over tights) and with boots, shoes and trainers. I wear them so much I have asked for a range of styles for Christmas - with glitter ones at the top of my list.

Top Tip: My advice would be to make sure that the ankle sock is long enough to fit over the top of the boot. Ideally, you should be able to have enough length to create a worn look by scrunching the sock. I have made the mistake of choosing a style that wasn't the right length leaving me irritated and uncomfortable all day. Remember the whole purpose of the sock is to be visible to create a stylish look.

Stores: Topshop, Urban Outfitters and H&M are a great location for socks; to name a few. Remember, that socks are ageless and can be found in most stores.

What colour socks do you love to show?? I dare you to wear a pair os socks this festive season - there are so many styles available, you will be spoilt for choice!!

Scarves for the Adventurous!!!

As you are well aware of the Different Ways To Wear A Scarf, I have found a new technique to add to the list that I was not aware of (even us stylists are constantly learning new fashion tips). Now, this scarf is for the adventurous, the brave and the mighty!!!  So this weeks challenge is to try it out, I would love to hear how you get on! I am just about to give it a go myself!!

 

The Friday Girl's Gift Guide: One for The Boys.

So last week was all about the girly presents and this week I thought I'd do a little gift guide for the boys. I always find them so hard to buy for! It can't just be me? There's a price range here, I know, the watch is the only ridiculous thing on there but it's so nice I couldn't resist. There are some great high street alternatives though in case you don't fancy splashing out quite that much! I've done a mini watch gift guide too.

1. Pantone Serving Trays
2. Zara Checked Scarf
3. GANT Fairisle Knitted Jumper
4. Fishs Eddy Mug
5. Frederique Constant at John Lewis
6. Nike Roshe Run Sneakers

7. Armani Code Ultimate

Here are a few alternatives to the a month's worth of rent John Lewis watch, all can be found from the ASOS website. 

Sekonda - £30 
Hugo Boss - £150
Tvoset - £300
ASOS - £22

Only 12 days to go!

How To Accessorise: Part One

This weeks topic: How to accessorise an outfit

Do you find that your outfit feels incomplete and a little boring? Find out how I managed to transform my outfit through statement accessories in three instalments.

Fashion Dilemma: I realised that my outfits were starting to become a little dull and uninspiring, which led to me to thinking about ways I could add creativity within existing outfits.

Aim: My aim was to find inexpensive solutions to re-invent my look!! Accessories were the obvious answer but I wanted to remain true to my style so began searching for items that were relevant.

Solution: In my search I found three particular types of accessories that worked well with my style and cleverly created an illusion that I was wearing a whole new outfit. Firstly, I chose a bowler hat, which would easily fit in with my existing look. I love how my bowler hat immediately turns a simple top and jeans into a stylish, sleek outfit; a comfortable look that has attitude and edge. Look out for the next two accessories that have added an extra touch to my style.

Top Tip: Experiment with different styles of hats that work for you and fit perfectly. It takes confidence to wear hats as I was worried everyone would be looking at me and it may be annoyingly uncomfortable. Luckily, my hat fits really well and I forget that I am wearing it giving me confidence - only once the wind caught my precious hat leaving me running gracefully (I'm sure) trying to recover it.

What type of hat do you wear? A beanie, trilby or, like me, a bowler hat? I would love to know your secret hat tips. Alternatively, if you have a fashion dilemma please comment below or get in touch.

Wardrobe Top Tips: Week 6

How did the shopping trip go? Did you purchase items from your list???

Once safely back in the comfort of your own home it is time to experiment with new outfits and to discover if the items work in the way that you had hoped. Do those cute ankle boots look great with your dresses, skirts and jeans as you had imagined? Does the navy blazer become a staple that can be worn with almost every outfit?

After you have tried all the outfits on make sure you hang each item away in the correct place (remember by product as I explain Here). This applies to every time you wear a piece from your wardrobe, you should hang it away properly to avoid making your closet look messy. 

Personally, unless the new piece is for a special occasion, the item should be worn within a 2 week period (if not less). If not the item should be returned as unfortunately it is not the perfect piece. 

The Friday Girl's Gift Guide:Pressies for Girls!

So, I thought, a lot of our clients are mums and grandmas or you might be similar to my age and looking for some gift inspiration for friends and sisters, daughters, granddaughters, nieces, girlfriends of sons, etc! I'm in my early twenties so thought I'd just share a few ideas across the price range of things I think the fashion and beauty loving girls would love to appear under the Christmas tree in 19 days! (19 DAYS?!) 

1. Kurt Geiger Bond Heels £250.00
2. Melissa Obadash Gold Hoops - John Lewis £35.00
3. Essie Stroke of Brilliance Nail Polish - £12.00
4. Marc Jacobs iPhone Case - Libertys - £40.00
5. Marc Jacobs Make-Up Bag - £35.00
6. Benefit Most Easiest Nudes Ever Eyeshadow Kit - £19.98
7. Topshop Sequin Swing Top - £35.00
8. Michael Kors Watch - £135

Image Source

How To Not Get Stuck in A Rut

This weeks topic: How to not get stuck in a rut!!

How many of you are guilty of reaching for similar items whilst out shopping? I certainly was!! Find out how I changed my shopping habits below.

Fashion Dilemma: I found myself purchasing similar items, which eventually became uninspiring. I felt as though I was buying different versions of floral dresses and although I love a pretty frock it was  time to expand my range.

Aim: My goal was to purchase items that would add a new, exciting element to my wardrobe steering away from similar items. I was discovering that whilst wearing my new purchase (a floral dress), I felt as though I had owned the piece for ages - not a great feeling!!

Solution: I set myself a task to locate items that were slightly out of my comfort zone and totally new. I didn't want to change my look completely as I love my individual style but I wanted to branch out a little. My first purchase was a long sleeved bodycon dress from Warehouse. I usually avoid tight fitting items, as I like the oversized look, but I was ready to try a new fit. As a result, I love wearing my new dress and every time I step out in the new addition I feel adventurous and gain confidence.

Top Tip: When choosing a bodycon style, opt for a well manufactured dress that is produced from a high quality fabric. This allows the dress to fit perfectly without becoming too tight and overstretched. The sole reason for usually avoiding this silhouette is because the cheaper fabrics ride up becoming uncomfortable. My dress is great value at £38!! Mission completed!!

Do you feel like you need to explore new avenues? Try something new? If so, get in touch!!! Remember if you have any styles questions please let me know, I would love to solve your latest fashion dilemma!!