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31 January 2014

The Friday Girl: How to Wear Leather in Your 30s


Second in the How to Wear Leather Series is the 30s!Ok, so these aren't strictly real leather but you can find some absolutely gorgeous real leather trousers on the market out there. These are a fab alternative that can also be layered over normal leggings for a thicker appearance, I normally do this with my leggings to avoid the see-throughness if they aren't thick enough! Paired with a classic chic striped top and denim jacket this is a great relaxed weekend outfit. 


Top: New Look
Denim Jacket: Topshop
Handbag: Topshop
Boots: Topshop
Leather-Look Leggings: Dorothy Perkins
Watch: Michael Kors

28 January 2014

How To Wear Sheer Fabrics

Beyonce is recognised for her gorgeous, curvaceous figure and knowing how to accentuate her curves perfectly. The Grammy Awards was certainly no exception!!! Her exquisite lace dress highlights her beautiful body shape and the larger gaps in the delicate pattern draw attention to her slender arms and thighs.

Now, many women would find a dress with transparent cut out pieces too risqué and daring. However, you will be pleased to discover that this technique is particularly slimming and flattering. Beyonce's dress was probably less revealing than first appears with skin coloured fabric placed in the appropriate areas. The high street offers dresses, tops and blouses with sheer sleeves or inserts in various sections depending on the design.

The sheer fabric covers areas and highlights them simultaneously. Clever I know!! The thin nature of the fabric flatters creating smooth lines and boosting confidence by hiding areas that you may feel conscious of. The transparent material is lightweight and adds reassurance that your arms, chest or back are not on show. Let's not forget the sexy allure that these type of garments ooze too!!!

Why not try a frock or blouse with sheer inserts next time you are out shopping? Let me know how you feel? If you would like some help picking out the perfect item, one of our stylists would love to come along!!!






25 January 2014

How To Wear Ankle Boots

It's confirmed!!! Ankle boots are my favourite kind of footwear - black ones in particular. I believe that they are the most versatile piece of footwear I own and since buying my Chelsea Boots I have worn them most days.

Ankle boots can be teamed with cute dresses and skirts, leggings and various jean silhouettes alike. The classic shape can be worn for a variety of occasions during the day and evening. Living in a city, the footwear style is a great way of combating style and comfort as I walk to most places. The boot adds an edgier touch whilst meeting friends, going to gigs or simply walking to work. After choosing my outfit I simply select either my flat boots (on most occasions) or my boots with a small platform heel, which dress up the outfit slightly and still create a stylish look.

So.........to conclude, in my opinion, ankle boots are the most versatile piece of footwear on the high street. Take a look at the range I have selected that are available at the moment. There are so many different styles to choose from you will be guaranteed to find a pair that suits your style. Do you have a favourite piece of footwear that you cannot resist??



1. Ark Double Zip Ankle Boots from Topshop: £78
2. Metal Trim Strap Block Heel Boots from New Look: £27.99
3. Double Buckle Ankle Boots from New Look: £27.99
4. Schuh Taboo Boots: £80
5. MONTH Chelsea Boots from Topshop: £45
6. Deena & Ozzy Parker Buckle Chelsea Boots from Urban Outfitters: £75

24 January 2014

The Friday Girl: How To Wear Leather In Your 40s.


Leather has been huge for the past few seasons and it doesn't seem to be going away. If you don't think you can pull it off because of your shape or age, think again and see if you fancy trying any of these outfits. Leather doesn't have to mean racy Victoria Beckham videos or too tight trousers, it can mean chic and classic.
The Leather Skater Skirt:
This is fab for pear shapes with hang-ups about their legs and bum as this skater skirt will skim over the problem areas. Is also a really good length for late 30s-40s who may feel that they can no longer where the mini length but don't want to cover up completely! This is a great date night outfit or adding a blazer and a bigger handbag could be a swish office look.


21 January 2014

DIY Hairstyle Tips

Recently, I have discovered that paying more attention to my hairstyle has completed my look effortlessly. I fell into a habit of either wearing my hair down or in a top knot, which became dull and lifeless. I will admit that I was either spending extra time in bed or was to lazy to bother with a new style.

However, I have begun trialling out new hairstyles, which can be done quickly and without much effort. Perfect! I hear you cry - well let me tell you more.

Plaits/braids are my firm favourite new look as the technique is easy to pick up and can be worn in so many different ways. I either take a section to plait across my head or pull all my hair over to one side and braid accordingly. The beauty of these styles is that the messier the plait the better, which covers up mistakes easier and can be adapted to various hair lengths. Phew - no need to enter in that hair braiding course!!

Another easy trick is to pin a section of your hair on either side. I like to back comb slightly underneath the sections to provide lift. This hairstyle is extremely versatile as you can go all out with a beehive or keep it subtle with a tiny amount of lift. Sometimes - usually for nights out - I pull over most of my hair across to one side and pin in place for an edgier look. 

Buns are great for days where you need your hair to be out of the way. I prefer to wear mine on the top of my head but the bun can be positioned in different areas depending on the style you are trying to achieve. A top tip is to not use a hair bobble and simply twist and pin. Similarly, to the plait hairstyle this can be worn messy so no expert skills required!! 

I challenge you all - yes that means you - to try out a new hairstyle this week or weekend. I guarantee it will transform your look!! I have one demand - please let me know how you get on : )


18 January 2014

Style Tips From The Golden Globes

As the actresses pose on the red carpet at the Golden Globes in an array of glamorous dresses, I realised that there are a few style tips we can all learn from their mistakes and triumphs!! If you have a wedding or similar formal occasion to attend this is the perfect opportunity to witness what works for your body shape.


Jennifer Lawrence: I love the simplicity of her dress with the monochrome feel. The first band accentuates her small waist however, the second band falls in an awkward place creating an unbalance to her body shape. Jennifer's cropped hair and natural makeup is stunning!!


Amy Adams: The plunging neckline enhances her ample breast size and the change in colour lengthens her legs and highlights her tiny waist. Larger chests should avoid this style as the neckline doesn't provide the support needed.


Lena Dunham: The striking colour stands out from the wash of reds, whites and greens however, I am unsure of the shape of the dress for her figure. The tightness of her frock creates unwanted lines around the stomach area and the oversized fishtail is quite bulky. 


Kerry Washington: Her gorgeous Balenciaga frock skims over her baby bump beautifully and fits her perfectly from the length to chest area. She looks radiant and is a great example for mum's to be.


Emma Watson : Her unusual dress/trouser combination is unique and fabulous!!! The front view is simple and highlights her petite frame. The open back and cropped trousers add a much needed edge to avoid an innocent look that she tries to avoid. This is a great alternative for those who feel more comfortable wearing trousers.




Lupita Nyong: The striking colour and shape falls beautifully on her small frame. The unique neckline highlights her petite shoulders and the excess of fabric emphasises her curvy yet slim figure. A great choice Lupita!!

How were your favourite dresses from the Golden Globes? Award ceremonies are a great source of inspiration and a visual example of what works and what doesn't!












17 January 2014

The Friday Girl's Picks: Spring Handbags for Now!

So, the gloomy month of January is well and truly here, but fear not, we're over half way through and spring is a-coming. All the shops are starting to bring out some spring/summer bits and it's becoming a lot brighter! Pastels and brights are back in force and it does put a smile on my face! Now I'm not saying go and buy all the clothes that we can't wear for another 3 months because we all know that it won't be warm enough. I've picked out a few handbags & clutch bags that can easily fit into your early spring wardrobe to bring a bit of brightness, all for under £60! 


I hope this helps to perk up your January!

14 January 2014

My Personal Style Resolution

My New Years Resolution for 2014 is to "practice what I preach"

After a hectic few months and Christmas to contend with my wardrobe was getting out of control - I assure you this is not an exaggeration!!!!

I decided to tackle this head on using the exact same guidelines of my Wardrobe Top Tips: Week One post. When I moved into my flat over a year ago I was very fortunate to inherit two sets of built in wardrobes, which opened up lots of room for storage (and hiding space).

The worst area was the shelf section, which consists of 5 shelves and was starting to resemble a jumble sale (again no exaggeration). This part of the second wardrobe stores my knits, trousers and shoes so I began sorting out my jeans and sweaters into YES, NO and MAYBE piles. The YES pile is now folded neatly back onto the shelves in product and colour and my NO and MAYBE piles are in a large bag waiting to be tried on to make sure they no longer suit my body shape (low rise jeans and trousers are on their way out due to My Personal Fashion Dilemmas Answered post).

I felt proud of my achievement and I was able to access my leggings easily this morning. I hope this inspires you to start your own wardrobe makeover as we are all guilty for letting are organisation slip once in a while aren't we?? Our stylists here are happy to help with the task : )

Join me on my journey of transforming my wardrobe to start the New Year with an organised and neat closet!!
Resembles my shelf storage!!

11 January 2014

Where To Find Style Inspiration

Most women religiously look to fashion magazines and websites desperate to find inspiration on how to style the latest trend. However, many of these images are pinned and re-touched to create the perfect scenario. I have started to look to the general public for ideas!!!

I hear a few gasps as I type but ladies hear me out first.

The joy of finding style tips from a woman taking her kids to school or in a rush for an appointment at work is real!! You can immediately see how the garment falls and works in action rather than  motionless on the magazine page.

On my walk to work I always notice and appreciate natural styling that happened at 7 o'clock that morning (round of applause please). I also take tips from colleagues at work or friends I meet who might not realise how effortless and fantastic they look. The compliment is welcomed and you can sneakily ask where that gorgeous dress is from.

I suppose my tip this week is to appreciate the style around you that is present everyday and most of us are too busy to miss!! Don't get me wrong fashion magazines are glamorous and luxurious, which is a world that is exciting to enter but don't forget what is right in front of you.

Is this something that you already do? If not I set you a challenge - on your way to work on Monday or out shopping today find inspiration and give someone a compliment.





10 January 2014

The Friday Girl's Style Spots: London Collections Men

So London Collections Men has been on this week and I've had my eye out on all the blogs and magazines for some stylish attendees to share with you all on this lovely Friday! I love a dapper Gentleman and these boys certainly show us how it's done in the style stakes.

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Model David Gandy, Nick Grimshaw, the winner of GQ's Best Dressed Men this month and Dermot O'Leary who I always associate with a well fitting suit anyway, thanks to X Factor! I especially like Nick's Chelsea boots and spotty shirt. 


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I am all over this look, a bit different from the other men that I've featured. A bit more fashion forward than English gent, but amazingly stylish all the same. Stylist John Jarrett hits the nail on the head with his Topman trousers and his Oliver Sweeney boots. 


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Troy Alexander, style blogger extraordinaire looks great in his simple, well cut blazer but with a gorgeous pop of bright colour to brighten these dreary London days. A sharp white shirt is always a winner in my books too. 


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Rapper Wretch 32 and Model Jack Guiness are looking super suave here, I am especially digging Wretch's pinky-red blazer and white trousers combination. Only Wretch could pull that off though, am I right? Jack looks ever the British Gentleman here in his single-breasted suit and navy tie topped off with a lovely little pocket square. These boys are as stylish as you like!


What do you think of these stylish boys? Wish your boyfriend/husband dressed more like these dapper gentlemen?

07 January 2014

How To Wear Leggings


My fashion revelation this week is my love of the legging craze, which to my surprise has endured many seasons, trends and years. To be honest I despised the return of leggings all those years ago but I have recently turned a corner and become a huge fan of the tight fitting garment that dresses the nation.

I disliked the garment because of one major factor - women were wearing leggings as a trouser -  a definite faux pas, a style scandal and no one seemed to care that they were see through!!!! It was a fashion outrage (a slight exaggeration but you see my point)!!!

Over the years I have seen variations of thicker leggings, tube pants and disco pants enter the fashion world and I am extremely thankful!! Leggings look great if they are good quality and worn in the right way.

Here are a few tips that demonstrate my legging journey and changed my opinion dramatically.


  • I will REPEAT buy good quality leggings that will last and are NOT see through. Even if your top is long enough a simple gust of wind or bending over to tie your shoe lace will leave you red faced.
  • Team with loose fitted, longer tops for a sophisticated look skimming over your derriere. 
  • If you feel that these tops do not suit your body shape, simply layer with a cropped jacket to accentuate your waist.
  • Make sure that the leggings fit well to highlight and draw attention to your legs.
  • Leggings are extremely comfortable and are available in high waisted styles to create a smooth line across the stomach area. 
  • All ages can wear leggings as they can be teamed with dresses, tunics, long tops, skirts etc depending on your style, age and look.
  • They are a great way of adding interest to your outfit as they are designed in varying prints, fabrics, patterns and colours. 
  • Tube pants and disco pants can be worn with shorter tops as they are much thicker taking on a trouser persona. These styles are a great alternative to leggings and much more flattering as a trouser. 
Do you have any other legging tips to share? My fashion prediction is that leggings are here to stay!! They have become a basic item building the foundation of many wardrobes. I think (if you haven't already) it is time to embrace the legging phenomenon. If you would like any more advice please get in touch. We are happy to help!!




04 January 2014

Your Style Dilemmas Answered!!

First of all Happy New Year!! I hope you all had a fantastic time celebrating in your killer (re-styled) outfits!!

At the start of a new year everyone starts evaluating their life including their style (don't worry it is not just you). I thought it would be great timing to ask - "what style dilemma would you like to be answered?" This can be anything from how to dress a particular body shape, where to buy the perfect pair of jeans or how to introduce colour into your wardrobe.

I know that everyone will have a question that they would love to be answered, which will also help a lot of other women/men facing the same issues!

Either comment below or email me on ab@theimageconsultingcompany.co.uk. Each question will be confidential and I will simply answer your query. The perfect way to get FREE fashion advice to start your 2014 off in style.



03 January 2014

The Friday Girl's New Year's Resolutions

So you've survived Christmas Day, the Boxing Day sales, gone back to work and perhaps struggled through the past few days with a tiny tired and emotional *cough hangover cough*, it's time to face those New Year resolutions, if you've made them and face the music!

Why not try some style resolutions? Something a little bit different than your average, keep fit and try and eat healthier resolutions which don't last 2 minutes. I've done some personal beauty resolutions and I reckon I'm going to try some style resolutions too.

1. Wear matching underwear at least once a week
This will make you feel on top of the world. Matching underwear can make you feel loads more confident and give you an extra spring in your step!

2. Try something new at least once a week
Add a statement necklace to a plain jumper or shirt and see how many compliments you get on your accessories, the compliments will boost you up considerably and make you want to experiment more with your style, this is great if you're in a bit of a style rut and need a little boost for the new year!

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3. Outfit plan!
This will help you to wear the items in your wardrobe that you wish you wore but just get bypassed when you're rushing to get ready in the morning. If you plan your outfit the night before, or even on a Sunday for the week ahead, you'll find that you wear a lot more of your clothes that you would if you just leave the decision to the morning. I personally do this if I'm working all week or have a busy week at uni, I have a separate rail in my room, browse some magazines or Pinterest and get some style inspo.