Work the Heat in Style

How are you coping?

Now, we are not one to complain about the heat but July has been unbearably hot especially when working in an office with NO air conditioning. We've all been there and endured a stressful day that leaves you running for fresh air come 5 o'clock. To help we have compiled a list of useful items to wear to see you through the heat wave in style.

• Flowing Skirts - avoid sticking to the chair and allows for air to circulate around your legs.
• Loose Fit Dresses - unstructured dresses do not cling to your figure allowing for your skin to breathe. 
• Cotton Tops - simple cotton tops are more breathable than polyester blouses
• Sandals - wear a simple shoe that is not too tight and lets your feet escape rather than a closed shoe or boot. 
• Culottes - are a great alternative to trousers and are loose fit around the legs
• A Fan - to cool yourself in a chic way!

M&S SS14 Leading Ladies Campaign

Let us introduce Annie Lennox, Emma Thompson, Rita Ora, Baroness Lawrence, Roma Agrawal, Lulu Kennedy, Rachel Khoo and Alek Wek as M&S' SS14 Leadin Ladies (a tremendous round of applause and read on).

If you couldn't tell we are loving M&S' new Spring/Summer Advertising Campaign where a selection of influential leading ladies (mentioned above) have been called upon to represent their collection and females of 2014!! The retailer have purposely picked a diverse range of women who possess different professions, body shapes, and skin tone (right up our street).

The refereshing campaign demonstrates how M&S can cater for various ages, figures, personalities and job roles. Each leading lady represents a different market of which women can easily identify with. The campaign also explores various trends for SS14 and illustrates that all types of women can wear the trend of the season with ease and comfort.

Which lady can you relate to? Are you finding it difficult to dress your body shape? Book a personal shop today and let one of our stylists allow you to become a leading lady in your own story!

How To Wear A Blazer

As the clocks jump forward and we officially leap into Spring, it is important to consider the type of outerwear you will be sporting this season. Now, we are assuming that you have all remembered to loose the hour on Sunday and are blissfully enjoying the lighter evenings - if not turn your clock forward NOW!!! Moving swiftly on let's discuss the all important blazer.

A blazer is a smart option that can replace your trusty coat this Spring through until Summer and even the early signs of Autumn - a big deal (we know).  It is important to choose the correct style that can be worn with a variety of outfits. The transitional jacket is effortlessly formal giving a smart edge, which can be worn with comfort and ease. Add to a dress, jeans, skirt or trousers for any occasion as the high street offers various colours, prints and cuts that suit different body shapes and styles.

Have you got your blazer sorted? If not, browse below at the options available - still unsure book a Personal Stylist today to guide you through the decision.

Candy Colours for SS14

Indulge in the sweet taste of candy this Spring as Pastels are making a return with lilac and aqua at the forefront. The soothing essence of the diluted purple spectrum and the varying tones of the turquoise family create a flirty, fun Spring vibe. Entwine the two shades into a floral print for a softer, easy to wear interpretation or add a stunning aqua colour to your nails.

Warmer skin tones can wear soft pastels avoiding direct contact (especially lilac) whereas cooler skin tones should opt for icy pastels to suit their complexion. Experiment with a selection of scarves to easily visualise if the colour suits your skin tone - an inexpensive way to freshen up your wardrobe instantly!!

Are you a huge fan of scrumptious pastel tones? Will you be indulging in the delightful (tasty) trend? We certainly LOVE candy here at The image Consulting Company, so we are in!!!  Take a look below to see how you can easily incorporate the taste of Spring into your wardrobe - excuse the pun! 

How to Dress the Hourglass Body Shape

Our next body shape to tackle is the hourglass. If you missed out on our previous post on How to Dress the Rectangular Figure, click here or if you are unsure of what body shape category you fall under check below. 

The Hourglass Shape Definition

• The bust and hips usually measure the same.
• A defined waist.
• The above points create a desirable curvacious silhouette.

Dressing the hourglass shape appropriately is based around showcasing your smallest part - your narrow waist. Opt for structured, fitted pieces that create smooth lines and fit effortlessly. Be careful to avoid extra bulk and box shapes as this will add unwanted volume. Celebrate your curves and try dresses that have a built in waist through elastic or tailoring. Belted jackets/coats and blazers that finish just before your hips accentuate your curves. Choose simple v-neck tops or blouses as these enhance your bust and draw attention to your waist. Wearing the correct bra will provide the support and lift needed to ensure a balanced look. 

Full and fitted skirts work well for the hourglass figure as both highlight your waist. A-line and circular styles nip in at the waist and pencil skirts hug your curves naturally. Opt for trousers with a slight flare to balance your proportions as slimmer styles can make you look top heavy on some occasions. Wear high-waisted trousers to again draw attention to your waist. Avoid too much detail at the hip such as pockets or embellishments (this also applies to the bust area).

Here at The image Consulting Company each figure is unique. Try out these simple guidelines to see what works best for you. If you would like more information please get in touch or pop along to see us at Bristol Fashion Week at The Mall Cribbs Causeway. 

A selection of styles for the hourglass body shape. 

How to Dress the Rectangle Body Shape

With new trends and colours to contend with, we felt it was time to provide a refresh on how to dress for each body shape before hitting the shops. Use this guide whilst shopping to select the correct items for your particular silhouette. The rectangle is the first body shape on our agenda.

The Rectangle Body Shape Definition

• Lack of curves within your silhouette.
• Carry a neat bust size.
• No defined waist.
• A flat derriere tendence. 
• Hip size correlates to the shoulder width.

Rectangular body shapes should aim to create a more curvacious figure by adding volume and drawing attention to your waist. Opt for tailored trousers that fit your waist perfectly and use techniques to create more volume such as pleating.  Either choose an a-line skirt to cleverly add volume or wear a fitted pencil skirt to accentuate the curves that already exist.

Fitted coats with a built in (or added) waistband or tailored jackets/blazers that finish at the waist are ideal. Tops with detail around the bust will enhance your chest or slight pleats at the shoulder illude to a stronger frame. Some rectangular shapes can wear loose fitting tops if worn with a pair of skinny jeans, slim fit trousers or leggings to create balance. 

Do you class yourself as a rectangle? If so, what are your fashion dilemmas? 

Leave a comment below or pop to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway where our stylists will be offering free personal style advice tailored to you at Bristol Fashion Week. 

Keira Knightley is a perfect example of the rectangular body shape. Take inspiration from how she dresses her silhouette to create more curves through clever style techniques. 

Below are some examples of the styles rectangular body shapes should look out for. 

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