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Style Tip - Dress ME - Style Secrets

I always get asked for my best Style Secrets...how do I do it? What tips do I have? This week I tell you my best Style Secrets and then I want you to share them with your girlfriends...

• Get a grip on glamour by choosing a bold statement piece that only reveal your best section or assets. For example, just because you reveal less, doesn't mean you can't feel stylish and glamorous...How easy is it to completely miss the mark with a dress that is too tight or reveals way to much? Rather target your most sensual bits...
• Skintight and clingy pieces will only highlight any bulges, while super stiff items will amplify your natural contour.
• The supersized shawl or scarf is your duel purpose fashion item must-have...it can act as a statement accessory and as a cover up for colder climates.
• Don't skimp when it comes to big-impact looks...buy the best quality you can afford.
• Your fashion choices reveal your awareness of your body and your style.
• Maximise embellishment and accessories and keep the rest of your look sleek and simple.
• Colourise areas you want to flaunt and minimise those you don't.
• Nothing makes quite an impression as bare limps emerging from an ultra feminine frock.
• Choose quality fabrics and finishings.
• Use drama and theatrics when getting dressed e.g. cutouts, sequins, embellishments, sheer, accessories, subtle patches of skin etc.
• Take a good look at yourself in a full length mirror - top to bottom, front to back.
• Embrace ultra modern extras like coloured bangles, mirrored sunglasses, quirky booties etc.
• Use colours, cut and luxurious fabrics to your advantage.

Once you have mastered the above, remember this:

• Learn to style your body.
• Allocate your assets.
• Identify your life style.
• Establish what you like and don't like.

Carolina Herrera is one of fashion's most sophisticated ladies, who has dressed everyone from Jackie O to Michelle Obama. She advises that every woman's must-have accessory is a full length mirror,  proportion is key, clothes that are simple and well made are one of life's little luxuries and that mystery is more seductive than leaving nothing to the imagination...

These are my Style Secrets and what I advise and follow on a daily basis...

Till next week, stay Glamorous xxx

(Inspired by the book Marie Claire: Dress Skinny: Perfecting your Style, Flattering your Body and Looking Fabulous. Images courtesy of Pinterest)

Style Tip - Dress ME - Allocate your Assets

Let's talk about assets...our assets and how to make the most of them. Baring skin is a tried and tested trick for drawing the eye - but remember to keep it classy and stay classy. Invest in a good support system and nothing so tight it creates visible muffin top or boob bulge under your blouse or shirt. Turn up the heat on your terms. Sophia Loren said "style must be adapted to the woman and not vice versa"

What stands between you and looking like a superstar are tough decisions. Choosing luxury materials and fabrics that elegantly contour or hint at your curves are the best choice. Expensive? Yes, but well worth the investment. Bare arms are super stylish and strapless is not off limits, providing you have invisible support.

Great style is about diversion tactics no matter what your size or figure, that means steering the eye to what you want to show off and away from the rest. The goal is getting your top-to-toe look in proportion. Whether its the latest trends, its up to you to tailor your outfit to your body.

There are no perfect colours to downsize your silhouette, but in general dark colours and solid-colour palettes are best to minimise areas you are not so in love with. Don't forget the power of "naked"...naked arms, legs and bare shoulders will literally "air" out your look.

Everyone know's that the street is life's real runway...here we can excel in being inventive, chic and ourselves. I like to refer to this as Runway to Realway.

Diane von Furstenburg's advises -  Animal prints are best. They are fun, feline and move with the body, accentuating all of the right curves. The best advice ever...

Till next week, stay Glamorous xxx

 (Inspired by the book Marie Claire: Dress Skinny: Perfecting your Style, Flattering your Body and Looking Fabulous. Images courtesy of Pinterest)

Style Tip - Dress ME...

This week I'm starting a new series called Dress ME...a celebration of woman, any shape and size. I will help you achieve your personal best look. We will look at insider tips and words of wisdom from world renowned fashion designers and stylist who know how to dress woman and what woman should look like wearing their clothes...

Everybody has those days when you think you have nothing to wear or you just feel and look "horrible"...what if you had a closet full of clothes that actually work and make you look good everyday? Impossible you might think? I want to help you build a wardrobe that makes you feel fabulous everyday...We all deserve to feel that confidence which allows us to get on with enjoying life and being ourselves.

Perfection is overrated...no one is perfect, not one single person. The key is to figure out what works for you, your personality and lifestyle and what highlights the best of you. If you haven't quite figured it out yet...allow me to guide you. 

Before we start this journey, I have rules...

1. Accentuate your positives.
2. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. 
3. Positive body image and self talk.
4. Make the effort to look good.
5. Feel fabulous everyday.

Great style is born out of confidence. Perfect-fit clothes should skim your body, never squeeze. Neither should you hide your body under shapeless clothes, but rather celebrate your curves. Keeping proportion in mind when dressing goes a long way towards creating a sleek and modern look...

Legend has it that the broad rimmed champagne glass was moulded on Queen Marie Antoinette's own breast - a confirmation that woman and our curves should always be celebrated! 

Remember the "new" sexy is confidence...

Till next week, stay Glamorous xxx

(Inspired by the book Marie Claire: Dress Skinny: Perfecting your Style, Flattering your Body and Looking Fabulous and images courtesy of Pinterest)

Style Tip - FAB Happy Ever After...

Welcome to the last and final chapter in the FAB series...this week I'm talking about how to not only look good, but to stay fit and healthy. Having control over your body allows you to feel relaxed and in control of all the other aspects of your life...in a way exercise is the new clubbing! 

We also have to try and calm our minds - one way to do this is to give social media a rest...at least a few hours every day. Social media can seriously interfere with our rest and sleep patterns, which in turn can affect our mood and appearance...

As we get older our hormones change...we can help ourselves adapt easier by eating a nutritious and balanced diet with everything in moderation. To look good, stay vital, independent and enjoy life to the max, as we get older exercise unfortunately becomes non-negotiable. We need to try and cut down on stress, keep up our social life, stay open minded, laugh and find a passion to enjoy life to the fullest.

Our health depends on positivity. Our own negative comments can make us feel as low as if someone else is insulting us. As older woman, we are the new power generation - we are very much engaged in life and like to look good, not just look good "for our age." 75% of woman over 40 have more fun, 76% said they were healthier than ever and 65% of woman in our age bracket said they are happier than before. How chic and fabulous is that?

I hope you have enjoyed reading my FAB series. Being Fabulous & Beyond is a life journey that starts now...even I have to work on all these aspects myself every day...just remember "old is the new black!" 

Till next week...stay glamorous xxx

(Inspired by the book Stylish Forever by Alyson Walsh and images courtesy of Pinterest)

Style Tip - FAB Wardrobe Building Blocks...

This week in the FAB series, I'm talking about wardrobe blocks...the pieces we use to build an amazing wardrobe. Staple pieces we wear almost every day and return to again and again....it's the confidence you get from finding clothes and accessories that work in your "real" life, not just on the runway and in fashion magazines. These pieces are reliable, figure-flattering essentials...it's definitely my grown-up, fuss free, everyday "uniform."

As you get older its all about streamlining and redefining your style. Over the years we have figured out what suits us and what we like - now it's time to exploit our personal style to the max.

Trends don't matter to me...what's important is wearing what I like and what makes me happy - I have said this many times over...off course I know the latest trends, follow fashion very closely and work with fashion everyday, but I won't wear something that's in fashion and doesn't suit me or doesn't make me happy...if it does...bonus! I choose confidence boosting clothes that fit and flatter me and makes me feel fabulous. On the basis of this comes effortless style...

These are my style basics,

• Shoes that I can actually walk in - it doesn't matter the style or heel height, just make sure you can walk in them...we all know its impossible to be fabulous when you feet hurt.
• A good quality denim shirt - it goes with everything and adds instant chic appeal, plus its timeless. For everyday glamour, slip on a denim shirt with a leather pencil skirt or a pair of leather pants.
• Slim fit black pants - the quality of the fabric and the perfect cut are the most important factors.
• Everyday denim jeans - denim adds attitude and energy to your wardrobe.
• A great suit jacket - worn with jeans, a great top and some gorgeous heels, instantly pulls your whole look together and looks effortlessly glamorous and elegant.
• A great pair of wedges - my go-to shoe when I want the height, comfort and glam factor...

Maturity and life experience has a strange way of giving you confidence, which is very elegant. George Elliot said "It's never to late to be what you might have been", so use your maturity and confidence to wear what you love and what makes you happy!

Parting wisdom from Lauren Hutton "Fashion is what you offered four times a year by designers, and style is what you choose"

Till next week...stay glamorous!

(Inspired by the book Stylish Forever by Alyson Walsh and images courtesy of Pinterest)

Style Tip - FAB A little bit of vanity...

As we get older our maintenance levels increase...we need to find time to look after ourselves a bit more, pay attention to ourselves and take responsibility for ourselves...this week, in our FAB series, I'm talking about our beauty routine as we age and get older. 

I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that - Lauren Bacall. 

Wise words from a beautiful woman. There are no miraculous products out there promising instant facelifts or Botox without the actual knife or needle...but a great skincare regime really does help. We need to take 5 minutes and be nice to ourselves. We need to take care of the whole package, instead of "obsessing" over the tiny details. Our skin is the single most powerful asset we have. Having regular facials with facial massage is a great way to stimulate muscles, improve the circulation and get the skin glowing. Treat your skincare routine like a ritual not a chore...

When it comes to make-up, there isn't one formula - we all have different faces, complexions and personalities...these are my quick fixes:

• Do your research and find a skincare and make-up brand to fulfil your needs
• Concealer is your greatest weapon when it comes to concealing dark circles and hiding tired eyes
• Make the focus your eyes and use an eyeliner you love and feel comfortable using
• Use a blusher to add some colour to your complexion
• Find a lipstick colour and brand you love and stick with it
• The easiest, quickest and cheapest way to stay in "fashion" is to buy a new nail polish

Coco Chanel said - beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself...there is definitely a growing community of woman who believe that looking and feeling good, doesn't involve looking younger...but we still have a long way to go. When it comes to ageing beautifully and gracefully, we must try and remember to dress who we are now, not who we were...

The invisible accessory that defines your style is perfume, it has a magical ability to pull our whole look together with the spritz of a scent...word of caution: try not to overspray. 

What I've learned now I'm in my 4th decade...

• Take a little extra time getting ready
• Less is more
• Keep moving
• It's worth paying a little more for a decent haircut
• Get your eyebrows shaped and tinted by a proffessional
• Look for the right product that suit you and your needs
• Use a decent mirror

I will leave you with these words from Kay Montano - the London make-up artist that has worked with all the biggest and best magazines, photographers and models in the world - "What would I say to my 15 year old self? My 15 year old self wouldn't have listened"

(Inspired by the book Stylish Forever by Alyson Walsh and images courtesy of Pinterest)

Style Tip - FAB Style Tribe...

Welcome to week 3 of my FAB series...this week I want to know - what is your Style Tribe? When we can buy what we want instantly, anytime, day or night though 24 hour online shopping, trends become irrelevant. Now its all about style...style is a work in progress, doing your own thing and being an individual.

Casual Glamour - This is my Style Tribe - relaxed glamour, effortlessly blending day and night the modern way...reliable everyday basics with a "showbiz" piece added for a touch of drama, a look-at-me-standout-piece. In today's fashionable world, shimmer and shine, animal print and embellishment can be worn everyday. Think diamante and denim, khaki and leopard print, sequins and stripes. Adding a little sparkle and bling to your everyday basics is the key to casual glamour with elegance.

Image courtesy of Unique Image on Polyvore

My tips for achieving Casual Glamour in your everyday style are:

• Pile on the accessories
• Add pops of colour to your basics
• Be confident, creative and care how you look

It's all about dressing for yourself in a modern way, always looking polished and investing in a quality wardrobe that is part of your style DNA. The grown-up woman is elegant with discerning taste, knows what suits her and ensures her clothes fit...Although we would like to believe that effortless style comes naturally, we all know it requires effort...Don't follow trends religiously, but  rather know fashion, play with your accessories and spend time on yourself. Grow older with dignity, style and a wardrobe full of effortlessly cool clothes, that are timeless, trend-defying and chic.

What I have learned about fashion:

• Every outfit needs a "showbiz" item
• Don't wait for an "occasion", wear your clothes anytime
• Wear what you like
• Avoid match-matchy
• Buy good quality lingerie
• Buy gorgeous shoes
• Ignore the rules

I'm a stylist, I like being creative and experimenting on myself. As Nick Wakeman - the London based Creative Director of Studio Nicholson once said "I spent my 20s not knowing anything, my 30s working it out, and I'm going to spend my 40s using what I know." She also said "When I turned 40, I stopped caring what people think of me. I will wear what I feel amazing in." Great advice and my style motto from now on!

Nick Wakeman

Fabulous NY stylist and fashion model Linda Rodin said "forget about the wrinkles and focus on the silhouette" So...be yourself, everyone else is already taken - Oscar Wilde

(Inspired by the book Stylish Forever by Alyson Walsh and images courtesy of Pinterest)

Style Tip - FAB Snippets of Style...

In this week's Style Tip FAB series I'm talking about elements of style...style for everyday life. 

Accepting who you are and being comfortable in your own skin comes with age and is part of grown-up territory. A decent hairstyle, well applied make-up and the right clothes for your style personality, can make every woman look gorgeous...

When choosing clothes ask yourself:

• How does it fit me?
• Are the proportions correct for my shape?
• How does the colour make me feel?

The artist Sue Kreitzman once said "don't wear beige, it might kill you", however you can wear beige with a strong colour like red or leopard print - the new black and a neutral in my opinion...

When wearing colour think about:

• Blocks of colour in similar shades
• Monochrome with a pop of colour in a primary shade
• Sticking to one colour from top to bottom
• Pastel shades don't really belong in a grown-up closet - too girlie...

Layering can easily look frumpy and sloppy instead of elegant if not done right...when you layer your outfit you need to coordinate and choose colours or prints that work together...get it right and look sassy and modern, get it wrong and look like a bag lady...

Choose accessories according to your personality and lifestyle. Anyone can wear a scarf, but not everyone can carry it off...

Wearing jewellery is all about expressing yourself...personal style constantly evolves and develops and jewellery is an easy and fun way to express your personality. Jewellery and accessories can bring your outfit to life. When is comes to fashion there is definitely a time when it becomes more about longevity than the latest "must-have" item...off course fashion is all about personal taste, personality and knowing what you do and don't like no matter what age you are.

Certain trends like trainers for example is best left on the sport field...On the other hand sunglasses are a grown up fashion staple and has become a modern-day necessity for various fashionable and age related reasons...

Iris Apfel, the 95-year old fashionista with a penchant for accessories and her maximalist bohemian style said:

"If you don't know who you are and you copy someone else's style, then that's sad. You must learn who you are and dress to suit your personality. I never care how old anyone is. I don't know why woman are afraid of it? It's hard work getting to know yourself - the biggest fashion faux pas is to look in the mirror and see someone else" - wise words from a very wise lady...

Try and stay current and interested in fashion and trends, just mature and progress along with it...pieces of clothing have different lives in our wardrobes, they tell a story...your story.

Now, lets try and change the world one sequin at a time as Lady Gaga once famously said...

(Inspired by the book Stylish Forever by Alyson Walsh and images courtesy of Pinterest)

Style Tip - Fabulous & Beyond (FAB)

I'm starting a new series on the blog called FAB - Fabulous & Beyond...A grown-up guide to looking FABulous every day! I've just entered my forth decade and realised I have no idea what 40 is "supposed" to feel like let alone dress like???

I work in fashion, I love fashion and I am surrounded by fashion everyday, all day...yet, I don't want to look like an airbrushed teenage model with a waistline the size of my forearm or have my face motionless and expressionless...plus I'm very much on the voluptuous side and that's why I have decided to chat to you each week about "grown-up" fashion.

There is a whole generation of woman who are independent, intelligent and happy just the way we are! We don't want to be patronised by unrealistic images of what we are supposed to look like. We want to look beautiful and natural as we progress along...

"Plus" size models are finally getting some recognition...not nearly as much as they deserve and it still makes me laugh as to what the fashion industry perceives as "plus" size - your average size 12-14 woman...Research shows that the key consumers within the fashion industry are woman between ages 40-50! Woman who are affluent, financially independent, sophisticated and woman who are not threatened by advertising campaigns and photoshopped magazine editorials...

Woman of our age and beyond live longer, stay fit and healthy, look after ourselves and take care of our appearances. Woman with a lifelong interest in fashion don't just switch off the minute they reach a certain age...We are the same woman that read fashion magazines, stay current with the latest fashion trends and we are a tremendously powerful demographic.

Clothes can be really empowering, fashion can be really empowering and in the words of George Burns - "Young. Old. Just words." There is something really attractive about a woman who is confident about her age and style.

We need to stop dismissing woman as past-their-sell-by-date...mature is the new young!

I am 40 and I am happy with that...I strongly believe you don't have to be young to have style - it comes at every age. It's not about age but about mindset and with that thought I will leave you with this...You are never to old for silky pyjamas, leopard print, big sunglasses, the highest heels, a bright lipstick, skinny or ripped jeans, pilates/yoga, statement earrings and the latest fashion trends!

Let's be inspired to remain stylish forever!

(Inspired by the book Stylish Forever by Alyson Walsh and images courtesy of Pinterest)

Glamour Tip - Why Africa is everywhere right now...

Open a fashion magazine and you see tribal prints. Ethnic fashion and African influences are everywhere. Look at any international designer and they have taken inspiration form Africa...Herve Leger, Balenciaga, Balmain and Isabel Marant. 

African fashion is inspiring every S/S'15 mood board and collection...colours, prints, patterns, bright beading, bone and shell accessories, animal printed bags and exotic skin leathers...all can be incorporated into your everyday style...

My Glamour Tip is to choose an item and keep the rest basic. The above outfit is the perfect example...by adding simple accessories and a pop of colour, to make just enough of a statement. Another option is to bring the trend in with accessories like shoes, sunglasses or bags and jewellery.

By adding one or two statement pieces to your style you can embrace this trend and bring a little piece of Africa into your everyday look.

(All images courtesy of Pinterest)

My Power Item...

There is something almost life changing about slipping on an item that makes you feel powerful...it gives you a new found fierceness! For me its the leather jacket. I absolutely love a leather jacket. My favourite way to wear it is unexpectedly...with a beautiful dress.

Designers have made tweaks and updated the classic leather jacket throughout the years - Balmain gave it sharp shoulders and studs, Burberry cinched it with a belt - whichever cut you prefer, the leather jacket refuses to loose its edge...

Whether you wear the classic motorcycle cut or a more edgy and funky cut with studs and spikes or even a bright coloured or metallic one...wear it with confidence and feel instantly powerful...The leather jacket is a classic and powerful piece that can be worn with anything. Its a piece that will stand the test of time...a powerful investment.

(All images courtesy of Pinterest)