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Are you a Savvy Shopper?

Shopping for clothes these days gets more complicated for some people, should you buy online? or should you  trudge around the shops? ,  I guess we all have different ideas about that, some people love the convenience of buying on line so you can try it on in the comfort of your own home with items you already have in your wardrobe whilst  others, like me prefer to shop and get that retail buzz of buying something new to wear. So how do you bag yourself a bargain? Designer Items If you like to have designer items there are several sites such as buymywardrobe.com or hardlyeverwornit.com or editsecondhand.com where you can invest in second-hand designer pieces such as handbags and coats.   Locally I would recommend Fairy Tale Wardrobe in Chelmsford where you can visit the shop and they will also sell your items for you as well.  The other one is  Friends Dress Agency in Bishops Stortford which will do the same.  They both have a Facebook page where you can view before you go. It is really a good idea to use these outlets to sell items in your wardrobe that you do not wear anymore for whatever reason.  If you have not worn if or a year or so that is good enough reason to let it go,  if it no longer fits you don’t hang on to it hoping you will slim down to get back into it just let it go.  Charity shops are always willing to take it…

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My Blazer is one of my wardrobe staples

My Blazers are one of my wardrobe staples My favourite is a navy one is something I would not be without in my wardrobe as it goes with so many outfits, it can look chic, casual, sporty or smart depending on what you put it with. I remember having one in the eighties double breasted with gold buttons which was the trend at that time and I have replaced them ever since.  The Boyfriend one a few years back, ones with turned back cuffs but I feel that it is a staple in any wardrobe whatever your style. They come in all shapes and sizes depending on which shape is good for you, fitted at the waist, short and boxy or long line the choice is yours!!  Mine is fitted to give the illusion of a waist as I don’t have one. How to Wear Your Blazer  ( One of my wardrobe staple items) My favourite look is with a pair of  denim jeans, crisp white blouse, red jumper and a pair of loafers, you could tie a scarf in the neck. White Jeans are an option in the summer with a nice T shirt, add the blazer for those cooler evenings Pair of 7/8th trousers or even a smart pair of shorts for the younger lady It goes over a nice dress as a jacket It can be worn with a co-ordinated skirt or trousers for a more formal look. I always take it on holiday with me to travel in as…

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What Should I Wear To A Networking Event?

Now the summer is over and we are all back to work,  we are also back to Networking, but what should we wear?  Everyone says that people would have made an assumption of you in the first 30 seconds, so how do you make that great first impression bearing in mind that people will remember you for what you wear. It is so easy for to men to dress for a Networking event, because they don’ t have the choice us ladies do.  Most networking is either first thing in the morning, lunch time of after work so it just easy to go straight from work which usually means they are in a suit or jackets and trousers, but I have noticed now that some are just dressed smart casual as the workplace now days is more relaxed. Should I wear a Suit? When I first started networking having had a corporate back ground, felt that you had to wear a suit because that is what used to be expected.  Yes there were lots of ladies there wearing suits and jackets and skirts/trouser suits but I must admit that some did not look very uncomfortable because perhaps it was not their personality. Should you wear your uniform? Now if you are a beautician or therapist for arguments sake, that it easy and I would suggest that you go in your business uniform.  If you have your own T/Shirt with your business logo on that is good as people will instantly recognise you.  Remember…

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Should a women of a certain age wear leggings?

I personally I have never been a fan of leggings, for those of you who don’t know me, I am tall and slim and everyone says to me of course you can wear them !!  but I have never felt comfortable  as I have thin legs and large knees and for that reason tend to only wear them at my Yoga class or relaxing at home. Any body shape can carry off leggings as long as you follow the rules: The  top is long and over your bottom (the longer the better) this covers up the larger area around the tummy, top of the legs and larger hips Tunics or a dress or perhaps I long line jumper A long line jacket that is defined at the waist is good Avoid anything that clings or is cropped unless you have a good body It is wise to invest in a good pair and avoid the cheap versions as they will cling to the body and show all the lumps and bumps which is not a good look.  Also stick to plain colours and avoid busy patterns. So my advise is to invest in a good quality pair in a plain colour which will give the look of a pair of skinny jeans/jeggins but with the added benefit of the comfort. So which is the best way to wear them – I think they look the best tucked into a pair of knee high boots or  short ankle boots but some prefer…

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Do You Want To Look and Feel More Confident?

Do you like to blend into the background? Do you choose to wear bland neutral colours? Are you comfortable wearing your normal black so as to not stand out in a crowd? Are you aiming to not be noticed? These are all signs of someone who wants to blend in and not be noticed but why would you want to do that? I am basically very shy and as a young person I would have fitted into any one of the above. Over the years I have been slowly stepping out of my comfort zone small steps at a time and I am now able to step into a room full of people I don’t know but it has taken time and a determination to do so. I started with some self help books like “Feel the Fear and do it anyway” by Susan Jeffers and many others which did help me move forward and one day someone said to me if you wear red it gives you confidence even if it is not seen  ( a piece of underwear). I started to give this a lot of thought and knew what colours suited me and red just happened to be one of them and orange too.  These are both very good energy giving colours and I found that they gave me confidence too.  So, if I am going to a Networking event where I am not sure if I am going to know anyone I choose to wear Red…

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When Did You Last De-Clutter Your Make up Bag?

These two products are my favourite We all know that make-up has a shelf life but when was the last time you checked how old your make up is. What percentage of your make-up do you use? It’s time to clear out and discover only products you need in your make-up bag. It’s like clearing out your wardrobe, what do you have that you never wear, eye shadows that no longer suit or perhaps you have found are not in your colour pallet.  Make up does have an expiry date and they say the average Mascara lasts three months, sometimes things just look past their sell by date.  So use your discretion and throw anything that you do not use It’s time to clear out and create a capsule collection – So what do you really need. For your skin – You need a primer followed by a base either a BB cream or Foundation (whichever you prefer) and concealer and powder for the oily bits. Eyes – You need no more than a Mascara ( Try the 3D Fiber Lash by Younique), a couple of natural shadows, eye brow pencil and eye pencils to create that look.  These are a all available all over the High Street. Blusher / Bronzer This is essential to give that natural glow. Either choose a peachy/ pinky tone according to your skin tone warm or cool if you prefer  a bronzer ( Beachfront Bronzer from Younique is a good one to try) This will give…

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Looking Good Has Never Felt So Good!!!

All these ladies weigh the same, they are all have a different figures and are different heights but still all weigh the same!! We are all unique and beautiful in our own way. We need to wear clothes that not only suit our style and personality but flatter our skin tone too!!  This will not only make us look good but feel good too and if you are confident on the inside it will show on the outside If you look at all these ladies how different they all are, some short some tall and they are all a different shape and will dress every differently to make the most of their figure.  You can do that by wearing the right clothes, by choosing the right style and fabric to dress your frame. There are clothes that will give the illusion of a taller frame, you can add curves, hide the bits you don’t like, camouflage a bit tummy and so much more you just need to know how. So how do you do that?  Firstly, you need to find out which colours best flatter your skin tone Wear the Colours that make you feel good Find the Colour combinations to build a mix & match wardrobe that works for you Learn how to dress your own body shape to play down the parts you don’t like and accentuate the parts you do Find you own sense of style to accessorise your outfit Choose Makeup in colours that bring out…

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How To Work The Sales!!

My tips on how to work the sales

Shopping In The Sales Now we all like a bargain,  but it is not a bargain If you do not need it,   You can’t afford it It does not fit properly, If it’s the wrong colour for you If you have nothing to go with it. I have seen people particularly at the Next Sale very early in the morning with carrier bags full.  Now I do know that some people shop in the next sale for their children for the following year,  but I don’t believe they do that for themselves. So I wonder what percentage goes back later.  There is no point buying something just because it’s cheap!!   Ask yourself,  “Would you buy it at full price?” I would suggest that you write a list of all the things that you need and don’t already have in your wardrobe, and  something you really want which can be mixed with what you already have. It pays to do some research first, check out prices, and even try on and decide on the size you need, so when you shop in the sale you know which size to buy.  Some of the High Street Retailers start to label their sale a few days before by writing in pencil a code on the price ticket so that is a good clue as to which items will be in the sale.  There is no point going to the sales to just look round as you will overspend. Only buy clothes that fit you now, and not the ones…

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Ten essentials to pack for a holiday in the sun

Ten Essentials to pack for a holiday in the sun 1) Sunscreen is a must – One I can recommend is P20 it is expensive but it is often on offer in Asda and I have seen it in Primark a lot cheaper.  My husband and I never burn where we have applied the lotion but you do need to let it dry before getting dressed as it does stain. 2) Sunglasses-  We must protect our eyes from the UV Rays, it stops sun damage and also they make a good fashion accessory. 3) Beach Bag-  Because they look so summery and usually plastic lined and look so much better by the pool than a handbag and I can usually get my husband to carry it if it is not too feminine 4) Bronzer & Lipstick-   My favourite Bronzer is the Younique one which also doubles up as an eye shadow and choose a favourite lipstick/gloss of your choice. 5) Kimono- I have three in different colours and they make great cover ups around the pool, or you can wear over a strappy vest top during the day or over a dress in the evening. 6) A pair of flat comfy shoes/sandals –  If you are sight- seeing you need to be comfortable whether that is a pair of converse, Birkenstocks, Flip Flops or just sandals 7) Light Coat/Jacket-  Something in place of a coat on those cooler days this could be a lightweight fleece, cardigan, jacket or blazer 8)  Scarves –  Choose ones that goes with most outfits in your colour…

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Are you a lover of Flat Shoes?

Being a lover of flat shoes I love these beauties that I have recently bought.  (New Look £9.99)  Bargain I thought!!  I wear a lot of demin,  skirts, cut of trousers, and jeans and they look great with them all.  I also love to wear white in the summer and red being my favourite colour they were a must have for my wardrobe and a great pair of flat shoes to take on holiday as they go witih so many outfits. Being tall and always on the go and rushing around I do love to wear flat shoes and not a lover of heals but for some people they will not go anywhere without their killer heals. So how do you wear the flats ?  If you choose a pair of ballet pumps to wear with a nice dress look out for a pointied shaped  toe as it has a similar effect to that of a heal. Brogues I love to wear with my jeans and they come in so many lovely colours and they look particularly nice if you roll up your jeans a bit to show your ankle.  If you are looking to wear your brogues with a pencil skirt try to  choose a pair that are not too heavy and a pair that exposes more of your foot  down towards your toes as this is more flattering on your legs.

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