How do you dress for online video calls?

Posted on by Toni Carver

Working remotely is the new norm now after weeks of being in lockdown.

Many people, including myself have been doing it for weeks now, but some people will be more familiar with it than others.

With the advent of technology such as Zoom, WhatsApp and Skype, it means that we can connect easily with our work colleagues, friends and family. A common question I’ve actually heard is – how do you dress for online video calls?

And so, here are some pointers for you to be camera ready at all times:

1.     Now is not the time for ‘neutrals’ such as beige, taupe, camel and stone. These types of shades don’t fare well in front of the camera. Instead, try opting for a bold colour shade from your palette. Navy or charcoal grey would be better than black too.

2.     Busy patterns can be distracting, and stripes are a big no-no as they tend to strobe on screen. Go for block colours.

3.     If you can, try and sit in front of a plain background.

4.     Accessories can be annoying particularly layered bangles that jangle; keep them to a minimum! Dangly earrings can also be distracting so try opting for smaller studs and wearing one (quiet) necklace!

5.     Check your buttons and neckline before going ‘live’ to avoid an embarrassing faux pas.

6.     Make-up can look different online so it’s a good idea to view yourself via your computer screen beforehand. Shimmery eye shadows and highlighters can look just that… shimmery!  Opt for matte finishes instead.

7.     As tempting as it may be to wear loungewear all day, it would certainly be a boost to your confidence and your mood if you wore something smarter. There’s probably no requirement to wear full business dress but dressing up a little will definitely make you feel better about yourself.

Why not take a look and watch our video here.

The three prints that don’t date

Posted on by Toni Carver

One of the many challenges with prints is choosing something which you like and likes you equally! It’s something I’m asked frequently.

There are lots of patterns and prints and it’s ok to say that you don’t like it, even if it is ‘fashionable’ or ‘on trend’. Don’t worry about it, choose what you’re comfortable with as when you do, you’re more likely to wear it.

Here, I’m going to name three prints that won’t date so that if you are going to venture into the world of prints and patterns, you can feel confident that what you invest in, can be worn time and time again. That’s £s per wear.


The stripe

Boden top

Image courtesy of Boden

The most popular I’d say of all patterns and something which many clients bring into the studio.

The Breton stripe, is possibly the most well known style and fave amongst many. Officially speaking, to be a true Breton, it should have 21 stripes, each representing a Napoleon victory because sailors were wearing stripes way back in 1858 (apparently the distinctive print made it easier to spot wayward sailors who had fallen over-board – who knew?)

The Breton style of top is featured frequently by Boden as featured in this image.

Stripes can be used as a method of balancing out your figure. Triangles (pear shapes) can use stripes across their top half in order to visibly balance out so their shoulders look more in line with their hips. Check this garment by Boden, can you see how the shoulder area appears wider and at the same time, lifts the eye away from the hips?

Vertical stripes are excellent for lengthening the torso, so if you’re after a few extra inches without the heels, try this instead.

Polka dots and spots

Oasis polka dot dress

Image courtesy of Oasis

Another pattern which always seems to be ‘on trend’.

Do remember that a polka dot style doesn’t always need to be black and white or navy and white! Aim to use colour where you can as seen in dress from Oasis.

If you have a larger frame, be sure to choose larger prints – so opt for a super-sized polka dot instead.

For the petites, tiny little spots will work well for you.

This pattern can be surprisingly easy to mix with other prints if you’re feeling a little daring. Go for a preppy look by adding stripes or try a floral print of similar scale and colour for an interesting combination.

 

 

Animal Print

My own animal print brogues originally bought from Clarks

Not only for Bet Lynch!

Animal print remains a popular trend, but does get reinvented each season to switch it up and feel more current.

If it’s a little bold or too out-there for you, try to keep the pattern to just one item. Opt for a pair of shoes, scarf, coat or a bag if a top or dress feels too much.

Check out my brogues here. Bought many years ago from Clarks but still worn today. They were my first sample of animal print!

Last year a range of coloured animal print patterns emerged making it more versatile (and less Bet Lynch). Warmer skin tones will suit the more traditional brown leopard print styles, but if you’re cooler with rosy skin tone, try other colours as there’s many more versions available. If you purchased anything last year when the trend really peaked, be sure to dig it out this season!
 

 

 

So there you have my top three patterns to invest in which will feel more timeless. Go and check your wardrobe and see if you have them!

Beauty school basics

Beauty school tips

Posted on by Toni Carver

A top in the right shade of colour will help you to look younger, fresher and more vibrant, the wrong shade could make you look pale, sallow, grey and even unwell. But, choosing and wearing the right shades of colour applies to your makeup too. It really does matter what you put on your face.
Remember that even if you’re working from home, it doesn’t mean you have to go barefaced! With so many people working remotely and having online meetings, make sure you look your best even virtually.
Here’s my cosmetic tips using the Colour me Beautiful cruelty free range.
 

Skincare

Having a good skincare regime is a must, even if you are staying safe. Good genes will only go so far, as will diet and exercise. Cleanse, tone and moisturise are the steps I’ve followed for many years. Revisit last year’s blog on self care and good skincare habits you can adopt here.

Colour me a Beautiful skincare range

Base and primers

If you suffer from foundation that creases or seems to sink into the skin, there’s a really easy fix. Try using a primer; it creates a smooth surface onto the skin (after your moisturiser or day cream), so your foundation glides on. Your pores and fine lines will be minimised and the effect will last all day. Keep it in the fridge for a refreshing application, especially in hot weather. It will help to close your pores after a hot shower too.
I like to use the Velvet Touch Foundation primer when I want a flawless finish and to limit any touch ups during the day. Just a small drop is all that is needed and you can shop the Velvet Foundation Primer here.
Velvet touch foundation primer
Foundation does a great job of evening out skin tone and gives much more coverage than a tinted moisturiser or BB cream, but sometimes it needs a little help. Introducing targeted concealers or coloured primers as they are designed to hide imperfections and are applied before your foundation.
Here is how you choose the correct colour:
Lavender – counteracts any yellow tones, brightens dull or sallow skin
Mauve – counteracts any brown tones, helps to brighten any dark or age spots and help diminish dullness.
Green – neutralises any redness, broken capillaries, rosacea and sunburn.
Yellow – counteracts any purple and dark circles under the eyes.
I couldn’t live without the yellow and the green coloured primers. On the occasions when I need some extra under eye coverage, I will mix together on the back of my hand the lavender and the yellow.
If you prefer a lighter texture which you can build up or just need one colour to solve a problem, then the liquid coloured skin primers are worth using. They have an in built applicator which you can apply to the skin and blend with your finger. Shop the skin primers here.
Undercover primers Colour corrector wheel
If you prefer a fuller coverage or you have more than one area you’d like to correct, the creamier colour corrector wheel contains four shades in one pot which you can apply with your finger or a brush for more precision. Shop the Colour Corrector Wheel here. 
 

Foundation

Not only does foundation even out the skin tone, it also acts as a barrier against pollutions and toxins. Generally speaking, the most coverage is needed in the centre of the face, so try to apply here first and blend outwards. Contrary to what some say, blend downwards as it won’t clog the pores and will prevent fuzzy facial hair from lifting and spoiling the flawless look. I prefer to use a damp sponge to apply foundation, though you can equally use your fingers or a brush.
I always recommend choosing a shade of foundation which matches your skin tone. All too often I see ladies wearing a shade of foundation which is too dark for their natural skin tone. Often I’m told they feel too pale otherwise so they go darker but your colour is added with your bronzer and blusher and if it’s too dark, you’ll see a tell tale line under the chin looking very different to the neck!
Apply your chosen shade of foundation to your jaw line in natural daylight and when you check it in a mirror, it should completely blend in. If it doesn’t, I’d recommend choosing a lighter shade. There are six of shades of Morning Light foundation in the range I use with clients and many are surprised at how good the foundation blends and doesn’t feel heavy at all on their skin. The Morning light Foundation contains light-diffusing properties that deflects light from the surface of the skin, thereby minimising the visibility of fine lines. I use the lightest shade of Porcelain on my skin and then move up to the second lightest called Oyster when I have some colour in the summer. Shop the Morning Light Foundations here. 
Morning light foundation

The eyes

Did you know that black eye pencil and mascara can look really harsh on mature skin. It can also minimise the size of the eye making them appear smaller too.
If you’ve got particularly large eyes or really rich and dark colouring, black may not be such a bad thing, but for the majority of clients I see, black isn’t the most complimentary shade of eye makeup colour to wear.
So what can you wear? Fear not, there are far more flattering shades to choose from in your eye pencils and mascara. I’m often asked why bother with eye pencils. When you apply it on the lash line, it appears to thicken the look of the lashes and add definition. Mascara will colour the lashes and add volume and length, depending upon what you use.
When it comes to eye pencils, most people are surprised by the array of shades available. Teal is a colour that most people can wear and if black is your thing, try wearing granite next time you need to replace it.
A volumising mascara is something I can’t leave the house without (together with the yellow primer. Oh and a bit of colour to my lips). Everyone can wear black brown mascara and it’s readily available, but, there’s two shades I tend to favour with clients – Navy and Warm Brown. Most people look horrified at my suggestion, then they try them out and they are utterly flabbergasted at how great they look on. If you’ve got blue or grey eyes like me, I’d recommend the Navy volumising mascara and if you’ve got green or brown eyes, you’ve got to give the warm brown volumising mascara a try!
Shop the eye pencils and mascara range of shades here.
Eyeshadow can be used to add depth and dimension to your eyes, whether it’s a natural, dramatic or smokey look that you are after. It doesn’t have to be difficult to create a look that is right for you.
I meet a lot of women who’ve either been applying their makeup the same way for years, so it feels a little out-dated, or they’ve never really learnt how to apply eye makeup for good effect. During my makeup lessons and assessments I would generally use up to four different eye shadows; a neutral base, a deep shade to define the crease, a colour for the outer edges to add interest and a blender shade to soften any lines.
To achieve your best look, the colours that you choose to apply should also compliment your physical features; your eyes, hair and skin tone. I would advise against buying expensive, universal eye shadow compacts, as there will always be multiple shades that do not suit you or which you do not like. Any pre-made universals compacts are not personalised to you or bespoke to your characteristics.
During consultations and assessments, I recommend the shades of cosmetics which suit your physical characteristics as not everyone suits nor wants to apply a dark smokey eyed look! Using a refillable compact system enables you to build a bespoke palette of eye shadows (and more) that you use and love. And most importantly, there’s less waste too because when you finish using your favourite shade, it can simply be replaced. There’s room for any combination of eyeshadows, blusher, powder and lip gloss too making it perfect for personalisation.
There are over 25 different eyeshadow refill shades to choose from to suit you. You can use them on their own (keep the plastic lid on them), but I’d recommend using the magnetic refillable compact and building your box with the additional items you require. Shop the refillable compact range here.
Magnetic compact

Cheeks

There’s nothing better than giving your cheeks a rosy glow but finding the right shade can often be a challenge. The job of your blusher is to make the rest of your face look brighter and fresher, so choose a shade that compliments your skin tone rather than contrasts against it.
As a rule of thumb, pinky-pinks work well on cooler skin tones, whereas peachy-pinks are better on warmer skins. The depth of your blusher very much depends on your overall colouring. Apply to the apple (middle) of your cheeks and blend out towards the hairline. There are six shades of powder blush which are available as refills and fit inside the magnetic compact. If you prefer a cream to a powder, consider using the cream blush. There’s two shades available to suit warm or cool tones but as an added bonus, they double as a lip gloss too for a light colour. I have cooler skin and love the crushed berry shade which fits neatly inside my magnetic compact. Shop the powder refill range and the cream blush range here.
Cream blush for compact

Lips

As well as foundation, lipstick is another product which I am repeatedly told that finding the right shade of colour is a challenge. One look inside your own makeup bag and a rummage may find multiple shades of lipsticks, many of which you do not wear!
Lipstick can be impactful or tonal, the choice really is yours. Either way, it’s important to find the right shade. A bit of lippy can be as powerful as wearing the right colours in your clothes – so long as it’s the right shade for you of course! Plus, I was told a long time ago that as lipstick frames the mouth it makes people pay more attention to what you’re saying. Give it a whirl!
I’m not much of a believer of buying the ‘latest colour trend’ (be that clothes or makeup) and whilst two people with similar colouring may well be able to wear the same shade of lipstick, in my experience they will each wear it with a very different impact.
It is very rare to find a shade of lipstick which works for EVERYONE! But, you can find the perfect red, pink or other shade for you. You probably won’t look back either! If you need any recommendations, feel free to ask.
If you prefer a slick of lipgloss, there are shades for you – from nude to colour. Shop the range of lipsticks (sheer and cream) and lipgloss here.
Lipsticks
There are lots of ways for you to experience the Colour me Beautiful makeup range. Most people have been introduced to the range by a Colour me Beautiful consultant like me, as it’s exclusively available through their U.K. and Europe consultants.
Obviously, face-to-face sessions are something for you to bookmark for the future, but in the meantime, you can get in touch for an online or virtual consultation from the comfort of your own home if you need advice.
Get in touch to discuss your requirements. 25% is available off the entire range until 16 April. Visit the online shop here.

Announcing NEW virtual colour assessments

Posted on by Toni Carver

Book Club cancelled? Pilates put on the back-burner? Take the time to invest in yourself.
 

New service

 
As a Colour me Beautiful consultant, I am delighted to announce a new online ‘introduction to colour’ service.
In light of the extraordinary situation that the world is facing, I am still committed to helping people to feel good about themselves and what they wear through the joy of colour.
As social activities are cancelled across the world and work from home becomes mandatory, it’s the perfect opportunity to invest in yourself and more importantly, enjoy time at home.
Let’s not forget that for many now working from home, there’s Facetime, WhatsApp, Skype calls and Zoom to think about! You’ve still got to look the part – even if it’s on a computer screen!

Online

The service

It’s a virtual one-to-one session where you will learn how colour can enhance your look and discover flattering shades and advice on how to combine colours for maximum impact.  As we return to normal, I will also offer an upgrade option to meet face to face for makeup application and to discover the full range of colours personalised to you. This session will take place at the studio in Wakefield, West Yorkshire at a special rate.
I will be offering two new options:

  1. Virtual colour assessment, conducted online which includes a 30-colour swatch wallet and style update guide of the current seasonal trends for £59 introductory price.
  2. Remote colour assessment which you’ll be required to supply a series of pictures for assessment and includes a colour card with 8 shades and a style update guide of the current seasonal trends for £35 introductory price.

Items will be sent out by post following the sessions.
When normal service resumes, a more confident new person will be able to step out into the sunshine.
 

For more information about this new colour service, please contact: Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk.

Colour to boost your mood

How to wear colour to boost your mood

Posted on by Toni Carver

Colour has been found to have a profound impact on our mood, as well as how we look.
For me, colour is the easiest way to update your image. It doesn’t require lots of money or time, just a little understanding. It’s also one of the most rewarding and favourite elements of my job as an image consultant.
This feels like a good time to share some tips on wearing colour so that you can feel good in spite of what’s actually going on.

Your appearance

You make a visual statement about how you view yourself in what you wear. It reinforces your self image as when you know you look good, it’s this confidence that shines through. When you don’t feel quite so good about yourself, this can be evidenced in exactly the same way.
At the current time of writing, there’s a global pandemic as a result of the Coronavirus and many people are either working from home or isolating themselves.
Just because you’re sat at home and not seeing anyone, it doesn’t mean that you can’t feel good in what you wear. Plus, thanks to technology, many people are having virtual meetings and as good as your PJs are, what impression does that give to your boss, colleague, business connection or client?
Be honest. When you sit there in your comfies, as lovely as you feel, it doesn’t exactly heighten your mood does it? I love comfy, but I just ensure that my loungewear are in colours which suit me so that I can look good as well as feel good!

Colour

The human eye requires balance and harmony. With your appearance, this is achieved between your physical features and what you wear.
When you wear the right shades of colour, they will flatter, enhance and brighten your appearance. Choosing the wrong shades of colour will cast shadows and age you and nobody wants that!
There’s only so many colours which exist – everyone can wear colour it’s simply identifying which shades work best for you and your physical characteristics.
Here’s a few popular colours and psychologically, the impact on not just yourself, but others too.

Red

Psychologically, wearing red gives an air of confidence and being in control. Red is the colour of energy so it’s a great colour to wear if you feel like you need some energy to approach your day. Perhaps even a bit of red lippy 💋
Be careful though as it is also the most assertive, aggressive and attention grabbing of colours. Think of the colour of the stop light at the traffic lights.
Getting the undertone right when wearing red is crucial as if you’re cooler with no warmth in your hair or skin tone then you’ll need a blue based red. If you have these warmer tones, then you’ll be much better suited to a yellow based red.

Blue

Seen as safe, peaceful and logical and it’s known to convey trustworthiness as our law and order officials have navy blue uniforms. Equally blues can be seen as cold, unemotional and unfriendly so they may not make the best impression with a new client.

Green

The colour of nature and is worn by the armed forces for camouflage purposes. It’s also seen as a calm and reassuring colour and wearing it can also demonstrate creativity and imagination so why not give it a whirl?

Black

Have you ever found that you just feel a bit down when you wear black? A mood-hooverer and who needs that right now?!
Whilst you may find it easy and safe to wear, it’s not the most suitable for everyone. I often find that people wear it as they aren’t sure what else to wear. They lack the imagination, time or know how and get trapped in black!
It’s a rather authoritative colour and appears not very approachable too, so in a business sense, could this be to your detriment?
If you find that this isn’t the most complimentary colour to wear, try introducing a coloured shirt, blouse, top or scarf.

White

The one colour which truly reflects light making it the ideal colour to wear in hot climates. Given that the majority of travel is currently at a standstill, perhaps best staying in the wardrobe for now?
This purity makes it hard to wear for most people though as in its purist form, it’s too harsh. Wearing an off white is usually more flattering.
It is clean and hygienic too!

Pink

Often seen as a feminine colour though it can suggest empathy, gentleness and compassion. Guys who wear pink demonstrate that they are comfortable with their masculinity. Something which could be really helpful in the current climate.

Purple

As a colour, it can indicate sensitivity and be spiritual. Some people have found it helps in meditation and can promote a sense of relaxation which I’m sure is something we would welcome.

Confidence

I often find that many people have lost confidence in what to wear or just don’t know what suits them which isn’t great for our self esteem. If you do find yourself with a bit of time on your hands, you might be tempted to do a bit of shopping from the comfort of your own home. If you already feel like you’ve got nothing to wear, shopping without any guidance or direction is likely to mean that you’ll end up with the same type of clothes that you’ve already got, or that they don’t work with other items you have in your wardrobe. You might also feel that they don’t suit you, or that you don’t feel like ‘you’ in them.
Don’t despair. This time will pass. But, try not to be tempted to buy what’s fashionable or simply because it’s there. Learn what what works for you and why, then all these bad purchases will be just that. Plus, they will no longer languish in the back of your wardrobe with the tags still on! You can finally stop wasting money on things you never wear!

Sassy ever after live event

Behind the scenes at Sassy ever after LIVE!

Posted on by Toni Carver

In January, I was invited to be one of the guest speakers at a female empowerment event. It sounded like a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon and start off 2020.

Sassy ever after LIVE!

I arrived in Sheffield early and was greeted by Kate Grosvenor, the founder who also offers 1-1 coaching sessions. She showed me around the venue which was lovely, including their own lifestyle brand of clothing, candles and more.

Kate Grosvenor

After a glass of bubbles, Kate opened up the event and spoke of ways to change habits and ways to introduce new routines. Informative and useful tips but there was one specific point she made which stuck in my mind. She asked the room full of women; how do you celebrate your successes? I’m not saying you could hear a pin drop but….we were all a bit quiet. Kate said that it was important to celebrate your wins, however small and straight away. Don’t wait until you see a friend, or until you next see your partner or the moment has passed. It did get me thinking, how about you? Try saying well done out loud, tap your own back or even a little clap of the hands could be enough to reward yourself! Visit Kate’s website here.

Deepika Venkatachalam

Deepika is a blogger from India. I listened to her story with such admiration and found her incredibly inspiring! Coming from India to study at Sheffield university with a whole host of achievements under her belt for such a young age, she is definitely one to watch and follow here.

Sarah Tattersfield

The afternoon was not only my turn, but Sarah who is a nutritionalist and the owner of Rotherham’s first and the only members only weight loss and nutritionalist club. Another inspiring and very fit lady! What stuck in my mind from Sarah’s presentation was that they operate a healthy and positive change to your diet, health and fitness. Yes you can have a packet of low fat fat crisps for 90 calories, but is that the best way to eat those 90 calories? Diets are unsustainable and habits need to be changed to create long term healthy lifestyles which is really what your body needs. See more here.

New year, new you

When it was my turn, I was a tad nervous as these ladies were amazing and inspiring but I shared a bit about my background; how I came to become an image consultant and also what the start of a new year meant to me.
It may seem silly to talk of new year, new you now given that we’re in March, but really, you can press reset or pause on life whenever you want. You don’t have to wait until January!
Changing something that you’re not happy about can be hard. Especially if it feels big. Remember; you can’t eat an elephant whole so I always try and think about what the small things are that I can do and build on them, as it’s these small changes that can make the biggest difference. I don’t believe I would be where I am and doing what I love today without breaking it down and taking the steps I did to get here.

Declutter

For instance, I started a bit of a declutter mission before Christmas. I once heard someone say that your home is your anchor and everything has a home when you declutter. Without meaning to, we can all hoard things can’t we? Even if we don’t mean to, those weeks turn into months and then before we know it, it’s over two years since you moved and that room you meant to sort out after you moved in still hasn’t been emptied…(just me?).
Given the fact that I’m an image consultant, you might expect my wardrobe to be organised and it generally is. I regularly declutter, but my declutter mission extended to each room, drawer, under the stairs and even the garage! During the declutter mission, myself and my husband both agreed we felt not only a sense of achievement, but we felt genuinely calmer knowing things were cleaned, tidy and organised. More on my clothes declutter and organisation another time.
I get a lot of women who get in touch because they feel like they’ve got nothing to wear and they are fed up of feeling like it! I help them understand what suits them and why, so they can get confident in what they wear.
When you understand what suits you and why, you can avoid having those what to wear days. You can save time in the morning and stop wasting money on things you never wear.
But, it doesn’t happen overnight. You can press reset or pause and simply try and change one thing that you’re not happy with but you don’t have to do it on your own either. Making little changes all add up to big changes, especially in how you look and feel. You know that when you feel good in what you wear – this confidence shines through and people notice. Who doesn’t want to feel good in what they wear?
All in all, an amazing afternoon spent with some amazing women. Plus, I bought a wax melt burner with the Sassy wax melts called ‘Be Flawsome’. I am trying.

What’s the difference between Oil and Serum?

Posted on by Toni Carver

Choosing the right skincare can be a nightmare. There’s so many products and solutions that you don’t often know what’s worth spending money on, or when you do, it’s not good for your skin and it sits languishing in the drawer or cupboard and you need to find another option.
We began using the Colour me Beautiful skincare range personally, before using with clients and have a loyal fan base building. But, there are two products which seem quite similar and so we set about identifying the differences between the illuminating grapefruit and orange facial serum and the age defying lavender and frankincense facial oil.

Lavender & Frankincense Facial Oil

This natural blend of ingredients deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. Lavender oil not only boasts potent anti-inflammatory properties, but is also soothing for the skin. Frankincense (liquid gold) used cosmetically, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections such as discolouration. It also stimulates the growth of new cells.
The surge of moisture increases elasticity and ensures that moisture levels are retained. The most effective time to use this product is at night because this is when cell regeneration speeds up. It is possible to use this during the day, but due to the oiliness, you may prefer using it when foundation or tinted moisturiser is not being worn. Suitable to all skin types.
This is what our clients had to say:

I use this product most evenings. When my skin feels particularly dry as a result of the cold weather, I really notice the difference to my skin the following morning. It feels much silkier, smooth and rehydrated.
I had the age defying facial oil for Christmas and absolutely love the smell and the feel on my skin! It feels amazing and like I’ve had a facial!

Grapefruit & Orange Facial Serum

This actually has a totally different effect on the skin. The citrus infusions with avocado and strawberry illuminate and brighten the complexion whilst helping to even out the skin tone. It deeply penetrates and restores vitality to the skin plus its rich in collagen restoring vitamin A and C and beta-carotene.
Deeply cleansing and regulating the pore activity to unclog residue and prevent unsightly blemishes. Increasing skin luminosity and brightening with fruit enzymes. Papain, the enzyme found in papaya, promotes skin regrowth and lightening activities creating softer, more even skin.
It can be used during the day or evening but because it’s not oily, it’s ideal to wear before your application of moisturiser or day cream and wear without impact under your makeup. Ideal for all skin types.
 
Here’s what our clients had to say:

I was really impressed with the illuminating facial serum as it really felt like it soaked into my skin creating a glow from within. Thank you so much Toni for the recommendations, I’m so impressed!
Love, love these products. Especially the illuminating facial serum – the smell is amazing!

Both products are available from the Colour me Beautiful range which is organic, vegan and cruelty free. The products come in recycled packaging and airless pumps and are made in the U.K.
The Facial Serum is priced at £25.80 and the Facial Oil is £25. Both products are available to buy online here. To try a sample or to order from the studio, please contact Toni: Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk.

Classic blue

Pantone Color of the year 2020

Posted on by Toni Carver

 

We wear colour as a way of making ourselves feel good, look good and to boost our confidence. The Colour of the year has been around since 2000 and is now in it’s 20th year. In December last year, Pantone made their announcement!

Pantone’s colour for 2020

Industries across the world will be dipping into their blue dye pots following the announcement. For the new decade, it’s.. classic blue. A shade that sits between Colour me Beautiful’s own true blue and royal blue.

Pantone say: Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.

It’s a shade that works especially well on our Deeps, Cools and Clears, but as with all colours, there’s a blue for everyone. The trick is to find the shade that is perfect for you (which is where your colour swatch wallet comes in) or how to wear it.

So, how can you wear it?

With her natural blonde hair, porcelain skin and light eyes, Cate Blanchett is a LIGHT. She looks fabulous in cornflower blue. Classic blue is slightly deeper and stronger so would be best worn with soft white or mint to keep it fresh and light.

On the otherhand, Michelle Obama with her strong, dramatic look is a DEEP. She can wear classic blue very well indeed. Wearing the colour alongside other rich shades such as black or charcoal will look simply amazing.

Poldark’s Emma Tomlinson is a fabulous redhead and her aim should be to balance this with warm, golden tones. As a WARM, her blues will always look best when worn with yellow-based colours such as apricot or primrose.

Of course Judi Dench is a COOL and can totally own classic blue. If she wants to team it with another colour, some contrast is always better than wearing shades tonally. Icy blue, soft white or baby pink would be just perfect.

Megan Fox has huge contrast between her bright eyes, skin tone and dark hair. She’s a CLEAR and will always look best in strong, vibrant colours such as this year’s classic blue. A contrast of light and dark suits her the best when wearing two or more shades.

Finally, Kate Winslet has a much more blended look; there is little contrast between her hair, eyes and skin. She’s a SOFT and as classic blue is quite a vibrant colour, would be better worn with a softer tonal shade such as light periwinkle or shell.

If you can’t tell from these celebrity examples which one you’re most similar to, you can always book a colour consultation.

If you’re interested in attending a group session, register your interest in our next round of events. Click here.

 

Fashion vs style and sustainability

Posted on by Toni Carver

“Don’t be a slave to trends, find your own style and you’ll always be the height of chic! Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose.” Lauren Hutton

I always say to people that dressing well is not about buying expensive clothes, or about being at the cutting edge of fashion. It’s simply, knowing what suits you and why so that you can dress with confidence, every day.

80/20 rule

We can all have those days when we feel like we have nothing to wear. You’ve probably seen the statistic that says that we typically only wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time and with the ladies I meet, the majority all nod their heads in agreement.

It’s not exactly true though is it? We often do have things to wear but we don’t like them / they don’t fit / they don’t suit you / they don’t make you feel good / it doesn’t go with anything. Sound familiar?

If this is you; don’t beat yourself up! But you can change it.

Declutter

Your first port of call is to review and declutter your wardrobe. It can be as simple as this:

  1. Get rid of any items that no longer fit
  2. Anything that’s really worn, damaged and not repairable
  3. Anything you don’t like or hate yourself in.

Now, this might not help but you’d be surprised. Especially if you take the emotion out of it! If everything left it still good enough to wear, ask yourself why you aren’t wearing it.

If you’re serious about cleansing those wardrobes, then try following these simple steps:

  1. Check if it’s the right colour for you; if it doesn’t lighten and brighten your features then get rid
  2. Does it fit? Is it comfortable? Have you worn it in the last 12 months? If the answers are no; get rid
  3. What’s the condition like? Does it need a minor repair and are you prepared to do it? If not; get rid.

Use my free guide to help you declutter in five simple steps. Download your copy here.

Old favourites

Often, it’s not that you’ve actually got nothing to wear, it’s just that you’ve either lost your way or you don’t know what suits you. Instead you end up reaching for the same few favourites or buying another pair of black jeans / trousers / jacket / top that happens to be identical to the other six you have.

When you know what suits you and why; you’ll have a wardrobe full of clothes that are in the right colours which suit you, in the styles which suit your personality and lifestyle, in the right shape and fit for your body. But, it won’t happen overnight and if you need help, that’s where I come in as I have a range of services to support your journey which you can find here.

Fashion shouldn’t cost the earth

Textile waste is becoming a major problem. According to a government report published in February 2019 – 300,000 tonnes of textile waste end up at landfill from households. If you’re decluttering, please consider alternative ways of disposing your items. Try giving to charities, selling on, restyling or swapping.

Swapping events are becoming more popular. They give you the opportunity to exchange your items (providing they are in good condition) for others. They may not be new, but they’re still new to you. If this appeals, you may be interested in a Style Swap event which is being held in Leeds on 23 January. Tickets can be bought from here. The organiser has also asked me to attend the event and do a talk so why not book your ticket and come along? More details of the event can be found on my events page.

Take the 30 day challenge

Another trick is to turn all your hangers so they are facing the same way. Then, every time you wear something and it goes back in, turn the hanger the opposite way. This way, it’s more visible about what you are and aren’t wearing. I tried this last year for 30 days and you’d be surprised what difference it makes. Revisit the blog here and give it a go.

£s per wear

If you’re a regular reader, then you’ll be familiar with my motto. It’s not how much you’ve spent on something, but how many times you’re going to wear it. Before I buy anything, I always ask myself: what do I have that I can wear it with?  Ideally, if you can make three different outfits with it then it’s a good buy in my book. But, it’s got to be the right colour for me (soft, cool and deep), right shape and style (natural/classic neat hourglass) too. Get something in the sale for £10 which you wear once and it’s £10 per wear. Spend £50 on something which you wear 10 times and it’s £5 per wear. I’ve got things in my wardrobe that must be pennies per wear but I regularly declutter too.

 

If you’d like some help sorting through your wardrobe or simply understanding what works for you and why, then get in touch. Most people start with a colour consultation because it’s the easiest way to update your look, but have a browse and contact me.

Radio Aire cash for kids Christmas Fayre

Mission Christmas – cash for kids

Posted on by Toni Carver

Every year, the Radio Aire Cash for Kids charity have their annual Mission Christmas appeal to make sure every child has a present to open on Christmas morning.

To help support the charity, I decided to take a stall at their Christmas Fayre on 28 November.

Joining lots of others on the night, I offered mini colour and makeup assessments for £10 and I donated all the money to the charity.

Here’s a peak at my stall.

Cash for kids event

You can also support the charity by buying gifts too. There are thousands of children in need of a gift this Christmas from new born babies up to 18 years of age.

Mission Christmas

You can send any gifts directly to them (or drop them off):

Mission Christmas

The Store Room

Millshaw

Leeds

LS11 8EG

The deadline is 17th December.

If you’d like to know more about the charity please visit: http://www.cashforkids.uk.com/mission/

In full colour event

In full colour event – Sheffield Hallam University students and John Lewis

Posted on by Toni Carver

I was honoured to be invited to speak at the ‘In full colour’ fashion event on 20 November. It was organised by Sheffield Hallam University students with John Lewis & Partners.

Trends

The fashion students set up five areas around the room to showcase the colour trends of the season.

Sheffield Hallam uni event

Image courtesy of Sheffield Hallam University as part of the event 1. Deep shores (greens and blues). 2. Spiced pumpkin (oranges). 3. Raspberry (purple and pinks). 4. New neutrals (browns, greys). 5. Fiery red (reds and rich oranges).

Colour Analysis presentation

At 7pm I was invited to deliver my presentation about colour analysis. If you’re on Instagram, you can catch some of the highlights and recordings from the grids. Here’s the profile links: @tlcstyleandcolour, @shu_fmc, @johnlewisincolour

I explained what’s involved in a colour analysis consultation and what to expect using some examples. Everyone can wear colour, it’s merely identifying the shade of colour which is best for you. During a consultation, you learn which work for you. This means you save time and money in the long run. When you wear the right shades of colour in your clothes and makeup, it will lighten and brighten your appearance making you look and feel good in what you wear.

If you’ve previously had a consultation and was analysed as a spring, summer, autumn or winter, things have changed. If you’re finding that some colours aren’t working for you anymore or your hair colour has drastically changed; it could be worth booking a review.

The current system is more advanced. At Colour me Beautiful, we assess a person’s physical characteristics – their hair, skin and eyes, to identify the shades of colour and how to wear them.

Using clothing from John Lewis, I demonstrated a few of the current trends to the audience. It included how clothes and styles can suit different body shapes. Size doesn’t matter but shape does, so if something doesn’t fit right, your shape will play a part.

It’s tempting to buy what’s in fashion, but when you learn what works for your colouring, shape and personality, you don’t need to.

The students worked so hard and the fashion show showcase was excellent. I truly wish them all the success and thank them for the invite.

Contact me to book a session.

December Special offers

Special offers to complete your look

Posted on by Toni Carver

Knowing what to wear doesn’t just mean the clothes you wear. For the ladies, it also means your makeup.

Makeup doesn’t have to take hours, change the colour of your face or learning how to contour, though if that’s your thing go for it!

But, whatever you do choose to apply to your face, just like your clothes, your makeup should enhance your features. This is as simple as choosing the right shades of colour in your cosmetics.

Colour me Beautiful offer a range of cosmetics to help you achieve this and as a Colour me Beautiful Consultant, I’m delighted to be able to offer these to you. They’ve been created with our colouring types in mind so you know you’ll always be able to get the shades which suit you from me.

The range is also cruelty free, with no lead or parabens (the nasty stuff) being applied to your skin and the majority of the range is now made in the U.K. As they are only available through Colour me Beautiful consultants, I’ve also committed that when I receive a special offer or discount, I pass it on.

If you’re following me on social media or you’ve seen me recently then you’ll have seen the amazing options available until 31 December.

All can be ordered online through my store and delivered to your home address. Spend over £45 and delivery is free.

Plus, if you’re local, you can collect from the studio in Wakefield too – just drop me a line to place your order (payment in advance is required).

The special offers make it an ideal time to stock up for yourself or treat a loved one with the savings you can make.

Here’s a summary of what’s available:

Eye defining duo

Eye defining duo offer

Choose a volumising mascara and any eye pencil for just £20. I’d recommend navy mascara for anyone with blue eyes. The black/brown shade works for everyone as does the teal eye pencil.

Time to sparkle

Time to sparkle offer
The perfect time of year to add some sparkle! Two highlighters in one handy compact (and you can customise by adding eyeshadows, blushers, lip gloss and powders in the same box too). Dust over the cheekbones, highlight the brows or above the lip. Or, they make great eyeshadows too all for just £20.85.

Getting lippy

Getting lippy offer

Have you Ever struggled to find the right shade of lipstick which suits you? With over 50 combinations available, fear not! Sorted via dominant colouring type online but includes a lipstick, lip gloss and lip pencil all for just £31 to create that perfect pout. Drop me a line, send me a pic or pop into the studio to find out yours.

Defining moment

Defining moments offer
Define those lips and eyes with four soft pencils; two for eyes and two for lips. Line the lips first and my tip is to fill in for a subtle all over, matt colour. Use the eye pencils to help define the shape of the eyes, but be careful not to wrap the eye completely which can minimise the appearance. Four for £31.

Dazzling duo

Dazzling duo offer

Create the perfect base using the velvet perfection primer and your perfect shade of morning light foundation. This month, buy both for just £31.50. Remember when choosing foundation to test it first on your jawline. It should blend in and disappear if it’s the perfect shade. I always receive such positive comments about how the foundation feels on your skin – not clogging or heavy, good coverage but light.

Going undercover

Going undercover offer

The mint primer neutralises any redness (including spots, patches and rosacea). The neutral primer gets rid of those pesky dark circles! The concealer then conceals them all. Get all three for £33.

New Facial Oil – BOGOF

Liquid gold offer

What better time of year to introduce the newest skincare product to the range which includes GOLD!

All the skincare is made in the U.K., in recycled packaging and is organic and vegan and filled with essential oils.

Buy one, get one free (one for you, one for a friend?) for £37.50 or buy one for £25.

Pic n mix compact

Pic n mix compact offer
If you were a pic n mix fan in Woolworths like I was when I was younger, you’ll love this! Choosing eight refills for the compact will be tough though. Includes eyeshadows, blushers, lip glosses and highlighters but excludes the pressed powder and bronzer). All eight included in the compact for just £55.

Winter skin savers

Winter skin offer

This makes the perfect gift this winter. All three (full size) products in a purple cosmetic bag. Includes the new lavender and frankincense facial oil, replenishing jasmine and chamomile night cream and your choice of either the geranium moisture boost day cream or rose q10 anti ageing day cream. All three for just £59.

If you need any help choosing the right shades, just ask and I’ll be happy to offer advice.

Purchase online or contact me to buy and collect from the studio in Wakefield.

Austhorpe photography promo

Guest blog – What should I wear to our family photo shoot?

Posted on by Toni Carver

I believe that everyone can dress with confidence which is something which resonated with Clare from Austhorpe Photography at a recent event I attended.

We were chatting and she asked if I wrote guest blogs. Yes I said, and I asked her what she gets asked most often. The first thing people ask when they book their photo shoot is ‘what should we wear?!’. So I agreed to cover this in a blog for her website.

You can read my guest blog here

 

Funk it up event

Funk it up ladies shopping night

Posted on by Toni Carver

This event coincided with Halloween, but, that didn’t stop people attending for a treat!

Alison is the owner of Funk it up Clothing boutique in Leeds. We’d been chatting about holding a joint event for a few months before agreeing the October date and that I’d talk about how to wear the key Autumn/Winter trends.

Like any shopping event, I make sure I do my research. So, I popped by the boutique to check the stock. I do this exercise for personal shopping trips too so that I’m prepared for our time together meaning more time shopping and less time browsing!

It was lovely to see so many and to chat about their common dressing challenges.

What to wear

Alison had a range of autumn trends in stock in a variety of colours (green, red, browns) meaning I could use the clothes to demonstrate the styles and colours which would suit people and what to look for.

Not everyone was familiar with the Colour me Beautiful system of analysis and so I explained that we have six main colouring types (we don’t do seasons), the impact of style personalities on our shopping decisions and a few tips for dressing your body shape.

The key thing to remember is that everyone is unique. My sessions provide you with the knowledge about what makes you look and feel good in what you wear. When you understand what flatters you and why, it will help you to gain the confidence to simply be yourself.

Everyone attending received a copy of my free guide to help them declutter their wardrobe too!

If you’d like to see the clothing range or visit the store, visit the Facebook page for more details: www.facebook.com/FunkItUpClothing/

 

To download a copy of the declutter guide click here.

Christmas party

What to wear to the work Christmas party

Posted on by Toni Carver

The Christmas party season is fast approaching, but, what do you wear?

Take a look at these simple tips and you’ll be sure to turn heads for all the right reasons.

Black

I had to start here. At this time of year, the high street and online stores are full of lots of black options. If you’re a regular reader or someone who’s experienced a colour analysis, then you’ll already know that black isn’t a colour which suits everyone. Nor is it slimming (that’s a myth).

When Coco Chanel invented the little black dress, she arguably created a timeless wardrobe staple. Whilst the ‘LBD’ will always be a party favourite, if it’s not in your palette you’ll need to make sure you wear it with the right accessories to either soften the appearance against your features, or to take the attention away.

If you are light brown, blonde or a red-head then try wearing a lighter coloured necklace, such as pearls or metallic to reflect the lighter colours up onto your face.

If you’ve got strong and rich colouring like Eva Longoria or Meghan Markle, then there’s no reason to worry.

Fortunately, there is a range of colours out there to choose from, so why not take advantage of them to get you through the party season!

Green

Green is another hit this season. There are varying shades of green to suit different colourings from mint, teal, peppermint to emerald green so choose your shade wisely and if in doubt, use your colour swatch wallet (gained during a colour consultation) to help guide you.

Purple

This is a great alternative to black and there is a shade to suit every complexion too. Always a hit at this time of year I find and there’s much more choice too. Go and explore!

Red

Red is a powerful colour so you’ll certainly gain some attention! It isn’t for wallflowers but there are shades of red for every colouring. If you’re warmer toned, you’re best choosing a red with a yellow undertone to it and if you’re cooler, choose a blue based one.

Metallics

Shimmery and sequins at the ready! There’s a whole host of metallic and sequin numbers out there. If you are cooler toned, then choose a silver or lighter coloured sparkle. If you’re warmer toned, choose a gold colour as these will flatter you the best.

Finishing touches

If you’re looking for the perfect way to finish off your outfit then I have just the solution. My range of super soft pashmina style scarves are available in six different shades (hot pink, teal, purple, scarlet red, apple blossom and coral pink), there’s at least one to suit your colouring. Order online or from the studio to gain the perfect cover up and add elegance to that outfit.

Finish with the perfect lippy to party in – your best shade of course! If you need advise on choosing the right shade, just get in touch.

Look good feel good event advert

Looking after yourself on the inside and outside

Posted on by Toni Carver

In October, I ran an event in Wakefield alongside Julie Woodward. We wanted to show people how you can not only look good, but feel good too. How? Well, simply with the power of wearing the right colours and having the right nutrition.

The event

It was a rather wet evening but we didn’t let the weather dampen the night. We had bottles of fizz at the ready to greet our guests too.

If you’re a regular reader of our blogs, or you’ve previously ‘had your colours done’, you’ll already know how wearing the right shades of colour can totally transform your look, make you appear more youthful and healthier. The impact that wearing colour has on how we feel is equally important so we feel confident in our own skin.

Tlc style & colour at event

In events of this type, I like to show people what the impact is of wearing different shades of colour with the use of my tonal panels. Getting oohs from the audience and seeing the look on people’s faces when they light up with the right shades against their features is amazing. I never get bored of it!

Meanwhile, Julie focussed on how to achieve good gut health. A healthy gut can contribute a great deal to our overall wellbeing – mentally and physically. Taking in the right nutrients can help and whilst it should be through eating the right diet, we never seem to get enough do we?

Essentially aloe at event

Julie highlighted some common signs of an unhealthy gut. These can include skin irritations or break outs, fatigue or irregular bowel movements. Taking in the right nutrients, through food, supplements or drinks, can help you to achieve your diet and lifestyle goals.

Thank you to those of you who came along to join us.

For more information about achieving a healthy gut, visit Julie Woodward’s website: www.essentiallyaloe.co.uk.

If you’d like to learn how to gain confidence with colour, book your own individual consultation.

Skincare range

Self care and good skincare habits

Posted on by Toni Carver

We all know the importance of a good skincare regime, but how many of us actually follow one? Good genes only go so far.

It’s been a popular subject during a few of my recent consultations and with the weather turning much colder, seems like the perfect time to help you address it.

Did you know that skin is the largest organ in the body? It provides a barrier against infection and protects our bodies from harmful elements. So it goes without saying that good skincare is vital to keep it healthy and able to do its job so that your natural beauty shines through. But, it won’t happen overnight.

Adopting a proper skincare routine for your face will reap rewards, as will a healthy lifestyle – what you put in matters as much as what you put on it as covered by Julie Woodward at our event in October. Read the post event blog here.

Plus, with your skin in tip-top condition, it will also provide you with a good base to apply your make-up (in the right shades of course).

No matter what your skin type, it’s best to follow a routine morning and night if you can.

Three step routine

Step one – Cleanse

Cleansing helps to remove excess oil, makeup and dirt from the skin and pores. Your morning routine will rid the impurities which you expel overnight whilst sleeping. At night, to take off the day!

Some experts suggest a double cleanse as the first simply removes the makeup but the second really cleans the skin and pores.

Step two – tone

Toning tightens the pores but it also removes any residue left behind from your cleanser. My tip is to apply with a damp cotton pad which will prolong the use of your products too.

Step three – moisturise

A moisturiser forms a protective layer to your skin. The trick is to hydrate the skin, revive it and keep it supple.

Day moisturisers containing SPF will help protect the skin from harmful rays, even in winter. For the evening, a night cream which is nourishing and thicker than your day cream to help it repair.

Serums

Most improve the appearance of the skin by plumping and renewing the cells and the skin’s surface, helping to remove dead skin cells for clearer and smoother skin. Try using before step three.

Exfoliators

These are designed to remove dead skin cells from the surface. Try to exfoliate at least once per week.

Masks

Help to balance out any skin complaints. They can help stimulate blood circulation and remove impurities from the skin. Use weekly.

Choose products to suit your skin type and if you are introducing new products, personally I find that introducing one by one (rather than a complete overhaul) will help in case of any reactions and to stabilise the skin too.

Facial wipes

Very handy for travelling but try to avoid using them regularly, or as a substitute to a cleanser as they don’t cleanse deep enough and can be harsher to the skin. Try a Micellar water if you’re not into cleansing and toning.

Eye products

It’s important to use products designed for use around the eye area as they are less heavy and can be too rich. Gentle tapping motions are recommended.

Age

Younger skin tends to be more oily than older skin which can dry out, so you will find the need to switch up your routine to accommodate for any changes.

Colour me Beautiful skincare solutionsColour me a Beautiful skincare range

When Colour me Beautiful introduced their new skincare range last year, I was nervous about trying the range, as my skin could be rather sensitive to changes. I didn’t feel I could recommend the range to my clients if I hadn’t actually tried them myself. So, I gradually swapped each one of my skincare products out and now I am converted!

Being a consultant, I knew the quest of the company and the MD’s vision of providing a skincare range that fulfilled a rigid criteria without costing the earth. They wanted the range to be organic because we all promote natural beauty. Vegan, because we don’t advocate or support animal cruelty. Paraben free as there are no parabens in any of our products and all the products are in recyclable packaging and made in the U.K. Plus, the entire range is infused with lovely essential oils.

I can honestly say that my previous products couldn’t tick all those boxes, so I was happy to move, but at first, I didn’t really understand too much about what organic or vegan actually meant so I thought I’d share some information here for you too.

Organic

More and more people choose organic food, so why not for what you slather onto your skin?

Organic beauty products are actually known to be safer as they don’t use toxic chemicals which can also irritate the skin. Instead, they are plant based and more gentle on the skin and therefore less likely to cause allergic reactions.

There’s no need to ‘test’ organic products on animals as they use naturally grown ingredients which means there’s no animal cruelty involved either.

Vegan

Again, more and more people are turning towards vegan food and this of course is extending into people’s skincare regime. Products which are vegan mean they do not contain any animal products.

Lanolin

This is a popular ingredient which is actually found in many products. It is derived from animals though, so many people look to avoid it. There’s no lanolin in the Colour me Beautiful skincare range.

Parabens

Most people don’t know what Parabens are. Essentially, they are used to extend the shelf life of products but have been shown to penetrate the skin and disrupt hormone functions. Some reports even link cancer to the use of them, but I haven’t been able to validate that. There’s no parabens in any of the Colour me Beautiful products.

My routine

I often get asked what products I use and my routine. I adopted a three step approach in my late twenties as I had many skin complaints and breakouts. During my thirties, it definitely settled down and I introduced an SPF into my daily morning routine and an eye cream.

In my late thirties and now I’ve entered my forties, I’ve stopped using face wipes on a night (I was just being lazy) and introduced a Micellar water and night cream to help replenish the skin with an occasional use of serum during the day. I also use an eye cream in the morning and at night.

For the morning, here’s what I use:

  1. White grapefruit revitalising cleansing gel
  2. Rose balancing toner or Jasmine hydrating toner if my skin is feeling very dry
  3. Grapefruit and orange illuminating facial serum
  4. Anti ageing eye cream with green tea extract
  5. Rose co enzyme anti ageing day cream (with SPF25) or Geranium moisture boost day cream if my skin is feeling particularly dry

For the night I use:

  1. Rose cleansing Micellar water
  2. Anti ageing eye cream with green tea extract
  3. Chamomile and jasmine replenishing night cream

Weekly, I exfoliate with the mandarin and natural bamboo exfoliating facial scrub followed by the avocado, apple and aloe Vera cleansing mask.

You can view the products and the ingredients and shop online here

If you’d like to try any samples, please get in touch or arrange an appointment at the studio.

Here’s how to colour yourself slim

Posted on by Toni Carver

I’ve lost track of how many times people say that black is slimming. Well, maybe it is and maybe it isn’t, but the question really should be; is it the most flattering? For most people, probably not.

Now you’re probably thinking that I would say that given I’m all about the colour, but stay with me for a minute and, if you want to revisit last month’s blog about dressing in black, click here.

Colour

Dressing in one colour or similar shades of colour from top to toe is in fact far more slimming than wearing black. When you wear one column of colour, it helps balance out any imperfections and elongates the frame. This creates a leaner silhouette.

One of the best public figure examples is The Queen – always top to toe in the same colour.

 

We rarely see her in black except for state occasions and funerals of course so if it’s fit for The Queen, why not give it a go?

What’s stopping you from doing a column of red or blue? Or, how about green or even yellow? If you find yourself missing black or simply can’t tear yourself away just yet, then edge away gently. Give navy, charcoal or even brown a go as these all make great alternatives to black.

Dresses, jumpsuits and more

Don’t think it needs to be a dress either. It could be a jumpsuit or a trouser suit too. These make the perfect choice for a more formal occasion especially if you don’t ‘do’ dresses.

What I like about suits is that each piece can be worn separately which helps you create different outfits within your wardrobe. If you’re struggling to create outfits or have a wardrobe full of clothes you’re not wearing, why not give my 30 day challenge a whirl? I tried it a few months ago which you can read about here.

Try a jacket with jeans for example, or the trousers worn more casually with a jumper. This increases your £s per wear too! If you’re struggling to declutter your wardrobe, then download my free guide here which contains five tips.

Another option if you’re not into suits is to try wearing the same shade in a top and bottom and then add a different coloured jacket, coat or even scarf.

Some people struggle with wearing too much contrast (think light and dark colours worn together) as they can overpower their features and so it’s best to opt for a more tonal and blended look.

Shoes

Whilst not necessarily slimming, it’s worth noting a trick to appear taller. You can elongate the appearance of your legs simply by wearing the same colour shoes and trousers. This gives a continuous unbroken line from top to toe and visibly creates an instant leg length. If you’re choosing cropped trousers or a skirt or dress, wear shoes that are closest to your skin tone. A pointed shoe will add extra length to your frame too.

If you do go top to toe in one colour then you can afford to keep your accessories and prints to a minimum. Less is more after all. This may be of benefit to those with a natural style personality.

Interested in more ways to dress yourself slimmer? Book yourself one of my colour consultation sessions or why not buy the Colour me Beautiful colour me slimmer book? Priced at just £10.99 and I have copies in the studio for both collection or delivery (P&P to be applied). Send me a message for details: Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk.

 

Dressing for work in black

Dressing for work in black – yes or no?

Posted on by Toni Carver

Take a look around your office or workspace. Are you or your colleagues dressed in black, grey or navy?

It’s very common in the workplace. When I worked in the corporate world, there was one particular team photo shoot where I wore a pink dress! I wasn’t meaning to stand out from my colleagues, but I did because of the colour. Importantly though, the dress fitted my shape, complimented my colouring and, more importantly, I felt confident.

 

Safe and slimming?

Many people consider black to be a neutral shade. It’s worn a lot by both men and women. It’s seen as ‘safe’ and an easy option. I hear it goes with every colour. And it’s slimming.

But, did you know that black is only a neutral colour for some people?In fact, under the tonal analysis system (used by Colour me Beautiful consultants), only those who fall into three of our dominant colouring types of Deep, Cool and Clear actually truly suit this colour.

For everyone else, other neutral colours work far better. In fact, there are some excellent alternatives to black which I would recommend. Plus you’ll look sooo much better!

Whilst you may think that black is slimming, this is only true if it is worn in the right style for you, the right fit and in the right fabric for your shape.

Get colour confident

Black might be safe, but it is rather boring. Worse, you could even be merging into the background. Have you been passed up for a promotion? Feel that you’re not recognised for your skills or taken as seriously as you would like? Colour really does have a big impact, whether you’re fully aware of the impact or not. Adding some colour could be a simple and easy way to get recognised, add to your confidence and widen your workwear wardrobe.

If you’d like to discover alternative colours which you can wear both in and out of the office, get in touch to book your own colour analysis consultation.

More details about my colour analysis consultations can be found here.

You’ll get your own colour swatch wallet to guide you when shopping too. See you soon!

All whites at Wimbledon, but who can wear pure white?

Posted on by Toni Carver

If you’re a tennis fan then you’ll have been glued to the TV this week and checking social media for the scores at Wimbledon 2019.

But, ever wondered why the players only dress in white?

Official dress code

Well, there’s an official dress code which you can visit on the Wimbledon 2019 website here. It’s rather strict and provides lots of rules, but in a nutshell, it states that players can only wear white. Not off white either, or cream. Just white.

That goes for their shoes too, including soles, all clothes and any accessories.

My research also shows that this dates back to the Victorian era as it was believed that the reason they wear white is that it showed less sweat. Despite times changing, the rules have certainly not relaxed and there are no signs of changing it either.

Flouting the rules comes at a cost too. It’s all white or no court action. Very strict.

If you’re not planning on heading to the Wimbledon courts, wearing white is a little more flexible thankfully.

Who can wear white?

You see, pure white doesn’t suit that many people. It’s notoriously a difficult colour to wear for most of us as it’s so pale that the majority of us just look totally washed out. The only people that should wear pure white are the Cool’s and Clear’s amongst us.

A nice off-white shade is much better for the majority of people. A much softer shade as it creates better harmony with our own physical characteristics so you’ll look healthier with a better looking skin tone.

Everyone can wear colour, it’s just finding the right shades of colour which bring out the best in you.

If you want to learn what colouring type you are and the shades which suit your characteristics the best, get in touch to book a colour analysis consultation. 

 

Your biggest concerns or challenges when it comes to dressing?

Posted on by Toni Carver

Recently, I’ve been asking for feedback about your biggest concerns or challenges when it comes to dressing.

Here are the top 3 concerns raised:

  1. Colour
  2. Cost
  3. Body confidence

I thought I’d look at each area of concern and offer a few tips.

 

Colour

Colour coordination came up a few times and specifically matching tops, bottoms or outfits together when dressing. I shouldn’t be surprised as colour consultations are by far my most popular service.

Wearing colour is also the simplest way to update your look. We can all get fed up wearing the same thing, day in, day out so perhaps it’s just a pop of colour you need? Try a scarf to switch up your look. Or how about a colourful necklace or a pair of earrings? A new pair of shoes or bag could work too.

 

Identify the ‘right’ colour

It’s worth noting that everyone can wear colour, it’s simply finding the right shade for you. How do you know if it’s the right colour? Simply hold the garment up under your chin in a well lit room. It should lighten and brighten your features but, if you see any dark shadows against your face, or the colour stands out more than you, it’s not the right shade.

Dressing all in one colour will give the appearance of height too, so if you’re on the petite side, this is a good tip to follow. If you’re on the taller side, try colour blocking; where a different top to bottoms, shoes or jackets.

If you’ve got dramatic or stand out features, then a contrast will work well for you. Wear a light and dark colour together. If you’ve got less stand out features, try a more blended look by choosing a colour and wearing shades which are one or two shades lighter or darker than each other.

During a colour consultation, I’ll go into more detail. Specifically looking at the colour of your hair, eyes and your skin tone in order to determine a palette of colours which work for you. Colour me Beautiful consultants like myself work from a tonal analysis system now rather than a seasonal approach. You’ll get to take away your own personal fabric swatch wallet with 42 shades which compliment you the best based upon your physical colouring. For more details, visit my colour analysis consultation page.

 

Cost

How do you shop for clothes which don’t break the bank?

There’s a strong movement in favour of recycling clothes. Think swish and swap parties, charity shops, re-loved sites and Ebay. Opportunities to buy nearly new or used but in excellent condition mean that you can buy new clothes at a fraction of their once higher price.

Another option is to shop wisely. If you have multiple items in the same style and colour, do you really need to buy another? Think about and go and have a look at what you’ve got and what you wear. If you’re a regular reader, you’ll have seen my 30 day challenge in April and I would highly recommend that you give this a go. It might also help if you feel like you’re in a bit of a style rut and bored of what you wear.

 

Coordination

If you can wear garments with at least three other items in your wardrobe, then this really will transform it. The ability to wear an item multiple times which coordinates with other pieces means you are more likely to get your money’s worth as well as wear it. This all comes down to my £s per wear mantra. Spend £50 on an item you wear once and it’s £50 per wear, but spend £50 on an item you wear five times and it’s £10 per wear.

Don’t despair if you’ve got things that you barely wear or don’t go with anything. Think about what you could wear it with – what item don’t you have that will transform it into an outfit? I’ve found time and time again that once you nail this, your clothes will combine much more easily together.

A slight tangent, but worthy of thought. Does your wardrobe match your lifestyle? If the clothes in your wardrobe don’t match how you actually spend your time, then you’ve got clothes you probably won’t wear. Or, you’re missing key items to work for your lifestyle. I found this myself. When I left the corporate world, I had lots of suits, shirts, tailored dresses which just didn’t work for my colour, style and image business.

 

Body confidence

I was surprised to hear so many people talking so negatively about themselves. We are such harsh critics on ourselves. Concerns raised mainly surrounding people’s weight and how fat they say they felt or clothes not fitting. Even buying things which were just “fine” or “ok” – you deserve better than that!!

First things first – size doesn’t matter, but shape does. Diet and exercise can go a long way to making yourself feel as well as look good, but dressing for your body line is crucial as your skeleton and bone structure won’t change no matter how much weight you’ve put on or lost.

Think of a curvy vase. Have you ever tried wrapping a vase with thick wrapping paper? Not only does it look bad, but have you noticed that it alters the appearance? The curvy lines have been swamped with all that heavy paper, masking it’s shape but also making it look bigger. Fabric is the same. If you’ve got curves, choose fabric that drapes those curves as choosing heavy fabric which doesn’t compliment the curves means that you’ll look two sizes bigger than what you really are.

I often see people that want to hide their shape as they feel conscious. Again fabric is key here as just because you buy something bigger to avoid hugging those curves, it’s still too big making you look bigger than you actually are.

You don’t have to be a slave to fashion, I know I’m not but it’s also easier to keep your look current too. Glossy magazines and online sites are packed with image inspiration and tips on what is going to be ‘on trend’. Focus on the trends that appeal to you and then decide how you are going to incorporate them into your look in a way that is still ‘you’. You’ll feel better being you than trying to be someone else.

Buy what you love! If you put something on that you feel truly fabulous in, then go ahead and purchase it. When you wear something you feel amazing in you will exude confidence and this will guarantee you look amazing too!

If you need a little help decluttering your wardrobe, why not download my free guide which includes five steps to follow. Download it here. 

Personality impact of how you dress

Does your personality affect the way you dress?

Posted on by Toni Carver

What we wear sends out a message to people we meet. Consciously or otherwise, we make a visual statement about how we feel in what we wear.

 

How much do our own preferences have towards others?

I recently took to Facebook to ask my friends their opinion. Which shoes did they think I should go with for an event I had the following day. I posted two pictures with my outfit laid out including necklace and a pair of shoes.

The dress was new and bought from Marks & Spencer. Both pairs of shoes I already had and had shopped from my existing wardrobe. (I do believe that you can combine outfits together from your existing wardrobe without having to buy everything new. If you want to learn more about this, get in touch to book a session).

The result

1 – 10 votes

2 – 13 votes

I already had a good idea about which shoes I thought I would wear before the votes came in but I was curious to see what people thought.

I chose shoes number one

Are you wondering why? It’s not because I don’t like the other shoes because in actual fact, they are one of my favourites. They are a pair that I have had for many years, been resoled and heeled and the £s per wear I’ve had must be almost pennies now. Getting your wear out of things is a must when buying certain items of clothing.

Instead, it was about the overall image I wanted to project and, make an impression wearing them. I guess it’s linked to confidence too and how I felt wearing them. I felt I needed an edge and these shoes gave me the edge I wanted. How many times do you choose something to wear because you’re happy or confident? This is a must I would say!

The comments I got from my friends and the votes made me reflect about how much our own personality impact on our view about what others wear. I’ve said it many times – image matters, whether we like it or not. How many times have you seen someone on TV or on social media and passed comment about what they are wearing? We all do it – good and bad.

There was also a distinct difference in styling and personality in each shoe. One pair was quite edgy and bold. The other a more classic pair. Also, from the pictures, it can be hard to judge can’t it? There were a few who saw black and red for shoes number one for example when in actual fact they were purple and red. Were people saying what they thought I would look good in, or were they actually saying what they thought they would wear themselves? I suspect there was an element of both.

In my personal and professional view, both shoes worked. If a client had posed the same question to me and asked for my opinion, I’d have asked them to think about where they were going, what impression they wanted to create and, how comfortable were they to wear. I think there’s nothing worse than being in a pair of shoes which are killing your feet!

Did I get any comments about my shoes at the event? Interestingly, no. But I did about the dress – the colour looked great on me I was told 😉.

 

Bringing it all together

This backs up why the colour clothes we wear have such an impact. It’s usually the first thing people see and it’s actually the easiest way to update your look too. Arguably, you can dress as a different personality and many people do – they have to dress a certain way for work and when out of work, they are the opposite. However, it’s your personality which dictates how you actually combine your outfits together, or not for some of you!

Either way, I would always recommend that you dress for your body shape and wear the shades of colour which suit your colouring the best near to your face as you can see I have.

 

Get in touch to learn more and to book your session.

If you’re interested in learning more and not ready to book yet, why not follow me on Facebook and say hi!

 

The 2019 Pantone Colour of the Year is…

Posted on by Toni Carver

2019 is nearly here!

Pantone, like every year have announced what their colour of the year is for 2019.

In 2018 it was ultra violet. It was one of my faves as I love purple and find it such a versatile colour to wear. There are lots of different shades of purple out there too meaning there’s a shade out there for everyone.

When the Pantone Color Institute make their annual announcements, designers around the globe take note and we see trends emerge in the shops. It’s not always restricted to clothing or fashion, but household appliances too have been known to follow the trend!

Announcing Colour of the Year – 2019

Living Coral!

Pantone say it’s “an animating and life affirming Coral hue with a golden undertone that energises and enlivens with a softer edge. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolising our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, Living a Coral embodies our desire for playful expression”.

We wear colour as a way of expressing ourselves – in our clothes and makeup. Wearing colour makes you feel good, look good (when wearing the right shade) and also boosts our confidence.

If you’ve been for a colour consultation and had your colours done in the past, then choose to wear the most flattering orange shades from your palette – use your colour swatch wallet to guide you.

Should you fall into our Warm category and warmer versions of the Light or Clear colouring types, you’ll be delighted!

Unfortunately, Coral won’t be in your palette for the rest of you, but if you do want to be ‘on trend’, then how about a new kitchen appliance?!

Makeup

Here’s my recommendations from our cruelty free, paraben free cosmetic range available in the studio or via my online shop.

Eyes

Peach – available as a single eyeshadow pot or as a refillable for our magnetic compact. Suitable for everyone except Cools – go for your pinky shades such ballerina pink, cotton candy, champagne or opal.

Lips

The obvious choice is our Coral Lipstick suitable for you Lights, Warms and Clears.

If you’re a Deep, why not try the Sheer rum or Sheer nutmeg lipstick as an alternative?

For you Cools, give Strawberry lipstick a try and for you Softs, Spiced Peach or Sheer breeze would be ideal.

Our Mango Lip Gloss is the perfect shade to co-ordinate with this ‘on-trend’ colour too which is great for you Lights, Deeps, Warms and Clears. If you’re a soft try Warm Sand lipgloss and for you Cools, it’s back to the pinks and avoid the trend all together I’m afraid as it’s just not for you!

If you would like to know the shades of colour which suit you best, why not book a consultation here.

Fabulous reds this Christmas

Posted on by Toni Carver

Red is the colour most often seen at this festive time of year. The good news is that there is a shade to suit everyone!

Here are some options for you to try.

Soft & Romantic

Check out the back detail on this Reiss dress – this will no doubt appeal to those of you who have Romantic style personalities and the Geranium shade will work for those of you who fall into our Soft and Light colour categories.

Reiss dress

Why not complete your look with our Red Velvet or even Strawberry lipstick? Visit here to order online.

Deep & Dramatic

If you like to make a statement, why not do so in this Karen Millen sparkling number. You won’t need much accessorising as it is so stunning, so I’m sure it will appeal to those Dramatics out there.

If you fall into our Deep or Clear colour categories then this bold choice will work beautifully for you.

Karen millen

Why not complete your look with our Tomato or Ruby Lipstick? Buy it here.

 

Cool & Classic

Those of you with Cool colouring should be careful when it comes to wearing red and to avoid any with a yellow undertone which would make it warm. A Blue Red or purple/blue based shade, like this dress from Hobbs, will work best for you.

It’s a timeless and understated style which will appeal to those of you who have a Classic style personality – simply add your own accessories for a chic evening look.

Hobbs dress

Why not wear our Red Carpet or Sheer Fiesta Lipstick to finish off your look? Shop for it here.

 

Warm & Natural

If you fall into our Warm dominant colour category, most shades of red will work of you but remember to avoid the blue-reds.

Why not try this Reiss jumpsuit – it’s the ultimate in easy evening dressing so simple and so chic.

Those of you with Natural style personalities will love this simple look and you can also easily wear flats with it too.

Jumpsuit

Why not complete your look with Red Velvet or Tomato? Buy it here.

 

Step into 2019 in style

If you want to learn the season’s key trends, update your wardrobe, go shopping or learn what suits you then why not make an appointment for next year?

Contact me to book or visit my services page.

SU update

The Style Edit – shopping results

Posted on by Toni Carver

A few weeks ago, I held The Style Edit. It was great to see some new faces and some familiar ones too.

I know that some of you couldn’t make it but I thought I’d share some of the shopping purchases I showcased here.

Next

The jumpsuit was an amazing shade of green, very bold to suit you deeps and clears. It does however come in other colours online. Greens are a very popular colour this season.

Also popular with two trends in one was the teal velvet top. It had a subtle animal print detail for a more relaxed look. Despite also being called teal, it was a much lighter shade than the jumpsuit and so would suit the softs and lights particularly well.

Continuing the animal print trend was this purple top. It was more like a lilac or periwinkle and a great shade for you softs. I loved the animal print scarf which came with it.

The ochre V neck jumper was thin, making layering a breeze and came in a vast array of shades. There’s certainly a shade to suit everyone if you like the style!

 

M&S

I am quite a fan of M&S latest must haves (have you seen those teal embellished stripe dresses trousers??). Perhaps it coincides with Holly joining.. I found a vast range of trousers, but these checked ones seemed to hit the heritage trend the best.

 

Warehouse

I found this bold striped top perhaps suiting those wanting a little more drama. I’ve now found it in the sale at Debenhams online.

 

Wallis

This animal print dress epitomised the whole animal print trend this season. The colour was great for all you warms with amazing detailing and good fabric for the majority of body shapes. Also now found in the sale so if this is your thing, grab it now!

Incidentally, I found a great relaxed pair of trousers in the sale. Think athletic style, or more sporty look (stripes down the sides). They feel so comfy too rather than the straight tailored look and worth checking out as most shops seem to have a pair.

 

Dorothy Perkins

Seem to have upped their game in the colour charts as both these tops came in a range of colours. The pink blouse would be lovely for you cools and clears. The burgundy tshirt would be great for deeps and softs and could be layered with a vest as the material rather see through for most.

 

Hope you enjoyed this and of course, if you’d like to go on your own personal shopping trip, just get in touch.