What’s covered in a style & shape consultation?

Posted on by Toni Carver

In this video, you’ll learn what is covered during a style and shape consultation. Watch it on my Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/PVUSE5EyoFo

The details are summarised here:

Style personality

Your style personality is the real you. There’s more to this than you realise. It’s about the clothes you reach for and how they make you feel. Your lifestyle and how you dress to still feel like you!

Having clothes which don’t work for your style personality, means you’ll feel uncomfortable when you wear them. You won’t feel like you, and you won’t be happy. Clothes you don’t reach for are likely to languish in the back of the wardrobe, unworn and unloved because ultimately, they’re not you. I can help you identify what to look for and what works fo you.

Body shape

No tape measures are involved and you can happily stay fully clothed too!

I meet a lot of women who tell me that they don’t know their body shape, or clothes don’t fit them properly. Often, it’s not your underlying body shape which you have challenges with, but your proportions. For example, if you struggle with the fit of jeans, trousers or skirts, the rise you choose is important.

Whilst I’m new to sewing, I’ve always understood the importance of how a garment is constructed and made. I just wasn’t able to do it myself! Seams, darts, necklines and sleeves are all elements to take into account when dressing to flatter your shape.

Your fabric choice can be a friend or a foe! Weight, texture, cut and feel are all elements many people don’t consider, yet it can often be the reason that the fit, shape or style is wrong for you and your body.

Understanding the elements of your body shape, body proportions and body lines helps you identify the cuts, styles and shapes to choose to flatter your shape.

Your clothes

Whilst you’re under no obligation, it can be beneficial to bring along some of your own clothes which you’ve found aren’t working for you. Especially if you can’t put your finger on the reasons why. If you keep putting things on and taking them off again, because there’s something not right with it and you’re convinced it’s not the colour, it’s probably a style and shape session, which you’d benefit from. Especially if you know your colours and nothing has changed!

There are some items I use to demonstrate some of the points I’m making, but your clothes are often the best way to demonstrate the effect and impact.

For more information, visit this page.

These consultations take place in the studio in Wakefield, West Yorkshire and generally last between two to two and a half hours.

You can combine it with a colour analysis and we’ll cover colours, makeup, style, shape, and personality. You’ll need to allow around four to four and a half hours for this combined package.

 

Get in touch to make your appointment

Tips on choosing swimwear

Posted on by Toni Carver

When it comes to choosing swimwear, here’s a few tips to help guide you just in time for your summer holiday.

Busts and Tummy

If you’re big busted, a good strap will give you a better shape and is far more comfortable to wear. Choosing one for your bra size will also ensure you have the support you need.

Are you conscious about your tummy? A double mesh panel will smooth out this area and give the appearance of a flatter stomach. A print will distract the eye and your tummy magically disappears! Much more flattering than a block colour. Go for a v neck or cross over style which can emphasise a bust and help detract attention away from your tummy area.

The swimsuit featured is from Pour Moi who have a great range of inclusive sizes.

Short legs & long bodies

If you want to elongate your legs, try and avoid shorts style and those that sit at the top of your thigh. Look for high cuts that will give you appearance of length in the leg. Be careful if you’re pear shaped as this can emphasise your wider hips.

Go for styles with detail on the top half to draw attention upwards. The stripes on the one featured are both confusing and interesting, so automatically the eye is drawn upwards.

If you’re longer in the body, you’ll already know that swimsuits can be uncomfortable. Opt for tankinis and bikinis. Make sure you have detail below the bust which will have the effect of lifting the natural waist line.

These are from Next who have a good range but feature more brands online.

 

Colour

Finally, opt for a flattering shade rather than black which can get very hot in the sun. Go for a cheerful and uplifting colour instead!

Try not to get daunted when shopping for swimwear. Shop by style personality, in colours and styles which flatter your features and you’ll be sure to make the right choices.

Holiday capsule wardrobe

If you need help shopping for a holiday capsule wardrobe, do get in touch. Look out for my new Holiday Capsule Wardrobe Workbook coming soon. Join the wait list and be the first to hear when it’s launched. Select ‘capsule wardrobe’ and register here.

Do you know the difference between body shape and body proportions?

Posted on by Toni Carver

Have you ever fallen in love with something on the hanger only to discover when you try it on that it just doesn’t fit right?

Often, the reasons are down to the wrong sizing or the wrong shape. But, have you considered that it might not be made for your body proportions?

Take the elusive jumpsuit. I call it elusive as it is can be exceptionally challenging to find the right fit! It’s the perfect example where knowing your shape can still mean the garment doesn’t fit. For example, it could be too long in the body for you, or too short. It could be too short in the leg, or too long. The rise on the jump suit could be too long giving the appearance of a saggy bum, or indeed it could be too short so it digs uncomfortably in. I’m sure you get the idea and that’s before we assess the fabric!

Shape versus proportions

People get in touch often because they want to know what their body shape is and what suits them. But, if you frequently find the fit of clothes is the challenge then do consider that it might not be your shape that you’ve got wrong. It could well be your body proportions. I’ve talked about this recently in this video.

Broadly speaking, you need to consider where your waist is in proportion to the rest of your body. If you don’t have a clearly defined waist, think of where your natural bend is.

There is no right and no wrong. And, unfortunately, the retail and fashion industry don’t always make this easy as there is no uniform in sizing, cutting and shapes! But, it does help to know and understand your proportions to help you refine your clothing choices and make sure they work for you, (and not the other way round). Clever techniques exist, it’s just learning more about it.

I don’t use a tape measure, but I do assess and go through this during a style and image consultation alongside your body shape, scale and fabric cut and weight. All these factors have an impact on whether something fits and flatters you. This is why when you understand this detail, you’ll make fewer shopping mistakes. You’ll learn clever tips to balance yourself out, if you need to.

So if you’re struggling to shop for clothes or continually have to get things altered; a style and image consultation could be something that you’d really benefit from. I can’t guarantee you won’t need to get things altered. But, it might save you time and money buying something which doesn’t love you the same.

swimwear blog

How to find the perfect swimsuit for your body shape

Posted on by Toni Carver

Continuing my summer theme, this time I’m focusing on swimsuits.

If the thought of wearing swimwear fills you with anxiety, be assured that many people feel the same. Most people really are more concerned with their own bodies rather than looking at yours!

Understanding how to dress your body shape is key to any garment so that you can feel confident and relaxed, especially on holiday.

Projecting confidence is infectious, and I give my clients the knowledge so that they can strut their stuff around the pool.

If you’ve tried to find a swimsuit and struggled to find the right fit, read on as I share some tips on choosing the right one for your shape.

Neat Hourglass

Many would consider you very lucky and most styles will work on your frame. Choose a style that emphasises your figure; particularly your waist. If you need support, opt for it (I know I prefer it and miss the Floozie range which Debenhams used to stock! Try Pour Moi, Fantasie, Freya via Next and Marks & Spencer or Boden). Choose a flattering colour from your colour palette to really finish the look..

Full Hourglass

Due to your amazing curves, support really is recommended. A spaghetti strap is unlikely to provide sufficient support and you’ll likely find that they will dig or pinch your shoulders and neck. Seek out a style with a cup size which matches your bra size and you’ll find the fit much much more comfortable and flattering. Boden have a good range or try Next or M&S.

Be aware of frills on your bottom half which can add bulk making you appear hiding on your bottom than you are. A belted style will help to highlight your waist too. A flattering all over colour will also flatter and finish your look.

Triangle

You want to take attention away from your bottom and thighs. Choose your brighter colours on your top half and go for plain deeper shades on your bottom. High cut legs can lengthen the leg and adding detail to your top half where possible. This could be padding, embellishment or pattern.

If you’re looking for a bikini, be sure to choose one wear you can pick two pieces in different sizes or you’ll always find one is bigger/smaller than the other half. An off the shoulder swimsuit or asymmetric detail will visually broaden your shoulder line.

Inverted Triangle

Aim to keep any detail on your top half to a minimum, the bottom half will be more flattering and will help to balance the proportion between your broader shoulders and hips. A halter neck style will draw the eye inwards. Boy short style bottoms and floaty short/skirts will build up your bottom half too. You’ll also benefit from brands that sell two pieces in different sizes.

Oval

A good fitted one piece can help to elongate your frame. Try and invest in one with good tummy control to provide you with some extra confidence. An all-over print will distract the eye though be aware of too big or bold which could highlight any areas you want to distract from. One colour will help to lengthen the body too and can create a slimming effect. Choose one with a bra cup support if you need it.

Tankinis are also a great alternative as they tend to float over the tummy area.

Rectangle

Try a style with side panels or cut outs which will give the illusion of shape to your straighter body. If you do carry weight around your tummy, look for swimsuits with a busy print and detailing on your bust and hips to help disguise the area. Boden do a style called Portofino which creates some great panels to give the illusion of a waist. Ann Summers and Boux Avenue like their cut out options too!

Fit

Not everyone is equal in their proportions.

You’ve got to try them on! If you’re shopping online, read the descriptions – particularly the sizing guides and measurements. If you frequently find that a swimsuit is bit baggy on the bottom area then it’s likely that you have a shorter body area. Knowing the measurements means you can check before you order and save time (and money) ordering something which won’t fit. You may need to switch to a different style to accommodate your shape and proportions.

If you’re bigger in the bust, choose  one with a proper fitted bra cup. Yes, they will be more expensive but they’ll be much more comfortable to wear and flatter your shape more.

Colour

I’ve touched a little bit on colour already but more colours really do exist than black. Many people want to hide behind black but simply choose a deeper shade which will be more flattering. If you know your colours, choose one from your swatches (which you get with a colour analysis consultation)

Want to feel confident in what you wear?

It’s all about knowledge! During my Style & Image consultation, we cover how to dress for your style, shape, the fit, your proportions and what material to go for!

Book now!
SU update

Learn to dress with confidence

Posted on by admin

Did you know that most women only wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time?

 

If you want to learn about dressing in clothes which flatter your body and personality, then reserve your place at this small group session held at my studio in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

 

During the session, we will cover:

 

  • Dressing for your body shape
  • Assessing your proportions
  • Fun style personality quiz!

 

Come along and learn about clothing lines, fabrics and clever dressing tips so you can feel more confident about showing off your best bits and disguising the bits that you’re not so fond of.

You are encouraged to bring along one of your favourite outfits and one that you’re not so fond of so that we can see what does and doesn’t flatter you.

Each person will take away their own personal style cheat sheets and a Style Update handout showing you the key colours and styles for the current season.

 

Prices

These group sessions are limited for between 3 – 6 people.

£35 per person including handouts.

Optional extra!

An additional makeup lesson and scarf tying demonstration can be added to this session for just £5 extra per person. Please allow extra time if opting to include this.

Availability

Saturday 26th August – 10am – 12:30pm

To book your place please contact me.

Swimwear to suit you

Posted on by admin

Choosing swimwear to suit your body shape can be a challenge. There are lots of styles nowadays to suit all budgets but here’s my guide to picking the one to suit your figure so you can head to the pool or beach in style.

 

Apple/round

Choose solid colours which will be more flattering in something like a tankini style. V necked or cross over styles will help to emphasise your other assets and help detract attention away from your tummy area.

Pear/triangle

Try and avoid patterns or high cut styles on your bottom half and emphasise your top half instead. This can be done through pattern, jewellery or even a hat.

Inverted triangle

Plain top and patterned briefs will help create the illusion of a more balanced shape.

Rectangle

Try extra detailing such as bows or frills to create the illusion of a more fuller shape and curves.

Hourglass

A halterneck style or v neck will flatter your curves. Matching bikinis will keep everything in proportion and flatter your shape.

 

Finally, remember to choose styles in colours from your palette! Want to know your body shape and how to dress it? Get in touch to book a style consultation.