Sustainable September: how to opt for quality, not quantity and fill the gaps

Have you been enjoying the theme in this month’s blogs? I do hope so!

Last week, I shared four things to do to start your autumn wardrobe preparation. Don’t worry – they’re totally easy to do with no skill as most of them are about thinking and looking! Revisit it here..

You’ve probably got the idea by now that ‘shopping’ your own wardrobe will save you money in the long run. Plus, it has a positive impact on the planet too.

Taking time to sort through your clothes will actually save you time too. Just think how long it takes you to get ready! When you’ve got a lot of clothes, you can’t see everything you’ve got. Or, what you do have, you don’t wear because they don’t fit or flatter you either.

How to organise your wardrobe

When I help clients with their wardrobes, I tend to categorise them into types, then colour. To me, this is logical and visual and it’s how my own wardrobe is organised. So, put your shirts together, t-shirts, trousers, jeans, skirts, dresses and so on.

Once in order, I’ll organise by groups of colours – reds together, blues together and so on. Often, you’ll find you have several of the same item. But, how many do you really need?

These are the contents of the average wardrobe for a (middle-class) woman in the 1940s.

I’m pretty sure it is substantially less than the average wardrobe today. It’s certainly less than I have.

Sure, availability and choice has increased, but so has over-consumption.

The trick is to balance what you need with what you have and fill the gaps. Use your personal colour swatches to help you identify any colour gaps as well as the style of clothes for how you spend your time.

If you can’t fill the gaps, you’ll end up buying more of the same things you’ve already got.

How many times have you seen an outfit on a mannequin, or on a model and bought it, only to discover that it doesn’t look the same on you?

Build, height, sizing, colouring and personality are all elements which make you; you. That’s before we even assess the fabric and cut of the clothes! When you understand what suits you, fits you and flatters you, only then will you be able to stop making costly mistakes.

Buying something because it’s the latest trend or in the sale without considering you, your wardrobe and your lifestyle, will often mean they languish in the back of the wardrobe until you donate them, or sell them online, at a loss.

Colour and style advice

Spend time researching what’s current (or attend my seasonal colour and trend workshop) to learn the new colours and trends to help you build a wardrobe of clothes that you love to wear. And, which suit you of course!

Try and recreate these looks from what you already have. During the workshop, I use my own clothes as well as new ones to demonstrate this, so if you need some inspiration, be sure to join us! It takes place on Saturday 5 October online, so you can join from the comfort of your own home. Get your ticket here.

I don’t believe in being a slave to fashion and spending a fortune on clothes. Like many of my clients, I just want to look and feel up -to-date in what I wear. Being able to make informed decisions and shop with intention helps because I understand what suits me and how to make things work.

Clothes in the right colour and style for you, that fit and flatter your shape, will always make better choices in the long run. Book a consultation if you need any help.

Those attending the workshop will receive my essential guidance and a copy of my new seasonal colour guide too. Alongside the live group workshop, I produce a suite of guides on the colours and trends that suit you, aimed at saving you time.

RECORDED VIDEO MASTERCLASS

The live event isn’t recorded, so if you can’t make it, I pre-record a video using the same presentation so you can catch up and watch it in your own time. I’ll share the latest colours and trends to look out for, with examples and some tips on if they flatter you. The video lasts 44 minutes.

AUTUMN/WINTER 2024-25 COLOUR TREND GUIDE

This guide fits inside your colour me beautiful colour swatch wallet to guide you when shopping. It includes seven key colours for the autumn and winter season for each dominant colouring type (using the tonal colour analysis system covered in my colour analysis consultations).

What to wear this spring

You don’t have to be a slave to fashion to look and feel up-to-date in what you wear!

Often, it may be some new inspiration you need. Or, some ideas adapting what you’ve already got. But, it isn’t always a brand new wardrobe! So, if you keep making random and ill-thought through purchases which languish in the back of the wardrobe, help is at hand!

Twice a year, I do the hard work for you with my ‘Seasonal Updates’ for you to learn what’s out there to suit you, and where you can find it – there’s something for everyone!

Make informed decisions, shop with intention and stop wasting money on things you won’t wear! Here’s what’s available and how I can help summarised below. I’ve also recorded a video which you can watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/u_ObU7YbWhY

Who are the seasonal updates for?

Quite simply, ladies who want to feel good and look stylish. Too many people have too many clothes they don’t wear which don’t suit them!

More specifically:

– If you already know your colouring type, you’ll learn the colours you can expect to find this coming season. Ideal if you’ve identified certain colour gaps in your wardrobe from your palette, or you need to invest in a specific colour or style.

– You want to feel up-to-date in your clothes. I’ve picked out the trends to look out for and how to wear them. This way, you can introduce them, or adapt what you already have in bringing them up-to-date so you can feel more confident in your outfits.

– A dislike for shopping, or feel overwhelmed by choice. I’ve already done the hard work scouring what’s available to make it easier for you to shop for specific items you’ll need and wear.

– You’re short on time, as I’ve done the hard work to make it easy for you to shop for specific items with my guidance.

– You’re an impulse shopper and keep buying clothes without purpose or because it’s there/cheap/available. You may already have something similar in your wardrobe and with my guidance, you’ll know what to look for and have ideas to style it different! These seasonal updates will also help you focus on the items you need to stop you buying more clothes you don’t need and won’t wear.

– Lacking inspiration and confidence. Sometimes you get stuck in a rut and need some help getting out of it.

– You make your own clothes and need some inspiration on styles or new designs you could try your hand at yourself.

What’s available?

A suite of support all guiding you on the colours and trends to suit you to save you time.

Spring/Summer 2024 Colour Update Guide

This guide has had an update to the design this year. It’s still a handy-sized guide to pop in your handbag, but it’s now slimmer, so it fits inside your colour me beautiful colour swatch wallet! (sneak peak in the video above!)

You’ll find the key colours for spring/summer 2024 organised by dominant colouring type (using the tonal colour analysis system which you’ll learn during your colour analysis consultation) to help guide you when shopping.

There’s seven colours for each of the six colouring types which includes three neutrals this year, making it easy to focus on updating your wardrobe this season and fill any specific colour gaps you’ve identified from your palette.

Between April and September, you’ll get a copy with all colour and style consultations.

Live Workshop – Spring/Summer 2024 Colours & Trends – Saturday 6 April 12pm

The next live group workshop takes place virtually on Saturday 6 April at 12pm and lasts around 90 minutes.

During this workshop, you’ll be guided on the latest colours, trends and where to find them. I’ll show examples I’ve found on the high street, plus I shop my own wardrobe too! All aimed at inspiring you to style up and wear what you’ve got so you only buy what you need. Get your ticket here.

Recorded video masterclass

If you can’t attend the live event, my pre-recorded video masterclass is for you so you don’t miss out!

I’ll share my presentation and guidance during this 45 minute pre-recorded video which you can watch in your own time. I’ll talk you through the latest colours and trends, with examples inspiring you in how to wear them.

Shop the look guides for each colouring type

I received some fabulous feedback on these new guides last season, so they are back for SS24 bigger and better!

There’s a ‘shop the look’ for each dominant colouring type and ideal if you know your colours to make shopping the new season colours and trends a breeze.

Each guide features a range of garments, including accessories. There’s over 40 items I’ve picked alongside stylist notes and links to each retailer website to buy.

When are the seasonal updates?

The spring/summer update guides will be available to purchase online from 1 April and the live workshop takes place on 6 April. Tickets to the workshop are available to buy here.

If you’re shopping the sales or pre-loved and missed the previous Autumn/Winter update, these are reduced whilst stocks last. Colour and style guides are available here.

Early access at a discount is available, but only if you join the wait list. Subscribing to a waiting list means I can make you an exclusive offer. The offers aren’t available outside of my email list (ie I don’t offer them anywhere else). So, if you’re not on the list then you don’t get this access. Joining the wait list means you’ll get 5 days exclusive access ahead of general sale at an exclusive discounted price.

To qualify, you need to be subscribed, select ‘seasonal updates’ as an interest and still be opted in by the time the offer email comes around. On 27 March, you’ll receive an email with your exclusive pre-launch offers. Register your details here on the wait list.

How will the seasonal updates help you?

Money doesn’t buy style, knowledge does.

I’m often told my guides stop you making the same mistakes and buying more things you don’t wear/don’t suit you. Having a colour and style expert find items you wouldn’t normally choose yourself actually saves time (and money)! Inspiring you and providing ideas for things you already have stops you wasting money on clothes you won’t wear and don’t need. Using my seasonal updates makes you more aware of what’s already in your wardrobe that you can re-wear again and again too.

Having a colour and style consultant do the hard work for you, stops you scouring the internet and the high street as I’ve gathered the colours and trends, who they work for, where to get them and how to wear them. You just need to choose the format which works best for you!

As a reminder:

  1. A summary guide of the key colours you’ll find this spring/summer 2024 for each dominant colouring type.
  2. Shop the Look guides for each colour type which features links to the retailer websites with style and fit notes from me too.
  3. Recorded on-demand masterclass which is pre-recorded showing you the colours and trends in the shops and tips on how to wear them and who they suit. The video uses the same slides I use in the live group workshop.
  4. 90 minute live group workshop, showing you a presentation of the colours and trends plus what examples I’ve found on the high street. Tips on how to wear them, who they suit and making them work for you. I’ll also show you examples of the ‘new’ trends I’ve found in my wardrobe which I’ll be re-wearing to inspire you to check your wardrobe and style them up a different way.

How much are the seasonal updates?

The price ranges from £7.50 to £19.50 depending what you choose. It’s a cost effective way to tap into the expertise of a colour and style consultant! But, if you’d prefer something more personalised, do get in touch: toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Want to get your wardrobe ready for the new season?

NEW Spring/Summer 2024 Colour & Trend Seasonal Update Workshop

Sunnier days are coming, so I’m busy behind the scenes with my ‘Seasonal Updates’ to help you get your wardrobe ready for the next season.

I don’t believe in being a slave to fashion as trends do come and go. That said, colours change every season, so it’s the perfect opportunity to switch up your wardrobe. (Especially when you understand what suits you!).

Learning how to adapt these new colours and trends will help you create new outfits so you feel up-to-date rather than ‘fashionable’.

The spring/summer workshop takes place on the first Saturday of April (and October for Autumn/Winter). But, the new colour and trend guides are available from 1 April. Anyone registered on the wait list will receive discounted access to the guides prior to launch each season.

When is the Spring/Summer 24 workshop?

Saturday 6 April.

What time is it?

Starting at 12pm UK time, lasting 90 minutes.

Where is it held?

The workshop takes place online, via zoom. Once registered, you’ll receive a link to join the event online at 12pm.

What’s covered?

This season, I’ve got seven colours to share with you for each of the six dominant colouring types and 12 trends. I’ll share the Pantone colours from London Fashion Week which will be coded by colour types giving you even more colours to choose from!

Along with the trending colours and styles, you’ll also see examples of where you can find them too. You can expect me to raid my wardrobe again as I check these ‘new’ trends and show you how to style what you’ve already got. How many ‘new’ outfits can you make from things you already have lurking in your wardrobe??

Let me inspire you and guide you so that you can make informed choices on what suits you and help you shop with intention.

Do I have to know my colour type/style/shape/been to TLC Style & Colour to join the event?

Not at all! These workshops are open to everyone to find out the latest seasonal colours and styles to try out yourself.

How much are tickets?

£19.50 per person. This includes a link to join the live event and you’ll receive a summary of the colours and trends, a shopping guide, wardrobe checklist and discount voucher after the workshop.

Will it be recorded?

No. This is a live event. A recorded ‘on-demand masterclass’ is available to purchase from 1 April which illustrates the colours and trends covered to watch in your own time. Visit the colour and style update guides here.

How do I book?

Simply click below to secure your spot.

Spring 2023 Spotlight trend: denim and how to wear it

If you’ve been shopping, you’ll have noticed new colours and styles for spring and summer. We just need the weather!

Whilst I shared this trend during my live workshop in April, One trend I wanted to spotlight this spring is denim and how to wear it.

Firstly, think beyond jeans! One of the biggest complaints I get from clients is how fed up they are of wearing jeans! This year, denim has been reinvented! Skirts, dresses, jackets, shirts and more. Different styles, cuts, patterns and washes. Try something different – like a denim dress!

In this video, I’m sharing a denim dress which totally ticks the spring 2023 trend:

Watch it here on YouTube. 

Would it surprise you to learn that this was a charity shop find? (Wakefield Hospice, The Ridings Shopping Centre, Wakefield).

It’s totally ‘on trend’ right??

Which proves the point I’m always making. Trends come and go. Be sure to check your wardrobe for something similar to the latest trends (in which case; get it worn!). Charity shops can be a great place to shop!

Here’s three considerations when shopping for denim:

1. Think about your style personality

Naturals like me, can be drawn to the ease and simplicity of denim. But, do think outside the box and try it on for ease of movement. Denim nowadays is more modern and there are different weights of denim fabric too. The dress I’ve highlighted is a much lighter weight fabric and it has pockets! Go for something that works for your style personality. For example, romantics will be drawn to embroidery, lace or jewel embellishment details. The Classics will prefer a plain item so try something like a smart denim jacket. There’s coloured and traditional denim in the shops in abundance too.

2. Think about your colouring

The lighter wash of the denim dress mans it’s perfect for lights and softs. It will work for warms (you’re best ‘warming up’ your denim and neutrals or look for a colour such as a khaki denim jacket which will give you versatility). Cools, clears and deeps will be better suited to a darker wash.

3. Think about your body shape

Denim is a structured fabric and has a tendency to sit off curves. This dress has a waistband sewn in to provide some shape and darts to create shape. Plus the material is a much lighter weight version so it’s got more movement than a traditional, heavier weight denim. This can be a great option for straight body shapes. However, if you are curvier, look for styles that follow your shape (ie. go in at the waist). Some give will be best so make sure you have some elastane and stretch in your denim or a chambray style of fabric. You could even opt for a belted shacket-style with a soft belt.

Staying up to date

As I said, trends come and go. Just because something is fashion or on trend, does not mean it will work for you. Learn what does suit you and you’ll look and feel great!

If you missed my spring/summer update, the guide featured in the video, the E-book and my recorded video masterclass are all available online until 30 September. These show you some of the colours and styles that you can find to help give you some guidance this spring/summer. Visit my shop online here.

The next live group workshop takes place on 7 October for autumn/winter. Reserve your spot here

Watch the video here

10 Spring 2023 trends

Time flies doesn’t it? At the start of April, I shared the new colour and style trends for spring / summer 2023 at my ‘what to wear’ workshop.

Having hit the shops the week before, I found a number of items to help me illustrate some of the colour and style trends to the group. During the live workshop, I go through the presentation I’ve prepared all about what you can expect, what suits you and how to make it work for you. I also use the same presentation during the recorded video masterclass (the latest version is available here). The next live group workshop will take place on 7 October and showcase the autumn/winter 2023 colour and style trends.

I’ve showcased some trends I’ve found on the high street in my latest video which you can watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/kAhXbMXh2U8

Here are 10 spring trends featured in the video:

1. Blue midi off the shoulder dress – Next

2. Lime Green Ruffle Sleeve Tie Back Dress – Next

3. Blue/Yellow Striped collared shirt dress – Next

4. Pink Broderie ruffle sleeve Blouse – Love & Roses at Next

5. Khaki Wide Leg Cargo Trousers – New Look

6. Blue button front midi dress – New Look

7. Metallic Silver clutch Bag – New Look

8. Pink animal print tiered dress – New Look

9. Blue Floral hanky hemline dress – Apricot Clothing at New Look 

10. Navy Botanical grecian occasion reversible dress – Apricot Clothing (also available via New Look, Next and Yumi)

Need more help?

Not all these will suit you of course! When you know what suits you, shopping really does become easier. You’ll learn this knowledge when you book a consultation, so do get in touch if the time is right for you.

If you missed the workshop, or you want to watch it again, the recorded version is available here until 30 September.

The Colour & Style guide for spring/summer 2023 is a physical handout you can pop in your handbag and available here. You’ll receive a copy of this if you book a Complete Colour Analysis Consultation between 1 April and 30 September.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer a complete digital kit of resources, my new E-Book is 20 pages and contains everything you need to know to help guide you on the spring and summer colour and style trends.

Please note. The above list contains some affiliate links which may result in a payment of commission.

How long do you hold onto things until they’re fashionable again?

Over the last few months, I’ve found myself looking at clothes I swear I wore when I was in my late teens and early twenties! Perhaps you’ve found the same?

It just goes to demonstrate what I’m always saying about ‘fashion’ and ‘trends’ – they tend to be repeated.

Keep or get rid?

I’ll confess, there was a little bit of me wondering if I should’ve kept these garments. After all, I could have worn them again and been bang on trend!

Then I realised that

a) it’s over 20 years ago

b) it’s unlikely they would still fit me and

c) that’s not who I am anymore. It isn’t the image I want to leave behind.

Let me assure you that this isn’t an age appropriate thing. You can and should wear whatever you like however old or young you are. You’re a grown adult after all. I’m not here to tell you what to wear. Instead, I’ll advise and guide you on what suits you so you understand why it makes you look good so you can feel good in what you wear.

Shopping mistakes

Time and time again, I’m told that you can’t quite let something go.

You often feel guilty about the purchases you’ve made and sometimes feel a bit embarrassed over the (costly) mistakes.

Let me assure you I have met many women who feel like this. In my view, there’s also little point in beating yourself up over something that’s already happened. We can’t change the past after all.

If you find that you’re hanging onto things in the hope that one day they’ll be ‘fashionable again’ (or that they fit you again come to that), it could be time to hit pause. After all, if you keep making the same mistakes and expecting a different result then it’s time to seek some advice!

Let’s say these garments were in fashion again, how long have kept them for this to happen? Be honest, given it may be 20 or even 30 years ago, would you actually still wear it? Would it still fit you? Do you even have the space for it??

Please don’t think this is about growing old or being boring. It’s just I have found with the many women I have met, that life and experiences shape us. They change our priorities and sometimes our lifestyle. We change jobs, have a family, people pass away, we hit milestones in our life and our bodies change. Sometimes these factors impact our confidence too.

The clothes we wear make a statement and they tell a story. I for one aren’t too fussed about telling my 19 year old story again, thank you all the same.

Ready to hit the pause button?

Get in touch about making an appointment to review your colours, style and shape.

How to stop impulse buying

It was great to do my What to wear workshop for Autumn at the weekend and share the new colour and style trends that you’ll find in the shops and online.

I find that everyone is different when it comes to shopping, but often there is a little common problem I hear time and time again. Impulse shopping!

Now, I’m not trying to take the fun out of life and be a party pooper! It’s a common problem I hear all the time but one which can be solved!

The scenario

You go shopping, hoping to buy something new. You find nothing that fits your proportions / in your colours / in your size / flatters your shape / makes you feel good / feels like you. So, you go home feeling deflated, fed up and totally uninspired. That’s not a great place to be!

Because, it all looks so tempting, inspiring and seductive with the adverts, emails and the rails promoting those ‘must-have’ pieces and outfits. Encouraging you to part with your hard-earned cash. After all, you want to look that good too right? Fashionable. Stylish. On trend.

Stop ✋

Shop with purpose

That’s why my advice is to always shop with purpose. You need a better plan and one your wardrobe, purse and self-esteem will thank you for!

New outfits and clothes don’t have to be new all the time. Sometimes you just need to feel inspired to try a different combination to create a new outfit. If you look hard enough, you’ll probably find ‘new’ things in your wardrobe. Those pieces you bought ages ago and actually forgot that you had. Or those items you bought but didn’t know what to wear it with.

You see, trends come and go and fashion isn’t quite so ‘new’. Yes, the styles may be ever so slightly different but only you know if you’ll get your money’s worth out of buying it.

My what to wear workshops occur every six months for Spring/summer and Autumn/Winter. It’s an opportunity to hear me share my tips on how to make the current seasonal styles work for you but also how to review what you’ve already got and style them up differently. On Saturday, not only did I showcase some of the new trends you’ll find on the high street, but I also picked out 16 items I already had in my own wardrobe which ticked off those same trends! That’s why it’s important to know what you’ve got in your wardrobe.

Shopping tips

These are questions I ask myself when I shop:

Is it the right colour for me?

Does the style work for me?

When would I wear it? (occasion/lifestyle appropriate)

Does it fit and flatter my body shape and proportions?

Is it comfortable to wear?

What else can I wear it with?

Final thoughts

As you can see, it’s all about understanding what works for you, your lifestyle as well as your budget. Even when you know your colours, choosing the right fabrics and styles is equally as important or you still won’t feel ‘right’. That’s where my style and image consultations come in.

Finally, don’t forget about accessories. These can be a great way to put some jazz into your existing clothes and do a nod to the new trends at the same time. Plus, they’re a much more cost effective way of adding something new to your wardrobe.

Remember; just because it’s in fashion, does not mean that it suits everyone. If it’s not ‘you’, don’t buy it! It’s about being authentic and true to yourself. Wearing something that doesn’t feel like you will only make you feel uncomfortable and unhappy and that doesn’t make for a confident feeling person.

My style and image consultations will identify your style, your shape, proportions and the cut and fabrics which suit you best. Contact me to book your session.

Who can wear what? Spring/summer 2020 event – Saturday 28 March

Learn ‘who can wear what’ this coming season by attending our brand new and exclusive event for 2020.

This session will last around 2.5 hours with a Spring/Summer 2020 style presentation. This includes the current trends, what to shop for and key makeup shades for the season, all personalised and reflecting the Colour me Beautiful colouring types and style personalities.

You will learn:

  • Your basic colouring type (if you don’t already know it).
  • Six shades of colour for you to buy in the shops this season.
  • Your style personality (as this influences how you shop).
  • What trends you should look for to buy in the shops.
  • Spring/summer makeup for eyes, cheeks and lips; all personalised to you.

You’ll take away a goody bag with the following items (worth over £40):

  • A handy Style Update Guide which includes your six shades of colour and a reminder of the key seasonal trends.
  • A lipstick personalised to your colouring type.
  • A blusher personalised to your colouring type (refillable).
  • Two eyeshadows personalised to your colouring type (refillable).

Where

The event will be held at the TLC Style & Colour HQ in Wakefield

When

Saturday 28th March

10am until 12:30 pm

Cost

£49 per person which includes a goody bag (worth over £40) and refreshments.*

To reserve your place, contact Toni on 07958 657032 or email Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk.

 

* There are limited places available at the event and pre-payment is required to secure your place which is non refundable.

If the cosmetics recommended aren’t available for you to take away, we will place an order which will be delivered the following week.

Who can wear what? Spring/summer 2020 event – Saturday 28 March – POSTPONED

Learn ‘who can wear what’ this coming season by attending our brand new and exclusive event for 2020.
This session will last around 2.5 hours with a Spring/Summer 2020 style presentation. This includes the current trends, what to shop for and key makeup shades for the season, all personalised and reflecting the Colour me Beautiful colouring types and style personalities.
You will learn:

  • Your basic colouring type (if you don’t already know it).
  • Six shades of colour for you to buy in the shops this season.
  • Your style personality (as this influences how you shop).
  • What trends you should look for to buy in the shops.
  • Spring/summer makeup for eyes, cheeks and lips; all personalised to you.

You’ll take away a goody bag with the following items (worth over £40):

  • A handy Style Update Guide which includes your six shades of colour and a reminder of the key seasonal trends.
  • A lipgloss personalised to your colouring type.
  • A blusher personalised to your colouring type (refillable).
  • Two eyeshadows personalised to your colouring type (refillable).

Where

The event will be held at the TLC Style & Colour HQ in Wakefield

When

Saturday 28th March
10am until 12:30 pm

Cost

£49 per person which includes a goody bag (worth over £40) and refreshments.*

To reserve your place, contact Toni on 07958 657032 or email Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk.

 
* There are limited places available at the event and pre-payment is required to secure your place which is non refundable.
If the cosmetics recommended aren’t available for you to take away, we will place an order which will be delivered the following week.

Fashion event in collaboration with John Lewis and Sheffield Hallam University

We have been invited along to talk about the impact of wearing colour to support Sheffield Hallam University students who are working in collaboration with John Lewis to host this event on Wednesday 20 November.

Toni will share how you can wear colour with confidence and offer special discounts on the evening. There will also be stall holders and a fashion show.

The event starts at 6pm and will be held at The Kommune, Castle House, Angel Street, Sheffield, S3 8LS.

For further information, email Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk

28th March 2019 – style confidence fashion show – Debenhams

Save this date in your diary! I will be working at Debenhams in York for their Spring/Summer fashion show, as part of York Fashion Week.

I’ll be working with another Colour me Beautiful Consultant and we’ll be talking about colour and style confidence before the fashion show.

We’ll also be doing colour demos and be on hand afterwards to chat to after the fashion show from 7pm.

Tickets are available from Debenhams York priced at £5 and include a glass of fizz.

Come and join us and be sure to tell your friends!

Visit: https://www.yorkfashionweek.co.uk/project/deborah-hirzel-presents-style-confidence

Contact me for more information!

 

How to shop

Last month’s blog looked at spring cleaning your wardrobe and I gave five tips on doing this. Now you’ve done you’re wardrobe, do you know what to shop for?

There’s something quite satisfying I think about detoxing though how you feel afterwards will be dependent upon what you’ve left yourself!

Assuming you do this task, it’s also best to do a quick review afterwards to identify what clothing gaps you have so you can go armed with a list when you hit the shops.

 

Value for money

Please remember that it’s only ever a bargain if you actually wear it. The more times you wear something, the more value for money it is. I refer to this as £s per wear.

If you’re following me on social media, you may have noticed a recent video from M&S which I commented on. It was a lady in one of their blue summer dresses. The dress could be worn in three ways and it cost less than £50. Using my £s per wear rationale means that if you wear it in their suggested three ways, then it’s just over £16 per wear. Compare this to the dress you bought in the sale for say £25 which you’ve only worn once (or not at all!) and you can see the difference that smart shopping makes.

Given it’s a new season and you may want to fill a few gaps – what do you shop for now?

Denim

This trend can be found in tops and dresses. Be wary of the depth of colour as if you’re lighter, avoid the dark denim look or it could wash you out. Equally, if you’ve got darker colouring, this will work for you but avoid the pale denim. Be carful of the weight of the fabric against your body lines too.

Lace

This trend continues in lots of styles and colours so there should be something out there to suit everyone.

Pastels

For all you lights out there : shop now!!

This season brings pastel colours which are perfect for you. Pinks, blues, greens and lavender. Be sure to pick the right shade to suit you. On the subject of lavender – lots of this is out there! Take this colour trend right through to purple. Don’t forget ultra violet is the colour for 2018.

 

Stripes

From trousers (the River Island ones I shared on social media did not seem popular with my viewers!) to jump suits and jackets. Be sure to choose both the colours and styles which suit you best. Stripes don’t have to be all over (especially if you have a smaller frame or aren’t looking for the attention). Try a discreet stripe too.

 

Patterns

It’s mainly florals again this season on dresses, tips and trousers. The same rule applies as stripes; wear with care the larger patterns so that they don’t dwarf you.

 

Above all; have fun when you hit the shops!

 

If you would like to know more about what colour and styles suit you, then book a consultation with me.

Alternatively, if you’re interested in learning what the seasonal trends are for you, please get in touch to book your own personal style update or shop with me.

 

New seasonal trends

Recently, I went to London to the Colour me Beautiful Image Consultant conference. We were a very colourful bunch of Ladies!

As well as the opportunity to catch up with old friends and colleagues (plus new ones), we spent time looking and assessing the new seasonal trends.

 

Spring/summer trends

Whilst it doesn’t feel like it, Spring is just around the corner. Why not use it as an opportunity to inject some freshness into your wardrobe?

Each new season brings about new trends which I’m sure you’ve begun to notice in the shops and online.

Yesterday, I was in a cafe in Wakefield having a cup of tea with my fiancé. I saw an elderly lady dressed in jeans, white trainers and a tailored jacket and I smiled as she looked comfortable and stylish. I often hear ladies over a certain age say that they don’t want to look old, or frumpy but we all have our own sense of style and uniqueness which we should embrace, whatever your age.

We’ve all got parts of our bodies which we want to hide but this is down to clever dressing. It’s not about being ‘fashionable’ and on trend, it’s knowing your style, what suits you and how to wear it.

Are you guilty of buying the same things time and time again? Many of us are! Why not try something new – you might surprise yourself.

I’d bet that you’ve already got some key pieces which will take you into the spring/summer season with ease too.

Want to learn what’s on trend and how to wear them? Come along to my next seasonal update to find out.

Click here for details: https://www.tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk/events/

 

Stylishly step into Spring

Spring is typically the time of year for the spring clean and so is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with new colours as well as new styles.

Your shoes can make or break an outfit, so here’s three of the hottest shoe trends this season and which ones will work for you.

THE TREND

All Wrapped Up

WHAT IS IT?

Emphasising the ankles, this look focuses on buckles, ribbons and straps wrapped around the lower half of your leg.

BEST FOR

Lean column/rectangle body shapes whose legs are likely to be slimmer. Be mindful of your skirt or trouser length with this trend as visibly cutting your legs in multiple places can make them appear shorter.

THE TREND

Flat Form

WHAT IS IT?

The sole to be seen in this Spring/Summer is thick, even and comfortable.

BEST FOR

Naturals will love this trend as shoes with a thick, even sole are both comfortable and practical. They will also give you a little height, so if you’re petite you get the best of both worlds!

THE TREND

Kitten Heels

WHAT IS IT?

A modern classic, the kitten heel comes back once again this season.

BEST FOR

Romantics will love this elegant, ladylike heel height. Those who are Grand in scale may also enjoy trying this trend to give the leg a little lift without adding too much height.

 

DISCOVER YOUR SPRING STYLE

 

If this spring is the time for you to decluttering your wardrobe, enhance your clothes with new colours or try out new styles then get in touch with me today to book your session: https://www.tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk/services/

 

There’s still a little bit of time to book on my seasonal update workshops: https://www.tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk/events/

 

Have a happy spring!