Jan 18

COLOUR ESSENTIALS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW

By Style Clinic | Colour, Style Clinic | 5 Comments

We take so many things in our world for granted. Take colour for instance, have you ever stopped to consider the impact it has on your world and in your life?

Far beyond making what you wear appear more interesting colour can:

make us appear younger or older,
larger or smaller,
healthy or ill,
smarter or dull-witted
it can sway the thinking of others,
change moods
cause actions and reactions.

That’s pretty amazing when you stop to consider it and a natural tool we can harness to look better and get more out of our social connections.

In today’s feature, I’m going to cover some of the most impactful elements of colour in relation to the clothes we wear and the makeup we apply.

First off, there are a few important things to know when understanding the relationship between you and your best colours.

The more qualities a colour has that match the qualities of your skin, the more flattering the colour will be.
The colours you wear above your waist mater most when it comes to making your skin, hair and eyes look best. Colours worn below the waist need only be considered has to how they will alter the perception of size.
You can wear almost any colour if you know how to bend the rules in your favour.

A colour analysis through a trained professional is the only reliable way of discovering your best colours.

Relative Temperature

The basic colour wheel can be divided into cool and warm segments with the cool colours containing more blue/violet undertones and the warm containing more yellow/orange. However, as colours from either side of colour get added the perception can change i.e. a cool colour can appear warmer and vice versa.

Green and yellow are great examples.

With green (the colour with the largest gamut) you can easily see how the hue can move from cool to neutral to warm as it has more blue or yellow added to it.

Yellow, a colour with the second smallest gamut and considered warm becomes cooler as green is added and even warmer when orange is added.

Colour analysis is based on Relative Temperature (how warm or cool colour is as it is influenced by warm or cool colours that sit either side of it).

In most cases, a person’s skin can be determined to be primarily cool or warm. Colours that are more neutral are those that are easiest to wear for the greatest amount of people. If your undertone is primarily cool, then colours that are cool to neutral and sometimes even neutral to warm will suit you depending on your colour direction. Colour directions such as DARK cool, BRIGHT cool, LIGHT cool, LIGHT warm, SOFT warm and SOFT cool span between warm and cool colours.

It’s also worth noting that dark and very light colours can be deceiving as these depths tend to appear cool.

Intensity

This quality of colour refers to how clear/pure/saturated or muted/muddy/desaturated a colour appears. This is an element that I’ve found most women get right naturally. Many clients I’ve worked with tend to have garments in the right intensity but the wrong temperature for them.

Clear colours are crisp and clean. It’s easiest to see pure colours when they are light to medium in depth.

Muted colours are smoky, soft, greyed and there are, of course, colours that look neither obviously pure or muted and these like neutral temperature colours are easy for many people to wear well.

Colour directions such as COOL clear, BRIGHT cool, DARK cool, WARM clear, LIGHT clear, BRIGHT clear wear Clear colours best while COOL muted, LIGHT cool, SOFT cool, WARM muted, DARK warm and SOFT warm are best with primarily muted colours.

The grey-haired woman below is COOL muted and looks overwhelmed by the bright clear pink while the blue is less intense and more flattering on her.

Like temperature, dark and very light colours can be deceiving as these depths tend to appear more pure/clear.

When it comes to human skin the same elements are present although we rename Pure, Clear.

Value

Also known by some as Depth is how light or dark a colour is. Your personal skin value, contrast and colour direction will determine your best colour depths/values. For example, women who are light in colouring tend not to wear very light and dark colours well and are best staying within medium-light to medium dark for clothing and makeup. In the images below the black turtleneck is harsh/stark against the model’s skin and hair and can be especially draining is she is over 50. Charcoal or navy is a far better choice for women who have pale skin and eyes.

Impact Contrast

Contrast is all about how you combine your best colours for the very best result. Various levels of contrast are achieved by placing colours of different depths and Intensities next to each other. It is slightly different from the contrast taught in art lessons when it comes to high contrast.

Don’t they all combine well since they are the person’s best colours I hear you say?

The answer is yes and no. An individual’s best colours all coordinate well with each other, but they may not look that great when worn on you in all circumstances. For example, we can wear a single solid colour near our face, two or more colours when layering i.e. a top, vest and statement necklace or a print comprising of various colours.

Confused? Don’t be, it’s simple really and depends on your colour direction. For example, the woman below has the ID colouring of a Cool muted and has both these colours in her range. While both are in sync with her skin the cocoa coloured outfit while calm and elegant does little to enhance her overall colouring (skin, hair and eyes) because it is too close in depth/value to her skin colour. Understanding which contrast level best suits, you from your colour range makes putting together a versatile, mix and match wardrobe much easier.

So, what are these contrasts?

Low Impact Contrast

This is when colours of the same or similar depth are placed next to each other. Take the example above of the model in the light cocoa coloured top against her skin. It’s a colour from her range but worn next to her face provides little visual impact.

The same occurs when considering prints or layering garments, colours like: like a burgundy sweater and a forest green jacket or a lemon top and linen vest. While the colours are different the Depth/Value of each is almost the same and depending on your colour direction may do you no favours.

Low contrast is effective for times you want to blend in and listen then take part or be noticed.

Medium Impact Contrast

This level of contrast is created when you can discern a distinct difference in value/depth between colours this is occurring in the image below where the model is wearing blue. The colour not only lights her face it also makes her appear more alive and youthful,

Medium contrast is noticeable and approachable and great for times you want to be noticed and shine.

High Impact Contrast

These are colour combos from your colour range that are very different in brightness, not just value/depth. They are colour combos that make you say WOW. High Impact can be achieved from most people’s range of colours but just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Some colour directions will be overpowered by a colour near their face, in a print or through coordinating layers if the result is high contrast. – see the example pink top below. Directions like BRIGHT cool and BRIGHT warm wear high contrast best.

High contrast is most useful when you want to stand out and be noticed, though it’s so strong you’ll need to approach people as they may not feel comfortable to approach you first.

Don’t stop at clothing when you consider impact contrast, the same effects can be applied to your makeup and hair colour.

Surface

The colours we wear are often affected by the fabric they are in; smooth fabrics allow the colour to show in its full intensity will textured surface tend to mute colours down a little. Colour directions who are primarily Clear i.e. COOL clear, DARK cool, BRIGHT cool, WARM clear, BRIGHT warm, LIGHT warm are all best wearing smooth/fine to slightly textured fabrics while directions who are primarily Muted are best in slightly to very texture fabrics.

As a side note, the more textured a fabric is the more it will attract dirt.

Reflectivity

This is how well a fabric surface reflects light, think cotton, reflects no light/is matte and satin which reflects a lot of light and is shiny. While everyone can wear matte surfaces, colour directions who are Clear look amazing when they add shine; this could be a shiny top or a glossy lipstick,

Women with more muted colouring i.e. COOL muted, LIGHT cool, SOFT cool, WARM muted, SOFT warm and DARK muted, are best avoiding high shine as it can look at odds with their more toned down, matte skin. Think matte lipsticks and textured garments.

Garments with a surface between matte and shiny are said to have ‘sheen’, think silk, and lucky for everyone it suits everyone and is a great way to add a little elegant glamour.

SIDE NOTE: sheen and shiny fabrics in close-fitting garments will show every scary little lump and bump you may have so be sure to done shapewear to create a smooth finish to your silhouette. Alternatively, select garments which skim your body.

Discover Your Best Colours

If you would like to discover your best colours and receive a fabulous Image innovators Colour ID swatch and ebook please contact the consultant you purchased your My Private Stylist program though, search our consultant directory or contact me on ann@imageinnovators.com

A colour analysis is a wonderful way to ensure you shine every day and it’s a way to ensure you create a versatile wardrobe that mixes and matches effortlessly.

Click here if you are interested in becoming an image consultant, to work as a colour consultant or just learn colour analysis.

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author

Oct 05

AM I TOO OLD TO WEAR THAT?

By Style Clinic | Fashion, Figure Flattery, Personal Style, Style Clinic, Trends | 19 Comments

After fifty most women’s style naturally begins to evolve to harmonize with the changes in their lives. These changes do not have to herald your change from stylish to dowdy; they simply mean a rethink of the trends that cater to your changing circumstances and shape.

All women regardless of their age, shape, weight or height can look amazing – all it takes is the know-how and a little practice. Can I hear you say… ”yea and the money!”? If you did, know that money has little to do with style and everything to do with the elements below.

YOU’RE AS YOUNG AS YOUR FACE AND SPIRIT

The first thing to get a grip on is what age you appear to be and feel.

Many women do not look or act their age. I’m not talking about a woman who is sixty and acts twenty-five, but one that looks and acts forty-five when she’s sixty-five. She knows her personal style, seeks current styles of clothing and accessories that flatter her shape and work with her lifestyle.

It is apparent age rather than true age that we should look to when deciding if we should wear something.

Source

SKIN EXPOSURE

Within these bounds knowing where to draw the line with skin exposure is probably the most important thing when it comes to being stylish over 50. When it comes down to it, there are several areas of our body that tend to give away age: our face, neck, hands, upper arms, thighs and cleavage being the main culprits. I’m always saddened when I see a 50+ woman in short shorts or thigh-high miniskirts – it speaks of poor self-awareness and difficulties dealing with aging.

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

NECK TO CLEAVAGE

How much you expose depends on the condition of your skin and the length of your neck. I’ve found that while some women agonize over they neck few other people notice it if everything else is up to par. V-neck and open collars flatter necks that are getting shorter or fuller and are always on trend.

The upper décolletage on most women remains reasonably firm and smooth and allows for many neckline trends. It’s only deep necklines that expose cleavage that can expose a somewhat wrinkly cleavage that should be avoided if you wish to appear more youthful. Keyhole cutouts are modest for everyone and put a chic feel into an outfit while off-the-shoulder can also be thumbs up because it remains stylish without showing too much skin!

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

UPPER ARMS

A common place that concerns women over 50 and a giveaway of age if showing signs of untoned skin or dimpling. Opt instead for bust to half-length sleeves and there are plenty of wonderful bell sleeves to choose from at present. Also, worth mentioning is sheer sleeves which allow for the best of both looks.

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

THIGHS AND BACKS

Length is a huge topic on a “am I too old to wear this,” list.

Someone of 60 shouldn’t be wearing a mini skirt that a 16-year-old would wear if their goal is to project a polished style and the reason for this is our thighs which are generally, not our best feature after 50. I recommend you avoid dress and skirt hemlines more than 2”/5cms above the knee, high splits and shorts no higher than mid-thigh. To carry-off, a dress or skirt hem higher than mid-thigh add opaque hosiery to subtlety blur the length.

Likewise, deep backs on evening gowns and swimwear can reveal sagging flesh.

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

FIT AND SHAPE

Not only is age a factor when it comes hot how something fits but it’s an overall rule for anyone. If something feels uncomfortable or constricting and it’s highlighting unflattering bulges, it’s not flattering or stylish. Either don some shapewear or give it a miss. If there’s one thing I’ve learned along the way past 50, it’s that comfort becomes a priority for most women. Not because we’re lazy or unstylish but we’ve been there, done that and are over it. There’s plenty of flattering and stylish things to wear without being squished into shape.

Far more comfortable and flattering are garments that skim your curves.

No matter what your shape, weight or age garments that reveal shape will always be more flattering than those that are straight – especially if they are boxy and stiff. The shape of garments are is psychologically linked with youthfulness and agility while the reverse is true of shapelessness.

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

WAIST

This is an area that can become difficult if your middle is thickening. If you have a long body and defined waist, high waist designs will always work in your favor. A high waist can create a flattering fit and it is also on trend.

If your waist is high or mid-torso short, look for skirts and pants that are waistbandless or have narrow waistbands and when adding belts match them to your top rather than the bottom.

If your tummy is full either blouse your tucked in top or wear it out and to a flattering length.

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

COLOR, PATTERN, AND ACCESSORIES

These are the fashion elements where you can really have fun with your style and stay current without breaking the bank or putting yourself too far out on a limb. They are often the linchpins of fashion which can thrust your classic outfits into the here and now.

Any overly loud or bright prints are better substituted with those which are medium to low in contrast. No need to only stick with classic color palettes but do make sure you select colors that suit you. It’s OK to go quirky or artsy so long as they are not too bright for your coloring or too large for your scale. With the numerous patterns and colors out there, you’ll be sure to find details that fit your style!

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

TRENDS

While there are new trends that come to light which should be left for the younger generation such as crop tops, some sheer designs or overly dramatic pieces, there are always plenty you can rock! At the moment it’s fringes, feathers, ruffles, and metallic which are all never too young or too old to wear. If they speak to you, then go for it! Even if it’s head to toe fringe!

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

MAKEUP

As throughout a woman’s lifetime, great skincare is the secret to healthy, youthful skin. Even if you’re only starting now, do start to care for your skin. My skincare of choice is SKII and I highly recommend you use a hyaluronic acid serum before your cleanse.

Before applying foundation add a skin primer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the beautiful smooth surface it will give to your skin. Next, add concealer to hide any dark areas or unwanted redness.

When it comes to makeup trends, avoid heavy foundations, too much face powder, dark or bright lipstick or eyeshadow and large false lashes. Aim for a fresh face, natural to classic look.

Be sure to add some light blush, mascara, eyeliner, and brow powder to define your look.

AGE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Is it too revealing?

Is it too shapeless?
Is it too bright?
Does it fit well?
Is it me/my style?

That golden question “am I too old to wear this,” is easy to answer with a process of elimination. Try things on, see what fits best, what looks good, and most importantly, what you feel comfortable in. Never stop experimenting with your style, pick and choose, try new trends, but most importantly have fun with your clothes, age is just a number!

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author

Sep 14

7 Trends to Try this Summer Sept 2018

By Clare Maxfield | Style Clinic, Trend Tutorial, Trends, What to Wear | No Comments

7 Trends to Try this Summer – Sept 2018

Time for sunny days, tons of fun weekends, and of course new fashion trends. With every season, there are the must-haves to wear and try. It’s a nice refresh for anyone to take their wardrobe to new levels. Summer is one of the best seasons for fashion and you are going to be head over heels for these new 7 trends to try this summer!

Mix and Match Prints

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3 Image 4

It’s daring but also attention worthy, mix and match print outfits are up and coming. The runways are starting to flood more and more with pairings that are the exact opposite in the print department. You can start slow with not so outlandish but familiar prints like a striped skirt and a floral top. To be a risk taker, go all out and opt for something bright and vibrant for both prints and we guarantee no matter what two designs you choose, you’ll ace this summer trend. Prints are a great way to step out of your comfort zone.

Sheer Details

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3 Image 4

Sheer designs are feminine and romantic. This recurring summer trend is still on the map for a beloved look. From high end, red carpet approved dresses to a top you can wear with culottes, sheer is a great choice for summer and it will keep you cool for those hot days. The great part about sheer details is that they aren’t hard to come across. No matter what your personal preference may be or if you’re searching for a certain occasion, it’ll be effortless to find that perfect sheer outfit.

Fringe

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3 Image 4

Fringe has been an ever-evolving fashion trend. This summer, take fringe to new heights! There is an abundance of designs that have brought out a new era for fringe. It’s not just a bohemian look anymore- it goes from the high fashion spectrum to dressing it your way and it will always have an eye-catching end result.

Espadrille Sandals

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3 Image 4

Espadrille sandals are the it shoes of summer trends. The style themselves have a sort of beach, resort style feel to them. A great shoe for vacation looks, the platform on most espadrille sandals is a new option for a heel. Heels during summer can at times be a bit too dressy while espadrille platforms fit in with almost any summer outfit. Plus side, they’re comfortable and easy to style.

Ruffles

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3 Image 4

If you have a love for all things chic, ruffles are the summer trend for you. Ruffles are being reinvented left and right, and some designers make it their signature details. It can be ruffles from head to toe, all ruffled sleeves, or just some slight accents and your wardrobe goes from 0 to 100 in an instant. It’s a look you can wear from the office to after work drinks and be named best dressed.

Gingham Print

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/395683517245380388/, Image 2, Image 3 Image 4

It comes from the 50’s and has surpassed most other prints as the new hot ticket, Gingham print is a look that shows summer has arrived. Gingham comes in many different color variations from classic black and white to basically any other color. Dress it as an accent piece or all over, this summer trend takes a retro style to a new age favorite.

Statement Gold Earrings

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3 Image 4

Summertime is where updo hairstyles come out most. It’s hot out, dealing with your hair down can be a pain- you may love to wear a top knot or a sleek ponytail. With this in mind, you need to dress up your ears a little to complete your look. Statement gold earrings take the win for jewelry summer fashion trends. All over gold matches with it all and when you find big, oversized designs, your earring game will be top notch.

These go-to 7 trends to try this summer are going to make wonders in your wardrobe.

Quick tip: consider your closet, you may have some of these pieces without even knowing. Investing in new fashion will keep your style everlasting.

Create new summer memories while creating new summer outfits.

Aug 09

How to Manage Fashion Mishaps and Malfunctions, Fashion fixes, emergency fashion kit, Ann Reinten, Style Clinic, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Image Consultant Resources

SNAP, CRACK, CRINGE: Fashion Emergency Kit

By Style Clinic | Fashion, How To..., Style Clinic, Wardrobe Savvy | 4 Comments

Ever been derailed by a fashion emergency or wardrobe malfunction at the most inopportune time?

I have and it’s a cringe-worthy experience. It even happened to me again this week when someone pointed out that the hanger strap of my top was peeping out of my neckline.

Perfect I thought! Inspiration from above to create a Style Clinic feature about fashion emergencies and what you need to tackle them head-on when they happen. I’m creating two this weekend, one for my car and another for the office.

I’ve covered the most common wardrobe malfunctions which can be managed if we have the right tools handy. An emergency fashion kit would make a great gift for the person who has everything.

If you know of any I’ve left our please add them in the comments below.

Snagged

You’ve worn your beautiful fine wool sweater or linen pants for the first time and snagged it against a rough wall or caught it on something sharp. The result is an ugly thread hanging unceremoniously for all to see.

This is a quick and easy fix for this emergency if you have a Snag needle handy. I’ve had one of these in my bathroom draw for years and it’s going straight into my kit.

Creeping Hems and Clingy Clothes

This is one of my all-time irritations. You leave the house looking great and by the time you arrive to the destination your outfit is full of static and creeping up and clinging to you like ivy. There are two solutions for this one; either use Statique Spray or hand cream.

Statique spray can be sprayed up under your dress or you can rub some hand cream over your hands and then rub it into your legs and or bare stomach. Both work a treat. Oh, and the most convenient hand cream will be a travel size sample you get from airlines or hotels.

Caught Underfoot

You’ve checked your outfit in the full-length mirror before you left home and given it the ‘A’ OK, in fact you think your pant outfit is pretty darn good and your new slingback sandals are cute as hell. The day ahead looks bright until, something feels a little weird underfoot and you discover the hem of your pant is stuck under your foot. You pull it out, but it just keeps reoccurring. The day ahead is ruined with you forever being distracted by how you look and pulling your pant hem out of your show.

Google this issue and you’ll find thousands of people chatting about it but few good solutions. I also couldn’t find any good explanation to why it happens just lots of conjecture. I did however, find Slingbackers and they look promising. They come in black and clear. I’m ordering a pair today.

Loopy Lou

Your big presentation is just about to start. You’re standing behind your host while he introduces in you. Your clients and colleagues are sitting there looking at you expectantly. Some are smiling, and others are looking a little weird, is that a smirk or maybe amusement? Is something wrong? You try to check yourself without looking to obvious – no, nothing you can see so you carry on.

Later the problem is revealed and worse still it’s in all the photos. Your hanger strap was hanging out of your dress armhole for all the world to see.

This one is easy to solve. You can cut if off but that may cause a problem when you hang the outfit if it has an usual neckline. The best strategy is to pin the loop down, inside your dress with a tiny gold safety pin.

Peek-a-Boo

If you’ve been blessed with ample breasts I’m sure they’re admired by many. But your girls may sometimes have an uncanny ability to make themselves seen at inopportune times, such as when bending over, peaking out between blouse button holes or escaping when you’re braless in a knock’em dead dress,

These issues all have a quick fix-it.

To cover your cleavage, you can use items like mock camisoles available from amazon and eBay in many colors and styles. For blouses which gape you can use Hollywood tape or breast buttons. And Hollywood tape can also be used to prevent nipple escapes when going braless in low cut necklines.

Twist and Shout

Some straight skirts have an uncanny ability to twist around your body as you walk and if you’ve had the experienced it can definitely make you want to shout in frustration. Searching Google, I can’t find a clear answer for why this happens, but most believe it’s either carrying a bag at your side and/or a poor fitting waistband.

If you find this happening grab a medium sized safety pin or two and pin your skirt waistband on the inside to your knickers. It works like a dream.

Tatts be Gone

You’re out and suddenly must meet someone who won’t approve of your visible tattoo. No problem, Wundercover will hide your tattoo in seconds. Emergency avoided!

Whoops a Daisy

That darn bra strap keeps falling down your upper arm; it’s annoying and unsightly. There can be a few causes: your straps are too long and need shortening, the elasticity has gone, and you need to replace the bra, or your shoulders are very slopped.

In the first case simple stop by the ladies’ powder room and shorten the strap. For the other two again stop by the powder room and swap the straps so they lay diagonal over your back. This will instantly stop the problem – no tools required.

Earring Droop and Lost Lugs

Our face is the central focus of our daily communication and as such our messages should come in clear and free from distraction. A missing earring or one that is hanging limply from your ear and looking as though it may fall out can have people concentrating more on what’s going on with your earring that what you’re saying.

Heavy earrings with tiny backs can cause earrings to drop on the ear rather than sit up in the correct position. Replacing a small clip with one with a large back will instantly improve your look and have the focus firmly back on your message.

Dribble Draws

There’s a reason why royalty won’t eat certain foods in public and most of us will have been recipients of the results of food stains on our clothes. Not only is it an embarrassment at the time; we also risky a permanent stain the longer we leave it untreated. For this reason, an emergency kit should have a small pack of baby wipes. You can go the more expensive stain removal pads, but baby wipes are usually just as good and cheaper, I always carry a pack in my handbag.

You Pointing at Me?

It was warm when you left, and you have a light bra on, but the weather turned chilly and now your chest is the center of attention. Or, maybe like Miranda you though nothing could happen to expose your breasts? Consider yourself forewarned.

Nipple shields to the rescue, pop these little treasures on and your head lights will be turn off and any embarrassment from mishaps will be minimized.

Dam that Desk

The underside of desks and cane chairs are among the worst offenders but there are many treacherous hazards in your day waiting to tear or ladder your hosiery. With a goal to get you at the worst possible time it’s best you’re ready with a spare pair of hose if the damage is visible and some clear nail polish to stop a ladder that’s above your hemline.

Blistering Hell

No kit is complete without sticking plaster for when the rub starts and blister pads for when a blister appears. Wearing new heels for the first time? Pop one in your bag – just in case. I always have these on hand when I go on vacation. My husband and I love to find trails and walk for hours on end and blisters can appear when you least expect them.

My Aching Feet

Last on my list is a pair of foldable flat slip-ons. There’s probably not a woman alive who has not hobbled home on feet screaming in agony. I’ve even resorted once to walking bare feet when I’d parked my car ten blocks away after entering the wrong inner-city carpark. Thankfully it was very late and those who spotted me were too drunk on alcohol or love to care.

Foldable footwear can be purchased online through many retailers.

The Complete Kit

The kit contains the following:

Snag needle - $5
Statique spray or travel size tube of hand cream – $11
Slingbackers - $10
Safety pins (supermarket) -.20
Hollywood tape - $8
Mock camisoles - $4
Blouse button pins - $17
Wundercover shields - $26
Large earring backs - $2.50
Baby wipes (supermarket) – $2.50
Nipple covers - $6
Spare hosiery (Department store) – Approx $15
Clear nail varnish (supermarket) – Approx $5
Blister pads – $9
Foldable flats - $15

Well, that’s about it.

I’m certain you’ll not want every item on the list and there’ll be other items you’ll think of and I’m looking forward to hearing about them. Oh and, please include a link as well for us.

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author

Jul 27

Style for women, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training Online, Ann Reinten, The Inexhaustible Wardrobe.

THE INEXHAUSTIBLE WARDROBE: PT2

By Style Clinic | How To..., Style Clinic, Wardrobe Savvy | 3 Comments

It will come as no surprize that most of us have far more clothes than we wear. In my experience with clients it’s about 90 items and of those 90 or so items, around 51% are either seldom or never worn.

That’s a lot of money! If you want to calculate how much money you have in clothes and you wear to waste ratio use my calculator.

This time we continue our journey towards the creation of an inexhaustible AKA versatile wardrobe.

Covet Clusters

Building a wardrobe around the concept of clusters is an excellent way to ensure you’ll end up with a wardrobe filled with ready-to-go outfits for every occasion in your life.

Clusters are small groups of garments that mix and matched with each other to create many outfits. They can be clusters for work, your casual days or dressy occasions. By adding accessories into the cluster and you can at least double your outfits. Start by creating as many clusters as you can from your present wardrobe. The image below is an example of a professional female cluster. These items create 36 outfits and with every extra garment, on average another 12 outfits are created. Well thought out accessories can add on average another 30 outfits.

Cluster Guidelines

Five to eleven pieces per cluster e.g. three tops, three bottoms and one skirt or dress and several accessories.
Each item should coordinate with all the other pieces.
One piece should be a print or pattern.
Use the colours in a print item piece as the coordinating anchor for the other clothing items.
If you strive to create a cluster where no two pieces are the same style you’ll increase the flexibility in the number of different looking outfits you can create.
If you are starting your first cluster go with pieces that are simple in style, line and shape i.e. classic.
Each piece in your cluster should work in combination with at least two other pieces.
Add items to expand your cluster
Once you have completed a cluster start another and look for cross-over pieces i.e. items from other clusters that work in other clusters.

Establish a Budget

Figure out how much you want to spend on building your wardrobe. The smaller the budget, the more selective and aware of spending you’ll have to be. If your budget is $1000 you certainly won’t want to splurge on a $900 coat if you’re trying to build a wardrobe.

For some women a cluttered wardrobe is the expression of a carefree approach to buying clothes.

Setting yourself a budget allows you to decide what items you need to expand your wardrobe options both with investment pieces and seasonal trend items. Sticking to a budget and a plan will keep you from overspending and suffering from retail regret.

I often get asked what a professional woman should spend on her professional wardrobe and in rely I suggest the equivalent of 4-5 weeks of the wage you’ll be getting to set it up and 2-3 weeks wages per year replenishing and maintaining your wardrobe. Of that 30% of that should go toward accessories as they have the most power to expand your looks.

Embrace the Classics

There’s a reason they’re called classics–they never go out of style! They are garments and accessories with pure shapes and clean styling which tend to be flattering on most women. To be truly timeless they will also need to be in a neutral colour or reoccurring print e.g. leopard. Some classic garments items:

Man-style white shirts
Straight and pencil skirts
Classic straight pants
Cardigans
Blazers
Sheath and wrap dresses
Closed toe pumps and flat slip-ons
Trench coats
Jeans
T shirts
Pearls, gold and silver chains
Hand bags and totes

If you feel like a splurge keep 70/30 in mind: 70% of your wardrobe should be classic items and 30% trendy.

Alter for Excellence

Few women can wear clothes straight off the rack and look fabulous. Alterations can make an enormous difference to the way you look and can even make an inexpensive item look couture.

The price you pay for alterations will depend on; what fabric/material it is in, the complexity of the job and how long it will take. The original price paid or your love for the item will determine if it cost is worth it. Most alterations are very affordable and will make a world of difference to how the garment will look in you.

Alterations can take a dress from ho-hum to OMG by raising or lowering a hem, nipping in the waist or adding a darts for a better fit. In essence you will have changed a ready to wear item to a couture item because now it has been totally altered for you. And I’ve seen plenty of high end labels look very ordinary on women because of poor fit and plenty of women wearing everyday labels looking ten times better than wealthier sisters.

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Document and Log

By keeping a lookbook, written or photographed log of all the possible outfit combinations in your wardrobe you’ll save hours every week wondering what you’ll wear today. I’ve had days where I’ve discovered a killer combination worn it and then several weeks later have struggled to remember what it was I put together, maybe that’s just my post-menopausal brain. There are also apps like Stylebook that allow you to store a record of your closet.

For important meetings you can date you log to keep track of the things you’ve recently worn to be sure not to repeat any obvious items.

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Update with Trends

It’s important, no matter your age to keep your look current, and the best way to do this is to update your look each season. You only really need a few key trendy pieces and don’t spend too much on them. Splurge on classics and basic items and save on trends. Consider trend items as disposable or fast fashion because it’s likely you won’t want to wear them after a few months.

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Shop to Enhance & Expand

Finally, when shopping think about what else the item you want to buy will go with. When you can identify at least three items in your closet it will coordinate with and you can dress the item up or down with accessories you’re onto a winner. Your shopping process should always be about enhancing and expanding the clusters in your wardrobe.

The amount you spend on any item should reflect how often you intend to wear it. High priced items you wear only a few times are not good purchases. Use my Cost Per Wearing Calculator to calculate if the item you’re about to buy is worth the price.

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author

Jun 03

HOW TO SHOP ONLINE & LOVE WHAT YOU BUY

By Style Clinic | How To..., Shopping, Style Clinic | No Comments

There’s a good reason why online shopping is growing at an incredible rate and has become a huge threat to brick and mortar stores. Over the years, countless women have turned to online stores to up their style game and add more variety and uniqueness to their wardrobe. I’m just one of the women who buys a lot of my clothes online and that’s why we have launched the My Private Stylist shopping mall and added some very special and unique magic to it…more about that a bit later.

I know that many of you will be rolling your eyes and saying things like:

I don’t know my size in other brands
What if I don’t like it
How do I find things that will suit me?

I get it…I had all the same fears until I tested the waters. Sure, there were things that didn’t work out but over the time I’ve learned a lot and now have great success. So, I’m here are my fear busting, tried and true solutions to shopping online and loving it.

11 Reasons Why Shopping Online Is Plain Smart

You can find your size: This is especially true when it comes to fringe and plus sizes. Large sizes are often the first to get sold out in the stores. Actual stores in the mall or local shopping areas only have a finite amount of space, they don’t have the luxury of having a large warehouse to store product like online stores do and often they have to order in set size amounts and that means they often only get one or two items in larger sizes. Online you are much more likely to find the item in your size.

It’s easier to see everything that’s available: No need to wade through every rack. With the click of a button or an easy scroll over the page, you can see the selection they have quickly. Most online stores are also divided into sections, so you can easily locate the item or style you’re looking for. Most online stores also have a search bar where you can key in specific things your after or product code numbers.

How to Shop Online, Style Genie, My Private Stylist, Style Genie, Ann Reinten, Image

Gain styling insights for the season/collection: Retail websites often show coordinating pieces when taking product photos. Often online retail stores will also release look-books with each season or each collection that showcases all the pieces styled in different ways, this is a great way to gain styling inspiration for pieces that you’ve been eyeing.

Be the first to know when new stock arrives: Once you fall in love with a brand sign up for their newsletter that way you’ll get new collection alerts sent straight to your inbox.

Gain discounts and special offers: If you sign up to a brand’s social media pages or newsletters, you typically get a first-customer discount. You will also be the first to know when things go on sale, and you may even get exclusive access to special deals. I love the fact that when you add an item into a Wishlist many companies will email you when the item goes on sale.

No need to get in line: Have you ever waited for ages at a register or not be able to find someone to serve you? Exactly. Need I say more?

You can forget traffic and car parks: Shop in the comfort of your home, on the way to work or snuggled up in bed. You simply can’t beat the convenience of shopping within the comfort of your home. No lines, no traffic, and no stress.

You can find the brands that suit your shape and personality: The internet has boundless possibilities for any specific style or size. Whether you’re a retro fashion lover or a plus size fashionista, there are many online fashion retailers that cater to your needs. All it just takes is a little bit of searching. Google is your best bet, of course. But you should do your research with bloggers too. Seek out bloggers with the same style and shape as you and track down their go-to online shops.

Get to the trends first: Trends tend to show up first in online shops before it appears in your local stores. Be the trendsetter and nab those trends online ASAP.

Dress differently: Shopping online allows you to dress uniquely, since you avoid wearing what everyone else is wearing from local brands. Sourcing wardrobe pieces from online also allows you to wear brands from all around the world.

Shop when you want to: Shopping hours are unlimited. You are no longer restricted to shop hours and can shop whenever the mood or the need strikes. Convenient shipping options also allow for some rush shopping on occasion.

How to Buy the Right Size

The most common reservation women have shopping online is getting the right size. It’s not that difficult – trust me!

Know your measurements: Ask one of your friends to take your measurements and store the information in the notes area of your smart phone for handy access. Then always check them against the measurement/size specs of the garment you’re interested in.

Know the measurements of garments you own and like best: This is a great guardrail measurement to have when it comes to online shopping, especially when it comes to length. Measuring the length that works best for you is best so that you can compare them with your possible online purchases.

Read the size information: Sizes vary from store to store so it is vital that you read the size information every time you shop online. Shopping on websites from other countries also entail some measurement conversions at times, so be mindful of that as well. I tend to buy mostly from Australia, the USA or the UK and have learned the following size conversions works.

If you are Australian: buy the same size garments from UK items and one size down from US stores

If you’re in the US: buy one size up from Australian and UK stores

If you’re in the UK: buy the same size from Australian stores and one size down from US stores.

Look at the model: If the item is on a model look for information on the size she is wearing and her height: This detail is important so that you can gauge whether that garment will work for you, comparative to your height and build.

When in doubt, buy 2 sizes and return the one that doesn’t work: Sometimes by the time you buy an item, receive it and need to return it for another size, it’s already out of stock. Buying two sizes guarantees that you have the item you want in the correct size for your shape and style.

How to Make Sure You Like (and Wear) What You Buy

Even if the size is right, there’s still that slight possibility that you may not like it when you receive it and look at it in person. Here are my tips to mitigate that eventuality:

Know which fabrics you like best: There are certain types of fabrics that you feel comfortable wearing, it’s good to know what these are so you can avoid buying something that you don’t even want to wear.

Know what suits you by getting a personal style program with My Private Stylist: To discover the styles that suit you best it is good to enlist a professional opinion. Much like shopping with your best friend, My Private Stylist will be the online shopping buddy you need to make sure that you’re maximizing your online shopping experience and getting the best finds that fit your personal style and your body type.

Watch the video: If there is a catwalk video available, watch it to get a feel for how the garments move: The flow and the drape of certain styles can’t be reflected in a photo sometimes. This is why a number of online shops have a video look book or catwalk/runway video accompanying their collection releases, so that you can see firsthand how a garment moves and flows on a body.

Shop Smart: Just like shopping at a regular store, it’s smart to think about what you already own to make sure the garment you are buying goes with at least 2 or 3 things you already own. This will help you avoid impulse buys that may end up as closet orphans.

Employ a Genie: My Private Stylist now has not only a shopping mall but an amazing garment assessment tool we call Style Genie. All you need do is select the item you like, click ‘Assess with Style Genie’ and answer the questions. So simple right? In a few clicks she’ll tell you if the item suits you, how to style it (yes, specifically for you), and if it’s not recommended you’ll learn why by looking at the Garment Insights. I’m chuffed about what we’ve created and it’s a first in the fashion world. It’s literally like having a professional stylist and personal shopper right beside while you shop online.

With all these benefits and the Style Genie right by your side, online shopping definitely trumps offline shopping any day, any time.

Here’s a short video I’ve made explaining how the Genie works.

Happy shopping!

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author

Mar 16

Style Clinic, My Private Stylist,Trends to Try This Summer, Trends Summer 2018, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, Ann Reinten

7 Trends to try This Summer

By Style Clinic | Style Clinic, Trends | One Comment

When the sun comes out to play, it’s time to bring the latest spring and summer fashions out in the light of day. There is no time of the year better than summer (says me who is about to enter winter ). Summer is the time to have not only outdoor adventures, but also fashion adventures.

Here are the trends I’m envious of; you lucky northerners.

Yellow Dresses

Yes, white dresses are the quintessential summer go to but if you want to shake things up a bit this year be bold and opt for a yellow dress. Whether it’s a pastel yellow or a bright lemon yellow, you are sure to find a shade of yellow that goes with your skin undertones. A yellow dress with a cute straw hat, a light scarf, and perhaps wedges or skimmers, that’s the ideal recipe for a dreamy summer outfit. You can go saturated for a true fashionista look, or you can have your yellow dress be your focal point and keep the rest of your ensemble neutral.

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Pencil Skirts

No longer strictly confined to the office; this spring and summer, pencil skirts are the new go-to piece of choice. Pencil skirts for summer may seem counter-intuitive, but when worn with a cropped top or with a billowy tank top it’s the going to be your unexpected fashion MVP for the summer. Complete your pencil skirt ensemble with low heel or ankle strap flats, and you’re good to go. If you want to go big, wear your pencil skirt with a statement t-shirt and sneakers for the ultimate cool girl factor.

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Tailored Shorts

Forget those jorts or those short shorts, this summer and spring will be about tailored shorts. These will be boxier in cut and end either just above the knee or mid-thigh. These tailored shorts can be easily dressed up or down. While these may not be entirely appropriate for the office, these tailored shorts can be elevated to just more than casual. Pair with a blazer and heels, these tailored shorts can take you on your next big night out. Most of the tailored shorts are high-waisted, so the most flattering way to wear them would be with a blouse tucked in. If you have a larger midsection you want to camouflage, you can still pull this off by simply adding a blazer and jacket over to make the eye dance.

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The Slip Dress

This trend was around not so long ago so it’s interesting that it’s back again so soon. This time it’s primarily worn over T-shirts, but don’t be stuck with just that – be innovative and try out some of your own styling wizardry. Instead of a plain white tee, try a striped tee. Instead of heels, why not dress a slip dress down with sneakers or a bandanna? In the end it’s all about sartorial contrast which in this case is balancing the overt sexiness of the slip dress with casual essentials.

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Waist Belts

Cinching your waist is the quickest and easiest way to make a more flattering silhouette. Adding a belt around a flowing sundress or trousers is often all the finishing touch you need to make an outfit look and feel complete. Belts are an often-overlooked accessory that actually makes a huge difference in making an ensemble look polished.

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Kitten Heels

Arguably the most ladylike of all the heels. The kitten heel is extra sweet when worn with a sundress. Mix up the femininity of kitten heels with ripped jeans and plaid to add an unexpected and alluring edge. The best part about kitten heels is that it combines vintage inspiration with comfort and modern chic style. The kitten heels can also be a real wardrobe workhorse as it can be worn for multiple occasions and times.

Source

Retro Poolside Florals

Instead of feminine and soft florals, this summer try seeking out resort-inspired vintage florals that hark to the times of 60s poolside, palm beach glamour. You don’t need to be at the beach or the cabana to don these whimsical and statement making prints. Wear them top to toe or choose either a top, bottom, or accessory to sport your resort floral, either way you’ll be gorgeous. Don’t forget your sunglasses, your sunhat, and your SPF, of course.

Source

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author

Jul 07

EYE TO EYE: THE HISTORY OF ICONIC EYE-WEAR

By Style Clinic | Style Clinic | 3 Comments

I LOVE eyewear.

Even if you’re not blessed with the need to wear glasses everyday sunnies play a HUGE part in a fashionable woman’s wardrobe. Aside from shielding your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun and even protecting the delicate area around your eyes from sun damage, eyewear adds a certain je ne sais quoi to any look that can’t be duplicated by another accessory. Even a simple jeans and tee combo, while you’re out running errands, look more incognito chic than urban blah when you add a pair of statement sunnies into the mix.

Like other style favorites and closet classics, iconic eyewear styles have a colorful history in fashion and has continued to evolve and weave into current trends and stay relevant.

This week I’ve dived into the fashion archives to find the most inspiring and iconic eyewear moments:

Audrey Hepburn

One of the most memorable and iconic scenes in both fashion and cinema history is the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Hepburn’s Holly Golightly made the black wayfarer style sunglasses an instant must-have.

First Lady Jackie Onassis-Kennedy

Jackie O made lucite frames in both oversized oval and octagon shapes look and feel oh-so-elegant. She was also a huge fan of tortoiseshell frames.

Janis Joplin

Round boho style frames were a fixture at Woodstock back in the 70s. No one made an impact with these round sunglasses than folk rock icon Janis Joplin.

Twiggy

Lucite oversized round sunglasses were a huge trend back in the 60s. These frames went so well with the over-the-top style of the era. From micro mini skirts, graphic and loud florals down to bold colorblocking, these lucite eyewear pieces finish off the look perfectly. Iconic model and 60s fashion ingenue, Twiggy, made these frames her signature piece.

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen

The 00s were an era of fashion where the Olsen twins simply reigned. Graduating from childhood stardom, the Olsen twins started making a name for themselves with their impeccable style and love for vintage fashion. Mary-Kate and Ashley made oversized oval sunnies cool again, they never leave home without it.

Lady Gaga

Music superstar Lady Gaga took statement eyewear to a whole new level. Whether it’s a part of her performance look or a part of everyday haute couture style, she coordinates unique eyewear to the equally unique couture pieces she wears. For Gaga, eyewear becomes an integral part of her creative fashion expression.

From Reading Stones to Contact Lenses

Would you believe that eyewear existed in prehistoric times? Evidence has been found that the inuit people fashioned glasses to protect their eyes from the sun, using walrus tusks and ivory. How ingenious right? It just goes to show the fundamental functionality that eyewear has. There was also proof found that the ancient Chinese used smoky quartz as lenses.

We’ve clearly evolved from the primarily protective nature of eyewear into something more ornamental and personal. Our eyewear of choice definitely expresses something about our personal style and is very effective in conveying a message about one’s personality. Certain frame shapes and styles are more polished and formal, while others are more casual and/or whimsical. Since eyewear can be easily changed and swapped out on a daily basis (if you can afford it), they are a great way to experiment with colors, styles, and textures as well as being a great way to express different facets of your personal style.

With that in mind, let’s review eyewear styles over the last hundred or so years to see how they’ve been influenced by culture and current trends of the time.

1900s / 1920-40s

At the turn of the century, the rise of movie stars consequently saw the rise of popularity of eyewear. The stars used sunglasses to go incognito and shield themselves from fan recognition. It was also used to protect their eyes from the harsh lighting they used onset.

In 1929, sunglasses started getting mass produced and marketed to summer vacationers. In 1936, polarized lenses came into the scene introduced by Edward Land. He came up with this using his polaroid camera filter. Toward the end of the 30s-40s, sunglasses were adopted by savvy city chic women and became a widespread fashion trend.

1950s

The 50s was all about fashion eyewear. Cat-eyes were particularly prominent in this decade, whether for eyeglasses or sunglasses. Everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Brigitte Bardot used eyewear as a vital part of their look.

1960s

Exaggerated shapes defined eyewear in the 60s. The mod style that was prevalent in this decade counted eyewear as a key part to pulling off the mod trend. Large round frames or large square frames in lucite or colored plastic were the weapons of chicness during this period.

1970s

The Bohemian style was the fashion hallmark of the 70s. There was more variety in this decade of eyewear fashion—aviators, fading lenses, and wire frames were all in vogue.

1980s

The era of excess is what people often called the 80s. Bold and brash colours and unapologetic playful eyewear shapes and style dominated. Large and white sunglasses were particularly popular in the 80s.

1990s

From excess to minimal, small and wired lenses became the eyewear du jour in the 90s. From pop princesses like Britney to Sarah Michelle Gellar, this style was all the rage.

2000s

The rise of it girls like Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton and the Olsen Twins gave rise to a new generation of style lovers. These it girls were always perfectly coiffed and never stepped out without their trademark oversized sunglasses. In the 2000s the bigger your sunglasses were, the better.

2010 and beyond

Sunglasses are a multimillion dollar industry. Different lenses for different prescriptive needs along with various brands with their own takes on the classic eyewear shapes are flooding the market. Iconic eyewear shapes like the aviator, cat eye, and mod are all still considered chic. Every season though, designers step it up a notch with details like carved arms on eyewear or pearl or studded embellishments on the frame.

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author

Jun 09

SUSTAINABLE FASHION…are you doing your part?

By Style Clinic | Fashion, Shopping, Style Clinic | 6 Comments

With fast fashion seemingly taking over the world, quality in all things taking a back seat and pollution destroying our planet it’s time for each of us to seriously consider what we can each do to stop the decay.

From the melting ice caps, receding glaciers, horrific Asian pollution and the destruction of The Great Barrier Reef to name a few, it’s easy to see the impact of global warning and to blame many industries such as oil and coal but few realize that the clothing industry that is the second biggest polluter.

We may not think of the environmental impact of fashion, but it can and does have a significant effect on the environment especially given the amount of water needed to manufacture garments. It’s time that we, as consumers, become more conscious of how our personal fashion decisions can affect the environment and fashion industry.

Sustainable fashion is a design movement that is quickly gaining ground, its goal is to create a self-supporting system within which the manufacturing of clothing has less impact on the environment and is socially responsible. Starting in the 90′s, pioneered by brands like Patagonia and Esprit, sustainable fashion has become a permanent part of the fashion industry and today many other brands such as H&M are starting to emulate them.

A great deal of creativity and resourcefulness is being put in to create clothing and fashion that are equally trendy and sustainable. Gone are the days when ecofashion gets a bad rap for looking bland and boring, brands like Amour Vert (a Gwyneth Paltrow), Svilu (an award-winning industry insider favorite), Freedom From Animals (chic vegan leather accessories), and even celebrity designers like Stella McCartney.

“I design clothes that are meant to last. I believe in creating pieces that are not going to get burnt, that are not going to landfills and that are not going to damage the environment. For every piece in every collection, I am always asking what have we done to make this garment more sustainable and what else can we do. It is a constant effort to improve…”

Stella McCartney

Source

So how can you do your part?

It’s easy and all you need to do is remember 4 R’s.

REDUCE
REPURPOSE
REMIX
RECYCLE

REDUCE

Reducing your ecological fashion footprint is less about not buying and more about thoughtful consumption. It’s a matter of being more conscious of your purchases. Even when you’re not buying from a sustainable brand, thinking about your purchase will avoid creating more waste. Impulse buys create more waste since it is something that you don’t use again and end up throwing.

Shopping at thrift/vintage stores and consignment shops are also great ways to reduce your negative environmental impact and support ecofashion. You’ll be amazed at the finds you’ll discover at these places. Consignment stores are especially great for finding great brands and trendy pieces at a fraction of the cost. Meanwhile, thrift stores and vintage shops are treasure troves of unique pieces that are sure to give your ensembles more character.

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REPURPOSE

I’m sure when you clean out your closet, you’ll find quite many items you haven’t worn recently or your style has outgrown. Instead of tossing them, think of ways to give them a new life. Repurposing clothes and accessories are a great way to minimize your environmental impact. Instead of throwing out an old tee why not make it into a produce carry bag? All you need is creativity and Pinterest is chock-full of ideas on how to repurpose clothes and accessories. Another noteworthy site to take inspiration from is P.S. I Made This. Erica Domesek, the brainchild and creative behind the site takes everyday items and fashion items and marries them with current trends.

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REMIX

Editing your closet, creating a capsules and really knowing what works with your style are all effective ways to reduce and even avoid needless consumption. Few women take the time to explore all the outfit possibilities waiting to be discovered within their wardrobe while complaining of nothing to wear.

Making the time to organize everything you own and uncover all the hidden outfits is a worthwhile way to spend a Sunday afternoon and you’ll reap the benefits for months to come.

RECYCLE

Recycling clothing is one of the best ways to support ecofashion. H&M is a pioneer in this regard with its effort to recycle unwanted textiles. You can drop off any of your unwanted items into any store, and you receive a discount coupon.

You can also organize a fashion swap party with your friends. You know what they say, one woman’s trash is another one’s treasure. Swapping gently or never used items with your friends and family is a great way to spread the word about conscious consumption.

These may seem like small ways to help support our planet and ecofashion. However every small step will add up and eventually make a real difference.

Every single choice you make about fashion reverberates through the industry. Making simple and thoughtful choices about how you consume fashion has more impact than you think.

To paraphrase Stacy Flynn of EVRNU who I recently had the pleasure of meeting, if one person can do so much damage with buying one t-shirt that same person can also make a positive difference toward strengthening the sustainable fashion movement. 700 gallons of water is wasted to make one T-shirt. This statistic seems exaggerated but it is 100% factual, and that is a sad fact of fashion consumption.

We are what we wear.

It’s a sobering fact that fashion is intricately intertwined with our personality and everyday life. Perhaps armed with knowledge about sustainability, we can all move forward and make more responsible decisions that will honor both our love of fashion and our planet.

If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author

Apr 28

HOW TO CREATE YOUR DREAM WARDROBE

By Style Clinic | Style Clinic | 3 Comments

How amazing would it be to own the perfect wardrobe, one we could stand in front of each morning and be inspired by. Where every item flattered us and our outfit options were visible and unending.

Sigh, if only, right?

While perfection is rarely attainable a wardrobe of clothes that flatters our shape and age is in harmony with our personality, fulfills the needs of our lifestyle and provides lots of outfit options is attainable. The catch, and there’s always a catch, is that it takes knowledge, planning, time and a degree of dedication.

Nothing worth having comes easy…sigh

Let’s take this elephant and eat it step by step.

Find Your Flattering Styles

Discovering all the garments that suit your shape and age is possible and affordable with My Private Stylist. This is a program I developed some years ago which shows you exactly all the styles, garment elements, accessories and essential coordination guidelines you need to look your best and shop successfully. This can be accessed with a consultation with one of our image consultants (the best way), or purchased one online.

Be True to Your Style Personality

Feeling great about the way you look is not only dressing in flattering outfits but the outfits also need to be harmony with your personal style. This will be your unique mix of classic, natural, dramatic, feminine, creative, sexy or elegant. When garments and accessories reflect your innate style personality you’ll end up saying things like’ “This is so me!”

Once you know your personality it can be adapted to all the circumstances in your life; work, home, play and socializing.

If you don’t know your personality why use our free Style Personality profile to discover it. If you have a My Private Stylist program be sure to be logged when you do it.

Meets Your Lifestyle Needs

If the items in your closet are not appropriate for your lifestyle you’ll end up with nothing that feels right to wear.

The easiest way to work this out is to create a lifestyle pie and then compare it to what’s in your wardrobe.

First make a list of either the events you need specific clothes for such as gym, work, home, general errands, special occasions, dating etc. Or, the level of clothes you generally need such as gym, business casual, smart casual, dressy, evening.

Then draw a circle/pie drawing and add each as a slice of the total per week or month as you prefer. Your wardrobe should reflect the same percentages as your chart. One reason you can have lots in your closet and very little to wear is that it’s out of sync with your current lifestyle.

Once you understand your lifestyle needs to can better allocate the right funds towards the things you really need and you won’t be as tempted to buy outside of this.

To work out your own lifestyle and wardrobe pies click this link.

Money Spent Wisely

A common problem I witnessed when I was performing wardrobe audits with clients was they had spent their hard earned money on the wrong types of garments. Too often large amounts were spent on items such as dressy dresses that were worn only once of twice while the work horse classic staples were of a lesser quality than they deserved given how often they were worn.

To work through this issue you can use this cost per wearing formula:

Multiply the garment cost + upkeep like dry cleaning
______________________________________________
by the number of expected wearings.

The number of expected wearings would be:

The number of likely wearings/week, multiplied by the number weeks in a month it would be worn, multiplied by the number of months in a year it is likely to be worn, multiplied by the number of years it’s likely to last. The answer is the total number of wearings.

Here’s some examples:

Blazer

Cost: $575 plus dry cleaning ($7 x 5) $35 = $610

Wearings: 2/week x 4 weeks x 9 months x 5 years = 360

$610 ÷ 360 = $1.69 per wear

Dressy Dress

Cost: $650 plus dry cleaning ($15 x 2) $30 = $680

Wearings: Twice

$680 ÷ 2 = $340 cost per wear

At that price, you would have been better off renting one from sites like rent the runway.

If you would like to work out if you are spending the right amount of clothes feel free to use my Cost Per Wear Calculator.

One final note about your budget – what ever amount your have to spend seriously consider allotting 30% to your accessories. They have the most power to transform your outfits.

Purge and Organize

Most of the time when you’re at a loss for what to wear, it’s not because you have no clothes; it’s because you have too much, all crammed in there together. When you streamline your wardrobe you set yourself up for style success.

This means you need to purge yourself of items you no longer wear, are in poor condition, not longer you or out of date. Store away items that are not of this season and organize what you have left in your closet into a system that will work for you.

Keep any basic and classic items which are trans seasonal such as your little black dress, essential tees, solid dark denim jeans, black fitted trousers, tailored blazers etc in your closet. These will go a long way in serving as the foundation of a lot of your looks.

Also, keep statement items that you absolutely love. While they may not be as much of a blank styling slate as the basics, the pieces that you love will speak to your true personality and sense of style.

Don’t forget to donate your best items to charities like Dress for Success.

Discover Every Outfit

Now to the fun stuff.

Budget conscious, style savvy women know how to buy items so they have the most mix and match, and dress levels possible out of the clothes and accessories they own.

Each piece in your closet has many styling possibilities that are as yet be unrealised. Each item needs to be scoped out in regard to all the layering and accessorizing options you currently have to create a different outfits/looks. Adding a belt to a long flowing maxi dress immediately makes it look and feel different. Layering a blazer to a breezy dress or a casual outfit instantly polishes it up as well.

Sure, you’ve got tried-and-tested old faithful ensembles that you like to use over and over again—and that’s perfectly okay. It’s good to have a style comfort zone, especially for those hectic days. But to realize and maximize the true style potential of your wardrobe, mix and matching is the key.

Lay each item on your bed and create as many outfits as you can using all the garments and accessories you have. If you like an outfit try it on to see if you like it when it’s on you and if you do take a full-length selfie or photograph the outfit on the bed. This way you’ll remember the combinations.

Get Your Colour Stories Sorted

Mix and match strategies are easy when you base them within a solid color story. While there are some women who are incredibly loyal to one colour or palette, it pays to play around with a few colour families to truly figure out what works best with your complexion. Or better still arrange to have a colour analysis.

Once you know your colours you can branch out into patterns that fit within the color story that you have chosen. While a monochromatic (gray, white, navy blue, black) may be a no-brainer for some, and incredible attractive on Meghan Markle, I’m a firm believer in bringing color into your life.

In the next few weeks I’ll be bringing you a feature dedicated to working out what colours go well together.

Create Clothing Capsules

Have you ever heard of a capsule wardrobe? If you haven’t, this might hold the key to unlocking your perfect mix and match wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a maximum of 30 items, typically a mix of classics in neutral colours and accent pieces to add personality and a touch of fashion which all coordinate seamlessly and together create lots of outfits.

His infographic from Classy Yet Trendy explains the concept very well. Read more…

Master Remixing

Don’t let yourself become limited by style definitions. Something that is typically for evening like silver heels or a sequined skirt can be remixed into daytime and vise versa. The same rule applies to seasonal clothing, you can make summer pieces work for fall through layering and you can make fall pieces feel more appropriate for warm weather by pairing it with lighter weight fabrics. Read more…

Source

Find the Versatility

Push your imagination into drive and get creative. How many ways can you wear that T-shirt, cardigan or dress?

If it’s a T-shirt you could try tucking it into a skirt or tying it into a knot and wearing it with a high-waisted midi. You can also use it to layer underneath a tailored blazer or patterned cardigan.

Get into the habit of looking for ways to remix every piece of clothing. Even something as simple as cuffing your jeans can make a huge difference in changing your look of the day.

If you get stuck this feature will help you…

Source

Learn to Accessorize

Accessorizing is to me the magic that adds personality and uniqueness as well as a change of mood that no other styling technique can rival. I’m a plus size woman and this can limit my style choices but with the power of accessories, I can look as great an anyone. My radar is always on high alert for unique items that will add a touch of creativity to my classic items. More… and this…

Get Proportions & Patterns Right

Another key to successfully mixing and matching is keeping balance right which means ensuring that you are the center of attention, not what you’re wearing.

When it comes to prints and patterns you need to get the mix right. One way is to pair a smaller size print with a bolder and more graphic pattern. More info…

As for proportions, never wear two loose or over-sized pieces at the same time. Balance tailored pieces with more loose or drapey silhouettes for an easygoing feel.

Shopping Suggestions

It’s so easy to be lured in by sales but if the item does not contribute to your desired wardrobe then it’s often not going to be worth it’s price, no matter how much of a bargain it is.

The first rule if to be ever on the look out for great classics and staples. A great pair of black or beige pants or nude or black pumps will all have a long lifespan if you look after them and are worth paying extra dollars on.

The second rule is if the item is something other than a classic or staple they should be able to be teamed with at least two items in your current closet. If it dosesn’t resist the urge to buy, even if it’s on sale.

Trial and Error

Like with everything else, practice makes perfect. By experimenting with your style and working towards a mix and match wardrobe of clothes your style, confidence and wardrobe will improve.

Don’t get disheartened. Discovering your mix and match wardrobe is a process. Embrace it! Don’t be afraid to try new trends, and don’t be afraid to stick to what you know. Strike a balance between the old and the new to reveal a mix and match wardrobe that will become one of your strongest allies.

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Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author

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Get Proportions & Patterns Right

Shopping Suggestions

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