One question: where do you keep your shoe care kit?
Until a couple of years ago I always kept mine right at the back of the cupboard under the sink. For me it was a case of out of sight out of mind. On the other hand, as an image consultant I know that a pair of beautiful shoes that are dirty, discoloured or in disrepair can ruin an outfit. Detail is everything.
One day I was buying a lovely pair of boots. They were leather and suede.
'Would you like to buy one of our protectors Madam?' the shop assistant enquired.
'I have one thank you'....'although I must confess it's a while since I used it' (Reminder to self: shake off this interminable affliction of needing to tell everyone I meet how hopeless I am)
'Have you thought about keeping your protector in the bottom of your wardrobe, next to your shoes and boots?' came the reply.
Genius. Absolute blooming genius.
So, now, every time I go out, and every time I come in, I give my suede shoes and boots a good old spray. Just because it's there. On show.
It was entirely logical really. Simplicity itself.
Friday, 20 November 2009
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Accessories to 'fall' for this season
Its not just the clothes that can make a statement this season. Check out this autumns accessory trends.
Studs and chains
Get the biker chick look with rivets, studs, zips and chains on your handbag and shoes. An easy an subtle way to introduce the 'tough' look into your wardrobe.
Jewel tone accessories
Look out for handbags, scarves and gloves in gorgeous jewel tones this season. Hot colours are amethyst, ruby red and sapphire blue.
Grey accessories
Grey is a massive colour this season, carry the trend through to your accessories with grey toned boots and matching handbag.
Sandals for all seasons
Just because its autumn doesn't mean its time to ditch the peep toe. Wear with bright colour tights or sock for an up to date fashion look.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
The Autumn/ Winter 09 Trends
I love this time of year. All the magazines have the upcoming Autumn /winter trend reports in them and its so exciting seeing the latest trends and looks. So what are the key looks?
Big Shoulders- I love this look. There is a shoulder for everyone, from 80's power suit look, to feminine 40's puff sleeves and finally dramatic structured bold looks.

Velvet- Velvet has seen a revival this season, and is a gorgeous look for the winter. Wear it in a full on in a coat or a dress or go for a velvet jacket. A softer way to wear the look is opting for devore, a sheer, pattern velvet fabric as seen at Calvin Klein
Biker Chic- An alternative to the soft velvet look is the rough and tough of biker chic. This look involves lots of leather, zips, stud and lacing. As well as an updated bleached, distressed and ripped denim look that hasn't been seen for a few seasons. Invest in a biker jacket in leather or suede, it'll instantly tougher up your look
The 80's- This is a look that doesn't seem to go away. This season it's all about garish glamour. So layer on those sequins, wear those pattern leggings, add bold prints and mix with shiny fabrics. Buy into this look with a brightly patterned top or skirt and add a plain item to it. Keep it funky with a statement belt.
Heritage- This look is all about tweeds and brocades. Its a real lux look that is brought up to date with bright colours and mix and matching fabrics. It's a really layer look. Add a jacquard scarf to a tweed coat for an instant update.
Fabulous Forties- Everything 40's is cool again. Whether that's a nipped waist jacket, a faux fur coats, mutton top sleeves and knee length tulip skirt, its a easy to wear classic look that very feminine.
Big Shoulders- I love this look. There is a shoulder for everyone, from 80's power suit look, to feminine 40's puff sleeves and finally dramatic structured bold looks.

Velvet- Velvet has seen a revival this season, and is a gorgeous look for the winter. Wear it in a full on in a coat or a dress or go for a velvet jacket. A softer way to wear the look is opting for devore, a sheer, pattern velvet fabric as seen at Calvin Klein
Biker Chic- An alternative to the soft velvet look is the rough and tough of biker chic. This look involves lots of leather, zips, stud and lacing. As well as an updated bleached, distressed and ripped denim look that hasn't been seen for a few seasons. Invest in a biker jacket in leather or suede, it'll instantly tougher up your look
The 80's- This is a look that doesn't seem to go away. This season it's all about garish glamour. So layer on those sequins, wear those pattern leggings, add bold prints and mix with shiny fabrics. Buy into this look with a brightly patterned top or skirt and add a plain item to it. Keep it funky with a statement belt.
Heritage- This look is all about tweeds and brocades. Its a real lux look that is brought up to date with bright colours and mix and matching fabrics. It's a really layer look. Add a jacquard scarf to a tweed coat for an instant update.
Fabulous Forties- Everything 40's is cool again. Whether that's a nipped waist jacket, a faux fur coats, mutton top sleeves and knee length tulip skirt, its a easy to wear classic look that very feminine.
Monday, 27 July 2009
The new recesionista fashion movements
So which fashion camp are you?
Are you part of the 'Die Hards', the 'New Modests' or the 'Reformed'? According to a new survey carried out by 'Vogue' and 'YouGov', the recession has shifted the fashion customer mind set, and although we are shopping leaner, greener and smarter than ever before, we still need to feed our fashion habit. Quality is of vital importance during these tough times, but women still want to look good. As one survey respondent commented, 'It's OK to be redundant- but not OK to look redundant!'
'Die Hards' are not directly effected by the recession and are feeling financially confident. They are aware that there are a large amount of people who are in a less comfortable position then themselves, and they don't want to be seen to be rubbing their noses in the fact that they are still doing quite well. The Die Hard recessionistas are interpreting this period into a new pared down trend, they are still investing in quality, trusted heritage brands, but seeking out the more classic and less ostentatious of designs.
'The New Modests' are smart shoppers. They are want to look good, but are investing more in quality classics that they love, rather than feeding their fashion thirst with frivolous purchases that have a short shelf life. They will however purchase a few key statement pieces to update an otherwise classic wardrobe.
'The Reformed' are the swots of shopping. They are putting more time and effort into shopping then ever before and have a much more thrifty attitude. They will search out the bargains and see where they can get styles cheaper. They are ditching their designer threads for more main stream, yet quality high street brands, allowing them to look stylish without splashing the cash.
So which ever fashion camp you belong to, it seems that your not going to let the recession cramp your style.After all looking good makes you feel good, and with all the doom and gloom in the media, we need all the help we can get.
Are you part of the 'Die Hards', the 'New Modests' or the 'Reformed'? According to a new survey carried out by 'Vogue' and 'YouGov', the recession has shifted the fashion customer mind set, and although we are shopping leaner, greener and smarter than ever before, we still need to feed our fashion habit. Quality is of vital importance during these tough times, but women still want to look good. As one survey respondent commented, 'It's OK to be redundant- but not OK to look redundant!'
'Die Hards' are not directly effected by the recession and are feeling financially confident. They are aware that there are a large amount of people who are in a less comfortable position then themselves, and they don't want to be seen to be rubbing their noses in the fact that they are still doing quite well. The Die Hard recessionistas are interpreting this period into a new pared down trend, they are still investing in quality, trusted heritage brands, but seeking out the more classic and less ostentatious of designs.
'The New Modests' are smart shoppers. They are want to look good, but are investing more in quality classics that they love, rather than feeding their fashion thirst with frivolous purchases that have a short shelf life. They will however purchase a few key statement pieces to update an otherwise classic wardrobe.
'The Reformed' are the swots of shopping. They are putting more time and effort into shopping then ever before and have a much more thrifty attitude. They will search out the bargains and see where they can get styles cheaper. They are ditching their designer threads for more main stream, yet quality high street brands, allowing them to look stylish without splashing the cash.
So which ever fashion camp you belong to, it seems that your not going to let the recession cramp your style.After all looking good makes you feel good, and with all the doom and gloom in the media, we need all the help we can get.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)


