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.
Saturday, 18 July 2009
The 10 style commandments
Are you unlucky enough to have a annoyingly glamorous friend/ relation/ colleague (delete as appropriate) who always looks fabulous, no matter what the occasion?
What is her secret? How does she manage it?... Well, whilst there are no hard and fast rules to dressing with style, following these 10 style commandment will certainly ensure that you get the basics right...
1.Thou shalt look not go un-groomed
This is the most basic of all the rules! If your perfect outfit it stained, missing a button or your shoes are scuffed, your whole look is ruined. Make sure you look after your clothes, if it says 'dry clean only', then dry clean it! If the care label says wash at 30*, don't risk washing it at 40*, you'll only end up with stretched,shrunk or faded items. Make sure you polish your shoes, and de-bobble your knitwear, and when pressing clothes, check for missing buttons and marks or stains. Equally important is your hair and make up. There is no point to going to the effort of checking the state of your clothes if you look like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards. Brush and style your hair, update and apply your make up properly and make sure you don't leave make up marks on your clothes when getting dressed, it'll undo all you hard work.
2.Thou shalt not wear clothes that don't fit
Size is purely a subjective number, many retailers and designers size specifications vary dramatically. Do not try and squeeze yourself into an item that's your usual size if it means that the clothes become a second skin, instead of skim your body. If the size in your clothes worry you that much, go up a size and cut the label out!
The reverse is equally important, don't swamp your body in baggy or shapeless garments, it will only add pounds. If it doesn't the fit isn't flattering, don't buy it!
3.Thou shalt not shop aimlessly
We as women (and some men) love to shop. At sometime or another you will always find yourself being drawn to items that are exciting and unusual, but unless it works with your shape, your style and current wardrobe don't buy it. It will only end up at the back of your wardrobe with the tags still on for years to come.
4.Thou shalt splurge on items that look fabulous on you
If it looks great and make you feel great, and you'll think that you'll get a lot of mileage out of it, buy it! It should become a key piece to your wardrobe and you should spend time looking for coordinating items to build different looks and outfits. The more chances you get to look fabulous, the more you'll start to feel fabulous!
5. Thou shalt invest more in the part of your wardrobe that you spend the most time in
If you spend 5 out of 7 days in a formal workwear, your wardrobe should reflect this. Everyday you should feel great in what you wear. There is no point in having a weekend wardrobe that you look fabulous in, if your work wardrobe is ill fitting and unflattering. You'll feel drab and dowdy 70% of the time.
6.Thou shalt not jump on every trend
Just because something is on trend, doesn't mean that you have to buy into it. With so many different trends on the catwalk every season, it's better to pick and choose the trends that work for you. Consider your personal style and body shape. Harem pants are not a good look for you if you tend to dress quite conservatively and your a pear shape. You will look and feel uncomfortable. Also, don't wear one trend head to toe, you'll look ridiculous! Accessories are a great way of experimenting with a trend in bite sized chunks.
7. Thou shalt not be blinded by sale bargains
Just because an item has 50% off does not mean that it is a sign from God that you should by it! Think logically about it, would you have bought it at full price? Is it the right size, a flattering colour or cut, will it work with the rest of your wardrobe, does it flatter your figure? If you can't answer yes to any of these questions then don't buy it! And please, please don't buy sale items that you think will fit you once lost those last few stubborn pounds!
8. Thou shall wear the right underwear
Obvious straps, VPL's and poorly fitting underwear will ruin an otherwise polished look. Make sure you wear the right size, get measured if needs be. Invest in a multiway bra that can be worn with a variety of necklines, and chose knickers that are seam free. Shapewear is a vital foundation to many a slinky outfit, it may not be so attractive to look at, but the results certainly are. Remember underwear should improve not distract from what you wear.
9. Thou shalt choose the right accessories
Make sure your accessories work with your overall look. They should either match in colour or texture to your outfit; or alternatively be in a contrasting yet complimentary colour, if this is the case, make sure all you accessories are the same colour to really make a strong statement. Accessories should also fit the occasion, don't take your black handbag with you to a wedding where you are dressed in a pretty summer dress! Another factor to consider is size of accessories. If you're petite, an oversized bag will make you look even smaller. Balance is the key.
10. Thou shalt seek professional advice
Invest in yourself and your wardrobe. If you are unsure about what colours and styles suit you book and appointment with one of our image consultants. It is an investment that will pay off, you won't waste money on clothes that you'll never wear and you'll learn what works for you and what doesn't. We can even go shopping with you and reorganise your wardrobe, to make looking stylish effortless.
Find a good tailor, having clothing altered to fit your body shape perfectly means that you'll get more mileage out of your clothes.
Update your make up, visit a cosmetic professional. They can give you free advice on skin care and make up, to really make the most of yourself.
And finally, spend a little time on you!!
What is her secret? How does she manage it?... Well, whilst there are no hard and fast rules to dressing with style, following these 10 style commandment will certainly ensure that you get the basics right...
1.Thou shalt look not go un-groomed
This is the most basic of all the rules! If your perfect outfit it stained, missing a button or your shoes are scuffed, your whole look is ruined. Make sure you look after your clothes, if it says 'dry clean only', then dry clean it! If the care label says wash at 30*, don't risk washing it at 40*, you'll only end up with stretched,shrunk or faded items. Make sure you polish your shoes, and de-bobble your knitwear, and when pressing clothes, check for missing buttons and marks or stains. Equally important is your hair and make up. There is no point to going to the effort of checking the state of your clothes if you look like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards. Brush and style your hair, update and apply your make up properly and make sure you don't leave make up marks on your clothes when getting dressed, it'll undo all you hard work.
2.Thou shalt not wear clothes that don't fit
Size is purely a subjective number, many retailers and designers size specifications vary dramatically. Do not try and squeeze yourself into an item that's your usual size if it means that the clothes become a second skin, instead of skim your body. If the size in your clothes worry you that much, go up a size and cut the label out!
The reverse is equally important, don't swamp your body in baggy or shapeless garments, it will only add pounds. If it doesn't the fit isn't flattering, don't buy it!
3.Thou shalt not shop aimlessly
We as women (and some men) love to shop. At sometime or another you will always find yourself being drawn to items that are exciting and unusual, but unless it works with your shape, your style and current wardrobe don't buy it. It will only end up at the back of your wardrobe with the tags still on for years to come.
4.Thou shalt splurge on items that look fabulous on you
If it looks great and make you feel great, and you'll think that you'll get a lot of mileage out of it, buy it! It should become a key piece to your wardrobe and you should spend time looking for coordinating items to build different looks and outfits. The more chances you get to look fabulous, the more you'll start to feel fabulous!
5. Thou shalt invest more in the part of your wardrobe that you spend the most time in
If you spend 5 out of 7 days in a formal workwear, your wardrobe should reflect this. Everyday you should feel great in what you wear. There is no point in having a weekend wardrobe that you look fabulous in, if your work wardrobe is ill fitting and unflattering. You'll feel drab and dowdy 70% of the time.
6.Thou shalt not jump on every trend
Just because something is on trend, doesn't mean that you have to buy into it. With so many different trends on the catwalk every season, it's better to pick and choose the trends that work for you. Consider your personal style and body shape. Harem pants are not a good look for you if you tend to dress quite conservatively and your a pear shape. You will look and feel uncomfortable. Also, don't wear one trend head to toe, you'll look ridiculous! Accessories are a great way of experimenting with a trend in bite sized chunks.
7. Thou shalt not be blinded by sale bargains
Just because an item has 50% off does not mean that it is a sign from God that you should by it! Think logically about it, would you have bought it at full price? Is it the right size, a flattering colour or cut, will it work with the rest of your wardrobe, does it flatter your figure? If you can't answer yes to any of these questions then don't buy it! And please, please don't buy sale items that you think will fit you once lost those last few stubborn pounds!
8. Thou shall wear the right underwear
Obvious straps, VPL's and poorly fitting underwear will ruin an otherwise polished look. Make sure you wear the right size, get measured if needs be. Invest in a multiway bra that can be worn with a variety of necklines, and chose knickers that are seam free. Shapewear is a vital foundation to many a slinky outfit, it may not be so attractive to look at, but the results certainly are. Remember underwear should improve not distract from what you wear.
9. Thou shalt choose the right accessories
Make sure your accessories work with your overall look. They should either match in colour or texture to your outfit; or alternatively be in a contrasting yet complimentary colour, if this is the case, make sure all you accessories are the same colour to really make a strong statement. Accessories should also fit the occasion, don't take your black handbag with you to a wedding where you are dressed in a pretty summer dress! Another factor to consider is size of accessories. If you're petite, an oversized bag will make you look even smaller. Balance is the key.
10. Thou shalt seek professional advice
Invest in yourself and your wardrobe. If you are unsure about what colours and styles suit you book and appointment with one of our image consultants. It is an investment that will pay off, you won't waste money on clothes that you'll never wear and you'll learn what works for you and what doesn't. We can even go shopping with you and reorganise your wardrobe, to make looking stylish effortless.
Find a good tailor, having clothing altered to fit your body shape perfectly means that you'll get more mileage out of your clothes.
Update your make up, visit a cosmetic professional. They can give you free advice on skin care and make up, to really make the most of yourself.
And finally, spend a little time on you!!
Welcome to the Perspex Image blog
Hello and welcome to our first ever blog post! We hope to bring to a blog filled with style and fashion advice, bring you the latest information on whats happening at Perspex Image and let you know some of the secrets of styling. We hope you enjoy it!!
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