MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

I’m a big fan of Diane Keaton and think she’s an incredible actor (Something’s Gotta Give is one of my all time favourite movies and every time I watch it I think Diane – or at least her character – is the woman I want to be when I grow up) so this is not in any way meant to be a negative post.

In the US, straight after Diane appeared at the Golden Globes an advertisement for L’Oreal, in which she is featured, was shown.

L’Oreal has been accused of heavily photo-shopping (blow me down with a feather)  the ad because Diane appears somewhat more youthful, than she  did during her  appearance at the awards.

Diane is 68.  She’s beautiful.  When I think of her I think strong, quirky, poised, talented, unique and with great individual style.  I don’t need to be convinced that she looks 40…or 50,  when she isn’t.  She’s perfect just as she is.

The moral of this story is, next time you see an image of Diane Keaton, Meryl Streep or Nicole Kidman and your first reaction is I’m about her age, why don’t I look like that…remind yourself that chances are they don’t look like that either.

Remind yourself also, that you are lovely and perfect and good enough, just as you are.

Aging can be confronting and challenging for all us, but as I keep reminding my mother and telling myself, it’s a hell of a lot better than the alternative.   The important thing is to embrace who you are and how special you are, to treat yourself  kindly, to make you a priority and to do whatever it takes to make yourself feel great about yourself at any stage of your life.

Follow me on Instagram here

You can read what styling services I offer here

Just like the Little Black Dress, a great pair of black pants will work hard in your wardrobe.

You should be able to  wear them to an interview,  to dinner, to work, to a funeral, or to a fancy event.

The key is to find a pair that are right for you. For some it might be something very classic and for others, something edgier.  The most important thing though is to find something that flatters your body shape and fits you just right.

Challenge yourself to find a pair of black pants that make you feel good every time you put them on – not just a “they’ll have to do” pair.

Follow me on Instagram here

You can read what styling services I offer here

If you’ve ever given the inside of your home a fresh coat of paint, you’ll know the difference it makes.  Everything feels clean and new again.

The same thing applies to your clothes.  When you spend some time maintaining shoes, bags and garments, you breath renewed life into them.

Over the weekend I soaked white tees and shirts.

All I do is place the items in some Sard Wonder Oxy Plus (sometimes bleach) and cold or hot water (depending on the fabric)  in a bucket and leave overnight.  Then in the morning I’ll throw them in the washing machine and run them through a wash cycle.  When they come out they’re bright white.

Taking care of your clothes is important.  Maintaining bally knits or yellow stained under arms requires time we’d all rather be spending on more glamourous things (like shopping).  But really there’s no point buying a new pair of fabulous shoes, if you’re going to wear them with a pair of scruffy pants with a fallen hem.

*Always check the washing instructions on each garment and the instructions for using the detergents before you do.

Follow me on Instagram here

You can read what styling services I offer here

If you have an upcoming Christmas party you need to come up with an outfit for, instead of thinking I need to buy something new to wear, why not think, what do I already have in my wardrobe that could be dressed up with some fabulous decoration?

Try and imagine this outfit (pictured) without the red lips, sparkly bag and jewels and simple up-do. What you would have would be just a skirt & top (albeit lovely and in this case a very expensive skirt and top) – not an outfit.

Don’t underestimate what accessories (and the finer detail) can achieve – alternatively how bad accessories can ruin an otherwise great look.   *Remember Julianne Moore in these shoes?

*The key when you look at images like this is not to think, she’s 20 years younger than me, 2 feet taller and 5 dress sizes smaller….wearing diamonds and Chanel.  You need to be imaginative and creative.  When I first saw this picture one of the first things that came to mind was that I could make a similar necklace/choker to the one she’s (stylist, Caroline Sieber) wearing with a large vintage brooch and a piece of black ribbon.  The photo also reminded me of the impact a red lip can have and how it has the ability to bring all the attention up to the face.

If you want some help putting together an outfit for a Christmas Party, perhaps using what you already have in your wardrobe, email me here.   (If I can’t come to your home or go shopping with you, you can send me some photos and I’ll give you my thoughts and suggestions.)

Follow me on Instagram here

You can read what styling services I offer here