MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

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There’s never a better time than the start of autumn to learn about the art of layering.  Not only is it resourceful, saving you time and money, but it can also be very chic and stylish.

Here in Australia we’re still mastering the art of layering but in other parts of the world, they do it beautifully. Where some of us would pack our white jeans or fuchsia trousers away once the weather turns cool, they would simply add a camel jacket and suede ankle boots or a navy sweater and a trench.  The Europeans are not afraid to blend the months together. They use their spring and summer clothes as the base and then they layer pieces on top.

Although trans-seasonal dressing may seem complicated and tricky it’s not.  Aim to add items to your closet that have multiple uses.  Next time you shop think about it –   Will this skirt be ok with tights and my trench and then again with my sandals and a t-shirt? Will I be able to wear it year round? If I rolled these up and wore them with an open toe wedge, can I work these pants from autumn into my summer wardrobe?

There are many ways I could show you how to layer your clothes and take them from summer to autumn and beyond – here’s a few photos for inspiration..

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So before you race out and buy new autumn clothes ask yourself whether you need to.  Is it possible that what you really need is just a few things that will complement and work with your existing wardrobe – a couple of knits, some scarves, a jacket, tights and boots.

If you would like me to go through your wardrobe with you, decide what you need to add for autumn and winter, make a plan, write a shopping list and help you put together some autumn outfits using some of your summer clothes – email me here.  You might find you don’t need anywhere near as much as you thought.  You just might need some ideas as to how to wear what you already have, in new and different ways.

**Remember you don’t have to take these shots literally – just use them for inspiration as I explained here

Details of my personal styling services (Including prices) here

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I know I’ve talked about hair before, but I think it’s something some of us need a gentle little nudge and reminder about, so I’m going to talk about it again.  The reason that we need to focus in on our hair from time to time is that like anything to do with most of us women  – how we look, how we live our lives – many of us get stuck in a rut and it’s not until a lovely friend or family member (or friendly stylist)  suggests we take care of ourselves and put ourselves first for a bit, that we sit up and take notice and make US a priority.

For me it’s cooking and eating.  It’s not that I don’t eat  – I do…I love food – it’s just that I can go for weeks and then I stop and think, Goodness, when was the last time I ate a piece of meat or sometimes I’ll be running around the shops all day and at 4pm remember that I didn’t stop for lunch.  It’s not intentional, it’s just that I don’t make it a priority and I forget sometimes, until someone (like my lovely friend who arrived at my place yesterday with a coffee, a muffin and some sushi for my lunch, because she knew I was working solidly and would more than likely forget to stop to eat) pulls me up and reminds me I need to take the time and cook and eat properly.

For others it can be that we need reminding that we’re neglecting our image and our look – which of course, in turn makes us feel lousy and bad about ourselves and affects our confidence.  For some it’s clothes, others it’s make- up and too often it’s hair.

• We don’t have time to sit still in a salon for 2 hours
• We don’t trust anyone to touch our hair
• We’re waiting until we lose weight before we worry about what our hair looks like
• Everyone else in the family needs… a fancy birthday party, an iPod, a new pair of the latest sport shoes, piano lessons, ballet classes, gifts to take to birthday parties and haircuts, before we do
• We’ve had the same, safe style for so long, we’re too scared to change it
• We hate spending that sort of money on ourselves
• We think nobody looks at us anyway. We may as well just tie it up and forget about it

We can all relate to one of these.  Until recently I hadn’t had a haircut in about 6 months.  My hairstylist went on maternity leave and I didn’t trust anybody else.  So I colored it myself and cut my fringe with my nail scissors.  Not a good look – particularly for a personal stylist.  I hoped that nobody noticed my lopsided fringe , but I’m sure they did and were too polite to comment.  I was also putting all of my money into my business and not wanting to spend any on myself – which in actual fact was affecting my brand – which is me.

I realised when my hair stylist came back to work and I visited her for a much needed overhaul, just how much better I feel about myself and how much more confident I am when I’m happy with how my hair looks.

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Black is incredibly chic.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

As someone who has a lot of black in their wardrobe and wears it often, I’ve had plenty of people comment over the years that I wear too much black or that I’d look lovely in a bit of color and I’ve had a couple of clients tell me they hear the same thing from their family and friends.

My response is always, if you like black and you feel comfortable and confident wearing it – then go for it.

But be aware that wearing head to toe black can look a bit bland and boring, so you need to be conscious of trying to make it look interesting rather than flat and dull.

Having an interesting and stylish all black outfit can be achieved by..

• Mixing different fabrics and textures. (ie Wool, silk, denim, suede, patent leather, etc)
• Adding unique accessories.
• Ensuring the clothes fit and flatter your body shape beautifully
• Wearing nothing that is faded, stained or pilled.
• Considering your makeup.  You might find you need to add a bit more color than usual to your cheeks and lips.

I adore color, but I always feel the most stylish when I’m wearing black. (You can see me wearing all black here)

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I was in the neighbourhood of one of my favourite op-shops in Melbourne yesterday so thought I’d pop in on the off chance I might discover a treasure.

And I did.  This embroidered shirt – for $5.

I spotted it soon after I walked into the store, which is what usually happens when I browse through op-shops.  I’m not one to spend hours going through every single item on the rack,  I can generally spot a beauty instantly.  My eyes go into quick scanning mode.  Here’s what I look for:

• Stand out fabric – beaded, embroidered, velvet, silk, vintage brocade, sequined or beautifully colored
• Label – I like to see where and by who it was made and whether it might be vintage.  I’m not looking for a County Road or Sportsgirl t-shirt, I’m looking for something unique.
• Quality of cut and fabric.  Not interested in anything that looks cheap and artificial.
• In Fashion – I keep my eye out for styles that I know are currently fashionable (At the moment it’s vintage Levis 501’s which I might be able to customise)
• Flaws – if I’ve found a beautiful fabric and pulled it off the rack, then I give it a once over to see if there are any noticeable flaws or stains…or whether it smells.
• Accessories – I look at both the womens and mens belts, bags, scarves, sunglasses and jewelry

You also need to use your imagination when you shop in op-shops, to determine whether something you find has potential.  One-of-a-kind pieces are hard to come by, but a good tailor isn’t.  You don’t want to walk away from a gorgeous 1950’s chiffon dress you saw for $20, just because you didn’t like the length or the neckline.  Grab it and then take it along to your tailor to discuss possibilities.

Of course we do need to remember that op-shopping is like all shopping.  You don’t want to just get caught up with the price, think it’s a bargain and then suddenly you’re filling your wardrobe with unworn junk.  There needs to be something about it that you LOVE.  It’s need to be flattering (or altered to become flattering) and it needs to represent the image you want to portray.  (ie. no point buying a beaded vintage caftan if you’re a strictly Classic dresser – it won’t get worn)

When I think about it, what I love about op-shopping is the thrill of the find.  Discovering something that is unique and interesting.  Finding a piece that I know nobody will have – like this vintage Christian Dior coat. (Found in a charity shop in Sth Melbourne for $40)  *It needs to go to my tailor to be restored to it’s former glory.

*This article was written in 2011.  I have since had the sleeves of this shirt cropped so they sit about my wrists.   You can see me wearing it here.

READ: “What I Search For On Etsy and eBay” here

Details of my personal styling services (Including prices) here

Get to know me and my style on Facebook here

..& Instagram here