MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

image via here

I wish I had a dollar for every dress I’ve seen in wardrobes that either still had the tags on or was under a piece of dry cleaning plastic, where it had been for years and years.

Unfortunately, many of us buy dresses for occasions and wear them, feeling less than fabulous in them.

Either the dress was bought last minute, or because it was on sale, or because nothing else could be found and it was a “that’ll have to do” purchase.  And because the item was never really loved and it never really flattered the owners figure or made them feel amazing when they wore it – it just remains in the cupboard, hanging there and wasting space.   Or it could be that the dress was in fact lovely, and it did make the wearer feel good, but now they have no idea what to do with it.  They don’t really go anywhere to wear it or they’re not sure how they could wear it again.  Sound familiar?

When you shop for a new party dress there’s a few things to ask yourself so that you end up buying something that not only makes you feel great, but something that becomes a versatile piece in your wardrobe.

• Is it my style?  (Remember how I told you before I understood my style I bought dresses that were other peoples style because I loved it on them – Read about it here)
• Is it accentuating my best features?
• Is it the best length for my particular leg shape?
• What underwear will I need to wear under it?
• Can I change the look of the dress, so I don’t get bored with it,  with the use of different accessories?
• Can I move in it? (Sit, dance and walk elegantly)
• Is it flattering?
• Could I possibly dress it up and dress it down and wear it for other occasions?
• How will I need to take care of it? (ie. will it need to be drycleaned or can it just be hand washed)
• Does the color complement my hair and skin?
• DO I LOVE IT?

READ: “You’ve Bought The Dress But Have You Thought About The Underwear?” here

Details of my personal styling services (Including prices) here

Get to know me and my style on Facebook here

..& Instagram here

Sometimes it’s not until we try something different, that we realise the impact clothes can have on how we feel about ourselves.

I have had ladies burst into tears in the changeroom after they’ve seen themselves in a great pair of jeans. They had no idea they could wear that particular style, let alone how they would feel when they saw themselves in them.

Looking your best and feeling stylish can help you be more confident and self assured, while wearing the wrong clothes can have the opposite effect,  so it saddens me when I hear some of the reasons women have for giving up on themselves. These are just some of the excuses I’ve heard…

• “I’m old now. Nothing looks good on me”
• “I’m too fat to look good in clothes”
• “I’ve got no one to dress nicely for”
• “Everything I like is too expensive”
• “Once my kids leave home I’ll have time and money to spend on myself”
• “I’d love you to come and look in my wardrobe and help me clean it out and show me how to wear what I have, but I’m too embarrassed to let you see inside it”
• “I don’t have the time and patience to shop”
• “There’s no point in me trying to look stylish at the moment while I have small kids.  I always end up with food or vomit on my top and I can’t run around after a 3 year old in stilettos”

Are you telling yourself you’re not worth it?  Are you thinking you’re beyond help?  Are you stopping yourself from looking and feeling the best you can?

Of course not all of us have the money to spend on new clothes, (high maintenance) hairstyles and makeup and not all of us have lots of time to go shopping, but there are small things you can do that require little time and little investment that will make a big difference.

It’s upsetting when I talk to someone who thinks that “it’s all too hard” and they have given up on themselves. 

All of us deserve to feel good about ourselves at every stage of our lives.

It might be that you need to stop wearing sloppy unflattering comfy clothes, maybe your  hems needs taking up, (or going down) perhaps you could do with a new bra or lippy, or having your eyebrows shaped.  Maybe all that you need is in your wardrobe, you just can’t find it for the clutter.  I’m here to tell you (& encourage you) that baby steps can make a big difference.

Promise me, you won’t ever give up on yourself and remember that I am here to help if you need some motivation, support and guidance.

READ: “It’s Not Just About The Clothes” here

Details of my personal styling services (Including prices) here

Get to know me and my style on Facebook here

..& Instagram here

One of the most versatile items of clothing you can have in your wardrobe is a classic white shirt.  Those of you who are not typically classic dressers will no doubt be screwing up your noses at this moment – but before you think I’m suggesting you own something bland and uninteresting, bear with me until I show you a few different ways a white shirt can be worn.

My personal favourite is from Ralph Lauren, but I also have one from Gant and another from French Connection.  I prefer it to be fitted and the cotton to be thick and crisp.  Having said that, I’m searching for a men’s white shirt that I can wear large and un-tucked (channeling Audrey Hepburn) with skinny cigarette pants and black ballet slippers.  I keep mine bright white with the occasional overnight soak in warm water and NapiSan and if I want some extra crispness for a meeting or interview, I’ll give it an iron using spray starch.

Sure, the white shirt can at times, be a little tricky to wear.  White certainly doesn’t compliment all complexions, the cotton can be a bit painful and time consuming to iron and the whiteness even harder to maintain – particularly for those with young children.

But what I love about the white shirt is how versatile it is.  I love that one item of clothing can be worn in so many ways and look different each time.  You need to be creative and come up with lots of ways to wear it – with a pencil skirt, the neck open as low as you can go and a lovely lacy cami or bra peeking out the top; with a pair of denim cut off jeans, a straw hat and a French market basket or with a pair of black pants and a large brightly colored bib necklace.   Your challenge is to wear it in new and interesting ways each time you take it out of the wardrobe.

Inspiration…..

I wear mine with my black pants suit, with jeans and a navy blazer, with a vintage brocade skirt,  under my V-neck sweaters, with my black skinny tube pencil skirt and with my blue sailor pants.

Click here to read about Fab Finds & Favourite Things.

Follow me on Instagram here

Read what styling services I offer here

As if the prospect of re-entering the workforce is not daunting enough, often when women want to return to work after they’ve had a long break, they are faced with the issue of what to wear.

Not only could you be confronted with the fact that the clothes you used to wear no longer fit or are no longer flattering, there is also the dilemma as to whether any of your clothes are still “in fashion” and therefore suitable for work.

It may also be that you don’t have a big budget to buy new clothes for your work wardrobe when you first start back – so clever thought and planning are needed.

The trick is to be as resourceful as you can. Play around with items that still work in your wardrobe and think about what could be added to them to create different outfits.

For example, you may have an old black skirt which is still in great condition, but the shape is now outdated.  Think about whether you may be able to take it to a tailor (or if you’re handy with a machine, do it yourself) and have it remodeled and modernised.

These days a suit is not always required for interviews and work places. As long as you are well groomed, in well fitting coordinated pieces and smart accessories, that’s all you need.

Here are a few things to consider (before panic sets in) about what to wear and how to update your look, when you return to work …

• Don’t go out and buy a whole new wardrobe before you start. Wait until you get a feel for the culture and environment of your new workplace. Some places can be very casual and others quite formal.  Look to the way your manager dresses for guidance.
• Go along to your hairdresser and get a great cut. This will immediately give you a confidence boost.  (This is my hairstylist if you want to try someone new)
• More than likely if your work shoes haven’t been pulled out of the cupboard for a while, you’ll need a new pair.  If your old shoes are still suitable, make sure they look new with a polish and maybe even a re-sole.  *Whatever you do, don’t wear your shoes like this.
• Perhaps you already have a great handbag, but it might be a bit neglected and in need of some TLC. Think about either taking it to be restored or giving it a polish yourself. If you don’t have a good quality handbag, consider investing in one.  It’ll instantly add polish to your look.  Consider a color that goes with about 80% of your wardrobe.
• If you don’t already own a pair, invest in black pants.  If you like to wear both flats and heels, opt for a style that works with both.
• Refresh whites that have been sitting in the cupboard for a while
• Consider a flattering pair of dark denim jeans for casual Fridays. Team them with a blazer and ankle boots for winter/wedges or pumps for summer.

Need help with your work wardrobe, details of my styling services can be found here

More of my style tips (including how to de-pill your knits, clean your boots, etc) can be found here and here (In the “Highlights”)

Get to know me and my style on Facebook here

..& Instagram here