MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

Whether it’s Target or Prada, anything you add should earn its place in your wardrobe.

For example, having four pairs of *black pants…

One that don’t fit properly.

One that the material’s awful – scratchy and pills easily.

One that you’ve had since you started working and now feel outdated,

and,

One that are a fancy designer, hand-me-down from your sister, but not at all your style.

…means essentially, you really don’t have any black pants you want to wear, or, maybe even can wear.

You’d be so much better off with one very good pair.

A reliable, versatile, hardworking, comfortable, feels-like-you pair that can take you to different occasions and possibly through different seasons.

*Black pants or white T-shirts, a navy blazer, a brown handbag, etc, etc.

BTW – Charlotte’s wearing something here that I have on the list in my Substack – ‘These Are The Things I’m Suggesting My Clients Update In Their Wardrobe For Autumn/Winter.’ You can read it here.

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Subscribe to Fabulous Finds & Favourite Things here

Newsletters aren’t new to me. I’ve been writing one for longer than I’ve been a personal stylist.

The first I ever “published” was around 20–25 years ago, when I was working at a bank on Collins Street in Melbourne and spending lunch breaks in the shops. I sent it to a handful of girlfriends, who shared it on, filled with fashion finds and little shopping tips. It was called Fabulous Finds & Favourite Things.

When I started my business in 2010, Fab Finds evolved into a blog. Later, as my client list grew, it became a newsletter alongside it—and I’ve been returning to it, on and off, ever since. But that was only for my clients – this time my newsletter is open to everyone.

Welcome To Notes On Style By Meaghan Smith

Being stylish or well-dressed is not just about buying clothes – you need to know…

• When a garment fits your body properly.
• About how proportions work.
• All about alterations. (What can & can’t be done, etc.)
• How to look after your clothes.
• About accessorising.
• How to build a wardrobe that works seamlessly together.
• How to style your clothes into various outfit combinations so that there isn’t the need to always be buying something new.
• How to know when something no longer works for you, and it’s time to let it go.
• What details (like button holes) to check out when shopping. (When it’s ok & when it’s not.)
• How to identify gaps in your wardrobe.
• etc.

Notes On Style is about everything I’ve learned (and continue to learn) in my 16 years of personal styling, and I’m going to share it with you.

When you subscribe, you’ll receive a fortnightly email with styling, wardrobe, shopping, and fashion tips — plus thoughts, ideas, news, and the occasional recommendation.

Think of it as a mix between having a style mentor, a friend who shares all of her insider secrets, and the most chic newsletter in your inbox.

Given this is a small update post, I’ll do another (inbetweeny) soon. Style related. Leave me a note in the comments if there’s anything you’d particularly like me to cover.

Styling Update

A little heads up – my styling prices will be going up from 1 February. If you’ve been meaning to book a session (or grab a voucher for you or someone else), now’s the time. Keep in mind I do Zoom styling sessions (for 1 – 3 hrs) – so even if you live in Tassie and aren’t sure whether your jeans fit you properly or your shoes work ok with your midi dress – I can help. Styling details here.

And please bear with me while my little newsletter twists and turns and finds its way. No doubt there’ll be hiccups as I learn something new and figure out what I’m doing. That’s all the fun, right….

You can subscribe (for free) here.

Love,

Meaghan x

When I posted about white shoes a few days ago, I got a couple of questions and comments about 1. The practicality of them (keeping them clean mostly), and 2. Whether I thought it was a good idea to buy into the trend now. (Whether I thought they’d be around for a while.)

So…

1. As you can see I have a pair of cream boots and I haven’t had any trouble keeping them clean. I’ve had the odd mark and I’ve just used this (below) and so far it’s worked great. FYI – I don’t drive in them.

2. I have no idea how long the trend will last – remember skinny jeans were a trend and they were fashionable for decades. The thing to think about is, will they work for your style, with the clothes you have and do you love the idea of them? It doesn’t really matter if the trend disappears, if you buy a fairly classic style, you’ll be fine. It’s just a color. (I’d like a white sling back kitten heel for spring/summer)

I think it’s very smart to shop thoughtfully – I (try to) do it & I encourage my clients to do it. But, I also remind myself that fashion and dressing is supposed to be enjoyable and fun. It’s a way for us to express who we are. I bought these boots about 5 years ago. I didn’t want to invest too heavily in the trend at the time. (They’re just from Zara) I’ve loved wearing them. If I’d been too sensible, I would never have bought them. (Or my flares)

Click here to read about Fab Finds & Favourite Things.

Follow me on Instagram here

Read what styling services I offer here

If you’ve got a pair of white jeans sitting in your wardrobe, that you only ever wear in summer, pull them out and see if you can make them work for you this winter.

Sometimes when we feel bored with our clothes or like we have nothing to wear (despite a wardrobe full of clothes), it’s because we’re not using what we have in different ways. We have this idea in our head that, that top only goes with that skirt, or that dress is only for weddings or christenings or those pants can only be worn with those shoes.

Try and expand that thinking a little bit. Maybe the lovely silky shirt you bought when it was hot could be worn under a sweater now that it’s cooled down. Perhaps you could layer pieces over that strappy little dress you love but hardly wear, with tights, a jumper, a jacket, and boots. And maybe those white jeans can be worn in winter with knits, coats, boots, pumps, loafers, or sneakers.

Contrary to popular belief, white jeans can be worn by all of us. (Here’s my Mum wearing her white jeans) Like all jeans, it’s just a matter of finding a pair that works for your shape and getting a pair that have the right fabric and the right fit. (i.e. not too thin or too tight)

Follow me on Instagram here

You can read what styling services I offer here