MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

A blazer pulls it all together and makes everything smarter.

A casual blazer is a dressier option than a cardie.

..and as you can see above a blazer can even be worn with sneakers.

If you’ve only ever related blazers to school or work, try and get your head around wearing them casually.

It’s just a matter of trying different styles to find something that works for you.

TIP  If you have a blazer in your wardrobe make sure it fits you properly. I often find my clients do have a blazer or two in the wardrobe, but often they don’t fit.  *Hint – the one above fits perfectly

Put your blazer on and pay special attention to:

• the length and width of the sleeves
• how it sits across your shoulders
• how it sits across your bust
• how it fits across your back
• how it fits at the waist
• the length

…..& finally how it’s fitting under your arms

Remember – Near enough is not good enough if looking stylish is important to you.

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here

I bought these fabulous cowboy boots in LA in 1996.

To be honest I’m not really sure they were ever my style. But my sister had a pair and I just loved how they looked on her, so when I made plans to go to the States, way back then, the first thing on my shopping list was a pair of cowboy boots.

I never say never when it comes to fashion (other than mini skirts, midriff tops and three quarter length pants) but I really can’t imagine I will ever wear them again.

But I’ll never get rid of them.

To this day I remember exactly where I bought them, who I was with, the discussion I had with the sales person about how to break them in and the joy I felt when I found them.

The boots always bring back special memories and represent a wonderful holiday I had with my Mum and Dad. They’re a sentimental piece that will always be with me.

If you have a cardigan that was your Nans, a windcheater that reminds you of uni days, your wedding shoes, or a pair of jeans you wore on your first date with your husband, sitting in your wardrobe because you’re not sure what to do with them, pull them out of the wardrobe.

(Ideally you should only hang the things you can and will wear today.  Particularly if your wardrobe is busting at the seams and you’re having difficulty being able to see everything you have to work with)  

Next, think about whether the item could be used somehow.  For example, could Nan’s cardigan be worn with a white t-shirt, your jeans and a pair of ballet flats?  Could your wedding shoes be painted?

If not, then consider either storing the pieces somewhere safe, taking photos of them to keep for memories, or giving them to someone who would appreciate them. (Maybe include a little note with the story about the piece)

I was given this vintage cardigan by a beautiful friend, whose Mum bought it for her when she was 16.  She gave it to me when she was 75, she’s since passed away, which makes it even more precious.

Follow me on Instagram here

You can read what styling services I offer here

Can you imagine how this outfit would look with a different shoe?  White or taupe perhaps?

Now picture this image in your mind without the shoes, without the red lips and without the gold bracelet.

It’s a completely different look isn’t it?

Take your time when you put together an outfit to think about how you want to decorate your clothes that day.

Do you want to look casual, playful, glamourous, sophisticated or fun?

Once you decide choose your accessories to help you achieve the look.

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here

This is one of my favourite outfit shots from the recent Fall 2014 New York Fashion Week.

It’s by J.Crew.   I want it all.  The coat, the scarf, the shirt and the jeans.  It’s a casual yet chic look.

What this picture shows us is..

1. Yes you can wear denim on denim in a stylish way – not just in a, I’ve just walked off the set of Shawshank Redemption, kind of way. My tip is that if you try the double denim look (denim jeans/denim shirt) and you don’t want to look like you’re trying to resemble a prisoner, pay extra attention to your shoe choice.

2. Wearing blue head to toe is chic and sophisticated.

3. It’s ok to wear black shoes with navy.

4. A coat doesn’t necessarily need to be put on, it can be thrown casually over your shoulders.

5. Blue jeans don’t only come in one style.

For now, let’s just focus on No. 5.

If  you’ve been wearing the same style of blue jeans for years now, (more than likely skinny jeans) consider shaking things up a bit.

There are so many different washes and cuts, that there’s bound to be more than one style that works for you – it’s just a matter of trying on various styles.

I know it can be overwhelming shopping for new jeans, but when you know what suits you and what to look for, finding great jeans (which everyone should own) becomes so much easier.

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here