MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

Have you tried tucking in?

Some people are a little nervous to try it because they think that they’re too old for it, or it won’t suit them, etc, – and that’s fair enough – I understand doing something that’s not what you’re used to can cause uncertainty.   But if you’ve never done it before, challenge yourself to experiment with the look – and decide whether it’s for you or not.  (It’s just like when I get someone to try a style of jeans that are different to what they’ve been wearing.  It can take a little while to get used to how they look on the body)

There’s a few different ways to tuck in, so play around til you find a way that feels comfortable for you.  (For some a full tuck feels too exposed initially, so perhaps try just doing a half tuck and see how that goes)

Keep in mind when you do tuck in, that the bottoms (and in fact even the underwear) you’re wearing are important and will have quite an effect on the look.  (ie where they finish on your tummy, whether they have a zip or not, the fabric, etc) It might work with some of your bottoms and it might not work with others.  *Both pants and skirts.

Like everything, tucking won’t be right for everyone.  It may not feel right, of course you might not even like the look or it may not be a flattering style for you – but you’ll never know if you don’t give it a try. Sometimes what shouldn’t work, does.

*Note – If you prefer to wear your tops un-tucked then make sure the length and the shape of the hem are the most flattering styles for you.

**FYI  You’re not too old for tucking – whatever your age.

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In order for you to dress and shop without frustration and so that you feel confident and comfortable in your clothes, you need to have a very clear idea what your style is. Keep asking yourself every time you put something on, how you feel. (It’s not just about how you look. You might put something on that a friend or shop assistant says looks great, but unless you feel it, it’s not going to work for you) 

I was thrilled to get this email from a lovely girl I recently worked with. It’s always very rewarding when I know that someone has got it (and also received some nice compliments).

“Hi Meaghan

I just wanted you to know that I had a fashion light bulb moment when we went out (shopping) and I’m so pleased with my purchases. I even took all the tags off the items I bought. Amazing.

I went out to the work function in the outfit we bought at Country Road and felt fabulous. I went around to my daughters before I left, to get her opinion and her husband was just staring at me. He said he didn’t think he had seen me in a skirt and why on earth not. At the function the girls commented positively on my outfit. In a way it didn’t matter what they thought because I was dressing in a manner that was MY style and I felt really comfortable. And it wasn’t hard. Thank you so much. As I said before I feel like I can breath and a weight has been lifted off me.

In the short time I have spent with you you have made a difference in my life and I am truly grateful.

Regards

I.M.”

You can read what some of my other clients have said about their experience working with me here

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I get asked often whether denim jackets are still in fashion. A client might have one in their wardrobe, that’s been hanging unworn for years, because they’re unsure whether or not to let go of it or hold on to it.

My answer is always yes denim jackets are still in fashion however, like everything, shapes change and some can become outdated – particularly those that are made of treated denim (perhaps stone washed) or have zips, studs or rhinestones.  So if you have an old Sportsgirl version from 1995, chances are it may well be dated and either needs reinventing (if possible) or retiring.

Because I’m always encouraging people to try and work with what they already own before racing out and buying anything new, I thought I would talk about how you can determine whether your denim jacket is right for you and whether to keep it or not.

Consider..

• firstly, whether a denim jacket is your style.  It’s certainly a classic piece, but not for everyone.  Don’t just wear it because it’s there.
• whether your particular jacket is flattering to your shape.  Is it too short and boxy or too long?  Is it too wide across your back?  Are the sleeves too full making your arms appear bigger than they are?  Is it making your shoulders and/or bust look broader/bigger than they are?
• whether the denim is dated.   1980’s distressed denim and 2000’s distressed denim are not the same
• whether it’s worth having it altered by a tailor to make it a more modern, flattering shape for you
• whether the style is still current or if it’s dated. (ie. if it’s acid washed with bat-wing sleeves and suede fringes, unless your style is Eighties Rocker, I’d say it’s probably time to donate it)

…and in case you’re wondering, yes, denim jackets can be worn by all ages.  But just like anything, it’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it. For instance, unless you want to look like Dolly Parton, avoid wearing your rhinestone embellished denim jacket with your jeans of the same denim. Wear a dark denim jacket to lunch with a stripey tee, navy linen pants and espadrilles or throw one over your shoulders when you’re wearing a cool summer dress, while you’re on holidays.

Here are a few pictures to give you some ideas for how you can wear your jacket.

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I bet you’ve never thought of yourself as a mean girl.

You’re loving, kind, supportive and encouraging to everyone you know.

BUT

What about yourself?

Are you loving, kind, supportive, compassionate and encouraging to you ……or are you mean?

Fat, flab, short, too skinny, saggy, too pale, old, too tall, wobbly, too freckly, bulges, chunky and wrinkly.

They’re nasty, ugly, bullying words.  When we use them to describe ourselves they conjure up images in our minds and they make us feel lousy.

I’ve heard and seen them all – in the fitting rooms and on my questionnaires.

“I hate my flabby arms”

“I’d love to wear dresses but I have too many fat rolls on my stomach”

“I can’t wear skinny jeans because of my short chunky legs”

Mean, mean and mean.

How can you possibly feel good when you speak to yourself like that.

Why do we do it? Why do we refer to ourselves in such an awful way. We’d never speak to one of our loved ones like that, so why do we treat the one person we should love and care about the most, in such a cruel way?

I’m challenging you to stop.  At least for one month.  For the next 30 days every time you find yourself about to refer to you in a negative way using an unkind word, pull yourself up and choose another word to use.

Be conscious of your vocabulary and see if you can break the self critical habit.

Instead of using one of those ugly words replace it with something like…

Voluptuous, Curvaceous, Soft, Statuesque, Petite, Mature, Athletic, Lean, Fabulous, etc, etc..

You get the picture..now give it a try.

*You might like to read this interesting piece on Gwyneth Paltrow’s, Goop newsletter titled, Figure of Speech: How The Words We Choose Shape Our Lives.

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