MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

Well sadly the 2014 a/w Fashion Week’s are over.  No more fantasising that I’m in New York, Paris, London or Milan..til next time.

I’ve spent hours pouring over the images of the shows, watching online video streams of the parades and scrupulously checking out photos of what those who attended the shows have been wearing.  This is where I get most of my styling inspiration from.

I take note of what shoes show-goers are wearing, how and what coats they’re sporting,  what lengths they’re embracing in skirts and pants, how they’re clashing their patterns, layering their jewellery and what shades they’re wearing on their lips.

But the one image that jumped out at me,  among the hundreds I’ve seen over the past couple of weeks, is this one (above & below) of Clemence Poesy.

I’m contemplating a hair change.  I’ve had the same style for a while now and I think I’m ready for something fresh and new.

I’d get my hair cut into this style in a flash if I was confident I could achieve Clemence’s disheveled,  just-out-of-bed yet stylish, relaxed, tousled look.

My concern is that for some reason when it’s at chin or shoulder length, my hair has a tendency to flip and I’m nervous it might end up looking like this.

Rather than look like a cool French girl I might look like a 1960’s Stepford Wife.

Hmm…  Something to ponder over the weekend and then perhaps discuss with my hairstylist next week to get her thoughts. What do you think?

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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.

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Just like the Little Black Dress, a great pair of black pants will work hard in your wardrobe.

You should be able to  wear them to an interview,  to dinner, to work, to a funeral, or to a fancy event.

The key is to find a pair that are right for you. For some it might be something very classic and for others, something edgier.  The most important thing though is to find something that flatters your body shape and fits you just right.

Challenge yourself to find a pair of black pants that make you feel good every time you put them on – not just a “they’ll have to do” pair.

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If you have an upcoming Christmas party you need to come up with an outfit for, instead of thinking I need to buy something new to wear, why not think, what do I already have in my wardrobe that could be dressed up with some fabulous decoration?

Try and imagine this outfit (pictured) without the red lips, sparkly bag and jewels and simple up-do. What you would have would be just a skirt & top (albeit lovely and in this case a very expensive skirt and top) – not an outfit.

Don’t underestimate what accessories (and the finer detail) can achieve – alternatively how bad accessories can ruin an otherwise great look.   *Remember Julianne Moore in these shoes?

*The key when you look at images like this is not to think, she’s 20 years younger than me, 2 feet taller and 5 dress sizes smaller….wearing diamonds and Chanel.  You need to be imaginative and creative.  When I first saw this picture one of the first things that came to mind was that I could make a similar necklace/choker to the one she’s (stylist, Caroline Sieber) wearing with a large vintage brooch and a piece of black ribbon.  The photo also reminded me of the impact a red lip can have and how it has the ability to bring all the attention up to the face.

If you want some help putting together an outfit for a Christmas Party, perhaps using what you already have in your wardrobe, email me here.   (If I can’t come to your home or go shopping with you, you can send me some photos and I’ll give you my thoughts and suggestions.)

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You can read what styling services I offer here