MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

I did a poll on my Facebook page recently asking people to tell me whether they wore a watch or not.  As I’d imagined many people said they no longer need one because they just use their phone.

But rather than just think of a watch as being something we use to tell the time, think of it as something that decorates your clothes and helps to show your personality in the same way a belt, bag, a pair glasses or shoes do.

Just like all the things you have in your wardrobe and your accessory collection, think about whether the watch you own is something that represents your style.  For example, if you like to wear pretty, feminine clothes a man style chunky watch might not feel right.  Similarly, if your style is classic, tailored, maybe a little bit minimalist, a delicate watch with sparkly detail, probably wont work for you.

And if you’ve got a watch you love, draw attention to it. (And your delicate wrists)  Don’t just keep it hidden underneath your clothes.  Paint your nails, wear a ring, roll up your sleeves and/or team it with one or two bracelets. Make your fabulous watch a feature of your outfit.

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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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Tomorrow why don’t you give yourself a challenge and wear a piece of jewellery you own, in a way you haven’t worn it before.

Perhaps it’s wearing a vintage brooch that was your Nana’s on your denim jacket, or wearing a pair of big statement earrings you’ve only ever worn in the evening with a t-shirt and a pair of jeans or wearing a long pendant necklace (shortened) like Diana Vreeland is wearing hers in this photo.

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Don’t ruin an otherwise stylish outfit with a daggy, dated, tatty, unflattering shaped, cheap and nasty belt.

Belts, as I’ve written about here before, are often a forgotten piece – just thrown on to keep up your pants.

If this sounds familiar start thinking about belts differently. Think about them in the same way you would a great pair of shoes or a beautiful bag.  Rather than spend your money on a fancy top that goes with one (or none) other thing in your wardrobe and you wear once a year (if that), invest in a good quality belt that you can wear with lot of things in your wardrobe, and that you’ll have for years to come.

It’s the details in outfits that matter and make the difference.

FYI – this doesn’t mean that a belt you’ve had for decades or found in a vintage store or op-shop has to go. It just means anything ugly should be discarded – quick smart!

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Read what styling services I offer here