MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

I receive regular emails from prospective clients asking,

“What sort of budget would I need to go shopping with you?”

My answer is always the same.

What you choose to spend on your wardrobe is entirely up to you.  I’ll work within your budget.

I work with people who only like to spend $100 on a new pair of jeans and some who wouldn’t blink an eye at spending $350.

The thing is, everyone’s different. Everyone has different lifestyles and priorities and we might have more or less to spend on clothes at different times in our lives.  (You might recall me talking about the time when I changed careers and I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on new clothes)

Despite your budget everyone deserves the right to look and feel great.

One thing I suggest to people who want to stay current and up-to-date with fashion but don’t necessarily have a lot of money to spend, is to not just avoid stores they think are too expensive for them, but to go in, sample what’s on offer and then if anything appeals to them try and find similar pieces at stores that are closer to their budget.  (And often during a “sampling” session people are pleasantly surprised that some of the stores they tend to stay away from are not as expensive as they had imagined – particularly if it’s a store where my clients receive my stylist discount) 

The above picture is an example of this.

The blazer on the left was $69.95, from Zara and the one on the right was $349, from Saba.

I will say that I do encourage people to look for quality. Even if the item is not overly expensive still pay attention to what the fabric is and how the garment is made.  (It’s not a bargain if it falls apart or looks shabby after two washes and you need to throw it out)  I also believe there are some things that are worth spending more on and may require saving for.

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I love the idea of a clutch bag.  They remind me of a couple of things – the 70’s …and Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw.  Both of which have influenced my style a lot.  (I would wear Farrah’s outfit (above) head to toe today)

Perhaps it’s because I’m petite (ie under 5ft 4), but I like the idea of not being swamped by or having to lug around, a big oversized bag, instead having something small that I can hold in my hand (like Amal did here and Meghan did here) or tuck under my arm. (Like so).

I’ve collected a few over the years.  There’s this one, a birthday gift from my family, this one I found at The Mill Market in Geelong, and this one I bought from a vintage store in Paris.

While I tend not to use them much during my day to day, the first chance I get to pull one out and use it for a night out or a day at the races, I do.

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According to Ines de la Fressange, a navy sweater is one of her “Magnificent Seven” basics every wardrobe must have.  (We all know – right? – that basics are the key to creating great outfits.

Here’s a little excerpt from her book, Parisian Chic, detailing why she thinks we all need one among our collection of knits.

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When I think back to the days I used to walk home from work in my suit and sneakers, I never looked anywhere near as chic as Victoria Beckham does in her trousers and sneakers. (below)

I used to put my trainers on in the office (they were the same ones I wore to pump and spinning classes at the gym) and walk as fast as I could out of the CBD in the hope I wouldn’t bump into anyone I knew.

Back then trainers were really just for that – training – and wearing them for anything but exercise was seen as being a bit daggy.  (Think Jerry Seinfeld in his jeans and runners) But now, wearing a pair of smart sneakers is fashionable.

If you’re thinking about adding a new comfy casual, runaround shoe for winter, consider a pair of white (Yes white for winter) sneakers.

They’ll add instant freshness to your look and work with all those stylish colors you no doubt have in your wardrobe.  (ie navy, grey, khaki, black, white and camel)

TIP: For winter, consider leather rather than canvas which are a challenge to keep clean in winter.

You can read what styling services I offer here

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