MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

image via here

Before you make a decision on an outfit or a new purchase, have a good head to toe look in the mirror and think about what is being highlighted and then next, decide whether that is the area you want featured.

A belt can play up a waist, a sleeve might accentuate an arm, the length of pants may lengthen (or shorten) your leg, a shoe may draw attention to (or away from) the ankles and as in the case of the image above, the position of a pattern, pocket, seam or shape can *spotlight an area. (Which is absolutely fine, if that’s what you want to achieve)

In the photo above my eye is instantly drawn to the hip area and in the images below the first thing I notice is the woman’s beautiful face.  (I’m sure this also has something to do with the red lips)

You can notice the **effect the diamond on the dress has by comparing the three outfits.

image via here

image via here

*Fabric, and how it’s cut, can also have this effect – particularly if it’s shiny.

**The effect the diamond is having on the outfit (ie accentuating the curve through the hip area), may well be exactly what the wearer is wanting to achieve.

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It’s seems ridiculous to imagine someone thinking they have nothing to wear when their wardrobe is spilling over with clothes.

But to me, because I know and understand why it’s happening, it seems reasonable.

Among several reasons women feel, when they stand in front of their wardrobe full of clothes each day that they have nothing to wear, is because they have too much.

Quite possibly too many choices which make it confusing and too time consuming to go through it and put outfits together or too much mediocre stuff (ill-fitting, outdated, old, not loved) getting in the way of being able to see and use the good stuff.

If your wardrobe feels overwhelming, boring, frustrating or even depressing, consider taking the following action:

1. Ask a friend or family member to help you (honestly) go through it with you.  Make a day of it.  Have some nibbles and champagne and put on some music.  (Remembering that you want the clothes in your wardrobe to reflect your personal style, not someone else’s)

2. Book in for a Wardrobe Overhaul with me.  (You can still make a day of it with nibbles, champagne and music.  Whatever makes you feel comfortable and relaxed and makes the process enjoyable and fun for you.)

3. Work through some of my Weekend Wardrobe Challenge’s

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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

You can read what styling services I offer here

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