MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

When I’m thinking about buying something new there’s a series of four questions I go through in my head to determine whether it comes home with me or whether it stays in the store.

This means that I don’t waste my money on random purchases and that my wardrobe is filled with only pieces that work.

If the item has passed my first three questions then the final question – the deal breaker –  is asked..

Can I wear this piece in at least three different ways, using what I already have in my wardrobe?

If I can’t visualise at least three ways of wearing it, whether it’s a t-shirt, shoes, a belt or pants, I don’t buy it.

As you can see in the photos above, Italian fashion designer, Giorgia Tordini is wearing her suede ankle boots in four different ways.   With pants, with a skirt, with a dress and with jeans.

If I were Giorgia I would consider the boots to be a very good, versatile, hardworking purchase.

How many times do you fall in love with something in a store, bring it home without considering how you’ll wear it, and find that it remains hanging in your wardrobe, unworn?

Take your time when you shop and make considered purchases.

Avoid wasting your money and get the most out of your clothes.

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In the past couple of weeks two of my regular clients have asked me to help them find something “sexy” to wear.

One contacted me saying “Help! I’ve got a wedding to go to and I need to look hot. My ex-husband is going to be there with his new girlfriend” and the other was ready to start embracing her curves, by accentuating her lovely figure and wear something less conservative than she was used to.

The first thing I asked both of them was – When it comes to clothes, what makes you feel sexy?

(One, after some prompting from me knew what it was, and the other had no idea, which meant we had to do lots of sampling of different things til she figured it out).

Everyone has their own idea of what sexy is and what makes you feel that way when you’re wearing it. For some, it’s a pretty soft flowy dress with just a subtle hint of skin, for others it might be a figure hugging and/or revealing (perhaps Kardashianesque) outfit and for others like me, it’s my favourite perfume, pretty lingerie, a great pair of jeans and heels.

(And for some, it’s not important at all…)

Whether it’s “funky”, “edgy”, “trendy”, “cool” or “sexy”, that you’re wanting to achieve, you need to figure out what that word means to you first. Keeping in mind that it’s not just about how you look, but more importantly how you feel. Because when you feel it, you’ll also exude it..

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Just because something looks good front on in the mirror, doesn’t mean it will from the back.

When trying anything on always whiz around and check out the view from behind.

Apart from the size and the underwear being an issue, the pockets on these jeans (above)  are all wrong.

From the front, these jeans may well look great.

If you’re wearing jeans that look even slightly like these from the back, no matter what your size, age or budget is, there are MUCH better options.

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I was asked recently what are the most common things I notice about people’s wardrobes when I’m helping give them an overhaul and without thinking too much the first thing that came to mind was that many women I meet have clothes in their wardrobes that don’t fit them properly – and more often than not, they’re too big.

This occurs for various reasons. They bought something without trying it on, they haven’t learnt what to look for to ensure it’s the right size and fit, they grabbed something in a sale that didn’t come in their size, they’re buying bigger in the hope that it will cover up and hide any areas they want to disguise, their size has changed since they purchased it or they just walk into shops convinced of their size, only try that number on, think that’ll have to do and buy it despite how unflattering it fits.

Sound familiar?

Anyone who has shopped with me will know I’m very particular about getting the right size and fit. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone has looked at me puzzled after I’ve handed them something to try on, and said, “There’s no way I’m a size 10”.

Here’s a text I received after a shopping trip..

“Thanks so much for yesterday Meaghan – It was great! And there is no way I would have chosen a smaller size pants without you there!!! I would have ended up with baggy pants after a few wears!!!”

If, when you look in the mirror what you’re wearing doesn’t look quite right, ask yourself,  Does this fit me perfectly?  Is it the most flattering size for me?  Am I buying my clothes to fit me properly?

Keep in mind if your clothes are not fitting you beautifully you can often take them along to a tailor who may be able to rework them and alter them to fit just right.

Need help determining what fits and what doesn’t, book in for a Wardrobe Overhaul or Personal Shopping with me here 

You can read what styling services I offer here

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