Client's Christmas shopping

I find my styling service often expands from client requests. I  am very grateful 
for these requests as it enables me to grow my work and provide more of what my clients are looking for. 

This year I've have requests from client's husbands or partners, to gather ideas, or sauce Christmas presents from a given list. I've done most remotely and some on foot in shops. It's been brilliant, and so far seems to be having very good response. I'll add this to my website very soon. 

This gets me thinking of the most thoughtful present I've ever received, which would definitely be a painting Paul gave me. What's the most thoughtful present you've been given? 

Still life, or get a life?

Go to outfit

Bugs are everywhere in December, almost everyone I know is sniffling or ill. Last week I was feeling pretty off colour, but not ill enough to stay snuggled cosily up under my duvet ( where I was wishing I could be ).  So I soldiered on and it’s at these times I really need my go to outfits. 

These are my current season ( not fashion lead, just what I’m choosing to wear ) tried and tested outfits. I know they will make me feel good, even when I’m not feeling good. They are very comfortable too, I don’t want to wear anything uncomfortable when I’m not feeling good.  My current two favourite go to outfits are..

1. A navy sparkly ( I love a festive sparkle ) moss stitch jumper and matching scarf, navy silk tunic and black jeans with a frayed hem, worn with my silver jewelry and bright pink lipstick.  I’ll use my rich rioja coloured cashmere coat, oxblood red bag and black suede boots.  The richness of the colours together feels very Luxe and makes me very happy ( even when I’d rather be under my duvet).
2. A black aline shape Cos dress with pockets and a cowl neck. I wear this with some tights that look like I’m wearing long socks, black suede boots and accessories, coat and bag same as outfit one. I really enjoy being able to put my hands in my pockets, it feels cosy ( I like feeling cosy in the winter ).

My challenge to you is create a go to outfit today that you can use this week, when you’re super busy, kids been waking you up in the night, not feeling well or are hung over from a Christmas party. Let me know how it goes?

Sports bras

This video will really show you the importance of wearing a good sports bra. ❤
http://youtu.be/olQBAaI-ksI

Givember

This isn’t a post about style,  it’s about being aware my actions have an impact.

The other day I was walking to an appointment and often on route I pass a homeless guy drawing pictures for money.

That day I saw him fast asleep in a sleeping bag, totally exposed to everything, whilst the world just went on around him. I thought, I need to do something..

 What shall I do? Shall I buy him a coffee?  Would he like a latte or a cappuccino?  This is ridiculous right?

I passed, I didn’t do anything, because I didn’t know what to do.  I thought, I know how to do something, it might not be much, but it’s something I can do.

In December I’ve decided every homeless person I pass I’m going to give them a pound, because that is something I can do.

Festive challenge

When getting dressed this morning I looked at my swingy clothes rail ( I may photograph and show you one day ). I say swingy because it’s not cluttered, it’s spacious, I can see what I have.  I felt very happy.  I thought, I’ve everything I need,  I’ve lots of options of things to wear, in different variations of my style.  Those who know me, will know I’m a massive fan of making the most of what you have. Be it your best features or the clothes you have.  There’s a real feel good factor in having an uncluttered wardrobe ( and that is a really good feeling first thing in the morning ). So in the festive spirit of giving, I challenge you to go to your wardrobe and remove 5 items that you don’t wear and give them to a charity. This should take 5 minutes, a minute an item. Don't over analyse it, if you don't wear it and it doesn't make you feel good, it's one of the five... 4 minutes left.

Christmas shopping

A stylish woman knows it’s all in the planning and starts her Christmas shopping early.  And that’s what I did, a wonderful day spent in mid November Christmas shopping with Georgie and a best mate finished off with afternoon tea.  Followed by a weekend trip to London shopping with Paul,  and a few evenings ordering online. 

Then I got busy,  took my eye off the ball.  My friend has finished and i’m not as ahead as I intended to be. Isn’t this what so many people have in common, good intentions and then reality of what we do and our busy lives? Joining the gym springs to mind....

Valentino

For a recommended Sunday night film viewing, for a fashion loving female, I’d suggest Valentino. You’ll see, beyond beautiful dresses, artistic temperament, good judgement and steely determination. If viewing it with your partner you might want to check they are fluent in female fashion language. Paul, luckily, is bilingual in communication languages ( I once heard him speaking Star Wars, maybe Trek, geek at a friend’s house ) and enjoyed the film. I’ve recently been embarking on a course in boy language of banging, crashing and inexplicable action films.... A mind that wants to expand must keep open. .. They do wear some good outfits.

The Woodville

Last week I did some styling with Charly from The Woodville.  We found this fantastic jumpsuit in a vintage shop in Lewes, the colours and shape work amazingly on Charly and most importantly it was exactly the style we wanted. It was a REAL FIND.  

But it was too short and Charly preferred a dress instead of a jumpsuit. This is where my secret sewing skill came into practise, turning the jumpsuit into a dress. It was now perfect for Charly.  The moral of my story is, if you find something amazing that virtually suits you in every way, be dynamic in your thinking and imagine what a good tailor could do. Only ever buy things you love and make them your own, otherwise buy nothing at all.