Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Do you have tummy troubles when dressing for your body shape?



During my 10 years in the Styling business I’ve worked with many individuals, corporates and been a Westfield Stylist helping run their Style Lounge for 6 years. So as you can imagine I’ve see a LOT of women of all different shapes, colouring and sizes. I wanted to share a common theme many women find challenging.

I shall begin with a question. How many of you go up an extra size in your clothing because you are highly conscious about your tummy? I reckon I would see a lot of hands in the air on this one. This isn't age dependent either. Having seen every age from teenagers to 70+, this seems to be the major concern and issue - other than covering arms & knees which I have covered in a previous blog post

My advice to you is to not go down the road of buying an extra size up to 'hide' your tummy. Categorically what then happens is you just end up look like that extra size ALL OVER. Bigger arms, shoulders, chest and in most cases you lose your most precious feminine asset, your shape.

No matter how small or non-existent your waist is, you still have shape under your bust. If you lose this you will look 1 or 2 sizes bigger. The key is to finding pieces - whether it be via the cut of the clothing or the drape of the fabric - that shows your shape down the side of your body, and falls gently over your tummy in a way that doesn't add fabric, but also doesn't cling.

Impossible I hear you shout! It really isn't. But I do understand that unless I can show you cuts and fabrics that do just that, you may be sceptical. So while it isn't easy, it is worth putting the effort in to make sure your clothing fits you properly on your shoulders, arms and bust. Rouching under the bust or at the side is another tip on keeping they eye distracted so it is unknown as to what is a natural lump or bump and what the fabric.

The popular trend for sheer fabrics is also another easy way of showing a bit of shape, as long as you can see through the fabric, it’s that a little bit floaty and not clingy over the body. I’m also doing another blog shortly about a great hint that helps hide tums, patterns. They really are your best friend. Stay tuned for that article and please don't let your worry of a certain part of your body stop you from for doing the best with the great assets you have. Good luck ladies. Feel free to email or contact me if you need more advice on your neckline or any other styling issues http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair

Trudi is a motivational speaker at workshops, seminars & conferences all around NZ sharing her personal styling hints and tips in a humorous and engaging way. She dabbles in TV, is COAST FM’S Fashion & Styling contributor, and is also a fashion blogger for numerous online sites.

Trudi has offices in both Auckland and Wellington New Zealand and her main passion is to help people feel as confident as possible. She is most proud of her work when she knows her clients’ realise anyone of any shape, size or profession can look and feel fantastic.

Regards

Trudi

www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Fabulous Fashion for the 40+



Time and time again in my business as a personal stylist I speak to women in their 40s, 50s and 60s who complain about feeling like there aren’t any clothing store ‘niches’ for them. They see shops catering to the young and those who poke their nose into what is considered a shop suitable for ‘more mature’ women then sharply pull it back out as they feel it’s too frumpy. The crazy thing is, this generation of women are the ones who have the money to spend on clothing!

Most of these women want to wear modern clothing that suits them, but they worry about the ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ factor. Quite a lot. Often this means they then swing completely the other way and dress down in three-quarter trousers and a fleece. Or they wear loads and loads of black.

I recently had a lovely email from a fan of our Facebook page about this particular issue. She mentioned how she finds NZ women also like to save things for ‘best’ and as she very rightly says ‘TODAY is the best there is’. I completely agree. She also mentioned that when she wears a skirt, she sometimes gets told ‘there is no need to dress up’.

So here is my advice to you if you are in this age bracket. Firstly, learn what colours and shapes suit you. That way it doesn’t matter what type of clothing shop you go into, you are able to select items that will suit your body and age bracket.

If you are uncomfortable with skirts, I urge you to give them another try. They are versatile and feminine for summer. If you are unsure of which style and length then select something that is just below the knee (above and you might feel it’s too young for you, below and at calf length will make you feel frumpy). Just below the knee is a modern length, draws the eye to the slimmest part of that section of the leg and is age appropriate for all. A gradual A-line skirt will also be a winning style.

A great pair of jeans from Just Jeans, a coloured T-shirt with the right neckline, that fits well and is a good length with a string of beads or a scarf is a fantastic ‘any-age’ outfit. Use accessories to modernise what you have. Again, draw inspiration from some of the younger shops to add some chucky jewellery, a pretty floral scarf or a coloured pair of sunglasses to your day-to-day ensemble.

And if you have some nice pieces of clothing, wear them. Plain and simple. Don’t use the fact you are not going out as an excuse not to put on a summer dress. You will feel fantastic all day, even if you don’t see anyone. If you do happen to see someone, they will probably tell you how nice you look. Pop a bolero cardigan over your arms if you feel they need extra coverage. There are usually always ways of problem-solving any fashion issues so that it works for any age.

Shops that carry many labels can also be very handy as each label has a different style and cut. Mainstream mall stores that cater to multiple labels include Kimberleys, Vincents, Identity, Hartleys and Farmers. But I also take my 40+ client’s into Max, Country Road, Jacqui E, Glassons, Jeans West, Jean Jones and DeCjuba.

If you find the mainstream shops just don’t have what you are looking for, don’t have colours you like or you just don’t like having the same as everyone else, then head to the pre-loved shops. There you will find wonderful gems that will give your wardrobe whatever you need, be it modernisation, or a quirky, colourful, yet inexpensive lift.

Trudi is a motivational speaker at workshops, seminars & conferences all around NZ sharing her personal styling hints and tips in a humorous and engaging way. She dabbles in TV, is COAST FM’S Fashion & Styling contributor, and is also a fashion blogger for numerous online sites.

Trudi has offices in both Auckland and Wellington New Zealand and her main passion is to help people feel as confident as possible. She is most proud of her work when she knows her clients’ realise anyone of any shape, size or profession can look and feel fantastic.

Regards

Trudi

www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair

Monday, December 1, 2014

Advanced Style - A beautiful documentary about super stylish women aged 60+



As personal stylists here at Wardrobe Flair, Sarah and I have always been firm believers in promoting individual style. Couple that with the fact we strongly believe age and size are no barrier to creating amazing personal presentation, which really is all about confidence. Therefore we loved and were amazing to review a forthcoming film called Advanced Style. It’s a documentary based on Ari Seth Cohen’s success from photographing stylish women in New York City between the ages of 60 and 100.

Advanced Style began 4 years ago when Cohen decided to blog about the photos he was taking of these lovely, older ladies. From that came a book and has turned into what is now a movement that has itself grown and blossomed. Just like the ladies who have been photographed.

Some of the subjects have ‘always dressed up’ and see the way they present themselves to the world as a creative outpouring. They ‘use the avenues as their runways’ and believe even during these latter years, if you are creative you are ‘vital’. They assemble and build their style using texture, layers, colour and accessories that have people stop and stare in awe even on the vibrant streets of NYC.

Sometimes this confidence has been only been born with advanced age and you are left with little doubt that that these women are under no illusion at to where they are at in their lives. One lovely lady aged 93 says ‘I feel I came into my own about 12 years ago’. Imagine that? What springs to mind for me is ‘better late than never!’



Not only does this documentary delve into wardrobes, it explores these women’s personalities and snippets of life events that have brought them to where they are today. You get snap shots into their hopes and dreams intertwined with how being adventurous with what they wear has lead them to having experiences they are currently enjoying, with what I must say is heart-warming enthusiasm.

It’s not so much about these ladies wearing current, cutting edge fashion, as them all interpreting their own style and ‘leaving the house feeling and looking their very best’. We were inspired by their attitudes of acceptance of their ages, bodies and their pasts. They made it very clear it was not about trying to look younger, but about looking great.

I believe like these ladies that some people have an inbuilt sense of style, others don’t, but it can always be learnt. Sarah and I have seen this many times during the 10 years Wardrobe Flair has been in business. The merging of fashion, creativity, style, accessories and self-confidence is a beautiful combination and if you have ever thought you were too old for it, go watch this documentary.

Coco Channel wisely said, ‘Fashion changes, but style endures’. Cohen, whose love of his grandmothers began his interest in photographing and promoting this generation of women says on his blog, ‘Respect your elders and let these ladies and gents teach you a thing or two about living life to the fullest. Advanced Style offers proof from the wise and silver-haired set that personal style advances with age.’ Here here we say!



Here are the screening times around NZ:

Thursday Dec 4: The Rialto & The Bridgeway (Auckland) The Penthouse & Paramount Cinema (Wellington) Metro Cinema (Dunedin) Globe (Napier)

Thursday Dec 11: Alice Cinemateque (Christchurch) Gecko (Motueka)

http://advancedstyle.blogspot.co.nz/

Trudi Bennett set up her personal style consultancy www.wardrobeflair.com in 2005 after discovering a huge market of men and women unhappy with their personal and professional wardrobe and image. Her focus was to give people the tools to make wise, logical styling and shopping decisions, based on their body, budget and lifestyle.

Trudi is a motivational speaker at workshops, seminars & conferences all around NZ sharing her personal styling hints and tips in a humorous and engaging way. She dabbles in TV, is COAST FM’S Fashion & Styling contributor, and is also a fashion blogger for numerous online sites.

Trudi has offices in both Auckland and Wellington New Zealand and her main passion is to help people feel as confident as possible. She is most proud of her work when she knows her clients’ realise anyone of any shape, size or profession can look and feel fantastic.

Regards

Trudi

www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Dressing for those Christmas parties after having a baby



I have tried to deny it but I'm afraid I can't bury my head in the sand any more. Xmas is really nearly here. For many new mums this may be the first time they have had to dress their new ‘baby bodies’ for their partners Xmas function. My advice to you is don’t even think about ‘hiding’ behind baggy, black clothes! Not only will you FEEL frumpy, you will make yourself look bigger than you are. If people can’t see your shape, they assume you are two sizes bigger!

My preferred clothing option for Xmas parties is the party dress. This outfit needs no co-ordination. As much as you want to again hide in black, it is boring, so think colour. Stick with a dress that is going to fall to just below the knee, skim over your thighs sit just under your knee with a scooped or v-neckline. Make sure it has some shape at the side but can fall comfortably over any remnants of ‘baby belly’ that might have stuck around. This can mean a clasp, knot or rouching under the bust or to the side. Team this with one of the many bolero type cardigans for an extra bit of coverage on arms and you are away!

Separates can work well too. If you want to play it safe, go out looking for a nice gradual A-line skirt but don't let it fall to that terrible frumpy mid-calf length! Instead, as with the dress, go with something a little below the knee. Team this skirt with a nice top. Don’t worry if it is sleeveless, again use a bolero's and maybe try and find a top with a little bit of sparkle in it. After all it IS Christmas.

Lastly, like the icing on the cake, the accessory is essential. Don't forget it. Especially as the dress or top I have advised is lower, so it will fill that space beautifully. Plus the pop of colour from a necklace can also help if your dress of top is black. Most importantly, enjoy yourself, look good, feel great and all the very best for the Xmas season. If you are thinking that 2015 is your year to find out what best suits your body, budget and lifestyle, then head on over to www.wardrobeflair.com and check out our FABULOUS options for gifts. We are defiantly the Christmas or birthday gift that keeps on giving!

Trudi Bennett set up her personal style consultancy www.wardrobeflair.com in 2005 after discovering a huge market of men and women unhappy with their personal and professional wardrobe and image. Her focus was to give people the tools to make wise, logical styling and shopping decisions, based on their body, budget and lifestyle.

Trudi is a motivational speaker at workshops, seminars & conferences all around NZ sharing her personal styling hints and tips in a humorous and engaging way. She dabbles in TV, is COAST FM’S Fashion & Styling contributor, and is also a fashion blogger for numerous online sites.

Trudi has offices in both Auckland and Wellington New Zealand and her main passion is to help people feel as confident as possible. She is most proud of her work when she knows her clients’ realise anyone of any shape, size or profession can look and feel fantastic.

Regards Trudi

www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair

Thursday, November 6, 2014

The Long and Short of wearing SHORTS this Summer!



I always say everyone needs a pair of denim shorts for summer. But if you imagine daisy dukes, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Let’s leave those to the teens. Let’s be sensible here and discuss how the length and cut are all dependant on your body shape and age.

If you feel your hips and thighs are the area with which you are keen not to draw attention to then a wider leg pair are going to do the trick. This way they skim the area and flare out wider, essentially making the pins inside appear slimmer. This style also suits the broader up top body shape. It balances out the upper body with the lower body and creates more of the ‘hourglass’ shape with which most women are trying to achieve.

Lots of people are put of shorts (and skirts) because they are unsure about what length best suits them. Obviously each body shape suits different styles but there are some hard and fast rules that everyone can apply to their own situation. If you are on the shorter side, then a slightly shorter short, will be best. By short I mean either mid-thigh (age dependant) or just above the knee. The essence being that we need to try and elongate your leg length as much as possible. If you are a mid-height upwards (165cm), then you have the flexibility of mid-thigh to just below the knee.



Who suits the ¾ trouser that many women adopt in summer as their alternative to shorts, skirts and dresses? In my opinion – nobody. No matter what age or size you are, they are a frumpy alternative to the other options I have mentioned. Even if you have a pair of these trousers which you love and that fit really well, I suggest you shorten them to just below the knee so they become long shorts or short ¾’s. Three-quarter trousers cut us at our calf, which by the way doesn’t hide the calf, it highlights it! Secondly, because you can’t see the shape of the leg, you think the rest of the leg is the same size as the calf. Which we all know again irrespective of size, is the widest part of this section of the leg.



Shorts are a great, practical option for all. This season there is an excellent amount of options in lengths, fabrics and colours in the mainstream shops. From Max to Jeans West, everyone has a style and there will be one to suit you. Casual or dressy. If you get the right style and length suited to your age and body shape, your shorts will become a staple part of your summer wardrobe. This brings me back to my love of the denim version, which happens to go with all tops so make them even more versatile!

Trudi Bennett set up her personal style consultancy www.wardrobeflair.com in 2005 after discovering a huge market of men and women unhappy with their personal and professional wardrobe and image. Her focus was to give people the tools to make wise, logical styling and shopping decisions, based on their body, budget and lifestyle.

Trudi is a motivational speaker at workshops, seminars & conferences all around NZ sharing her personal styling hints and tips in a humorous and engaging way. She dabbles in TV, is COAST FM’S Fashion & Styling contributor, and is also a fashion blogger for numerous online sites.

Trudi has offices in both Auckland and Wellington and her main passion is to help people feel as confident as possible. She is most proud of her work when she knows her clients’ realise anyone of any shape, size or profession can look and feel fantastic.

Regards Trudi

www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Personal Appearance - the visual impact of first impressions



Do you struggle getting dressed each morning and often leave the house not feeling confident about your personal appearance? Firstly if you answered yes, then let me tell you, you are not alone. I meet people daily in my job as a personal stylist who feel like this. There are many reasons it can be a struggle, but I want to assure people, no matter what size, shape, age or profession, you CAN look great, and do the very best with what you have.

As soon as you step outside of your house into public, you represent yourself with what you wear. Understand that people’s first impression is non-verbal and comes down to your personal presentation. That’s the cold hard facts. People like to say they don’t care about what they wear to the supermarket, but when I ask who they tend to meet there, they often say ‘everyone I know’.

How much more important does this now become when you are not only representing yourself but also your company or employer? I can’t tell you how often I am approached by companies who have wonderful, talented amazing people doing an excellent job who they would love to fast track with their career but feel that their presentation skills are a piece of the puzzle that is going to hold them back.

This isn’t just about people who go out and meet clients. Or even the ultimate time to make the best first impression, a job interview. It’s all workers. Unless you are wearing a corporate uniform, how you dress portrays important signals to those around you. Whether it’s during meetings with your team members and bosses, or standing getting coffee in the cafeteria.

The hardest struggle has come with ‘casual dressy’. Ten years ago we had a corporate wardrobe (suit) blouse for women, shirt and tie for men. Sorted. Then we had casual Friday. Then many work places began to see ‘casual Friday’ was becoming ‘casual daily’. For many work places this was a welcome move as people felt corporate attire didn’t fit well with the type of business or job they were doing.

Then came the calls to me about coming into the company to explain to people what ‘Casual Dressy’ is. It’s clear that for many, this term is confusing. Casual says ‘jeans and T’ dressy says ‘Suit or corporate’. So enough with the reasons WHY this is so important and onwards with some practical guidelines.

Women

Smart trousers. Similar fabrics to ‘suit’ trousers are popular and easy. Cotton or lightweight materials in summer. Full length or at the shortest 7/8ths. They need to fit well and not be too tight. Sometimes finding trousers to fit is a struggle for many women. If this is the case, move on having more of the other options in your wardrobe.

Straight or gradual A-line skirts that come to either just above (depending on your age) or more fittingly for work, just below the knee. Great in winter with thick tights and boots or summer with heels or sandals.

Shirts are fine, and do hark back to the ‘corporate look’ but can also be tricky with fits. Fitting shoulders, waists and busts in all the right places is hard. So therefore another style of top that is better is one which has an appropriate neckline (no cleavage on show) that fits you well, skimming your body without clinging or bagging out. Make sure it sits at a length which doesn’t have you pulling at it all day to try and make it longer.

Work dresses are ideal. No need to worry about top and bottom combinations. Keep that neckline right (see above) & a dress that has shape is always flattering. Good neckline, shape at the waist, appropriate length and an excellent fit. Fabrics with some stretch or elastin are popular for work dresses as they are comfortable and when cut correctly fit well but don’t cling. Wear your work dress with boots in winter and wedge sandals or small heels in summer.

Fitted jackets and blazers ALWAYS look better than an ill-fitting sloppy cardigan. They give you shape and make a simple outfit smarter. Blazers will go with all the above pieces. Always single breasted and a classic open lapel suits everyone.

MEN

Work trousers (similar to suit trousers). Casual dressy trousers are also acceptable in certain firms. These are often ‘jean styles’ so have a button and zip with pockets that look like jeans, but are made of a dressier fabric so they fit in the ‘casual dressy’ dress code perfectly. Often those in corporate situations keep the work trousers for Mon-Thurs and this casual dressy option for Friday.

Shirts that fit well. This is very important and the main issue with many men’s shirts. Too big and tucked in and they bag out, are unflattering and unprofessional looking. Get shirts that fit your shoulders, arm length is right, then aim with side fit (classic, slim, taper, super taper) that suits you best. There should be no straining buttons down the front.

Blazers and suit jackets are ideal as your top layer. Make sure they fit well. Again, there is a tendency to buy suit jackets too large. Within an office during winter, a fine merino vest or V-necked jersey over a shirt with dress trousers is also usually acceptable for casual dressy.

The usual NO’S for casual dressy – Men & Women

• Ripped denim or jeans with extreme washes (fading, tiger-wash) • Excessive slogans or logos on tops • Super tight clothes or oversized clothes • Jandals • Low cut tops on women that don’t have a singlet covering their cleavage • Scuffed and tattered shoes • Dirty, ripped or threadbare clothing

Lastly, don’t forget the finishing touches. What about your haircut? It’s something you wear EVERY DAY. If it’s dated, cut badly, not been cut in a long time or doesn’t suit you, change it. It’s important. Eyewear, is expensive and necessary, so again take the time to make sure your glasses suit your face shape. Accessories. Someone who wears accessories with an outfit looks well put together, confident and it’s a nice way to inject some of your personality into your work clothes.



Think about these guidelines when you are dressing each morning. Apply the right outfit knowing what you will be doing for the day. Decide what you will wear the night before always helps and remember, being overdressed is always preferable to being undressed.

Trudi Bennett set up her personal style consultancy www.wardrobeflair.com in 2005 after discovering a huge market of men and women unhappy with their personal and professional wardrobe and image. Her focus was to give people the tools to make wise, logical styling and shopping decisions, based on their body, budget and lifestyle.

Trudi is a motivational speaker at workshops, seminars & conferences all around NZ sharing her personal styling hints and tips in a humorous and engaging way. She dabbles in TV, is COAST FM’S Fashion & Styling contributor, and is also a fashion blogger for numerous online sites.

Trudi has offices in both Auckland and Wellington and her main passion is to help people feel as confident as possible. She is most proud of her work when she knows her clients’ realise anyone of any shape, size or profession can look and feel fantastic.

Regards Trudi

www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

New season, new baby, new body!



It is always sad to hear people talk about how they feel shopping is a nightmare, terrible chore or complete bore. So many people feel this way for so many reasons. Body changes after having babies is one of them. What fit and looked good post pregnancy now doesn’t fit/look good and you fee like you have been given a new body and have no idea how to dress it.

The first hurdle to this situation is acceptance. You are what you are now, and it is unlikely you will be the same again. However you may find your new shape has just as many advantages as the old shape, but it is just a case of getting used to it.

For those of you who have never enjoyed shopping, you need to make it a more practical, easy experience. If you make a list for groceries then why the heck are you not making a list of clothes you need each season! Be organised, clear your wardrobe and make that list. Do this for each season and you will feel like you are in control rather than panic buying.

Those of you that really hate it, you need to face your fear! Firstly if you really feel you don't have a clue, you need to come and see us at www.wardrobeflair.com. If you need a Plumber you hire one, if you need a Dr you go and see one. If you have struggled all your life to find clothes that fit you, suit you or that you feel confident in, let the professionals help you. We can teach you how to do it.

Once you have a handle on shopping be it having more, cutting down, no more panic buying, or feeling intimidated by either the sales assistants or the shear volume of choice in the shops nowadays, you can feel happier with this part of your life. Because love it or hate it, everyone needs clothes and that is never going to change. So accept that new body that has done such a fantastic job of producing a new life and make that decision to problem solve your dilemma.

Regards Trudi

www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair