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

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

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

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

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

Prepare to Spring Clean your Wardrobe!

Spring has sprung! Excitement – and sadly for me – hay fever is in the air! But whilst I sneeze in exhilaration, I am also aware that it’s time to spring clean your wardrobe. I’ve been running weekly challenges on my Facebook page this month www.facebook.com/wardrobeflair.

The first challenge was about visual clarity in your wardrobe. Can you see what you ACTUALLY have? I mean this quite literally. How many of you hang multiple items on one hanger? I’m sure many of you do. So this is the first thing you need to do, take off all items and allocate one piece per hanger. Simple right? This might mean that you either need to do a mini cull of clothing you don’t actually wear first so that you have enough hangers OR it might be that you need to head to the shops and buy more hangers. Either way, at least each piece can be seen or you will no longer have to declare ‘oh THAT’S where that went’.

I really like wooden hangers best if you are going to replace or buy new hangers. They not only look really nice, they are the kindest things possible for your clothes. Many a piece of clothing have I seen that has been damaged in some way by nasty wire hangers. Plastic is second best, but if you can ‘spring’ for some nice hangers, wooden are the way to go.

Second and very importantly on the list “TO DO’ this spring, is a good underwear cleanout. Now whether you are a matching top & bottoms sort of a girl or someone who doesn't care/notice what state your smalls draw is in, the focus is on checking out what you have and what needs replacing. Your checklist includes - does it fit? Is it comfortable? (no scratchy lace allowed) Can I see my hand through it? Is my bra the right size? Have I been and had a free bra fitting? (Bendon stores do these & advise it should be done yearly).

With summer coming and T-shirts to be worn, we don't want to add bulges due to ill-fitted underwear. So I’d like you to dump your whole underwear draw on the bed and go through it piece by piece. While you are at it, rearrange it to look pretty – two jobs in one! It’s a great excuse to again see what you have and what needs replacing.



In next month’s column I will go through a detailed list of what a really good summer capsule wardrobe needs to include and hints and tips on what style or shape these pieces need to include. Spring and summer can be tricky for many people for multiple reasons. One being that we are exposing more skin and for many people that seems super scary. Never fear! I’m here to make sure you have a fun, colourful, comfortable summer wardrobe that fits you well, suits your shape and generates lots of compliments so you can enjoy spring and summer to the full. Stay tuned!

Regards Trudi

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

Trelise Cooper Summer 2015 Collection in Association with Breast Cancer Cure

I’m really excited about an event on Wednesday night (6 August 2014) that will not only be a vibrant and exciting mix of 2015 fashion and fashionistas, it is in support of a hugely important cause. Breast Cancer Cure, a not-for-profit organisation established solely to support research into breast cancer are teaming up with one of its many high profile patrons, the divine Dame Trelise Cooper.

Come one, come all to the Coutts Newmarket, Mercedes-Benz showrooms in Auckland to see, I have no doubt, a beautiful Spring Summer 2015 collection which we can look forward to wearing during our favourite seasons. As with all Dame Trelise’s collections, I always look forward to hearing the story of where her inspiration has come from and how she manages to adapt that to beautiful, wearable pieces of clothing.

As well as the excitement of fashion there will be wonderful raffles, including a $250 gift voucher from Trelise, a L’Oreal Gift basket worth $250, Tickets to the Coop Show at Fashion Week, Gold Samsung S5 mobile phone courtesy of Vodafone and my fingers crossed winning it fav a Bottle of Moet. The event is from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.

Tickets are $75 entry only or $85 for entry plus a Raffle ticket. Do a good deed – all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Cure – and come along to enjoy this wonderful event. I look forward to seeing you there and hope you will find me to say hi!

http://www.breastcancercure.org.nz/trelise-cooper-summer-2015-collection.html

Regards Trudi

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

Breaking up the BLACK

Anyone who knows me knows how much I despair over how many people wear black. Having just returned from a presentation in Christchurch, I can confirm it’s not just a Wellington & Auckland ‘thing’ it is in fact a NZ thing. It is also a ‘winter’ thing and for me, a depressing ‘thing’. Harsh, I know, but my opinion.

Don’t get me wrong, I know why people are wearing black. Or at least I know at LEAST half a dozen excuses why people do. Let me see if I can cover all the bases. There is LOTS of it in the shops – true. It goes with everything – not true. It’s safe, true. I don’t want to stand out – personal preference. Its slimming – not always true. It’s corporate, true but there are many other better corporate colours as well. Everyone else is wearing it – true. I don’t know what other colours suit me – I understand that scary concept. Its classic – well, maybe in NZ!

Ok, so if you have ticked one, two or all of the above reasons and you are not to be swayed out of wearing black, at least do one thing for me. Wear SOME colour to lift the effects of black on skin that it does suit (which by the way is making people look older and tired). Those that do suit black, great, go for it. But know that compliments will be few and far between if you also have a whole wardrobe of it.

My best tip, is to find a really nice sleeveless vest or top with which you can wear a coloured top or shirt underneath. This at least gives a pop of colour nearer your face and down your arms, whilst still encasing your body in black to achieve any slimming capabilities you may be searching for.



Accessories! They are your best friend with black. A gorgeous coloured scarf or necklace in a beautiful colour will gain you many things. A lift and lots of compliments being the main two. It also says to people ‘hey, I know I’m wearing boring old black but at least I’m adding something a little more interesting.’

How about instead of wearing a black dress with a black cardigan or blazer, you make that outer layer colourful? That way again, the body is encased but the arms and side have great, beneficial colour. I know its winter and people feel more inclined to wear black during this dark and cold time. To me this seems crazy. What I believe we need is much more colour during the bleak season.

Another request from me. I want you to notice people who DO wear colour during winter. I want you to smile at them and tell them they look nice. Then once you have added a splash of colour to your black wardrobe, the same will happen for you. Let’s pay compliments forward when people are brave enough to step out of their comfort zone and try a bit of colour.

P.S. If you have a coloured winter coat, then you already get extra points from me!

Stay warm, stay colourful,!
Trudi
www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair

Are you hiding out in your Winter clothes?

Many people say they find Winter dressing much easier. Much easier to hide certain body parts they giggle. Whenever I hear the word 'hide' I have to grimace. The reason is that 9/10 times, the body part you are trying to hide is actually made to look much bigger. The right styles for your body shape is the way to go if you want to successfully disguise certain areas.

So other than inappropriate volume, usually in areas that don't need that volume, what other ways to people 'hide' during Winter? They hide with a lack of colour. I can't tell you the number of times someone says to me "oh my summer wardrobe is full of colour, but I only wear black and grey in Winter."

Call me crazy, but don't you think Winter is the perfect time to inject some colour when it's cold, wet and dark outside? I realise some people do seem to associate colour with sun and happiness and Winter with dreary darkness, but I'm here to try and change that. Colour during the colder months makes us look better. It perks up other people too! I am ALWAYS going on about people needing to buy a coloured Winter coat and sure enough, the people that do report back to me to say people smile at them in the street.

You suit the colours you suit rain or shine. If you need a tan to wear a colour, this probably means that colour isn't right for you. Find one that you don't feel washed out in or need to do extra's with (need to add a scarf, more lippy etc.) There are plenty of your own colours to choose from.

Another way people try to hide in their Winter clothing is by adding bulky knits in the hope that with the bulk, they will get superior warmth. Nowadays with all the fine merino around, you can layer for both superb warmth and looks. There really isn't any need for big bulky sweaters if you don't suit or like them.

Don't get me wrong, texture is a wonderful thing and in full abundance this season. Velvet, lace, wool, leather or fur, choose your texture and enjoy it. There has to be other major benefits to Winter other than crockpots and roaring fires. For fashion this season, it is about wearing and enjoying textures but also making sure they suit your shape.



Stay warm, stay colourful, don't hide. Enjoy the benefits of Winter clothing and swim against the stream of dull and bulky clothing. You can do it and trust me when the compliments come streaming in you with be rather pleased you did. !
Trudi
www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair

Q&A with a Personal Stylist - what the heck do you actually do?

As a personal stylist who has been in business for over 9 years, I find people are quite interested in this job I do and love. I thought you might find it amusing and interesting to learn about some of the usual questions I am faced with on a daily/weekly basis from my clients and the people I meet. So grab a coffee, get the baby settled (yeah right) and I hope this makes you smile.

Is there a market for that? I mean WHO uses you?

I was recently asked this for an online fashion magazine and here is what I told them. People use a personal stylist when they realise that when you invest some money in learning how to buy and wear clothing that suits you, you end up saving money. You end up enjoying what you have and feeling confident you are doing the best you can with what you have. I’ve seen ages 2-78, Sizes 4-36, mums to musicians, priests (yes it’s true quite a few!) to professionals. A call is often triggered by a life event, or reasons like weight loss and gains, bodies changing after babies, a step up the corporate ladder, returning to the workforce or a significant birthday.

Which season do people find more difficult to dress in?

Hands down, Summer. It’s because loads of people feel they can ‘hide’ in winter clothes. When skin is on show (arms & knee in particular) people feel quite nervous.

What do people find the hardest to buy?

Good ole Jeans. Always hits No.1. Keep an eye on my Facebook page as I’m going to be giving a lot more helpful hints on how to buy jeans and what to look for. You will even find a video instruction from me. People really want a great pair of jeans and really struggle to find ones that fit them. https://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair

Do you throw away loads of people’s clothes?

Yes and no. We don’t personally do it, we don’t fill a bag and leave with it, but we do put it in a pile and it has been explained by either us or the client has seen it for themselves WHY it isn’t right. Often people tell me then and there “I’m going to sneak that back in you know!” which makes me smile. Because guaranteed 6 mths later, they say “I tried to wear it again and it just didn’t work so I threw it away”. When you understand the principals of why something isn’t right, it’s much easier to let it go rather than use the normal excuses of ‘I’ll fit it one day, it might become trendy again, I spent SO much money on it, I was given it, it reminds me of a lovely memory”.



Do you see clients’ who love shopping and have loads of money to spend?

Not often on both counts. Our job is not about wandering around town buying the latest fashions for wealthy clients. It’s helping everyday people to spend wisely on clothes they actually need for their lifestyle and within a budget. Most of our client’s really dislike shopping. We do lots of Op-shopping with clients who need a decent amount of clothing within a small budget. It’s a great idea if you are fluctuating in weight after having had a baby. You are sick and tired of your maternity clothes, but not willing to go the whole hog and spend too much in case your weight/shape changes!

Do you ever get tired of shopping?

No. Never. Ever.

Have you ever not been able to help anyone?

Nope. Because each person takes different things from a session. For some it’s about the de-clutter of the wardrobe. For others learning about colours. Some people have a great instinct for colours but struggle with their body shape and what suits it. Many just feel like they have lost their mojo with clothing due to life circumstances – age and childbirth being a couple of major ones.

Do you see many male clients?

Yes, loads. They actually really like the process because it’s logical and problem solving. When you can tell a man this suits you, this is why, here buy this. They go “oh, ok”. I’m also sure they quite enjoy being bossed around a bit by someone else other than their wife.

For more details visit the website or making a booking with Trudi (Auckland) or Sarah (Wellington) on trudi@wardrobeflair.com

Regards Trudi

http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ http://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair - follow the fashion!! https://twitter.com/WardrobeFlair Blogger http://www.mymag.co.nz/index.php/mypages/mystyle MyStyle Fashion blogger for MyMag.co.nz

It's going to be an action packed week! Trudi has already had a profile done in Online Fashion Magazine Thread - see here to link up and read all about it.

http://threadnz.com/fashion/chat-trudi-bennett-wardrobe-flair/



Later this week keep an eye out on the Facebook page as Trudi is going to run a video about what to look for when buying a pair of jeans!

https://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair

Something to also bear in mind if you are thinking about hiring a personal stylist. In order to get the full benefit of this experience, most people need to know their colours, what shapes and styles suit them for their body shape and have their wardrobe checked over to see what can be used and what needs to go. Many consultants do this in separate sessions AND charge for each separate session.

Here at http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ that is not the case. In a two hour session, we cover COLOURS, SHAPE and the WARDROBE. Which means this session is action packed, totally comprehensive and such value for money.



For more details visit the website or making a booking with Trudi (Auckland) or Sarah (Wellington) on trudi@wardrobeflair.com

Regards Trudi

http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ http://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair - follow the fashion!! https://twitter.com/WardrobeFlair Blogger http://www.mymag.co.nz/index.php/mypages/mystyle MyStyle Fashion blogger for MyMag.co.nz

Trudi Bennett launches Auckland Branch of Wardrobe Flair!

I’m finally ready to launch the Auckland Branch of www.wardrobeflair.com. I’m telling people to ‘release the hounds’ and get my phone line running red hot. With over 9 years’ experience in the personal styling business, I’m confident the Auckland market is now ready for me!

In the past the main crux of the business has been about seeing one-on-one clients, men and women. Having said that the corporate market has been growing fast with many firms wanting me as a speaker for conferences, seminars, workshops, in-house presentations to staff or to have me present an event for their clients.

Whist the business encompasses everything from what colours suit you to the ideal shapes for your body, personal shopping, wardrobe rearranging, corporate seminars, workshops, conferences and fundraisers, the main aim is creating confidence and giving practical advice.

I’m passionate about this, which is why I’ve kept my prices reasonable to be able to stay affordable. As well as one-on-one services, TV & Radio, plus presenting work, I’m a fashion blogger for online magazines and shopping malls. I’m always happy to contribute articles to give helpful, practical advice on how to make getting dressed in the morning that little bit easier.

All my details are below

I look forward to hearing from you all!

Regards Trudi Bennett http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ http://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair - follow the fashion!! https://twitter.com/WardrobeFlair Blogger http://www.mymag.co.nz/index.php/mypages/mystyle MyStyle Fashion blogger for MyMag.co.nz

Beautiful BOOTS - Bring on the Winter!

Winter is on it's way. It has been a long time coming but it is now time to haul out your boots and shove those peep-toe sandals to the back of the wardrobe for another year.

Most people are pretty comfortable with wearing knee-high boots which are flattering for all body shapes and heights. They are also hugely versatile as you can wear them under trousers and my favourite with warm winter textured skirts and funky day dresses.

The only time I find people run into problems with boots is with calf length and ankle boots. Both of these options have to be worn a little more carefully and are heavily influenced by height factors.

It is all about flow when you are vertically challenged! if you have shorter legs then as much as possible, you don't want to be chopping them in any places below the knee. You want that area to flow. So I would advise no mid-calf boots for the under 163cm - 5ft 4. They cut you at a wider part of the leg and shorten the leg. Two reasons for the price of one!

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Ankle boots CAN be worn, but again more thought is needed on tonal colour flow with your stockings / tights / leggings. So obviously if you wore black options in those listed above and black ankle boots you would have complete flow. If you want to be a little more adventurous with your colours, then by all means don't match the colours, but at least don't contrast too much. So a darker colour on the legs and a darker boot, lighter and light. That way the leg seems to flow and extend rather than be cut and look shorter.

It is really good to have a variety of winter boots. Start with classics in colour and shape that will see you through all outfit combinations. Once you are ready to add to your boot collection think funky and think colour. On one of my last Facebook posts, I had over 45 people comment on what colours they have and what colours they are looking for. The surprising result? Loads of people have purple knee high boots and many are looking for grey. Stay colourful!
Trudi
www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair