Living and looking good for today

The terrible events in Christchurch really does help us put things into perspective.

The health and safety of our family and friends is foremost. We also need to start living more 'in the moment' and enjoying our lives each day.

You need to feel good about yourself in order to be able to truly do that. A sure-fire way of feeling good is to look good. This gives you that all important 'glow' of confidence that has a snowball effect on your whole day.

Feeling good and confident helps you to pass on kindness and generosity of spirit which we have been seeing throughout NZ during this terribly sad time.

Let’s not let a natural disaster be the only time we do this. Smile, help others and always, always, always tell someone when they look nice or are wearing a colour that suits them. Give them that little bit of sparkle that they will then pass on to someone else.

Stay colourful everyone and stay safe. Much love and thoughts to all those in Christchurch from Wardrobe Flair.

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com

Experience shopping happiness

It always saddens me to talk to people who feel that shopping is a nightmare, terrible chore or complete bore. So many people feel this way.

It really doesn't have to be. People need to approach shopping as they do with other things in life.

For those of you who may never love it, 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 us, 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, no more feeling intimidated by either the sales assistants or the sheer 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 you need to make that change and problem solve that dilemma.

Happy New Year everyone!! It is going to be a cracker!

Stay colourful.

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com

Dear Santa

Dear Santa

I have been a very good girl this year.

Since I am really rather particular about what gifts I want, could you please check out this list.

1. Please can you make sure the shops have warm toned swimming togs. Some things can be quite tricky for us warmies, and this is one of them. I like tankini's with a boy short. This style seems to suit so many body shapes.

2. Maxi dress. I did happen to spot a nice warm one in Shanton as I was passing today, and if I had been a cool-tone, the warehouse and Sussan still have some that are great.

3. Gold and silver ballet slippers. Wow, Santa, there are a LOT of these around. Glassons, Cotton On to name a few places. They will be great for summer.

4. Funky jewellery and accessories www.wardrobeflair.com These guys really know how to source some really lovely pieces :-)

5. A really pretty dress for Xmas day. A quintessential summer frock that I can dress up and dress down depending on the above said accessories!

6. Tie and bolero-type cardigans, just in case the breeze comes up and I need a bit of arm coverage.

7. Some just below the knee denim shorts. How versatile, denim so they go with everything and such a great length - especially if they are straight wide leg versions.

8. Finally a fabulous Wardrobe Flair voucher so that I can book a Top-up session with Sarah or Trudi next year to make sure I am still 'on track' and heading in the right direction with my oufit combining, colours and shapes.

Thanks Santa, I know you will come through for me!
Love from one of your clothing Elves XX

www.wardrobeflair.com

Racy red - who can wear it?

I get asked this question a lot. "Can I wear the colour red?". It's Christmas time and so I thought I needed to elaborate on the answer. It is, EVERYONE can wear red, it just needs to be the right red!

So all those people who have high colour on their cheeks and faces naturally and who have steered well clear of wearing red in order to not feel 'redder' can actually wear it.

Good colour on your face has the effect of giving you an even skin tone. By doing this even people who suffer from any type of redness on the face from blushing to rosacea to veins, find that it does not in fact make them redder, it actually make them look less red!

What is the right red for you? Well that depends on your skin tone and whether you are a warm or cool toned person. Cool tones wear blue-based clear reds and warmies wear tomato yellow-based reds.

Red is such a wonderful, cheerful, happy, expressive colour. I think everyone needs a red pair of shoes, a red winter coat or some red accessories to zing up an outfit. People smile at people who wear red. They also compliment them a lot more.

So embrace red, no matter who you are or in which form. It will make everyone smile including Santa!!!

Have a fabulous, merry, happy, safe and colour Christmas.

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com

Telly Trends - Mad Men

What starts a trend? To be honest, many things but it is always driven by media so therefore it stands to reason that really popular TV shows can have a large influence.

Set in the 1960s, Mad Men has won thirteen Emmys and four Golden Globes. But for the Fasionistas, it's beautiful costumes has made us fall in love with the feminine late 1950s, early 60's fashion.

Waists are clinched in (sigh!! hooray) fabrics are pretty and interesting. Jewellery features big, especially in the clothing themselves, puffed sleeves, delicate draping, florals, A-line skirts.

The best thing about these era's were the shapes that came out suit all body types. The 50s inspired bodice, belt and A line skirt looks amazing on a women with curves. The maxi, 60s shift dress looks fabulous on those of us without many curves.

This is also the time to jump in and try some new fabrics. Interesting textures make a wardrobe fun and inspiring. Think everything from brocade, lace - which features very heavily this summer - cashmere wool, velour, velvet (a personal favourite in casual jackets for me!!), satin and leather.

So ladies, embrace these wonderful trends. They flatter our shape, they make us feel feminine, there IS something for everyone, shape, size, age. If you don't, then when the next crazy fashion cycle returns (think puff-ball skirts...) then you will have missed the opportunity to embrace fashion and have some fun.

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com

Wardrobe Flair Vouchers for Xmas

All those people who have been converted to the Colour, Shape, Fit mantra of Wardrobe Flair are no doubt enjoying the compliments and confidence that comes with feeling really good about how they look.

Whether you are heading out to the supermarket (yes even there....) or out with friends and family. Knowing that when you leave the house you look modern, stylish, colourful and feel totally comfortable is a great feeling. Addictive one might even say...

Those of you that have met us know we are totally passionate about helping both men and women to achieve this goal. Most of our clients have struggled in one way or another with knowing what to buy, what suits, who is telling the truth at the shops and just in general making sure their money is used wisely with each purchase while also feeling overwhelmed by the choices in the shops.

We have seen 'hoardrobes' (still one of my favourite sayings thanks to my client - you know who you are - that gave me it!) and minimalists to the point of me going under the bed just trying to see whether they really do only have 6 pieces of clothing.

This Xmas, think about sharing the love. Family members can pitch together to buy a Wardrobe Flair voucher for someone who has struggled with these issues. Or if you feel this person would embrace the experience, purchase a wardrobe flair voucher of any monetary amount that suits you and either the recipient or their family can make up the difference. They can use this money towards a wardrobe consult, or a shop, maybe even some jewellery or a colour and shape party.

All we need to know if who the voucher is going to, who you would like it to say it is from, we sent you the voucher (which looks lovely printed on a colour printer and laminated) and our bank account details and it is as easy as that. Sorted.

If you have any questions about how to go about buying a voucher, email trudi@wardrobeflair.com.

Stay colourful and spread that love!

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com

Swimmingly good swimsuits

Most women pull some sort of grimace when you mention a swimsuit. Most have really old pieces that hardly ever see the sun. Is there a good swimsuit to suit your body shape? No matter what size or shape you are? Yes there is!

Lets go through the principles from the very top of the swimsuit. The straps. Keep these proportionate to your body shape. Most important for those with a larger chest or broad shoulders, keep them wider. This cuts through the area and makes it appear smaller.

Second, the neckline. Again, those with a larger bust or wider shoulders need to have a V or round neck swimsuit. While padding is usually reserved for us smaller chested girls, don't not try it on yourselves. Even larger busted women can need help with some support and sometime a helpful hand from lightweight padding can help with this.

Smaller busted girls DO need padding and the shape of your upper costume need to be fuller or rouched to create more of the illusion of more bust. This is usually to balance out any hips in the scenario.

Right, next stop the tummy area. Rouch rouch rouch we say! Its a girl's best friend. Quite a few swimwear options now have side rouching with a sort of cross-over front V neck swimsuit with wider straps. Perfect.

Another option is a plain pair of bottoms (we shall discuss style soon) and a patterned 'tankini" this is a top that is not attached to the bottoms but is a separate piece that covers the tummy. Use pattern wisely, keep it proportionate and it will hide any lumps or bumps you may not want seen.

Lastly, bottoms. I find for those with bigger thighs then the 'boy short' style really reduces them. For those without many curves, this is the time to have a higher cut or more standard 'brief' style bottom.

If this all seems a bit scary, then invest in a great kaftans type over-top. I have seen loads of the around. Nice flimsy material so not so hot, great lower necklines and soft floaty fabric that covers everything. Get one with a bit of bling on the front and I would be really impressed!

I hope this helps you. If you have any questions, then please feel free to use the comment section or email me at trudi@wardrobeflair.com

Trudi www.wardrobeflair.com