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The Art of Layering

We have reached the autumn equinox, which basically means that summer is over (sad face)!  Having said that, we often get some lovely days at this time of year, when there is still some warmth in the sun, so you may be reluctant to pack away your summer clothes just yet.  There are also many ladies out there who have their own personal central heating system that kicks in at all times of the day who would benefit from some flexibility in their outfit! This is exactly the time of year when layering comes into it’s own, but doing it successfully may take a little thought.   You need to find a happy medium – it’s not quite cold enough for those thick sweaters, but you need more than a thin top.   Layering can take you right through the winter and into spring.   The air trapped between the layers helps to keep you toasty warm, and will do a better job than one really thick sweater on its own.  Make sure you don’t add too many different colours though – id...
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How to cure your aversion to shopping

So many women I speak to tell me that they hate shopping with a passion. Delving deeper into this statement often uncovers the fact that the problem is actually more about not really knowing what suits them or will work with what they already own – they rush around, unsure what to buy and end up feeling overwhelmed and confused. There are some simple principles that can cure this problem: Understanding your signature style (your personal brand) Having a good knowledge of your   body shape , and your most flattering colours , cuts of clothing and fabrics Having a list of gaps you need to fill in your wardrobe before you venture out Here’s a classic example of scenario that could find you preparing to reach for the credit cards: You get an invitation to a family wedding or an important business event (post Covid of course).   Your immediate reaction is – ‘I have nothing to wear – I’ll have to go shopping’, closely followed by a rising sense of panic.   ...

5 Golden Rules for sales shopping success

Another new year dawns – traditionally the time to make resolutions.   Lose weight, get fitter, be more organised.   Add a new one – buy only genuine bargains in the sales. Lets be honest, how many of us have at some time bought clothing or shoes in the January sales absolutely convinced that they are bargains not to be missed, only to have them taking up much needed space in the wardrobe for months, with the labels still attached?   Well I will certainly put my hand up to that one in the past.   A habit I have now thankfully broken.   I still love a bargain, but only if it’s going to work for its place in my wardrobe.   So before you rush out to your nearest shopping centre to grab a bargain, take a note of the following tips.   Your purse and probably your partner will thank you for it. Rule No: 1 - Only buy items that are the right shades and styles for you I know it’s tempting to flex your credit card when you see something in a co...

How safe is your sunscreen?

When I was a child (back in the dark ages), we didn’t seem to worry so much about applying sun cream on our skin.   I remember many occasions on family holidays when I would end up getting burnt and sometimes being in rather a lot of pain!   As a red head, I was particularly susceptible and would feel envious of friends who had gorgeous tans (I just went red, my skin would peel and I’d be white underneath). We are now much more aware of the damage the sun can do to our skin.   We understand that exposure to the sun will give us wrinkles, but we also run the risk of contracting skin cancer. For the majority of us, these facts encourage us to slap on the sun screen at the first sign of a sunny day, and we will always make sure we have a good supply for our annual holidays (especially if it’s a beach holiday).   Surely if you go for a high factor (SPF 30 or above) with UVA and UVB protection, you are safe and fully protected.   But have you ever stopped...

This Wardrobe Mantra really works

I’ve been working on an e-book, which I’ll be releasing shortly, all about taking back control of your wardrobe. As part of this process, I have suggested that you follow this simple mantra, both for clothes already in your wardrobe, as well as those you might choose to buy in the future. The mantra is three simple questions that will really make you think and help you to build a workable wardrobe.   When looking at a piece of clothing, ask yourself: Do I love it? Does it love me back? Do I have at least 3 items I can wear with it? I always advise my clients to try on before they buy, which will help to ensure that these questions can be answered honestly. So, let’s take each question in turn: Do I love it? To ensure that you feel great in everything you wear, and it’s important that you love every piece of clothing in your wardrobe. How many times have you heard yourself saying “ it will do” when you’re choosing something to put on or searchi...

Here's to a slimmer new year

As we embark on this New Year, no doubt many of you are feeling the effects of over-indulging during the festive season.  Perhaps you have taken the first steps to losing those excess pounds by joining your local gym or slimming club.   No matter whether you have just a few pounds to lose or a few stones, wouldn’t it be great to feel and look slimmer right now, at the very beginning of your new regime?  Well, it’s perfectly possible, just by bearing in mind these simple rules: Wear the correct size bra Good underwear is a must and these days shape wear has improved so much and is Courtesy of Bravisimo extremely effective.  However, if the thought of squeezing yourself into this kind of underwear doesn’t appeal, the very least you must do is wear the right size bra.  So many women continue to wear the same size bra year in year out, without being professionally measured.  The correct size of bra will give you great support, lifting your bust i...

PRODUCT REVIEW - Tropic Skincare Tamanu Balm

Following on from my earlier review of the Tropic Skincare Smoothing Cleanser , m y next product review just had to be this absolutely brilliant little pot - a total skin saviour! I discovered this product when a fellow image consultant and Tropic Skincare Ambassador came to my home to do a pamper party for me and my friends. I was a little sceptical at first and the smell could be a little off-putting for some, although it's by no means offensive and can perhaps be best described as 'herby'.  Tropic claim that it is great for anything from rosacea to insect bites and lots more besides, and, as with all their products, it is entirely natural, vegan and cruelty free. Having had an itchy rash on my shin for over a year, for which I had tried everything I could think of over the counter, including: itch relief cream, Sudacreme, antihistamine cream, Calomine & aqueous cream and E45, all of which had failed to do any more than temporarily calm the iritation, I dec...