Kimonos & Capes

Kimono style capes are coming through a lot at the moment and I love the diversity of them. This pic is of me in one from last year worn as a scarf. If your're like me and love a layer over your arms in the summer for sun coverage and lets be honest the flapping upper arm issue ....... then these are a winner.

Kimonos and capes are coming through in gorgeous light weight fabrics and colour! Seduce have got great hot pink floral options plus soft dusky grey and pinks. Whilst styling with these last week I showed customers how to wear upside down with a more draped neck and crop back, long and loose as per the typical way of wearing them, and as a scarf by threading the bulk of fabric through one of the arm holes as I've done in the pic.

Sometimes summer needs a pop of colour and if you are a plain Jane in your wardrobe these are a great idea to use multiple ways and get something on trend in a great pattern or colour and mix in with your faithful work horse basics.

What colour do you feel good in?

Do you have a colour you always beeline to? You know the one you always feel good in, and you always end up buying in the shops?

Woman often gravitate to certain colours because they look good in them or they are a favourite colour, mines red. I had red roses for my wedding, I nearly always have a pair of red shoes in my wardrobe, we called our daughter Scarlett, when I wear red lippy its adds to my confidence, most patterns I’m drawn to have a bit of red in them etc .....

Colours I feel great in are coral, black & teal greens. Metallic’s, reds, floral’s and stripes are my favourites for accessories.

When I wear coral I think my skin glows and looks great, it’s my bit of bright when I want a pop of colour & teal greens are my version of blue. I don’t really do lots of blues as they always feel flat on me but navy’s and teals seem to speak to me, they remind me of the colour of ducks feathers and water.

I’m not really a bling girl either when it comes to diamantes and jewels but I am a magpie for shoes, bags and jewellery in silver and gold’s. I always feel a bit glamorous, and it lifts an outfit that would otherwise be plain.

Floral’s and stripe’s are my patterns. I’m not really into girly floral in my clothing but love Cath Kidston vibes for homewares etc and love a floral lining/trim on clothing or floral accessories (I even own floral boots!). Stripes however are my basics, I always have a few black and white stripe options for the mornings when I want plain but not too boring.

BLACK, now I know what you are thinking, “a stylist should be the picture of perfect colours, matching her skin tone....” blah blah blah, well I call bull sh*t!! I love the smartness of black, I feel polished and sophisticated. I use often use my black outfits to stand out, not hide behind, I like the dramaticness (I know that isn’t actually a word, but it seems to work!).

So that’s me in a nutshell, a bit of bright, a bit of stripe, a bit of pretty and a lot of sparkle! What sums you up? Talk soon,

Vicki xx

Red shoes, red lips, plus a bit of floral, this day was ticking a lot of boxes!

Getting ready for the day in 30 minutes.....

Getting ready in the morning? Are you a sit and relax of breakfast and coffee? Or a speedster like me?

I often get asked how long it takes me to get ready in the morning, you know, shower, hair, makeup, perfect outfit and all that, must takes ages right? NO!!! I bloody hate the mornings!! I’m a night owl, most nights I’m still up googling crap and watching Netflix at 11.30!

The way I function is probably a bit odd, BUT I try and wake by 7.45am so I have time to look at the all important Facebook and emails (consisting of places for me to shop and spend money usually), then I get up at 8am, yell at the kids to make sure they are up and getting ready for school, get in the shower 8.02am, wash hair (daily, I know this is bad!) and get generally clean, 8.10am out of the shower and get dressed (find something to wear, usually I have decided while in the shower of my choice, if not its something left lying around from the day before), 8.15am yell at kids again to make sure everyone is listening to the crazy lady in the bathroom, then 8.17am blow dry hair and style (well spray some shit at my hair), 8.21am slap on makeup, especially brows as they are non existent without filler!, 8.25am make kids lunches, then 8.30am hussle kids to get in the car, 8.35am head to school drop off.

WELL! That’s me, no breakfast, coffee or reading paper, just get my crap together and out the door. I then depending on my day have breakfast after dropping off the sprog’s or have a muesli bar and water bottle on my way to wherever I’m working! I did’nt say I was right, or super healthy but for me it works!

I’ve tried doing the alarm thing at 7am so I have more time, but I feel cranky and hit the snooze button until 7.45am anyway and generally feel worse! I would like to fit breakfast into my mornings though ....... note to self, teach kids to make me a smoothie while I’m in the shower.....

So now I’ve told you all my secret’s, what are yours? Please don’t tell me you are all get up at 6am, fitness, read paper blah blah blah, eat healthy breakfast and bake for your kids lunches all before I’m even up?!!

Vicki x

PayLater ...... Don't mind if I do!

Pay Later? LAYBUY? Here’s all the details .....

Have you ever lusted over something (or let’s face it multiple things) you can’t afford right now?! I have , far too often in fact and this service ticks all the boxes for me!

Instead of putting the purchase off and then missing out on your size etc, putting it on the visa and then forgetting about it until the bill comes (buyers regret or angry husband!), or not getting something when it’s on discount and when you can afford it again its back to full price (I know, right?!)

This system is SO easy to set up, I just did it! You basically click the “Pay Later” or "LAYBUY" option in checkout at a store that offers it, do a 2 minute info fill out (name, address, phone number and birth date, no nasty hard questions about assets, earnings etc) then they magically send you a code on your cell phone to authorize set up. Before long you have an email with your details and credit limit!

Nothing gets charged to your account until you purchase and then the total amount is divided into 6 payments and automatically comes out of your visa/visa debit account each week so you hardly notice! No big bill to forget about?, or having to wait until you’ve paid for the product to start wearing/using!

Australia has been doing this for a while now and it’s finally hit NZ shores. Available as an online payment option, this service allows you to buy now and pay over the next 6 weeks with automatic charges to your card!

What I love about this payment option is the fact that you can make the most of discount days, promo’s and sales and gives you a bit of breathing room on payments..... Hassle free right?!

BUT I did notice for returns that you actually send items back to LAYBUY? Not to the store? This makes it a bit of a hassle if you are wanting multiple items to try and are only planning on keeping a couple, or sizes etc, PLUS if you have to pay the return courier then that’s an extra cost, no returning to store.

As always, buying from stores is the best option to get fit, size options etc right and most will offer a laybuy option too, or if you are diligent with your visa and can set up your own laybuy payments to thevisa account over 6 weeks then you are on a win! But in certain instances I think this option is a WINNER!

Happy shopping, much love, Vicki x

Gingham ... Tablecloth or Trend?

Gingham reminds me of my primary school uniform, scenes from dukes of hazard or my retro caravans curtains BUT its coming back in trend!!

Generally gingham and stripes abide the same rules. The bigger the stripe or check the bigger the area its on looks, so if your bigger in an area a small check/stripe works best, or smaller areas go for gold with a bigger strip/check.

I kinda love the alternative to stripes, and with so much in basic black and white its a WIN in my book! Get your best red lippy out and a pair of distressed jeans and you've got the look sorted!

Here's one of my fav's on the market at the mo........

Vicki xx

https://cdn.glassons.com/products/570/gingham-bell-sleeve-blouse-gingham-front-bl35520ghm.jpg?1497235821 Glassons Gingham

Drop Crotch Pants ..... Love ? Hate?

Drop crotch pants.....love em’? Hate em’? Don’t know how to wear em’?

http://www.mode.co.nz/images/detailed/27/Love-Knot-War-Line-It-Up-Slouch-Pants-PRE-SALE-DUE-25th-MAY-1.jpg

Drop crotch pants (or “poo” pants as some like to call them) have hung around from summer and are here to stay. They have become slight drop, medium drop or to your ankle drop in some cases! They are not for everyone’s style, but here’s a few tricks on how to wear them....

-          Avoid looking like you are in your P.J’s! If your pants are in t-shirt or casual fabric then dress them up with chiffon, rayon, knit or more tailored tops.

-          Generally most people will suit them better if their bottom is covered! Go for a drop tail or scoop hem top that comes up at the front but slims your thighs and adds height with the drop at the back.

-          Try them in dressy fabrics. The droppies are a great way to hide the top definition of your thigh and are super comfy, add a pair of styley boots or heels and a drape top and you are looking fab!

-          Try different styles and cuts before you rule them out! Not all drop crotch styles are the same. Gusseted styles tend to have more “bulk” between your legs and feel like nappies. No seam through the crotch is a good basic drop that is a good place to start your love of droppies. Angled seams across the drop are better on those with reasonably small waists as they can add volume to stomach area.

Let’s face it..... how often is fashion comfortable? Embrace it! Wear them well and they can look amazing, but like everything if you get the wrong cut or shape for you, or don’t balance your outfit then chances are they will not end up a winner on the day!

http://www.mode.co.nz/images/detailed/26/Ketz-ke-Ecstatic-Pant-1.jpg

http://www.mode.co.nz/images/detailed/26/Charlo-Zig-Zag-Pant-1.jpg

'Get your mesh on' - BLOG 31st May 2017

‘Get your mesh on’ – turn summer style into winter

This season mesh is huge. Whether you keep it simple in black, or go for the grey, navy,
beige and burgundy tones that are also hitting the shops. Mesh is a great way to take you
from summer to winter.

All those summer tee’s, maxi’s and light layers teamed up with a long sleeve mesh make
them winter ready. The midi and long mesh dresses are also a stylish way to dress up pants,
wear them over your trousers to see your gorgeous silhouette (a much warmer option than
a slip underneath and opaque’s).

The sheerness of mesh makes it a look that goes from day to evening and it’s quick-dry
fabric is a handy option at this time of year.

So go ‘get your mesh on’ and re-invent some of those summer favourites

Vicki x

https://cdn.glassons.com/products/570/spotted-mesh-top-navy-blazer-fronttl30558spt.
jpg?1479935234

https://www.maxshop.com/productdisplay.aspx?pageid=195&categoryid=1023&productId
=8660&colour=Black#collapseThree

https://www.moochi.co.nz/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=mesh

Poncho's ..... or wearable blanket?!

Poncho’s are huge this Autumn. There’s one out there to suit everyone, here’s some of my favourites at the moment,

Serape styles are great for the taller ladies and/or those with wider shoulders to balance those skinny legs. These can also be worn as a poncho for a double layer of cosy, just put both arm holes together and use that as your neck opening! – you might need to take off the tag in some garments

https://www.maxshop.com/productdisplay.aspx?pageid=195&categoryId=2235&productId=8082&colour=

A V-neck lighter knit is a less bulky version for bigger busted ladies. This one has the added bonus of tummy coverage.

http://www.farmers.co.nz/boston-bailey-cowl-tassel-poncho-6203805

A crop front and longer drape back is great to give waist definition and can add volume to a smaller bust. Added bonus that they can be worn off the shoulder to the side too

https://www.carolineeve.co.nz/products/600/6409CC_1_244.jpg

A darker colour is good to minimise your upper body, where a colour gives you a pop over a neutral toned outfit. The roll neck of this can work well a smaller bust, but in the dark colour it suits most.

https://www.maxshop.com/productdisplay.aspx?pageid=195&categoryid=1104&productId=8354&colour=Midnight%20Marl#collapseThree

"Spirit Magazine" April Column

Column April 2017

This Autumn we are seeing lots of mesh, chiffon and my favourite velvet! Chiffon and mesh are great layering items and trans seasonal pieces, where velvet has a gorgeous luxurious feel to it and layers with the lighter fabrics to add texture.

Poncho’s are also showing a huge presence this season. Merino, cashmere blends and chunky acrylics are some of the fibres being used which all bring a comfy warm element to your wardrobe.

Inverted triangles and bigger busted ladies will suit a darker colour and slightly longer style poncho. An asymmetrical aspect will be more flattering on wider shoulders and suits most body shapes. If you are smaller in the bust then a roll or cowl neck poncho could be a better option for you. Try changing the angle they sit on, this often you helps balance your shape.

"Essence Magazine" - November column 2016

Bardot & Cold Shoulder styles are everywhere this summer. Unfortunately like most fashion they are not perfect for every body shape. Here’s some tips & tricks on how to wear them no matter what your shape.

Bardot styles can be a problem for Inverted triangle shapes or ladies with a bigger bust. If you have trouble wearing a strapless bra or the style makes you look wide in the shoulders, try a bardot that has straps as well. You get to wear a regular bra & still have the open shoulder look.

Cold shoulder styles are better for an hourglass, triangle or rectangle shape. Alternatively a split open sleeve suits most shapes & still keeps you on trend.

Both these styles are fabulous on a triangle & rectangle shape as they accentuate & define your upper body. These are fun looks for the warmer months & help with a bit of arm cover for those who prefer, whilst still feeling summery.

"Essence Magazine" December Column 2016

With the holiday season fast approaching it’s time to think about your summer essentials. A capsule wardrobe is just the ticket!

Capsule wardrobe’s are a collection of clothing that mix & match to create multiple looks.

A base wardrobe of 2 trousers, 2 dresses, 2 jackets & 6 tops will give you a good selection to mix and match. Try wearing a top over a dress, layer tops to mix up colours or tuck a dress into pants.

Complementing colours need to be different enough to change the look. Coral, Navy & Rose Gold are a good mix for warmer tones, or Turquoise, Ink & Silver for cooler tones.

Try & find a scarf or patterned top with your base colours and work from there to mix & match.

Merry Xmas & Happy Holidays, Vicki xx

"Essence Magazine" January Column 2017

Wardrobes are often a storage ground for hoarding! Try these tips to start cleaning out.....

Holes & bleach marks etc then GET RID OF IT! There’s only so many “old” clothes any girl needs

Not worn in the last 6 months? Chance’s are you are not going to.

Don’t fit it? move it on, if you do gain/loose some weight treat yourself with something new!

Put dresses etc that you want to keep but hardly ever wear into a storage bag to maintain them or into a spare wardrobe.

Put seasonal items away if you lack storage space, no need for a fur coat in the summer!

Need extra help mixing and matching items, knowing what suits your shape/colours? Then look at a Wardrobe Audit with a stylist. This can be a great way of finding lots of new items to wear without going to the shops!

"Spirit Magazine" February Column 2017

How many of you get shot down by others? You’re not the right shape, size etc. Who gets to say what the “right” shape or size is?

It seems to me that at some stage the “perfect” shape was decided by magazines and the internet and became an unrealistic image. Often photo shopped, filtered and hours of preparation to get the desired look.

Some ladies work super hard on their exercise and diet and that works well for them. Some ladies work super hard and the results don’t seem so rewarding. Some ladies just do their best and isn’t that enough??

My biggest objective as a stylist is to give CONFIDENCE with KNOWLEDGE. If you know your shape, colours and dimensions then you can learn what to wear to best fit you. YOU, not someone else you saw in the magazine or the ad, YOU!

Be kind to yourself ladies, there’s only one of you and you have to learn to live with her and love her, so stop worrying about what everyone else thinks and start thinking of what YOU want. The style, look, colours, fashion ..... it’s all up to YOU!

If you need help then let me know, any style session booked in March mentioning this article will get 10% discount.

"Spirit Magazine" March Column 2017

Need help with what to wear? Feel like you have nothing in your wardrobe? Do you feel confident in your appearance? These are all things I can help you with.

-          BODY ANALYSIS explains your shape & gives you tools on how to dress it

-          STYLE PARTIES are a fun evening of tips & tricks on how to get the most out of your wardrobe, hints on shopping & seeing how a capsule wardrobe works

-          WARDROBE AUDITS are a 2 hr session in your own home including body analysis & determining new ways to wear existing items.

-          PERSONAL SHOPPING sessions are a 2 hr customised shop for your style, size & budget. Perfect for those with time restraints as all the prep work is done before we even hit the shops.

I’m always happy to chat about your options & where you are at with your own personal style.

Getting styled isn’t about going to the most expensive shops or having copious amounts in your wardrobe. It’s about knowing YOUR style, YOUR shape and YOUR lifestyle.

Hope to talk to you soon, Vicki 0272445176