As a personal stylist I’m always learning and I love sharing my newly discovered tips and knowledge with my readers.  So when I was approached by fantastic local photographer Andrew Jackson to come up with some styling hints and tips to feature on his blog and help his clients look their best for their Viva Boudoir portrait shoot, I couldn’t say no!

It's essential you wear the right underwear everyday as it ensures your clothes fit correctly, and are the most flattering they can be.  But when you’re being photographed in your underwear it’s even, more important that you look and feel you best!

Here's part one of a three part feature I pulled together for Andrews’s blog, to help his clients find the perfect underwear, best fit and most flattering style for their portrait shoot. 

Part 1

Choosing the right underwear.

Thanks to the likes of Gok and Trinny and Susannah, I’m sure you’ve all heard about dressing to suit your shape, and some of you will know how to do this, but if you’re not wearing the right underwear it all goes to waste.  You’re underwear forms the foundations of your outfit.  If you don’t get it right, your clothes will be ill fitting and unflattering.

Before you can start to address what underwear you should be wearing, you need to undress and take an honest look at your figure.  Don’t use this as an opportunity to point out all the parts of your body that you’re unhappy with, instead (and it’s not as hard as you might think) put on a more positive hat and acknowledge your best bits.  For example, you might have a great waist, or fabulous legs. 

Next, look at your proportions.  Are your shoulders narrower than your hips?  Do you have a long body or long legs?  What do you need to do to balance out your proportions and create the perfect hourglass shape?  Once you’re armed with this information, you can start to make an informed decision about what underwear is not only going to give you the support you need, but be flattering too.

I’ll be discussing what underwear is best suited to which shape in part 3, but for now here are some hints to help you determine your shape

Neat column shapeColumn figures are fairly straight up and down.  Shoulders are in proportion to the hips and they generally have a small bust.

Curvaceous hourglass shape Hourglass figures are curvaceous with a generous sized bust.  Shoulders are in proportion to the hips and they generally have a small waist.

Broad apple shape Apple shapes are broader on the top half than the bottom half.  The waist is less defined and they generally have fabulous legs.

Curvaceous Pear shape Pear shapes are smaller on the top half than the bottom half.  They will have a small bust and a tiny waist.

In Part 2, we’ll take this information and start to talk about the best fit and how to achieve it

Last night I spent the evening surrounded by beautiful people, champagne, and lingerie at The Private Vintage Club in The Opium Bar in Bath.  Normally I head to local fashion events on my own, but this time my husband came with me.  Can’t think why....maybe it was the thought of the lingerie models that would be shimmying down the catwalk?

I’d never been to The Opium Bar before but I think it might be my new favourite place to head on a night out. The decor is gorgeous with vintage furniture set against seductive lighting and painted ceilings.  Unfortunately I turned up fashionably late which meant that all the seats had gone by the time we arrived.  We had to make do with standing at the end of the catwalk which actually ended up being a great spot.  We were near the photographers, the bar and the lovely Christina Sim from www.justsofashion.co.uk.

We enjoyed Champagne and Mojito’s while the models showcased beautiful lingerie from Hannah Dulcie and fabulous vintage dresses from Scarlet Vintage.  They looked amazing. 

Despite the Mojhitos I managed to take quite a few photos and even attempted a short video.  I won't subject you to all the photos, just my favourites.

I’ve always given jumpsuits a wide birth. It’s not that I’ve never liked them, truth be told, I’ve always secretly fancied wearing one. They look so effortless and carefree. The reason I’ve stayed away from jumpsuits is because I thought they’d do absolutely nothing for my pear shape and whilst I like the look on others, I wasn’t sure I could pull it off.

So When Rachel Nott the editor of Folio magazine asked to write about how to work a jumpsuit, the challenge was set. I thought I’d never find one to flatter me, so I spent an afternoon hunting down the perfect all-in-one. The choice is immense and you’ll be relieved to hear they’re a far cry from the original eighties styles. Think fifties glamour and seventies boho instead. Eventually I found this simple, wide leg style that skims my hips and highlights my waist (something all pear shapes MUST do). My voyage into the world of jumpsuits had begun.

In one afternoon, I’d gone from avoiding jumpsuits, to wanting another. Are you persuaded yet? Go on, trust me, there’s a style out there for everyone. Team with gladiator flats and a scarf for day. Or dress up with chunky heels and statement earrings for an alternative to your LBD. Give them a chance, you never know, it might just become one of your summer staples, it has mine!

This is how I've worn mine...

Jumpsuit and hoop earrings from French Connection Leopard print belt from Oasis Wooden shoes from Russell and Bromley

Sandals from Gap Scarf from H&M Sunglasses from Sunglasses Hut.

Look out for my feature in this months Folio Magazine

I know it’s getting a little late in the season to talk swimwear, but I’ve been asked about it so much in the last week and the truth is that we all leave shopping for swimwear until last minute anyway.  It’s one of those things we put off doing until we absolutely have to!

I recently recently came back from my holiday; it was fantastic, super hot and so relaxing.  I must admit though, that before I went it took me a stupidly long time to hunt down the perfect swimwear.  Like most of you I’m sure, I have my body hang up’s and the thought of bearing all on the beach fills me with dread.  I don’t enjoy looking for swimwear at the best of times, changing room lighting is never flattering and if you search online, you’re faced with beautiful bodies modelling gorgeous bikini’s that just won’t look the same on me...it’s enough to make me give up before I’ve started!   Eventually I plumped for a fifties style ensemble, I think it worked.

• Book yourself in for a really good spray tan a couple of days before your holiday to give you a boost of confidence when you first step into your bikini.  If this scares you a little, there are some really good moisturisers that give you a little tint everyday, this way you can build up a tan to the colour that you want.
• Think about your shape; what points do you think are your best? I know it’s easy to sit there and list the things you don’t like about your body, but instead, think about what your best features are it’s far more rewarding.   Understanding this will help you to choose a bikini or swimsuit that flatters you and makes the most of your fabulous curves.  Now think about what you need the swimwear to do?  If you’re big busted then you’ll want something that offers good support and lift.  If your pear shaped then you’ll want to emphasise your top half, broaden your shoulders and draw the attention away from your hips. 
• Choose a set that gives you the support you need. The range of swimwear that comes in cup sizes has really improved and will make all the difference when you’re going in and out of the pool.  Freya and Fanatasie have some lovely sets.
• If you’re a different size on the top and bottom (as a lot of us are) then go for bikini separates that can be bought in different sizes, rather than a swimsuit.  Not only will it ensure the perfect fit, but it also means you’ll have different styles to choose from too so will be able to pull together the most flattering bikini set.  If you’re not up for showing your midriff, then tankini’s make a great choice.

Ditsy floral ruffle bottoms, Florance and Fred by Tesco

Bikini shorts, £4, from Florance and Fred by Tesco

Tankini £10 from Florance and Fred by Tesco

• Have fun, don’t’ go for plain black, there are some really pretty prints around at the moment, from flirty florals to animal prints with attitude.

Swimsuit, £10 from Primark

Red or Dead Dora Tankini £75 and briefs, £25

Bikini set £10 Oasis

• Don’t lose your style.  With the huge choice of swimwear out there you’ll be able to find a style that reflects your own look.  Whether you like something a little edgy, or something more classic there’s something out there for you.

Swimsuit from Limited Collection at Marks and Spencer, £29.50

Tassle bikini, Very.com, £25

Bikini set from Next, £22

• Enhance your shape.  I know you wouldn’t normally think of swimwear when you want to enhance your figure, but there’s some fabulous swimwear out there that can cinch you in and give you the most fabulous waist – some even make you look like you’ve dropped a dress size. Although a bit more pricy, it's well worth the investment.

Miraclesuit from figleaves.com, £144

•  If you don’t feel that you fill the cups as you’d like to, then consider purchasing some bikini pads to insert in the cups.  They’ll give you the little boost you’re after.
• Think about your cover-up.  This is as much of an important part of your sunbathing days as the actual swimsuit.  How many times have you walked to the pool bar and wished that you had something to wrap up in?  Sarongs are the obvious choice, but if you want to try something different then why not opt for a sheer maxi dress, a play suit or even just an oversized shirt.
• Top your poolside-look off with a hat or head scarf, some stylish sunglasses –aviators are my favourite and add a sweep of shimmering bronzer for the finishing touches.  I know this all may sound a little much but if it means you’re going to feel confident by the pool then it’s got to be worth it!

Paul & Joe Limited Edition ASOS Exclsuive Bronzer - Siren £21

All Images courtesy of PRshots.com

I spend a lot of time sorting out client’s wardrobes and helping them to build a hard working collection of clothes that they can develop each season.  I’m often faced with wardrobes bulging with less-expensive items that are tired and ill fitting and, in my opinion, not money well spent.  The key to getting the most for your money and creating the perfect wardrobe, is to have less items, that mix and match cleverly and to invest in the staple pieces - the items that are going to be worn again and again. 

Harvey Nichols, Bristol

Bristol is the ideal city from which to build this perfect wardrobe.  It’s always had a great selection of high street shops and independent boutiques, but until about three years ago there wasn’t much in the way of designer shops.  However, with the opening of Cabot Circus came Harvey Nichols, and with that came a strong following of other boutiques selling higher end designers,

True Religion flared jeans available at Harvey Nichols

Just up from Harvey Nichols is John Anthony, two floors of men’s clothing, for the guy who likes to be noticed.  Paul Smith is sold here, along with other quirkier names like Vivienne Westwood.  If you’re looking to add something a little more quirky to your wardrobe, then The Garment Quarter is the place to go.  It opened last year and stocks both womenswear and menswear.  It’s is a great boutique, offering edgier designers such as Twenty8Twelve by S.Miller and Comme Des Garcons PLAY.

Bristol really does have it all now!  Adding top end designers to the already eclectic selection of vintage, high-street and independent boutiques has put Bristol firmly on the map as a shopping destination and makes it the perfect place to invest in the perfect capsule wardrobe. 

Article recently writen for Guide2Bristol
Images thanks to Lisa Piddington

With the weather hotting up again (fingers crossed that’s not just put a stop to that!) is it getting harder to decide what to wear to the office? I was invited to discuss this on BBC Radio Bristol last week and it prompted me to pull together this post. 

When the weather’s gorgeous and the sun’s shining, it can be difficult not to head to work looking like you’re off for the weekend. So, how do you pull together a look that’s both comfortable in the warm and stuffy office, but that keeps you looking and feeling cool? More importantly how do you stay fresh in the heat and ensure you’re still taken seriously?   Flip flops and short shorts just won't cut it.

If you’ve found yourself staring blankly into your wardrobe first thing in the morning, clueless as to what to wear to work when it’s 21 degrees, then read on. I’ve pulled together the hottest summer work wardrobe, to keep you cool, nine to five.

2. If you keep fabrics loose like this shirt from TFNC, Cabot Circus, you’ll remain cool but won’t fail to impress in the style stakes!  I love this colour, it goes so well with the nudes and navy we can’t get enough of this season.

3. This pretty spot blouse is also from TFNC, they have some perfect office wear pieces in this season.  Either wear this loose over a pair of capri pants, or team it with shorts like these from M&S (4)

4. Most people consider shorts unsuitable for the office, but if you opt for a pair that finishes just above the knee, they make a stylish and practical choice!  Wear these from Marks and Spencer, Broadmead, with a pair of flats (16 )  or a low heel (13 ), add a plain top (5 ) and finish with a loose jacket (6) for a tres chic look

5. This top from Whistles, Park Street (5) is a wardrobe staple.  It will go with trousers and skirts and can be layered with a jacket for days when you need to be a little smarter.

6. This draped jacket from Miss Selfridge, Broadmead, will layer over a variety of tops.  The relaxed, light weight fabric will be perfect for hot days and the light colour is so versatile.

7. For days when you need to dress for success, consider a dress like this one from LK Bennett, Quakers Friars. The fabulous shape will hug you in all the right places, and the the capped sleeve will keep you cool.  Finish the look with some tan accessorise (15 ) (17 ).  Or, to dress it down,  just add the pink draped jacket (6 ) and a pair of nude sandals (13 ).

8. Inject some fun into your work wardrobe with this cute blouse from NW3, John Lewis.  It’s another versatile choice as it can be worn with skirts (9 ) trousers ( 12) and shorts ( 4).

9. I love this pencil skirt from A/Wear, Cabot Circus, this colour will go with pretty much anything and the style is perfectly suited to the loose blouses and striped tops that are in abundance this season.  It can be smartened with the addition of a pair kitten heels like these from Dune (14)

10. This outfit from Whistles, Park Street is spot on for work-wear!  Consider splitting up the pieces and mixing them with other items.  For example, try wearing the trousers with the NW3 blouse (8), or the top with the camel pencil skirt (9)

11. I’ve mentioned this shirt from Warehouse in a previous post but it’s just so perfect and so versatile that I had to include it in this one too.  It will look fab tucked into the Whistles trousers (10) and accessorised with the nude sandals from Carvela (12) but it will also work with the grey trousers from Oasis (12) teamed with the flat brogues from Schuh ( 16).

12. Grey is a great colour for the summer months.  It’s so much softer than everyone’s favourite – black.  It compliments this seasons soft ballerina tones and looks smart at the office.  This pair from Oasis, Cabot Circus, (12) will go with all the tops I’ve picked here, and can be worn with heels or flats.

13. Sandals are a must when it’s beautifully hot, however flat sandals don’t quite hit the mark when you’re heading to the office.  Something like these nude sandals with a low heel from Carvela available at KG in Quakers Friars (13), however are perfect.

14. Everyone should have some leopard print in their wardrobe, but if you’re worried about over doing it then opt for a pair of print shoes.  These kitten heels from Dune, House of Fraser (14) will turn your skirts and trousers into something more ladylike and the heel is so practical for wearing all day.

15. These platforms from Reiss, Quakers Friars give you height without the pain!  They’ll work well with any work wardrobe and will keep your feet nice and cool.  Make sure you paint your toes – how about a bright coral?

16. Heels aren’t a must for work; sometimes it’s nice to wear a flat shoe.  This pair from Schuh, Cabot Circus, makes a brilliant choice, not only do they look smart, but they’re a versatile style.

17. I’m loving tan accessories this season, I find them so versatile.  This bag from French Connection, Quakers Friars (16) would make a great purchase.

Now that I’m living with my mum and dad in Bath, I’m finding it very hard to resist girly days out with my Mum. Yesterday, I gave myself a well earned day off and drove Mum to Bristol for a spot of shopping, coffee drinking and deli eating. I know I've only been living in Bath for a week but I have to admit I really am missing Bristol.  I miss being in walking distance to my friends and I miss the Bristol buzz.  Bath is lovely but it’s so different to Bristol.

Our day of shopping started in Clifton Village and The Arcade, a part of Bristol I love rummaging in. It’s changed since I was there last; there are some great new shops. I went into a gorgeous craft shop – I Love Crafty.   It was full of lovely presents perfect for Mothers day but with my mum was in toe I couldn’t make any purchases. I’m pleased to say however that they have a website so I’ll be visiting it later today before it’s too late.

Next I walked straight into fab vintage shop Clifton Vintage Boutique (I took some photo’s but they really don’t do it justice – note to self – must buy a decent camera!!) and spotted a really cute, blue, floral fifties dress, I wish I’d tried it on now; my wardrobe could really do with an injection of this seasons florals!





After the delights of Clifton Village, we jumped back in the car and drove to Park Street to visit my favourite shop Whistles. I must have tried on half the shop but was lucky to have a very patient sales assistant. I was naughty and made a couple of purchases, a blue shift dress, perfect for Personal Shopping trips, and a high waist pleated skirt that fit’s like a glove and will slot seamlessly into my wardrobe. Being a pear shape I love this seasons fifties inspired skirts that are springing up everywhere.

On our way home we popped to Cribbs Causeway, and then home for a much needed cup of tea.  It was a long day but really lovely. I’ll find it hard to resist more girly days out – and they’re a great excuse to go back to Bristol.

I know...three posts in one day is unheard of from me! Well, I’ve got some catching up to do as I’ve been offline for far too long. The main reason is that I’ve been busy sorting out wardrobes and taking lovely clients shopping, but the other reason is that I’ve been in the process of moving house. I’m pleased to say that everything went to plan and we completed on Friday so things are starting to get back to normal, well kind of, my husband, dog and I are now living with my parents so it’s not quite normal, but it’s very nice all the same.

My office has taken some setting up, I hadn’t quite realised what an undertaking it would be but thankfully it’s done and so I’m able to pay my rather neglected blog some attention and start to get through the huge mound of admin that’s piled up.

So, I’ll stop rambling and will get on with my next post of the day, and this is, as promised, all about Hobbs.

Hobbs is a brand that I regularly use for clients, I find that it suits a range of people and mixes fabulous wardrobe staples with fashion items. So when I heard that they were opening a standalone store at Cribbs Causeway I was over the moon, anything that makes my life a little easier and my client’s wardrobes a little better is always a winner.

For those of you who don’t know Hobbs or haven’t been in for a while, it’s what I’d describe as quintessentially English with a little dash of quirkiness.

This season’s collection is so strong and I love their NW3 range, that’s got to be my favourite collection of the season so far. Unfortunately the NW3 range isn’t available at the new store, although I’ve got my fingers crossed that it makes an appearance. For now it can be sourced from John Lewis and the Hobbs store in Bath (which by the way is huge and full of lovely things).

Here are a few of my favourite pieces from Hobbs spring/summer collection, along with my must haves from the NW3 collection.

Top ten items this season...so far.

1. This picture doesn’t do it justice, but this dress from Phase Eight looked fabulous on an hourglass client. Will also be fab on an apple shape or column figure.
2. This shirt from Oasis looks so good tucked into a pair of dark jeans. It’s a great price and looks quite designer.
3. These high waist trousers from Hobbs are a fab fit and a perfect choice for work wear.
4. I LOVE this jacket from Whistles! It’s on my wish list.
5. I’ve found these Karen Millen boot cut jeans to be a great shape and fit on almost any shape. They have a real ‘premium denim’ look for those of you who can’t stretch to J Brand or Paige.
6. This shirt form Karen Millen, is very similar to one they did last season, and I love it. The shape and detail is fab. A great one for pear shapes.
7. This skirt is such a great colour for this season and it’s so versatile. The shape is fab as the detail on the waist brings the eye in.
8. This swallow print blouse from Warehouse is great teamed with skinny jeans, even better tucked into high waist jeans.
9. If you’re up for working the colour block trend then this dress might be for you. The shape is great for highlighting and enhancing a fabulous waist.
10. This knitted biker cardigan is from Karen Millen, it’s an easy way to work the biker trend.

Four people, a selection of day and night outfits each, all sourced from charity shops – impossible you might think...but no, Bristol’s local Charity shops impressed me no end!

With Bristol photographer Matt Collins in toe, Rachel Nott (Folio magazine’s editor) myself and two gorgeous models, spent a Saturday rummaging through the treasures in Oxfam in Clifton, St Peter’s Hospice in Bedminster and Cancer Research UK on Gloucester rd. We spent almost five hours collecting - and trying on of course - clothes and accessories to create fabulous outfits, at bargain prices, to be featured in Venue Magazine.

With many of us having to tighten our purse strings at the moment, it’s the perfect time to show you that looking good doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little imagination and a good selection of accessories it’s possible to create some great looks from your local Charity shop.

I love a good rummage and often find little gems from charity shops, flea markets and vintages shops to add uniqueness to my wardrobe, but I must admit, I’ve never tried to create complete outfits using only charity shop items. I was a little apprehensive about how things were going to turn out, but I don’t know what I was worried about, we had that much choice we struggled to decide what to go for!

I had a fantastic time and everyone was so lovely and professional, will be great to do this again if they’re up for the challenge!

You’ll have to wait for part two to see the final looks, but until then here are some behind the scenes shots. The full feature in Venue will be available to purchase on Jan 26th.

All photos courtesy of Matt Collins - www.crushimages.co.uk, matt@crushimages.co.uk, Tel: 07968 062859

Models: Gosha and Giles

From Bicester to Bath; hot on the heels of the highly successful ‘British Designers Collective’ concept in Bicester Village comes a follow-on initiative at Milsom Place in the World Heritage City of Bath. The ‘British Designers Boutique’ showcases the very best in British fashion direct from the catwalk with a mix of London Fashion week designers and emerging talent. You’ll find Emma Cook, PPQ, Gwendolyn Carrie to mention just a few. Bath Spa Graduate Natalie S Ellis is one of the new talents to watch, and if you liked the sparkly dresses by Liquorice featured on The Apprentice not long ago, then head here to see them close up.
Fashion Bloodhound, the brainchild of 22 year old, Bath based Grazziella Pinto, is a dynamic new web-based fashion business, launching in January after months of social media interest and cult following.







Hannah Dulcie
Hannah Dulcie, an exclusive lingerie boutique offering own brand as well as leading designer collections is opening at Milsom Place. The new store showcases top lingerie brands such as Stella McCartney Lingerie, La Perla Studio, Bordelle, Mimi Holliday, Fleur of England, Lascivious, Myla, Aloe and Nichole de Carle, brands that are generally available in top London department stores, such as Selfridge’s, Harrods and Liberty. Whether it’s sophisticated, sexy, silky or simple, lingerie can be a very personal decision and the professional advice from their skilled consultants can ensure that you get the perfect fit for you.
http://www.hannahdulcie.co.uk/

 
Mimi Noor
This is the place to go for all your denim needs, The boutique specialises in designer jeans, providing over 40 styles of jeans from size 6-16. Jeans are a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, but are the hardest item of clothing to find. Mimi Noor offer not only the right brands and styles, but also consultative sales to ensure they don’t pigeon hole customers into only wearing jeans for their body shape, but also ones that compliment their personal style and personality. Along with a great selection of flattering jeans, they also stock high fashion denim such as J Brand Houlihan and Current/Elliott captain trousers.

25 Milsom Street, Bath, BA1 1DG, Tel: 01225 571518, http://www.miminoor.com/


 
Black and White
I spotted this shop tucked away on Broad Street in Bath. A proper Aladins cave, it’s full to the brim with vintage jewellery, clothing, furniture and the odd designer bargin. It’s well worth a visit but make sure you’ve got plenty in time to while away to make the most of it.
21, Broad Street, Bath, BA1 5LN, Tel: 01225 789158


Alongside her own brand, Anna Lizzio is showcasing Scandinavian brands HunkyDory, Naja Lauf and Erfurt scarves. From France, she has Bella Jones knits, Joe’s Jeans and jewellery from Dominique Montagut, as well as Italian labels such as Carlo Zanuso’s Pomandere, and Penelope Chilvers winter-warm shearling clog boots. Keep the autumn chill at bay with a quirky reversible wool scarf from Electronic Sheep.
Tel: +44(0)1666 502297, http://www.annalizzio.co.uk/
No8 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath, BA1 2EE, Tel: 01225 466 155, http://www.marcwallace.com/