I’m going to a wedding in the lake district this weekend, (I'm actually writing this in the car on the way there)  I can’t wait! I love weddings. I love the romance, I love the dressing up and I love dancing to the cheesy wedding tunes. I normally know exactly what to wear, but with the wedding being at the beginning of January and in the depths of the Lake District, it’s not been so easy to pull together an outfit.

I’ve recently booked in quite a few clients looking to get outfits sorted for weddings in the next couple of months, so I thought it might be useful to write a post about what to wear, and how to find it. If I struggled, then I’m sure I’m not the only one.

The first problem with getting sorted for a winter wedding is that the stock isn’t very inspiring. The best time to find an outfit is either before the sales hit, in November, or leaves it as late as possible, and wait for the new collections to come through. If you’re looking before the sales you’ll probably be sifting through a mass of eveningwear that’s in for the Party season and, well, leaving it till last minute, that can be very stressful. Add to this complication, the fact that the weather will be cold and (most likely) wet, and we’ve got a difficult event to dress for.

The first thing to do is to go and open your wardrobe, and remind yourself what you’ve got in there. Sometimes the perfect outfit is staring you in the face, you just can’t see it. Pull out anything that you think might work, this was my haul…

Dress options: Black Mango jacket that's a couple of years old, the black dress I wore to the fashion bloggers party here, my favourite blue Whistles dress that I’ve worn to death (but never tire of), a floral Marilyn Moore dress that I’ve had for over 10 years, the spot sheer dress from Warehouse a dipped hem dress that I bought recently from Zara, a green vintage dress and a fur cape that I got married in a few years ago

Bag and shoe options, a which are years old. Cream clutch from Marks and Spencer, my Mum's old clutch, LAMB giant clutch, Vintage metalic bag, navy clutch from Jigsaw, Shoeboots from Faith, Leopard soes from Topshop and buckle shoes from Hobbs NW3.

Jewellery

Not all of these are obviously weddingy, but then I’m being open minded, and with a little styling, they might just work.

Now for the fun part, start to mix and match them a little. Try different combinations and a variety of accessories. Take photos if it helps. If you still can’t find the right look, then think about whether or not you need to buy a whole new outfit, or whether the addition of a new pair of shoes will do the trick. If it’s a whole new outfit then that’s fine, but at least you know you’ll not be wasting your money on something you’ve already got hanging in the wardrobe.

If you need to go shopping then here are my top tips to help you find the perfect outfit.

1. It’s going to be cold, so think about your hosiery. There are some great choices around now, my favourites are Wolford and Falke but they’re not cheap, so head to Marks and Spencer if you want to save a few pennies. Opt for a nice high denier as this will be the warmest, it also holds the leg beautifully.

2. Think about your footwear, a strappy pair of sandals might look great at a summer wedding but in the winter you’ll just freeze. How about going for a pair of fabulous knee high boots with your dress? It can look very elegant and you’ll be able to wear a pair of warm socks inside without anyone knowing. If you don’t want to wear boots, then go for a sturdier pair, which will give you more coverage like a pair of shoe boots.

Boots from Office

Shoes from Topshop

3. If you want to wear a thin fabric, then wear a good quality slip underneath for a bit of warmth and the added bonus that it will help give a smooth line under un-forgiving fabrics.

4. You may end up doing some standing around outside, especially if there are lots of photos to be taken so give some thought to your coat. This will make or break your outfit, so it needs to be right. There’s nothing worse than spending ages pulling together the perfect look and then throwing on any old coat. If you don’t have the right one, then now is the time to find one in the last of the sales.

Pea coat from Oasis

5. Embrace the fur trend! I intend to wrap up in a faux fur coat for ultimate warmth and style. If you don’t want to go, full on fur, then there are fur collars and tippets that look just as good.

Fur coat from Reiss

6. Avoid wearing a lightweight hat or fascinator that will more than likely end up blowing away. The shops are currently full of wide brim hats, fedoras, and cloches in an array of colours, these will be far more fitting, and may keep you that little bit warmer.

Hat from Oasis

Hat from Accessorize

7. Wear a pair of glamorous gloves. There’s plenty to choose from, but my favourite is a long leather pair like these.

Gloves from John Lewis

8. Try and buy something that you might be able to wear again. If you opt for separates, then think about splitting these up and teaming them with something else.

I’ve been meaning to write this for some time now.  It was suggested to me by one of my lovely clients who suffers from psoriases. when I met her a few months back, she was finding it so difficult to find outfits that not only gave her the coverage she wanted, but that also made her look and feel fabulous.  It was really starting to get her down.   I suffer from Eczema in the winter months, I get red flaky patches on my face, arms and legs and cannot wear ANYTHING with wool in it as this just makes everything worse.  If you've got sensitive skin it can be almost impossible to keep warm and look stylish.  But not completely.  I’ve picked up a few tips over the years and have learnt a lot through shopping for my clients. 

Layering is crucial. Invest in a good selection of cotton tops in a variety of sleeve lengths and necklines.  These will act as a barrier between you and the irritating fabrics that are in abundance over winter.  I find a lot of clients struggle with layering, and to be honest it can be hard to master.  The proportions need to be right, colours need to work together and it needs to flatter your shape.  My advice is keep the ‘base layer’ fairly simple, and if possible, a similar colour palette. For example, if you're wearing black jeans then team these with a black camisole and then start to layer on top. This avoids the different layers looking a mess, creates a column (so can be slimming) and will tie your outfit together. H&M, Hanro, American Apparel and Whistles are all great places to source your layers.

Layering top, Whistles

Invest in a good blouse.  They’re everywhere this season and despite what you might think, there is a style to suit every shape.  It might just be one of the most versatile items you invest in this season.  It can be dressed up for night, dressed down for day, and is perfect for work. Silk is lovely against the skin, it’s soft, loose and so comfortable which is the most important thing if you’ve got sensitive skin.  One of my favourite outfits at the moment, is a feminine silk blouse teamed with a really chunky knit cardigan, it enables me to wear wool without it irritating me.  For work, team a pretty blouse with a pair of wide leg trousers.  And for night try a sheer number over skinnies and towering heels.

Dressed up.  Blouse from Apricot. Image courtesy of PR Shots

Dressed up. Tuxedo shirt from Warehouse.

Everyday. Blouse from Mint Velvet. Image courtesy of PR Shots.

Perfect for work.  Blouse from Warehouse.

Try to avoid wearing red or pink.  If your skin is red and angry wearing red will only enhance this.  Instead, opt for blues, greens or purples.

Invest in cashmere, it’s much softer than wool and doesn’t irritate as much.  Trust me, this isn’t just an excuse to indulge, it really doesn’t irritate as much.  Cashmere doesn’t cost the earth anymore either, try H&M and Topshop for  a less expensive selection.   Some cashmere is even suitable for machine washing!

Wrap up in scarves.  When you can’t wear wool it can be so hard to keep warm, so it's worth having a great selection of scarves to wrap up in.  If you're struggling to find non-wool ones then try doubling up some of your cotton scarves to make them warmer.

Star scarf Oasis, Pasley scarf, TK Maxx

Skull scarf Miss Selfridge, Floral scarf H&M

This huge blanket scarf from Urban Outfitters was such a great buy; it’s so cosy and can be worn umpteen different ways. I bought this last year, but there are some great ones in again this season, see here

Well, this is the final instalment of a three part feature that I pulled together for Andrew Jackson and his Viva Boudoir photography package. In the other two posts I talked about the importance of wearing the right underwear, and about how understanding your body shape and its proportions will help you make informed decisions about which underwear is going to be best for you.

Now I want to take this a step further and arm you with the information to go out there and choose underwear that will not only give you the support you need, but be flattering too.

For this you not only need to take into consideration your body shape, but also your bust shape. Everyone’s breasts are different in shape; some are closer together and some are fuller, so it’s really important that you choose the right shape bra to give you the best support and shape.

Bust shape

Full or heavy breasts that are full above and below the nipple.
Opt for a full cup, plunge or soft cup.  The key is to avoid styles that dig into the breasts and creating bulging.

Long/shallow breasts that are shallower on the top and fuller from the nipple down.
A full cup or firm balcony style will prevent wrinkling at the top of the cup due to it not being filled.

Body shape

Neat column shape with a small bust
Opt for styles that will add curves and softness to your shape.

Bra set Floozie by Frost French at Debenhams

Curvaceous hourglass shape with good sized bust
Opt for styles that enhance your fabulous curves and highlight your waist.

Ann Summers Ava bra and high-waisted brief

Broad apple shape with fab legs and good bust
Choose styles that enhance your waist and broaden your hips.

John Lewis Phoebe Lingerie

Pear shape with a tiny waist and small bust
Choose styles that highlight your waist and make your hips look narrower.

Presence longline bra Marks and Spencer

Accessories and enhancers

Don’t forget, there are plenty of bra accessories and breast enhancers that will help you to create the perfect fit and shape.

Accessories from Marks and spencer

Image thanks to Ambro. FreeDigital Photos.net

I’m sure you’ve heard the statistics: “around eighty percent of women are wearing the wrong size bra”, but how important is this?  Well, if you’re wearing the wrong bra you’ll not only get terrible back ache and appalling posture but you’ll not be making the most of your figure either.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lifted a clients bra straps to reveal a waist that’s been hiding for years!  Wearing the right underwear will not only be more comfortable but can make you look slimmer too.

So are you in the right bra?  How can you tell? 

• Do the cups of your bra ride up when you reach up?

• Do your bra straps constantly fall down?

• Does the strap across your back ride up?

• Does your bust bulge out of the cup?

• Does you bust fill the cup properly?

If any of the above sound familiar, then you’re not wearing the right size.  My advice is to get yourself booked into John Lewis or House of Fraser for a bra fit. Once you know what size bra you need you can start to think about which styles will work best for you but I’ll talk more about that in part 3!

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

This is one of those love it or hate it trends.  But if you hated it last season, then you might find yourself warming to it this autumn, as this time round it’s grown up into something much more wearable and versatile.  The fringing from summer is still hanging around, so if you loved it like I did, then you’ll still find plenty of bags overloaded with it.  However, the fringed skirts and tops have all but gone and in their place are the far more conventional tassels, dangling from necklines, shoes, bags and belts. 

Moderation is the key to getting this look right.  Don’t be tempted to wear too many fringed items at once and make sure you keep the rest of your outfit simple.  It’s a trend that can be worked into your everyday wardrobe, if you’re careful and choose items that suit your own style.

This bag laden with fringes is perfect for my everyday style.  I wanted the bag to blend in with my outfit in a rock chick kinda way, so I’ve teamed it with my black skinnies, silk top, leather jacket and animal print pointies.

Bag – Topshop, £75 Silk top – Topshop, £35 Black jeans – Oasis, £48 Animal print shoes – Oasis, £40 Leather jacket – years old! Ring – House of Harlow, £45

 For work, I like things to be a little more polished.  I’ve accessorised these tailored trousers and blouse with a tassel necklace and pair of statement tasselled,shoes.  They nod to the trend, but keep the look clean and simple.

Blouse – Monsoon Fusion, £48 Trousers – Zara, £29 Belt – Came with trousers Shoes – River Island, £60 Necklace - Topshop, £12.50

This trend isn’t the preserve of festival goers; it really can be worked into your everyday wardrobe. But don’t forget, moderation is key, and less is more!

See my full column in this months Folio magazine.

Pippa Middleton is turning into a bit of a style Icon.  A week doesn’t go by without seeing her in the celeb magazines.  And what about those shopping frenzies that follow? They have the power to bring a website crashing down!

I should probably come clean at this point, and confess to not being much of a fan of Pippa’s look, she has a very ‘classic ‘look for someone in their twenties – I prefer something a bit more edgy. However, writing this column has somewhat altered my opinion of her. It’s all too easy to be ‘in fashion’ and even easier to look terrible in the process.  Being stylish is much harder; it takes a degree of confidence and an ability to understand your shape and how to dress to suit it best.  Pippa may not be at the forefront of the fashion scene, but she’s absolutely got style.

I might even go as far as saying she’s a style icon for the modern day stylista, not only is she photographed wearing items again and again, but she shops on the high-street, most recently at Zara, French Connection and Whistles.  She invests in classic pieces, building up a collection of clothes that work hard to earn their place in her wardrobe.  She re-works outfits to create numerous looks that unlike some of the regularly papped celebrities, are relatively easy to recreate. 

So while I still might not be a huge fan of Pippa’s look (I still think it’s a little old for her) she knows how to build a great wardrobe and develop a style that’s not a slave to fashion, and that’s something to be commended.  So if you fancy working Miss Middleton’s style, then these pieces certainly wouldn’t look out of place in her wardrobe.

Handbag Pied A Terre at House of Fraser £225

Leopard print wrap dress from Florence and Fred at Tesco £16

Ballerina’s from Dune £55

Boyfriend jacket from Mint Velvet £99

This comes from my  column in Folio magazine's September issue

I met Charley at Melanie Giles’s hair salon in Bath, she was so enthusiastic and passionate about what she does and, so good at it, that I thought we just had to try and work together.  Since then, we’ve been scheming and have some great things in the pipe lines...watch this space!

 Make-up artistry has always been Charley’s passion as she watched her mother, former head of make-up at Glyndebourne Opera House work backstage. The creativity and buzz of her mother’s job fascinated her.

Charley went on to train at The Glauca Rossi School of Make-up in London followed by The London College of Fashion which giving her the skills and confidence to work in the Fashion Industry.  She then went on to work on magazines such as Good House Keeping, Red and Grazia building a reputation for creating fresh and modern looks.
One of her regular clients is DUO boot’s which has taken Charley to the South of France, Spain and most recently Norway to create fashionable make-up looks for their advertising campaigns.

When she is not shooting her focus is on Bridal and Teaching women how to apply their own make-up.

Charley’s philosophy is that make-up is fun and creative. After all if you make a mistake with make-up you can amend it, if you buy the wrong shade of lipstick you can mix it with another to make it work. This enjoyment of make-up is something that Charley encourages with every one of her clients.
Me: I love styling myself and putting different outfits together but my make-up tends to be an afterthought.  What advice would you have to encourage me to try and be more experimental with my makeup?

Charley: It’s so easy for women to get into a routine with their make-up. It’s becomes like skincare, cleanse, tone, moisturise and go. I suggest that when you look at your wardrobe for a revamp, get your make-up bag and all of your make-up dotted around the house and review this too. Ask yourself some questions: Do I use this? Does it suit me? And more importantly, how long have I had this? Piece by piece detox your make-up bag. Take a picture of yourself without your make-up on. Do your make-up as you usually would from your newly detoxed make-up bag and take another picture, outside in broad daylight. Now compare the pictures. Be honest, what is really working for you and what isn’t. Is your foundation making you skin look enlivened and fresh? If not, get rid of it. Just like I imagine the wrong underwear kills a great outfit, the wrong foundation can let all your make-up down. Once you’ve whittled you make-up down to few bit’s (if any) you think really work for you have a play, and learn the techniques that suite you. The great thing about make-up is you can take it off! So just have fun with it! Soon you’ll know what suites you and have the room and new found confidence to be more experimental.

Me: I have my favourite make-up ‘staples’ – my Bobbi Brown bronzer and my eyelash curlers.  What are yours, and what should every woman have in their make-up bag?

Charley: Oh, this is a tough one. Well, for me my make-up ‘staples’ are changing all of the time but at the moment again another Bobbi Brown number with her Shimmer brick in ‘Bronze’. I use this on my cheekbones for a highlight, my eye lids, dellocatage and pretty much anywhere I want that post holiday ‘glow’. I am never without Vaseline, I mix it with lipstick to custom make my own tinted lip balm, I smudge it over eye liner for a wet look smokey eye for gig-going, cheekbones for a bit of a glow, it is a multi use product I am never without.

A couple of staples I believe would be universally useful in a woman’s make-up bag would be a liquid highlighter and a multi use lip and cheek colour. My favourites and staples in my professional kit are NARS Illuminator in ‘Super Orgasm’. This is a product once added to high points of the face or mixed with foundation adds a pretty glow to lack lustre skin, perfect after a late night.

My second one would be Stilla’s Convertible Colour for lips and cheeks. This is the perfect product to reach for when you’re pushed for time but is also a great one for day to day. All you need is tinted moisturiser, Black mascara and this product on lips and cheeks and you’re ready out the door looking fresh and fabulous in no more than five minutes.

Me: I’ve recently come back from holiday where I found it too hot for my normal makeup routine...my make-up slid right off and didn’t match my skin tone once I’d tanned.  What do you recommend for those of us off to hotter climes this year?

Basically you want to avoid products with a powder or creamy texture as they will sweat off. Look for waxy, non greasy and preferably water resistant products. With your base skip foundation all together and just use concealer. I recommend Laura Merciers Secret camouflage. This product is waxy in texture so very long lasting in hotter climates. You also mix it yourself to suit your skin tone so perfect for holidays. Use it to even out your skin tone and that’s your skin done. For eyes skip eye shadow because it will just slide off. Instead use a wax based waterproof liner, I love MAC’s, and lashings of waterproof mascara my favourite being Maxfactors false lash effect waterproof formula. Finish the look with a lip and cheek stain. I am never without Becca’s Beach Tint for a water resistant pop of colour that is designed to withstand the demands of the beach.

Me: My make-up is normally quite natural looking but on my wedding day I wanted my look to be stronger without feeling like I was looking at someone else in the mirror. I must admit, this was hard to achieve...I probably needed someone like you there on the day!  What’s the most important advice you can give to any bride to be, when they’re deciding on their make-up for the big day? 

Charley: Although it sounds cliché the most important thing is to be yourself. Weddings give women strange ideas for their make-up because the pressure is laid on thick to impress. Some brides sit in front of me and say “I want really smokey eyes” or “I want red lips!” when the most they wear day to day is sunscreen, mascara and lip gloss! I know you want to impress the numbers on your wedding day but believe me if you go too far out of your comfort zone you will feel uncomfortable.
Wedding make-up for me is all about making the skin look amazing and then I work on the rest depending on the brides style and the style of their dress. When choosing idea’s for your wedding make-up by all means experiment. For example if your dress has a 1950’s style to it look at going for a Red Lipstick, stain or a Liquid line but try it first. See if you like it, see how people react, take photographs! Don’t just jump in head first, have a play, look through magazines so when you sit down with your make-up artist you have a really good idea of what you want.

Me: Do you have a style icon that influences your own style?
Charley: It’s a bit of a cliché but, Kate Moss. I love the simplicity of her style she oozes off duty model with everything she wears and it looks like her second skin, so comfortable yet stylish, and that is the style I go for with my make-up as well.
Me: Where do you get your inspiration from when you’re working with your clients?

Charley: It depends on the job. If I’m shooting it will be pictures from backstage at fashion shows, prints, textures and colours. If it’s Bridal or my Lessons my inspiration comes from the client sitting in front of me. Every time a woman sits in my make-up chair she tells me everything she hates about herself and usually those things are the first things I actually really like about them. I look at their great features, who they are the way they dress and turn that into a look that works for them.

Me: When I’m helping clients to build their perfect wardrobe, I stress the importance of investing in staple pieces – items of clothing that they’re going to wear again and again.  In your opinion, are there any items of make-up that are well worth investing a little more in?  And what can you get away with spending less on?

Charley: First investment, your skin. Take care of it, watch it and give it what it needs. This is less about skin care products and more about your health.  You need to spend money on your base products more than anything because if you get that wrong it lets the whole look down. I find the one product that women are spending the most on, they should be spending the least amount of money on, and that’s mascara. You should change it every 3 months so it makes sense to spend less and the best mascaras I have used are high street brands my favourites being Maxfactors False Lash Effect and Mabylines Great Lash.

Me: The most common mistake I come across when I’m working is women buying an item of clothing because it looked great on their friend.  In your opinion, what’s the most common mistake women make when choosing make-up, and how can it be avoided?

That’s actually quite a common mistake with make-up as well. A woman will buy a lipstick because it looked great on their friend when it’s completely the wrong shade for her.  The most common mistake is too many women settle for products that don’t work well enough for them. Part of my make-up lesson is to go through my clients make-up bag with them. Time and time again they will have a product which is the wrong colour or formula for them and when I ask them if they like it “it’s okay” is the response. If it doesn’t work for you, don’t use it. If it’s not exactly right for you, don’t buy it. When I buy an item of clothing I have to absolutely love it and it has to fit like a dream the same goes for my make-up.
Me: Shopping for clothes and styling is second nature to me, but shopping for make-up is another matter entirely!  The huge choice is so overwhelming and a little confusing that I never step outside my comfort zone.  What advice can you give to others like me who want to experiment a little more?

Charley: I do a lot of my make-up shopping both for myself and my professional kit, online. It takes away the pressure. You can also narrow it down to product, brand, and colour, whatever you are looking for and then you can check it out online for reviews before you buy it. The only things you never shop online for are Base products.
Look for make-up styles you would like to try from a celebrity look, in a magazine, or in a film that you think may suit you. Get a few bit’s online to re-create the look, look up how to do it maybe even try an online tutorial and just give it a go. Make-up is fun, it’s creative and most importantly it comes off so go ahead and experiment.

Me: I love the trend for 50’s style make-up – the strong cat eye style liner as modelled by Lilly Allen on the front cover of Elle magazine this month.  Is this easy to do and can anyone carry it off?

Charley: The great thing about this look is yes, it can be adjusted to suit everybody. However it does take practice to get it right. My recommendation is to go for a Gel liner like MAC’s “Black Track” for a strong look or “Dip Down” an Expresso brown for softer take on the look.  If you are working on more of a budget try Maybellines new Gel Liner, although it only comes in black it’s great quality and the brush is fabulous! Try using a more precise brush like Bobbi Browns ultra fine eye liner brush or you may work better with an angled brush such as MAC’s 266 Small angle.

First look straight ahead in the mirror and draw on the outer flicks. The Flick should start from the outer corner of your eye and be in line with the end point of your eye brow in angle. The flicks length should be no longer than the halfway point between the outer corner of your eye and the end point of your eyebrow. Once you have got the flicks even on both sides complete line from the inner corner of your eye along the lash line to the end of the flick.  The thickness of the line depends on how much lid space you have to work with. If you have a larger lid space you can play around with the thickness if you haven’t keep it skinny enough so you can see equal amounts of lid and liner.

Me: I tend to stay loyal to one make-up brand, is this a good idea, or is it better to mix things up a little?
Charley B: It’s nice to see the same brand in your make-up bag because it all goes together and you feel you can trust the brand. However, different brands will be better for different things and you are seriously missing out if you don’t look elsewhere. Also you could be really over spending on something you could find to be better on the high street.
However if something really works for you, stick to it because it is hard to find products like that. But if something could be better but you keep re-purchasing because it’s a brand you trust you need to get out there and play the field a bit because something fabulous and possibly cheaper could be waiting for you.

Well, I’m all inspired to go and experiment with my make-up and I’m sure you are too!
For more make-up tips or booking enquiries you can contact Charley via e-mail  charleybrunskill@aol.com

Charley on shoot in Norway.

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