Shop Smart in the Sales

We all love a bargain, but don't let the slashed prices cloud your style judgment.  It is very easy to fall into the "buy it because it's cheaper" trap for everything you see.  Discounted pieces that you will rarely or never wear can still be a fairly costly mistake.   Ideally, you want to do some research beforehand.  Look at what your wardrobe is missing and try to go with an idea of what you need rather than a scattergun approach.   Obviously, there may be that unexpected item that catches your eye, but make sure it attracts you for the right reason.

Beware of... Hanger appeal Just because it looks gorgeous on the hanger, it doesn't mean it will look as good on you. Try it on! What condition the item is in Is it discounted because the fabric is damaged or the zip needs replacing?  You don't want to spend money having it mended. Fashion prints Will you wear it in two months time, let alone next autumn/winter? Colours that you know don't work for you When you know, you know.  Yes you would love to be able to wear fuchsia pink and it is such a gorgeous top, but every time you try on that colour you look dreadful in it. Put the item down!    Styles that aren't 'you'  Sometimes we are attracted to clothes for reasons we can't seem to explain.   You never wear chiffon but this chiffon blouse is calling to you. And it is discounted. That's not to say you can't experiment and step out of your comfort zone now and again, but ask yourself "Is it really you?". If you don't feel 'you' in it, you will never wear it. All that glitters Leftovers from party wear collections.  It is always useful to invest in some party outfits and even better at discount. Just be sure that you genuinely like the style and that it's a good look on you, don't buy it simply because it's a cheap(er) party dress.       Of course, all sale items can be returned and if you are taken with something but can't decide (even after going through all the tips above!) then you might be better trying it on at home at your leisure away from the packed sales racks.  Winter sales pieces to look out for Coats Always a good investment. Make sure the cut works with your body shape and  stick with styles that are fairly timeless like the trench, parka and Crombie.   Don't be afraid to buy a coat in a colour rather than the default black, grey or navy.  Choose a colour you know you look good in that will work with most of your wardrobe. WorkwearSmart jackets, trousers and skirts are not the most exciting buys, all the more reason to get them at discount.   You still need to make sure they are suitable for your work place and look good on you.  Boots Winter can be fairly long in the UK so our boots get plenty of wear.  It is useful to have some casual and smart pairs but boots aren't cheap, so take advantage of the sales.   Evening shoes If you are one of those (us!) who struggles to find the right shoes at a reasonable price when the party season comes round, now is the time to invest in a bargain pair. HandbagsAs many a woman has said, you can never have enough handbags! So, picking up an extra one (or two) at a good price is always worth it.  Make sure it is the right size for YOUR size and proportions. If you are a petite figure you don't want an enormous bag to swamp you. Accessories are a great way to bring colour into your outfits so you can have some fun with handbags in different shades Still not sure what styles or colours really work for you?   Make 2015 the year you find your unique style.  Book now and start your journey to finding your personal style. clare@looksmagic.biz 07877 654543

New Cosmetics - Colour Me Beautiful

Looks Magic introduces an exciting new addition to the Colour Me Beautiful make-up range and, number 1 best-selling product from Color Me Beautiful, America, our foundation primer is perfect for every day use as well as special occasion make-up.

 
Also, Hoorah for SIX NEW LIPSTICK shades : Mango Punch, Sueded Rose, Plumberry, Glam, Mocha Berry and Red Carpet and the NEW edition of the famous Colour Me Beautiful book, with even more tips and advice to ensure you look good on the outside and feel good on the inside.

Contact me if you would like any information about these products or would like to order them.

email: clare@looksmagic.biz 

or go direct to www.colourmebeautiful.weebly.com to order on-line

Clare Greenwood is the Colour Me Beautiful Image consultant in Cornwall and Devon and trained as Colour Me Beautiful South West consultant. Feel free to contact her if you are interested in her colour and styling consultations.

Getting to Know YOU!

Getting to know you is all about understanding what it is that you have which is unique. We all follow certain patterns, but, at the end of the day we come together in our own way, so don't try to emulate...create!

Understanding Colour
Colour works like magic and gives you an instant boost, which can make you look younger and certainly makes you feel more vibrant - so that's your first step! Love yourself by choosing only those shades which love you back, it's a perfect relationship! Those nearest your face are most important as they quickly reflect on you, so that's your focus!

Love your Body! 
Caress those lines and curves with styles that match and embrace you. Too many women are scared of every lump and bump and end up hiding all their assets. You can critique yourself without being critical! Do you love it, do you wear it, do you get compliments in it? Do you feel comfortable or twitchy? Or, have you simply forgotten what it feels like to feel great!

Don't waste your time by not feeling fabulous... every day is worthwhile, not just those special occasions! Even your doggie walking gear and gardening stuff can be flattering...your old clothes should still be ones which you once worn as "best"!

You do not need to spend loads of money. Charity shops are a worthy source of unloved items which could just fill that gap perfectly! If you have some treasured clothes that you think are really very old now, just re-label them as "vintage" and wear with pride! It is not all about new or fashion..it is about you and feeling good. Anything that you didn't like when you bought it...why?? Well, those should certainly head to the nearest source for recycling.

So, while the weather is dreary and unrelenting, take some time in and go through your wardrobe. Sort into your three piles - love it, doubtful and what was I thinking. The "love its" can be fixed up and placed reverently back into your wardrobe, either in colour order or garment order, I can never work out which I prefer! The "doubt its" may be simply that someone else has given you bad feedback, but you love it. Really think about what merits it has for YOU! If in doubt, leave it out. The bad mistakes are only filling your wardrobe and creating negative karma. But, before you relinquish them, take a fresh look at why they got there in the first place.

Was it a cast-off? These can be great, but not if you are just lending wardrobe space to someone else's mistakes! Were you shopping with the wrong friend? Perhaps she loved it because it would have suited her. Did you have that niggle of doubt before you even paid for it? Did you buy it in the sale thinking it was a bargain? Next time you may be better to buy something at full price which is of true value.

Work on all the bits you love and play down the others. Dressing well is all a game of balance, disguise and adding the touch of magic.

Dabble with fashion but be its mistress, play with it, tease it but don't be led too far astray! You may have been a Quant girl of the '60's, a Laura Ashley fan of the '70's, a Dallas fan of the '80's...perhaps you can still play with an element of that look which suited you then?

You don't need to choose one look, your lifestyle and personality can stretch across many trends, you simply need to be comfortable about expressing what you feel.

Style is...what is style? There is no answer! That is the beauty, the challenge and the fun, but you will know it when you find it!

Enjoy the magic!

Vivien Westwood knows all about style, colour and confidence!!

www.looksmagic.biz

Keeping Your Cool

Keeping your ‘cool’ at work can be a challenge during these hot and muggy spells, but you still need to be aware of the impression you create. While the South West is blessed with the opportunity to dress down a bit, be careful not to look like everyday is POETS* day!

So check out this list of potential no no’s!

Don’t forget that too much flesh on show is never appropriate in the business world, medical or teaching professions. Forget what you have been told, a cover-up job is now essential! It’s a sheer waste but you now need to layer up those lightweight fabrics! Strapless is a definite no-no and, generally, a short sleeve rather than no sleeve will ensure propriety.

Legs should be kept under wraps, so slightly above the knee is as far as any skirt should be allowed to creep and the flabbier or more abundant the flesh is, the more it needs to be harnessed! While young flesh is more sightly, it can still be quite distracting! Getting cheeky with clients or colleagues will not be tolerated. While underwear these days is both attractive and practical, the name defines where and how it should be worn. Any flesh that decides it has it’s own get out clause, should be firmly dealt with, extra fabric, fastenings and layers called in as reinforcements.

Flip flops tend to be a call to your bodyboard rather than the boardroom and too obvious a fake tan could look like you are faking it until you make it and spending your time downing the shots rather than calling the shots.

Jangly jewellery will ensure that fellow workers lose their cool so keep it simple and eyecatching not noisy. And finally, hosiery! The given rule is to wear at all times, but I take a more lenient approach! As long as your legs have a bit of colour and it is not immediately obvious that they are bare, then you may just get away without!

Enjoy the sun while it shines!

*Poets - piss off early tomorrow’s Saturday!

The perfect sunless addition to your cosmetic list

www.arbonneinternational.co.uk ID 441090402

Get the "F" Factor

In the many years that I have been an Image Consultant, I have enjoyed the privilege of browsing through many women's wardbrobes. As well as discovering what the thought process has been behind some fabulous purchases and some overwhelming disasters, there has been some consistency.

As an abiding rule, despite many attempts to revolt and express “ourselves” we have been inspired or held back by our mothers and close friends/partners and, secondly, no matter what our budget, we simply love to bag a bargain!

My “bargain-hunters” are just as likely to enjoy a hefty bank balance as they are to be restricted to a stringent allowance. The beauty is that looking great need never depend on how much you paid. How often have you received compliments in an outfit that you bought for peanuts in the sales or on ebay and felt smug that it didn’t even cost a fortune. Charity shop finds have become the latest in true fashionista shopping and refashioning items is an upcoming trend.

The joy of shopping successfully is all down to knowing how to wear clothes that suit you and suit their purpose. Whilst I appreciate that well tailored clothes in sumptuous fabrics with design and detail will dazzle and and delight, the “D” factor can easily be diminished by the powerful “F” factor.

The Frugal Fashionista is finding her place by securing fabulous pieces that still fit, flatter, feel great, function and add fun. So remember ladies, it is not about what you spend, it is about what you buy! A bargain is only ever a bargain if you would have loved it at full price and every purchase must have a place in your heart before it is worthy of a place in your wardrobe, whether it cost five hundred or a fiver!

Clare can show you how to identify the gaps in your wardrobe or create them if you need to declutter! Contact her at www.looksmagic.biz or clare@looksmagic.biz

Photo taken at a recent event at Phase Eight, Truro.

 

Come to the Grand Launch of Princes House Cornwall...my exciting new location!

Princes House, the Grade II listed Georgian townhouse on Princes Street, Truro is currently being renovated in time for a grand launch event on Thursday 7th February, just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Princes House Cornwall will be host to the best Bridal and Image Services in the South West and that includes "Looks Magic", my image and colour services. The building is being transformed to bring out its character and beauty, and that’s exactly what we’re aiming to deliver for every bride; the real red carpet treatment. For anyone planning a wedding, Princes House Cornwall is THE place to start.

Of course, all my normal Image Services will also still be available! We're giving away some exclusive prizes at the launch, including a makeover, photoshoot,and vouchers so make sure you book your place to be in with a chance to win.

The launch is open to members of the public from 6pm on Thursday 7th February.

To book places phone 0844 272 0338 or email princeshousecornwall@gmail.com or let me know at clare@looksmagic.biz