Need a Party idea? Thow a Style Party

Why not get a group of friends together for the ultimate Girls Night In - a Style Party experience with Min and imaginestyle

All you need to do is decide on a Style Party theme, arrange some refreshments and most importantly, do the inviting. Leave the rest to me. I will make sure that you all have a fun and inspiring evening learning and sharing the art of looking great.

• Some suggested Style Party themes:
• Learn how to dress for your body shape
• What colour am I? Mini colour analysis for everyone
• Understanding your wardrobe personality
• Be a shopping vixen, not a shopping victim - how to avoid shopping mistakes
• Re-invent outfits with the art of accessorising and wardrobe capsules

Or call Min to tailor an evening just for you and your friends

For a hen night, birthday treat, or just to have some fun with friends, a Style Party can be just the thing!
To book, call Min on 07973 634392 or email min@imaginestyle.com.
A Style Party costs £96 for 3 hours for up to 6 friends, including a gift for the lucky hostess.

Book early for fab Christmas idea!

Boat Show Chic at Ladies Day

There are those amongst us that organise their social diaries down to the last minute and probably had Ladies Day at the Southampton Boat Show planned for months. We, on the other hand, made the firm decision to go only a few days prior which may have been more to do with watching what the weather had planned...the thought of tottering on heels in the wind and rain really didn't appeal.
Personally, I've been wanting to go to a 'Ladies Day' at something for a while now but so far had never made it to Ascot or Epsom so this was going to be my first. And let's face it, there's nothing like an event completely focused on ladies that brings out the best in us, as well as our best outfits and proves the point that we just love dressing up. And don't be silly, it has nothing to do with the lure of champagne.
So although I opted out of wearing a hat, mainly because I couldn't get the darn flower thing to stay in my hair, I was curious to see what us South Coast ladies would be wearing to this prestigious event (well...Princess Anne was going to be there). I decided to take the camera along, introduce myself and snap away. These are are the pictures so do enjoy if you were there and a huge thanks to Anna Matthews and Sheryl Andrews and the lovely ladies who didn't mind me disturbing their champagne for a pose!

Off with the flip flops and on with the heels!
It did take us a while to find the Champagne Bar (I know you'd think we'd be able to sniff it out) and we were left a bit bemused when we were directed to the Ladies Loo but we did make it to claim our glass of bubbly - yum!




It was all happening even a bit of filming for the Boat Show which starred Angie Tidbury and Lou Jones looking gorgeous.



Found a great view for a bit of 'Lady Spotting' and spotted a hat - yay!



We weren't the only ladies 'working', Sonya Gibbs and Alison Parsley were collecting money in style for action medical research - a charity dedicated to improving the health of babies and children. We spotted them again later enjoying their well deserved bottle of champers!

More ladies looking fab in colour and all posing rather well!




A bit of effortless style I think - spotted the animal print bag and shoes - got my vote for the on-trend accessories for the day!









Well I have to say, we quite enjoyed our little expedition to Ladies Day and yes it did help that the sun shone brightly so we didn't look too silly wearing our sunglasses and pretty dresses. There was a prize for the Best Dressed Lady courtesy of the Daily Echo but unfortunately we couldn't stay for the duration, although did meet the Daily Echo photographer, Paul Collins, very nice man who does a spot of painting on the side. Congratulations to Angie Jones, who won.

We'll be back for next years event...and look forward to it.

Autumn/Winter 09 Fashion Trends For Her

We’re still in the grip of a recession with some forecasts telling us not to fret as we’re coming out of it and others claiming more doom and gloom. But fashion is not to be kept at bay...it just responds accordingly. So as with last season and much to my joy the general ethos is still in investment buying and looking for pieces that you will wear and wear again...and wear again, you get the idea.
To sum up, for the fashion aware, look for well defined shoulder lines and detailing, coats as your investment buy, animal prints, flat brogues, over the knee boots, belts. Also note the use of velvet and the expected sequins and furs. So we've done our research and here are our 10 Key Fashion Trends:

(1) The Killer Shoulders
With some of the shoulder designs coming off the catwalks they could just kill someone...or at least have their out. The 80‘s are further making a comeback with a lot of attention being paid to shoulders and ladies, we’re not just talking shoulder pads. The shoulder line has widened and there are variations from full-on puffs to structured sleeves. Look for pointed, polished silhouette definition, shoulder padding and fussy and over embellishment.
The celebrities are all donning them and while treading that sometimes fine line of style genius and comedy - anything goes!
Min says:
Shoulder emphasis adds width so bear this in mind when dressing for your body shape and scale. If you're short, stick to smaller shoulders to avoid a stocky look. Keep with a look that defines the waist and avoid if your arms are overly large - they will just look bigger.

We like: Embellished Biker Jacket - Top Shop £150, Printed Puff Sleeve Dress - Lipsy £55, Rapture Shoulder Dress - Oasis £70

(2) The Asymmeric cut & tea dresses
We had the asymmetric dress of the summer which continues with the winter version of baring one shoulder. Choose from a relaxed option for the day or a glammed up look for the evening.

We love: Rose Corsage Dress - Karen Millen £180, Starlight One Shoulder Dress - Top Shop £50, Flower Print One Shoulder Dress - Mango £75

(3) Slimmer trouser lines
Yes they're still here from Summer but more structured now in winter materials. Look for flat or peg top trousers with a narrow leg and a shorted hem, typically worn with pumps.
Min says:
If you have a longer 'peg' style pair of trousers then why not just pin them up for the shorter length. If you're wider around the middle then avoid the baggy trouser look - stick to flat fronted. Bare in mind your body proportions so the narrower and shorter length will cut you off if you have short legs. Balance with a wider top silhouette.

We like: Taupe Twill Harem - £25, Grey Pleat Crops - £25 both Dorothy Perkins




(4) Tulips, draped and pleated shapes
There are a versatile set of skirt and dress shapes to suit any body shape and personal style from creating volume and draping to slim and pleated classic cuts.

We like: Grey Hitched Skirt - Rocha John Rocha for Debenhams £40, Bow Tuilp Dress - TopShop £50, Black Ruffle Front Skirt - Star by Julien McDonald for Debenhams £40

(5) The Androgynous Look
Not for everyone but you can't avoid the trend for the Boyfriend blazer and cardigans, distressed and even ripped jeans (shock, horror...they're back!). The 'manly' military look is still in - inspired from Michael Jackson. A fabulously cheap chic option if you have a man in your life where you can raid his wardrobe, if not, here are some options.

We like: Pleat Placket Longline Cardigan - £30, Braided Military Jacket - £55, Helene Berman Long Boyfriend Blazer - £95 all from ASOS

(6) Investment Buy - Statement Coat
If you haven’t done it yet, consider a statement coat as your staple buy.  The trick here is to know the length and style that will suit your body shape. Keep with a coat that really does do the job of keeping you warm, allows for movement and feels comfortable. Your 'statement coat' has to be seen as an investment and so remember to consider the cost per wear. Good value may mean spending a bit more but if it's an item you will happily pull out and wear Season after Season, then it will pay itself back.

(7) Oooh love those shoes!
For the slim of leg amongst us the 'over the knee boot' is for you, flat or heeled. Lovely lace up ankle boots in the seasons colours and look out for the flattest of flat brogues competing for centre stage with spiky heels. You'll see a variety of materials and textures from animal prints to roses, ribbon and lace.

We love: Black Tassell Stud Boot - Wallis £60, ASTRIDE Lace Up Ankle Boot - Top Shop £85, DUFFY Suede Over The Knee Boot - Top Shop £85, Sir - Dune £75

8 - Layered knits
The season for layering - in addition to chunky cable knits to wrap up warm, look for fine knits that drape and give an air of luxury.

9 - Leather Mania, Velvet Chic, Houndstooth, Tweeds and More
Rock chic, heavy metal and a bit of punk, that would sum up some of the materials for the season. Add to that zips, studs and buckles and you have it - see them being used unusually on just about everything from clothing to accessories.

Animal prints are back - in true 80's style, they're back in a variety of bright colours and if it suits your wardrobe style, wear them clashing!
We like: Animal Print Dress - Warehouse £60

Dog/houndstooth (remember them!) and tweeds. The influence of Chanel isn't over and you'll see modern updates to these classic looks from full length to cropped styles. We like: Halsey Coat - Hobbs £229


An exciting come back is the use of velvet - it's fantastic for the feeling of luxury and elegance. I can't wait to see more of it in the stores for dresses to jackets. Talking of jackets - don't forget faux fur and if you don't have a gilet - good time to get one.

(10) Accessorise with chic updates
My favourite section so here are my accessory update tips:
- Bags - Keep them smaller, clutch like, more vintage with the influence again of the Chanel braided handles. Bags take on all the colour and materal trends of the season - a good time to have a look at what you have at the back of the wardrobe and certainly permission to rummage the charity stores or TKMAXX is always good fun!
- Opaque coloured tights - fab for dressing down a formal outfit or brightening one up
- Belts - Wear your belts Mobama style which is over your coat or cardigan. Another cost effective way to bring outfits together and introduce a seasons colour. If you're larger around the waist, usually belts are not for you - use another accessory to achieve the same effect.
- Jewellery - Invest in the use of ribbon and appliques in necklaces and look for oversized metal necklaces with clashing colours of the season.
- Flowers - Love this trend as it's a favourite of mine already. You'll see flowers of all descriptions on anything from corsages, necklaces, hair-pieces to show and dress decoration. This can be another cheap way of updating of not only an outfit but another accessory - try pinning on your bag.

We hope you've enjoyed reading the Seasons update and if you're left wondering where to start. Why not invest in a Personal Shopping session with Min from imaginestyle (www.imaginestyle.com) and ensure you shop not only for the Autumn/Winter but for your personal colouring, style and body shape. What are you waiting for?

This Seasons Colours

We’re just loving the colours being bought out this season as they're certainly a break from the the usual autumnal range that we see this time of year. Great for my profession and the fashion conscious as they'll be something for all colour tones from the Deep & Dusky through to Bright & Cool. So all you ladies that have your colour swatches at hand, take a look...you'll now know what suits and how to wear them. Look out for them (or as close to) in the stores!

What does Pantone say? Your Autumn/Winter '09 colour trends

American Beauty is a balanced true red - a nice feel good colour. Purple Heart, purple continues its regal reign as a key colour of refinement. Pair these together for a wow combination. The pantone Colour of the Year, Mimosa has a warmer, more subdued edge as move into Autumn with the warm Honey Yellow.

Added to the mix are some timeless neutrals. Look out for Iron as the new black...yes I know they keep changing the ‘new black’ but I rather like this one. Crème Brûlée, a grayed-down beige, and Nomad, which bridges the gap between beige and light gray. If you're natural colouring allows, you can combine these neutrals and look fab, otherwise combine with another hue to create contrast and interest.

Slightly different and a welcome addition is the feminine Rapture Rose to provide some vibrancy and spark - think dusky fuchsia and it certainly lifts the more traditional autumn/winter shades.

Also look out for Warm Olive, a rich yellow-green, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. One of my favourites this season is the Majolica Blue - it’s being described as a vibrant, deep, mysterious blue….oooh but that's so me.

Now the season wouldn't be complete without a usual suspect or two and for that we have the autumn sunset shade of Burnt Sienna to bring that orange touch. And as we move into the silly season of partying, they'll be an abundance of metallic tones of bronze, gold and silver sequins and shimmer on just about everything.

So have fun looking out for these colours around you and in the stores. And if you've still not had the treat of knowing what colours best flatter you, why not take away the confusion and hassle and book yourself an appointment with Min at imaginestyle (www.imaginestyle.com) or put it on your Christmas Style Wish List?

Take control back of your wardrobe space

Are you standing (or crouching) in front of your wardrobe not just thinking I have nothing to wear but...what on earth have I got in there?
A mixed up array of t-shirts, blouses, scarves all screaming for your attention every time you open the closet? Trousers, jackets and dresses, squashed and creased to the point where ironing them before they go into the great chasm was a pointless exercise?
In a time when we are all being that extra careful with our spend, it's even more important to know what you have, maximise on it and get back to enjoying the experience of getting dressed! It’s time to take control back of one of your major investments - your wardrobe.

And that starts with a de-clutter, here are my 5 top tips to get you started:

1. There’s no getting away from it, everything piece of clothing and accessory has to come out of your closet, not only to allow each item to be scrutinised and understand what you have but to allow you to see what space you have to organise...before anything goes back.
2. Be ruthless! Try each piece of clothing on in front of the mirror and get the recycling bags ready for anything that does not fit anymore or is uncomfortable (remember ladies - you can always save it for our next swish event). And this includes those items in there being saved for when you lose the weight.
   
3. Know the colours, shapes and styles that best suit you for your work and personal lifestyle and apply this knowledge - a must for a really honest wardrobe de-clutter.
4. Can it be revamped or updated? If you love a piece of clothing but know it’s not your best then if it can be salvaged using the tricks of accessorising, the haberdasery tool box or given a new lease of life with a sewing machine, it can have a ticket back into the wardrobe.
5. Does it need mending, if so...mend it or have it mended - still a less expensive option than buying new.

Note: I can't emphasise enough what a liberating experience this can be!

But before you even contemplate going shopping for those now identified wardrobe gaps, remember you have a bedroom full of clothes, accessories and shoes that need to go back in...so time to organise, organise, organise and get clever with some workable storage solutions - here are the basics with some ideas:

• While everything is out of your wardrobe, it's a good opportunity to give it a good clean!
  
• Spend a bit of time to evaluate the space you have versus the kinds of garments you have. While it's unlikely you can have a whole new wardrobe appropriate for your garments, there are many storage solutions to explore that means you can at least maximise on the space you have.
• Ensure there is sufficient hanging space for longer items like your dresses, jackets and coats, as well as shorter space for shirts, blouses and trousers.
• Ensure you have adequate shelving space for folded items such as jumpers and t-shirts. Become a folding expert, be strict with yourselves - it really is the only way not to introduce chaos! When the seasons change, there is no harm in rearranging items or storing the big woolly sweaters away.
  

• Invest in space saving and instant tidying storage solutions for your shoes (you'll wonder how you ever managed without see through shoe boxes).
• Try boot shapers for keeping boots not only tidy but upright as well.
  
• Invest in good quality wooden hangers. This does not have to be expensive and something you can build up over time but it's a must over metal hangers. Ikea and Tescos provide fantastic value and I love these pink wooden ones from www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk.
• Get clever with hanging space for accessories that you can see alongside with items in your wardrobe, for example for belts, hats, scarves and even jewellery. Even those clever stick on hooks from a DIY store can be cheap and easy way of hanging necklaces and scarves on the inside of your cupboard door. Failing that, opt for hanging shelves and good old Ikea is a good place to start.
  

• There are some simple and quite innovative options for managing drawer space that can help with keeping your smalls organised, avoid odd socks or even keep belts and scarves in check.
• Hanging sachets and drawer liners are a good anti-moth option. Try lavendar - I've read that while us humans love the aroma of fresh lavender, moths and ants don't (so no laughing if your grandmother still sprinkles lavender in the linen closet...she knows what she's doing).
  
• Finally make sure you leave some breathing space for new items!
  

It can be overwhelming trying to do this all on your own, which is exactly where imaginestyle can help. Not just for the being ruthless bit but to help you understand how to manage your wardrobe - from space management to what goes back in and why - giving you back control. Why not get in touch and get to grips with yours?

Can I wear leggings?

In my professional opinion....yes, if you feel it's 'you'. The trick is knowing which styles, colours (and lengths) to stick to and what to avoid and then how to wear it. With the Autumn 2009 fashion trends already emerging, leggings are still going to be around and while there'll be those out there that think they're the worst thing since the jumpsuit and ra-ra skirts, you won't be able to escape them.

If you've never worn leggings or dismissed them as not for you, consider some of their positives:

• Celebrate your femininity. Leggings are great for this when combined with dresses or tunics. They can be worn together as the perfect solution to our very changeable weather, rather than opting for the usual jeans or trousers. This is possibly the look you'll see the most and the one that can be adopted by most of us. It's a fun and versatile way of updating an outfit and keeping your dresses, tunics and shirts wearable just about all year round.
  
• Attention to your feet! The leggings look is great way of showing off a pedicure, heck, it can even be the excuse for having one! And depending on your own style, leggings look fab with pumps, high heels, fashionable sandals and ankle boots so an on-trend way of showing off your footwear.
• Instant trim. Leggings worn in the right way can be very flattering on the leg as they are made of thicker material than tights and so will hold you in better giving a trimmer, firmer look.
• Leggings are comfortable - I can sincerely, absolutely vouch for this.
• A more daring you? Depending on your own personal style, you can have fun with the colours, textures and styles that you introduce into your wardrobe and expressing yourself.
• I'm not showing my knees! I'm the perfect of example of this as I've worn my black leggings with a dress because (1) it's such a lovely hot day, I wanted to wear a dress but (2) needed to cover up some rather unsightly bruises I managed to acquire during a game of badminton (now the fact that I fell on my knees will give you an idea of how that game went...). So leggings can be just the right cover up solution whether hiding bruises (!) or for those who are more leg conscious.
• Day to night. Leggings can be very versatile in creating a comfortable look for the day and updated and accessorised (e.g. swap flip flops for heels) for a just as comfortable evening look.
  

So I'm a fan and feel that there is a ensemble that includes leggings for just about anyone at pretty much any age. Of course you have to like the look and your own 'wardrobe personalities' will have something to say about that (those that have had their Style Session will know what I am talking about). But you do have to know how to wear them and what to watch out, so here are ..... key things to give you the confidence to step out in leggings in style:

Which dress or tunic style? Consider your body shape in order to ensure the dress is the right fit and structure. Either way, avoid anything too clingy so as not to show up the lines of the leggings underneath. There are many styles to try from empire lines and fine knits to A-lines and shift dresses in a range of patterns and textures. If you're a shaped you can team with a belt and if a straight, the structured shift dress will be just right.
You will also need to understand your best length of dress which will take into account your own body proportions. If you're heavier on your thighs, stick to a dress length that hits your knee or just above or just below, otherwise go for mid-thigh.

**Style note** You will see leggings being worn with short tops...please steer clear of this! Leggings are not a substitution for trousers or jeans!!

What length of leggings? Notably there are 3: just below the knee, mid-calf and ankle. The ideal for you will again be dependent on your body proportions and scale and the lengths of top that you choose to team with to ensure you don't look out proportion.

What colour and type of leggings? If you look around the shops, you will see all sorts of textures, materials, patterns and colours and so the choice is yours (and that wardrobe personality again!). The 'safest' is to stick to black or dark colours like charcoal grey and brown. If you're not sure and not 'dramatic' enough not to care, I would suggest checking the other colours you are wearing and echo this with your leggings colour choice. As for types, you'll find a range of materials to suit, from nylon to spandex!

Show me!
Some ladies of Southampton and few more famous ones...

And it seems you guys want to get in on, or should I say into this gem of a garment. Ooooh, no....I really don't think so!

In conclusion, most of us can carry the leggings look if you want to and by remembering a few tips, can be very fashionable with it. Remember fashion should be fun, should make a statement, should allow a sense of creativity and individualism and above all, should evolve. How else would us women have even got into trousers if it wasn't for the sheer audacity and spirit of Marlene Dietrich and Katherine Hepburn donning the trouser suit in public?
And so it is with leggings.

Confused on whether leggings suit you and how to wear them? Why not book a Personal Shopping session with Min and get a Summer look that will take you through to Autumn.

Stylish Clothes Swapping!

We're fresh from holding our first Swishing Party called 'Swish with a Twist' which went down a treat and we held up our end of the bargain of making sure everyone went home with something sweet!

Before I go any further...do you all know what 'Swishing' is?
Swishing is a craze that has come over from the US and best described as a clothes swapping party for women. The idea is that all the ladies attending must bring at least one item of clothing to swap, for Swish with a Twist, we advised bringing 3 items. These items should be in good condition but just something that no longer works for you, either it doesn't fit, you have too many or it's just not your 'personal style' - these are all donated into the swapping pool. In return they get to choose anything they want once the party gets started!
We were also careful to prepare enough stock to ensure we had a good variety of sizes from 10 to 18. I know we had a lot of size 5 shoes though...because a lot of them were mine!!

So why Swish?

"Telling women not to shop is like telling the Pope not to pray. Women always want clothes, credit crunch or not. I love a good swish."

As commented by Twiggy, taken from her book A Guide To Looking And Feeling Fabulous Over 40... in fact the 59-year-old face of Marks and Spencer, goes as far as saying that clothes-swapping parties (or swishing) were a good solution to beating the credit crunch.
But don't just take my word (or Twiggy's!) for it, even the July 2009 issue of Good Housekeeping which features an article on ways to balance our budget talks about swishing as a 'new thinking' approach instead of buying a new outfit.

There is, however, a serious side to clothes swapping. On average, us British women can easily spend £450 a year on items that we never wear and even more shocking, one in 10 of us will just chuck these unworn garments straight in the bin. Now that contributes to an estimated 900,000 tonnes of clothing thrown into landfills each year! So by understanding how to shop better and recycling items items that no longer work for you, e.g. by swishing can not only be good for your bank balance, but it is an ethical form of fashion, encouraging recycling and is kinder to the environment.

Our Swish with a Twist Story

Our Party was on 17th June and we held it Yoma on Bedford Street....I think they were a little shocked at the extent of the transformation from humble coffee shop to a female dominated... boudoir!

There was plenty of mixing and mingling with some delicious drinks while we sorted out the Swishing Stock as it arrived. And I could see a few excited faces as they started to eye up what was coming in!


And then the time arrived...on your marks, get set....Go Swish!
The next hour and a half was a bit of a whirl but mostly spent running up and down stairs to help people try on items they might not normally have chosen or give some gentle and honest advice. It's amazing how different clothing can look hanging on the rail compared to on an actual body. But ladies, it wasn't just garments, we had shoes, bags, scarves and accessories to choose from.

And when it all got a bit much, there was plenty of reason to take a break to try some delicious delights provided by Yoma, in between battling changing rooms, stairs, hangers and mirrors!


We even got to celebrate a birthday as my lovely co-host, Anna Matthews was embarrassed into taking center stage...how I actually managed to divert attention from clothes swapping to singing Happy Birthday beats me...!



Judging from the laughter and smiley faces, we're pretty sure that everyone went home happy with something a little different in their wardrobes that they're actually going to wear! But just to make sure, everyone also got a cup cake treat (and between me and you, the mocca chocca was the best, go try one!).

Here's what some of our Swishers had to say...

Just a quick note to say 'Thank you'  for a nice evening and well done on all your hard work in setting up the venue.  It was really well done and everyone enjoyed it.  A special thank you for including my Mum in the evening, she really enjoyed herself!
- S. Chant

Hey guys – just wanted to say thanks for a great swish party the other night. I really enjoyed it, I thought the whole thing was really well organized and the nibbles and drinks were really good and a bit different. I’m really pleased with the 4 tops I’ve got!! I was wearing the electric blue one yesterday, I know it’s not quite my colour but I’m hoping with a tan, I’ll get away with it!
- S. Russell

Hi Ladies - Thanks for a wonderful night on Wednesday, I had a really great time.  You both put in so much effort and I think it really paid off.  I wore the dress I got out last night, and I got the buzz of wearing something new that hadn't cost a thing! Looking forward to doing something again soon.
- A. Lintott

Super Evening. Well done. Looking forward to telling friends what a great night they missed.
- J. Stead

Well done for yesterday...those that were there seemed to enjoy themselves. Matt had cup cake for breakfast this morning...very nutritious!
J.Langrish

So our evening came to an end. We hope that all that joined us had just as much fun as we did...a little exhausting but fun! A big thanks to Yoma (Martin and Giles pictured) who were there until the end as they had to put Yoma back looking like a coffee shop again. Not surprising they needed a drink...!

Watch out for details of our next Swish with a Twist event to be held early August but feel free to get in touch to register interest and watch out for details on www.imaginestyle.com.