Getting you through the Party Season...

...in one piece from head to toe and through to 2009.

Not being shy to share my thoughts, I am of the very strong opinion that we could all do with a really good party season this year and quite frankly the sillier the better. There's been far too much doom and gloom with credit crunch here, recession there, VAT confusion everywhere and half of us thinking it was so much simpler when we thought Father Christmas existed...Ho, Ho, Ho!

Now that we’re entering December, you may already have a diary full of festive invitations, office parties, Christmas drinks and know where you’re going to be when 2009 hits us with its presence. But along with the many varieties of mince pies and mulled wine that the silly season delightfully brings, is the many dress code requirements for these social gatherings. And I should know - I’m being asked to dress up as Peter Pan for the Annual Little Ship Club Racing Christmas Party…and I don’t even race!

Formal or informal, male or female, the thought of misjudging the dress code and turning up either over or under dressed can be alarmingly stressful and even more so if your first thought is to purchase a whole new wardrobe. Hold steady! Allow me to help with the annual Christmas dress code conundrum and first take you through the dos and don’ts of Xmas attire to ensure you look the part this party season as well as keep you in the red.

The Invitation
Essential to any event is to scrutinise the invitation and understand the social context. This should give you enough clues about how formal to be dressed and whether there are any instructions on dress code, for example, white tie or smart casual. Generally these fall into the following categories:

• The Cocktail Party
  If the invitation does not specify, men have the option of wearing a suit and tie, or opt for a less formal look with tailored trousers, no tie, or jumper and either a blazer or a sports jacket.
  
  For ladies, this is the time to bring out your dresses - cocktail dresses are usually knee length but I would say to get advice on your best lengths. Beware of wearing anything too long as you may feel over-dressed. Having said that we have had a season of maxi dresses which would work if in an appropriate style and material. If dresses are not your thing then consider a trouser suit - accompanied with the right accessories can create a comfortable, feminine, flattering look.
  
• The Black Tie
  Unless stated as optional, invited or preferred, this means that black tie is required. Traditional black tie consists of black tuxedo, black trousers with one stripe down the outer edge, white dinner shirt, black bow tie and smart black shoes. Cummerbunds and waistcoats may be worn and is down to personal preference.
  
  DO invest in a good quality tuxedo if you attend many of these events - it saves in the long run and fashions do not change a great deal.
  DO invest in tying a bow tie yourself - ready tied bow ties are available but will not look as good as tying it yourself so a good time to start practicing!
  DON'T opt for the comedy bow ties and cummerbunds, they're not sophisticated and they're not funny.
  
  The black ties dress code for ladies is much more relaxed with the same options as for a cocktail party but where you can safely opt for a longer dress style. What is key is to ensure whatever you choose it is in a mode that suits your body shape and personal style and is accessorised appropriately to give it that chic appeal, whether its a understated broach to diamond earrings!
  
• The White Tie
  The most formal of all invitations and where you must follow  the dress code to the letter if you do not want to feel out of place. The white tie or 'evening tails' attire for men consists of back evening tail coat, white dress shirt, white bow tie, white waistcoat, black trousers and smart black shoes. If you are going to a white tie event, you may want to opt for a good hire company to ensure you are fitted out correctly particularly as there are further 'rules' to consider with the appropriate dress shirt and waistcoat.
  
  For ladies, a white tie event is the perfect opportunity to go  all out. Think movie star chic, think glamorous, think long flowing dresses, think as daring as you dare! Dresses like this should not be difficult to find, try Debenhams for a great range or take a leaf out of Liz Hurley's style book. Crown optional.
  
• The No Jeans Please or Smart Casual
  So finally the catch all dress code, perhaps used the most and sometimes the one that causes more confusion as it can be very much up to the establishments interpretation.
  But, if no jeans has been stated then it means no jeans and usually includes all form of denim and certainly no trainers. The expectation is to be clean, smart and presentable with an attire that is equally so. T-shirts, slogans or logos should be avoided as should anything too over-the-top.
  For some events, smart jeans can be worn, if in doubt, ask or avoid all together.
  For guys a good smart casual look is a suit, or jacket and trousers with a more relaxed shirt colour and no tie. Jackets may also be optional.
  Women can get away with anything from smart trousers and a blouse or top, dresses or skirts. Jackets are not necessary and again, dependent on the occasion.

The Secret of the Little Black Dress?
What is it? Quite simply...it doesn’t have to be black. This is a frustrating misconception but perhaps understandable. When in doubt, many of us go for what's safe and that way we can at least blend in and not look out of place. But ladies...firstly, how many black dresses do you own? Secondly and more importantly, black is not the colour for everybody. So why not break a habit of a lifetime and try something that is more flattering to your natural colouring that can be just as appropriate, just as flattering and just as glamorous. So go on, pass the secret on...

DON'T panic, if you are have already purchased or intend to re-use your LBD, then why not de-emphasise the black by accessorising with one of your more flattering shades as an accent colour - think jewellery, a stole, shawl or pashmina, handbags and shoes.

Finishing Touches
Just by selecting the right accessories you can not only complete an outfit but you can practically transform it. Very handy to know if you need to adapt a day time outfit to evening wear.

Options for guys - changing into a more relaxed evening shirt, tie optional, a change of shoes and pay attention to grooming.

Options for ladies - It's all about accessories and makeup. Start from head and work down.
DO change of hairstyle to an evening look - either tie up or wear down and consider hair accessories if you are OK using them. Either way, a good brush though will help!
DO consider wearing makeup. If you are accustomed to wearing makeup then apply it fresh for the evening and go for a more glam look to coordinate with your outfit. If you are not a seasonal makeup wearer then consider getting some advice on how to apply and what suits you best as even a little bit can really make all the difference.
DO make use of accessories to glam up an outfit from jewellery to belts to shoes. As a rule of thumb, accessories should reflect the size of your frame. If you are petite, keep accessories neat, if you're larger or taller, bolder accessories will be more flattering.
DO invest in a nice pair of sandals, ladies! If you are on a budget then opt for a neutral shade that will go with lot's of outfits to maximise their use. I was going to say make sure they are comfortable but ladies' heels are designed to be anything but at least ensure you can walk around in them...or invest in Party Feet!
DO invest in an evening bag. You can either use this as a great way of introducing colour to an outfit or keep it more tonal. Either way it should not be big enough to carry the kitchen sink! Think about your proportions and what you seriously need to carry.

And the final word...enjoy what you wear this party season, we don't often get the chance to dress up enough so why not have fun with it! Give yourself some time to plan ahead so there are no last minute panics and ensure that your outfits suit your personality, character, your body shape and colouring....you will certainly feel all the more confident for it as well as comfortable.

So how about you? Confused about what to wear, what to invest in this season? Or do you know someone who could do with some help? Our expert advice on colours, shapes and styles that suit you as well as taking you shopping to get it just right maybe just what is needed or make the perfect gift.

Here come the girls...

No, it's not the Boots advert nor am I trying out for the Sugar Babes, it was just the tune I had in my head while exhibiting at the What's Stopping You? event held at The Solent Hotel in Fareham and hosted by Business Link. Business Link are, of course, known for their support of small businesses in general and this was no different except that it was completely focused on women. Either encouraging women who may have thought about starting up in business but are unsure of their next steps or where to seek help or helping those women who have taken the plunge to continue to grow and develop their business.

So help is out there and with an event like this, it comes in more ways than one...

Of course, as an exhibitor, it's an opportunity to show case what I do and allow people to 'get to know me' in between downing coffee and pastries in time for the next speaker. But for all of us, whatever stage of business we are at, you can't help but soak in the stimulating, non-threatening and informative environment that an event like this creates. Not only do we all learn something from the agenda put together but there is an obvious wealth of experience surrounding you which you can tap into should you desire.

A humbling experience for me when someone who is still starting out asks you for advice and yet it is me who is all ears when I listening to the experiences of others!

The What's Stopping You? events are being held all over the country - they are free to attend and a wise investment of your time...

A gentle but positive reminder that First Impressions count

I recently found myself in an interview situation. It was to be more informal, that much I was told but not much more on what to expect. Now it doesn't matter how many times I've spoken in front of a group of people or my past experiences, I still get nervous and so when it came to what to wear, I stuck to the rules and wore a smart black suit and blouse. (It's O.K....black is one of my colours).

Although I hadn't worn my suit in a while and initially felt a little uncomfortable, when I looked at myself in the mirror, I was pleased because I ticked the 'interview dress criteria'. I had the confidence that I looked the part and so any uncomfortable feeling drifted away as I could free my mind to concentrate on how I presented myself in the interview and what I would say.

And I was glad I made the effort as I was immediately greeted with a compliment, in fact, she went on to tell me that many people she sees do not make an effort and so instantly fall down on the most important part of an interview....first impressions. In my profession I am constantly talking about the importance of first impressions, almost to the point where I think everyone must know by now and so it was still a surprise to be told this isn't the case.

So take a few moments to think about this.

Are you sure that you are making the most of you and looking and feeling your best, whether it's running a business, going to the office, preparing for a job interview, running the kids to school or arranging a night out?

We hear the term 'first impressions count' all the time and this was my gentle but positive reminder that it is true. What about you?

Ditch those Winter blues with a Summer look all year around!

I've come to the not surprising conclusion that I suffer from SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as the Winter Blues. How do I know this? Well quite simply because the weather has been dull, lifeless and gloomy the past few days which directly equates to me feeling a bit more subdued, less energised and generally tired. But, when I got up this morning and the sun was out and seeing it immediately changed my mood. I had a smile on my face, was decidedly jolly and even cracked a few jokes while munching through my porridge! My mood and energy levels had certainly lifted and I was ready for the day ahead. So what should I wear....

Which brings me to the subject of this blog. It dawned on me that this elation in mood and with the sun looking like it was going to stay for the day meant I was drawn to wearing something summery and that there may be many of you out there that would be feeling the same but because it is 'Winter' and therefore 'cold' we put away the summer stuff and venture out in trousers, jeans with layer upon layer of woolly clothing.

Of course there is nothing wrong with that, so long as you don't resemble an oversized sheep but I wanted to remind you that there are many ways in which to wear your summer clothes in the colder months which is great news for maximising your wardrobe and keeping the spending in check.

For some of you this may be obvious but here are just a few ideas to keep versatility in your wardrobe...all year around.

• Layering is key - invest in some long sleeves tops that will work underneath your summer outfits, whether they be dresses or pretty tops. If polo necks are good on you then these are a great item to wear underneath and will keep you warm.
• You can't miss the fact that tights and leggings are big this season so why not ensure you have a good stock that means you can still wear your dresses, skirts but team up with boots or shoes. There are some fantastic tights on offer and if you are really prone to the cold then wear a more chic pair with your sandals for a glam evening look.
• If you invested in sleeveless but smart office attire, then don't wait until next summer to wear it again but team it up with a complimenting shirt or blouse underneath.
• This can be a good time to check what cardigans and sweaters you have to see what goes with what. These kinds of clothing build up layers and can be used all year around.
• Another idea are shrugs and boleros to cover up arms, check out a range from Monsoon, whether relaxed for day wear or more glam for the evening.
• And thermals? I know it's not that cold yet but if you are prone to the cold then time to bring them out if it means you can still wear the summery outfits. A classic favourite with a great range are Damart.
• Now I am a big fan of wearing dresses with trousers - it's not a look that everyone favours but when put together in the right way can be a great way of getting use out of your summer clothes. This look can be extended with more formal outfits but with caution so as to ensure it is still appropriate.

Lastly, think about where you are going to be in your day. The Winter months can be an odd time of going into hot and cold environments so ensure your outfit can adapt accordingly to the different climates which is why layering is such a versatile technique to adopt.

So if the mood takes you over the coming months, whether it's due to the sun popping out or not, remember with a little bit of effort, you can still wear some of your summer wardrobe, still be stylish and still be warm!

In the meantime, I intend to maximise on this good feeling and off to my meeting...now where did I put those sunglasses...

How to recession-proof your image

12 top tips to spend less and make a success of your greatest investment - you.

It’s official, Gordon Brown has finally used the ‘r’ word and all the news and media have picked up on it, scribbling out the words ‘credit crunch’ and replacing with ‘recession’. I don’t know about you but I was never very ‘stock market savvy’. Mainly because although I was aware of it fluctuating here and there, it hardly affected my everyday life. Then recent events had me glued to the set (even on holiday) watching graphs and arrows spiraling depressingly downwards...along with my PEP's and ISA's I have no doubt.

Has this been a huge wake up call for us all? Have we all been riding the crest of the 'spend now, think later' wave a little too long? Regardless, we are now in a time when we are all very spend conscious, checking our financial investments and ensuring that our hard earned money is secure for the future. But what about one key investment - you? What can you be doing to see you through the recession that saves you money, maximises your image impact and gives you a great return on investment?

First impressions don't go away in a recession, if anything, they are all the more important. With the threat of redundancies looming over many of us, businesses closing down and increased competition, how you come across can make all the difference when you need to differentiate yourself and really stand out from the crowd. Your wardrobe is one area you do have control over and having an awareness of what suits you, your personal, professional needs, style and budget will save you money in the long run as you no longer spend unnecessarily and you learn to shop effectively for it.

And there are other ways of saving money when it comes to your wardrobe which can be applied over time and with a common sense approach - here are my top suggestions:-

1. Do a wardrobe audit and ensure you have the basic, 'timeless' pieces. Before you even think about a shopping trip, whether you need one or not, you have to get to grips with what you have already. It is a good habit to get into to go out shopping with a mission. Regardless of what fashion dictates there are some items that are essential pieces and that will see you through all the seasons: a well fitted pair of jeans, a suit, shirts, T-shirts, good quality knit wear, black trousers, shoes, jackets and coats.

2. Invest in the colours that suit you. It can have a dramatic effect on how they feel and how people respond to them. You can slowly weed out the colours that do not look great and build a wardrobe full of the ‘right’ colours over time. It is essential to apply this knowledge for all future purchases and more importantly what not to buy – a great shopping conscience. Typically we shop by colour so you can easily scan the rails that way and if there is nothing that suits you out that day, then turn around and walk out.

Equally important is the knowledge of how to combine colours to their maximum effect – this will mean you get more wear out of clothing. A good test is to evaluate how much black you got in your wardrobe? How much of it looks the same, performs the same function?

3. Shop for your body shape and develop your own personal style. We’ve all done it at some point and this applies to the guys as well as the girls, tried something on that looked good on paper but just not right in the flesh. Understanding what suits your body shape and scale can save heaps of effort and wasted time in the changing room, not to mention money.

We all have our own personal style, our own attitude to clothing or a particular look we aspire to. Again, having an awareness of this will help you to interpret fashion trends: what to invest in for your wardrobe, if anything.

4. It’s not how many – it’s how good. You’ve heard it before, quality over quantity. Unfortunately it's true that for better quality you will need to pay higher prices which is why it's so important to understand what your wardrobe needs. It’s no point having 10 jumpers that will fall apart after the first few wears or washes, true false economy. Do the maths: a coat costing you £300 that you wear 100 times in the year versus a dress costing you £300 that you wear only 3 times. The cost per wear per year speaks for itself and while I appreciate it is not always that easy, it is worth bearing in mind when shopping.

5. Shop wisely in the sales and try it all on. Some people find the sales daunting and just hide from the high street until they are over but but if you know what you are looking for, they can be a good time to invest The biggest message I would like to get across is be prepared to walk away – just because the sales are on, it does not mean you have to buy something!

I am sure we all have more important things to do in life than waste it away in the returns queue so rather get it right first time and be 100% sure. Try clothes on and become organised with why you are shopping. Don't be afraid to take items you want to match with into the changing rooms, whether its the shoes, tops, trousers - aim to get it right and be happy with your purchases than having to return or stay needlessly in your wardrobe while you continue your hunt. A sure money-waster.

6. Say yes to second hand! Why not? A great opportunity to nab an amazing bargain in second hand stores and this may be just the way to get hold of something designer if you venture into one in the right area. I know someone who picked up a Mulberry bag! The trick is to always be aware of all those rules, colour, shape and what does my wardrobe need and of course, budget as you're not going to be sure of what you might find.

7. Learn the art of accessorising. I love this one as it can be one of the cheapest ways to update an outfit and maximise its use. Anything from jewellery, scarves and handbags to shoes, tights and hats and a great way of adopting a season’s highly fashionable look without going all out with a complete new outfit. And remember those clothes you already own, in colours that wash you out? A flatteringly coloured accessory worn with them is a great way to extend their life!

8. Do your research online. The Internet has revolutionised the way we shop. It gives us the whole High Street and some at our finger tips. If you know what you are looking for, why not research it? You never know what information is out there, either to guide you with what shops to go to, saving you time or opening up new avenues, like eBay.

9. Remember the 3 R’s of Resistance:

Resist the temptation for that feel good factor – This is close to my heart as I still have to fight this but it is important to not get your fix of feel good from purchases that you really don't need or can’t afford. Treat yourself to a good book or a coffee or phone a friend instead!

Resist the lure of cheap goods – While the many cheap high street stores can be great for the occasional bargain, it can be very tempting to buy items you don’t really need for precisely that reason - they're cheap. It’s amazing how the queues at Primark are always long. Great for the retailer but all those 'bargains’ do mount up in cost and when you add quality in to the mix, another false economy.

Resist the urge of the new seasons fashion items - I am a lover of fashion but it changes at such a fast pace that unless I had endless funds and a wardrobe resembling the Tardis, it is near on impossible for me to keep up with absolutely everything. You do not have to be fashionable to be stylish and so think carefully about your personal style and what elements of the trends best suit you. What the catwalks and magazines are saying are ‘must haves’ may not be appropriate for you and so really should be your ‘must not haves’.

10. Look after your wardrobe. No I don’t mean give it a clean, I mean take care of the clothes it contains. Nothing wastes money more than not paying attention with washing, hanging and storing your clothes – particularly those more expensive items – suits, jackets, shoes, boots. Sometimes washing instructions can be over strict in my opinion but it is something to bear in mind when buying clothes. You may want to think twice if you have to add on a regular dry-cleaning bill. Ensure items are well organised in your wardrobe and have room to breathe. Use wooden or plastic hangers and throw out any metal ones. Keep shoes and boots clean and think about investing in shoe boxes.

11. Revamp your clothes. Do you have items in your wardrobe which you once wore but don't anymore, either because it no longer fits, the style's a bit dated or it's too long, too short or you just don't like the sleeves? Imagine the many new outfits you could create if they could just be changed...revamped? I know there are a lot of us out there that wouldn't know what to do with a needle and thread, let alone a sewing machine, but there are places where you can learn. Failing that, seek out a good tailor and explain your creative revamp creations - it can be worth looking into as a cheaper option to a new outfit. The same applies to adapting new pieces of clothing, while many of us would not think of buying something brand new only to then take it apart but if done properly can be a cost-effective method of making an item look just the way you want and you look absolutely chic!

12. Have a Style Swap Party. Get a group of friends together where you all bring along your slightly used but still in great condition items: clothing, jewellery, bags, shoes; and swap them with each other. Not only do you have fun but get to go home with some new pieces for your wardrobe.

Did you know that typically we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time which means 80% of the value of your wardrobe is a waste of money. If you're like me, you will already be doing some of the above but also like me, it's work in progress as we continue to understand more about what we need and why. So be patient - it takes time. The clothes we wear play such an important part in how we want to be seen but it doesn't have to be a burden on the purse strings if you know what you are doing. This would be a good time to break this buying habit and get 100% value.

Any decent Financial Advisor will tell you that looking after your investments is something you should have been doing all along and in my profession. I would certainly advocate the same regarding one key investment, namely you. And in a time when there is so much economic uncertainty with little indication of when it will end - how can you afford not to invest in yourself?

So what does your wardrobe look like? Do you know what you need to make an impact? Do you have a plan and budget? Find out more about your personal style for men and women, how to detox your wardrobe and shop effectively to not only keep you a success through the recession but for life.