{ten} commandments of hanging...

1. Thou Shalt Hang as Much as Possible in Thy Closet
2. Thou Shalt NOT Hang Sweaters
3. Thou Shalt Banish Wire Hangers From Thy Closet
4. Thou Shalt have Matching Hangers
5. Thou Shalt Use Appropriate Hangers for Appropriate Garments
6. Thou Shalt Not Kill Clothes with Plastic
7. Honor Thy Breathing Room in Thy Clothing
8. Thou Shalt Not Hang Thy Clothes with Strangers
9. Thou Shalt Color Code
10. Honor Thy Pants and Thy Sweaters!

{looking} after your best assets....your boobs !

Before I became a professional bra stylist a little over 4 years ago, I used to hate going into department stores to shop for bras ! You would NOT find me in the dressing rooms to try on the bras either !! The only time I have ever had a bra fitting was for my wedding {in 2000} and even though the lady in Bras n Things was lovely, I felt very self conscious about my body and my boobs {or lack of !} and I was NOT a big girl then {like I feel I am now !}.

But now I view things very differently about bra fittings, because I am so very aware of how we should be looking after our boobs. The damage you can do to your boobs by wearing ill-fitting bras is shocking to me ! Our boobs are only made up of tissue and fat, no muscle {forget the "I must, I must, I must, improve my bust" chant !}, so wearing the correct size bra is imperative, if you want to keep your boobs looking perky and fabulous ! Afterall, PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE !

So in saying this, I must admit that my boobs have seen better days. Four children later and they really have seen better days !! Before you start over-thinking things, it is NEVER too late to start wearing a well fitted bra. You can prevent any further damage by having a bra fitting and purchasing bras designed to fit you and for any purpose you require, ie, sports bra, t-shirt bra etc...

Once you have your new bra wardrobe it is also important to know how to care for your bras so they last the distance. Good quality, well designed bras {such as Intimo} should last you approx. 6 months. Wearing your bras for 2 days in a row is suffice as any longer than this will cause breakdown of the natural fibres, due to your body's sweat/oils. Sounds disgusting doesn't it?!! Washing your bras should be done in a lingerie bag on a handwash cycle, and hang them to dry {do not put in dryer, as the heat will damage the elastane} via the middle of the bra {which sits between your boobs}. This will allow any water to drip away evenly and your bra will not stretch unevenly.

Storing your bras is vitally important also. How do you keep your bras stored? I used to be the "push and shove" into my lingerie drawer kinda gal !! But no longer do I abuse my beautiful and stylish bras !

I am attaching a photo so you can see the proper way of storing your bras, so they don't lose shape, or become punctured by any underwire !

As you can see, bras should be stacked neatly, cup in cup. This is so important !!

So what does having a bra fitting and well fitting bras have to do with styling?? EVERYTHING !!

Your body can look elongated and slimmer just by wearing a bra which fits you perfectly. It shapes you and your outer garments will sit how they are supposed too. No more "heading south" boobs ! It's all up and out in front for your best assets !! Notice the difference with this lady below....HUGE difference !!

REMEMBER: YOUR LINGERIE IS THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR OUTFIT.

It can certainly be the difference between a frumpy you or a slimmer you !! x

{you can see me for more information regarding bra fittings and stylish & sophisticated bra purchasing}

{accessorising} with necklaces...

Accessories complete your look and add necessary punctuation to your style ! Accessories are the details in your wardrobe !

Dress up a tailored blouse or t-shirt with a chunky necklace or create interest in the neckline of a typical work suit. Necklaces help frame and highlight the face and can be worn in your seasonal colour palette for the maximum effect. Who knows, a boss or interviewer may compliment you on your necklace which could lead to a brief yet entertaining anecdote to share about the particular piece !

{princess} style....

A little bit of fun...

Which gorgeous princess style best represents you??

{ten} staples for a classic wardrobe

1. A good coat: For example a trench coat, is a wardrobe essential. As with all other classic pieces, choose a neutral colour for your client such as black, chocolate, navy or beige that can be worn over lots of different things. Purchase one which you can afford as an ill-fitting coat will ruin the most expensive, and beautiful of outfits.
2. Good quality knitwear: Budget permitting, aim for natural fibres such as 100% wool or cashmere. These are more expensive but much better quality and will last you a lot longer. A classic V-neck style with three-quarter or full length sleeves will suit most women and will get you through several seasons without appearing dated. Choose a thin rather than thick knit.
3. A cocktail dress: Look for a classic style that flatters your body shape, for example a wrap dress which suits most figures. Remember, it doesn't necessarily have to be a "little black dress."
4. A collared shirt: A well-cut white shirt with crisp collar and cuffs is always a great addition to any wardrobe. It is perfect for both weekend and work wear. Choose a shade of white that is most flattering for your skin tone.
5. The perfect pair of jeans: Look for either a boot-cut or straight leg style in a dark, even denim. Definitely no fading, embroidery or hemline detail (this sounds lik a trend piece, rather then a classic). Always fit your widest area first, and then it can be a simple alternation to nip in the waist if it is too large.
6. An A-line skirt: A simple A-line skirt is very easy to wear and flattering on most body shapes.
7. Boot-cut or man-style pants: A great cut that skims over the hip area, creates a long leg line and upper/lower body balance. These styles will suit most body shapes. Budget depending, get several pairs in neutral colours such as black, beige or chocolate.
8. A pair of boots: Perfect for autumn/winter weather. Look for soft chocolate leather in whatever heel height you are most comfortable in.
9. A handbag: Look at purchasing the best quality leather handbag which you can afford in a neutral colour such as beige, camel, chocolate or black. This is a wardrobe staple, will go with practically everything, and last you for many seasons.
10. Any other signature pieces that you feels suits your own personal style: Your wardrobe must have its own personal element of style.

The basic guidelines are:

• Solids mix more easily than prints but prints can bridge the gap between two completely different solids
• Choose classic styles with clean, simple lines
• Choose colours from your most flattering colour palette (I can help you with this)
• Choose styles that suit your shape and your clothing personality
• Invest in quality pieces that will last for many years

{flat} lay styling !

One of the things I am having to practice at the moment is flat laying of garments to make them appear that they are hanging or on a body/mannequin !! {Think magazine styling} I am still working on this for my assignment but I did take some photos the other day of my attempts !

Keeping in mind that this is my first attempt....be kind !

flat "flat" lay !

It is much harder than you think !!

Let's hope I can master this very soon !!

xo