What is the worst fashion faux pas?

According to our recent poll... you have a firm idea of what the worst fashion faux pas is?

The results were (drumroll please)....

46% - Muffins (bulge over hipsters)
26% - Trousers too short
20% - Socks with sandals
6% - VPL (visible panty line)

Look out for the next poll... and vote with all your friends!

The Magic of Makeovers

I love seeing the difference that a makeover can have on the confidence of people. I’m hooked on makeover shows, which is probably why I enjoy doing what I do, so much. My current favourite, the programme on Fridays, 7:30pm, Channel One, called “How to Look Good Naked”, really intrigues and inspires me. Albeit, there is a fair amount of nudity on the screen, so be aware of that, but its results that I’m there for.

So they start out with a person who is self-conscious, low self-esteem, often doesn’t like part or all of their body. This often affects their relationships, especially intimate ones. They will often dress to hide themselves, but hate the fact that they do this.

Now on the topic of often not liking one part of your body… one interesting part that they do, is line up about 7 women from smallest to biggest of that particular body part, (be it breasts, stomach, thighs, etc) and then the woman has to put herself in the line, where she thinks she fits in size order. Every time, she will put herself as much bigger than she actually is! Often right near the biggest, when she may be the second smallest! It amazes me how convinced they are about their size, when really they are much smaller. It’s a huge revelation to them. And slowly they start to see the truth about themselves – that they are beautiful, gorgeous women, who have great features, worth loving.

Through facing the truth, that often a lot of the problem is in their mind, rather than their thighs, they come out the other end alive, eyes sparkling, confident, proud of who they are AND how they look, and this has such a dramatic effect on their relationships and their whole lives!

They get a new hairstyle to suit their face, lifestyle & personality. They learn how to dress for their body shape & their colouring, do their makeup, and really how to make the most of themselves. Then they walk down a runway in front of thousands, strutting their stuff, and love it! What a turn around!

I love seeing people who are proud to be who they are. I love how makeovers can help to do that for people stuck in a rut. That’s why I love makeover shows, and why I love what I do.

Feel free to get in contact if you are interested in getting a makeover for yourself, or someone you love. Visit www.outfitme.co.nz

Inspired into Style

Here is a lovely email I got recently from a client who used to struggle with shopping and finding the right look for her...

"Thought I'd let also let you know that the shopping I did with you was excellent and I am now inspired to keep adding to it!!! I have bought a couple more dresses, skinny jeans (that I love!), gold flats and some tops/shirts for going out/casual Friday's at work - I'm not a t-shirt / hoody and jean girl anymore!! - Caroline."

Shopping Tips - as heard on Life FM & Rhema

Have you ever spent a whole afternoon shopping only to come away empty handed? Do you sometimes have that guilty morning-after feeling as you try to figure out why your latest impulse purchase looked so much better in the shop? Do you get hot and flustered in the fitting rooms?

For some people, shopping is more a chore than a delight. There are, however, some simple things you can do to make your shopping trips a much more pleasurable experience. It all starts before you even step out the door.

BEFORE YOU GO SHOPPING...

1. Make a list

Take stock of your wardrobe and see what things you need to invest in to work with what you already have, and fill in the gaps in your wardrobe. Keep in mind upcoming events that you will be attending, and what you will need to wear to those. (What do you have that you can use for the events? You may not need to buy a whole new outfit, rather just accessories or a new top).

2. Have a budget in mind

Try to stick to your budget as much as possible. I know that sales can be enticing, and "Oh my goodness, what a bargain! It would be a sin not to get it!" can flash through your mind many times over, but keep the list in mind, and keep the budget in mind too. This will save you from your guilty morning-after feelings.

3. Dress well

You will always be treated better by shop assistants if you are dressed well while shopping. Call it shallow, but it's a fact of life - people respond differently to you depending on how you present yourself. You are much more likely to get the help and attention you need if you are dressed well.

4. Wear clothes that are easy to take on & off

One of the excuses I hear from ladies who don't enjoy shopping is that they hate feeling all flustered and hot from getting undressed & dressed again so many times. Make it easier on yourself. Avoid wearing stockings if you are going shopping for a pair of shorts. Wear clothing that isn't hard to take on or off, you'll thank yourself for it.

5. Wear shoes that are easy to take on & off

Same as the above rule - avoid lace up shoes or boots if possible. Wear slip on shoes if you can (weather depending). It will make your dressing room time a lot shorter.

6. Wear neutral coloured underwear

Have you ever gone shopping for a pair of lighter coloured trousers, shorts or skirt and checked out your rear view only to see a black knicker line staring back at you? I have! The same goes for dark bras while you are trying to buy a lighter coloured top. It's just so distracting! This is something that many people don't think about. However it is a huge help, as it means no matter what you are trying on, your underwear won't interfere with your decision. Ladies, make sure that you are wearing a properly supportive bra. This will instantly improve your silhouette making you look slimmer.


7. If you are trying to match something, take it with you

This may sound completely obvious, but I think it's worth stating anyway. If you are wanting to buy a pair of jeans to wear with heels or high boots, taken your heels with you so that you know the jeans will be long enough. Or if you are wanting to find a top to match a skirt (which you shouldn't have got, because you had nothing to wear it with!), take the skirt with you to match colours against. Don't just rely on your memory.

WHILE YOU ARE SHOPPING...

8. Beware of sale racks

To many of you this may sound like blasphemy! I'm not saying never buy anything on sale, I'm just saying beware. Often things are put on sale by retailers either because they don't fit very well, haven't sold well, or were just a big mistake to begin with. Don't just buy it because it's a "bargain". Think it over properly.

9. Ask yourself the 6 key questions

Will this item go with at least 3 other things I already have at home? Does it suit my body shape? Does the colour suit me? Does it suit my style personality? How long will this item be 'in'? Is it within my price budget?

10. If you are unsure, put the item on hold

If in doubt about whether to buy the item or not, give yourself some time to think it over. Put it on hold, go and have a coffee or carry on with other shopping. If you can't stop thinking about it an hour or even a day later, then it's probably a good thing to buy. If however, you are still unsure, then just leave it. There's nothing worse that wasting money on something that you won't wear because "There's something just not right about it." (I call these Closet Orphans).

11. If you find something you absolutely love, buy 2!

I have often heard clients say that they wished they had another of their favourite clothing item. If you find something that is the perfect fit, good price, and it's a great key clothing item, then often it can be a good idea to get another one in a different colour, or even in the same colour if you think you'll wear it often (like the perfect fitting pair of black trousers). Obviously I don't recommend this for everything, but for the absolute favourites, it's a great idea.

12. Get an impartial opinion

Forget asking a stranger, friend or shop assistant if something suits you. Ask a professional! A Personal Shopper will help you choose clothing to best suit your colouring, body-shape, personality, lifestyle and budget. It is a great investment that will save you buying unflattering clothes or accessories you’ll never actually wear and adds to the retail therapy buzz because you know you’re buying intelligently.

I hope these Outfit Shopping Tips are a help to you. Feel free to post a comment if you have any great shopping tips of your own, or if you have any questions.

www.outfitme.co.nz