GUIDE TO PERSONAL SHOPPING: HOW TO MINIMISE RETURNS & HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SHOPPING TRIP

In this interview with our newest stylist, Nathalie, I discuss the importance of sustainable shopping, and how to effectively maximise your time and minimise returns when you go shopping for new clothes to add to your wardrobe.

Stefania: Nathalie, welcome to the team! It’s fantastic to have you here. As our newest personal stylist, I know you bring a wealth of experience and passion to the table. Today, I’d love to talk with you about something that often frustrates our clients—returns. We've all been there: you buy something you love in the shop, but when you get home, it just doesn’t work. What are your top tips for minimising returns and making sure a shopping trip is successful?

Nathalie: Thank you, Stefania! I’m thrilled to be here and to share my thoughts on this topic. Minimising returns really comes down to preparation, understanding your personal style, and being mindful during the shopping process. One of the most important steps is knowing your body shape and what flatters it. Before you even step foot in a shop, having a clear idea of what styles, cuts, and colours work best for you can save a lot of time and reduce the likelihood of buying something that doesn’t quite fit or flatter.

Stefania: That’s great advice. What about the actual shopping experience? How can clients ensure they’re making the right choices in the moment?

Nathalie: When you’re shopping, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and buy something just because it’s trendy or because it looks great on the mannequin. But it’s essential to think about how it fits into your existing wardrobe. Ask yourself: Can I style this with at least three different outfits I already own? If the answer is no, it might not be the best choice.

Another tip is to pay close attention to the fabric and quality. It’s tempting to go for a quick fix, but investing in pieces that are well-made and durable will serve you better in the long run. And don’t be afraid to try things on—walk around in them, see how they feel, and make sure they’re comfortable. If something feels off in the fitting room, it’s likely not going to get better at home.

Stefania: I couldn’t agree more. Comfort is key, and it’s something we always stress to our clients. What about online shopping? That’s an area where returns seem almost inevitable for many people. Do you have any specific tips for shopping online?

Nathalie: Online shopping can be tricky, but there are ways to make it more successful. First, always check the size guide and read customer reviews, especially when you’re shopping with a brand for the first time. Reviews often give insights into how an item fits and whether you might need to size up or down.

Secondly, if possible, stick to brands and styles you’re familiar with. You’re more likely to be satisfied with your purchase if you know how the brand’s sizing and cuts typically fit your body. And don’t forget to check the return policy before you buy—knowing you can easily return or exchange an item gives you peace of mind and can encourage you to try new things without too much risk.

Stefania: Excellent points! It’s all about being informed and mindful. Before we wrap up, do you have any final advice for someone who wants to have a truly successful shopping trip, whether it’s in-store or online?

Nathalie: My final piece of advice would be to trust your instincts and take your time. Shopping should be an enjoyable experience, not something rushed or stressful. If you’re unsure about a piece, don’t feel pressured to buy it on the spot. Take a moment to think about it, or even sleep on it if you’re shopping online. Often, that little bit of extra time can help you make a more confident decision.

And if you’re really looking to minimise returns and ensure that everything you buy is perfect for you, consider working with a personal stylist. We can provide that extra bit of guidance and expertise to help you make choices that you’ll love for years to come.

Stefania: Thank you, Nathalie! That’s such valuable advice. I’m sure our readers will find these tips incredibly helpful. And speaking of personal styling, I’d love to share a bit more about your background with them.

Meet Nathalie Bridges – Your New Personal Stylist

Nathalie Bridges is passionate about creating a positive impact on women’s lives through styling. At 55, as a wife and mother of two, Nathalie’s journey into personal style began later in life. During her career in the reinsurance industry, she discovered that her wardrobe was her primary means of self-expression and empowerment.

Nathalie firmly believes that dressing in clothes that flatter your shape and choosing the right colours for your skin tone can transform your appearance and boost your confidence. When you look your best, you feel your best, and this positively impacts everything you do.

Fashion and makeup have always been her passions, and meeting Stefania was the turning point that transformed this passion into a vocation. Under Stefania’s expert guidance, Nathalie has honed her skills to help other women feel and look their best. Now, she’s excited to share this knowledge with you!

If you’re interested in having a successful shopping trip without the hassle of returns, why not book a personal shopping session with Nathalie? She’ll guide you through the process, helping you make the right choices tailored to your style and needs.

PERSONAL SHOPPING TIPS: 5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A PERSONAL SHOPPER

In a world where time is of the essence, personal shopping has transcended its high-end, celebrity-exclusive image to become a more accessible and practical solution for individuals from all walks of life. Beyond the glitz and glamour, a personal shopper serves as an indispensable ally, providing support and expertise to streamline your shopping experience, saving you both time and stress.

If you’re wondering if a personal shopper is a solution that would work for you, here are some the main reasons our clients come to us.

1. Time Saver Extraordinaire

Let's be honest – scouring stores and online platforms for that perfect outfit or thoughtful gift can be an arduous and time-consuming task. Enter the personal shopper, your time-saving superhero. By delegating the search for ideal items to a professional, you reclaim precious moments in your busy schedule. Whether you're a career-driven professional, a busy parent, or someone with a hectic lifestyle, having a personal shopper means less time navigating crowded shops and more time for the things that truly matter.

2. Fashion expertise, at your fingertips

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of fashion trends can be overwhelming. A personal shopper, armed with up-to-date knowledge of the latest styles, becomes your fashion oracle. They possess the expertise to curate a wardrobe tailored to your individual style, body type, and budget. Say goodbye to fashion faux pas and embrace a wardrobe that reflects your personality and keeps you on trend without the stress of keeping up with the ever-changing fashion scene.

3. Stress Reduction

Decision fatigue is a real concern in our modern, fast-paced lives. The constant barrage of choices, especially when it comes to shopping, can lead to stress and overwhelm. A personal shopper acts as your stress reduction guru by narrowing down options, presenting you with choices that align with your preferences. With their guidance, you can sidestep decision fatigue and enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience.

4. Special Occasions, Simplified

Have a big event on the horizon? The search for the perfect outfit can turn into a daunting task. Here's where a personal shopper truly shines. Whether it's a wedding, a gala, or a milestone celebration, your personal shopper will help you navigate the myriad of options to find the ideal attire for the occasion. No more last-minute panics or compromises – just the confidence that comes with knowing you look your absolute best.

5. Financial Wisdom

Contrary to popular belief, employing a personal shopper can actually be a cost-efficient choice. How? By preventing impulsive purchases and guiding you towards quality investments. Personal shoppers are adept at discerning between fleeting trends and timeless pieces, ensuring that every pound spent contributes to a wardrobe that stands the test of time. In the long run, this strategic approach to shopping can save you money while enhancing the overall quality of your wardrobe.

Ready to Elevate Your Shopping Experience?

Consider welcoming a personal shopper into your life and reap the benefits of convenience, style, and peace of mind. No longer reserved for the elite, personal shopping is a service designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're a fashion aficionado or someone who simply wants to streamline the shopping process, a personal shopper is the key to unlocking a stress-free and time-efficient way to curate your perfect wardrobe. Elevate your shopping experience – your time and sanity will thank you.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR SEASONAL SHOPPING

As a new season is welcomed, this may mean you need to head to the shops to get essentials for your wardrobe. Seasonal shopping is something many of us do as our wardrobes require a refresh, past pieces no longer serve us, or we want a new piece to love for the season!

While this can be fun for many, heading to the shops can also mean expensive trips that may not result in the most economical results. I am all for shopping, but shopping effectively is where my passion lies.

With sustainability so important for our environment, investing in pieces that last for years rather than one season, is something we all need to be mindful of. With that in mind, if you want to add new pieces to your wardrobe for the new season, here is my guide to seasonal shopping and how to make the best use of your budget.

Know your budget

Talking of budget, this is one of the most important things to know when you go shopping at any time of year. Understanding what you want to invest in your wardrobe during the shopping trip, whether in person or online, will help you navigate the shopping experience. It will also remove any feelings of guilt that can come from an overspend when shopping (you’re not alone if you feel this!), and make it a more enjoyable experience.

Know your wardrobe requirements

Something I always start with when having a Personal Shopping experience with any of my clients is understanding what they already have in their wardrobes. Once we know what we already have, we can then get to see what we may want or need to add to them.

For example, if you have plenty of beautiful summer dresses that you want to use into the Autumn and Winter, you may need to invest in hosiery, long-sleeved tops to go under the dress, or even thermal vests that cannot be seen but keep you warm. Other pieces may be cardigans, jumpers, or long-sleeved dresses for the cooler months. Whereas if you are going into Spring/Summer you may need lighter options like a bolero, linens, and undergarments for comfort when not wearing tights.

Go through your wardrobe as the seasons begin to change, so you can clear out any unwearable garments for the coming season, and look at outfit opportunities within what you already have, and where the holes may lie.

Play with trends (that suit your style!)

I love new trends for each season, but sometimes we can get excited about a trend that truly won’t serve our personal style. We end up buying trendy garments, that we wear once and never again. Knowing the trends that you feel will work within your wardrobe and personal style will mean they can be worn over and over, and taken into future years – because they work for your style.

Invest in the seasonal essentials

Depending on the new season you are welcoming, there are some essentials you will need for your wardrobe. For Autumn, for example, there are some pieces you’ll want to add to your wardrobe if you haven’t already got them from the previous year.

Consider the place you live, and these essentials may change. For example, in the UK, while we may welcome Summer with open arms, this doesn’t mean our jumpers, tights, and boots need to go into storage! Whereas in Italy, we tend to only keep a few light layers in our wardrobe for the summer for cooler evenings.

Play with the seasonal colours

With a new season comes seasonal colours – Autumn with its falling leaves, Spring with new blossoms, Summer with strong colours all around, and Winter with it’s bright and fresh colourings. These colours can inspire your seasonal shopping. Pick and choose from your colour wheel to add colours from the season ahead to create new outfits with just a change of colour. For example, as we approach Autumn you may want to add reds or deep hues through your accessories. Find some beautiful boots that are in the season’s colours, that also keep you warmer on the cooler days.

If you are going shopping for the new season, I hope this guide has helped to prepare you. If you want someone there to support you and guide you through the shopping process, please get in touch.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: TOP COLOUR TRENDS FOR AUTUMN

I love the colours of autumn. With the falling of the leaves and changing of the season come deep oranges, burnt reds, dark purples and more. For those within the seasonal colour palette of autumn, this is your time to shine! Let your skin shine with these colours all around us.

For those of us within different seasonal colour palettes, we can still wear these colours, but need to be mindful of the tones to make them suit us.

To celebrate the changing of the seasons, I’ll share with you my top colour trends for autumn and how to try them depending on your season.

If you don’t yet know your colour palette, I share my tips on finding yours here, or book a colour clinic for a personalised and confidence-boosting session in London or online.

How to wear red this autumn

Seen across an array of catwalks, this show-stopping colour is one I am pleased to welcome to the darker days. Shining brightly as the weather often makes us want to stay in over a hot cup of coco and a movie, the colour may have a great effect on our mindsets.

What tones of red to use based on your season

Depending on your season, the tones of red to use will vary. From deep and rich, to bright and light, knowing the perfect shade will make a huge difference.

How to wear red as an autumn

Autumns need to look for deep, rich and warm reds. Think dark brick red, with an almost purple undertone. You can play with red lipstick, shoes, or all out with a red suit. Of course, starting with some accessories, like a pashmina or red ankle boots can be an easy way into the colour.

How to wear red as a winter

Fuchsia and bright icy pinks are more suited to your skin tone, as well as brighter cooler reds. With your contrasting features, you’ll want to look for deep yet bright undertones. A brighter red scarf could work to take you through to winter, while you may want to opt for some red boots for the rainier season (and to add drama to any outfit!).

How to wear red as a spring

With a warmer undertone than winters, springs look best in bright and strong colours. Think of poppy reds as inspiration. A red bag is always a great go-to accessory no matter the weather, while you can dive in head first into the colour of the. Pair with yellow or rose gold accessories, and you’re ready to paint the town red.

How to wear red as a summer

Summers have cooler undertones with soft features, and will suit more pastel or soft red tones. Pairing your red garments with lighter neutrals will help to soften the red that can be a tricker colour for you. Pinks are more suited to your colours, so this may be a more approachable way to implement this colour into your wardrobe. Why not add some edge with a leather shirt over your wide legged jeans and combat boots?

How to wear grey this autumn

For those of my client who love to wear black, they can be disappointed that this colour doesn’t fit within their season. That’s why charcoal or deep grey can be a solution for them. Grey can be a variety of tones, and it can be used as a neutral under your more unique or statement colours.

While for some, you may be jumping at the thought of a grey colour, the ways in which this tone can be used can be full and perfect for professional looks, should you need to. Make sure you pair it with your statement colours such as pinks, teals, or purples, to really shine.

How to wear charcoal as an autumn

Deep and rich charcoal and deep browns are a go-to neutral for you. You can also move into a lighter charcoal as long as it still provides a deep and rich tone for your skin. An elegant and structured jumper are excellent additions to your wardrobe for this time of year.

How to wear charcoal as a winter

Winters suit black unlike any other season, and you will shine with this rich deep colour, like charcoal. Grey needs to be as close to black as you can find, and will match with icy blues, bright pinks or emerald green. A classic grey suit trouser for work, or for a special occasion or black tie event, a strapless floor length dress in deep charcoal could look beautiful on you with a pair of emerald shoes & jewellery. For a more casual look, pair a charcoal pair of wide legged charcoal jeans with sneakers and turtleneck bodysuit.

How to wear charcoal as a spring

Charcoal is a trickier colour for you wear but paired with bright light colours you can play with this autumnal trend. Lighter grey may be a better solution for you, pair a light grey trench with pastel pinks or bright blues to really make a statement.

How to wear charcoal as a summer

A softer charcoal will look perfect on your skin tone, when matched with pastel yellows or pinks. A pair of soft grey sneakers paired with your favourite jeans and pastel coloured top are great for day to day, or why not try a midi skirt paired with heeled boots and a pink body suit for a unique look.

How to wear pink this autumn

You guessed it – the Barbie movie has been taking over and with that comes the fashion. While pink is a fun, bright, and engaging colour, it seems to be a little bit marmite. Some love it, some hate it! If you want to try out pink this autumn and feel your true Barbie-self, now is a great time to play with it.

How to wear pink as an autumn

Deep, luscious pinks are best for you. Paired with deep tones or going fully monochromatic will brighten up the darker season. When you look outside at this time of year, there isn’t much pink to pick and choose from, so you may be better suited to a peachier or more coral-colour. Try out a coral lipstick or a pink with an orange undertone for best results! These peachy, abstract ankle boots are a fun and unique accessory for your wardrobe to try out the colour of the year.  

How to wear pink as a winter

Bright pinks and fuchsias are beautiful on your skin and you can go all out Barbie! This one-shoulder maxi dress will let you party the night away in all your glory. Pair with silver platform heels and jewellery for a sparkly look. If you want to start small, a headband or a crossover body bag can be your stepping stone into the colour. 

How to wear pink as a spring

As with any season, all of us can wear any colour, as long as we select the right tone. For springs, however, jewellery in rose gold looks the best on you, playing into the pinkier hues that work with your clothing too. Bright and light pinks work well for you, too, so you can layer your pinks with your rose gold accessories. This light pink longline jacket is an essential for the season, while this pink and rose gold daisy ring is a fun and cute accessory.

How to wear pink as a summer

Barbie must be a summer as pinks across a variety of tones look great on you. Colours you see in Mother of Pearl or softer pinks are your go-to. A pastel pink blouse, hairband, or shoes are all fabulous options to add to your wardrobe for the season. This satin single breasted blazer feels “Legally Blonde” meets “Barbie” in one. While this frilly, lace-trimmed maxi dress could be layered over warmer garments to keep the spring in your step. This dusky pink, fit and flare dress is a party dress that could suit work and play!

I hope you enjoy welcoming a new season. If you want to play with new colours to brighten your wardrobe, I’d love to help.

PERSONAL SHOPPING TIPS: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PERSONAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Let’s be honest, shopping for clothes can either make or break our day. When you have a plan, find what you need, the temperature is just right, and you feel confident within the pieces you have selected, a clothes shopping experience can be amazing.

For many of my clients, they have less of a fabulous result when they go shopping. They don’t have time for it so rush through the shopping, ending up with clothes they don’t love, don’t work with their current wardrobe, and ultimately waste money on garments they won’t wear.

For some, the feeling of overwhelm from the multitude of options can consume them. They can either rush around the stores and feel there’s “nothing for them”, or they spend hours trying to find the right pieces, but just don’t know where to go.

Finally, the most often feeling is that they just don’t know what will suit them from the shops, and feel they don’t know what to buy.

A personal shopping experience brings a specialist by your side to help you transform these downward spirals when shopping, and make them enjoyable and cost effective. Gone will be the countless pieces in your wardrobe that you never wear, but don’t have time to return!

That’s why we love helping people who feel this way with our online or face to face shopping experiences.

When you come to One of a Style for a personal shopping experience, what can you expect? Great question, here’s what we do here.

Personal Shopping – what you can expect from face to face shopping experiences

A personal shopping experience is one that we go through together, in person. The experience gives you the opportunity to have a full day or half day with one of our style experts to discover the shops, styles, and pieces that work for you.

It starts with a consultation, we get together online or in person, to find out what your wardrobe delivers, and what you may need to complement the outfits you already have and love.

Our experts will create a list of inspirational styles and will browse brands and collections beforehand, so when we get together for the shopping experience, we have clear ideas of what you need and what to look for.

We use our insights, knowledge, and experience to recommend stores that align with your personal style, your wardrobe requirements, and your shape. Because we already understand and know what is on offer across a variety of stores and budgets, we don’t have to try out loads of options, we have them in place already, and can take you to them for a new and welcome experience.

We may guide you to try a few new things, so you can step out of your comfort zone, while remaining true to your personality. We will also enable you to try on pieces, play with outfits, and have a style expert to hand to give you feedback on looks as well as how to style those garments for future looks.

You will walk away knowing that the pieces you have purchased will not only feel and look great, but they will work for you within the wardrobe you already have.

A personal shopping experience will feel like you have an expert there to hold your hand, give you new discoveries, and make shopping a more pleasurable experience. You will also be given advice and feedback for future shopping when you go out on your own, so you won’t fall back into the overwhelming and costly experience it may have been before.

Online Personal Shopping – What to Expect from an online shopping experience with One of a Style

You may think that online personal shopping would mean you miss out on that personal aspect, but we make sure that our online and face to face experiences feel as personal and engaged as one another. There are some differences, of course, as we are not there with you in person during the experience, but we are able to give a guiding hand throughout your experience.

With our Curated Online Shopping Experience, you will still get a real, accountable stylist (and no AI) working for you! We are here to make sure your shopping experience will be enjoyable, so having someone there to help you makes it all the more easier.

After an initial briefing call to discuss your goal, budget and needs, we create a bespoke lookbook just for you!

You will see different outfit ideas with links to the places to buy those exact items, so you can quickly and easily get what you see and like, with an approachable example of how to style them. No longer will an online shopping experience of urgency for one garment mean it only works for one event or outfit!

If you perhaps don’t love an exact piece, we have multiple options within your lookbook to try out, such as different colours, and patterns that still align with your outfit preferences and personal style, based on the briefing we have together.

You can go out, with the informed decisions and items that work for you thanks to these elements, and to add on that personal experience, we can organise a Zoom Fit Call, to show off your pieces once you get them, and see how they fall, and get an expert insight into the looks.

While the one-off experience can be so beneficial for you moving forwards, we understand that the trends that come into play, and the seasons come around, which may mean you need further support. This is why we offer our curated online shopping sessions in a one-off, bi-annual, or quarterly option.

Shopping should ultimately be a joyful, useful experience that makes your wardrobe more fun and useable. If shopping for clothes feels like an overwhelming experience for you, and holds you back from enjoying your wardrobe, we can help.

Whether you choose to have someone by your side in person, or via an online experience, each option provides a personal and bespoke solution to your clothes shopping experiences.

PERSONAL SHOPPER ADVICE: WHAT'S NEW THIS SEASON?

With February fast-approaching, this means Fashion Week is coming to London from the 17th – 21st February to showcase the Spring/Summer trends to look forward to.

With the catwalks filled with warm-weather looks, you may be wondering what new items may work in your current wardrobe that you may want to invest in.

While I work around the ethos of a sustainable and capsule-like wardrobe, there are sometimes seasonal pieces that certainly feel right to add to my wardrobe. As long as they work alongside at least 3 of my current outfits, and make me feel great (and will last!) then they are worth purchasing.

Being a considered shopper makes each season more exciting as you take a moment to consider if the pieces you quickly react to will have a long-term effect. This is one thing to bring into your mindset each time you go shopping – give yourself the time to question if you have pieces that work with that garment, or if you love it enough to make some!

With this in your mind, let’s share a few of the new season favourites I have found.

Baggy jeans

I shared a guide to the top jeans to suit your body shape (which you can download here) last year, and baggy jeans are one of the most approachable pieces. They are often comfortable, and work beautifully on a range of body types.

If you are an hourglass or a triangle you will want to make sure you have a waist height that comes in at your natural waist. Tuck in your shirt, blouse or light jumper, and then add a belt to really level up your shape!

For an inverted triangle shape, a pair of wide-legged jeans that fall more on the flared side are a great option for you. Pop on a pair of heels to lengthen your legs and a form-fitting top to finish off the look.

Or try a pair that have a little bit of volume or pockets to the front will make a definition to your hips. And a square neck top, a crossover body bag and a pair of platform sneakers to make this cool-girl look complete.

Oversized Blazers

My favourite piece to have in any woman’s wardrobe – the blazer! This season it is coming in an oversized form, which can be comforting yet sometimes tricky to wear depending on your personal style and body shape.

Blazers can upgrade any look, and add that extra layer of warmth that can be so needed in the spring in London. With an oversized blazer you have more freedom for the layers underneath, and you can also play with the shapes and fits of the clothes you choose.

For example an oversized blazer that is just shorter than your skirt, with tights, boots and a comfy jumper is a great brunch or date night look. While the same blazer can be worn with a detailed blouse, your favourite wide-legged trousers and your heels for a day of meetings.

For a few ways to play with blazers and how to style them, click here.

Going Sheer

Now, bear with me here, but the sheer trend that has been shown across countless catwalks can be a great additional layer to add warmth, intrigue, or style to your outfit. While the catwalk stylings feel less approachable (but if you love it, go for it!) adding a covered layer beneath the sheer garment is a great way to make this trend-setting garment more likely to work in your wardrobe.

If you want to add colour to a look, for example, but you want to keep your neutral tones across your look, then adding a sheer long sleeved top over your vest will perk up the look in a flash.

For the sheer skirts, you can add these over another skirt of a similar length, or add definition to your waist by adding the skirt over a full length dress.

Sheer pieces are also great for adding texture, definition, and flair to your outfit. If you are cautious of going fully sheer, you can find several fashion houses that have added a sheer element to a piece such as the bottom of a midi skirt or in panels to just show a little skin.

So, what do you think of these three spring/summer seasonal trends? Will you be trying a few of them in your wardrobe? If you feel a little overwhelmed by all the changing trends, and don’t know where to invest and where to walk away, I offer a Personal Shopping experience, so you and I can go together to view and select the best items to match your style, needs, and body shape.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT HANDBAG

As accessories go, you can’t get more diverse than the handbag. From clutches to briefcases, backpacks to crossover body bags, you can discover a huge array of styles, colours, patterns, and designs to add to your outfit. But how can you find the perfect handbag for your style?

In this article I’ll share with you my top tips to finding the right handbags to suit your needs, personal style, and lifestyle.

Matching your handbag to your lifestyle

The first important part about shopping for your perfect handbag is to match it to your lifestyle, and how differently the handbag will support your needs throughout the day, week, or month.

Let’s think about being a working mother – your working bag will require space for your laptop, folders, documents and needs to look professional; while when you are picking up the kids, or having family-time over the weekend, your bag needs to hold snacks, drinks, nappies, games and a lot more – without damaging your shoulders!

I understand that lifestyles are hugely varied, but in this article I will share insights from a variety of clients I have worked with in the past, and the handbags I recommended to them based on their needs. You can mix and match the ideas below based on how your lifestyle looks.

Handbags for work

If you are a professional working person, and tend to commute to the office, your bag needs to reflect your needs. I like to recommend to the clients I work with who have to go to work, with commuting to and from the office being a big part of their lives, a large enough shoulder bag to carry their essentials.

The Briefcase

While you can find a classic black leather briefcase style bag with plenty of zip up space for your purse, make-up when you need to do touch ups, as well as large enough for your laptop, stationery, and so on. In the mid-range price, this Aspen Leather Shoulder Workbag by Osprey is perfect, or a designer option could be this Mulberry City briefcase (in black or charcoal).

Briefcase by Mulberry

But if you want to add a little flair to your outfit for work, you can do this through a colourful and enticing briefcase – with all the bells and whistles you need, but a touch of fun. This vegan leather Luca Laptop Bag by Flanella Smith is available in lemon yellow, sage green or navy and is a fab way to bring that colour pop to your classic corporate outfit.

Luca laptop bag by Flanella Smith in yellow

Day bags

If you prefer something a little more casual that will fit all of your work essentials within it, then you could invest in a “day bag”. These bags have more pockets than the briefcase, and perhaps have the hand held and over the shoulder option for a little change up to the outfit. I love this Chloe Medium Edith day bag which feels very 70’s in the styling, whereas this Michael Kors day bag in cream works beautifully for a chic look, with the added bonus of two sections within the bag.

Day bag by Michael Kors

Bags for Mums

Mums need a little more robust, larger bags than those for the work place as we need to be able to bring quite a variety of things with us to locations we are visiting! From snacks to nappies, the bags need to make sure we’re able to quickly take care of our little ones, without losing our personal style along the way.

Large satchels

Satchels are a great option for Mums on the go, as they remain stylish and offer a large amount of pockets, zips, and variety. When you place the satchel as a cross body option, this also helps make sure you’re not leaving all of the weight to your side, and you can easily run after children or pick them up without worrying about your bag falling off your shoulder. The 15 inch Batchel by Cambridge Satchel is available not only in the classic brown leather colour, but also red, black, navy, green, blue and many more – so the world is your oyster when choosing the colours that match your personal style.

This large DKNY satchel with three compartments is a dream for Mums with more than one child, or for going out with kids and the whole family for an event. Pop the snacks in one area, your purse, phone and personal items in another, and then toys in the middle!

DKNY Satchel with compartments

Backpacks for Mums

If you need to have both hands free or prefer to have the weight of your bag over both shoulders, you can’t go wrong with a backpack – it’s a classic for a reason. This Aurore backpack by Aruku has a beautiful tiger pattern inside and is a fun, good-sized bag for a Mum – and has the extra bonus  of a safe zip section by your back.

Green backpack by Aruku

However, if you prefer more compartments and organisation in your backpack, look for an option that has multiple zip areas or even separators. This Tiba + Marl Elwood woven backpack not only has 2 front zip-up pockets, but it also comes with a batching purse and internal padded laptop sleeve, two large internal elasticated pockets and a smart phone pocket – the organisation options are endless!

Handbags for special occasions

Now, I’ve talked about the day to day lifestyles we lead, but what about the one-off special occasions or date nights? This is where you can reduce the size of your bag, and up the level of personality!

Clutch bags

Clutch bags are great for evening events and events that you are attending that need minimal extras to take with you. These bags are often just big enough for a phone, your small purse, and maybe a lipstick for when you go to powder your nose. However, what they don’t have in size, they have in a huge array of patterns, fabrics and colours! From animal print zip up clutch bags to pastel clutches with metal accents, or even a glitter rainbow clutch – you’re in for a treat when looking for a clutch bag – but remember, check that it will be the right size for your essentials before investing!

Rainbow glitter clutch bag by Kurt Geiger

Small crossbody bags

If you need a little more space, and  a way to pull in your outer wear as you travel to your event, a crossover body bag is a great option, and also comes in a large range of patterns and colours. While I love my classic black – because it goes with everything, I also occasionally bring a little fun through the colourful collections I have. You can add a little flair to your crossover body bag with changing up the straps – some designers, such as Elie Beaumont – offer this as an addition to your bag, so you transform your outfit in a snap.

You can also play with the way you style your crossover bag and flip it – to just one shoulder! The great thing about the size of most of the crossover body bags in fashion is that they don’t take over the outfit, like this small yet stylish chain mini crossover bag in dusky pink by Tommy Hilfiger, as it has the chain styling for a bit of an edgy look.

Tommy Hilfiger crossover body bag

Do you love your handbags, or are you just beginning to take an interest in them? I hope some of these options inspire you to invest in this diverse and fun accessory.

If you’re unsure on the best pieces for your lifestyle, whether it’s accessories or your wardrobe, I’d love to help – I offer clients a completely bespoke personal service including personal shopping and style coaching, and I’d love to help you!

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: NEW YEAR, NEW WARDROBE?

As we head into a new year, often we may feel refreshed and invigorated to stick to goals we have set ourselves! If one of your resolutions is to feel more stylish, confident, or even work on making new connections, get a new job, or build your business – one way to start can be understanding your wardrobe and style in a better way.

Where to start with a new personal style

The first step to discovering your new style, is to understand what you want to portray through your fashion. A few questions I always ask my styling clients are:

• What are the first few words you’d like people to think of when they see you?

• Who are your style icons or inspirations?

• Do you feel a certain way in particular colours?

When you know these, it can help you start developing a sort of style mood board, which is what I create with my personal styling clients on Pinterest, to help you see a selection of options in one space that will help you with future purchases.

Remove items for your wardrobe that don’t fit within your style

When you know the type of style you want to portray through your clothes, that you feel confident in and showcases the personality you’d like to convey, you can then start to edit your current wardrobe.

Having a wardrobe detox helps with several things when it comes to developing your personal style:

• It will save you time each day – no more wondering what will go with what!

• Your wardrobe will work smoothly together as full outfits that you can mix and match easily.

• You’ll no longer have any clothes that you don’t feel comfortable in – removing items that don’t fit you is one of the most important parts of this process, as well as the ones you don’t love or feel confident in when you put them on.

Once you have a wardrobe of items you already own, that work within your style you can move onto the next step – finding new items that work with your current ones!

How to find clothes that work with your personal style

Now you have a wardrobe that you can maximise outfits from, that makes you feel your best, and you have a curated mood board for your style inspiration, you can begin your shopping journey!

As a personal shopper myself, I am sure you wouldn’t be surprised to hear that I think making a shopping experience fun, enjoyable and functional is the most important part of your shopping experiences! You’ll want to make sure you do a few things before heading to the shops (whether online or in person).

• Note which items you want to purchase to create outfits from your current pieces in your wardrobe.

• What new items do you want to get to create new outfits?

• What is your budget for this particular shop, or perhaps your quarterly shop? Knowing your finances that you are happy to spend each season for particular items will make sure you know what you can invest in and what you need to save for.

• What colours do you want to add to your wardrobe, if any?

• Which accessories would be a great addition to your collection to help develop fuller more diverse outfits? Whether it’s a belt, a bag, shoes, jewellery, or hair pieces, accessories can transform a look and finish an outfit!

When you have a plan, and an understanding of the style and messages you want to convey through your styling choices, your shopping experiences should be more economical and more useful for you. When we reactively buy because of new year’s sales, a sudden need for something quickly, and without thought, it can cause us to buy items that we ultimately don’t wear. Fast fashion, trends, and garments that don’t last cause us to spend our valuable money on pieces that don’t suit our style for the long term. Taking time to consider what you want your style to showcase, why you want to create that style for yourself – perhaps for your work wardrobe, your confidence, journeying into a new age bracket, or merely to feel great – can truly make a huge difference to how you feel.

Clothes and fashion should work for you – not against you. I hope you will walk into the new year with more confidence and joy each day, and if you’d love help to do this using fashion as one of the tools to manage this, please get in touch.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SHOPPING TRIP

If you have already managed to get to your local high street, you will have noticed that many people are making the most of once again being able to shop, eat, and connect with loved ones. But the new normal may feel a little daunting in terms of getting out and shopping for perfect items for your wardrobe, without wasting your time and money.

In this article, I wanted to share my guide to maximising your shopping trip to make it enjoyable, functional, and economical. This is so important, as shopping, particularly for fashion, should be an enjoyable experience. For many, it can be overwhelming and expensive, particularly as at the moment, many stores are not allowed to have changing rooms.

Have your technology ready

The first important thing to note for going shopping after lockdown is that many stores will have a QR code to scan for your NHS tracker. Make sure you have that set up on your phone, and can easily check in and move into the store.

Technology can also be really handy too to help you know the items you want to get – so bring your phone with your style board already downloaded (if you’d like your very own style & confidence boosting guide, book my styling session!). This can be a really excellent way to make sure you are picking up the right items for your personal style, without getting distracted by the current trends that feel shiny and new, but may not suit your current wardrobe.

Know what you need, and what you want

What you need and what you want are two wonderfully different things when it comes to shopping. Knowing which of each you would like to get when shopping will help you feel more in control of what you are looking for, rather than aimlessly walking through shops, feeling like you can’t find what you want!

How to know what you need:

1.       Consider the outfits you already have and love – see if they need an update for the season

2.       If you have a go-to outfit that you love, but perhaps an item doesn’t fit, or you have only one so can only wear it once, then see what extras you need to replicate the look regularly!

3.       Know your basics – do you have them? For example – do you have an easy to wear light jumper for spring; perfect jeans you can pop on and feel confident in; a tee that can be comfortable but suitable for seeing colleagues, loved ones, and friends; and if you need an update in shoe options since we’ve been in slippers for a year!

How to know what you want:

1.       If you love a certain style of outfit but your wardrobe doesn’t currently accommodate, you can see if you can make this from items you find while shopping

2.       Non-essential items in your wardrobe, but ones that will bring a little more personality and joy to your outfits.

3.       Special occasion events – let’s be honest, we aren’t going out to lots of parties, so a special occasion outfit isn’t as essential as work, meeting, and networking outfits!

Once you have your “needs” and “wants” lists with you, keep them in your bag so you can refer back to them throughout your shopping trip and tick them off as you pick them up.

Do some research!

One thing my clients find so helpful once we’ve had our personal shopping together is seeing how we plan prior to the shopping trip. I do my research on local shops that offer the colours, cuts, styles, and personal brand options that my client wants.

This helps us to know more than just the right shops to visit, but also that they will be a good shop to go to and enjoy the experience. For example, if you are looking solely for excellent jeans, then you should find the highest recommended jeans shop in your area, or go to a store like Selfridges which has a lot on offer in one easy to visit area. You can then try different brands to see which ones fit your body best.

Within this research stage, you could check out the outfit ideas that are shown on the shop’s Instagram, and website to inspire you for future outfits. It’s also important to know the sizes that fit you in this store. This can be a learning curve, and without being able to try on in the store for many shops, you may want to get a few sizing options and ignore the number – it is different in so many places and is not a reflection of anything other than the shop’s creations.

Enjoy the shopping experience

My most important thing to remember when you go shopping is to enjoy it.

So often we are rushing around, feeling concerned about our timing, other things to do, where to go, and what to find. With your research and list in your pocket, your style knowledge on your phone so you know exactly which colours, cuts, and stores to gravitate to, you have removed the stress element. Then you can make the experience an enjoyable one.

Give yourself time to walk around the shops – don’t have appointments you have to rush to afterwards, let this be a meeting with yourself that you can enjoy.

Find a local coffee shop for a pick me up – I find having some delicious coffee, or tea, stopping for lunch, and knowing the little places you can stop, recuperate, and enjoy the day, is so important to my mindset when shopping.

Bring a friend – when we are able to shop with different households, see if you can bring a friend that is confidence-boosting, who knows you well, and can perhaps bring a different idea to your clothing choices that really reflect you, but perhaps push you to new styles you may not have picked up.

Use a professional – if you still feel overwhelmed by the whole experience, I would love to recommend finding a local stylist who can help you. Whether it’s an online guide, a personalised experience, or just seeing what professionals suggest, will make shopping happy for you.

I hope these tips have helped you feel more encouraged about the shopping experience for yourself. If you have any questions or want to discuss how I can help, please reach out – I love making sure all of my clients get to enjoy their wardrobe and feel confident every day.

PERSONAL STYLIST TOP TIPS TO ORGANIZE YOUR RETURN-TO-WORK(WEAR)

If you’re anything like me then you will be getting very excited about what the next few months will hold for us. Not only are we now able to once again see one another (within the government guidelines) but also, many of us will be beginning to go back to “normal” working lives. Whether it’s coming out of furlough, seeing clients face to face, or returning to the office after months at home, your wardrobe is going to need to return, potentially, to a more professional style. But how can you reorganise your wardrobe to reflect these changes?

Give yourself time

We have indulged, sat at home, and simply started to get used to the comfort of our working from home wear. This means that your previous professional outfits may feel uncomfortable or different to how they used to. Give yourself enough time to retry on your professional clothes, and permit yourself self-care should they no longer fit. Prevent yourself from holding onto clothes that are too big or too small, and just donate them. Take them out of your mind, and give yourself a little boost knowing that now you can upgrade your wardrobe to reflect your personality a little more with some clothes shopping. If you want to know my tips for making your online shopping experience successful, read my blog here.

Plan ahead

Now you have your clothes sorted in your wardrobe, and you’re ready to get back to your working routine, you’ll want to save yourself valuable time! For some, this return to work means extra early wake ups, and long commutes, so any time saved means more time in the shower, having breakfast, with the family, or just simply saving stress in the morning. Plan your outfit the night (or even the week!) before, so you know exactly what you’re going to pick up and put on.

If you are unsure on what outfits work well, then why not head to Pinterest for some inspiration (or give me a call to discuss a Personal Styling Session!) to help create outfits that you love. You can then plan them in a “flat lay” on the bed, see what accessories and shoes work well, and make some fun out of the whole planning process. Once you’ve curated outfits for the week, you can hang them all together so they are easy to pull out of your newly organised wardrobe in a flash.

You may also want to prepare a bag for your change of shoes if you are someone that does a lot of walking but needs to transform into high heels or less comfortable smart shoes for the office.

Create capsule spaces in your wardrobe

If you are changing up your routine with flexible working, meaning you may be working from home some days and then at the office on others, then you may want to create easy to access capsule areas in your wardrobe so you can easily switch between office workwear, and home workwear, as well as the fun clothing for outside brunches and, soon, date nights! When you know the area to pick and choose from for your outfits for specific days, it will make the experience so much more fun.

Manage your expectations

If you are feeling overwhelmed by what to wear, as it’s been a very long time for all of us living in the sort of “half professional” look, then you deserve to give yourself some time to manage your expectations for what the coming weeks and months will look like for you. Planning your outfits, getting clothes together in advance, and making sure there are no items in your wardrobe that don’t fit or suit you, will be one way to help keep the process smooth and calm. If you work in an office, or have networking events that you attend with close friends or contacts, you could all chat together before the working week to see how you’re getting on, help one another with outfit choices, and make it a more fun experience for you all.

My final piece of advice is to enjoy these changes – remember how fun it can be to dress up, create workwear outfits for a meeting, and feel professionally pulled together, and embrace that fun. If it doesn’t feel fun (or if you have always dreaded getting your clothes together for any occasion) then please get in touch – I can help you feel confident, comfortable, and make every morning an enjoyable one when it comes to clothes.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: HOW TO PLAN YOUR SHOPPING ONLINE AND MAKE IT REALLY WORK FOR YOU

My gut tells me online shopping will be the preferred options from the majority of consumers over 2021. Online shopping can be "tricky" so, while I absolutely understand that people feel safer and want to avoid stepping into a physical store (and also, most of them do not allow us to try things on during these times) I'd recommend being careful with shopping online, trying to search specific items and avoid random/compulsive purchases. So here are some tips to help make sure your online shopping experience is a good one!

Write a list

My first tip is to write a shopping list and follow it while researching items. Start your list by going through your Spring wardrobe and find the items you feel are missing that can extend your outfits. Do you have a need for new tops, or camisoles, perhaps you may need a few replacement light cardigans – whatever you feel you may need to add to your wardrobe that would actually work with your current collection will ensure you have a list that works rather than a haphazard approach to shopping.

Which clothing brands do you love?

We often gravitate to certain brands that work for us, and our wardrobe will show us those brands. So, while you’re writing your list, find out the brands that seem to pop up regularly. With this in mind, you can then visit their online stores for their new collections or sale items, that match your shopping list!

What cuts work well for your body?

Our body can look amazing in certain styles, and with a knowledge of the style of jeans you love most, to the dress types that you feel amazing in, figure out the cuts and styles you love to wear and this will help you when searching for items online.

For example, if you feel fabulous in square neck tops – look for clothes with a similar neckline that you know you’ll feel confident in. Perhaps you need a new pair of jeans (now we are finally being given the opportunity to go outside with friends once again!), consider the style of jeans you like, as well as the leg length and waist size, which you can replicate with your next purchase. Flared jeans are coming back into fashion, so if you’ve been desperate to get a pair, now is a great time to invest.

What colours will suit your current wardrobe and personal style?

Another really important part to remember when it comes to shopping is to know the colours you love to wear, and that work with your wardrobe. Many online shops allow you to categorise by colour as well as type, so use this option so you’re not distracted by items that just won’t work with your current wardrobe!

Know your budget

My final tip is to consider your budget. Fast fashion works well for quick required pieces, but with so many of us still being wary of going out quite as much, you may want to step back and consider your budget. With a higher ticket price, you will often find a much better item – and if this means waiting a little while before investing in pieces that you will love, or waiting for a sale, then you will find your wardrobe has more clothing that you want to wear more often. Invest in a few important pieces while online shopping that stay within your budget, to treat yourself, but also to know that they will be worn with love & will work with multiple items in your wardrobe (if you’ve done all the other ideas in this list!).

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of shopping online, or perhaps you have bought clothes in the past that you’re not using, please get in touch – I can help you with my online personal style masterclass where we will work together to create a perfect personal style for you. With this in hand, your shopping (online and offline) will be a much more enjoyable experience!

NEW YEAR NEW YOU - TOP TIPS TO KICK START 2021 AND FEEL YOUR BEST

As a personal stylist I love helping my clients boost their confidence through their personal style and with a wardrobe that they feel truly showcases their personality. This year has been a tough one for so many of us, so I wanted to share some of my confidence boosting tips to help you start 2021 with a growth of confidence and feel your best!

Find colours that you love and wear them more often

Do you find that sometimes you put something on that is in a certain colour and you just feel more confident? Colour can be a truly transformative element to our confidence. Bright colours, especially during the colder months, can be a wonderful way to make you feel a little more bright and fun. Try adding some colour to your outfit with accessories like a hat, scarf, or if you’re feeling really adventurous a coat or go for a classic with some bright and beautiful shoes!

Dress up for yourself

With everything that’s been going on in 2020, many of us have been staying indoors, living in our yoga pants, or pyjamas unless a meeting calls for it. Although this was fun at the beginning, it can feel a little repetitive. I find dressing up can really improve my mood, and is something I am actively doing at least twice a week. Whether it’s for date night indoors with your partner, a meeting online, or just to get yourself some coffee, going the extra mile with your outfit can be a great way to improve your confidence.

Whether it’s a demure long dress for the evening, or a glamourous shirt that you feel great in, treat yourself to an outfit you love and wear it.

Actually treat yourself!

Relaxation and self-care are ways to help build your confidence, and are important parts to helping us feel our best. For me, having a relaxing bath is a really lovely way to treat myself, and makes me feel great – I get to read a book, light some candles, and have some wonderful smelling body soaks to unwind. For other ideas you can treat yourself by painting your nails, reading a book, taking a break for coffee, calling a loved one, or using some wonderful body care items.

However you are planning to spend the last week of the year, and planning for 2021, I hope you spend time on yourself too. If you would like to treat yourself to the gift of a wardrobe that brings you joy, please do get in touch and we can organise an online Personal Style Masterclass together! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

WHY BE PRIMARK WHEN YOU CAN BE GUCCI?

You want to look effortlessly stylish, but your patience is short, and you struggle to find a great fit, in that ‘wow’ colour.

So, you end up in the same bland colours you’ve always worn with no inclination to spend your precious time-off on shopping trips that leave you in despair.

Your wardrobe is bursting with clothes you never wear because you didn’t really know how to choose. Some items have the tags still attached after your disastrous impulse buys.

A personal colour analysis is the answer to your problems – delivering a valuable service that saves you time, money, and stress.

At your consultation, you will learn the exact colour palate from 16 seasons (rather than the usual 4) that perfectly matches your skin tone, so you will look radiant and feel amazing. When you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside.

You’ll also learn how to buy less, wear more using my unique method, saving you money and creating a beautifully arranged closet. Your sustainable wardrobe is not only good for your finances, it’s great for the environment too.

You’ll be encouraged to try new options which push you out of your comfort zone, enabling to develop your own sense of style and increase your confidence.

You’ll get tailored advice on the latest trends, so you’ll be able to enjoy the shopping experience.

As an extra benefit, you will also get a personalised make-up session enabling you to perfect the complete look for your skin type and tone.

Your personal colour analysis consultation will save you heaps of time and money by enabling you to purchase the ideal clothes that make you look and feel self-assured, elegant, relaxed or funky – whatever works for you.

You can save the cost of this service (£185) in your first shop simply by having the right information and confidence to make the perfect purchases every time and cutting out the wasted hours in store.

Get in touch to find out more or book an online consultation and get your wardrobe ready for autumn/winter 2020.

One of a style, because you are one of a kind.

Stefania

PERSONAL SHOPPER ADVICE: HOW TO CREATE YOUR PERFECT WARDROBE

NO MORE WARDROBE MELTDOWNS is the title of the workshop I have handled on the 11th of May, in cooperation with Savio Los PT/Nutritionist and the Italian Fashion brand Liu Jo, at their flagship store in Marylebone, London.

The idea of this workshop came up from observing some of my clients. I have realized that more and more people, especially women, tend to buy lots of clothes and accessories every season, tempted by the millions of brands available in the high streets, by special offers, by the fashion trends of the moment and, sometimes, also by fashion bloggers.  As a result they usually end up with a wardrobe full of clothes and accessories, yet they feel they’ve got nothing to wear.

sounds familiar?! 

Well, Statistics show that the majority of people use a very little percentage of the items they own, and most of those items remain in their closet, sometimes still with the tags on.

I can tell you that most of the time having a minimal wardrobe can help us with our daily outfit choices and can turn out to be more functional than a full wardrobe! And the first step to get a functional wardrobe starts with our shopping choices. We need in fact to understand what to buy, to limit our purchases to what is really working for us: from the best cuts, shapes and combination to the best colours. It might seem difficult at the beginning but I can assure you that once you find your answers you will start shopping in a totally different way, more consciously and selectively and in the end you will find that this will also help you save money.

Another point that made me come up with the idea of this workshop is that most of my clients don’t just want to give a twist to their style, they actually want a dramatic change to their look and their image.  But, as I always say, while I can teach people how to enhance their features, I cannot change them.  So I thought to combine, in one single event, styling tips with fitness tips, thanks to the cooperation of Savio Los, an expert personal trainer and nutritionist.

Why have I chosen this particular store to host the event?! Liu Jo is an Italian fashion brand which is very popular in Italy and I’ve always been a fan. My opinion, as a stylist and a customer is that, apart from being original and different from other high street brands, their products have an incredible value for money, great quality and attention to details and great fit, especially for the denim, that is also their topic product, known above all for their exclusive BOTTOM UP formula. Yes...Bottom up! And it works!:-)

Anyway, fit and quality are, for me, essential elements for a good valuable shopping and a functional wardrobe.

Throughout the event we showed 5 models, each with a specific body shape and different proportions and colours. For every one of them I have created a personalized outfit, picking the best items to highlight their features; I called them one at a time, explained my choices to the audience. Savio could then give specific fitness and workout tips for every body shape we saw.

The first of the models was Benedetta

photo by Julia Andrzejewska

Benedetta is a typical inverted triangle, which means she has quite broad shoulders that are wider than hips; her point of strength, the one to be highlighted, is surely her bottom part (hips + legs) while she needs to be careful not to highlight even more her shoulders. This is why I created this outfit for her : the details are concentrated on the jeans, focusing the eye attention on what is her point of strength, while I chooses plain simple clothes in soft fabrics for the top. Benedetta has also very soft colours and contrasts, that is why I choose soft colours as well for her outfit, trying to respect her natural colouring; this way the colours can highlight and complement her features without prevailing or dragging her down.

Being her quite tall I dared a bottom fold at her jeans (not suggested for petit or for who has fuller or short legs instead); as for the accessories I went for a medium to big size handbag, good for her proportions, and high heels, but she can even decide to go for flat or small heels, as she doesn't really need to elongate the figure.

the second model was Maeva  another inverted triangle but this time with bright crispy colours and high natural contrasts 

photo by Julia Andrzejewska

To create her outfit I followed the same general rules as Benedetta, but I choose totally different colours and combinations, to highlight her features. For her, moreover, I choose a small sized handbag because she is a petit, and I also suggested (at least for her nights out) to wear always medium to high heels. 

To make targeted and right shopping choices, anyway, it is essential to know not only what works for us, but also what does not. For inverted triangles, like Maeva and Benedetta, here some clues of what to avoid: off the shoulders cuts, puffiness and volume on shoulders, stiff fabrics and horizontal stripes on top, specially if combined with plain darker trousers or skirts.

The third model was Crystel, this time a triangle, with deep colours and high contrasts.

photo by Julia Andrzejewska

Triangles have, typically, hips wider then shoulders and, generally, the bottom part of the body is curvy and full while the top is smaller, also shoulders are usually a bit slope. The rules for creating a perfect outfit for a triangle are exactly the opposite of the inverted triangle :-) So what it is working? ..Details and volume on top, puffed and padded shoulders, plain items and soft fabrics instead for the bottom; usually triangles are characterized also by a narrow waist, in that case it is also good to highlight the waist point with cuts and belts. 

What to avoid instead? Sheath and bottom clinging dresses, details on legs and hips, trousers with pleats and darts, stiff fabrics on bottom, patterns (especially bold) on legs and hips. For Crystel, besides, pastels or too bright colours are to avoid.

Then we saw Anna, a full hourglass with soft colours and light contrasts

photo by Julia Andrzejewska

We can say that someone is a hourglass when their shoulders and hips are even and they also have a narrow waist point; and when I talk about a "full hourglass" I mean someone with a quite curvy body. Basically hourglasses can wear any kind of clothes style, but generally speaking they need to pay attention to maintain their natural body balance with their outfits and full hourglasses in particular must take care to complement their natural curves with soft and fluid fabrics. They should also always try to highlight their waist through cuts and belts, being it a real point of strength. This is why I choose this dress for her, that gets all the elements to enhance her features. The outfit was then completed by a powder pink leather jacket (I am holing it in the picture) to create a nice soft contrast with the dress, high heels - good to elongate her legs - and a medium sized bag. 

What to avoid: stiff fabrics, sheath dresses, too much voluminous fabrics/shapes, horizontal stripes, stilettos (as their legs are usually quite full and needs to be elongated). For Anna, moreover, better to avoid bright or too dark colours and strong contrasts.

The 5th and last model was Giada, this time a neat hourglass with deep colours and soft contrasts.

Giada, with everyone's great envy (in the good sense of course), is the luckiest of the models and in general she represents the luckiest of the body shapes: naturally balanced and proportioned and, in her case, also tall! As I said before, anyway, hourglasses must always take care to maintain their natural body balance; so for Giada I tried to focus the attention on the whole figure, by choosing a quite detailed top, enriched by the belt that is highlighting her waistline, in soft deep colours and soft contrasts to complement her natural colouring, contrasted by a white slim fit jeans. For her I choose flat sandals, as she doesn't really need high heels to elongate her legs, and a big sized handbags. 

What to avoid: I suggested Giada to avoid small sized handbags and pastel or bright colours, specially if worn close to her face.

For all of the models and the body shapes they represented, our PT Savio Los gave then his workout tips 

There are, obviously, many other kind of body shapes and features, everyone is different and have their own characteristics; would have been impossible to speak about and show all of them in one single event. But people looked impressed by all the tips they were able to get all at once, and the hour after the demonstration they could practice, with my help for a shopping consultation in real time.

We are willing to do soon another event, seeing the great success of this first edition! 

Now enjoy the photo gallery, with shots also from the backstage :-) and don't miss the video too 

Gallery 

All photos by Julia Andrzejewska

Video

PERSONAL SHOPPER ADVICE: HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING SUIT

After last blog post I realize I was addressing my 3 tips to women only, so I decided to release a new one giving this time 3 tips useful to men.  For who doesn't know yet I am, in fact, a personal stylist/shopper who works both with men and women; I've had male clients, indeed,  who were asking my help because their were struggling to find something appropriate (whether it was for budget, or quality, or simply in line with the event coming) , so why not to give them the some hints? 

I also realized that in my last blog post I was referring to Western weddings; always better to specify, as in the Eastern culture most of the habits and traditions (and the colour meanings) can be very different. 

Said that, here are my 3 tips for men, who are attending one or more weddings soon and need to find an appropriate suit, and the accessories of course, for the occasion/s: 

tip #1 is about the style of the wedding, where the location can be a big clue (villa or country house?! Castle or restaurant?!); this is a detail that can make the difference in the choice of the outfit's style!

tip #2 is about the accessories features, so bear in mind that shoes and belt must be always in the same colour, and knot tie/bow tie, handkerchief and cufflinks represent the accent to every men outfit, so it is high recommended to choose them carefully, coloured (not matching with the suit's colour) and, above all tie and handkerchief, must be coordinated. An outstanding outfit is not just done by the dress but by the whole set of elements and embellishment. So one of the key word to get an outstanding outfit (and so presence) is : coordination!

tip #3 is more than everything the answer to a question many clients asked her : can we wear white or black at a wedding? The answer is slightly different from the one I gave to my female public, but again If you wish to know the answer have a look to the video :-) We don't want to spoil you everything, do we?! 

So, enjoy the video, and for every question, or if you need a private consultation or personal shopping session with me, just contact me at stefania@onefoastyle.com.

PERSONAL SHOPPER ADVICE: HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR OUTFIT FOR A WEDDING?

Summer 2017 is approaching and so the Wedding Season (as most of the weddings are celebrated in summer indeed!).

Stefania, image consultant - founder of One of a Style - wants with this video share 3 tips for guests (women) who are attending one or more weddings in the coming season, to help them with their selection of dressed and outfits. 

This idea came after as she dealt with lots of clients in the past who asked her consultation to find dresses and accessories to attend weddings. It is clear that this is not an easy subject and that most people (especially women) get lost, and sometimes crazy, in their seeks of an appropriate outfit for the occasion.

1st tip Stefania gives is about the location and venue, and so the style, of the wedding (villa or country house?! Castle or restaurant?!) that can make the difference in the choice of the dress'style!

2nd tip is about the accessories features! An outstanding outfit is not just done by the dress but by the whole set of elements and embellishment. She suggests to find metallic accessories (gold / silver/ rose gold...) that can be easily matching between them and with all the colours of the spectrum for a dress! A smart choice above all if you have more than one wedding/even in a single season, so that you can change the dress but leave the same accessories (shoes, clutch, jewellery).

3rd tip is more than everything the answer to a question many clients asked her : can we wear white or black at a wedding? If you wish to know the answer have a look to the video :-) We don't want to spoil you everything, do we?! 

PERSONAL SHOPPER ADVICE: SALE TIME..HOW TO MAKE IT A REAL BARGAIN!

Christmas is yet to come but shops all around London have opened the sale season already!

Sales are tempting, aren’t they?! Everyone is waiting for the sales to get the chance to renew their wardrobe with new fashionable pieces; sales are the great opportunity we have, twice a year, to catch great “occasions”! Yet, it is so easy to make the bargain become a bad investment (not to say a waste of money)..

We are tempted by those tags reporting a 30%, a 40%, 50% discount on and even more, and most of the time we buy certain pieces just because of those numbers, thinking “I can’t let them go, that’s a real occasion”!! Yet, most of the time, once at home we realize we have nothing to wear with what we bought on sale, or that they do not fit us that well, and eventually we let them “age” in our wardrobe.

If we would count all the money we spent in one year on wrong purchases on sale, I bet it is quite a big amount! With the same money we could have bought something more valuable, really good for us, something truly useful to complement our existing wardrobe, or we could have simply them.tI am an image consultant and personal shopper and among my services there is the wardrobe edit. My words come for a reason.. through this services to my clients' I’ve seen so many of these situations, new items still with the tag on, never worn, bought ages before, and the answer to the question “why did you buy it?” is quite often the same: “it was an occasion!”... was it?!

Do not misunderstand me, sales can really be a bargain, but we need to understand how to shop wisely and avoid compulsive choices that would make them become only a "trick".

So here are some shopping tips, simple advice that can really help you to save your money, time and energy during the sale time: 

Ask yourself “would I pay for the whole price”?

Despite the discount, asking yourself this question will help you to understand the real value of an item and your real need of it. If the answer to this question will be "no, I wouldn't" , then leave it where it is.. it means you don't really love or need it and that you are tempted by the price and the discount = it would become a trick not a bargain.

Write down a list

It's always good to know what your wardrobe gaps are, but especially during sales time! Having your list with you during your shopping tour will help you doing a first important selection.

Go beyond that list just if you really fall in love with something, even if it is not mentioned in the list (but never forget point 1).

Stick to your style

Despite the fashion trends of the moment, despite the percentage of discount and the sales assistant persuasion, before buying something ask yourself if it really reflects your style and if you are really going to use it and wear it the next season! Sometimes we are tempted by celebrities or fashion bloggers, we want to wear what they wear and sales are just the perfect time to buy something extra to emulate our style icons. Very well, but what suits them won’t necessarily suit you, so always think if what you are trying on is really reflecting your personality and matching your lifestyle, otherwise it will last the time of the journey back home to become eventually another “untouched” piece in your closet.

Stick to your size

If it’s not your size leave it where it is. Be honest with yourself..If it’s smaller don’t think you are going to loose weight just to wear it. If it’s bigger you know you are never going to wear it, cause you won’t like yourself in it, as it is not going to enhance you and I don’t think you would rather put on weight, at least not on purpose, to make it fitting you. Save your money for what fits you perfectly.

Go to your favourite shops first

Rather than going randomly from a shop to another in the High Streets, make a list of your favourite brands/shops and start with them in your shopping tours. What usually work for you or what usually makes you satisfied throughout the year rarely will let you down on sale time either. After that, if you still have time, money and energy, or if you won't feel totally satisfied by your purchases, go have a look to other stores/brands..there can always be room for new favourites to add to your list!

Be on your favourite store's mailing list

The problem with the sales is that shops run out of sizes and stocks very quickly, so being late means having less chances to find items that suit us, for size, shape and colours, with an inevitable sense of frustration. Being on the mailing list of your favourite brands will allow you to be there at the very beginning of the sales time , getting more chances of finding the most suitable pieces for you.

Plan your shopping time wisely

Avoiding weekends and afternoons in general will give you a better assistants in store, better services in general, tidier stores and so more chances to find what you are looking for, in a nicer and quieter atmosphere. Too crowded places can make the shopping experience become stressful and unsatisfying, while we want to enjoy it, don't we!?

Dress comfortably

You are supposed to try on lots of things or, anyway, more than usual, so having comfortable clothes and shoes, easy to put on and take off, will help you to do less efforts and waste less energies. Being fresh will make you take good choices.

Stick to your colours

One of the services I do in a personal styling package is the colour analysis. If you have been my client in the past or you ever had a colour analysis in your life you should know what your best colours are. During sale time be carefull not to be tempted by the price, buying something in colours that you know will drag you down or will overpower your features. Once at home you won’t wear it anymore. Not to mention that, if you followed your palette to build up your wardrobe, something completely different in shades would most likely not match all the rest of your wardrobe with a consequent abandon of purchases on sale. 

Well, these tips should be enough to prevent wrong and compulsive purchases from now on.

I hope you did enjoy my article and, more than everything, that you will find it useful for your next shopping tours.

Merry Christmas to you all

PERSONAL SHOPPER ADVICE: DO NOT WASH!?

I bet this is something that happened to most of you at least once in your lifetime, buying a nice garment and then finding this "funny" symbol on its care label the minute before putting it into the washing machine:

For those of you who don't know it yet, let me introduce you to the "do not wash" symbol.

I came up with the idea for this article after I had a personal shopping tour with a client. She was in love with a white coat, determined to buy it, and I was even encouraging her because it suited her very much; but right before going to the till to pay for it, I asked her to check the care label and, guess what!? The "funny" symbol was there!  

Now...can you imagine a white coat?

Pure, clear, magnetic.... just for one day probably!

It could become greyish in a snap just by touching something or leaning the elbows somewhere; not to mention the chance of getting it stained by eating or drinking something (and if you wear it for your nights out, there is a high chance for it to happen).

So, what options did she have? Apparently, two: buy it but leave it hanging in the closet, well preserved in its packaging, waiting for a very special occasion, or leave it in the shop. My clients, following my suggestion, chose option 2. A coat is quite an expensive piece of apparel, even in the high street chain shops, so she wisely thought it wasn't worth spending money on it. 

But, honestly, this is not fair; when it happens that we like a garment and it also really suits and enhances us, we should be free to buy it! 

I really wish to say something to all the apparel companies: probably they don't know it, but a garment needs to be washed, if not right after we bought it, at least once we've worn it.

The problem is I've worked for several fashion companies in the past, because I used to be a product developer and fashion designer before being an image consultant, and I know how it works. I can't and don't want to generalise, but most of the time, companies simply prefer to avoid risks - by putting a "do not wash" symbol on a care label, they prevent complaints related to the washing/care of a garment. This is an easy and convenient option for them, not as convenient for their customer, actually.

Let me tell you something: there is no fabric that cannot be washed! And in case it really exists it shouldn't be used to produce clothes (am I wrong?!). Obviously I'm not telling you to wash everything that has that symbol on its care label, I cannot guarantee that your garments can be really washed, there are many factors to be considered (for example if there are beads, delicate embroideries or any kind of embellishment on it) but I can tell you that as long as it's plain and the fabric is silk, viscose, cotton, linen, rayon, polyester, nylon and even wool, you can hand wash it or do a delicate and proper washing machine program; and if it's leather, a coat or a down jacket you can have it dry cleaned at the laundry. 

I've also got several garments that apparently cannot be washed; most of them are high-quality brands and quite expensive, and I noticed this detail too late, but I decided to run the risk: I washed them! And you know what? The outcome was unbelievably perfect.

This is another reason why I'm writing these few words: now, as in the past, when I was on the brands' side, I hate that customers are cheated! 

Take my words just as a warning, but do what you really think is best for your clothes and act according to your ideas.

I just want to give you a warm advice for next time you go shopping for clothes : before buying a garment don't just look at the price tag, also check the care label and if you see the "do not wash" symbol leave it where it is, possibly explaining your reasons to the sales assistants. Your money is valuable, spend it wisely and avoid surprises!

This is, in fact, something I help my clients with during their personal shopping experiences with me. With my background in fashion, I know fabrics well and how to treat them.

Stefania Bartolomei,
Personal Stylist, London