Let the wild things run free

Shaggy, woolly, feathery, Furry,rugged, animal, twisted, plaited, imperfect,
organic, patterns, contrast...

Cant help but notice, fashion is moving into a wild phase and the polished streamlined look of flawless perfection is dissipating, with the beat of the tribal drum sending a new wave of style down the run way.. and here you have it!! WILD

Whether it's letting your locks down and running your fingers through your luscious trestles or adding a culture inspired print to your perfectly co-ordinated kit. Now is the time to let go of anything that looks contrived and deliberately dishevelle yourself!

"Free the animal within..."

How did we get here?

Since time began, man has been utilizing raw materials found on the land, twisting yarns by hand and weaving fabrics into beuatiful patterns, often the patterns reflect the villiage of the craftsman. In many villiages around the world today today, these ancient crafts have not been forgotton, and hand worked fabrics are sold to markets where design houses can freely visit and become inspired by the unique nature of each peice, then cleverly working these fabrics into colections which collaborte the old world with the new world.

How to wear it??

You need to think about:

• Mixing your textures.
  


• Mixing your surfaces - uneven and course with smooth and soft.
  
  
• Mixing you colours.
  
  

Key Looks:

#1 If your jeans and leather jacket are keeping you covered this winter then you must simply add a long woolly knit, with a fringed hem falling unevenly around the lower hips. Throw on your boots, possibly a western/horsey looking pair and away you go. Hair down and free, eyes strong and dark, lips neutral!

#2 If you're more of a Blazer gal! There are a flurry of primitive looking, culture inspired prints in organic colours have hit major retailors everywhere. Pick yourself up a silk blouse with a bolder pattern, in a colourway which doesn't necessarily match your Blazer. Finish off with a plaited leather belt, and a completely contrasting printed scarf. you're achieving a collaboration of artisan works from coners of the globe, do it tastefully here. Colour and culture make this wild look credible. Add a neutral suede leather pump and a felt hat, your set to go..

#3 Animal prints and Animal furs (very good Faux's in the market today) are here again. Do a dark jean with a open knit jumper, possibly a good web-like construction. Add a wickedly wild animal print scarf and a boot which exposes its internal fur or wool. If you're brave you could sport a faux fur bear coat for a hi-impact look. You'll be warm as toast and groovy as all get out!!

Enjoy dressing every day.. and always keep in mind, the things we put together on the outside are an expression of the people we are on the inside. Do yourself justice, and look fabulous every day!

Your personal stylist

Kristin

You don't need to be a label to have your very own LOOK BOOK

Morning strikes!!
Oh shit, what to wear today?? Why can't I think?? I'm too tired thismorning, I'm just going comfy today!! Oh no, why did I wear this??

Familiar???

If you look at yourself as a vision you are presenting to the world each day, and you aspire to have your presentation immaculate every time you put yourself out there, it's time you thought about creating a "look book". A tool which will dress you perfectly every day!!

A Look book, can also be very handy if you are time poor in the mornings, and are just unable to find the head space for outfitting, first thing.. we've all been there...

OK

How to achieve perfection in our look every time, is through careful planning, and a cohesive set of outfits + accessories and a camera!!.. "oh..and a creative head space!!"

Got those things? Let's get busy!

1) How many outfits do you want to appear in your look book?
Think about the work/activity you are dressing for, and how often you want to be seen in the same outfit? My recommendation is 15 outfits, that's 3 weeks of outfits, excluding the weekend!

2) Is this look book going to be used for the season? 4 seasons a year? if so, the outfits you create, only need to be applicable to the climate for that season.

3) Start putting together your outfits!!

• Keep in mind, the look or concept you are going for, and make that concept your anchor to each outfit.
• Use your accessories!! Don't be afraid to go the full hog on necklaces, cuffs, scarfs, hats and shoes. (Actually, sometimes the accessory can be the motivation for the rest of the outfit)
• Get inspired!!! Look at magazines and the web for outfit inspiration. Professionals are paid a lot of money to put together looks, it's free for you to mimic those looks.
• Can't complete an outfit?? Add the missing clothing item to your list and go shopping. Having a list to shop for is smart, and prevents impulse buys, because the item you are purchasing is a need and not a want.
• Don't forget about your body, modesties and assets, outfit in a way which is flattering and concealing.
• As an outfit is created and completed, photograph it!!! Preferably ask a friend to photograph you in it. Save this photo to a look book file.
• When you have finalised the number of outfits you require, print the pics out and choose a creative way to affix them the the inside door or your wardrobe.
• Now, in the morning, select your look, without thought and enjoy always looking fab!!

Good luck and be confident in putting your best foot forward every day!

Your Stylist

Kristin Todd

Fill in the Gaps on the path to your perfect Wardrobe

Ladies, picking up where we left off..

... OK, you've returned your best items you to your wardrobe.. there will be gaps now, so pull out a pencil and paper and lets make a list..

1) Every item in your wardrobe, needs to have suitable partner/s to create an outfit.
Pull each item out, one by one, and partner it up, with something else in the wardrobe, if there is nothing to partner with this item, add the ideal partner garment to your list.
(For example - Pencil skirt, Skinny belt and Wool tights to go with Ruffle blouse)

2) Do this for all your hanging items, and then all your folded items.
In doing so, you are creating a list of essentials you need to make your wardrobe completely full proof for outfitting purposes, and your shopping will be smarter.

3) When the list is complete HIT THE SHOPS -
My reccomendation is to visit stores, you know suit you.
You will make educated decisions on your purchases now, because you have a guide and you know exactly what you are looking for. Focus, and don't be tempted to stray from your list.

3) When thinking about the partner garment/s to buy, keep this check list in mind:

Purchasing Check:

• Is the partner garment I am about purchase the best fit for my individual shape?
• " " " Does it Flatter me beautifully?
• " " " The best colour for my complexion?
• " " " Work in with the rest of my wardrobe?
• " " " Align with the look I aspire to achieve?

You have to tick every box to add this garment to your wardrobe, if not, keep looking. Even if it takes time, you have to appreciate you won't be waisting your money on purchasing secondary garments. Have more respect for yourself. You deserve the very best when putting your look forward.

There are so so many different boutiques, clothing retailers and Department stores, your perfect fit is out there, I don't believe you, if you say it isn't. Keep looking.

4) When the list has been completed and the wardrobe is tidily in place.. we are going to make a look book for you..

Tune in tomorrow, to find out how to save time in dressing to perfection every time.

Your stylist

Kristin

No place in your space

Space issues in your wardrobe??

Don't have a "Mr Big" to design and install closet paradise, like Carrie in the movie??

Here's the fast track checklist to an organized flow that fits within your space.

1) Clear your Space
Take everything out.. yes everything, you need to see this empty space to understand how your collection will fit back in.

Focus.. this will be your dressing space.. it needs to be regimented and clutter free.

2) Hangers
BUY coat hangers. Every coat hanger in your wardrobe must be exactly the same!! Even the pants coat hangers should be the same dimensions with clips.
My suggestion is to opt for timber or Felt. No wire hangers, this will lead to garment damage devastation!!!
When you have one type of hanger, you will suddenly notice your garments are hanging in an organized manor and you also be able to fit more in, and have good visibility of everything you have.

3) Shoes
Don't have shoe shelving???
BUY transparent boxes to keep your babies safe and prevented from being damaged. (You can pick them up from just about any shoe retailer or online)
If you're on a budget, go to your local shoe store and ask them to keep some boxes aside for you, a lot of customers don't want the box. Then photograph each pair of shoes and stick the picture on the front. You need to be able to see your shoes.... otherwise, "Out of sight, out of mind..."

4) Belts
Group your belts together, you can do one of two things here.. loop each belt onto a hanger and hang separately..
....or BUY a shallow rectangular storage box and roll each belt onto a coil and place on the storage tray. Howard's storage and Ikea have drawer cube inserts to separate your smaller pieces. They adjust to fit within your area.

Do the same with your scarves..

5) Jewellery
All jewellery and accessories should be easily seen, either use clear acrylic clear cubes to segregate your twinkles or do what I do and use over sized cocktail glasses, I can pop my strands of beads inside and hang my dangle earrings around the edge. Ring holders and rings boxes are best for rings. Cuffs and bangles can sit comfortably in a clear box or bowl.


6) Garment departure
Now it's the dreaded task at hand...
CULLING YOUR CLOTHING COLLECTION BEFORE RETURNING IT TO THE WARDROBE.
It's natural to feel attached to our clothing, we spend a lot of time in clothes, but we need to be strong here.. every item in the wardrobe has to be perfect for you now.
If it doesn't tick all the boxes it's time to say good bye.. as real estate in your wardrobe is hot property and cannot be waited on items which just sit there.
Every item in your wardrobe must be perfect for you, or it is out!!

When rabbiting through your pile, ask yourself these questions:
1) Does this garment suit the look I want?
2) Does this item fit me beautifully and flatter me?
3) Is the colour Brilliant on me?
4) Does the item work in with the rest of my wardrobe?

If you answer NO to any of the above, you can either, alter the garment, to have it fit better, or dye it or transform it somehow.. otherwise, sell it on eBay, and use the money to purchase an item truly amazing for you.

You always need to remember.. there will always be beautiful clothes around.. fashion is always accessable, so rather then compromise on yourself by wearing a second rate piece.. find the pieces which are truly tailored perfectly to you, and fill your wardrobe with these.. this is how to be smart about your shopping, and how to benefit from having an organized, interchangeable wardrobe. You can save a lot of money, by asking yourself the top 4 questions with each purchase you make.

Now.. hang all the remaining items on their hangers.. hang everything, except for T shirts, jeans, Heavy jumpers and sportswear.. Hang the clothes in colour order from light to dark.. and your ready to make a list to fill the gaps of things you need.

Anything which carried sentimental value, (for instance that pair of ripped jeans you were wearing when you met the man of your dreams) if it truly pains you to part with these.. pop them in a box, air seal it, and keep your precious items up in storage space, where it won't interfere with your dressing space..
Your wardrobe is the space where you need to have a clear head and room to be creative..

I'll be back tomorrow to let you know, where we go from here..

Happy organizing..

your personal stylist

Kristin

ACCESSorize all areas

Winter 2010 "MUST HAVE" Accessories

Here's how to really personalize your look..

Use accessories!!

Select pieces which represent you and let these accessories become part of your signature look!!

Here's some inspiration in the top 10 accessories of the week!!

Preparing for the winter chill..

1) Brooch
With all these blazers, capes and ponchos around make yours stand out in the crowd, by fixing a beautiful brooch to the crest. Not only will it add a personal note, it will lift your outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.

# Select a piece which truly represents your taste.

2) Leather gloves
These little darlings will scream, confidence, and command the respect of those around you. They conveniently also serve the purpose of keeping your hands nice and toasty. Don't leave home without them!!

# The longer they are, the more they will go with, we don't like to see the hem of the glove, they should sit neatly under the cuff of the over layer.


3)Knitted Scarves
The longer the better,wrap and wrap and wrap yourself warm with the longest scarf you can find, this is a hi impact look, but it's a golden style opportunity, it immediately becomes a key focus, for all the right reasons.

# Here is your opportunity to bring colour to a dark and dreary day.


4) Belts
Thick or thin? Depends on your outfit.. if you're doing gentlemen's club look - go for thin and intertwine it through the belt loops of your tailored pants or around your coat, fastening it closed!
Body sculpt dress or skirt and blouse? Go thick!! It will define your waist better.

# Keep an eye out for textured leathers, they will give you the best effect!


5) Hats
Wool felt hats are in!! The folk movement is proving 'oh so strong' and how best to add the finishing touches, than with a stylish piece of head wear. Hats go with dresses, coats, suits and can be worn super casually There is a hat for every look, so now's the time to begin your collection!

# Make sure the hat's you find, are the correct fir, you don't want to be chasing it on a windy day.


6) Watch
Have you noticed?? There are watches out there that would put 'Q' to shame.. not only can you buy great watches that can do just about as much as your IPhone, They look super kool, and compliment your jet setting, scuba diving, bare back riding outfit.

# Investment piece? Yes, but it's a hi impact statement and will last you a lifetime. When selecting a watch, go bold.


7) Tights
I think you'll find that once again, your woolly warm tights will save you this season!! Layer up on top, and keep your charcoal marle cable tights as the foundation base, for all this winter's outfitting. Of course for evening's out and Black pair of opaques, won't go astray!!

#Solid colour is your best option.. keep the floral prints for spring!


8) Clutch
You've got your everyday bag/s - but when going on an outing it's nice to have a little something that will be perfectly fitting to your look.. little clutch purses are the way to go. Interesting design, beautiful shape, good colour!! You are fabulous with your every detail thought about!

#Opp shops are excellent for charming little clutch purses, but if you're after something more modern, head to your favourite boutique, the display table will be laden with an eclectic mix of one-off's.


9) Shades
OMG!!! Have you seen Stella McCartney's new collection?? It's insanely gorgeous!! There is also another rising star Norma Kamali. Distinguish yourself, and frame your beautiful face with a pair of dramatic vision enhancers.

#Select a pair, which compliment your features, and set off your complexion.


10) Be - Jewelled
When heading out for the evening, or even a special lunch with the girls, Drip with Jewell's!! Bracelets, Earrings, shorter length necklaces. It's those vintage inspired pieces that can really make your outfit sing!! Layer it up also, a good mix of colour, semi precious stones and precious metals.

#My advice here would be to concentrate on one area. If it's the neck, then you don't need the ears and the cuffs too.

Enjoy accessorizing layer upon layer, you'll transform yourself and complete a 'full-blown' look!

Your personal Stylist

Kristin

They don't call it 'Intimate apparel' for nothing.... underwear has never looked hotter!! This is base layer boot camp!!

Make him smile!!!

Better yet, make yourself smile, glance down your top..like what you see???

Ladies ....It's time to get into gorgeous, feminine, sexy, silky, lacy beautiful underwear..because what's going on underneath, is about to become relevant to whats happening with the rest of the outfit!!!

Get intimate with your intimate apparel!!!

Have you noticed all the deep deep necklines and armholes around?
How about all the sheer organza's and fine lacing???

I need to equip you with everything you need to know about underwear and 'fast'...here we go.

Firstly, I need to explain something.. just because you (usually) can't see your underwear, doesn't mean it isn't important.

• When you feel beautiful, your confidence levels increase and your mood lifts. This one reason to wear great knickers.. even if it's just for you.
• Underwear which fits you correctly, gives your body a shapely, feminine profile, and makes the outer layers of your outfit look better..(ever seen the double boob effect?? Not good!!!)
• Underwear can be a part of your outfit, if worn tastefully, I am talking about bra's here, not knickers. It is acceptable to reveal a little snippet of your bra. It can be charming or it can be cheeky.
• Lastly.. you just never know when you will be in an emergency...so cover all bases as stylishly as possible..(you know what I mean)

OK - so we know it's all about the lace this season, lacy play suits, lacy camisoles, lacy dresses, lace applique, lacy patches and lace inserts.. it's everywhere, and there's no escaping it (not that you would want to)
.....so then, with all this 'transparency' and sheer exposure..what do we do to protect our privates?

This is what we do:

"We embrace, stunning base layers..I'm talking about underwear. yes I am!"

5 second - Base Layer boot Camp!!:

• Modest? - go for a full cover, no detail, no contrast colour, silk fitted cami, or bra.. you will be able to see it (that's why I've popped the cami option in there) but it will be subtle, due to the colour match.
• Are you an Audrey Hepburn look-a-like? elegantly slip into a strapless Nancy Ganz body contour suit, and pop the lacy top over!! It's a classically gorgeous look!!
• Live on the wild side? - there is some seriously sexy and colourful lace out there right now.. go for a colour pop!!!! wear it under black or charcoal or cream even, and make your outfit sing!!!!!
• Are you rock n' roll? pick yourself up a 1/2 torso bustier, and wear it over a fitted singlet, or on it's own, with a full circle short skirt or fitted jeans!!!! See Cotton on BODY for the Fluro the peach one!!

Don't have a lacy top or dress and don't feel interested in buying one?
Show a little snippet of your lace bra, worn under a loose silk cami.

How about evening wear? What underwear should we wear under dresses?

• It is a fashion disaster to see elegant dresses displaying underwear lines and pulling lines. Evening wear should enhance the wearers shape not expose the ugly details of the knicker elastic, or Bra wire.
• In this situation you are best to go for a seamless body contour playsuit. not only will it pull you in and smooth out bumps, it will be invisible. Ths is what you want!
• If the dress is backless - you can opt for the Nancy Ganz knicker, to sculpt your hip line.

How can my underwear be sexy, without feeling like a porn star?

• The french do it "oh' so well!! take a leaf out of their books ladies, go for real silks and real lace (investment? yes?) fine materials, which feel beautiful to touch. It will be worth it!! Polyester is OUT!!
• Select a colour which is an oyster hue, or a dusted hue, or black.
• The whole piece doesn't necessarily have to be lace, you should look for a combination of textures.
• Now you would have heard this before, and it's true.. revealing too much, leaves nothing for the imagination, so show snippets, rather than slide shows!! ...Back to the french - the french knicker is so sexy, bacause it covers, yet it surprisingly reveals!!

Lastly..Did you know there are bottom lifters around now??Yes it's true.. you can transform your pear into a peach in seconds!! Look out for them in all good underwear stores!!

Embrace the sexy you with beautiful underwear and feel fabulous wearing it!!

Your personal stylist

Kristin

Boots or Boots??

So.... which boots will you be buying this winter???

Well the trends have spoken 'out loud' this season and it has become crystal clear, there are 2 boot options for the ladies, as the cool weather forces us out of peep toes and into a warmer more comfortable trot...

The 'Ankle Boot' versus the 'Over the knee boot..'

Which one will it be?? What boot will be best for you??

You need to ask yourself these questions:

Who should wear the 'Over the knee'?

• Ladies if you have long pins, you can wear the 'Over the knee' and look fabulous!!!!
• There is a lot of material in these high boots and if you don't have the leg length on your side, you'll look as though your boots are swallowing you, and, your overall silhouette will be dis proportionate....
• Keep in mind also, most of these High boots are not fitted to the lower leg, in fact "relaxed fit" would be a better way to describe it, so your can really bulk your legs with these.. be careful!

Who can wear the 'Ankle boot'

• Ladies, this little boot can do just about anything!!! It will add groove to your jeans, style-up your dresses and skirts, and suits just about every figure type known to man.
• The ankle boot will showcase the leg, because it finishes at the ankle, and with a heel you can extend your leg length, especially if you go for a nude or Tan leather.. this is ideal!!
• Then, if you don't like your legs, the ankle boot can be worn under longer looser fitting garments and keep your feet nice and cosy. If this is the case, you need to really love the toe shape of the boot you choose!

Are legs your asset?

• If you love your legs, you can opt for either style, you can wear the 'over the knee' boot because you have the good thigh line to reveal, as the longer boot style, will swallow most of your leg.
• You can also select from the range of ankle boots, to showcase your asset.
• If a section of your leg is your asset (For example: you have a good thigh line, but your ankles are "cankle -like") you can conceal your ankles with the 'Over the knee' and put your asset on display. This is ideal!!!

Will you be wearing your boots all day? Which heel height to go for?
Lets now think about the heel height.. are you going to be scooting around town all day? Are you a mum and running errands or do you sit an office?
When choosing your boots you need to have your life in mind. Identify the use for your boots, otherwise you will make a poor decision.
If you are in your boots all day, the heel choice should be, Flat, Wedge (although wedges are not on trend at the moment) or solid heel with a platform toe.. Fashion is a wonderful thing, but your boots are an expensive purchase and your comfort needs to be considered.

Are your boots - 'Show boots'?
If you aren't on your feet, and are looking for a simply sensational boot!! Then a good, Hi impact heel will go perfectly with your fabulous cloche'.

What colour should I go for?
Ladies, here are your best options:
1) Tan or Nude - works in with your natural palette this winter, and elongates the leg!!
2) Black - timeless colour of course, but can box your leg, but then it does go with everything? Safe!
3) Concrete grey - this is for the ultimate 'Rock Chic' Gal and works with naturals and blacks, as well as dusty colours!! Good choice
4) Indigo - If you live in your jeans, this would be my pick.
5) Vibrant colour - such as reds, electric blues, purples.. I would save your colour 'pop' for a scarf or gloves this season, not in your boot.

Good luck with your shopping!! remember to scotch guard your boots to keep them nice and visit your cobbler often to ensure you don't wear-out your soles..

Your Stylist

Kristin