Hot weather bridal make-up

Picture this: a wedding on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. A shimmering blue sea is in the background, a sweet scent wafts down from the colourful flowers all around, the prosecco flows, the melodic church bells sound. Focus in on the lovely bride in her stunning wedding dress on the happiest day of her life. Just one problem. Her make-up is sliding down her face due to a mixture of melted oil and sweat. That sun is hot!

Unfortunately, heat can make our skin more greasy and therefore our make-up can turn into an oil slick if we don’t use the right products.

What to do? Use as few products as possible and avoid anything greasy or oily. Go for drier or oil-free versions as much as possible. Avoid shimmer and shine as these will just look oily in the sun. Use very little face powder as it can cake over.

Just take heed of my tips for a perfect hot weather make-up and all should be well!

1. Start with a perfectly clean skin. I find a wash off clay cleanser is great for gently removing all grime and oil from the face without drying it out too much. (Dermalogica do a good one) Then, if you are going to use foundation, apply a lotion, not a cream, as a moisturiser. Lotions have more water content than oil, whereas creams have more oil. Look for one which does not have Titanium dioxide or Zinc oxide as their UVA sunscreen, they are very thick and greasy. Go for Avobenzone (aka Butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane). But do always get a moisturiser with broad spectrum SPF15 on the label.

2. Foundation. If you have young, perfect skin you will need to do no more than just go for a tinted moisturiser. Again, look for one which is oil-free and high in sun protection. Here is one by Laura Mercier.  If you have the odd blemish, just use concealer where needed and blot with oil-blotting papers.

If you really need more coverage (and many of us do!) try either Mineral powder foundation such as those from Bare Escentuals or Jane Iredale (although I do find these are less forgiving on mature skins!). Or go for one of the many oil-free, medium coverage foundations which are available. Still ensure that you blot your T zone with oil-blotting papers and have them to hand all through your day.

3. Eyes.  Start with an eye base. It really does help! Colour Me Beautiful does a fantastic one which helps eye make-up stay in place and keeps creasing at bay. Use sheer, matt powder shadows (never cream ones) blended carefully with a brush. A neutral colour can be used to emphasise the eyebrows too, then a light colour should be used just under the arch of the eyebrow to define the shape. Use eye pencil to define the eyes and then soften and blend the line with more powder eye shadow over, using a flat brush. This will keep the line from smudging. Finally add some waterproof mascara to the top lashes only.

4. Blusher and bronzer. Use powder versions, not cream. Bronzer may be all you need to take away the sign of an English winter’s toll on your face. Dust it wherever the sun would catch you. Over forehead, tops of cheekbones, nose and chin. A pop of a pretty colour blusher on the apples of your cheeks could be even better!

5. Lips. Maybe just a slick of lipgloss will be all you need, and there are plenty to choose from. But if you would really like more colour and staying power, do use a lip pencil first. Line around your lips and then colour them in. Then put either gloss or lipstick over. For a really long lasting application, blot the lipstick with those oil blotting papers then apply another coat.

6. Finally, the make-up artists’ top tip. Spray a fine mist of water over your make-up to help set it. And do try any new products out in advance, in a full make-up rehearsal to be sure they are right for you!

To purchase any of the Colour Me Beautiful products mentioned go to http://www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk/

If you would like to find out your most flattering colours, styles and make-up, contact me for a Colour, Style or Make-up consultation!

020 8997 2123

www.mystylistlondon.com

Hair – Your Crowning Glory

Paloma Faith

It always seems to me that a great cut and colour makes the biggest difference to a person’s image, whenever I see makeover shows. But it isn’t always easy to get it right. Here are some suggestions to help you.

The four things you and your hairdresser need to take into account are:

1. Your face-shape

2. Your skintone

3. Your personality/lifestyle

4. Your hair type

Agyness Deyn

This blog will focus on Face-shapes.

Beauty is often defined by interesting irregularities like wide set eyes or a delicate, pointy chin. But when these features are too pronounced we need to de-emphasise them. Think about using your hair to dress the face, just as we use clothing to dress the body! A hairstyle should emphasise the good aspects of your features and minimise any imperfections. So, just as we do with bodyshape in a Style consultation, we  balance the features of a face. i.e a long face with a high forehead will benefit from a fringe to shorten it.

So how do you work out what face-shape you have? First of all hook your hair back behind your ears. Then smooth your hair back from your hairline. Look in the mirror. You could even draw an outline on the mirror using a lipstick or washable pen! I am going to discuss 6 shapes, however I think it is often more useful to just assess the different elements of your face. i.e is your jaw wide or angular? Do you have a short or long forehead? Then re-balance any issues.

Oval face-shape with perfect proportions

The Oval face-shape is considered to be the perfect shape. The one to try to re-create. You have perfect proportions if your face has three equal parts. Chin to base of nose, base of nose to top of eyebrow, top of eyebrow to hairline. If you have that, you can do anything you want!

* The only limitation for this shape is their hair type. Generally though they should avoid swamping their face and they do look lovely with hair pulled completely back off the face as in an up-do.

Rihanna, this hairstyle shows off her lovely cheekbones beautifully.

Worst hairstyle for a Long face-shape

Rectangle/long face.  (Agyness Deyn) Long, narrow face often with an angular jawline and a high forehead. Sometimes a longer nose.

* A fringe of some sort will shorten the forehead and face. Ideally add volume at the sides with layers or curls. Avoid a centre parting and a long straight style.

Heidi Klum, great hairstyle for a Long Face-shape

Heidi Klum does not have a Long face but here she is wearing a perfect style for one. An asymetric fringe cuts the length, the waves at the side add width.

A blunt bob does nothing for Sian Lloyd’s square face.

Square face (Sian Lloyd, Keira Knightley) A wide face with angular jaw and/or forehead. Even in length and width.

Keira Knightley’s soft, wavy bob cuts and softens her angular jaw while her lack of fringe keeps the necessary length of her face

* They need to soften their look with a bit of curl and avoid straight hair  (especially a little blunt-fringed bob!) or severe pulled back styles. Go for height at the crown. A graduated bob will skim the jawline perfectly. Go for highlights around the front of the face. Length past the jawline is best.

Sian Lloyd usually chooses a blunt, squarish style. Her hair is straight, but layers and texturising could help her achieve the softness she needs, along with rounded shapes.

Keira Knightley always looks best with hair falling down over the sides of her face, cutting her angular jaw.

This off the face style does nothing to correct Sophie Dahl’s wide forehead.

Inverted triangle (Heart shaped). (Sophie Dahl, Reese Witherspoon). Widest across forehead and narrowing to a point at chin. Can be angular or curvy.

*Decrease width of the forehead with a side swept fringe and add width to the jawline with texture or waves in that area. Avoid  blunt cuts that sit near your jawline and short full styles that are top heavy.

This side-swept fringe and soft tendrils which fall past the jaw really flatter Sophie Dahl’s heart-shaped face

Minnie Driver tends to wear her hair long which only emphasises her wide jawline.

Triangle. (Minnie Driver, Billie Piper)  Narrow at the forehead and wide in the jaw.

*Go for fullness and height at the top part of the face, soft wave or curl covering the ears. Avoid long styles with fullness at the jaw line and a centre parting.

Minnie Driver has naturally curly hair so if she has it long, it is hard not to add fullness, and draw attention to, the wide jaw. The good thing is that it is easy for her to widen her forehead. See how we notice her triangular shape much less in this picture (below).

This hairstyle covers and softens the angularity of her jaw whilst the natural volume of her hair widens her forehead.

Kirsten Dunst is adding width to her Round face with this style

Round face. (Kirsten Dunst, Cameron Diaz) The face shape that is kindest on age! Widest point at cheeks , then softly rounded jawline  and up to forehead. They will often have dimples!

*Go for height at the crown and straight, sleek longer styles. (Get hair straighteners or have a Brazilian if your hair is poufy!). Avoid bubble perms, corkscrew curls, volume at the sides, centre partings, full fringes, pudding bowl shapes.

Taking the hair past the jawline is always a good idea.

This sleek, shoulder length style, with it’s whispy side-swept fringe, is perfect for Kirsten Dunst’s Round face-shape

Other corrective suggestions:

If ears stick out, use volume around the ears to make them seem smaller.

If nose is large, use volume at the back of the head to create balance

If the nose is long, avoid a centre parting.

If the neck is short, keep it free of hair.

If the neck is long, use hair to blend the head to the body.

Wide set eyes are better with hair brought in on the face.

Close set eyes are better with hair back off the face.

High forehead, Have a fringe of any type. Never sweep the hair back off the forehead.

Low hairline, avoid a heavy, full fringe unless it is cut from high on the head making it appear as though there is a bigger forehead. Or sweep the hair off the face.

Petite in stature. Go for shorter, neater hairstyles. Not very long or voluminous.

Larger in stature. Avoid close cropped styles.

If you would like to find out your most flattering colours and styles, contact me for a Colour, Style or Make-up consultation!

020 8997 2123

www.mystylistlondon.com

My Spring/Summer 2011 Style Guide — Accessories

Marks and Spencer S/S11

This season’s fashion is bananas! It’s also floral, fruity, animal, butterflies and birds. Prints and colour reign supreme and attempt to divert us from our troubles. But don’t worry if colour and print scare you, as always there is something for everyone. For those of you who love revisiting the past (and pulling things out of your wardrobe second or third time around) the 70’s Love Story look is everywhere. From long, flowing maxi dresses to silky jumpsuits to floppy hats and long hair. Just be true to your Style personality and your shape and you will have a (Studio 54) ball!

This season’s Must Haves: Something coloured that you would normally buy as a neutral (jeans, watch, bag, scarf). Something silky (blouse, tapered trousers, dress).

Accessories: Use them to update your look without spending a fortune! The key thing to remember when choosing accessories is scale. The larger you are the larger your accessories need to be (including the spread of your heels), the smaller you are the smaller your accessories.

Next clutch

Bags: Inject colour into your otherwise neutral outfit with a bright, leather bag or add it to a coloured outfit as part of your colour-blocking. Go for canvas totes printed with romantic florals or tropical leaves as a less expensive way of ringing the changes. (Accessorise is great for these kind of summer bags!) Clutches cling on especially in metallics and colour. (I saw a gorgeous canary yellow clutch in Cos recently!) Just remember to take your scale into account—Petites will need smaller bags, taller women will need larger ones

Jewellery: Again, a colourful necklace could be your one nod to the colour trend. If you are doing pattern and print in your clothes, your jewellery must not fight with it for attention! Leave it out or go for a tonal, plain piece. Look for 70’s inspired long pendants and strings (if you do not have a large bust) to go with the fluid lines of this seasons clothes. Why not put a corsage on the shoulder, in the hair or wherever you want to draw attention! This Peacock feather necklace by George at Asda continues the statement necklace trend.

New Look wedges

Shoes: Kitten heels are such an elegant way of doing lower heels. But this style tends to have quite a pointy toe, so avoid it if you have long feet or bunions! High heels still abound and can often be more comfortable when combined with a platform. There are plenty of 70’s style platform wedge sandals around (especially lovely raffia ones) and those will put you right on trend. (Great for the Petites!) But don’t despair, there are still a myriad of flats to be found: ballerinas and roman sandals. Many will have ankle straps but avoid them if you have chunky ankles and calves.

Hobbs silk print scarf

Scarves: A silky scarf will be this season’s most versatile accessory! Whether patterned or coloured, used as a headscarf, 70’s style, flowing from your neck or tied around your waist. A scarf is such an easy way to update your look and take you into the world of colour and print without going the whole hog.

Obi belt-Wall

Belts: Another way to update your look for next to nothing! This season they are coming in all shapes and styles. Multi-buckled, bow-tied, slim or super sized, as well as fabric or soft leather cummerbunds or Japanese style Obi belts. (Wall-london.co.uk has Obi belts in four different colours!)   There are lots of lovely colours  and metallics to brighten up your outfits but remember that only the darker colours will slim you! Petites will need to take care not to cut themselves in half, do find belts in the same colour as your outfit. Rectangles and Rounds will generally avoid belts which just draw attention to their wider midriffs. But Rectangles do look good in belts when they wear a cardigan or jacket over so that only the middle section of the belt is seen.

Floppy hat - Next

Hats: Sombrero, Sailor, Stetson, a Creative or Dramatics dream! The Romantics will love the floppy 70’s hats. Take care with scale! That large sombrero will swamp a Petite whereas that little sailor hat will look wrong on a taller/bigger lady.

Happy Shopping!

If you would like to find out your most flattering colours and styles, contact me for a Colour or Style consultation!

020 8997 2123

http://angelaweyersimage.co.uk/default.aspx

My Spring/Summer 2011 Style Guide – Styles

Marks and Spencer S/S11

This season’s fashion is bananas! It’s also floral, fruity, animal, butterflies and birds. Prints and colour reign supreme and attempt to divert us from our troubles. But don’t worry if colour and print scare you, as always there is something for everyone. For those of you who love revisiting the past (and pulling things out of your wardrobe second or third time around) the 70’s Love Story look is everywhere. From long, flowing maxi dresses to silky jumpsuits to floppy hats and long hair. Just be true to your Style personality and your shape and you will have a (Studio 54) ball!

This season’s Must Haves: Something coloured that you would normally buy as a neutral (jeans, watch, bag, scarf). Something silky (blouse, tapered trousers, dress).

This season’s styles

Beyond Retro

Lace: White, cream, pink, black, any colour as long as it’s lace.!

Good for: Romantics. All colourings. Even Softs, Lights and Warms can wear black lace as the flesh showing through softens the blackness. Even so, lighter colour laces and sheers will be better for those categories. Can be a great way for the more mature woman to cover her arms.

Watch out for:   Don’t overdo the accessories, lace is decorative enough! Naturals and Classics may feel overly girly in this trend!

Long Cardigans: Boyfriend and Waterfall. This trend will continue to take us through cooler Spring and Summer days.

Good for: Everyone, especially Petites. They can make people look longer and leaner. Hourglasses should cinch in at the waist with a narrow belt (same colour as cardigan if Petite). Try wearing the cardigan open over a dress or long top, but with a belt. Rounds can fasten their waterfalls with a brooch to cover their midriff.

Watch out for: Triangles, never wear them done up as they will emphasise your hips compared to the narrowness of your upper body.  Rectangles and Rounds should avoid wearing with a belt. Let them just hang loose over a dark or neutral long top for a tummy reducing trick. A long scarf will disguise even more!

Artigiano

Blouses: Silky shirts, chiffon pussy bows, gypsy style. This season’s blouses are feminine and soft.

Good for: Romantics. Flat chests, as details or gathering can add bulk and shine can exaggerate. A simple silky shirt is especially nice with a long necklace.

Watch out for: Shine and details on the bust will add to a large bust. Never wear a long necklace over a large bust!

Trousers

Tapered, ankle rippling: The harem pants of last year have evolved into something more acceptable to most. They are still loose and comfortable with soft pleats into the waistband which allow for a bit of a tummy, but have lost the low slung crotch. In fluid, silky fabrics. Must be worn with heels, and tops need to be tucked in! If you have a small enough waist, try putting a cummerbund type belt around the waistband.

Good for: People with slim calves and ankles. Anyone who loves shoes, as this style puts the focus on your footwear.

Watch out for: This shape will emphasis wide hips and thighs which need balancing out at the ankles. Could emphasise chunky calves too. Petites and short-leggeds should wear shoes in same colour as trousers.

Hobbs Limited Edition

Elegant flares: Easy, elegant, long, flared trousers! This is the 70’s theme!

Good for: Everybody!

Watch out for: Petites and shorter-leggeds need to make sure they are not too wide. Naturals need to know that they must be folded neatly at the end of the day!

Boden

Cropped/Capri: Why not go for these in pink, orange, blue! Or wear a brightly coloured ballet pump with a neutral or denim pair.

Good for:  Anyone with long enough legs. Make sure they end at a narrowest point on your leg. Just above the ankle is the most elegant.

Watch out for: Petites and short-leggeds could go for a colour that is close to the colour of their flesh and a similarly coloured pair of shoes. If you wear a long top over them, you will need to wear heels to lengthen the lower part of your legs.

Wrap

Drapey: Cowl necklines, folds and draping in dresses and tops. Soft fluid fabrics.

Good for: Softer/fuller bodyshapes. Larger busts. Tummies (they get hidden behind the draping). The Cowl neckline is very flattering on most people!

Watch out for: Not so good on more angular shapes like Rectangles and Lean Columns who need crisper fabrics.

Simply Be

Fluid, swishy dresses: This season sees the advent of very fluid, swishy fabrics (i.e chiffons, light polyesters and silks) in dresses as well as the more structured, crisper kinds.

Good for: Romantics, curves.

Watch out for: Straighter shapes are generally better off with crisper fabrics. But try the pleated trend in lighter fabrics to give you shape.

Boden

Skirts: Tulip, pencil, pleated and maxi. Statement skirts: if all over print in a dress is too much, go for a skirt in a print and wear a plain top. Hemlines are coming down as they usually do in a recession!

Good for: Tulip skirts are generally flattering as they are fitted like a looser pencil skirt but with some controlled fullness in the tummy area, disguising any problems. They should end at the knee which is the most flattering skirt length. Pencil skirts are flattering on the Rectangles, Columns, Inverted triangles and Neat Hourglasses. Curvier figures will need Lycra or Elastane in their pencil skirts.

Watch out for: Triangles may find that the waist does not fit if the hips do and vice versa!

Dion Lee (Netaporter)

Pleats: Ladylike pleated skirts and dresses in light silks and polyesters.

Good for: Straighter shapes (no hips or waist) will benefit from the extra detail or bulk.

Watch out for: If you have hips, make sure your pleats are stitched down over the waist to hip area.

Wall

Maxi dresses: Long,swishy styles.

Good for: Romantics and those who love a little Boho chic. People who hate their legs (or haven’t shaved them)!

Watch out for: Tall girls should add volume to avoid the beanpole look whilst Petites should keep the silhouette narrow. (Try wearing a long cardi over, cinched in with a narrow belt). A leather jacket will give it a harder edge if you find the look too Romantic.

Primark

Exotic: A look to the east with printed, silky kimono tops and obi belts round the midriff.

Good for: Fuller Rectangles and Rounds, especially good for covering big arms.(Kimono tops). Lean Columns will create a shape for themselves if they cinch their kimono in with an obi or cummerbund type belt.

Watch out for: These need to be in fluid, drapey fabrics as crisper fabrics will add pounds. Obi belts round the midriff are to be avoided by anyone who carries extra weight around their middle.

.

Hobbs

Other trends: Reinvented Denim: mid blue and looser and softer than usual for jackets, shirts, dresses and wide jeans. Trenches and Biker shape jackets and knitwear. Homecrafts: crochet, macramé, fringing and appliqué on everything. Bare and interesting backs: invest in a backless bra if you need support. Silky jumpsuits Go on! Try one on, you may love it and they are everywhere this season.

 

Look out for My Spring/Summer 2011 Guide – Colours  and Accessories in which I tell you which colours, patterns and accessories to go for this season!

If you would like to find out your most flattering colours and styles, contact me for a Colour or Style consultation!

020 8997 2123

http://angelaweyersimage.co.uk/default.aspx

My Spring/Summer 2011 Style Guide — Colours

Marks and Spencer S/S11

This season’s fashion is bananas! It’s also floral, fruity, animal, butterflies and birds. Prints and colour reign supreme and attempt to divert us from our troubles. But don’t worry if colour and print scare you, as always there is something for everyone. For those of you who love revisiting the past (and pulling things out of your wardrobe second or third time around) the 70’s Love Story look is everywhere. From long, flowing maxi dresses to silky jumpsuits to floppy hats and long hair. Just be true to your Style personality and your shape and you will have a (Studio 54) ball!

Boden cropped jeans

This season’s Must Haves: Something coloured that you would normally buy in a neutral colour, (jeans, watch, bag, scarf).

Something silky, (blouse, tapered trousers, dress).

This season’s Colours:

Colour is the big story this season!

Brights: Orange, Pink, Red, Blue, Green. Head to toe or combined as Colour Blocking

If you need soft, muted colours because the brights overpower you, or you are a more Classic or City Chic personality, wear your brights as accessories or further away from the face. How about a pink pair of capris (see the Boden pair above), or an orange bag. Also make sure that the undertone (warm or cool) of the colour nearest your face is right for you.

Hobbs Occasionwear

Colour Blocking combos to try are: orange and blue, pink and orange, pink and red, lime green and lemon yellow! Have fun! Even for a wedding!

ASOS

White may be more your cup of tea. Ideally find a soft white. White linen will usually be softened down by flesh showing through anyway. This will look especially stunning on the blondes and more dramatic on the darker haired of us. Layer over different whites for a head to toe look.

Long Tall Sally

Neutrals: Lots of Taupe and Stone as well as Navy and Pewter. Use the neutrals to tone down the bright colour look if it is too much for you. Try wearing some shine, metallics or a little bit of colour to lift your neutrals.

Tu, Sainsburys

Nude: This carries over from last year. Anyone who needs lighter colours will look stunning in this. Deeper colourings will need to add some depth of colour near their faces. Maybe a necklace or scarf in a toning but darker colour. Or just go for an elegant pair of nude coloured shoes. (A leg lengthening look for Petites who don’t want to wear tights!)

M & Co

Prints: Tropicana, butterflies, florals, birds, fruit, spots and stripes. And, as ever, animal print! All over or placed on singly, large or small, generally colourful.

Good for: Everyone, in the right colours and scale! Dramatics, Creatives and Romantics are most likely to go for these. Creatives will mix their prints up. The rest of us will wear with plain pieces.

Watch out for: Larger prints and patterns will make a Petite look smaller, and vice versa for the larger scale people. Cooler people should go for the grey leopards and warmer for the tan leopards

AlWear

Look out for Part 2 in which I will tell you all about this Spring/Summer’s styles!

If you would like to find out your most flattering colours and styles, contact me for a consultation!

020 8997 2123

http://angelaweyersimage.co.uk/default.aspx

Oscar Outfits 2011 –My best and worst!

Congratulations to Colin Firth and all our other British Oscar winners!

Colin Firth

But now here are my awards for those who got their outfits just right, and those who didn’t!

First:

 

Gwyneth looked absolutely beautiful in her Calvin Klein shimmery dress. The overall look

Gwyneth Paltrow

is light, simple and elegant. It suits her Light colouring, her fabulous shape and it’s lack of clutter and fuss reflects her Natural style personality.

Second:

Helen Mirren is a Cool colour type and this anthracite grey Fitriani dress complements her perfectly. As an Hourglass it is important to wear shaped clothes, as straight lines will add pounds. This dress goes in and out in all the right places and those puffy sleeves, as well as the train at the bottom, balance out her hips brilliantly too. The sleeves cover her arms which are often a problem area for older women and by stopping just below the elbow, our eyes are drawn to her shapely waist. Just stunning!

Natalie Portman

Third:

Here is another lady who is wearing a perfect colour for her. This beautiful purple is always a winner for the Deeps (dark hair and dark eyes). Natalie is 6 months pregnant and this Rodarte dress is showing all her best bits whilst draping softly over her bump. Feminine, appropriate and sexy all at the same time.

Another two ladies who caught my eye were on the arms of their son and husband, respectivley. Barbara Brand (Russell Brand’s mum) is a lovely example of a woman who has softened her colouring down as she has got older and is showing how to wear black lace as a Soft. She is following the rule that older women do not show much flesh but still looks so attractive and elegant!

Susan Geston, married to Jeff Bridges, is another Cool wearing a beautiful blue, oh so drapey, dress. A slightly fuller figure like hers absolutely needs soft, drapey fabric to follow the curves without adding pounds. This dress pulls her in at her narrowest points and then flows over the rest. The silvery jewellery complements her cool looks perfectly too. (And her husband looks fab as well!)

Now for my not so good outfits!

Cate Blanchett, rather uncharacteristically, didn’t wow me this time. Her Givenchy dress is a nice light colour for her Light characteristics but the garish yellow near her face is fighting with her cool undertone. The structured shape of the dress is flattening and broadening her out. It doesn’t seem right for her personality. Maybe only Lady Gaga could carry this one off!

Ellen Barkin is just overpowered by this bright, shiny, orange dress! True, it is the colour of the season and warm-undertoned people will be able to wear it. But knowing what kind of orange (light, deep, soft, bright?) is crucial. Note too, that shiny fabrics can be very unkind. Ellen is a lovely slim lady but even her tummy is exaggerated by this satin fabric!

I didn’t love this outfit worn by Clare Danes. You could call it a sexy nun look, but I just think it swamps her figure and drags our eyes downwards to disappointment. What’s to like!?

And finally, Florence Welch! Where do I start!

The colour is far too pale for the vibrantly deep red of her hair colour. Imagine how amazing she would look in Ellen Barkins’ orange dress This cream dress by Valentino is draining her and giving her shadows under her eyes. Her straight, statuesque figure is crying out for a more structured shape in a dress. The thin, floppy fabric here is hanging off her emphasising her lack of curves.  The Romantic  style just doesn’t suit her shape at all.

I’d just like to finish with this cute couple: Justin Bieber and his grilfriend Selena Gomez. He is a wonderful example of how a very young Dramatic can approach a Black tie look. Whilst Selena shows how stunning a Deep can look in the right red. Justin has even matched Selena’s dress with his red handkerchief, pulling the whole look together for a perfect photo!

All photos courtesy of http://www.vogue.co.uk.

If you would like to find out your most flattering colours and styles, contact me for a consultation!

020 8997 2123

http://angelaweyersimage.co.uk/default.aspx

Boudoir banter!

Valentine’s Day is coming up and thoughts are turning to romance and making love! So I thought I would encourage you to bring out your sensual side by exploring the world of boudoir lingerie.

We are most definitely not talking sensible multipacks of comfortable white cotton high leg knickers or my usual must- have recommendation of a flesh coloured, underwired T shirt bra. What we are talking about is the kind of underwear that makes you feel sexy, glamorous and a little bit naughty! I firmly believe every woman should have at least one set of beautiful underwear for those special occasions. Even if no one else sees it, I guarantee you will feel very special just knowing what you have on underneath your clothes!

And don’t tell me that you have too much cellulite or stretch marks on your tummy or whatever other excuse you have! There is something for everyone out there and we all have as much right to feel boudoir beautiful as all those perfect (airbrushed!) models.

Let’s talk colour!

Red is the Valentine’s Day colour of choice.  It is an energising, exciting

Florence and Fred Babydoll set

colour which oozes confidence, so, perfect as boudoir lingerie. Make sure it is the right red for you or you will not look as beautiful as you could. You may need a light or dark version, or warm tomato or cool raspberry. In this babydoll set from Tesco’s F&F, he certainly won’t be noticing your stretchmarks!

Debenhams

Pink is another perfect colour for love and romance. It is the colour of affection and empathy and puts us at our ease with it’s non-threatening connotations. Definitely a great “pulling” colour for men or women!

Peach and Apricot pinks will suit the more warm skinned of us whereas hot pinks and fuchsias will look stunning on the cooler skintones.

Black seems to be one of the most popular choices for underwear, however I would not recommend it. Psychologically it can make us seem intimidating and aloof plus it tends not to flatter many people, harshening and ageing them. It can make white skin look very pallid. White too, is very clinical and signifies purity. Not what we want here!

Leopard Print is another look to go for.

Marks and Spencer

This lovely bra and pants set will suit a lot of people’s colouring and bring out the animal in whoever sees it!

Now shape!

If you have a fairly straight shape (i.e Rectangles and lean Columns) you are best to avoid the boxy shorts which are very popular now (see the pink set from Debenhams, above). They can make you look very square. Instead, go for knickers which add shape to the hips, like this pretty set from

Frost French: Floozie

Frost French. They will also balance out an Inverted triangle shape (narrower hips than shoulders).

High cut legs are flattering on everyone but even more important if you have short legs.

Triangle shapes (wider hips than shoulders) are better to go for a very exciting bra or top half and plain and simple bottom half.

M&S – Basque

Hourglasses who want to cover up a bit will look amazing in a basque like this one from M&S. In fact this will  give curves to straighter bodyshapes too, with its optical illusion of a waist.

Sainsbury’s Tu

Want to cover up your tummy? Look for a more sexy version of “big knickers”. Here are some from Sainsbury’s Tu! Or go for  the cami/babydoll look, like this one from Myla, below.

Myla-Babydoll

Great websites to look at are:

http://www.glamorousamorous.com/,

Damaris

Figleaves

Bravissimo

Agent Provocateur

Rigby and Peller

So there we have it! If you would like to find out your most flattering reds, pinks or any other colours, or what styles of clothing suit you, contact me for a consultation!

020 8997 2123

http://angelaweyersimage.co.uk/default.aspx

Golden Globes–who got their colours right!

There were some beautiful outfits on the red carpet last night at the Golden Globes. But some people could have looked better if they had known which colours suit them and which just don’t!

Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) and Julianne Moore are both Warms and need yellow-based colours. Christina has got it so right in her warm tomato red while Julianne, in her cool bright pink got it so wrong!

These pictures of  Emma Stone, a Light and Elizabeth Moss, a Soft show how important it is to also get the depth of your colour right. Emma’s peach colour is perfect in every way for her, whilst Elizabeth’s dark green is too dark and drains her.

Eva Longoria, a Deep, looks amazing in her black dress. Kelly Osbourne, however, is currently a Soft, with her blonde hair and would look more beautiful in a lighter colour. Imagine her in Emma Stones peach!

Sandra Bullock below and Gabourey Sidibe (Precious) are two Deeps who are in colours which are too pale and wash them out. They could both look better!                                                  

Below is a picture of Tilda Swinton and Helen Mirren. Both need light colours which is why they do look lovely in what they are wearing. But Tilda needs warm colours and Helen needs cool. If they swapped the colours around they would look phenomenal! Although pure white is hard for most people.

Here are two ladies who have gone colourful and got it so right! Mandy Moore, a Deep and clear, and Kyra Sedgwick, a Soft and warm.

And finally, two ladies who are all about the personality! Christina Aguilera, a Dramatic and Helena Bonham Carter, a Creative, won’t allow us to take it  too seriously! Even so Helena, a Deep is in perfect colours and Christina Aguilera shows a lovely way of wearing black when you are a Soft/Light.

(All pictures are from Vogue.com)

If you would like to find out your most flattering colours, book in for a consultation with me! Find all the details on

www.mystylistlondon.com 

or ring 020 8997 2123

How to do a New Year’s Wardrobe Weed!

There is nothing like clearing out a cupboard to make you feel like you are starting afresh, with your life under control. (Well, for a short while anyway!)

So how about doing a Wardrobe Weed now, at the start of the year, and find some new outfits without spending a penny, organise your wardrobe so that you save time in the morning and create some space by removing those items which are the wrong colour or shape for you. Here’s how you do it!

1. Set aside some uninterrupted time during daylight hours. Around 3 hours should do. (Pack the kids/partner off, resolve not to answer the phone/door) But it can be great to have a friend/sister/daughter as a second opinion. A glass of wine can’t hurt either!
2. You are going to have four or five piles or bin bags.  1. Friends/family; 2. Charity; 3. Recycle bin; 4. Mend/alter/clean and, if need be 5. a Seasonal storage pile. You will deem some items more suitable for members of your friends and family than you, others in good condition can go to a Charity shop. Those in bad condition can be recycled and many items will just need mending, altering or specialist cleaning. Yes, this is the moment when that cardigan with the missing button is finally going to be dealt with. If you are very short of space, you can weed out any summer clothes and put them in a vacuum sealed bag to store. (www.johnlewis.com and http://www.lakeland.co.uk/)             Remember too that you need to look at everything. That includes, clothes, underwear, shoes, scarves, bags and jewellery.
3. Assess each item in your wardrobe for colour, shape, condition, trendiness, sentimental value. Hopefully you know your most flattering colours and shapes because you have had consultations in these. If not, come and see me!  www.mystylistlondon.com .   Is the item a flattering colour for you? If not, it goes. Is it the right shape and fabric for you? Is it in good condition or can be made to be?  Find a good alterations service to  save those loved items. If it has holes or stains, chuck it! Is it reasonably up to date? Out of date clothes can age you! If you have space and you love the item, store it. It may well come back in fashion, albeit in twenty years time!  Does it mean something special to you? I firmly believe that it is ok to keep clothes which have strong sentimental value. Maybe it is the dress you were wearing when you first met your partner or a scarf that a favourite aunt gave you. They may no longer be flattering but you are definitely allowed to store them or even wear them if it makes you happy! Clothes are so much more than just cloth to keep us warm!
4. Ok. You have got all the unflattering or unsalvageable items out of the way. Now get creative and start playing “putting new outfits together“.  Try new combinations of tops and skirts/ trousers, scarves, jewellery, jackets etc., that you hadn’t thought of before. Photograph or note down the ones that work, as a reminder. (iPhones or iPads come into their own here!) Identify any gaps in your wardrobe and any items you need to make your new outfits work. Make a shopping list. Check you have enough work, play, socialising clothes, shoes and accessories, for your needs.
5. Organise! Put everything back in an organised fashion. I group by clothing type i.e skirts, trousers, jackets etc.so that I know exactly where to find a skirt or a jacket. You may wish to organise by colours so that all your red clothes are together, then the blues etc. especially in a drawer. Jewellery can be hung from pretty hooks on the inside of your wardrobe door so that you are reminded of what you have each time you look for an outfit. You could do the same with scarves. Ensure that you have good hangers. Slim, rubberised ones are the best for taking up little space but keeping the clothes gripped on. Lakeland has some non-slip ones. Or wooden ones for suits and jackets. Anti-moth measures are also a good idea.

That’s it! You now have a fresh, new wardrobe which has more space, is full of flattering, useful clothes, organised in an easy to access way, and you should have some new ideas for outfits. This will all save you time and stress in the mornings.

If you feel you would like to engage me to help you with your wardrobe weed, or to book a Colour or Style consultation, just contact me, Angela Weyers

www.mystylistlondon.com

020 8997 2123

10 TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUNGER

1. Avoid black near your face! For most women above the age of 40, black will exaggerate lines and wrinkles and automatically make them look older and harsher. Even those of you who have black in your pallet will be better off wearing it further from your face. In general, few of us at 50 can wear the colours we wore at 20 and still look good. As we age we usually Soften down, Lighten down and Cool down. It is advisable to have a Colour Consulation every 10 years.
2. Find the perfect foundation! Foundation can take 10 years off you in one fell swoop, by evening out all the discolorations on your face. The perfect foundation for you will blend seamlessly into your own skin colour. And it will not be powdery, as dewy and moist is much more youthful than dry! So do go for a creamier texture.

1. 

3.Counteract the ageing process with concealers and adjusters. The difference between a baby’s skin and an older person’s skin in visual terms is that an older skin will have dark lines (wrinkles) and areas of redness (often around or on the nose, cheeks and under eye area). So, if foundation doesn’t do enough, yellow or green skin adjusters will counteract redness, and light- reflecting concealers will lighten up the dark lines, giving an illusion of smooth skin. CMB’s Neutral skin adjuster and Concealer are fantastic for this!

4.Throw out your black eyeliner! It’s too harsh a look for you now. Try instead a softer, neutral colour like Coffee (a grey/brown colour) or Granite (Grey)on the lower lashline. Go for a more colourful one like Teal on the top.

5.Avoid black mascara (go for black/brown or brown instead) and only use on the top lashes to avoid that spiders legs look!

6. Use lip pencil! Lip pencil can be used to correct uneven or thin lips. Draw the line just outside the natural line to enlarge. It also stops feathering (lipstick bleeding into the lines) and helps to prolong colour on your lips if you colour your lips in fully with it before applying lipstick.

7. Lip colour is a must. Lips get paler and often thinner as we age and so we always look younger with a little colour on our lips. Avoid dark colours which make lips look thinner and go for Sheer moisturising formulations for a more youthful look.

8.Keep unruly eyebrows under control! As we get older eyebrows can start to misbehave. They either get sparser, and need a bit of eyebrow pencil or eyeshadow stroked over them, or else they get wayward white hairs poking out and need to be plucked or trimmed away. Visit a brow bar to get them tidied up.

9.Do put a magnifying mirror in your bathroom! Most of us get longer- sighted as we get older and putting make-up on or checking our eyebrows (or even chin hairs!) gets harder. It may be depressing but so much better than going out blissfully ignorant that we have smudged mascara or badly applied our lipstick! Try Boots or Department stores.

10. Dye your hair! There is no doubt about it, grey hair is ageing! It can be stunning if you are lucky enough to go a beautiful shade of it (and wear the right colours of make-up and clothes to complement it!). However many of us do go through a long salt and pepper stage and are better off colouring it. But never go more than 2 shades lighter or darker than your current hair colour! As we age, our skin pales down so the hair colour we had in our twenties will be too strong for us in our fifties or sixties. Ideally, always go lighter rather than darker.

11 (Sorry, I couldn’t keep it to just 10!)  Dress for your shape and keep your look updated! Just because your shape has changed over the years doesn’t mean you have to give up on fashion. Understand what your new shape is and how to dress to flatter it! Don’t let your fear of being mutton dressed as lamb, prevent you from tweaking your wardrobe once or twice a year with the latest accessory or garment. Wearing old-fashioned clothes will just make you look old!!

Book in with me for a Colour, Make-up or Style consultation (or all three!) and find out more about how you can look younger! All the above products, and more, can be purchased from me at my studio. Find all the details on my website (link below)

Angela

http://angelaweyersimage.co.uk/default.aspx