Brighten up your winter’s day!

Wearing color is the easiest way to brighten up a grey winter’s day. Whether it’s donning a bright dress or coat to frighten away the winter blues, or even as simple as adding a touch of color with a scarf or some jewelry, you’ll find wearing color will bring a smile to you and to those who see you.

Did you know that different colors evoke different feelings and responses from people? It’s sometimes referred to as “The Psychology of Colour”.

Blue is used by some banks and government agencies such as the Police, because it is a trustworthy color. It sends the message: dependable, safe, trustworthy, loyal.

Red = Passion, strength, sensual, power
Pink = Femininity, health, love, confidence
Green = Intelligence, life, nature
Yellow = Sunlight, joy, happiness,playfulness
Orange = Happiness, energy, enthusiasm, flamboyance
Purple = Sensuality, creativity, wealth, royalty

Colour is quite fascinating really. There are some colors which can make people look younger and healthier, and others that can drain them and make them look ill. It’s all to do with the undertone of your skin. You either have a warm or a cool undertone to your skin. Warm being yellow and cool being blue.

So if you have a warm undertone, you will suit colors with a warm yellow base to them. If you have a cool undertone you will suit colors with a cool blue base to them.

Take Red for instance, if you have a true red paint, and you add a bit of yellow to it, you end up with a warm orange-red. If you add a bit of blue to the true red paint, you’ll get a cool blue-red. 

However, when you are wearing a color that doesn’t suit you, any lines and wrinkles, blemishes and dark circles under-eye will stand out more… yikes! You may look more ashen and grey, or slightly sallow, yellow and ill.

Have you ever had anyone say to you “Are you feeling ok today? You look a bit ill.” when you are actually fine? It’s probably because of the colour you were wearing that day. Interesting, isn’t it?

Knowing what colors suit you also saves you time when you’re shopping. You know exactly what colors to try on, and you can pass by entire racks that you know won’t work for you. It’s all about shopping with confidence. You won’t make any more shopping mistakes that end up at the back of your closet!

 
Wear some color to brighten up your grey winter’s day. You’ll be amazed at how it will make you feel. 


If you’d like to find out what colours really suit you, we offer a Personal Color Analysis in which we analyze your coloring and give you a palate of your best colours, that you can take with you when you go shopping. We also do your makeup and show you how to pick the best makeup colours to suit you. View our services to see how we can help. 

How to wear a summer hat

It's not quite as simple as you may think

From Frank Sinatra's Fedora to Charlie Chaplin's bowler, the hat has been a strong sartorial choice by many great men. But a misjudged hat can leave you looking more than a little foolish (think Simon in the Inbetweeners). With this in mind we've got a couple of tips from Julia Rebaudo, resident blogger for StyleCompare.co.uk, on how to wear one with style.

"The key to wearing a hat well is knowing what suits your face shape and picking the right style accordingly. The aim is to remove as much asymmetry as possible and give the appearance of balanced facial proportions – the thinking here is that the eye finds symmetry attractive."

Homburg hat

Face shape: Square. If you have a square face you need a hat that will make you appear less boxy. Avoid a tapered or square crown. Choose a hat with a full, round medium height crown with almost no taper. The brim should be wide, not narrow. Tip: Wear tilted to the side to break up square lines. Style: Homburg, Bowler

Face shape: Round. A round full face needs a hat that’s going to give you a little height to avoid looking short. Make sure the crown is of medium height and size and that there is a slight taper. A narrow band helps lengthen the face. Tip: Don’t tilt your hat forwards as it shortens the face. Styles: Fedora, Gambler, Panama

Face shape: Long. A long, thin face needs to be shortened to balance it out. So avoid hats that have a high or full crown. Choose a style that has a shorter height and a moderate taper. A moderate brim and a wide hatband is ideal. Tip: Hatbands in contrasting colours help break up vertical lines. Style: Porkpie, Fedora, Trilby 

Face shape: Big Jaw – If you have a prominent jaw then you need to avoid crowns and brims that are both too big and small. You need to go for a medium sized brim and crown with a slight taper. Tip: Don’t tilt your hat too far back. Style: Fedora, Trilby, Porkpie

How to wear them: http://www.refinery29.com/shopping-roundup-sizzlin-summer-hats/slideshow#slide-9

Feeling relaxed.....

Today the boys wanted to go to the pools.... the cool breeze was not inviting to go into the water, so I decided to sit and watch them doing their flips and jumps...... lots of fun!
To my outfit: I am wearing a very "relaxed" outfit. its very comfortable and nice fabric. the pants are linen and I love that I can pull them up (to create slimmer legs) I added the orange wool belt to add color and style. An orange singlet to add color and the off white V-neck top  (lights colors are great for summer, white, ivory, coca, cream - stay away from black!! ).
These sandals I have had for years, bought them in Israel....  but as we say trends are always back.. so these type of sandals are never out of style.... it is only a matter of wearing the same style of clothes matching the look (boho, creative) long earnings are ideal for this look...

Linen pants -got mine in Switzerland -  similar style and material can be found in Witchery
woollen belt -  hand made - easy to get in  any markets or do it your self
singlet - from Glassons 
V-neck top -  http://www.worldwear.co.nz/
Sandals  - http://www.shoebuy.co.nz and Hannahs
Earrings -Lovisa 

let this coming year...

Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you don't think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You'll look ten years younger. Don't be afraid to say, 'I love you'. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.

Dressing for work as a +size

There are some fashion faux-pas that all women need to avoid in dressing--looking bigger than we are or choosing colors that don't match our skin tones are some basics. Dressing for a size 16+ is no different, but in case you want a few tips on how to shop for your size 16 body, learning the most flattering styles and clothes is a great start to transforming your look and your wardrobe.

Learn how to dress a  + size

• Choose fabrics that compliment your body. Light flowing fabrics like silk, and non-clinging fabrics like basic wool and lightweight knit fabrics are a great choice, while bulky stiff fabrics or stretch Lycra fabrics tend to be unflattering. Most natural fabrics are also a great choice.

• Buy the right size and fit. While it is often tempting to shop down a size to encourage ourselves to diet or exercise, buying the proper size for your current self can make the difference between a stunning outfit and a fashion blunder. Always try on your clothes and if you feel you will get the best fit for your body by going up or down a size, do so. You can always tailor down from a larger size to fit your body perfectly.

• Wear the right undergarments. Wearing a great bra or panty can make all the difference in the fit of your clothes. This means that great dressing starts from the basics up; your bras should fit you well and the proper fitting panty will keep you from getting those lines that all women dread showing through their clothing from their undergarments. Having a good slip in your wardrobe is also a great idea.
  
  Highlight your assets. With all fashion, the goal should be to draw the eye to the areas we choose to highlight. If you love your waist or your legs, choose fabrics and clothing that will attract attention there. That means adding a belt, to show your curves, or wearing a nice calf length skirt to show off your legs. Patterns can be a great way to do this as well. Vertical lines are always slimming, but diagonal patterns and designs will do the trick just as well

• Make a clean line by wearing one color. Though monochrome style isn't always the most fun, remember that black isn't the only way to go. However bright or light you want to wear your outfit, a simple long dress or pantsuit is a great way to give a clean silhouette and compliments every figure

A guideline on Sale Shopping!

With some of the biggest shopping discounts of the year up for grabs, it's hard not to get carried away with the idea of the sales. However the reality of overcrowded high streets, flocks of bargain hunters and unorganized sale rails are a force to be reckoned with. Follow these tips on sale shopping.

Make a Plan
Pay a visit to your local high street in advance of the sales and plan which stores you want to visit. You'll be more familiar with the shop layout and know where to locate your dream items.

Dress Comfortably
Darting in and out of changing rooms, traipsing around your local shopping centre and waiting in endless queues is a tiring business. Wear comfortable flat shoes which can accommodate hot, swollen feet, and clothes that you can easily change out of so you don't waste valuable time in the changing rooms.

Know your Body Shape
The first step to successful clothes shopping in the sales is knowing your body shape. That way you'll know which clothes show off your best bits, making you feel confident about your style all the time. Stick to the body shape rules and you'll never make a rash sales purchase again.  Pay attention to the balance of your figure and proportions. For example, ideal top length is just below your belt. Short jacket looks great with jeans, shirt or t-shirt. Cropped pants should finish at the widest part of your ankle and will look good with high heels, flats or ankle boots.

Stay Classic if you dont know your Style Personality
The sales are not the time to experiment with new fashion ideas. Those gold lame harem pants have 70% off for a reason: no one will be wearing them next year. This sale season stick to wardrobe staples such as a nice dress or a classic jacket  - a much savvier sale purchase.
Classic pieces worth investing into:
- Trench coat
- Leather jacket
- Little black dress
- Jacket in Chanel style
- Neutral colored shirts and t-shirts
Read more about it http://coffeewithpensy.blogspot.com/2011/07/discover-your-style-personality.html

Play with color!
It’s elusive to think that if you fill up your closet with pieces of total black color you’ll have versatile wardrobe. You need color to splash to avoid looking like you’re at the office all the time. There are a couple of ways you can change your style using colors. For instance, a bright t-shirt seen from a V-sweater or a cardigan, loud accessories with a classic suit or a simple dress – will look appropriate both at work and at the party.

Double Up
We all know how difficult it can be to find that perfect pair of jeans. If you happen to stumble upon jean heaven during the sales, it's worth buying two pairs. Save one for when the first are starting to wear out - you'll thank yourself in months to come. Make sure your jeans finish just 5mm over the bottom of the heel.

Try Before You Buy
Although long queues for changing rooms can be off-putting, it's worth trying clothes on before you buy. Always ask if more sizes are available, and check garments for dodgy zips, snags and missing buttons before you hand over your cash.

Check the Returns Policy
Many shops only offer an exchange on sale items. Make sure you're entirely happy with your purchase - or are willing to buy something else from that store - before you buy.

Make your imagination fly
If you have an item that you like very much but it just doesn’t fit in your look don’t hurry to put it away. Think for a minute and make necessary corrections. Experiment with belts because they can change the silhouette. Don’t forget about brooches, scarves, kerchiefs and other stuff. Buy transformer things, look at street style of other people, and runway looks. The livelier your wardrobe is the better.

summer, urban outfits!

 

Style is about your self, discovering what you like, who you are and what looks best on you. Try new combinations. have fun with color! summer is here!! enjoy it! 

Tea Party?

I love these Lauren Conrad dresses! Wearable, classic and beautiful!!! Big trend this summer.

Maxi dresses yes or no?

Maxi dresses yes or no? by stylewithpensy featuring a blue bag

What to wear to a Job Interview in the Summer?

Business managers use job interviews to evaluate candidates' professionalism and judge how well they will fit within the company's culture. Dressing professionally and comfortably during a job interview helps a woman make a successful first impression. Equally important are good grooming and personal hygiene. Unfortunately, if a job interview takes place during the summer, standard professional attire can lead to perspiration, a disheveled appearance and even body odor. When interviewing for a job in the summer, it is important to dress sharply but also comfortably for warm weather to avoid feeling uncomfortable during the interview.

1. Choose subtle solors

   • Warmer months mean lighter, brighter clothing colors, but the rule of thumb for a job interview is to always dress conservatively. Avoid bright hues or bold patterns and opt for a white or pastel blouse to pair with a suit skirt or slacks. Sundresses are a more casual option that may be acceptable for an interview with an informal company, but some employers may not consider them as professional as a business suit with slacks or a skirt. Jeans and shorts are too casual for any job interview.

   Wear summer fabrics

   • Be sure to wear a breathable fabric to the interview. Choose clothing that does not show perspiration marks or cling to sweat-dampened skin. Wrinkle-resistant fabrics are ideal because they will not crease in the car on the way to the interview. Remember that most interviews take place in air-conditioned offices, so consider an outfit with a blouse worn under a jacket, and wait to put on the jacket until you reach the interview site.

   Cover up

   • Although women tend to wear less clothing in the summer, a job interview is not the time to show skin. Blouses with long or three-quarter sleeves are much more professional than sleeveless tops. Never wear a low-cut blouse to a job interview. If a skirt is worn, it should not be shorter than knee-length. Shoes should be closed-toe pumps or flats, not sandals. Pantyhose in a skin-matching color look more professional than bare legs.
     
     

     

   Miminize makeup and accessories

   • A clean, tidy appearance is important during a job interview. Especially in the summer, always shower just before dressing for an interview. Hair should be completely dry and worn in a professional style, and jewelry should be kept to a minimum. Makeup should be light and natural, not overdone. Avoid wearing heavy perfume to the job interview to cover up perspiration or odors. Opt for a very light scent such as a body mist, or avoid perfume altogether.

source: eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way

Why Color is so important in Fashion

I came came across this great article today about the importance of Color written by  Susan Lockhart a leading Image Consultant in Brisbane. Colour is the first thing other people notice about us, and its impact is immediate and long-lasting. Our fashion color choices say a lot about the image we are trying to portray and how we feel about ourselves.  So what does color tell people? Within seconds of meeting you, others will respond to the 'color messages' flashed by your clothes. It is a fact that different colors can make people feel a certain way. It has even been determined by medical science that color can influence the viewer's hormones, blood pressure and body temperature. Colour also has an impact on: Your apparent shape Your apparent weight Your apparent personality Your emotions Others emotions Other important considerations are how appropriate the colour is for the location, occasion, time of year, your age and of course, your natural colouring. We are all influenced by colour every day, whether we realise it or not. If we're having a bad day and not feeling good about ourselves, we tend to automatically choose clothes in dull neutral colours like black, grey or brown because they match how we're feeling. Just as when we're happy and feeling great we will go for something a bit brighter. Have a look in your wardrobe and see how many different colours you own. Do you have a veritable rainbow of outfits? Or are there just 1 or 2 colours that you wear a variation of all the time? You may find you are stuck in a colour rut. Knowing this, why not experiment with the colours you wear and surround yourself with. The first rule is to always be guided by what suits your natural colouring - that is your skin tone, eye colour and hair colour. Once you know your best range of colours, you can choose different colours for different occasions. Sometimes a certain combination of colours will create the affect, rather than each colour individually. Colours produce different reactions when put together in different colour combinations and when used in different fabrics.  For example, a red jacket worn with a white shirt to a business meeting exhibits confidence and power, but a red jacket worn with a lacy red top may be interpreted as you having other things on your mind besides this business meeting. So which colours are appropriate for what situations? Which colours can help you portray a certain image? Here is a list of colours for woman that are ideal for a whole range of occasions: Blue-based reds: Suggests intelligence and femininity. Yellow-based reds: Energetic colour that keeps conversations going (Men are inherently attracted to yellow-based reds - a great colour for a first date) Purple: Stirs the senses and generates passion - great for creative endeavours Turquoise: puts other women at ease, encourages them to open up Lipstick red: implies strength and authority Medium blues: a calming colour that allows interactions to go smoothly Browns: non-threatening, stable, supportive and reliable (great for meetings with colleagues or clients) Remember, the most important thing is to choose colours that are a good fit for your natural colouring. There is no point choosing a colour that suggests creativity and confidence if it also makes you look washed out or sick. Wearing your best range of colours can have a huge impact on your wardrobe and your confidence. The right colours can make your skin tone appear more even, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles and make you look brighter and healthier. While on the other hand wearing a colour which isn't so good for you, can make you look tired, dull and even ill. A colour analysis with a professional image consultant will sh ow you exactly which range of colours are best for your clothing, makeup and accessories.    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Lockhart

Do you want to feel beautiful? Focus on your best features!

How often do you stand and look in the mirror, only to zone in on your figure challenges? “Ah, my bottom looks so big.” “My tummy is definitely not what it used to be!” “I wish I had longer legs”.

So often we only focus on the negatives, the things we don’t like about ourselves. Sometimes we can even get a bit obsessive about how bad we think our figure challenges are. This can make us a bit depressed, self-conscious, and insecure. It’s a bad cycle.

We are all different, we all have the body parts we try to disguise or camouflage. We have different body shapes. The key to looking good, and feeling confident, is to focus on your favorite features. 

 
Focusing on the positive rather than the negative makes you look at yourself in a different light. We each have features that we like about ourselves, and that’s good, it’s healthy. It’s not arrogant to admit that you have nice legs, or great hair. It’s good to be thankful for the positive things about ourselves.

So, I want you to think about your body. What are the 3 things that you love most about the way you look? Do you love your hair, do you have beautiful eyes? Do you have fabulous legs or a great bust? Each and every one of you is made beautiful. We need to celebrate our great features, and learn how to dress our figure challenges.

Looking great is all about working with your body shape, not against it. It’s all about creating balance, by camouflaging your figure challenges, and enhancing your favorite features. 

 
Color can hugely affect how proportioned you look. Knowing your body shape helps you to know what color to wear on what part of your body.

Here is my color rule: Wear darker, plainer colors on your areas of figure challenge, your larger half. Wear lighter, brighter colors and patterns or texture on your smaller half. The eye will be drawn to the lighter, brighter shades, and skip over the darker shades.

Try new color combinations

I'm trying to get my head around why in New Zealand people love to dress in black! I understand that the All Blacks are a big part of the culture; but apart from wearing it in a rugby context, black  is a very boring and depressing color to wear everyday! I call black the "colour eater" because it makes people look pale and older!

Well, this season is all about color! I assure you that after you start wearing some bright colors you will love it and never stop! Try new combinations, get out of your comfort zone! wear your best colors closer to your face! Dont forget to use color in you accesories: shoes, jewellery, scarfs!!

Here are some color combinations to try out this season:

• Fuchsia and pale yellow
• Fuchsia and orange
• Emerald green and  red
• Purple and orange
• Red and pink
• Midnight blue and teal

If you want to find out your best colors, book for a Color Consultation and Make-up -  it's a lifetime investment! http://www.confidencestyle.co.nz/services/color