Thursday, 31 October 2013

Biker chic style

Biker chic


Alice Olivia top
aliceandolivia.com


Balmain leather jacket
$5,920 - balmain.com


By Malene Birger knee length skirt
$315 - theoutnet.com


Jerome C. Rousseau black pumps
$735 - avenue32.com


Coach black purse
coach.com



I love glamour and fell in love with the biker chic look. Just keeps my mind buzzing as one day I will get my Harley Davidson bike.  My friends think I am crazy.  

The biker chic style can be worn with skirt and high heels or with leather trousers or even jeans. Just decide what suits your mood. No need for a Harley Davidson either but if you have one its a bonus.

This season the shops are full with biker inspired styles for all price points and all body shapes. The most important thing when rocking the bike chic style is that you do it with effortless style.

Sexy high heels

Sexy high heels


Jimmy choo shoes
nordstrom.com


Jimmy Choo black sandals
bergdorfgoodman.com


Jimmy Choo red pumps
farfetch.com


net-a-porter.com


Are you struggling to walk in your high heels?


Have you ever wondered how stars like BeyoncĂ©, Kim Kardashian and Tina Turner can rock a high heels for hours? They are very rarely seen without a 4inch heel.  We all marvel how they can move so easily and for a long period of time. Imelda Marcos, the ultimate queen of shoes allegedly had 3000 pairs of shoes.


Shoes are now like diamonds, the cost the earth and make women feel so special.  Designers like Jimmy Choo are crafting such exquisite shoes that they take your breath away.  Handbags used to be the number one best seller but shoes have taken over.  They can make you look and feel a million dollars with the right outfit. I am always pinning shoes to my Pintrest account.

Selfridges in London has an entire floor dedicated to shoes. Some of the most drop dead sexy shoes can be found there. But have you noticed that shoes are getting higher? Many resembling sky-scrappers just like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai or The Shard in London the higher the better.


Long gone are the days where high heels were only worn to posh functions. Now you see women going to work or walking around the shopping mall in sky-scrappers. Unfortunately many women I see just don’t know how to walk in them.  They see shoes, buy them without thinking do they suit me or even will I be able to walk in them and I just don’t mean walking up and down in the shop when trying them on.



A friend in New York told me about a man called in Victor Chu  affectionately known as the ‘Stiletto Whisperer’ who teaches women how to strut their stuff.  He is the man to go to if you want to look good walking in high heels. Victor Chu, runs the hour long class, a group workshop that teaches women how to navigate the tricky terrain of Gotham, is the first of its kind, says instructor Victor Chu. For $50 at the Legwork school, a pupil will learn how to master uneven sidewalks, surprise subway grates and cobblestones that send stiletto-clad ladies flying.



Victor Chu started the Legwork school in NYC in 2006, to give one-on-one walking sessions to dancers, models and other women seeking balance in their lives. But he says he saw a demand for group classes, and launched them at the Stepping Out Studio this summer, at a time when women are most likely to experiment with the craziest shoe styles.



I recall seeing a lady walking in her high heels like she has just got off a horse and walking on glass. What a painful sight.  People just stood by watching in amazement this young lady struggling to walk in her heels. There is a secret to wearing high heels.


“Ninety-five percent of women don’t know how to walk in high heels,” Chu says. “Women think heels are sexy because men think they’re sexy. But you see women wear this pained expression and shuffle. I’ve seen guys giggle at them — it’s not sexy. Bottom line is, you need to be fit to walk in heels with stability.”


Standing 6ft in stocking feet I love high heels, 4inch the minimum and don’t care what people say to me. Yes, I have had people say to me ‘why do you wear high heels, you’re tall enough’.  Clothes look better worn with high heels.


As a Stylist I have the eye and knowledge to help you understand the type of shoes you should wear and what really suits you. Having that pained look on your face because your shoes are hurting your feet isn’t the best look and certainly not stylish.


Want to be that woman who looks amazing in their shoes, knows how to walk and has a style that people are always complimenting? Let me help you and you'll find out the secret.

Get your free Consultation and exclusive eBook “The Secrets To Looking And Feeling More Confident Without Dieting: 30 Top tips To a Better ‘YOU’!” contact Viv@clothes4realwomen.com
 
www.clothes4realwomen.com Bespoke Personal Styling Concierge Service helps busy women who need help and cannot afford to make mistakes.  Together we can develop your unique sense of style.
 



How do you dress for work?

My work outfit


DKNY dress
$270 - bloomingdales.com


Fur coat
$2,970 - veryeickhoff.com


Nine west shoes
$160 - zalando.co.uk


DKNY red purse
forzieri.com


Planet black hat
$79 - houseoffraser.co.uk



You can't afford to make mistakes with your business attire. When ever I go for business meetings, including board meetings, attend business functions I always make sure that I am dressed for business. Dressing for business is so important and cannot be overlooked. Its about making the a good first impression that is lasting. Clothing is an overlooked component in many women’s professional life.

People need to take you seriously, dirty clothes and ill fitting clothes are a sign that you don't care about yourself. If you don't care about you, clients will think you don't care about them. 

I struggle to understand why women do not invest in themselves. Many make excuses that they cannot afford it or there is nothing wrong with what they are wear. How you dress can have an impact on who does business with you.  People are put off by sloppy dressing.  They  are sizing you up and sizing you down, appearance and clothing are so important. You may talk a good talk but if your clothes let you down you wont seal that deal.




Does it fit right?
We all know to avoid too tight or too skimpy. If your clothing is overly revealing, you'll get attention for the wrong reason and not for your ideas or sealing that deal. Alas some women didn't get that memo.  Nothing is worse than clothes that are too tight or too skimpy. You are in the office not at a party.


Trendy or Timeless
A wise invest in to by timeless pieces. The on trend bag or coat is ok to wear. While it’s important to avoid looking too trendy, this shouldn’t translate into wearing dowdy clothes. You earning a salary so you should invest in pieces that will last. A good tailor can transform a suit to something more modern. Remember Timeless doesn't mean because you've had it for 20 years its still modern. Time to buy new office clothes.

Dressing for the weekend …during the week  
Many companies have a relaxed dress code. some say business dress.  This does not mean you can turn up in the office with creased clothes, an old tracksuit or stains on your clothing. It really means don’t interpret business casual as dressing for a Saturday afternoon.  Look at what your colleagues are wearing.  Some companies have a dress code, this should be in the staff handbook or in your contract of employment. If you are still not sure speak to your Human Resources department to understand what the dress code is.
 
Customer facing jobs
As tempting as it is to wear your Saturday afternoon attire, think what impression you are giving the customer about the company you work for. Even if your colleagues like to dress drab and have no care in how they present themselves, take pride in yourself. Have a jacket in the office, as you don't know when you maybe called to help a client or even go to the clients office. Be prepared for the unexpected.


Be that woman who has leaves a lasting first impression and has a style that people are always complimenting Let me help you.

www.clothes4realwomen.com is a Bespoke Personal Styling Concierge Service helps busy women who need help and cannot afford to make mistakes.  Together we can develop your unique sense of style



Get your free Consultation and exclusive eBook “The Secrets To Looking And Feeling More Confident Without Dieting: 30 Top tips To a Better ‘YOU’!” contact Viv@clothes4realwomen.com



Wednesday, 2 October 2013

Mums, dress like you mean business.




Many women returning to work or starting their own business often struggle with their working wardrobe.  After having child the body changes, many women struggle to dress for their new bodies.  Clothes need to be practical, durable and most of stylish and comfortable. 


Style and grooming are the packaging of your personal brand. You are representing yourself be it in your own company or at work amongst colleagues and clients. Your clothes should present you in a way that that invites trust and credibility.  Your dress should be an extension of your personality. Appearance makes a significant impact and credibility is influenced by first impressions are lasting impressions, and you never get a second chance to make that first impression. Yes, it’s true that what’s in the inside of a person - personality is important, however in the merry go round of the business world it doesn’t stop long enough for people to find out what makes a person tick.


Tips for your working wardrobe


 1.  Buy what works for you! – Think about where you work.  If you are working from home or not meeting clients everyday do you really need to buy two piece suit? You will need to buy business outfits for when you are meeting clients, networking etc.



2.  Buy the right size for right now – Nothing is worse than seeing a woman dressed in clothes that are too small.  Hoping that she will loose weight. If you havent gone back to your pre-baby weight and gained a few pounds you will need to have some business clothes in your new size, this includes lingerie. Too small clothes that are bursting at the seems do not send out the right impression. Don’t get hung up on the size in the label, manufacturers are known for not adhering to standard sizing. Buy clothing that fits you well and it will not only make you look better, it will last longer.  If you do loose weight a good tailor can make alterations.



3.  Quality over quantity. When purchasing business clothes always think of investment. Think about the quality of the fabric, how well they are made, this is because a good tailor can make alterations on quality made clothes. If you are on a tight budget buy quality key pieces such as dresses, trousers and jackets, wait for the sales your budget will stretch further.  Look at fabric, buy wool over polyester, wool and polyester mix, lined skirts and dresses.  Think about cost per wear.  If you buy separates such as jackets these can be worn over trousers, skirts and dresses even jeans for business casual. Spend a little more, go for a fitted style.



4.  Purchase for multi-season-  Layering will stretch your budget. Try to purchase fabrics that are multi-seasonal. Light weight clothing that you can layer, such as cardigans that can be worn under suit jackets when it gets chilli and can be removed when the temperature increases.  A cardigan can also be worn over a smart dress or skirt for business causal days.



5.  Remember the basics – Suits, dresses and separates can form the foundation of a great working wardrobe. Don't try to build a wardrobe around the "trend of the moment". When the trend passes, you'll look dated.  You can purchase ‘on trend’ pieces like a blouse or accessories but don’t go the ‘on trend’ outfit. Purchase basic building pieces to build your wardrobe and you'll be able to mix and match pieces to create lots of different looks with a minimal investment.



6.  Dry clean or washable- Most clothes can be put in the washing machine but check the labels before purchasing. Your business clothes should be presentable and stain free.  Not so easy with little ones stick fingers, so think about the durability and cost of care when purchasing. On a tight budget you don’t want to have expensive dry cleaning bills.



7.  Accessorise with style – This is how you can make your wardrobe stretch. Every wardrobe needs a certain investment in accessories, use of scarves, jewellery, handbags, hosiery, shoes and hats can transform ordinary clothing into something extraordinary. Combining smart accessories with a basic wardrobe ensures you'll always look coordinated and polished, not thrown-together or haphazard. Accessories can take a daytime work outfit to an evening work function or out with friends without having to go home and change. You may be asked to attend a function at the last moment. Don’t panic about, have some basic accessories in your desk drawer, even changing the colour of your tights.

Want to be that woman with amazing style who people are always complimenting? Struggling to find your unique sense of style, outfits that suit you and your personality.  Let me help you.

Get your free  Consultation and exclusive eBook  “The Secrets To Looking And Feeling More Confident Without Dieting: 30 Top tips To a Better ‘YOU’!” contact Viv@clothes4realwomen.com
 
www.clothes4realwomen.com Bespoke Personal Styling Concierge Service helps busy women who need help and cannot afford to make mistakes.  Together we can develop your unique sense of style.