My Stylish Thoughts

Recently I was a guest blogger for Imogen Lamport a Melbourne based image consultant from Bespoke Image, so I thought I would share the questions and answers she asked me for her Stylish Thoughts category  on her Inside Out Style Blog.

What is the secret to great style?

Being confident in who you are and what you wear is the key to great style. A stylish woman is a confident woman.

What is the one thing you would spend a lot of money on?

A timeless and classic handbag will never go out of fashion. Handbags are used every day so it is all about cost per wear. There is nothing like wearing a gorgeous handbag that will get you noticed.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t spend a lot of money on?

You have to be careful with seasonal trends, just because something is in does not mean it’s going to look “in” on you. I do like to look current but if I know a colour or style that is on trend does not resonate with my personal style I don’t buy it. If I have to have it to look current then I will not spend a lot of money on it.

What are your top tips for looking stylish when travelling?

I like to travel in a pair of comfy stretch pants or jeans, a pair ballet flats, casual top and a cardigan to keep me warm. I pack my nude shoes and a navy blazer as they tend to work in well with my jeans and dresses. I also pack the best accessories that will go with as many outfits as possible.

What’s the secret to looking polished?

Great grooming is key to looking polished! So often we can be so meticulous about the clothes, the shoes and the accessories but so often women will not pay attention to their grooming. Chipped nail polish, untidy or out of date hairstyles, scuffs marks on shoes, no makeup. Neglecting the minor details can be a major no no if you want to make a first good impression.

How do you balance new trends with a more timeless look?

Break down the trends that are appropriate for your age, shape, colouring and personality. Neon is in right now but I am not going to wear head to toe fluro. I may consider an accessory such as a bag, clutch or bracelet or even my nail polish, to show that I know what’s going down instead of looking like a poor fashion victim who is dictated by the latest trends.

What is your current obsession?

Dresses, I am the dress queen… They are so easy to wear I can’t stop buying them!

Who inspires you?

The Women featured in Advance Style, they are amazing!

What’s not worth the money?

Anything you don’t love and trendy items that you won’t wear again.

What’s your secret to making yourself stand out?

Statement jewellery!! I have a creative/dramatic style personality so I love bold and striking pieces that make a statement and get me wonderful compliments

The one piece of advice most women need but don’t get?

So many settle for “that’ll do” garments instead of “must have’s”. We all know that most women we wear 80% of their clothes 20% of the time. There are many reasons why this is the case. My advice is when you are in the change room ask yourself these questions.

  • Who am I?
  • Where am I going?
  • Does the garment resonate with my style personality
  • Do I love it
  • Do I feel amazing in it
  • Does is rate at least a seven out of ten? Anything below a seven stays in the change room.

We have to learn to be strict with our purchases and not just buy “that’ll do” garments! But we get so frustrated with the chore of shopping we end up compromising hoping the garment will transform magically into something we can’t wait to wear when we go home. That is never the case if you don’t love it in the store you are not going to love it when you get home.

What’s the best piece of style wisdom you’ve ever received?

It would have to be from Brenda Kinsel “love what you wear and wear what you love” This little quote is so powerful because it is so liberating! Don’t be hemmed in by fashion or the opinions of others, be confident to wear the clothes that you love!

What is your favourite current trend?

Colour with colour! Colour blocking was in last year and I love it whether it’s in or not!

What’s your favourite short cut to style?

Hair and Makeup! Leaving the house with your hair done with a touch of lip gloss and mascara and  you will feel like that you have made an effort to stay stylish.

What’s the worst current trend?

My biggest pet peeve is leggings as worn as pants, I love a legging as they are warm and work well under tunic style dresses but I have seen too many uncovered fat thighs and bottoms to last me a life time, so unflattering! Please don’t do this lol!!

How would you describe your personal style?

I turned 50 last year and so I felt the need to re assess my personal style as I believe we should evolve as our lifestyle, taste and age can change. I re did my personal style quiz that I wrote in my eBook Your Personal Style Formula and not much has changed I am still Dramatic, Creative and flow into Natural. I like to look confident, stylish, edgy, vibrant, bold with some funky mixed in!

Who are your style icons?

Mary Portas, Gwyneth Paltrow, Trinny Woodall, Rachel Zoe