Mum on the Run - Flying High - from London to in flight magazines!

I was down in London today at a shoot with the Daily Mail. Their offices are something again! It's like walking into a whole new world - a little like walking into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, with everyone hard at work. I got lost on my way back from the loo and wandered through all sorts of exciting areas trying to find my way back - which I failed to do until someone took pity on me and took me back to the photo studio. It was a bit like the first day at secondary school!

Here's Oonagh trying her hardest to make me look my best. We needed a lot of bronzing powder!

Now this is what you call a make up collection!

I loved this wallpaper that was used in the make-up and styling area. So appropriate for the offices of a newspaper!

As one who, until fairly recently, didn't have a clue about what a photographic studio looked like, these things still fascinate me...

...there's just so much kit, technology and skill involved in one tiny shot!

I'm not sure when the article is due out - but it's going to be a "fun" one. "Fun" as in - there's the potential for me to look utterly and completely ridiculous - but it will probably make everyone laugh, so that's good at least!

On another note, at the end of the summer, an opportunity arose for me to write an article for the Ryan Air in flight magazine. The brief was to write a light hearted article, aimed at both men and women, providing hints and quick tips on how to re-invent yourself. As well as being printed in the magazine, the article can also be found online here http://www.letsgo-mag.com/story/7-reinvent-your-look/1193/1/ 

As an edited version of the article was published I decided to post the full version here but please don't feel obliged to read it! To anyone who has found Style Guile via the Ryan Air Magazine - "hello!" So, here goes:

First things first, are you going for a dramatic re-invention or subtle improvements?  Kylie and Madonna are the mistresses of re-invention but they have the lifestyle and the budget to go with it – plus resources at their disposal to call upon if it all goes wrong! Re-modelling yourself along the lines of Lady Ga Ga, or Russell Brand may seem a great idea when you are with your friends at the start of a two week holiday in the sun, but would it still seem such a good idea at the end of your holiday, with the prospect of work looming?! A new look can be achieved very easily, even on a small budget. Here are my suggestions for quick and easy changes that you can make to your appearance, together with more long term (surgery free) solutions:

Eyebrows: They are often neglected but what a difference well shaped, groomed eyebrows can make.  They can take years off you and can make you look bright eyed and bushy tailed in an instant – and yes, that applies to men too. My advice is to get your eyebrows shaped professionally (it doesn’t cost much), as it is easy to get carried away at home and over-pluck!

Make-up: For women, a quick session at a beauty counter (what better way to spend your time in the departure lounge?) can bring about dramatic results.  Updating our make-up can have maximum impact for minimum effort. You can achieve so many different looks with make-up – sultry Angelina Jolie, natural Kate Middleton or fun Katy Perry.  Remember, however, that less is more when it comes to make-up – so keep your foundation as light as possible for an every-day look, only applying it to those areas that need it.  If you are opting for smoky eyes, keep the lips nude. Conversely,  if you are choosing a strong lip colour, make them the dominant feature, leaving your eye make-up more natural looking.  There are many multi-functional products on the market so seek them out, especially if you are travelling.

Changing your hairstyle: Changing your hairstyle, and colour, can have a dramatic impact on your appearance. Magazines are a great source of inspiration for new hairstyles. Do be realistic though, and think about the texture and thickness of your hair. A great hair style is one into which your hair falls naturally, with little maintenance – whether a gamine crop, a sleek bob or a long layered look, work with you hair rather than against it – especially if time is of the essence. Remember to take along images with you to the hairdresser of styles that you like, as verbal descriptions can easily get lost in translation!

If you are slightly nervous of changing your hair colour, opt for a semi-permanent colour.  However if you are feeling brave, why not try a splash of bright colour? Whether it’s blue, red or pink – nothing has to be forever,  it may lead to a whole new you or it could just allow you to have a bit of fun whilst on holiday.

Updating your wardrobe and changing your style: If you are ready to update or change your image, style blogs are a great source of inspiration. With many bloggers posting pictures of what they are wearing on a daily basis, you can quickly adopt the look and start to build a wardrobe that works for you. Magazines are also a great source of inspiration, with the September and February issues containing all of the key looks for the season. It’s a great idea to collect images that you like, either in a file or on a mood board, and create something visual, which you can add to and update as the season progresses. Most designer looks can now be achieved through shopping on the high street, and at a fraction of the cost.

If there’s a look or celebrity style you would like to have yourself, start to study them to see how they put their outfits together, adopting those elements which you think will translate well into your lifestyle.  Try using inexpensive high street brands initially, so that your financial commitment isn’t too great. You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe and once you have the basics in place, just a few tweaks can make a big difference. Such as rolling sleeves up on your shirts, layering, adding coloured or animal print belts, wearing sequins in the day time, trying a different style of shoe, updating your accessories or treating yourself to a new pair of stylish jeans. Just make subtle and inexpensive changes at first and ask your friends for advice as your confidence grows. If you feel great, then keep building on that look. If you feel uncomfortable, tweak it until you feel right. A new look is all about making you happy and confident, and not about trying to be someone else.

Don’t forget that a lot of changes also need to come from the inside out, so whether it’s changing your diet, drinking more water, taking more exercise or getting more sleep, they will all have a profound and dramatic effect on not only about how you feel but also on how you look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mum on the Run (With a very numb bum) in Primark, Zara, Gap and Mulberry

 

With 7% battery left on my computer, I am up against the clock to get this post live before my computer shuts down for the night - which is something I would quite like to do but I can't as I find myself at my daughter's two hour cheer leading class, sitting in a freezing cold gym on an old fashioned school bench with a numb bottom!

 

This is my Primark yellow jumper which I posted about a few weeks ago. I wore it with Cos grey skinny jeans, Zara boots, a white shirt and my grey Mulberry bag.

Does anyone remember that advert for "Zest" soap years ago now? There was an aerosol button on the top of a bar of yellow Zest soap. Well that's what I feel like when I wear this jumper - a bar of Zest soap - it's all about the colour....but I still really like it!

Mum on the Run - How to wear prints - shirts, skirts, blouses and trousers (plus boots)

Please forgive me - I'm doing a bit of a cheat's post tonight - but there is still something for you all to read.

I have been asked by Alaina, the Senior Editor at easyliving.co.uk, to write a weekly article for Easy Living Magazine online and so, once a week, (if it's all right with you all) I will provide a link to the article instead of writing a post.

My first article is about how to wear prints. For this article I used images which you may have seen before - but the text is new.  If you would like to take a look you can do so here http://www.easyliving.co.uk/fashion/trends/how-to-wear-prints

 

I really hope that you find it enjoyable and useful too.

Mum on the Run - It's the same jumper as yesterday styled simply with jeans, leather jacket and KG boots. Job done!

Today the girls and I went to see my Mum in her new bungalow. Since moving in, Mum has had a new bathroom put in (that happened precisely one day after she arrived) and a new conservatory - and she's only been there 2 months. Sarah Beeny and Kirstie Allsopp - pah. If you want something doing get my Mum on the case! 

 

For today's outing, which included a trip to the park, I wore the Cos jumper that I wore yesterday, together with my Oasis leather jacket and Gap high waisted skinny jeans.

 

As you can see, there's very little going on by way of accessories - other than my blue Orla Kiely bag. Sometimes less can be more and I really like these pieces individually so I didn't feel that they needed much else (others of course may disagree)!

I know, it's the second pair of new boots in two days (which I do feel a bit bad about) but I bought these in the sale in the summer with some birthday money and haven't worn them until now.

They are the KG London sweep boots, which quite clearly are a copy of the Acne Pistol Boot. I have to say, I really like the shape of them and the colour below is currently in the sale, again reduced from £195 to £99 (although they only appear to be in a size 36 online but there should be more in the stores which stock KG London - which not all do.)

 

You can't get much simpler than that - jeans, boots, jumper, jacket - possibly not very inspiring - but for me, job done!

Mum on the Run - A non skinny jeans outfit for a Saturday out and about (and it involves a bit of re-working too)!

I seem to be developing a bit of a "make do and mend" theme here but I figure that's OK. There probably aren't many people who are lucky enough to have the budget to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe each season and I take great satisfaction in re-working pieces, adding in just a few key pieces each season and combining them with some sale shopping to get the kind of wardrobe that works for me.  Hopefully it means that my clients will also trust me not to be flippant with their pennies too!

 

I have had this Jigsaw dress for a few years now and whilst I like the print on it, I am not overly keen on the style on the top half.

 

The length wasn't right either (it was a little long = frumpy!) so a year or so ago I had it shortened and today I put a new navy polo from Cos over the top of it, which effectively turned it into a skirt.

I also put it with these Lotta Beccles boots from Clarks (£69.99) for which I had a voucher and so got 20% off.

The boots are very similar to a pair from Oasis which I showed you earlier in the week but for me, at least, they are much more comfortable. Since these photos were taken I have tightened the buckle on the ankle so they now fit a little more snuggly.

Here's a closer look at the boots. For me they work because a) they have a decent height heel but it's not too high b) the block heel is sturdy (oh so practical) and c) they have the cushioning inside for comfort. OK, so I may be sounding practically ancient now but these things matter - especially when on your feet all day.

Here also is a closer look at the jumper. In all honesty I am not sure that this image would inspire anyone to go and buy one, so it's a good job that I saw it in real life first! Frankly this girl looks like she needs a good meal and a laugh. However, it is a great staple and whilst at £59 it's not the cheapest, it is 100% wool and I have always found Cos knitwear to wash and wear really well. It's also fairly short, which makes it good to wear with skirts and high waisted jeans.

Even if the print, knit or boots wouldn't work for you, the combination of dress or skirt/knit/ankle boots might be worth a try in some other form. It's a nice alternative to skinny jeans, not too smart and with a vest and long sleeve top layered underneath the knit, is cosy too. (OK, so now I'm sounding 100!)

Mum on the Run - "Doing a bit of a Gok!" (Just an idea)

It was lovely to hear from so many of you after the "Spotty Boden Coat post." It seems that a lot of us bought that particular coat in 2003 - and that a lot of us still have them lurking in our wardrobes. For anyone who decides to give theirs an outing this winter, I would love to see a picture.

 

Continuing along a similar theme, last week when I was shopping for last night's Style Event, I decided to take a fairly inexpensive piece and make it look more stylish and up to date - otherwise known as "doing a bit of a Gok"

 

So, here's what I chose:

 

One Cashmilon Crew Neck Round Jumper from M&S (£12, or £20 for 2. They come in a wide variety of colours, are machine washable and very soft.)

 

One animal print fur collar from M&S (£15)

and put them together to create (funnily enough) a - jumper with a fur collar!

As you all know, collars are a huge trend this season so instead of a fur one you could have a leather one (another big trend) a sparkly one or a beaded one (H&M has a good selection).

This fur collar is also substantial enough to be worn over a coat - I have a Christmas Day church service in mind for some reason here - and of course the jumper could be swapped for something slightly more fitted.

Just an idea for something to try with any jumper of which you have grown a little tired and which could do with a new lease of life.

 

Today I went up to Cheshire to do a casting for Marks & Spencer to work for them as an in store Stylist.  I have been lucky enough to be given a shiny new store to work in - M&S at Fosse Park. So, at the next cardholder event, which is at the end of November, you can come along and hear me doing  a presentation every hour, on the hour - probably along similar lines to the vlog that I did for Pavilions, but more indepth.

 

Have any of you seen the Bridget Jones films and in particular the one where her Mum works in a store with the device that cracks eggs (?) and also on QVC? For some reason I can't get that image out of my head. I fear that's what I may look like on the day! 

 

 

 

 

Mum on the Run - Seeing (Boden) spots

I knew that I was off to chapel this morning to hear our son sing. (Despite inviting me to go along, I was under strict instructions to sit where he couldn't see me - and preferably behind him!) After that I was going into town to finish shopping for tomorrow night's style event and then I had a meeting.

 

Whilst I didn't need to be full on smart, I needed to up my game a little so wore this Boden spotted coat which I have had for 9 or 10 years.  After wearing it a lot when new, I stopped wearing it after a few years and realised, when trying it on last winter, that the length was wrong. So this summer when I had some time to think about my Wardrobe, I took it to be shortened and here it is, having had its "make-over".

Although it looks slightly longer it is in fact knee length, which now makes it great to wear with both trousers and dresses.

I wore it with blue Gap cords, Zara boots, H&M jumper with the sparkly sleeves and a blue H&M shirt. A real high street outfit (apart from the LK Bennett bag but that was a Bicester purchase).

After giving a journalist an interview this afternoon, I will be off to London next week for a photo shoot and another upcoming article in the Daily Mail. I'll let you know when it's due out (just in case anyone would rather not buy it that day)!

Style Guile Smile - A little bit of Cos and little bit of Reiss goes a long way!

I haven't done a "Style Guile Smile" post for a while but after a personal shopping day yesterday there were lots of things I came across which made me smile.

First off, this Cos ribbed angora jumper (£55) is just lovely. The colour is so vibrant and sunny.  It really lifts those darker winter colours such as black, grey or navy. With a white shirt layered under it, it will look stunning.

Secondly, for anyone looking for a textured/printed trouser this season, these Cos Jacquard trousers £69 could be just the thing.

The fact that the colour mix (navy and black) is not too much of a contrast makes them really flattering - and less scary for anyone who is just dipping their toe into the printed trouser water. I really like the fact that they will go with both navy and black. Versatility at its best!

In all honesty, this Cos leather cuff knit dress (£89) looks slightly scary here but in real life it is much more accessible. It taps into the leather trend in a way which is not too full on. 

In this picture a polo neck has been layered underneath the dress, which in fact has a round neck. When on, it hangs really nicely and the movement in the skirt is great for anyone who has slightly curvier hips and thighs.   A stand alone piece, it doesn't require much in the way of accessories although you could add one of this season's statement collars and a shoe boot or chunky heeld ankle boot. A smile probably wouldn't go a miss either!

Finally this Reiss bowling bag in prune (£120) is just divine! Of course the picture on the site barely shows the bag but I couldn't wait to go held of the PR shots and the link will take you to a better picture.

It very much reminds me of a Tory Burch bag I lusted after in the summer - but which was prohibitively expensive. At £120 this bag is a good price for Reiss - still a lot I know, but good for Reiss. The shape is uber trendy for this season but irrespective of that it has style longevity and the colour is hugely versatile. Yep, that one is on my Christmas list!

Hope that everyone is having a good week so far.

Three pieces - one outfit - endless options [A bit like a "meal deal" but with clothes!]

Black is a trend in its own right this season but it's all about mixing it up and contrasting matt with gloss, dense with sheer and texture with smooth.

 

Here are three pieces which I plan to wear together to make a great day time outfit in black.

 

First I will take this Next black sequin mesh sleeve dress (£65) which introduces both sparkle and sheer into the equation. The black panelling down the sides is flattering, as are the mesh sleeves.

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Then I will add in the Boden winter warmer £89 for warmth, and texture from the faux fur.

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And finally I will work in these Lana leather suede boots £70 from Oasis. A mixture of leather and suede, they add further interest and texture to the outfit.

On a really cold day I would be inclined to add in a chunky black roll neck jumper over the dress and under the gilet, effectively turning the dress into a skirt.  Each of these pieces could be styled in different ways : the dress could be worn in the evening with heels and a leather jacket or softly tailored blazer, the gilet with jeans, 7/8th or tailored trousers and the boots with skinnies or minis! [Naturally I will also be wearing thick black tights too - at least 60 denier but possibly more, to keep me toasty!]

Mum on the Run - What I Wore....for the LK Bennett Style Event

With one lap top in the house between five of us (and with three of us wanting to use it regularly - and generally all at the same time) something had to be done today, which is why we ended up in PC World buying one for the eldest two to share. The down side is that it won't be ready until tomorrow - hence the late post as I have only just managed to wrestle this one from our eldest.

As you may recall, on Thursday evening I ran a Style Event at LK Bennett in Birmingham. My friend Lisa from Glamour in the County has kindly provided me with some shots of the evening.

It was lovely to see many ladies come along - and in aid of such a good cause. The evening was to raise funds for Marie Curie and in particular to enable a family room to be built at a new hospice.

So, to set the scene - here are ladies arriving, chatting and buying raffle tickets - we had some great prizes including a Hamper from Harvey Nichols (the Birmingham HN is fantastic, very supportive of local charities) a meal at Malmaison and a hair do at Nicky Clarke.

Here I am chatting with one of Birminghan's best known bloggers, Emma from Fashion Mommy who knows everything there is to know about getting in with those in the know!

More chatting and fizz, supplied courtesey of LK Bennett.

Two amazing ladies who raise funds so tirelessly for the charity - Dawne and Anne - with me standing on the side lines as Anne introduced me. Anne was great at calling the room to attention. Whilst I am happy to do the presenting part, I hate interrupting everyone to ask them to come and listen!

I think it looks as if the ladies are listening. That's more than I get at home!

Chatting animatedly about the pieces I had chosen for the evening. Fortunately the ladies bought a lot of pieces after the presentation, which I was so relieved about!

This lady was wearing a great outfit and we were talking about from where she had bought it - and how she had pinched the H&M bangles she was wearing from her daughter. I liked her style - in more ways than one!

 

These were the shoes that this lady was wearing. I thought they were amazing but sadly she bought them in Milan - so that's probably where this tale ends!

It was such great fun and raised £400 towards the £100 000 target. Still a long way to go (the sum of  £40 000 has been reached) -  and still a few more events, style or otherwise, to go - but I have no doubt that they will get there.

 

For the event I wore the Gina Crepe Long Sleeve Shirt and the Fleet Chiffon pleated skirt, both £145 and both of which I loved (the shirt was surprisingly warm) and my own LK Bennett sledge shoes.

 

The shirt is a really versatile piece and could be worn with cigarette pants, heels and a blazer at the weekend, to work, or more casually with jeans a knit and ankle or biker boots. The skirt I too would dress up, as shown here, or with a sparkly top, or down with a chunky roll neck and block heeled ankle boots.

 

Thank you to LK Bennett for the loan of the pieces!

 

Mum on the Run - What to wear for Style Birmingham with ten minutes to go?

Cleverly, I managed to leave myself 10 minutes to get ready for Style Birmingham today. I had it in mind to wear a dress and because the Mailbox, where the event was held, is not all undercover I knew that I would need a jacket with some warmth in it. 

 

Despite the fact that I have been blogging for over two years now, I don't think that this dress has ever featured before. I really like it but don't often get to wear it so today was the day for it to have an outing! 

  

This dress was actually chosen for me by someone else. I was styled in it by another girl (Dreda from Just Style Me) on my styling course and I loved it so much that I went on to buy it. It was so different to anything I would have normally chosen for myself and the fabric and structure are really unusual. It was from All Saints. Dreda is great and is based in Kent, so if anyone is looking for stylist in that part of the country, she's your girl!

 

There's a lot going on in the collar area, so I kept the rest of the outfit very simple. The collars sat better together earlier in the day and arguably it would have been better to take photos before I left, rather than on my return home. However when I left not only was I short of time but my nails were wet in places where I patched up the chips in my shellac nails with a Primark nailvarnish. Classy! 

 

Anyway, here is a clearer look at the dress.

 

This is the closest to the dress that I can find - it's the Marilyn Dress from All Saints and costs £165. Sorry about the poor quality photo - just follow the link for a better shot.

And here, amongst other thing, is a momento of the day - which I think has already been acquired by our eldest. Unfortunately it was too dark inside the fashion show to take photos but hopefully I will have access to some professional shots soon.

Tomorrow I am off to the park with the youngest to collect those things which fall off the trees at this time of year - those things being coconuts apparently!

Style Guile - Testing the Trend - Panel Dresses

I was really pleased that a client I was with today made full use of the 25% discount in Whistles, courtesy of the voucher in this week's Grazia.  She bought some great pieces, which really put a smile on her face and for me, that's what it's all about. Purchases were also made in Next (great for coloured skinnies and cords) French Connection, Gap, Oasis, Dune, the White Company and others besides. We had a great time and I hope that right now she is trying everything on!

 

So, as to the panel dresses. You may have seen a few of them around this season. They first appeared last Autumn with Stella McCartney designing this "Miracle" dress, most often seen on Kate Winslet.

 

 

The black panels do a great job of slimming down the width of the torso.  They are a brilliant optical illusion and a fantastic styling trick.  I picked this Lucia Panel Dress (£60) up from Oasis a couple of weeks ago. I was interested to see what it looked like when on.   

 

My verdict? The design has to be spot on or there is a risk of looking slightly freaky - a little like when someone has had too much botox or too much collagen in their lips and their features don't quite sit right any more. If I am honest, I wasn't terribly fond of the Stella McCartney dress. For me, it was just a bit too extreme in its shaping, which was a shame as done well they can look great.

I decided not to keep this dress.  It actually had a little too much room in it and when I walked, it rode up. Having said that, if it had fitted a little better I might have been tempted. Because it can be such a flattering look, if you spot a panelled piece that you like, I advise you to give it a go and see what you think. I have even seen them in Per Una and actually the dress in question was quite nice - I went so far as to buy it for next week's Style Event.

 

I am off to Style Birmingham tomorrow for lots of fashion, fun and fizz so will report back later!

Mum on the run - Dashing around LK Bennett editing their collection (whilst wearing new Primark Jeans and New Look shirt)

It's late and I have only just got back from presenting at a Style Event in LK Bennett Birmingham, so this will just be a short one!

 

Here are a few snaps which the lovely girls in LK Bennett took for me earlier as I was editing the pieces from the collection about which I wanted to speak this evening.  

 

 

Two of my Birmingham blogging friends were there, Emma from Fashionmommy and Lisa from Glamour in the county and they took some great photos, which I will feature in another post. 

 

The event was in aid of the Marie Curie Big Build Appeal and specifically we were raising money for a family room at a new hospice.  When built, it will enable families to stay together whilst their loved ones are being cared for.  The target is £100,000 and tonight the £40 000 mark was reached, which was fantastic. So many give up so much time for free that it is mind blowing.

LK Bennett provided fizz, canapes and a 20% discount on the night and I gave a 20 minute or so presentation, which people seemed to really enjoy (either that or they were just being polite).

The final figures for LK Bennett were fantastic. After my presentation they sold £3,500 worth of clothes and all but one piece came from those I had edited out of their collection and spoken about - which was great to hear.

I didn't wear this on the evening but instead was lucky enough to borrow an outfit from LK Bennett (photos of that to follow too). Here I am wearing my new Primark coated jeans, Zara boots (which I haven't taken off for many days now) and a New Look denim shirt.