Major-Look
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Vogue's Fashions Night Out - John Lewis
Monday, 24 October 2011
5 tips to get the most out of your Personal Shopping trip
I admit I may have some selfish reasons for writing this but I feel these pointers would ensure that both stylist and client would benefit from them. They are more relevant to personal shopping services within department stores as opposed to an independent personal shopper. The more planning you can do before your session the more beneficial it will be!
1. Planning
Before attending your personal shopping session have a rummage through your wardrobe and make notes about the items that need replacing or 'rogue' items that you have nothing to wear with. This is always a good place to start before moving on to more adventurous ideas. It also gives you a good overview of your current style and highlights the areas that need improving or developing. Also bear in mind that if you are wanting summer dresses in November, chances are you will have to wait until the new season!
2. Research
Pour yourself a glass of wine and have a flick through magazines such as InStyle, Grazia, Elle and Vogue for inspiration and bookmark pages that display styles you would like to try. The internet is also great for finding images. Your stylist will be able to interpret the look for your bodyshape and find similar items which work for you.
3. Work out a budget
Whether your budget is £200 or £2000, make this clear to your stylist at the beginning. There is no point in your stylist bringing in high-end labels if your budget doesn't allow for them. Also bear in mind that a low budget will not get you a whole new wardrobe, so think about the items you need most and build the rest up gradually.
4. Try everything on
Even if it is something you would never pick up for yourself. Remember the reason as to why you are there in the first place and try to remain open minded. Stay in each new outfit for at least a few minutes to overcome the initial 'OMG this is so different' wave of panic and let your eyes and mind adjust to the new image in the mirror. If it really isn't working, a professional stylist will agree and move on to the next outfit. Eliminating is good too!! Trying on is the most important part of the session and will introduce you to new ideas and styles.
5. Do not bring friends and relatives
I think maybe the only exception is a mother of the bride bringing along her daughter but otherwise, turning up with friends is your stylist's worst nightmare! You may think that your best friend gives her honest opinion but really she will only think as far as what she would wear herself. Remember that she does not have a professional, objective opinion about what really suits you and this can make your stylist's job tricky and you won't get the best out of your session.
1. Planning
Before attending your personal shopping session have a rummage through your wardrobe and make notes about the items that need replacing or 'rogue' items that you have nothing to wear with. This is always a good place to start before moving on to more adventurous ideas. It also gives you a good overview of your current style and highlights the areas that need improving or developing. Also bear in mind that if you are wanting summer dresses in November, chances are you will have to wait until the new season!
2. Research
Pour yourself a glass of wine and have a flick through magazines such as InStyle, Grazia, Elle and Vogue for inspiration and bookmark pages that display styles you would like to try. The internet is also great for finding images. Your stylist will be able to interpret the look for your bodyshape and find similar items which work for you.
3. Work out a budget
Whether your budget is £200 or £2000, make this clear to your stylist at the beginning. There is no point in your stylist bringing in high-end labels if your budget doesn't allow for them. Also bear in mind that a low budget will not get you a whole new wardrobe, so think about the items you need most and build the rest up gradually.
4. Try everything on
Even if it is something you would never pick up for yourself. Remember the reason as to why you are there in the first place and try to remain open minded. Stay in each new outfit for at least a few minutes to overcome the initial 'OMG this is so different' wave of panic and let your eyes and mind adjust to the new image in the mirror. If it really isn't working, a professional stylist will agree and move on to the next outfit. Eliminating is good too!! Trying on is the most important part of the session and will introduce you to new ideas and styles.
5. Do not bring friends and relatives
I think maybe the only exception is a mother of the bride bringing along her daughter but otherwise, turning up with friends is your stylist's worst nightmare! You may think that your best friend gives her honest opinion but really she will only think as far as what she would wear herself. Remember that she does not have a professional, objective opinion about what really suits you and this can make your stylist's job tricky and you won't get the best out of your session.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
My TV debut
So as I was just about to go on my lunch break on Monday when our receptionist says 'errr...you're not going to like this but....' .
15 minutes later I'm in front of a camera (stomach rumbling very loudly) talking about nude tights. Yep, you read correctly, nude tights. Due to a certain Duchess having been seen wearing them they are expecting a big rise in sales for flesh-coloured hosiery and sheer stockings. Ironically, I was wearing the sheer's heavier cousin - the black opaques which provide not only warmth for this time of year, but they also act a kind of comfort blanket to hide behind when your Summer tan has faded.
Anyway, the filming went really well (it was only about 30 seconds) and was on the Channel 5 news at 5pm. Despite highlighting the latest interest flesh coloured hosiery I am still unsure as to whether I will be wearing it anytime soon - what can I say? I feel the cold!!
15 minutes later I'm in front of a camera (stomach rumbling very loudly) talking about nude tights. Yep, you read correctly, nude tights. Due to a certain Duchess having been seen wearing them they are expecting a big rise in sales for flesh-coloured hosiery and sheer stockings. Ironically, I was wearing the sheer's heavier cousin - the black opaques which provide not only warmth for this time of year, but they also act a kind of comfort blanket to hide behind when your Summer tan has faded.
Anyway, the filming went really well (it was only about 30 seconds) and was on the Channel 5 news at 5pm. Despite highlighting the latest interest flesh coloured hosiery I am still unsure as to whether I will be wearing it anytime soon - what can I say? I feel the cold!!
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Major-Look's New Illustrator
Major Look has a new Illustrator!!! Skelly:ART!
Find Skelly on Facebook @Skelly:ART and Twitter @KellyBells84
Take a 'Major Look' ;) at her website www.skelly-art.com
Friday, 14 October 2011
Glamour of the Gods: Hollywood Portraits
I have just spent a lovely day courtesy of my Mum at the National Portrait Gallery looking at the Hollywood Portraits exhibition. Each photograph pulls you in to the brief moment of time whereby the lighting, angle and pose is just right and the results are a collection of powerful portraits of the most idolised film stars in cinematic history.
My partcicular favourites were those of Louise Brooks, photographed against a black background so that only her face, framed by her famous bob haircut, and a long string of pearls are on display. Also of Rita Hayworth as 'Gilda', apparently one of my great Grandad's 'favourites', and a famous portrait of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers from the film Top Hat.
No sooner than we had mentioned how flawless all the actresses' skin looked, we then came across an information stand about how they air-brushed photographs back then too, this was next to a 'before and after' shot of Joan Crawford showing all the freckles, blemishes and shadows of her face before the perfecting process!
If you find the Golden age of Hollywood as fascinating as I do I recommend visiting the exhibition before it closes on 23rd October.
http://www.npg.org.uk/glamour/index.htm
My partcicular favourites were those of Louise Brooks, photographed against a black background so that only her face, framed by her famous bob haircut, and a long string of pearls are on display. Also of Rita Hayworth as 'Gilda', apparently one of my great Grandad's 'favourites', and a famous portrait of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers from the film Top Hat.
No sooner than we had mentioned how flawless all the actresses' skin looked, we then came across an information stand about how they air-brushed photographs back then too, this was next to a 'before and after' shot of Joan Crawford showing all the freckles, blemishes and shadows of her face before the perfecting process!
If you find the Golden age of Hollywood as fascinating as I do I recommend visiting the exhibition before it closes on 23rd October.
http://www.npg.org.uk/glamour/index.htm
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Flappers, Fashion and F.Scott Fitzgerald
Having watched the first episode of the second series of Boardwalk Empire last night and repeats of The House of Elliot on ITV3, I cannot get enough of the roaring Twenties. The daring and decadent times of the Jazz age has always inspired me to embrace its bygone glamour. Topshop, Miss Selfridge and very.co.uk are stocking pieces that are perfect for a night with The Great Gatsby himself!
5 Fashion Rules - Rewritten for You
We are all guilty of it. Pouring over magazines and articles that bombard us with the 'dos and don'ts' of fashion and then hanging on to those words as though they are gospel. Many of the women I see are so overwhelmed with, well frankly, wrong information that they feel there a very few options left for them. What we often lose sight of is the fact that everyone is different and when it comes to clothes it certainly isn't a case of 'one rule for all'. It is important to remember that you are an individual with your own height, shape, size and taste! So here are 5 common fashion rules that are worth questioning -
1. Black makes you look slimmer
To an extent this is true. We all have the need for black in our wardrobe, whether it be a suit, coat or cocktail dress. However, too many people reach for it as a default option and whilst it may be forgiving on the body, it can be ageing for the face.
2. Horizontal stripes make you look bigger
If you were to wear one horizontal stripe across the widest part of your body, it would emphasise the width. But recent studies have shown that many horizontal stripes confuse the eye and therefore break up the surface area. No wonder the nautical trend never ages!
3. You shouldn't wear pattern if you are petite
As a petite woman I have never adhered to this rule. I love experimenting with colour and pattern, the bolder the better! What is important about pattern is getting the scale of it right, for example, a petite lady will looked swamped in 'Minnie Mouse' style polka dots, but a smaller scale polka dot will look great!
4. No one should wear white trousers
I have read this a number of times in fashion magazines and books but if you carry your weight on top chances are you will have slim hips and legs. Make the most of your best feature and create a head turning outfit with some tailored white trousers and a fun top.
5. You can hide behind baggy clothes
Ok so this isn't something that is common advice but it is certainly a habit that many people fall in to. Baggy clothes will add extra bulk so if this sounds like you, seek somebody with an objective opinion who can introduce you to some new ideas - you could drop two dress sizes in a couple of hours!
So there you are. Five very common fashion rules which should be questioned more often. The most important thing is to remember that what works for your skinny best friend or that effortlessly chic colleague may not work for you - and vice versa!
1. Black makes you look slimmer
To an extent this is true. We all have the need for black in our wardrobe, whether it be a suit, coat or cocktail dress. However, too many people reach for it as a default option and whilst it may be forgiving on the body, it can be ageing for the face.
2. Horizontal stripes make you look bigger
If you were to wear one horizontal stripe across the widest part of your body, it would emphasise the width. But recent studies have shown that many horizontal stripes confuse the eye and therefore break up the surface area. No wonder the nautical trend never ages!
3. You shouldn't wear pattern if you are petite
As a petite woman I have never adhered to this rule. I love experimenting with colour and pattern, the bolder the better! What is important about pattern is getting the scale of it right, for example, a petite lady will looked swamped in 'Minnie Mouse' style polka dots, but a smaller scale polka dot will look great!
4. No one should wear white trousers
I have read this a number of times in fashion magazines and books but if you carry your weight on top chances are you will have slim hips and legs. Make the most of your best feature and create a head turning outfit with some tailored white trousers and a fun top.
5. You can hide behind baggy clothes
Ok so this isn't something that is common advice but it is certainly a habit that many people fall in to. Baggy clothes will add extra bulk so if this sounds like you, seek somebody with an objective opinion who can introduce you to some new ideas - you could drop two dress sizes in a couple of hours!
So there you are. Five very common fashion rules which should be questioned more often. The most important thing is to remember that what works for your skinny best friend or that effortlessly chic colleague may not work for you - and vice versa!
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Fashion show prep
Hello and thank you for visiting my blog! As a stylist I am lucky enough to work/play with clothes everyday and gain an insight in to the world of retail and fashion. Many of the clients I work with find it a daunting and stressful place so through this blog I hope to share my knowledge with others and provide everything from fashion history to useful styling tips.
I was lucky enough to have been asked to style the John Lewis Fashion show as part of Vogue's 'Fashion's Night Out' in September where I showcased the store's latest Autumn/Winter trends. I should have the photos back soon so I'll add them when I do - please have a look and let me know what you think!
I was lucky enough to have been asked to style the John Lewis Fashion show as part of Vogue's 'Fashion's Night Out' in September where I showcased the store's latest Autumn/Winter trends. I should have the photos back soon so I'll add them when I do - please have a look and let me know what you think!
Foggy Days in London Town
As I sit in my sun-drenched living room golden with the October sun, I can't help but feel a rising excitement about the dramatic change of weather. Only four days ago I was at a family bbq in 28 degree heat, wearing a floaty maxi dress, straw trilby and a light coating of mascara....somewhat disappointed that the weather had actually turned up the heat. My husband (a sun-loving Aussie) thinks I must be the only person in the world who looks forward to a British Winter! Maybe he's right about the weather bit, however, I know I am not alone in getting excited about the fashion and clothing that comes along with first signs of a colder climate!
We have seen Autumn/Winter fashions in stores since the end of August and usually by the end of September everybody is on the hunt for a statement coat, beautiful boots and cosy knitwear. Not this year. The recent Indian Summer threw retail rules out of the window and warm clothing was the last thing on people's minds.
But as I sit here with my first cold ( I will spare the details but needless to say it ain't pretty!), wearing my new Warehouse jumper subtley speckled with sequins, I have no doubt that others will be rushing to purchase woolley warmers this weekend. Having provided many people with winter wardrobes bursting with cashmere coats, lambswool jumpers, faux fur collars, lined trousers, sheepskin gilets, hardy leather boots and even the occasional Dr.Zhivago style hat, the one consistent thing I've noticed is that people always want the winter fashions to be purposeful and shield them from the cold. Sounds obvious doesn't it? But there is definitely more intent on getting the looks right and more willingness to invest in the items.
I find the combination of fashion and function at this time of year fascinating. As a stylist, the dramatic trends are so much fun to work with. The combinations of layering and wrapping, teaming and adorning are endless. Makeup becomes more dramatic too, helping to define desired looks without seeming too heavy for wearing during the day. Having recently purchased a faux fur jacket from French Connection and numerous pieces of knitwear from Warehouse, I can rest assured that my beautiful cream coat from last year is a timeless classic which I can't wait to bring out of the wardrobe again!
So here is to our Great British winter and the fabulous fashion that comes with it - and would you believe I have just seen a Christmas advert...?
We have seen Autumn/Winter fashions in stores since the end of August and usually by the end of September everybody is on the hunt for a statement coat, beautiful boots and cosy knitwear. Not this year. The recent Indian Summer threw retail rules out of the window and warm clothing was the last thing on people's minds.
But as I sit here with my first cold ( I will spare the details but needless to say it ain't pretty!), wearing my new Warehouse jumper subtley speckled with sequins, I have no doubt that others will be rushing to purchase woolley warmers this weekend. Having provided many people with winter wardrobes bursting with cashmere coats, lambswool jumpers, faux fur collars, lined trousers, sheepskin gilets, hardy leather boots and even the occasional Dr.Zhivago style hat, the one consistent thing I've noticed is that people always want the winter fashions to be purposeful and shield them from the cold. Sounds obvious doesn't it? But there is definitely more intent on getting the looks right and more willingness to invest in the items.
I find the combination of fashion and function at this time of year fascinating. As a stylist, the dramatic trends are so much fun to work with. The combinations of layering and wrapping, teaming and adorning are endless. Makeup becomes more dramatic too, helping to define desired looks without seeming too heavy for wearing during the day. Having recently purchased a faux fur jacket from French Connection and numerous pieces of knitwear from Warehouse, I can rest assured that my beautiful cream coat from last year is a timeless classic which I can't wait to bring out of the wardrobe again!
So here is to our Great British winter and the fabulous fashion that comes with it - and would you believe I have just seen a Christmas advert...?
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