COLOUR MATCHING MARATHON!!

fashion stylist

I partnered with Malfy Gin & Splice Boutique at Manly Pavillion to host an incredible 4 day event!

I taught groups of influencers and friends all about the benefits of colour matching, showing them their seasonal palette – and even customising them for each person!

Colour Matching almost 30 clients across 4 fun packed days – that’s my record …so far!!

See more ‘before & after’ examples on my Instagram and read more about how I’m a unique colour consultant here

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FASHION & DECISION FATIGUE RADIO INTERVIEW

So that was FUN!

Recently interviewed for Disrupt Radio Melbourne, by Holly Ransom about Fashion & Decision Fatigue

Style & Fashion Fatigue

The reason people encounter decision fatigue when dressing is because they struggle to create smart-casual outfits which is what I workshop most with my personal styling clients – creating their perfect capsule wardrobe!

Imagine a world where we all took on the Steve Jobs approach and wore the exact same fashion style daily?

I’VE DIVIDED THE 7.5 MINUTE INTERVIEW IN TO 3 PARTS, LISTEN TO PART 1 BELOW – MAKING THE PRESENTERS HEAD EXPLODE!:

Wardrobe Planner Needed!

A new study by Marks & Spencer revealed the average woman will spend 17 minutes each morning trying to find an outfit to wear to work. This amounts to four days a year, and six months of our working lives searching for something to wear to the office!!

However, what’s more important and what I solve daily, is the stress that this 17 minutes causes and the M&S poll of 2,000 men & women reflects just this

Fashion Stats:

62% of women admitted to having ‘irrational tantrums’ during the daily hunt for an outfit

21% confessed that the ordeal has caused them to argue with their partner

20% of men admitted throwing clothes around the room in anger when they couldn’t put together the perfect ensemble

LISTEN TO PART 2 BELOW – CREATING SMART CASUAL:

Find Your Fashion Style

If this sounds like what you need, then outsource your wardrobe dilemmas by booking my Wardrobe Makeover Service where my wardrobe planner skills give you back not just hours in your day, but headspace in your life

Once we create all the different variations of YOUR ‘smart-casual’ outfits, we photograph them to create your personal fashion look book. Easy!

LISTEN TO THE FINAL PART 3 BELOW – FASHION AS A LANGUAGE :

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PERSONAL BRANDING & HOW TO INFLUENCE USING CLOTHES

I teamed up with the incredibly creative and talented personal brand expert, Emma Duzhnikova @theduzhnikova.com

Emma helps her clients gain credibility and grow their networks, using her Personal Branding Methodology, based off of 20+ years of international branding experience

We did an insta live (it was our very first attempt, technical difficulties to be expected, right?) all about personal branding, watch Insta Reel here – although maybe put the kettle on as it takes a couple of minutes to start… 😉

Also wrote Emma a little article about personal branding, what it is and strategies to help you find YOURS

Personal Branding & Style 

The very first experience we have with someone is visual

Our self image, otherwise know as our personal brand, *speaks* before we even open our mouth

Living in an increasingly visual world with our focus depleting daily, personal branding is really the only way to differentiate ourselves from our competitors and I cannot overstate it’s importance.

Click here to continue reading to ensure you discover your personal brand

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CAPSULE WARDROBE: LATEST INTERVIEW

You may have started to gather by now that as a fashion stylist, I’m a HUGE fan of the capsule wardrobe

What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?

Clothing that mix & matches in to outfits to satisfy your lifestyle needs

Creating one has revolutionized my life and the life of my personal styling clients, so I don’t need to be asked twice to talk about the subject!

So this is my latest #interview for Kanebridge Quarterly talking about investing in a capsule wardrobe where my contribution cheerfully takes up about half the article (highlighted in peach) but yet don’t have a photo included…

….maybe I only have a face for radio??

Full article here and skip to page 66

Contact me for a chat about how I can create YOUR capsule wardrobe so dressing becomes effortless

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3 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON FASHION

With the cost of living rising quicker than mini skirts in the 60’s, we need to change our behaviour and look after our clothes, so they look after us

Practical fashion advice you can implement in to your wardrobes Sydney!

Sustainable Fashion Approach

As an image consultant I love new fashion styles but sometimes we need to look at extending the life of what we have instead…

It’s better for our pockets AND the environment because it’s a more sustainable way to enhance our wardrobes

How To Save Money Using Your Wardrobe

1/. CHANGE THE WAY YOU LAUNDER YOUR CLOTHES

2/. MAKEOVER YOUR CLOTHES & SNEAKERS SO THEY LOOK SLICKER FOR ANOTHER COUPLE OF SEASONS

3/. SELL OR RENT YOUR CLOTHES YOU DON’T WEAR & RECYCLE THE MONEY

Contact me to help your wardrobe go further

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Dad Sandals = Wardrobe Makeover

Flatforms

Orthotic-friendly shoes

Chunky sandals

Call them what you will, but when fashion trends AND comfort collide, I’m here for it!

My Personal Shopper Conversations

As a personal shopper, this accessory style is the one I get asked most about.

It’s also the shoe I get more enquiries about when I wear on my instagram than any other and yet it’s not sexy, nor the most flattering on our legs, but I’m realising it’s the footwear you need most in your wardrobes Sydney!

…and there’s a dad sandal for everyones different fashion style!!

How To Accesorise – Sustainable Fashion Style

These chunky sandals dress down your most glamorous of dresses, so you can double their wear as they now work for day!

This drastically reduces your #costperwear AND making that ‘event’ dress a more sustainable fashion choice.

Genius.

See my Instagram post discussing this ‘glam casual’ fashion trend here

Your Instant Wardrobe Makeover!

The humble dad sandal does what the classic white tennis sneaker has done for us women over the last decade (yes, that’s how long ago Pheobe Philo walked down the catwalk at Celine in white Stan Smiths and revolutonised what women wear on their feet, forever!)

Clients often tell me fashion trends are so fast these days, but I think in many ways, they’ve slowed down and dad sandals show no sign of going anywhere!

Why I Love ‘Em

As a professional fashion shopper, here’s my F&B’s:

  • a flat shoe
  • soft fabric
  • often lightweight & waterproof
  • cushioned platform
  • ankle strap to secure the shoe
  • adjustable straps which always fit!
  • affordable
  • instant wardrobe update
  • pair with a surprisingly large range of clothes – see how to style dad sandals here

Have you seen the new pattern fashion trend for SS23, my Roman Holiday collection that work perfectly with this flatform fashion style?

My Personal Stylist Picks!

So here’s my top 10 dad sandals that you’ll be wearing for seasons to come… and your feet will thank you for it!

Accessories clockwise from top:

Baby Blue @ ROLLIE

White @ AERE

Olive @ MIDAS

Camel @ DAZIE

Metallic @ TWOOBS

Bronze @ RADICAL YES

Vanilla @ TONY BIANCO

Tobacco @ WHITE BOHEMIAN

Bush OG @ TWOOBS

Red/Pink @ ALOHAS

Want some help on how to accessorise? Then book in a PERSONAL SHOP or ONLINE SHOP with me today!

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S/S 23 Fashion Trend – Patterns

Getting a little tired of the regular stripe and floral patterns you see on the Australian fashion high street? Well, there’s a new fashion style in prints that’s soft, fun and easy to wear.

We’ve seen this look come through in clothing AND interiors so it will be around for a while, no ‘one-season-wonders’ here!

New Pattern Direction : “Roman Holiday”

Hand-drawn, hand-made aesthetic that need that human touch.

“Think childlike squiggles meets European summer holiday on natural fabric bases in an earthy palette”

The naive, child like quality to these patterns makes them perfect for spring, summer and autumn. You’ll never look like you’ve tried too hard, which is one of the main requests from my personal styling clients !!

How To Accessorise

My fashion advice? Keep it effortless by adding:

  • beach hair
  • sunnies
  • chunky sandals (try Australian fashion brand @AliasMae or sustainable fashion label @Aloha
  • straw bag (did you see my latest $20 purchase from @KMart on my insta that looks more like $120!? Take a closer look here )

Check out my top 10 dad sandals to complete this look here

Celebrating Australian Fashion Brands

I’ve focussed on 2 Australian brands that are coveting this fashion style that you may not be familiar, however you’ll see these types of prints all over the high street

ROAME

Roame – a brand new fashion brand backed by Viktoria & Woods. The Iconic has best stock levels or try DJ’s if sold out on Roame website 

JAG

Jag – owned by Saba but more casual effortless looks based in linens and cottons. May need to go down a size. Jag website but again, try DJ’s or The Iconic for sizes

Earrings $40 @Etsy

Bracelet cuff $250 @Oroton

The Key Question Clients Ask A Personal Stylist

One of the main questions I get asked weekly is:

“what can I wear to a casual event like a bbq, girls lunch or friends birthday?”

My answer – one of these hand crafted patterns!

Just 1 of these new prints will make over your wardrobe so be selective. There’s a version of this pattern, or indeed the item of clothing you can buy it in, to suit all personal styles, just keep the grooming. casual and off you go! Enjoy!!

If you want help to buy the most flattering version of the styles for YOUR particular features, then book in HERE!

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New Business Attire For Women : Butterscotch

Working from work is back!

It’s time to peel off your #wfh trackkies and don your office wear fashion style once again!!

*cue happy dance*

And working as a personal shopper, I’ve witnessed just how versatile this butterscotch shade is.

It’s a rich hue, contemporary yet timeless and as a Colour Consultant, I know it flatters every season on the colour wheel!

The really modern way to wear butterscotch is tonally in 1 outfit like the above image however, it’s easy and still impactful to pair with white, red, navy, salmon pink and soft blue

Office Wear For Women in 2022

But business attire for women has changed during the years we’ve been cooped up and I’ve been working with clients to create stylish, yet comfortable, new corporate wardrobes.

The NEW Corporate Dress

When personal shopping office wear for women, I’ve actually banned the words “CORPORATE CLOTHING” and replaced them with the buzzwords:

“POLISHED, PROFESSIONAL yet RELAXED”

As that’s how ALL of my working clients currently want to look, male or female.

The words ‘corporate clothing’ brings with it connotations of being stuffy, uncomfortable and outdated. And no-one wants to look like that.

Elevate Your Personal Branding

Here’s my personal shopper edit of the 8 fashion styles that would instantly update your business wear closet AND your personal branding that share key characteristics:

  • stylish
  • comfortable
  • affordable
  • you’ll be wearing season after season

Office Wear For Women

My fashion tips for items you need in your wardrobes Sydney!

I include a couple of options of skirt, coatigan and shoe depending on your personal style, ’cause that’s the kinda personal stylist I am 😉

(clockwise from bottom left)

1/. TRENERY A LINE LEATHER SKIRT $600

This limited edition design is flattering for all female body types with stunning gold hard wear

Add a narrow belt to complete your office wear look, or pair with a white sneaker & t-shirt for weekend

Generous in size so go 1 size down and remember, leather will give a little during wear

Shop HERE

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2/. WITCHERY DOUBLE BREASTED BLAZER $300

With some stretch in for all day comfort, this also prevents creasing.

This blazer pairs with jeans as effortlessly as your *old school* corporate clothing would

Traditional stab stitch detail along collar, longer in length it covers your bottom

Even the refined gold buttons don’t need changing like some on the high street!

Generous in size so try 1 or 2 sizes down and wear undone to flatter most

Shop HERE

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3/. CAMILLA & MARC NIKA KNIT FLARE PANT $450

Stretchy knit, yet sharp in style, you won’t want to take these off!

Works effortlessly from office-to-home so you get twice the wear for your money

Because they’re knitted they expand with you, helpful if you tend to fluctuate throughout the month/year

Shop HERE

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4/. PORTMANS SUNNY CARDIGAN $120 on sale

Chic coatigan that’s long, cosy and works across all lifestyle areas.

The oversized shawl collar looks very designer

It’s a perfect trans-seasonal weight at an amazing price!

Also comes in 2 other colours, pinot & black and you’d be surprised how versatile the pinot is!

Shop HERE

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5/. SEED WOOL BOYFRIEND COAT $350

Unlined which means you wear it for longer through the year and because of the easy fit, you can also layer under it if you do need more warmth!

These coats add a premium finish to the most casual of outfits but the unstructured style means you’ll never look overdressed

Turn back cuff if too sleeve too long

Shop HERE

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6/. SPORTSCRAFT FLEUR LEATHER SKIRT $400

This fuller A line shape is really feminine.

Again really flattering on all female body types and a little longer than the Trenery style, helpful if you’re taller in height

Soft and supple leather quality moves with your body

Shop HERE

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7/. NINE WEST FLAT BRINKS LEATHER SHOE $170

Yes, you read right, a FLAT shoe!

It’s stylish, comfortable and often the exact style most of my clients are missing from their wardrobes because covid has made many women question why they’ve ever worn heels?

Shop HERE

However, there are clients that still prefer a heel so Nine West offer a stiletto version too for $180 (so technically this heel is 7/. b. Ha)

The really clever part is that both these shoes have a feature on them that isn’t metal so you can pair with the metal shade that flatters you most

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8/. MAISON CASHMERE TURTLE NECK $177

If you haven’t worn cashmere yet, you NEED to start!

A turtle neck feels so luxurious around your neck.

This is a 2 ply and made in Italy so it’s a little more expensive than Uniqlo where I usually recommend for cashmere, but clients have loved Maison Cashmere.

Shop HERE

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THE MODERN WAY TO LAYER WRAP DRESSES

Wrap dresses are brilliant, they:

how to dress wrap dresses
  • work on all ages & body shapes
  • adjustable for changing body types
  • timeless
  • flattering & feminine
  • look great with sleeves



However, as a personal stylist in Sydney, I see this fashion mistake being made all the time.

It’s not pretty, and there’s a better way.

Let me show you how to dress it…

What’s Your Fashion Style?

Do you layer under your wrap dress because you:

  • Want to cover your cleavage?
  • Find wrap dresses doesn’t fit well?
  • Simply need an extra layer of warmth?

Whatever your reason, here’s some fashion tips to help…

Give Your Wrap Dress A Modern Makeover!

The Fashion Problem

As an image consultant I frequently see people wearing a contrast camisole under their wrap dress which means the line of the dress is totally spoilt as that small triangle of fabric is the only thing we really notice about your fashion style!

The Fashion Solution

STYLE TIP 1:

Why not give it a make over by layering a tonal or matching cami instead – matching the ground or main colour of the dress? (the colour you see when you squint)

There’s more of a colour flow so we notice how lovely you look in your overall clothes style.

Much more harmonious

Having a Wardrobe Stylist Peak! 👀


I spend a lot of time looking through womens wardrobes and often find that clients already own a similar colour camisole because they like the colour of the dress and therefore buy it in several different clothes styles, so check your drawers & wardrobes Sydney!

$46 SILK LEAVERS LACE BRALETTE @Zara

STYLE TIP 2: Another option is layering a delicate and expensive looking SILK LEAVERS LACE BRALETTE if suitable for the situation, like this @Zara example

Again, can be tonal in shade and never has to match exactly because the lace is a different fabric to the dress so it will never match perfectly

Other brands offer similar in larger bra sizes

Avoid automatic pilot of layering black or white, instead experiment with tonal camis or lace trim bralettes which look much more sophisticated, flattering & modern.

An why not dress epic everyday?

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PERSONAL SHOPPER – ASOS TOP 5 DRESSES

*HIGH STREET TRY-ON*

Testing my personal shopper skills as an online shopper!

#ONLINESHOPPER

Fashion Stylist Or Fashion Designer?

Before I became a fashion stylist, I used to work as a fashion designer for ASOS.

They initially launched as ‘As Seen On Screen’ where they ‘reinterpreted’ the coveted fashion trends worn by the latest *it girls* but as they started to evolve in to the platform we now know, I designed eye catching fashion styles for savvy online shoppers …and I loved every minute!

However, I did order from 2 other high street fashion brands

Online Stylist

ASOS is progressive, offering a a plethora of online shopping options for your wardrobes, Sydney!:

  • Marketplace – international sellers of pre-loved fashion
  • Inclusive plus size fashion, petite, tall & maternity styles
  • Offers international designers to the Australian consumer
  • Face & Body – the latest beauty care

My Personal Styling Client Needs

I’m wanted to investigate a subdivision of ASOS that I think my personal styling clients would appreciate to see how it stacks up, ASOS EDITION.

When I’m hosting a personal shop, many clients are looking for pieces that cover their knees, arms and can be worn with flats and heels.. so that’s what I delivered!

1/ ASOS MAIN RANGE – £16

PRO’S – stunning shade & flattering square neck

CON’S – wayyy too tight across bust, feels like the fit of this dress is more ‘youth’ than woman, probably because it’s in their main range

Great if you have a baby bump or post baby bump

The trapeze shape flares from fullest part of bust so you loose your under bust waist/empire line shaping

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2/ ASOS EDITION – £65

PRO’S – Comfortable shirred waist.

Fantastic colour & shape is flattering on all female body types. Lots of room for fuller busts and tummies (baby bumps) & hips

Fabric is more elevated than plain cotton so looks more expensive

Takes you seamlessly from day to night

CON’S – bit low cut but easy to tack the V neckline to raise it a little

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3/ ASOS EDITION – £90

PRO’S – unusual colour makes it look very ‘designer’ and fantastic value considering the amount of fabric used

The seaming and shaping/fit over bust & waist was excellent, and did I mention the colour?

CON’S – looked amazing on model but I felt a little bo-peep-slash-90’s-bridesmaid on me, although I liked it for a fun fashion look

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4/ TOPSHOP @ASOS – £60

PRO’S – love this fun yet sophisticated floral mis-match, a fantastic interpretation of the designer trend

Wear for summer + sandals and the winter + boots & knitwear

Perfect day-to-night dress

Easy fit as it’s cut on the bias so natural stretch and comfort over the body, again, great for a baby/post baby bump

CON’S – slinky fabrics flatter most with big knickers or shape-wear underneath. I always advise against a firm fit Spanx but go instead with light/medium control knickers one size bigger

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5/ ASOS EDITION – £100

PRO’S – fully lined, stretchy & comfy with timeless feminine & flattering seaming you’ll be wearing for years

Also comes in white. AMAZING. Kept it so you’ll be seeing on my insta grid!

CON’S – bit low cut but easy to tack the V neckline to raise it a little

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Outcome Of My Online Personal Shop

So outcome is, ASOS itself offers a more ‘fast fashion’ product and generally my personal styling clients want something a little more ‘sophisticated’ or different and this is where ASOS EDITION kicks in which has some fantastic flattering pieces in superior design & fabrics.

Perfect when you want something elevated without the designer price tag, which in Australia is can easily mean forking out $400-$600 for a similar product!!

The online ordering process, communication & returns were the most simple of the 3 brands I ordered from, free of charge and paper free too!

Check out ASOS EDITION here !!

All dresses were on sale & size 8

Want To See An Epic Fail?

If you want to see some other styles I tried then click over to my facebook page to see a dress with a

H U G E *PONCH*

to prove that sometimes it’s a badly designed dress, NOT YOUR BODY!

Want to understand more about female body types? Then click here

Also see my favorite ever $14 BARGAIN!


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