Most of us don’t go through daily life looking like we have fallen out of the fashion pages, so forget the head-to-toe pastel look and bring in your medium greys, your denims and your whites to mix with your pastels. Lots of pastel is fine for under 25′s or on smaller frames – larger frames need something with more ‘personality’.

Adding a bit of a mint/peach/lemon (whichever shade suits you best) to a pair of dark work trousers is a nice subtle way to bring in colour to your work wardrobe without being too bold. However, if it’s gravitas you are after, forget it.

Watch out for the weight of the fabric. Pastels lend themselves to chiffon, gauzy knits and the lightest of linen. Make sure that these materials are right for you and your bone structure.

Take care with the transparency of the fabric and the colour of your underwear – a black bra under a top in a light shade is a big no-no.

And a final note: before you invest in these gorgeous light shades, consider the amount of TLC and dry-leaning/laundering they require!

Richard James suit for M&S

Yes, it’s true, Savile Row tailoring is coming to 20 M&S stores from 30th March 2012.

Stalwart of the street of male elegance, Richard James, has developed an inimitably British  collection that contains all of the fabrics and intricate attention to detail associated with his bespoke brand.

The collection contains 24 items that are “Savile Row Inspired”  and they feature all the quirks and silhouettes that have become hallmarks of Richard James’ career.

The suits range from £299 to £349, shirts will retail at £49.50 and the silk ties will cost £29.50.

Kathy and Philip at the SABBSLondon launch

I was really fortunate to be asked along to the launch of the spring / summer collection at SABBSLondon yesterday evening.

The collection designer is Philip Murphy and he has made use of some really interesting fabrics to create a range of women’s work wear (and party wear) that is not only lovely to look at but also extremely wearable. I think what I like most is the fact that the pieces are classic with a twist so they can quite easily become well-worn wardrobe staples.

But here’s the best bit – the whole range can be made for you to your specific measurements!

Some of the SABBSLondon spring/summer collection

You can take advantage of visiting the showroom and having very specific measurements taken (even the circumfrance of your kneecap and ankle!) so that a pattern for the garment can be cut just for you. And that’s not all; if you can’t make it to the showroom SABBSLondon offer the option of their ‘Flying Stylists’ who will visit you in your home or your office and take your measurements there.

My favourite, the Aiste dress £139

I fell in love with a really workable navy blue shift in a gloriously weighted cotton jersey that could take you from day to evening with no problem.

To find out more visit their website or give them a call on 020 7394 7399

“When Marta told me she is now wearing clothes two sizes smaller than she did 10 years ago, I smiled and said, “It’s great you eventually started taking care of your body and exercising”. She ironically smiled back at me: “I still haven’t started. Actually, I’m 15 pounds heavier than I was back then”.

The idea that Marta’s dress size decreased although her body got bigger haunted me for quite some time until I started researching. I was taken aback by what I found; the practise of putting smaller labels in larger sized clothing.

The term used is Vanity Sizing – the term was introduced about seven years ago to describe the phenomenon of the increase in the size of women and clothing manufacturers silently expanding size standards to keep women’s egos intact. Yes, you’ve got it; to make their customers feel better and buy more, clothing manufacturers started making more generous sizes (because, naturally, you feel happier when you fit into a smaller size).

Studies show a remarkable change in the shape of British women in the past 50 years, for example, average waist measurement have increased from an average of 27.4 inches to an average of 34 inches. A better quality of life, changes in eating habits and physical activity, the fast food revolution, the marketing of food and many other factors contributed to women growing larger over the last few generations.

In fact that there has been a 45% growth in plus size women’s wear market over the past six years.

Therefore Vanity Sizing may sound great for our psyche, but what about the fact that it is contributing towards women losing a realistic sense of what the average female body is actually like?

We are being told constantly that obesity levels in the UK are increasing rapidly; that more women suffer from heart disease than men; that women should start taking better care of themselves, pay more attention to their diet and increase their exercise. However, what if a measure of women’s health is their clothing size? Being told that “women in the UK can face serious health issues being size 16 and more”, but it’s OK – the labels in their clothes are telling them they are a size 14. They can breathe a sigh of relief and get on with life.

But, all the health studies are based on actual measurements and not clothing label sizes!

We know how big we are; we are a size 14 because we buy clothes in a size 14 – perhaps not realising that the size number has absolutely nothing to do with any standard measurements.

Add to this the daily frustrations caused by Vanity Sizing, not least of which is the confusion and time wasting that goes on in changing rooms. Ttake 5 items into a changing room – two will be too small, two will be too big and one may actually fit! Then you need to factor in that different stores have varying definitions of every size (check the table below), you might struggle for quite some time trying to get something to really fit!”

While you buy off-the-peg clothing it’s impossible to get clothes that fit you exactly – buying clothes becomes something of a compromise. That’s why I was fascinated to meet Aiste and hear about SABBSLondon.com.

Take a look at SABBSLondon.com; they have started a ‘Sizing Revolution’ by making every piece from their ready-to-wear collection – each piece being made locally from high quality materials with the utmost care –  ready-to-fit customer’s individual measurements.

How?

With the help of their highly professional ‘flying stylists’ who go on home or office measuring appointments and garments are adjusted to meet your specific requirements. So, SABBSLondon.com are helping to solve the problem of sizing by helping women to shop for perfectly fitting and flattering clothes.

So, here are some top tips for choosing the perfect pair.

the waistband – high? low? in-between?

Consider where the waistband sits on you: If you are high-waisted you may prefer a slightly lower waistband (low-rise, not hipster) to give the illusion of a lower waist. If you prefer a high-waisted jean, don’t tuck-in!

If you are low-waisted then low-waist hipster jeans will work for you but take care if you are short in the leg, they will appear even shorter with this style so choose straight leg jeans and slightly higher waistbands.

the fabric weight – what’s right for you?

Consider the weight of the denim. Straighter body shapes work really well with structured, stffer fabrics like denim, whereas it’s not an ideal fabric for softer, curvier shapes. If you are more curvy opt for softer denim (with a bit of stretch?). If you want the jean-look without the stiff fabric you can find cotton denim and denim coloured trousers.

your legs – are yours short? long? just about average?

Let’s face it, a good pair of jeans on long legs look great. However, if you have short or average length legs avoid wide leg jeans – especially if worn with flat shoes. Opt for a bootcut style and, even a small heel on a shoe, will help make your legs look longer.

the colour – stonewash? blue? indigo?

The colour of the jean can drastically add or subtract pounds on your body. Rule of thumb? The slimmer your legs and bottom the lighter you can go.

The Independent, 7 January 2009

The shops have been thrusting discounts at us from all sides; I saw an advert for the H&M mid-season sale yesterday. Middle of what season? The autumn-winter season is only just upon us.

So, are you wardrobe wise?

When it comes to shopping how many of those items on the rail do you really want (or need)? Isn’t that ‘lovely’ little dress/skirt/jumper/blouse/T-shirt a lot like the one already hanging in your wardrobe?

I know many of you desperately want to update your wardrobe but right now, with the economy being what it is, there isn’t much of a ‘you’ budget. Obviously one method is getting some professional style advice to learn how to shop wisely and rework some past pieces is one option (check out my cost effective, autumn/winter Style Update sessions and my brilliant special offer through Qype), another is getting some hints and tips. So here are some wardrobe wise ideas.

Investment Shopping

Focus on looking for quality and longevity, not the frivolous and short term. Before you hit the shops, think about what you need, or would really like, to fill the gaps in your wardrobe.  The biggest mistake people make is going shopping without a clear idea of what they already have in their wardrobe.

Want some help with this? Then download my free Wardrobe Checklist

Sale Time

Sales are a great opportunity for picking up luxury items, good tailoring and classic pieces.However, do make sure they are in your colour, in a cut and fabric that works for you and a look that fits your style personality. Items to be on the look-out for are coats, suits, knitwear, skirts and trousers in classic styles that will work next year and beyond. Beware of hanger appeal and make sure you try every item on!

A good buy is:

• A timeless, well cut and well made item that will last regardless of fashion trends
• A fabulous luxury fabric item you’ve fallen in love with and can actually now afford
• An item in your size that fits you properly

Remember it is far better to walk away from a shop with one great piece that will really help you ‘work’ your wardrobe rather than bags full of clothes that you will hardly ever wear.

How do you approach packing for a holiday?

Are you a ‘less is more person’ taking only a credit card and a toothbrush; or are you a ‘more is more’ person who simply opens their wardrobe and throws everything that is there into a suitcase?

Sometimes packing for a holiday can be really stressful so here are a few tips to help you on your way.

The body swells in the heat so do choose lightweight, natural fabrics but don’t sacrifice style completely for comfort.

Do think about what clothes make you feel good; holidays are for relaxing but also for pampering and feeling good about yourself.

Don’t get lazy and fall into the ‘baggier is better’ trap.

Lighter shades and white can look great in sunnier climates, but pastels and beige all over doesn’t work for everyone and can wash you out completely. Don’t forget to take your good colours with you.

You do need shoes that are appropriate for the heat. If you don’t like sand in your toes, wearing socks with your sandals is not the answer! It’s either good flip flops or sandals with no socks, but if you really don’t like them then get some lightweight plimsolls and wear tennis socks that don’t go up the ankle.

Don’t assume that everything in your favourite retailer’s holiday range will suit you and that you will find your entire holiday wardrobe in one shop.

Do try to plan your outfits and think about items that can be worn from the beach to the bar. For women, a stylish below the knee kaftan in a good colour can easily be dressed up with a change of shoes and some accessories.

Don’t forget that you need to look good on the beach too, just like all the locals do. Do treat yourself to a couple of good bikinis swimming costumes/ swimming trunks and a few good cover-up pieces such as a sarong, shorts, beach dress etc.

Do take some smarter clothes for the town or going out at night. Women, don’t forget a bit of a heel, a couple of dresses and some accessories and men, some modern short sleeved shirts and a lightweight jacket will spruce up your look.

Do follow the European style example and choose fewer, better quality items that you know you look good in rather than taking masses of clothes and shoes you’re not sure really suit you and are unlikely to wear.

Do you find yourself reaching for a greyed bra most mornings? Once you’ve put your underwear on do you feel less Elle McPherson and more Nora Batty?

Many women think they don’t need to pay as much attention to their undies as they are not on show, but think again; just as putting on a favourite dress or pair of shoes in the morning makes us feel good, our underwear has a huge effect on how we feel and how our clothes look on us too.

Getting the foundations right makes all the difference. When you wear underwear in the right fit and shape, your clothes will look better on you too.

According to statistics, 70% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, which is neither a good look nor good for your bust. The first, most important thing about your bra is getting a good fit that supports the bust properly. If you haven’t had a proper bra fitting yet, book one asap.

top tips for bra fit

If you would like a copy of my top tips for bra fit contact me today.