​Many years ago, I took part in regular employee trainings, before the internet and online services took centre stage. Looking back, the reality of the importance of confidence and being happy in one's self image hasn't changed, and despite many job interviews now taking place on line, how you project yourself will still manifest itself..

You only have to look at Tik Tok and the new age of influencers to see the impact and power of self image. The old saying of "fake it until you make it", really does apply. 

The great thing about knowing your colours and how to understand your personal style, is that you will look great and feel great and, in turn, appear to be confident, approachable, put together, well balanced and have everything in place. This puts you in a great place in the starting blocks.
First impressions really do count so let your colours work their magic and visualise your success and smile...you got it!

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I’m probably stating the obvious here, but how many times have you bought something new that is similar to something you already own? 

Shopping your own wardrobe will save you £££s, and the planet. Take some time to sort through your clothes. Categorise them into shirts, t-shirts, trousers, jeans, skirts, dresses and so on. Then, sort by colour. How many white shirts do you own? Yes, you’ll find you have several of the same item. Spend time researching the trends for the forthcoming season (or attend one of our informative events!), and use Pinterest to pin outfits that you love. Now, go back to your wardrobe and try to recreate these. No doubt you will already have most elements that you can build upon, and any gaps, try second-hand shopping first of all.  

Did you know that Oxfam have an online shop?

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​Summer holiday season is almost upon us and whilst we love nothing more than an excuse to jet off to the sun, sometimes the thought of getting everything ready beforehand can seem a little daunting.

In this month's newsletter we take you through our top packing tips and tricks to ensure you have everything you need whilst still meeting the luggage limit!

Keep It To A Capsule Collection
Many of us have a tendency to take away more clothes than we actually need.

To avoid this you need to create a capsule wardrobe for your holiday which will allow you to mix and match several items easily....

Colour code - stick to a few key colours from your palette and build your holiday wardrobe around them. Be sure to include neutral shades for pieces like trousers/skirts so they can be worn with multiple tops and accessories.

Lay out your shoes/accessories - and then halve them. Providing you have footwear that is suitable for any activities you'll be doing whilst you're away you really don't need to take multiple options. With accessories, just a couple of key pieces will see you through. As for bags - one daytime/beach bag and one for the evening should suffice.
Pack Like A Pro

A few simple tricks will ensure you maximise your suitcase space and ensure your clothes arrive in pristine condition...

1. Pack light clothes inside out to ensure they don't mark or pick-up stains in transit.
2. Roll your clothes rather than folding them - this saves space and reduces crinkles.
3. Utilise the space in your shoes by rolling smaller items like underwear and popping them inside.
4. Use ziplock bags to pack gadgets and toiletries.

Be Practical
Thinking practically can make a huge difference when travelling.

1. Wear your heaviest items of clothing to travel. That way you can snuggle up on the plane, which is often cold, as well as save precious space in your suitcase.
2. Invest in lightweight luggage so you can use as much of your baggage allowance for clothes as possible.
3. Take a carry-on with a few items to freshen up with and a change of underwear so you're feeling fabulous when you reach your destination.
4. Slip-on shoes offer ease at airport security and comfort, as most of us will experience a little swelling while in-flight.

Need Some Help With Your Summer Style?

A one-to-one style consultation will tell you everything you need to know about how to wear different patterns, styles and fabrics to suit your body shape. 

Get in touch to book in for a colour, style or full image makeover session.

We’re well into 2017 and along with the influx of ‘SALE’ and ‘MONEY OFF’ emails, we’re also seeing lots of ‘NOTHING NEW’ messages; people who are shying away from the shops and instead vowing to buy no new clothes!

You may have heard the statistic that most of us wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time; we get into the habit of reaching for the same items time and again, leaving clothes lurking at the back of the wardrobe (some with their labels still on), never to see the light of day

Whether you have a wardrobe bursting at the hinges with purchases or a modest collection of clothes, it is likely that there will be items in there that you may not have worn for several months, or perhaps even forgotten about. January is a great time to take stock of many things, your wardrobe included, so this month we’re encouraging you to shun the sales and instead go through your existing clothes, weeding out anything you don’t wear and perhaps discover some new outfits that you may not have come across before!

​Here are my top tips to help you perform a successful wardrobe weed…

• Is the item in your colour palette? If not, can you wear it with something that is to ensure it flatters your natural colour characteristics? If the answer to both of these questions is no, then we’d suggest you remove it from your wardrobe.
• Does the style of item fit you well? Does it flatter your body shape and proportions? If you don’t feel comfortable in something then it’s unlikely you’re going to wear it, so it’s best to get rid of it
• Has it worn well? Is it bobbled? Does is have holes or pulls in it? Sometimes we hold onto clothing for longer than we should do because we love them so much. However, wearing clothes that have seen better days can make you appear scruffy, it may be time to keep this item for days when you’re relaxing at home!
• How do you feel in the item of clothing? Feeling comfortable in your clothes is so important – if you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious then you won’t be able to relax and feel your best. If there is anything in your wardrobe that you really don’t like wearing it definitely needs to go!
• When did you last wear it? If it’s more than six months ago, then it’s unlikely you’re going to wear it again (unless it’s a seasonal piece of course). The exception to this would be classic items like skirts or trousers in a neutral colour, in which case give yourself another three months to get back into wearing them, if you’re still not reaching for them after this time then time to pop them on eBay or send to the charity shop.

Once you’ve completed this process you should have an edited wardrobe which only contains clothing which fits, flatters and makes you look and feel great!
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​Now it’s time to look at your clothes with a fresh pair of eyes. Experiment with different combinations of clothing, try accessorising with belts, statement necklaces and scarves. Have fun with your clothes and enjoy discovering new outfits without leaving the house (or spending any money!)
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Every year Pantone select a shade that they feel represents what is happening in our global culture and therefore serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude. For 2017 that shade is Greenery;

“A refreshing and revitalising shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings.”Most shades of green are associated with nature and Pantone’s ‘Greenery’, which is very similar to Apple Green in our colour me beautiful swatches, is a zesty, yellow green tone, making it perfect for those of you who fall into our Light dominant colour category and who have a Warm undertone!
The way you wear this shade will vary depending on your dominant colour category, here are a few tips from us on how to wear this stunning shade!

Deep and contrasting
If you fall into the Deep or Clear dominant colour category you ideally want to pair Greenery with a contrasting shade. Neutrals like Charcoal and Black Brown will work well. You could also pair Greenery with Damson for a rich, contrasting combination or Lapis to provide a striking pop of colour.

Light and delicate ​
Those of you who fall into the Light dominant colour category will want to add a shade of a similar, or slightly lighter depth to Greenery, to complement your colouring. Try wearing it with subtle colours like Soft White, Shell or even Powder Blue, which will give a lovely, fresh feel to your look as we move into Spring.

Go green!
If you fall into the Warm dominant colour category you may wish to wear Greenery all on its own, or with some simple gold jewellery; either way, it will certainly complement your warm colour characteristics. Those who are Dramatic and Warm may want to try some more unusual colour combinations, perhaps a pop of Pumpkin or Primrose to really spice things up!

Here at Colour me Beautiful we LOVE getting dressed to the nines and heading out on the town during the festive season. A bit of sparkle, a fabulous pair of shoes and a killer dress all make for the perfect party look.

All too often we’ll spend hours, or even days, searching for the perfect outfit for that special festive event, only to leave our beauty look to the last minute. This party season make sure you plan ahead to ensure your pout is perfectly polished too.

A statement lip is the look to be seen in this Winter (those of you who watch The Great British Bake Off will have seen this year’s winner certainly loved a bold lip!), so here are our top tips on which shades to choose and how to make your lips last!

Shades of Red
A bright red is an iconic Hollywood look for a reason; it’s glamorous, sensuous and feminine. Keep the rest of your make-up pared back if you’re going for a strong lip shade; neutral eyes, a little blush and then allow your lip colour to give the real WOW factor! We love Red Carpet, from the colour me beautiful make-up range for a show-stopping look.

Skinny Statement
Those who keep an eye on current trends will know that skinny scarves, worn looped once around the neck then allowed to fall simply either side, are the look of the moment! Dramatics, Creatives and Romantics may all want to give this a try. It’s a fabulous look if you have a beautiful long neck and works particularly well when worn with v-neck tops and blouses.Blanket Cover
​Large blanket scarves in medium-weight materials have been around for several seasons now. They’re extremely versatile with a variety of ways in which they can be worn, meaning you can achieve lots of different looks with just one scarf. Many come in geometric and check designs with a variety of colours in and, because of their medium-weight material, they can often be left on even when you’ve taken your coat off (perfect if you work in a chilly office!)

Chic Handkerchief
A  simple silk neck handkerchief, tied closely to the neck, is a timeless look. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and go for a floral or paisley print with a myriad of colours in to lift your outfit.

Snuggly Snood
Those of you who have a Natural style personality will want a scarf that is functional as well as looking good, so a chunky snood (a continuous loop of fabric that you simply wrap loosely around your neck once or twice) is a great choice. If you’re petite in scale make sure you don’t go overboard as you may appear to be swamped if your snood is too big! If your Winter coat is in one of the neutral colours from your palette then have fun by adding a snood in one of your accent colours to brighten up those cold, grey days.
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THE GOLDEN RULE!
Whichever scarf style you opt for this Autumn/Winter remember; it is vital that you choose one in one of your colours! Colour worn next to our face has the biggest impact, so its important to get it right!

Faux Fur for the ultimate in every day glamour.

Just one plush garment can shield you from the elements and make you look luxuriously snug (and smug) – faux fur.

From teddy bear coats to subtle fluffy trims, there’s a winter wonder to suit everyone’s furry fashion limit. Why not be faux fur fabulous with all this cold weather around?

Full pelt

A thick, faux fur coat has winter written all over it. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s a sound overcoat investment for the big freeze months, from November through to March.

Colour is all-important when selecting your faux fur. If you have a warm skin tone go for the browns, fawns and camels, should you have a cool skin tone choose grey or black fur.

There are also lots of animal print furs which are the ultimate statement if you have a dramatic or creative style personality. Leopard used to be the go-to print, but now you’ll find Friesian cow or Dalmatian spots, if you prefer a quirky monochrome colour way. Save the Friesian cow look for a rug!

Fur Panels

If you’re not convinced about a full-on faux fur, look to textured panelling instead. Coats have turned indecisive this season, mixing up wool and fur, or leather and fur, for a two-tone look.

It’s a half-and-half take on faux fur and allows for a flattering silhouette, if you’re worried about adding extra bulk to your frame. If you want to experiment with textured panelled clothing, such as a skirt or top, a dense, flat fur, like faux ponyskin, is also more forgiving.

The fur-panelled sweatshirt is a must – quietly fluffy and downright loud, proud and fluff-tastic. Fur sweaters are officially in the spotlight so it’s time to get tactile.  Team with leather trousers or offset the edginess by tucking into a prim skirt.

Furry trims

Faux fur can be used as a glamorous accent on clothes, almost like tinsel on a Christmas tree, but minus sparkle.

You can pretty much forgo a scarf if you opt for a winter coat with a generous faux fur or shearling collar. The bigger the collar, the bigger the style statement.

Avoid a furry collar if you’re bigger busted, as it’s likely to exaggerate your proportions but, conversely, if you’re lacking in that area, it can boost your assets.

Generous faux fur trims on hemlines are the latest way to draw attention to your legs. Ensure you keep your pins streamlined in skinny jeans, leggings or tights, so that the fur can frame your limbs to the max.

This Dr. Zivago look never disappoints on the glam stakes.

Fluffy extras

Embrace the fluff factor with Siberia-inspired extras. Keep the cold out with furry snoods and scarves draped over shoulders, big hats – Cossack style – cuddling heads, and mittens over paws – all easy ways to add fur accents to your look.

If you want a colour contrast, the high street has rainbow bright numbers for a fun approach. Many of the above are available in the shops now at extraordinary discounts.

Throw practicality out of the window with this season’s surprise fuzzy evening extras: think sandals trimmed with fluffy marabou and clutch bags decked out in cosy shearling. They won’t keep you warm but they will look furry fabulous.

Take a look at my Looks Magic Pinterest account for more outfit ideas and style inspiration here.

To learn more about your personal colouring, style personality or what shape would suit you best, why not book a Step out in Style consultation? Email Clare for details

Obviously these are just some ideas and you will have to take your personality, lifestyle and perhaps age into account. Your main aim is to enjoy your neatness whilst adding a feminine touch. You need to avoid going too angular from top to toe as this can create too boyish a look. Avoid saggy, baggy so wide trousers are best with wedges or a bit of a heel to give height and a smooth line. Enjoy