 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...
Be Practical Thinking practically can make a huge difference when travelling.
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. 
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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 our top tips to help you perform a successful wardrobe weed…
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!)  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.
Ask Clare for ideas on which shades will suit you. We have introduced some new colours over the last year and there are loads of options to mix and match!
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. 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 Magicl 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 Image: shopdailychic.com 
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
Beware of... Hanger appeal Just because it looks gorgeous on the hanger, it doesn't mean it will look as good on you. Try it on! What condition the item is in Is it discounted because the fabric is damaged or the zip needs replacing? You don't want to spend money having it mended. Fashion prints Will you wear it in two months time, let alone next autumn/winter? Colours that you know don't work for you When you know, you know. Yes you would love to be able to wear fuchsia pink and it is such a gorgeous top, but every time you try on that colour you look dreadful in it. Put the item down! Styles that aren't 'you' Sometimes we are attracted to clothes for reasons we can't seem to explain. You never wear chiffon but this chiffon blouse is calling to you. And it is discounted. That's not to say you can't experiment and step out of your comfort zone now and again, but ask yourself "Is it really you?". If you don't feel 'you' in it, you will never wear it. All that glitters Leftovers from party wear collections. It is always useful to invest in some party outfits and even better at discount. Just be sure that you genuinely like the style and that it's a good look on you, don't buy it simply because it's a cheap(er) party dress. Of course, all sale items can be returned and if you are taken with something but can't decide (even after going through all the tips above!) then you might be better trying it on at home at your leisure away from the packed sales racks. 
Winter sales pieces to look out for
Coats Always a good investment. Make sure the cut works with your body shape and stick with styles that are fairly timeless like the trench, parka and Crombie. Don't be afraid to buy a coat in a colour rather than the default black, grey or navy. Choose a colour you know you look good in that will work with most of your wardrobe. Workwear Smart jackets, trousers and skirts are not the most exciting buys, all the more reason to get them at discount. You still need to make sure they are suitable for your work place and look good on you. Boots Winter can be fairly long in the UK so our boots get plenty of wear. It is useful to have some casual and smart pairs but boots aren't cheap, so take advantage of the sales. Evening shoes If you are one of those (us!) who struggles to find the right shoes at a reasonable price when the party season comes round, now is the time to invest in a bargain pair. Handbags As many a woman has said, you can never have enough handbags! So, picking up an extra one (or two) at a good price is always worth it. Make sure it is the right size for YOUR size and proportions. If you are a petite figure you don't want an enormous bag to swamp you. Accessories are a great way to bring colour into your outfits so you can have some fun with handbags in different shades. Still not sure what styles or colours really work for you? Make 2015 the year you find your unique style. Book now and start your journey to finding your personal style. email: clare@looksmagic.biz Clare's Style Magic Consultation 
There have been loads of changes recently, as we move more to using many of the same products as CMB USA. There is good news and bad news! The new products are really lovely, note the new lipstick container and taste! However, with new shades we have seen the demise of some popular colours! The biggest heartbreak seems to be the loss of BONBON...I know, I could cry for you! I am so sorry! You could try Dusty Rose with Posie pencil underneath, or go bold and try our even brighter new shade of Joy!
Following on from the new shades introduced earlier this year, we now have three new cream lipsticks Soft Plum (for mulberry lovers) Cinnamon (for Copper lovers) and Joy (do you remember Cerise?). I promise the new lipsticks really are nice! Go to http://www.looksmagic.biz/for-the-lips.html Clare Greenwood is Colour Me Beautiful consultant for Cornwall. |
AuthorClare Greenwood was trained as Colour Me Beautiful's South West Image Consultant. So, just how did someone with no apparent sense of “style”, end up becoming an Image Consultant, long before it was really heard of? That’s what Clare Greenwood’s family probably often still think when she is away camping or wearing a bikini,at her size? Or wearing leggings, at her age? Therein lies the magic that she has shared for over 30 years, simply that we all have an inherent beauty, an affinity with colour and all things harmonious and with a bit of understanding we can learn how to be comfortable in our own skin whatever our age, shape or size! Clare always experimented with fabric and wool. With 6 siblings she was left to play with the leftovers of any recently made outfit and spent endless hours dressing and making dolls. From such humble beginnings began her lifelong fascination for colour, fabric and texture. Now she dresses 'live dollies'! Archives
June 2017
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