Your Colour and Style

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Shopping Blog

What colours can I wear this Christmas time?

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Fed up with black?

Particularly at this time of year there is usually a lot of black around. If black isn’t your best colour (which it isn’t for lots of us) you may be thinking that it will be difficult to look your best this Christmas – whether that’s a family get-together or a work party.  Surely Christmas fashion should be so much more cheerful and festive than that?!

However, I do know there is a lot of colour available too. There will be more options available than you may think. If you’re tired with all the “Black Friday” deals, or have missed the boat, read on.

I can’t find my ‘Christmas fashion’ colours at this time of year

One of the comments I hear frequently, is “I can’t find my season at x time of year” (whether that’s spring, summer, autumn or winter). It’s not just a problem for Christmas fashion.

I was shopping only recently for a Spring client and found lots of bright lovely colours in Marks & Spencer. I was also shopping myself for a new evening gown, and found two green options (one light and one dark), red, purple, and blue – all my autumn shades.

Does shopping get you down?

Once you have been colour-analysed, do you feel restricted rather than liberated? I love showing people how it can be so different. I do find that some people are just not used to looking for their colour palette, whether they have been analysed many years ago or more recently.

If you are already a client and are struggling, please reach out.

I can point you in the right direction and definitely give you more options. I love it when you get in touch and I can help. Depending on how you want my help, it can be free. If you are already a client, I do offer a free “confirmation service”. I encourage you to ask for my opinion when you are shopping (whether in the shops or on line), to ensure you spend your money on the right things, and clients who take me up on this are thankful. It’s surely better to have input before you are committed (whether that’s having cut the garment sales label off, or spending your money in the first place) than if it is too late.

Shopping support options

Of course I offer shopping support, in a range of options and prices. My “At Home” shopping service is particularly loved, especially if you are busy but want something new (or new for you). Please get in touch if you’d like to explore how I can help you “dress without stress”. This is, after all, my strapline! 

How to have an elegant but practical Christmas wardrobe.

Find my tips on what to wear for Christmas parties here.

Fiona Mobbs
Your Colour & Style Consultant

07469 246722

Shopping Made Easy: My experience in July 2022, by MB

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I was recommended to Fiona by someone I trusted, and she wasn’t wrong. My expectations were high but Fiona didn’t disappoint. I experienced Fiona’s ‘At Home Shopping’ service and this is how it went. From the beginning Fiona listened to my input and that was important.

First contact

We had a Zoom call first, to establish if we were going to work together, what was required, how we would approach it and costs, so that I knew what to expect.

Preparation

Following that, Fiona came round (my request was to meet in person for a wardrobe review, rather than through Zoom) and spent a couple of hours discussing my wardrobe contents. I learned a bit about my “clothing personality” and why what I had suited me (such as styles of clothes, materials and patterns) and how things could be used differently (for example, using my shirts over other items as a less formal jacket). It was useful to get Fiona’s opinion on the colours in the wardrobe too, since I had been colour-analysed a few years ago but wasn’t quite sure if some of the clothes I already had were in the Summer palette or not. We had agreed some of my favourite pieces were on their final wears and needing replacements. Looking at what was going to stay and where the gaps were, we drew up the shopping list. I wanted to inject some more colour into my wardrobe so we discussed particular colours I would like (and not like) and how the purpose was to get some key workwear pieces, which was the reason for requesting Fiona’s help.

‘At Home Shopping’ (Part 1)

Two weeks later Fiona appeared again with so many bags it took two trips from the car! We had a lot to try on and discuss. It was a hot evening, but Fiona had prepared me for that, and even offered to bring a fan. I tried everything on, as Fiona had requested, and it was easy to eliminate a few things, decide to keep several things, and we had a couple of “maybe’s”. Working through the items some were liked but not exactly the right size, so Fiona offered to get the right size and have a look for some alternatives to some other pieces to meet the entire brief/shopping list and come back. (She explained that this was all part of the service and within the price already agreed.) She trusted me with the “maybe’s” so I didn’t feel under pressure to decide. Equally, though, I was trusting her to bring me what I wanted and needed, and it was going well.


By the way, some of the pieces were good prices for value (we had talked about budget), and I now had an expanded list of shops/brands to explore in future. Not only was Fiona considering colours, styles and fit, but also my values. We were on the same page when it came to eco, natural and ethical clothing. Although she did sneak in some materials that weren’t totally natural, she did convince me on the way in which they were produced. I was also keen to have clothing that felt soft as well as being comfortable and looking good, and Fiona explained how these “new” materials fitted those requirements.

‘At Home Shopping’ (Part 2)

A week later Fiona was back again with more clothes. Less to try on this time, but covering the brief fully now and all a great fit. Again, some more learning about different brands, colour combinations and future options for the coming autumn and winter season.

Summary

Fiona was keen to please, made me feel comfortable, and I was not under pressure to have anything. I ended up with some lovely new pieces that work together, that I never would have discovered on my own, and my wardrobe now sings to me. What joy. I can’t wait for the compliments I expect to get, and am much more of a confident shopper now, thanks to Fiona.

Fiona sends all the unwanted clothes back and I just pay her for those that I want (at the price she paid). She was also informing me of the prices as we went, in case that helped me to decide.

This was shopping made easy: a great investment, and to be recommended.

MB, July 2022

Fiona adds, if anyone else wants to have her help, please contact her on 07469 246722.

What is life about?

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Possessions

Having recently lost my last parent, the experience of clearing a lifetime of accumulated things (clothes, odds and ends like Christmas cracker contents, as well as pills, glasses and photographs etc) it makes one think about what is important in life.

Whatever you believe happens after death, the truth is that we leave this “stuff” behind for others to use or dispose of. Whilst a lot of it had a practical use and was needed, there was a lot that was excess to requirements – perhaps gifts over the years that, because of the thoughts about the giver, meant they could not be disposed of.  Just like my parents, I now keep every little treasure my mum gave me, as a memento of her thought of me when she bought something like a pen or shopping bag!

Leaving Your Mark

When thinking about what was important to mark someone’s life and achievements, you can’t bag up the epitome of someone like their fun in “stuff”, unless it is captured in enduring words or pictures (photographs or letters/books). That is why I wanted to self-publish my little poetry books – it will be a record of my thoughts well after I depart! And I guess why so many others I know are now doing the same and becoming authors.

Acknowledging the big things

For me, the crucial things are the milestones and big achievements (or disappointments) in your life, in your work and personal life, like gaining certificates, awards, medals, having children, raising money for charity or doing deeds that will benefit others, maybe breaking the law, and so on. Of course if your life is happy and fulfilled that is wonderful but how will others know that it was, or what your struggles and challenges were? In today’s world of social media, we are recording this ourselves as it happens, like a public journal. This is in addition to what others write about us, like in newspapers, village news sheets and so on.

What’s important to you?

In questioning what “stuff” is important, I wondered what those Ukranian refugees grabbed as they left their homes. That situation would determine what was important to you, when you have to take only what you can carry in one little case, including clothes. What would you grab?

Bra shopping

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I don’t know about you but buying a new bra can be very daunting!

Previous disasters

Have you, like me, spent lots of money in the past not being properly fitted and realised, when you have taken the tags off, that it’s not really what you wanted?  Well, it’s no wonder. There’s so much choice and different names, never mind brands, which – to a non expert – can be confusing.

Importance of getting it right

The one thing I do know is that getting the right bra for your body shape (and can you believe “clothing personality”) transforms your clothes and allows them to drape their best (as they have been sewn). Of course it will give you extra confidence to feel your assets are in the right place and doing you proud. Plus, for some whose assets are plentiful, the right bra can protect your shoulders and back.

So, how do you know what suits? You might think it’s enough to consider colour, appearance (style) and price. Well, actually, it’s much more than that, and only a great well-trained and experienced fitter will be able to help you get it right.

I would suggest not to get too hung up on the size, as different brands (like jeans and any other clothes) will differ. The important thing is to get the shape right to fit your bust shape and for the job you require it to do. Plus, to get the circumference strap correct (this is usually the 32, 34, 36, 38 etc of the description). Do you need a strong bra when doing sports activity? Have you ever bought something particularly for that? A good bra fitter will not only have a suitable selection to show you for your needs from your discussion, but will know the shapes and brands that suit you. Bras also have a shelf life. Like shoes, I would recommend that you have a few you circulate and do not wear the same one day after day. Plus, bras will last longer if they are hand-washed, especially if they have underwires.

Why you need to be fitted more than once

You probably had your first bra fitting when you were a teenager but, as we grow and age, things happen!  You might have become a mum, had an issue, or just lost or gained weight, all of which can alter your size, shape and needs, never mind if it’s a planned alteration! So, is it time you had a re-fit?

Who do I recommend?

If you want to meet a great fitter, I can recommend who is just along the south coast, Sarah Sedgley of Lemongrass Lingerie (she keeps a low-profile so find her on Facebook here or contact me and I can put you in touch with her!). It is worth meeting her and seeing how she can transform your body and confidence just with a small piece of underwear. If you want to have the chance to meet her in my home, please get in touch.

What to do with your old bras?

And, when you’ve got some cast offs that could still be useful for someone else, there are charities like Against Breast Cancer or Smalls for All, where you can recycle yours for good effect too.

Read more about my underwear secrets here!

Fiona
Your Colour & Style Consultant

07469 246722

What can I wear this Christmas time?

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I help people look their best and be confident to enjoy events, like parties, such as at this time of year. Unfortunately, not everyone looks great in black or navy, which are colours that are usually prominent particularly in December. If black isn’t your best look you may be thinking that it will be difficult to look your best this Christmas time – whether that’s a family get-together or a work’s party.

However, I do know there is a lot of colour available too. There will be more options available than you may think. If you’re tired with all the “Black Friday” deals, or have missed the boat to capture a bargain, read on.

I can’t find my colours …

One of the comments I hear frequently, is “I can’t find my season’s colours at x time of year” (whether that’s spring, summer, autumn or winter).

I was shopping only recently for a “Spring client” and found lots of bright lovely colours in Marks & Spencer. I was also shopping myself for a new evening gown, and found two green options (one light and one dark), red, purple, and blue – all my Autumn shades – in less than 30 minutes.

Do you find shopping difficult?

Does shopping get you down? Once you have been colour-analysed, do you feel restricted rather than liberated? I love showing people how it can be so different. I do find that some people are just not used to looking for their colour palette, whether they have been analysed many years ago or more recently.

If you are already a client …

If you are already a client and are struggling, please reach out. I can point you in the right direction and definitely give you more options. I love it when you get in touch and I can help. Depending on how you want my help, it can be free. If you are already a client, I do offer a free “confirmation service”. I encourage you to ask for my opinion when you are shopping (whether in the shops or on line), to ensure you spend your money on the right things, and clients who take me up on this are thankful. It’s surely better to have input before you are committed (whether that’s having cut the garment sales label off, or spending your money unnecessarily in the first place) than if it is too late.

Join Adie and I for a live on 9th December at 3pm…

If you’re struggling for ideas at the moment, please join Aidie Saunders (of Yes You Can Training) and myself (Your Colour & Style Consultant) at our live this month on Thursday 9th December at 3pm, when we will be talking about preparing yourself for your Christmas party – whether that’s an “in person” one or online. Come and ask us your questions, we’d love to have you join us through Facebook. Look for FionaPersonalStylist and join in.

Other Shopping Support options

Of course I offer shopping support, in a range of options and prices. My “At Home” shopping service is particularly loved, especially if you are busy but want something new (or new for you). Please get in touch if you’d like to explore how I can help you “dress without stress”. This is, after all, my strapline!

Find my tips for an elegant but practical Christmas wardrobe here.

Fed up with wearing black?  How to get more colour into your Christmas wardrobe here.

Fiona Mobbs
Your Colour & Style Consultant
07469 246722
fiona.yourcolourandstyle@gmail.com

Sunglasses/Shades

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It’s that time of year when it might be sunny in the UK and we need to get out our sunglasses or shades!

Using sunglasses can stop us squinting, which will prevent/reduce facial lines, plus protect our eyes, so I do recommend having some and using them.

Your shades may not have been out for a while, or you might need, or have had, an eye test and your prescription is different, so if you’re thinking of getting some new ones, what might you consider when choosing?

Purpose: the job you want them to do

This might sound silly, but how much may you wear them? If you’re outdoors quite a bit (whether that’s in the garden, walking or driving around), you may like to consider this. Sunglasses need to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, and some glasses do this job better than others. There are different properties of sunglasses, such as poloroid (which help eliminate glare reflected off surfaces, but may show the laminations in the car windscreen, that could be off-putting until you get used to it). See this useful article of the advantages and disadvantages of Polaroid lenses.

However, if you just want glasses to pose in, or to take to the beach, then a cheap pair might be what you want! You normally get what you pay for.

Size and shape of frame

If you want sunglasses to protect your eyes, then the bigger the better, even if they may swamp a small frame face. If you are an adult with a really small frame face, consider looking at the children’s section. If you are ordering online, make sure you look at all the information you are given (including sizing), as well as the returns policy.

The shape of frame will suit different face shapes. It is sometimes difficult to figure out what your face shape is and therefore what suits best, so if in doubt, please get in touch with me (see below).

Colour of frame and lens (including if you need prescription glasses)

There are two aspects to colour: the frame, and the colour of the shade. If you know what colours suit you that will be useful. Glasses are an important purchase as they sit in a prominent place on your face, and whether your eyes can be seen through the shade or not, they will be interacting with your hair and skin, so you want them to be in harmony to give the best visual for you.

Now, if like me you need prescription glasses, you have a few options:

  • photochromic glasses react to light levels, which include protection when the light is bright; brand names include Reactolite, Transitions or Reactions
  • Clip on sunshades;
  • Put your sunglasses over the top of your normal glasses – I tried this for a while but didn’t find it very comfortable!
  • Get prescription sunglasses – my solution that seems to be serving me well at the moment. (They were my “second pair at half price” when I got the original glasses too.) Of course, if your prescription is likely to change at least annually, then you will need to renew your prescription sunglasses too.
  • If you wear contact lenses, you can use ordinary sunglasses, but do you use your contact lenses all the time?

Style – to suit your “clothing personality” and face shape

All the normal considerations about choosing ordinary glasses will apply – including the features on your face (such as width of nose bridge, depth of eye to cheek and height of eyebrow, distance between eyes on the face, proximity of ears), weight, and general comfort to name a few.

Generally speaking, square or straighter styles may suit a rounded face shape, and rounded styles may soften an angular face.

If you know your “clothing personality” style, this can be useful too. For instance, if you have drama in your personality, the bolder and larger the frame, the more it will be in keeping with you. If you have natural in your clothing personality, you will want minimal fuss. So, this is how your “clothing personality” should be taken into account too.

If you have any queries and would like to have personal guidance, other than from the optician who may or not have such training and experience as mine, then please ask.

Buying online or in a shop

These days you can upload a picture of your face to websites on the internet, and see what frames would look like on you.

Choosing glasses can be difficult if you need glasses to see what they look like, so this can be a useful way to do that.

Buying glasses can be an expensive purchase, so you want to get it right, especially if they are going to be made for your prescription.

If you are buying in a shop, ask what their returns policy is, if when you get them you are not happy.

How well you might look after them

If you are a little clumsy with things, then you might want to factor that into what you pay, as you may need to buy them more frequently! Or, you may want to have more than one pair at a time, so you can leave one in the car or at work, or in case you forget where they might be.

Price

Sunglasses range from a few pounds to anything you’d like to pay. Some people like designer ones, some not. The critical thing is to know your budget and taking all the above into account, choose wisely.

 

I love helping people select glasses, so do call for help if you want personal assistance. The more you want to pay, the more you should want to get it right.

Fiona
Your Colour & Style Consultant

07469 246722