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During cold weather it is important to ensure you wrap up and keep warm. Wear layers so you can easily add or take off the items too suit the environment. Make sure your wardrobe has the right items of clothes.

10 items to keep you warm:

1. Chunky Knits – this season’s fashionable chunky knits are ideal to keep you warm e.g. Fair Isle,  roll neck to crew neck, wool shawl collar cardigans, cricket sweaters.

2. Skinny knits – ideal for warmth in frosty weather to wear under chunky cardigans and sweaters.

3. Coats – several styles and colours are available and are ideal for keeping you warm in all weathers, including duffle and parkas for less formal wear.

4. Boots and wellies – ideal for snow and walking in muddy woods. My suggestion for women would be to have flat boots to avoid falling or slipping on the ice.  Rubber soles are better for ice and snow to avoid sliding, but ensure your rubber soles are not worn.

5. Hats & Gloves – it is important to keep your head and hands warm.  Wear a hat and gloves that fit to keep you warm. Avoid them being too tight as this reduces your circulation and they will cool faster than if you have some wiggle room. Mittens are warmer than gloves because the heat generated from your fingers is shared. There are many colours and styles on the market. Fingerless gloves offer practicality. Consider what you want them for and what materials you like e.g. wool, leather or Gor-tex for use in the snow and wet.

6. Thermal underwear – ideal to keep you warm, yet you can still wear your favourite items on the top.

7. Scarves – great for keeping you warm indoors and out;  adds colour and style to any outfit. Choose one that reflects your wardrobe personality.

8. Pyjamas, nightdress, bed socks – if you feel the cold at night, these are a must-have.

9. Cashmere- a fine texture, light, soft and strong. Looks great, can be worn with anything and keeps you extremely warm.

10.  Warm socks to keep your feet warm – avoid too tight and too many, like gloves your feet need room. Suggest you avoid cotton as it holds water and perspiration, wear only one pair of synthetic or wool liner socks.

Remember to Drink Water even if it is an ice-cold one as it helps you stay warm. You can become dehydrated, even in the cold, and water helps to keep your blood pumping.  

During the holiday season is an opportunity to relax and chill out and wear relaxed style clothes. However, it is not the time to look scruffy and unkempt. Ensure you look good for your partner, family and friends.  It is an ideal time to have the right image and make an effort to look your best,  for the most important people in your life.

It is important you dress to suit your wardrobe personality so you are comfortable and feel good. When you look good you will also feel good and people will react to you in a more positive way.  Dress sloppy and you attitude will be more sloppy. Dress to suit the occasion whether it is relaxing at home, going for a walk, down the pub with friends or out for a nice meal.  It is key to have your clothes fitting you well and that you are clean, tidy and presentable. This includes your hair, nails and shoes.

Last of all smile, be happy, make the most of the break and have a great time!

Buying presents for people at Christmas can be difficult and will they appreciate and like the present when they open it? I am often asked for advice, as an image consultant, I recommend you think what they would enjoy and like not you.

10 Tips to help you:

1. Always make a list with ideas and plan a budget
2. When shopping stay focused and keep as near as you can to your individual budgets, but allow for some extra in your total budget
3. Don’t feel pressured to spend a lot of money, or any money, because you feel people will expect you to. Only spend what you can afford
4. Always consider the likes and dislikes of the recipients
5. When you know the person well, you can give a slightly more personal gift
6. When purchasing clothes or accessories for someone else, always buy the item that represents the person’s personality and not yours.  Consider are they conservative, rather casual, very sporty, high fashion, rather dramatic or creative?
7. When buying for a parent or a grandparent consider updating their wardrobe (but to suit their personality) e.g. new season’s colour in a jumper, a stripe shirt, scarf, colourful socks or gloves
8. Considering giving money as a gift, then why not “wrap it” in a nice way
9. Love cooking; why not make a basket of special goodies you have made
10. Buy something related to their interests e.g. Men – do they love electronic gadgets, wallets, handyman tools, clothes, skincare or aftershave. Women – are they a lover of jewellery, plants, flowers, clothes, perfumes, cooking or sports stuff.

On the day remember it is the thought that counts. Remember your manners, and do write a thank you note for all the presents you receive and ensure, if you have children, that they do as well. It will encourage them not only to be polite but they may well become a future author by thinking about what to say.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” Oscar Wilde

It’s the time of year when you socialise with your colleagues and an opportunity to show what you are like outside work. Make sure you have a positive impact with your colleagues and bosses. Have good manners, have a great appearance and enjoy  the event or at least look like you are! Show your sense of humour, be a good listener as well as talk, smile and be happy.

Manners: If you are talking a partner ensure you introduce them to your colleagues and find topics they may have in common so they can chat comfortably.  Allow your partner to feel part of the event, as it is good for everyone. Have good table manners and be polite at all times.

Appearance: Wear something fashionable (doesn’t need to be high fashion) to show you are modern but still be professional. It doesn’t need to be boring. First of all consider what type of event it is. Is it a full black tie event, fun party, dinner, dinner and disco or a lunch time event from work.

10 Tips for Women:

1. Avoid low cut and too short an outfit
2. Choose a style that compliments the best area of your body e.g. waist, legs, neck and chest
3. Cover the areas that are your weakest e.g.  tops of arms, waist, legs above the knee
4. Add interesting accessories to reflect your personality
5. Wearing  a simple black dress? Then add coloured tights , colourful scarf  or a simple pendant
6. Wear makeup that reflects your personality  e.g. sparkly, simple and elegant or dramatic and bold
7. Choose shoes that are comfortable and you can walk in
8. Hair – ensure it’s clean and refresh, wear it up, full or curly to suit your face. Test it out before the event
9. Nails – chose a polish to suit your outfit, wear a neutral or  French polish or give yourself  a simple neat manicure
10. Have a fresh breathe – clean teeth

7 Tips for Men:

1. Wear something different to the party that you don’t wear to the office
2. Try a new colour shirt, pattern shirt or fancy cardigan
3. Wear some cufflinks to reflect your personality
4. Wear different shoes to work e.g. oxblood, brown  loafers
5. Hair – ensure it is clean, neat and tidy. Adapt the style if possible
6. Be well groomed – clean nails and shoes
7. Have a fresh breathe

Enjoy the party, smile and have fun. However remember it is a work’s event so don’t over indulge  on the drink and food. You will have to face your colleagues again.  Remember others may have a camera!

Christmas Day is a day when families get together and have their own traditions. This can change as the family changes with added  members, young children or when everyone becomes all grown up. It should be a day that everyone enjoys, whether you are hosting, a guest, eating out or having a quiet day with your partner or friend. It is important you dress for the occasion and also feel good in your outfit. It may be you are going to several homes with different environments, and then you can adapt your accessories or change accordingly.

If you are attending church why not follow the Royal Family’s tradition who always turn the Christmas Day church service, at Sandringham, into a very special occasion wearing wonderful bright coats and smart hats.

When I invite people to my home, as an image consultant, I advise them to dress to suit their personality and as long as they are neat and tidy that’s fine with me as I want them to enjoy the day as well as feel comfortable. Some people like to be relaxed and casual whilst others like to dress up. Even young children have a wardrobe personality and this will also apply to them.

It doesn’t need to cost to look good on the day. Wear a nice cardigan or blouse with jeans, trousers or skirt. Add different shoes, scarf or necklace. Female - add some makeup, especially  if you don’t usually wear it.  Male – wear some casual smart shoes with jeans and a nice shirt or jumper.

Different personalities and what they will like wearing:

Casual  - will want to be in informal clothes such as joggers, jeans and rather unkempt

Sporty – will want layered clothes, nothing too fussy, easy going

Gamine/Gamin – informal but tidy such as jeans with neat t-shirt and/ or jumper

Classic - traditional items looking reasonably smart

Chic – stylish and elegant and smart to represent the occasion

Dramatic - something that makes a statement, whether the colour, the accessories or the style

Romantic – will no doubt wish to have some sparkle, colour with some accessories and for a women -full make up and  high heels or shoes/boots  with colour and/ or some detail

Fashion Fad – the latest fashion and newest item purchased

Ingénue/Dandy – look neat and colourful with sparkle or shimmer. Ingénue  – girly and colourful with fancy makeup. Dandy rather dapper, some colour and very neat.

Creative – something different, whether a mix and match or something from a charity shop they have adapted  but  unusual combinations, fabrics or accessories.

Want to know more about wardrobe personality I suggest you read my book “Being Truly You – Discovering Your Own Unique Wardrobe Personality” for men and for women.  Have fun and complete the Questionnaire and find out your wardrobe personality type as well as that of  your family and friends.

A successful outfit is one that projects the right  image for the occasion; that you look and feel good in, is appropriate whether it is for business, social, casual or formal.

10 points to consider:

Wear clothes that:

1. Are clean, tidy and presentable
2. Reflect your wardrobe personality
3. Fit well and flatter your shape
4. Compliment your colouring
5. Support your message about who you are – your personal image and brand
6. Are appropriate for the occasion, whether a business or social event
7. Are comfortable
8. Give you confidence
9. Add accessories to add colour and  interest
10. Appropriate shoes

Clothes need to be a support in our lives and not a problem. Our wardrobe needs to be adaptable and easy to use. If you need professional advice then consider seeing an image consultant. The benefits of receivng help can save you time and money. After receiving advice you will have a better understanding of where and what to buy within your budget, leaving you with a great wardrobe.

It is often the case you don’t know what you don’t know.

A winter coat is an expensive item to purchase, especially if you are on a tight budget. It is a long term  investment so buy a style that will look good for several seasons. If you need a winter coat but feel you cannot afford one, then the sales are a good time to purchase one. This season there are several styles from long to short, formal to more casual.

1. Purchase a good neutral colour to suit you and your lifestyle – know your colour type,  then consider black or dark navy  for deeps, mid grey for cools, light grey or camel for warms, lights and muteds.
2. Choose a length to compliment your clothes - consider if you drive or walk a lot in your coat.
3. Choose a style to flatter your shape  – single button to slim you, double to broaden you. Belts - avoid if you have a thick waist.
4. Choose the correct size – allow for wearing over a jacket, wear a jacket when trying one on.
5. Look for removable collars – such as shearling or  fur , so that it can be worn in less colder weather or for a more formal occasion such as adapting a hood.
6. Wardrobe Personality – always choose an item you will enjoy for several seasons and suits your wardrobe personality so you look and feel good in it.
7. Second Coat - considering  a second coat: that is when you can purchase a more colourful and fashionable colour and style.

Think of a winter coat as a key investment piece especially if you are going to wear it nearly every day, choose a durable fabric that will withstand the test of time, buy the best quality you can afford and preferable with wool , cashmere is lovely for warmth but not so good for everyday hard wearing.

There are certain films we always remember which can influence our lives. I often think I passed my history O’level due to Richard Burton being in the film “Becket”.  A rather old film, but one I enjoyed when it was shown to me at school. I love jewellery and the glamour of fashion was brought to my attention through seeing Cleopatra. I was so impressed with Elizabeth Taylor. Her beauty was so stunning from her beautiful face with powerful eyes, lovely shaped lips and her slim curvy figure. The presence and power she had as Cleopatra, the ruler and last Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. The authority and influence she had with powerful men such as Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony. Elizabeth Taylor then followed with a Shakespeare film “The Taming of the Shrew” where she put on a lot of weight and stills a feisty personality and needed taming by Richard Burton. Her costumes were wonderful.

Elizabeth Taylor was known as a screen idol, for her eight marriages, particularly to Richard Burton twice, a fashion icon with a breathtaking collection of jewellery and then for her humanitarian work, dedicating part of her life to charity, in particular the Elizabeth Taylor Aids foundation.

So when I read that The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor items of jewellery were going to be on display at Christie’s in London in September I was determined to go and see the wonderful pieces of jewellery first hand. It takes a lot for me to be speechless, but I was in awe of such beautiful jewellery. The sheer clarity and colour of the diamonds, rubies and emeralds. I was in my element seeing such wonderful items. I also think how heavy they must have been for Elizabeth Taylor to wear around her neck and ears, no wonder she had back problems!

Here are my favourite pieces of jewellery, besides the fabulous 33-carat ring which glittered so much my photos were not very good. I loved theses items not only for their beauty but their history as well and only wish I had about £10m to spare!

The Prince of Wales Brooch

Duke of Windsor gave this brooch to Duchess of Windsor, a friend of Elizabeth Taylor. Elizabeth admired the brooch and outbid Prince Charles in an auction in 1987. Let’s hope he bid’s this time and gets it back to Wales!

La Peregrina – The Legendary Pearl

Richard Burton presented this to Elizabeth Taylor on Valentine’s Day in 1969. It was formerly part of the Spanish crown jewels and goes back to the 16^th century. Although Elizabeth commissioned Cartier to design a new mount of natural pearls and rubies for the beautiful bauble.

The Bulgari Emerald Suite.

This stunning set of necklace, earrings and bracelet was given to Elizabeth by Richard Burton during the shooting of Cleopatra. She wore these jewels to the Oscars in 1967 when she posed with her second Oscar for “Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf”.

The Cartier Ruby Suite

This ruby set of necklace, earrings and bracelet was give to Elizabeth Taylor by her husband, Mike Todd, in 1957, who unfortunately died the following year in a plane crash. What a wonderful memorabilia to have!

I love old romantic and epic films with beautiful costumes and jewellery, the Romantic side to my wardrobe personality. No wonder I became an image consultant.

Do let me know what films you love and why and whether they have influenced you too.

Our appearance has an impact on how we come across to people. It gives out an impression of who we are.  The type of accessories we enjoy wearing will depend on our wardrobe personality. When you wear expensive items, they portray that  you have a certain status. An expensive belt will make an average pair of trousers or skirt look more expensive and the same with cufflinks on a shirt.        

Accessories add style to our outfits and when we choose the right ones they will compliment our clothes and they can make our outfit look more expensive. They are a great way to update or change our look, plus they are easy to carry and do not take up too much room when you need to travel. It is a great way of expressing your personality, whether you wear one accessory or several.

It is important that you know how to wear accessories and what to purchase to compliment your outfits and you. They can make or break your look.

Appearance Management 10 tips:

1. Choose items that are in proportion to your scale (unless you want to be dramatic and have them noticed and not you). This includes cufflinks for men.
2. Wear accessories to bring out your best features.
3. Avoid wearing accessories near the weaker area of your body e.g. waist, bust, legs.
4. Buy a good quality belt in leather for business that goes witth your shoes and outfit.
5. Wear a quality watch for business and keep it elegant and in proportion to you, again unless you want it to be noticed and not you!
6. Wear a brooch near your shoulder to look taller and bring the attention to your face; avoid wearing it near your bust otherwise the attention will be on your bosom.
7. Tie a scarf in a knot according to your length of neck and shape of face.
8. Wear earrings to compliment your face shape and colouring.
9. Wear bright accessories to give contrast or softer tones to blend with your outfit, according to your colouring. (Have a colour consultation if you do not know).
10. Wear the correct hosiery, that sometimes depends on fashion. Don’t wear patterns or colours if you haven’t got good legs.
11. Buy good quality shoes for business, that are not high fashion (unless you’re in the industry) and are comfortable.

If in doubt what to wear with what then don’t wear the item or give it a trial dress rehearsal at home.

Good grooming is part of first impressions so always be well groomed and nothing is worse than seeing a badly creased or dirty suit. It is important to care for your suit, so it lasts longer and looks good every time you wear it. When you look after your suit it will look after you as you look stylish and presentable to the people you meet.

Here are my 10 Tips for Looking After a Suit

1. Hang it  up properly – as soon as you get home take your suit off and  hang it up.
2. Empty all your pockets when you have finished wearing it for the  day.
3. Wooden Hanger – use a good wooden hanger designed for a jacket  and trousers.
4. Breathe – leave it hanging to breathe and put it away the next day.
5. Dry  Cleaning – avoid dry cleaning your suit too often, it  usually only needs to be dry cleaned a few times per year. Too much dry cleaning makes natural fibres like wool more brittle and it will not last as long.
6. Brush your  suit -  give  the suit a quick gentle brush with a clothes brush which is made of natural bristles.
7. Don’t  wear your suit every day – if you wear a  suit every day then have at least five suits.
8. Press Your Suit – press on the wrong side and for pleats use a damp tea towel to iron on and use the iron on a steam setting. Often the  back of the knees of trousers, elbows of sleeves and centre of the back of  jackets need a press.  Alternatively ask your dry cleaners to just press it  for you.
9. Trouser  press – although it is not as good as a professional press it can help to remove the creases from the backs of the  knees each day.

Travelling

Packing your suit – turn the jacket inside out, ensuring that you pull the shoulders all the way through; then there will be fewer creases when the lining rubs against each other. As wool fibres need moisture to maintain their elasticity the best way to get creases out is to steam your bathroom by running the shower and hang the suit in the misty atmosphere for a few hours or overnight.

If you are on a tight budget, ensure you budget for at least two new suits a year.

Ensure you have clean shoes, hands and nails plus tidy hair and that your blouse or shirt is well pressed to complete the look.

You need to look the part at work and as I say “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have!”