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Baroness Margaret Thatcher

It is with sadness I hear the news that Margaret Thatcher has died today.  Whether you admired her or not, as the first woman to become the leader of a political party and then to go on to be the first woman Prime Minister in the UK there are some things us women can learn from her “signature look”.

Margaret Thatcher changed her style over the years and learnt to understand what suited her and what she felt comfortable in. Her wardrobe personality type was very much a classic – romantic. She enjoyed her power dressing skirt style suits but softened them with romantic pretty blouses. As a woman who worked in a man’s environment she learnt to have clothes to suit her and her position.

What are the things we can learn from Baroness Thatcher’s style and approach to clothes:

1. She knew what styles complimented her shape and that she felt comfortable in
2. She was always well presented, neat and tidy
3. She bought quality, value for money, with very good tailoring
4. She chose a few classic items as her key pieces that would last and added several blouses that would mix and match with her classic suits and add variety
5. She wore dresses and coats when travelling so that her outer coat looked fresh and pristine when she stepped off the plane to meet other foreign leaders
6. Her evening wear was simple and elegant and skirts could be mixed with a variety of tops
7. She always ensured she looked her best 7 days a week, as she worked 7 days a week, and she was aware that she never knew who would see her
8. She chose block colours and wide shoulders to compliment her shape, only changing the details of sleeves and nothing was exaggerated in her styles.
9. Her accessories (shoes, bags and jewellery) were very good quality, classic style to reflect her wardrobe personality and always went with all her outfits.
10. She was conscious to always have a budget. Margaret Thatcher’s style may not be our own wardrobe personality or suited to the business we are in, but we can all learn how to use the principles for a good basic wardrobe that will be the foundation of looking simple and elegant as a professional woman.

At all times, Baroness Thatcher was able to look professional as well as look feminine.

 

Guest Blog

LANVIN

Luxury Eyewear

For Men – Hot Picks for Spring/Summer 2013

For the Guys, where better to start than with James Bond…

TOM FORD

1) This Aviator from Tom Ford as worn in the recent Skyfall movie is an instant classic. Distinguished and refined; it looks the part in Hollywood and will look the part on holiday.

PERSOL

2) It takes a certain type of gentleman to pull off a man bag. If that man isn’t you, these folding classic Persol sunglasses are just the ticket. The design is well tailored and very slick, and allows the frame to collapse into a pocket size case. Nifty.

ITALIA INDEPENDENT

3) There are only so many ways most men can alter their usual style of eyewear, and texture is now one of them. “Italia Independent” offer some great variations of the classic wayfarer style, with the use of corduroy and velvet. It really shouldn’t work. But actually it does; and very well.

DIOR

4) Dior Homme have produced a limited collection of sunglasses that are possibly the most comfortable I have worn to date. They are extremely lightweight (titanium), very well tailored, and feel very Dior. Luxury as standard.

 

CELINE

 

5) Céline are fairly unseasoned in eyewear terms. The collection feels very fresh and represents original and distinct designs, headed by these. Preppy,  vintage and an early masterstroke from Céline.

Guest Blog

BVLGARI

Luxury Eyewear

Ladies Sunglasses Hot Picks for Spring/Summer 2013

CHANEL

1) Chanel’s  unmistakable opulence is in full effect, with the pearls on show in some  of their latest offerings. As we discussed with Angela, there are also some options of vibrant colours in Chanel’s collection to look out for too.

 

 

DITA

2) The cat eye trend is  firmly back on top of it’s game, and there are varying degrees of ‘extremities’  in this style from each designer. From a pool of Tom Ford, Fendi, Chanel and  company, we plucked a piece from Celebrity favourites “Dita”. Its everything this shape should be – big, bold and feline.

 

CHOPARD

3) The aviator is  perhaps the most iconic sunglasses style in history. Jewellery and Luxury brand  Chopard have reworked the style, to produce a masterfully crafted and stunning  piece, further warranting their superior Jewellery status.

BVLGARI

4) This piece from  Bvlgari’s recent release, is their eyewear offering as part of the serpentine  collection seen throughout the jewellery and accessory lines. These sunglasses  certainly have a distinctive ‘bite’ along the arms, but without little venom on the front – making these an extremely easy wear.

LANVIN

5) For the quirkier  preference, brand of the moment Lanvin have produced a super cool and very  directional piece in this, a much rounder shape. They have also produced a  bigger, and slightly softer version (if this model is a little radical for  your palette). We love them both!

Information supplied by Alistair at Luxury Eyewear Boutique, Eyesite. For further information, please visit  www.eyesiteopticians.co.uk or call Alistair on 01482 845651. Alistair is also available on twitter, @MrEyewear.

Internet Clothing Companies Funding Charities

2013 seems a year when new clothing companies are offering garments, via the internet, combined with supporting charities.

Take for example a new company called IV Cuff who supply a range of luxury women’s and men’s shirts to wear, from the office to evening,  together with cuff links and ties for both.  The items are designed exclusively by leading designers from Italy & London.

The owners are a group of textile professionals, from the fashion industry, who have decided to bring all this experience and knowledge together to not only deliver quality fashion products to you directly from their factories, but to also give something back to society by supporting charities. Every time you purchase an item you can nominate your favourite charity.

Clients of mine are offered a 20% discount, quote  IVAMAM2013

IV Cuff quote – Our model isnt to discount all the time from inflated prices like many others. We reward our customers and people we know and their extended trusted networks only, not just anyone. I get so annoyed at retailers treating me like a fool! and giving just anyone the benefit of discounts.

Larger & Curvaceous Women

Twice a year we have “London Fashion Week”. Do the designers consider larger framed and middle-aged women? Sadly not, it seems that designers are taught how to design clothes for small framed or underweight women and for the very young. Yet the women who have the most surplus money to spend on clothes are generally larger than size 10 and in the 40 + age group.

So you can imagine how pleased I was this year to hear about  ‘London Plus Size Fashion Weekend’. The designers that were represented at the event covered various wardrobe personalities and one of my favourite Creative Romantic designers was there, Carolyn de la Drapiere, who sells affordable bespoke as well as ready to wear  items in wonderful luxurious fabrics. Carolyn designs all items  – dresses, tops, skirts or shirts for any occasion.

Other brands included Anna Scholz, Pauline et Julie, Simply Be, Scarlett & Jo,  young designer Syreeta Badu as well as Swimsuitsforall. It is great to see great fashion concepts and ideas for all sizes and let’s hope the fashion buyers in the High Street are taking this on board!

I continue my quest from 2012,  when each Friday I requested you join me in my campaign to change “Casual Friday” to “Etiquette Friday” and to encourage people and companies to get involved. Hopefully my messages have reminded you to make some small changes, and that people will be more considerate to others and more aware of their manners. This in turn will create a more pleasant and positive society, as well as help people to communicate and  feel better about themselves.

Valentine’s Day

It is important to be courteous at all times,  but particularly on a date and especially on Valentine’s Day.

Here are some reminders on manners for the special day:

1. Personal Grooming - No one wants to be dating someone with bad breath or dirty nails – your image and personal hygiene is vital for success. You don’t have to be dressed from top to toe in designer clothes, but cleanliness and style will pay dividends.
2. What to Wear - It is important to dress so you feel comfortable and to be yourself – your wardrobe personality. Dress appropriately for the event to show you have made an effort and that you care.  Read more.
3. Body Language – Positive body language is important. Eye contact is always a must on a date, but this doesn’t mean you should stare at them. If it is a first date be aware not to invade the person’s inner space. Smile!
4. Get There On Time – Just because women typically take more time to get ready that is no reason at all to arrive late for a date. If you have scheduled to meet at a particular time, be there when you said you would.
5. Small Talk - Find out their interests and hobbies; show you are keen to know more about them. Don’t talk about your interests, for too long, if it doesn’t interest them. Remember God gave you 2 ears and 1 mouth. Listening should be proactive not reactive, ask questions.
6. Turn your Mobile Phone Off
7. Thank you – If you are treated then remember to say thank you!

Always compliment your date on what she is wearing, women love to be flattered.

Looking great when with someone special, especially on Valentine’s Day is important.  Here are some tips to help you make the occasion extra special:

1. Dress comfortably and be yourself – your wardrobe personality. Think positively – feel, think and show you are beautiful (beauty varies and we are all beautiful, just in different ways).
2. Dress appropriately for the event e.g. pub, dinner, sports event, party.
3. Dress nicely (dress up a little more than normal and be sexy but not over the top).
4. Wear something that gives you a confidence boost e.g. favourite shirt/top, shoes or accessories.
5. Look neat, tidy and well maintained all the time.
6. Avoid too much after shave or perfume, the person may not like it.
7. Don’t last minute shop, stress yourself out and then buy the wrong items.

Finally, remember to smile and enjoy yourself. If you are treated then remember to say thank you!

It’s Friday and the day I request you join me in my campaign for 2012 to change “Casual Friday” to “Etiquette Friday”, to get people and companies involved. If we consciously make an effort every Friday then hopefully it will become a habit every day. I challenge you to make one small change a week and by the end of the year let’s hope we have a more pleasant and positive society.

Consideration for all the Family during the Festive Season

It is very well documented that during the Festive season, when families spend so much time together, they can end up in a family argument. Plus, one member of the family can bear the majority of the workload for getting the Christmas meal on the table.

The festive season should be a joyful time of year for all the family to get together,  and not for one person to have all the stress of organising presents, food and generally hosting everyone else.  All the generations need to allow for and help each other. Children can get very excited with all their presents and the festivities and the older generation can find it too noisy. What we all need to do is take a deep breath and allow for one another and perhaps give some space to each other. It is important to make the most of having a family and to make an effort to get on. We need to remember our manners and be thoughtful.

Here are some guidelines and tips to help you:

1. Ensure you all chip in and help to prepare meals, wash up and tidy away.
2. It’s important to consider others people’s feelings and listen to them.
3. Think before you speak – avoid speaking about any unhappy skeletons in the closet.
4. Make an effort to talk about other people’s interests.
5. Give one on one attention, especially to the elderly, they may be hard of hearing, cannot see very well and remember they are likely to walk more slowly.
6. Don’t take too large a portion of food, more than your share, first time around.
7. Avoid drinking too much and avoid drinking when driving.

Children

Obviously small children can get very excited, tired and more noisy than usual what with the excitement of presents and new toys and seeing many of the family all together in one place. However, it is still important to remind them to say their “Ps & Qs”, to eat properly and not throw food around and avoid shouting at people.

Have fun and enjoy

Treat others as you wish to be treated (allowing for age and personality), smile a lot, think positively and you may well be pleasantly surprised at how much fun and enjoyment you have on the day!

It is not always easy to know what to buy for someone and it is important to remember when purchasing them a present to think about their personality, not yours. A present does not have to cost a lot but some thought will go a long way.

Buying Presents

When funds are tight make sure you buy something useful or give them a voucher from their favourite shop or somewhere they are likely to shop. Buy what they need rather than what they wish for. Often a bottle of champagne, smoked salmon or a bottle of wine can be a thoughtful gift.

Suggestions on what to consider:

1. Think about what their hobbies and interests are.
2. Think about what the person buys for him or herself .
3. Don’t guess the size of clothes, try to find out.
4. Ask an assistant, family or friend for help.
5. Keep your ears open, the person may give hints.
6. Check if the person has any allergies e.g. skin care items, bath products.
7. Decide on a budget and keep to it!

Eshopping

If you haven’t got time to shop in the High Street then shopping online is a brilliant saver in time, money and ideas. Often there are discounts, but allow enough time for delivery, I offer an eshopping service to clients with ideas and links about clothes for themselves or for the family.

Finally

Don’t forget to take off the price tag and remove the receipt from bags. Keep the receipt just in case you need to return the item or exchange it.

It’s Friday and the day I request you join me in my campaign for 2012 to change “Casual Friday” to Etiquette Friday”, to get people and companies involved. If we consciously make an effort every Friday then hopefully it will become a habit every day. I challenge you to make one small change a week and by the end of the year let’s hope we have a more pleasant and positive society.

Manners at the Cinema

Many people have attended the cinema over the last few weeks, with Skyfall – the new James Bond movie out. Several people have mentioned to me how other attendees can be rude whilst watching the film and spoil the experience by talking, kicking the seat in front of them, eating aloud or even talking on their mobile.

I was recently contacted by Sheena Hastings of the Yorkshire Post about the very subject – read her article.   A cinema group has conducted a survey and as a result have decided to give an etiquette guide about how to behave in the cinema. What a sad reflection on people’s manners, but I think it is a great idea. Hopefully it will help everyone have an enjoyable experience when seeing a film at the cinema.

10 things to consider

1. Avoid talking or chattering during the film, if necessary whisper in the person’s ear.
2. Don’t kick the seat in front of you.
3. Keep your feet off the seats, someone else has to sit on them after you.
4. If someone is sitting next to you, don’t knock their arm off the chair.
5. Ensure you get comfortable before the film starts and avoid fidgeting.
6. Don’t rattle sweet packets, open the packet before the film starts.
7. Don’t eat loudly and especially avoid tipping your popcorn.
8. Turn your mobile phone off or set it to silent.
9. Don’t embarrass others by being overly affectionate in public - it can make those around you very uncomfortable.
10. Be punctual, so you don’t interrupt others once the film starts.

Finally

Relax, sit back and enjoy the film and hopefully the film is great and you will have a good time especially if others remember the above!

Picture Credit: http://www.soundtech.co.uk/cinema/news/empireleicestersquare