All Change!

I have been a bit quiet lately as I have been busy moving house. Believe me, THE most stressful thing ever. I have not moved very far but have lots more space. Things are slowly starting to get back to normal and I am accepting consultations once again in my new studio.

So, as the seasons are changing, I have had a couple of other little changes too! I now have a new website that includes some extra new virtual services – Capsule Wardrobe and Personallised Pin Board. I am also now a fully trained Advanced Face Yoga Teacher, offering a brand new service which will compliment everything else I already offer, helping you to be the THE BEST YOU – more of this below.

My new website will soon incorporate a “One Stop Style Shop” which will be my accessories store, where you can purchase jewellery, scarves, etc, just in time for Christmas!

So, please take a look and tell me what you think! Click on my new logo below.

So yes, the exciting news is that I am now a fully qualified Face Yoga Teacher! I started practicing the Danielle Collins Method of Face Yoga about 6 months ago and I began to see the results in about 2 weeks. Once you know the correct techniques, your only investment is 20 minutes of your time each day to achieve a more youthful, glowing face. Think about it. We all know that if we want a lean and toned body, we must exercise the muscles. Well, the same is true for the face so why stop at the neck?

The Danielle Collins Face Yoga Method is a simple combination of facial exercises, acupressure and massage, which not only helps to tone and lift the muscles, increase circulation and the production of collagen and elastin, but also gives a feeling of wellbeing and relaxation.

I am offering 90 minute 1 to 1 consultations at my studio for the price of £95. Included in the price is a Danielle Collins wall chart worth £10 to take away with you so you can practice at home. As a special introductory offer, if you book before the end of October, you will receive a Danielle Collins Pro Lift Facial Moisturising Serum worth £27.99.

It is an organic, concentrated skincare treatment, made entirely from high performing pro-active botanical seed oils. It has been certified by the Soil Association, the only official body to accredit products as organic.It works in harmony with the body, supporting the skin’s natural ability to regenerate new skin cells and fight the visible signs of aging. I have been using it myself for nearly a month now and I really love it! It is very hydrating and my skin feels so soft, plus it smells rather delicious too!

This is a fabulous offer and not to be missed, so don’t delay. Get in touch today!

www.susanstylesyou.com
susan@susanstylesyou.com
07801 341526

 

Ti Sento Jewellery

At the beginning of the Summer I was invited to the Ti Sento flagship store in the Trafford Centre to take a look at their collection.

To be honest, I had not really paid any attention to the beautiful, sleek, white, sparkly shop up until now as their collection is silver probably because I am a gold girl and it wouldn’t generally be on my radar. However, I was not disappointed.

The shop itself is beautiful and inviting. It definitely has a high end feel without the high end prices and the staff are very approachable and friendly. You know sometimes when you enter a designer shop and you feel distinctly uncomfortable as you meet the frosty glares of the staff? Not at Ti Sento.

So, Ti Sento launched its first collection in early 2003 and the brand has continued to stay on trend and in fashion. It is well known across Europe and is already well established in the UK. It is great that they chose Manchester to have their flagship store rather than London!

The collection of rhodium plated sterling silver jewellery contains rings, wrist wear, necklaces and earrings in stunning designs and dazzling colours. Ti Sento is an Italian brand which means “I feel you”. All their jewellery is designed to make the wearer feel ultra special. All the stones are hand set and each piece has a romantic and feminine feel with a contemporary twist.

I was impressed by the wide range of designs on offer. If you love simple, delicate pieces or bold, statement pieces there is something for you!

The jewellery is meant to mix and match so you can change your look. Their ear charms are so clever.  you can keep your look understated with a simple hoop for the office and then pile on the bling for cocktails after work! How gorgeous are these?

I loved their Spring/Summer 2015 collection, Il Giorno Nuovo, which was a welcome burst of colour. They have taken inspiration from light, colours and structures and the jewellery reminds me of the ocean and beautiful sandy beaches.

My favourites, though, are the cocktail rings – simply gorgeous! I will definitely be adding one to my collection very soon.

If you are looking to treat yourself or you are looking for a keepsake or gift for a loved one, why not pop in to Ti Sento at the Trafford Centre? I have already taken a couple of Personal Shopping clients into the store and they love it! You will be sure to find the perfect gift – which comes in a beautiful presentation pouch to make your shopping experience extra special!

Coronation Street Tour

As a massive Coronation Street fan, I was delighted to be invited on a VIP tour of the cobbles recently.

In December last year, the cast and crew said goodbye to their Quay Street home and moved on to pastures new at the swanky Media City.

The Quay Street set has since opened its doors to the public for a limited period. The new tour includes fab sets of the Kabin, Prima Doner kebab shop and also Webster’s Garage.

Our VIP tour started in the Corrie institution that is the Rovers, where we were treated to a bacon butty (not Betty’s Hot Pot unfortunately) before the tour began. Guests on the tour have the opportunity to have their picture taken behind the famous bar, pulling a pint or whatever pose you care to strike. Official photos are available to purchase at the Gift Shop at the end of the tour.

I have to say that our tour guides were extremely helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and incredibly funny too! As this was a VIP tour, I was allowed access actually onto the sets – something which isn’t available to the general public. So I got to serve sweets from behind Rita’s counter at the Kabin and sit on Carla’s sumptuous sofa. I assure you, however, that this will not spoil your tour in the slightest!

It was fascinating hearing the stories of the stars and what goes on back stage. I was particularly fascinated by the marked difference between Carla’s old pad, with its chandeliers and glamorous red walls – indicating luxury and success. Also, her spotless kitchen – meaning she never cooks.

This, in stark contrast to Gail’s living room next door, with its dull beige interior and messy kitchen, not forgetting the comical addition of Kylie’s red leopard skin throw over the sofa – her way of injecting her cheeky personality into the house.

Other places included on the tour are the Green Room, dressing rooms and the knicker factory. Plus, there is lots of memorbila to discover too – the wedding outfits from Kirk and Beth’s 80s themed wedding, Deidre’s glasses and Ena Sharples’ hair net and much, much more!

There is something new to discover around every corner and the walls are covered with pictures and quotes from the characters everywhere – this was my favourite from Liz Macdonald!

The main thing that struck me was how small everything appeared to be and I cannot imagine how the cast and crew all squeeze in these tiny spaces to film.

Tickets for the Coronation Street tour are £17 for an adult and you can purchase your tickets here. The guided tour lasts for around 45 minutes, after which you are free to wonder the cobbles at your leisure for as long as you like. There are plenty of photo opportunities here outside Roy’s Rolls, Nick’s Bistro, the Rovers to name but a few – plus you can have a sneaky peek around the ginnels too! All in all, a great day’s entertainment and well worth a day out! Don’t leave it too long though, this tour closes on 4 October 2015!

Eve Lom Cleanser Review

I recently attended a beauty event at Harvey Nichols Manchester and had the most amazing facial at the Eve Lom counter. One of the products used on me was the Eve Lom cleanser. I loved it so much I bought it. Even though it was, ahem, £55 for 100ml (I did pay £10 for my ticket to the event which was redeemable against any product so actually paid £45).

I must admit that I was not very well up on Eve Lom products and had never tried them before. I discovered that the Eve Lom cleanser does, in fact, have a cult following and was once described by Vogue as “probably the best cleanser in the world”. Not bad eh?

So, what is so great about this little pot of gorgeousness? Well, something else I discovered was that  Eve Lom actually created the original balm cleanser with cloth and this has been imitated by many other brands the world over since.

The balm itself smells divine and contains a blend of four aromatic plant oils. Clove Oil has antiseptic properties which encourages clear skin, and Eucalyptus Oil helps drain away toxins. Hops Oil tones, and Egyptian Camomile Oil and Cocoa Butter soften and condition the skin. The result is a perfectly balanced skin and a radiant complexion.

It has a thick texture which melts into an oil with contact to the skin. It melts away any trace of makeup and mascara in an instant without drying out the skin or pulling on delicate areas. I was surprised that the muslin cloth used to gently exfoliate, miraculously does not end up covered in makeup. It remains surprisingly clean, unlike other cleansing balms/cloth combos I have tried in the past.

I tend to use it in the morning and massage it into my face before getting in the shower. Then, I wet the muslin cloth under the hot shower and place it over my face for a bit, before gently removing any debris from my skin. My skin feels so clean, soft and fresh after using it and I have found I need to use less moisturiser as my skin feels so hydrated! I have definitely noticed that my skin is more “glowy” – if there is such a word.

So, is it worth the money? Absolutely! You really only need a teeny tiny bit and a little goes a long way. Use it every day and, when your skin is looking radiant and glowing to perfection, you can go to using it once a week. Treat yourself and take the time to give yourself a mini facial using Eve Lom’s signature massage technique (click on the pic below) and, believe me, your skin will thank you for it!

Kara’s Blow Dry Bar

I recently received an invite to attend an event at Kara’s Blow Dry Bar, conveniently located just off Deansgate on John Dalton Street.

KARA’S BlOW DRY BAR is a unique concept. It is the only Blow Dry Bar in Manchester City Centre. They offer affordable luxury and hair styling for the busy woman.  I absolutely know that having a lovely fresh, bouncy blow dry is the best feeling in the world and is an instant confidence booster!

So, I arrived promptly and was given a delicious cocktail from the Milton Club – what better way to start an evening of pampering!

The place was already feeling really buzzy and, after I had got rid of my bag and coat, I headed straight for the Nailista nail bar to have a quick manicure. Their salon is located just around the corner on Police Street. So, if you have a big night out planned you can kill two birds with one stone!

This was followed by a quick smoky eye and red lip application from the makeup artist on hand and then onto the blow dry! I loved my bouncy blow dry with just the right amount of volume, perfect loose waves and swishiness. I always measure the success of my blow dry by it’s swishiness! I needn’t have worried. My hairdresser totally “got” me and my hair was just how I like it. Swishiness overload. Believe me, I have had some disasters in the past and paid an absolute fortune for the privilege!

At Kara’s Blow Dry Bar you are spoiled for choice!

Sleek and Chic (Poker straight hair)

Californian Wave (Curly blow)

Blow on the Go Go (For the busy business woman on the go – perfect if you have an important meeting)

Va Va Voom (Straight blow dry with body at the root and ends)

The prices are really reasonable too – just £20 or you can upgrade to a more pampering session which includes strip lashes and a glass of bubbly! In my opinion, excellent value for money for a city centre salon.

During the week you can probably just walk in off the street and get your fix there and then, but it is advisable to book at weekends.

The evening finished off with an introduction to Tanya Bardsley – one of the “Real Housewives of Cheshire” – and now life coach. She told us all about her new book “Just a girl who got it all” a self-help and positive thinking guide. In the book she shares her secrets to getting the life and body you want, her attitude and actions to success and how to turn your dreams into reality. That’s me just seen next to Tanya getting my hair done 🙂

I am so pleased we have Kara’s Blow Dry Bar in Manchester. They have become so popular in New York where busy women can get styled on the go and Manchester was definitely crying out for one. I will certainly be popping in for some va va voom when I am in Manchester!

Thanks to Steph from Ledigo PR for the invite.

Marks and Spencer Spring/Summer 2015 collection

Last week London Fashion Week came to Manchester for the first time as Marks and Spencer hosted the only official event outside London in its Manchester City Centre store.

I was invited along and, on arrival I felt the excitement and buzz as people started to queue for the first show. Of course, having a VIP invitation, I bypassed the crowds and was soon handed a goody bag (thank you Marks and Spencer for such a generous gift)  and a complimentary glass of fizz. Soon after, I was escorted to the frow and eagerly anticipated the start of the show! It was opened by M&S Style Director, Belinda Earl and, following this, we were treated to an exclusive film featuring British fashion expert, Caryn Franklin, showing the highlights and trends of London Fashion Week for Autumn/Winter 2015.

I have to say that I was mightily impressed with Marks and Spencer’s new collection. It was funky and fresh and also a little bit edgy. I was genuinely surprised at some of the looks I saw on the catwalk and would not have guessed in a million years that some of the designs were from good old M&S! There was not a waterfall cardi in sight! I have purchased the odd item of clothing for myself from Marks and Spencer in the past and always use the Market Street store for my Personal Shopping clients, but they will definitely be on my “go to” list from now on.

Of course, there was more than a nod to the 70s trend and there were some very chic outfits that would not look out of place in Paris or Milan, but what I loved were the bright florals that popped up frequently throughout the show.

So here is a selection of my favourite looks from the catwalk – all available in store between now and May. I already have my eye on that gorgeous sunshine yellow 50s inspired dress! That navy jumpsuit is sure to be a sell out. The cut was just beautiful and it has arm coverage yay! This is a very versatile piece to add to your Spring wardrobe that would take you from anything to a night out or a fancy wedding, just by cleverly switching accessories. If you are thinking of purchasing this then get in quick I say! Anything you fancy?

I must say it is great that Manchester is upping its fashion credentials and giving London a run for their money with the likes of the hugely successful Vogue’s Fashion Night Out last year, and now a collaboration with London Fashion Week! Let’s have more of this please!

Baby it’s cold outside!

The temperatures have plummeted rececently and sometimes it is difficult to look stylish yet keep warm at the same time. Your go to option should be faux fur – very on trend right now and perfect for keeping you nice and toasty!

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.

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.

It just so happens that I have some fab bargains for you too! I have lots of faux fur items and vintage inspired gloves listed on Ebay right now! I have a Buy it Now price but you can make me an offer – I need to get rid of all my Winter stock so do take a look. Click on the picture below to have a browse.

Would you like to learn more about your personal colouring, style personality or what shape would suit you best? Why not book an appointment with me?

Contact me at susan@susanstylesyou.com or 07801 341526

www.susanstylesyou.com

The Empty Shop returns to Manchester Arndale!

Was one of your New Year’s Resolutions to reorganise your wardrobe and, maybe, get rid of some stuff you have had for ages but never worn?

Well, I have the perfect place for you to take your unwanted goodies – the Empty Shop in Manchester Arndale!

This is the second year the Empty Shop has featured in Manchester Arndale and people are becoming familiar with the concept. The shop has been custom-built by shop, office and bar fitting company Clarke Gough and this year is three times the size of last year. I was invited along to the launch last week, which was opened by Brooke Vincent who plays Corrie’s Sophie Webster (if you remember, her character once struggled with being homeless herself).

Run by homeless charity, the Mustard Tree, people bring along their stuff to the Empty Shop each day and local stylists and bloggers create interesting displays from the donations. You can bring clothes, shoes, accessories, whatever, it will all be gratefully received. You don’t have to be an individual donator either, big brands and businesses will be welcomed with open arms. You can’t actually buy anything and every evening, all the donations are moved out of the Empty Shop so it is empty again the next day and so on and so on. The donated clothes are either given to homeless people in Manchester, sold in the Mustard Tree charity shop, or this year they are having a fab pop up shop at Cafe Ziferblat, Northern Quarter on 15 February!

It is a great opportunity for local people to support this worthy cause. We all know that homelessness is very much a problem in our city.

I am excited to be helping to style the shop tomorrow, so if you are in Manchester, please do pop in to say hi and please bring a donation!

The shop is open for business until 1 February so plenty of time to do a good thing!

Magnificent Marsala

Marsala by susanstylesyou featuring a purple knee length dress

So Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2015 is Marsala – a shade the company says will enrich the human mind, body and soul.

Marsala makes for an elegant, grounded statement, whether it stands on its own or serves as a strong accent alongside other colours.

“Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth” said Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Colour Institute’s executive director.

It’s a really luxurious and romantic colour. Imagine deep, burgundy wines waiting to meet your lips.

“This hearty yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors” Eiseman states.

It is not an easy colour to wear, however. How will you be incorporating this trending colour into your wardrobe? I have some tips to help you.

Do you have mousey hair that you may have highlighted à la Jennifer Aniston?

Marsala on you will create an elegant and sophisticated look when you wear it head to toe. As a block colour, wear it with one of your neutral shades; try it with Taupe or Rose Brown.

Do you have very light blonde hair and pale blue or green eyes like Gwyneth Paltrow?

Wear Marsala if you are looking for an understated look on its own, or with Stone or Pewter shades. For a more colourful ensemble, wear it with Petrol or Light Teal.

Are you a red-head like Emma Stone?

Go for the Wow factor when you wear it with your Orange Reds and the Greens in your palette such as Turquoise and Lime.

Do you have dark hair and dark eyes like Eva Longoria?

You will bring Marsala into your wardrobe in a print together with your Burgundies, Aubergines, Damsons and purples.

Do you have dark hair and bright eyes like the Duchess of Cambridge?

Marsala is a soft and muted colour so it would not be the first choice for you. However, it can work as part of a print with shades such as Chinese Blue, Emerald Turquoise or Fern, for example. Or you may want to opt for an accessory, but not a necklace or scarf as they are too close to the face; bracelets and handbags would work a treat.

Do you have silver, platinum or salt and pepper hair like Jamie-Lee Curtis?

You will wear Marsala when you prefer a softer approach to colour in your wardrobe. Wear it with greys from Charcoal to Silver Grey.

One piece of advice for everyone, if Marsala is close to your face, make sure the lipstick you wear works with it and doesn’t clash, unless you want to achieve a creative or dramatic look.

For those with a cool, pink undertone try Colour Me Beautiful Plumberry

For those with a warm, peach undertone try Colour Me Beautiful Mochaberry

Not sure whether Marsala will work for you? You need to be Colourised! Come and discover how to look younger, more healthy and more vibrant just by wearing the right colours. Don’t forget, if you book and pay for a Colour Consultation before the end of January 2015, I am throwing in up to £25 worth of FREE ACCESSORIES! An offer not to be missed! Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

susan@susanstylesyou
07801 341526
www.susanstylesyou.com

Glitter in gold or sparkle in silver?

Glitter in gold or sparkle in silver? by susanstylesyou featuring faux fur coats

New Year’s Eve is almost upon us and that can only mean one thing it’s PARTY time!!!

Whatever your plans are for this New Year’s Eve, it is always fun to glam up a bit more than normal – and add a little sparkle and bling! Have you chosen your outfit yet? If not, I wanted to give you a few tips on how to look amazing this New Year!

Most people have an overall “Warm” or “Cool” appearance. For some people, it is much easier to determine. For example, red heads are usually “Warm” and anyone with silver, grey or platinum hair is usually “Cool”. For others, it might not be so obvious. As a redhead, I know that I look awful in silver and that gold lights up my face, making me look fresh, alive and, well, just more healthy!

Wearing something with a blue base or cool undertone just drains me, makes my teeth look yellow, emphasises my fine lines and makes me appear pale and sickly. Yuck! Let’s look at jewellery. If you think you have colouring similar to me, you should choose stones such as coral or golden toned pearls. Stone colour should focus on more earthy tones such as browns, oranges, greens, yellows, peaches, corals. Anything turquoise will look fab on you.

The best eyeshadow colours for you are browns, oranges, yellows, coppers, and, of course, gold. Go for a peachy blush and an orange based red lip.

Somebody with a “Cool” look, will not look their best in yellow based colours which will make their skin appear sallow. However, wearing a blue based, cool colour will make them look radiant! Silver metal will make their face come alive and their face will become luminous and healthy. If this is you, choose white pearls or diamonds. Stone colour should focus on jewel tones such as pinks, purples, blues, reds, and magentas.

For your eye shadow, silver, grey, heather and mauve will all look amazing. Keep your cheek colour pink based and for your lips, a blue based red or cool pink will look stunning.

Of course, just to confuse matters, you *could* be neutral, in which case you have the best of both worlds and will look fabulous in either.

Have a fab New Year’s Eve and see you in 2015!

Not sure? Have I confused you even more? Why not book in for a Colour Consultation and be prepared to be AMAZED at how fabulous you can look in colour!

http://www.susanstylesyou.com
susan@susanstylesyou.com
07801 341526