Festival Chic

Festival Chic by susanstylesyou featuring guess eyewear

Well finally we have some sunny weather, which got me thinking Festivals!

Got your tickets sorted? Now comes the panic! Just because you are camping for a few days doesn’t mean all the fashion rules go out of the window!

Just what is the dress code for festivals? I have the hottest solutions for you whatever the weather.

The key to pulling an outfit together is keep it to two or three colours at most.

Cool: I love the Sam Edelman hi-top trainers with the stud embellishment.  The neutral colour means they will go with everything. Denim shorts are a Summer staple and I teamed mine with this Wildfox pale-pink T-shirt. Share the love with its cute heart shaped print! The vintage Converse cross body bag is practical and perfect for carrying your essential supplies. Add a touch of quirkiness with this little spotty hair accessory.  Finish the look with some delicate silver jewellery from Stella and Dot.

Classic: another wardrobe staple – the maxi dress. Stripes are very on trend this season and I love the bright colours in this one. Made from light weight jersey, it is flattering on any silhouette – the ultimate in super cool style. If its a bit chilly you could throw a little denim jacket over the top. I’ve added some gladiator glam with these pretty tough strappy sandals featuring in a chunky buckle and stud design. I’ve brought out the coral in the other accessories like the little Betsey Johnson zip wallet – big enough for your lipgloss and a few coins at least! Dress it up with this gorgeous lace trimmed fedora, pop on a statement necklace and you are festival ready!

Cutesy: Why not go for something far more unique with this cream embellished smart playsuit! With beaded pattern and racer back, this is super sexy and on-trend. I’ve kept it girly and romantic by bringing out the pink in the accessories. What festival would be complete without a pair of wellies? I just adore these spot wellies from Joules, durable yet stylish and sure to keep your feet safe and secure whilst you’re out and about in the great outdoors.  Pink sunnies and a friendship bracelet complete the look.

You don’t want to be carting your whole collection of make-up so why not opt for the basics?

Colour Me Beautiful Tinted Moisturiser is perfect for giving you that gorgeous glow and comes in 3 colours. A lightweight moisturising tint is the perfect alternative to foundation for a more casual look. Packed with conditioners it hydrates the skin while its light diffusing properties unifies skin tones and corrects imperfections.

Add some Creme Blush. A luxurious blush that glides on to cheeks giving a luminous finish. Available in two sumptuous shades, Lychee and Melba, in a compact screw-top pot for perfect blush on the go.  Apply with fingertips for a natural, healthy glow.

Finish with a slick of Lipgloss. Lightly tinted, this lip gloss adds a subtle radiant sheen to lips. Looks fabulous on its own and over lip pencils and/or lipsticks.

The Colour Me Beautiful cosmetics range has been carefully designed to suit individual colourings making it easier for you to choose your most flattering make-up shades and create your perfect colour combinations.

So there you are – outfit sorted, make-up essentials sorted. Panic over!

What’s your Festival Style?

Whether you’re a festival virgin or a hardened fanatic stay stylish and enjoy this Summer’s Festivals – come rain or shine!

For further information contact me on Susan@susanstylesyou.com or call 07801 341526

Every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man …

How timely that a couple of weeks ago I received an invitation to go take a look at the new look Topman in Manchester Arndale? This was an event that was part of #tweetseatmay.

Up until recently, I have been concentrating on helping women to look great and feel fabulous. However, April saw me welcoming my first male clients to be “Colourised” and the word is spreading fast!

So, last week, it was with some trepidation that ventured into the world of Men’s fashion for the first time – well in a professional capacity anyhow!

The first thing I noticed about the store was how spacious it was. It is now the second biggest Topman in the country. Everything was well organised and laid out into separate clearly defined sections and I could see that there was something to suit every Style Personality. It also had a very upmarket feel to it. The very smiley staff were super stylish and super helpful! Its official Topman has seriously upped its ante!

As part of its rebranding, Topman now has a very exclusive Style Room available to shoppers, run by Dave and Ruby. I went along to have a chat about what they do. They are both so enthusiastic and clearly love what their jobs! The room itself is very cool and trendy with an urban feel to it. You immediately leave the hustle and bustle of the store behind and enter into a calming environment. You can chill and enjoy a beer while Dave and Ruby skillfully put together some looks, carefully selected for you . Dave is very knowledgeable about men’s fashion and is a very dapper chap himself to boot! We had a good giggle talking about our past fashion incarnations!

The Style Room is your go to place if you are in need of a new outfit, maybe for a special occasion or perhaps you just fancy a new look? Dave is your man! I promise he won’t let you leave till you are looking phenom! You don’t need to book the Stylist service, although you can do this if you wish. An added bonus is that clothes can be altered, usually the same day, at no extra cost! Now, that is what I call going the extra mile.

Dave and Ruby then took me on a little tour of the store explaining the different looks and trends.

I was very impressed by the suits. There some very sharp numbers with a retro feel and not just your plain navies and charcoals but pillar box red and turquoise no less! I know, not for everyone but its was great to see some bold and bright colours for men. They looked A LOT more expensive than the price tags.

 

“Looking good and dressing well is a necessity. Having a purpose in life is not.”
– Oscar Wilde

The shoe section was excellent with great price points and a fab selection from smart brogues, though to trainers, again in great colours.

The extensive collection of accessories means that you could easily pick up a whole outfit in one go! Perfect for your Summer Holiday essentials too! If you are popping in say hi to Dave and Ruby from me!

I will certainly be popping in with my Personal Shopping clients!  And you can look forward to receiving more Men’s Fashion styling and tips from me in the future!

 

As I said, my services are now available to me now also! Do get in touch to find out more susan@susanstylesyou.com 07801 341526

From Feeling Frumpy to Yummy Mummy!

You don’t need a Victoria Beckham-style bank balance to be a Yummy Mummy. After a Complete Makeover with Susan Styles You, you will know how to look fabulous with a minimum of time, effort and cash – yes, even on the school run…

It only takes small changes like slicking on some lip gloss,  grabbing a pair of stylish pumps that coordinate with your outfit, or throwing on a statement piece of jewellery or scarf.

Here’s what one (now) Yummy Mummy had to say after visiting Susan Styles You:

 

“I decided to come to you as it had been something I had been considering for a long time but after having James was feeling a bit old and frumpy so thought I needed a bit of a boost.  With a small child, clothes need to be comfortable and practical (especially in my case where I can’t wear tight fitting clothes around my stomach area to suck in the flab).  

Though I felt I knew mostly what colours suit me. I felt like my wardrobe was pretty drab.  As you explained that is partly due to the fact that I am a “Soft”.  Since the consultation I have been going through my wardrobe, and don’t think I have made too many drastically wrong colour choices (except black) as I have been very conservative and avoided most bright and pastel colours.  However, now I see on my colour chart many more options for brighter flattering shades that I can try.  Some I still worry about (like fuschia).  However, I have tried some that I would have never considered before like the rose pink, and the sky blue and I feel it suits me quite well, so I will be trying others in future too.

 Other advice that you gave me regarding the styles was very useful.  Though again, I felt I knew many of the “rules” from watching Gok, Trinny and Susanah etc, there were also many things I didn’t know, like the elbow length sleeves for example.  I have looked through some of my clothes and picked out some that I am going to toss and now I know why I never quite liked them enough to wear them regularly (or at all!!!).  Knowing more of the rules helps to understand why I mostly like something but there is something just not quite right about it, hopefully I can avoid mistakes more in the future.  For example the thing about the thinner fabrics, I didn’t know about and I have been seeing what difference it can make.  

So, I guess in summary even though I felt that I knew a fair bit of the theory, I just wasn’t happy with the way things looked.  Since I saw you, it has taught me a number of new things confirmed others and has given me confidence to be a bit more adventurous. Also I have been thinking a lot more strategically about outfits and buying clothes than I had before.”

Feeling frustrated with your wardrobe? Contact me on susan@susanstylesyou.com or call me on 07801 341526

Fancy a bit of Hanky Panky?

Fancy a bit of Hanky Panky? by susanstylesyou featuring vintage 1920 s dresses

Hey do you fancy a bit of Hanky Panky?There’s fab event happening at the Didsbury Lounge on Sunday 26 May 2013 (sorry to disappoint but a Hanky Panky is one of the delicious cocktails they will be serving on the night).It’s G and Tea time! Get ready to party and drink like it’s 1920. Hide away from the Police to  drink gin in tea pots and take part in some illicit “back room” gambling. Dust off your Al Capone outfit or put on your best moll’s frock and they will donate £5 to charity.

Don’t waste any time booking your tickets HERE. £10 entry fee includes $100 Monkey Dollars for the roulette table and a Prohibition Cocktail.

Great you’ve got your tickets, let’s help you get you get your outfit sorted.

In case you hadn’t noticed, fashion has gone OTT  “Great Gatsby” just now. The High Street is heaving with opulence – jewelled dresses, feathers, fringes, sequins are appearing everywhere, so there’s no excuses!

In the 1920s, Flappers were seen as rebels as they pushed social boundaries by drinking and smoking in outfits that were seen as very risque. The 1920s was also a pivotal turning point in history as these small changes helped to redefine women’s roles. It was a very glamorous and prosperous time when some of fashion’s most powerful players entered centre stage. It was an era where sumptuous glamour met mischief for a riotous evening of hedonism.

F. Scott Fitzgerald said of the era:

 

“Who could tell us any longer what was fashionable and what was fun?”

 

So what exactly was the Flapper look?The flapper look was called “garconne” or “little boy”, instigated by Coco Chanel. The Flapper costume was fun and flirty with its shorter hemlines and loose dresses, gave a naughty flash of silk stocking and garters they danced. Arms were bare and waistlines were dropped. It is said that girls “parked” their corsets when they were to go dancing. The new, energetic dances of the Jazz Age, required women to be able to move freely.

 

Cloches were the way to go in headgear, or else a feather headband with layer upon layer of long pearls and decadent, bold costume jewellery.The Flapper style made girls look young and boyish with short hair, no boobs and straight waists. So curvy girls beware – this fashion may not be flattering for you! You can nod to the trend and look way sexier by wearing sequins and pearls in a more fitted dress.The key to wearing this look is to take one vintage aspect and update it with modern accessories and trends. Why not try piling on layers and layers of pearls to a plain dress, a feathered headband with sequinned skirt and heels, or a drop waist dress with gladiators? Scour vintage shops for Art Deco jewellery and mix it with more contemporary styles.

 

 

And what about the gents? Take advantage of this fab opportunity to dress up! Make like Jay Gatsby in tuxedo and spats or a period three piece suit. Pinstripe was a popular choice of pattern. Accessories such as pocket squares, pocket watches and boutonnières were very fashionable. Of course a hat is a must, try a dashing straw Panama or a dapper boater.

 

Club collar shirts in white or light blue were often anchored by ties with small geometric patterns, completing the top half of a customary 1920s outfit.

 

 

Get your dancing feet Gatsby ready by choosing a pair of two tone brogues and you are all set!

 

 

 

So, glamorous pleasure seekers let’s get ready to Charleston at Didsbury Lounge on Sunday 26 May 2013. See you there!

Perfect Prom Dress

Perfect Prom Dress by susanstylesyou featuring a hinged bangle bracelet

I spotted this gorgeous dress in Coast at the Trafford Centre on a recent Personal Shopping trip – just THE perfect prom dress! Of course it would be perfect for ANY special occasion – be it a wedding or garden party. I love the elaborate applique and the striking contrast colour way. The graphic floral detail is so on trend this season. It is a very romantic dress but also a little edgy.

The Mycah dress features a patent skinny belt that cinches in at the waist complimenting its slightly flared pleated skirt making for a sensational silhouette. This style of dress is great if you are Triangle or Pear shape as it will draw the attention above the waist.

As the dress is SO striking keep the rest of your outfit simple and let the dress do the talking. I’ve teamed it with very understated jewellery from Stella and Dot . I’ve also chosen to bring out the pink in the accessories but it would look equally fab with nude heels and clutch. You will certainly be the belle of the ball in this number!

Are you tearing your hair out looking for an outfit for a special occasion?

I can help contact me susan@susanstylesyou.com or call me on 07801 341526.

Singing in the Rain!

Singining in the Rain! by susanstylesyou featuring a hooded jacket

Unfortunately, April Showers are continuing way into May. Its not quite cold enough for a Winter coat so a mac is the best bet. Here’s how to look super stylish in inclement weather.The first look is very casual and relaxed but still looks chic with tone on tone colours. The Michael Kors jacket is expensive but is a real investment buy. The neutral colour means it will pop over all your casual outfits effortlessly.

I love the graphic print Jaeger mac in the middle, a modern version of the iconic trench. Its a colourful way to shield from Spring showers. Belt it for a retro-inspired spin that`s playful and classically chic. Perfect for all you hour glasses.

Finally, step away from the black and rock the Spring trend for florals in this beautiful orchid print parka from Ted Baker. Keep it feminine fresh with some colour pop jeans.

Don’t just pick up any old umbrella. Make sure it coordinates with your outfit to complete your look.There are so many great styles to choose from so whatever your budget or figure type there is a perfect style for you. Be quick before the best ones go!

Do you need a wardrobe makeover? Contact me susan@susanstylesyou.com or 07801 341526

Warning! Being “Colourised” is contagious!

This is why I love my job so much. Lisa’s Mum Sally was lucky to win my raffle prize of a Full Colour Consultation at a recent Oasis in the City event. She came along with Sally to observe and was totally blown away at the dramatic difference wearing the right colours can make. She phoned me the very next day to book in for her own Colour Consultation and since then her auntie has been for hers. All three ladies just love how wearing the right colours has made them look fresh, alive and healthy and all three have received compliments on their appearance since being “Colourised” by me!

I LOVE it when people get so excited that it becomes contagious! Who’s next?

“Hey Susan,

 

hope all is well with you.

 

Had lots of my colours on this week which is very exciting and I feel so much more confident!

 

The black is slowly creeping out of my wardrobe and I plan to go and make a few colour purchases later on today!

 

My auntie was so excited when she saw everything put together and she was like ‘OMG give me Susan’s Twitter!’.

 

Love Lisa x”

Have you been “Colourised” yet? Contact me susan@susanstylesyou.com or 07801 341526