Hair

Hair is usually the first body part to be altered when a woman is making a major life change - perhaps a new career direction or at the beginning (or end) of a relationship.

Well, a change is as good as a holiday, & since I don't have time for one of those, why not change my hairstyle? With the cool, icy temperatures of Winter approaching, I have opted for a touch of drama.

For Winter, I have opted for a darker hair tone...quite scary really considering that my blond hair is my signature & the most frequent word used to describe me. How do I feel? To be honest, I wasn't that comfortable initially. My blondness is my signature, but I felt adventurous & by the time I reach the hairdressers, I am very 'over' making decisions and happy for her to do her thing. To ensure that I didn't get completely out of my comfort zone, I had twin blond foils added for a touch of drama over a mid brown base.

We also took quite a bit of length away at my last visit, opting for a 'bob' length layered cut. I am not overly precious about my hair. I suit shorter styles, but have kept the length because it helps me to feel feminine. I look more professional with shorter hair, but I feel that I look younger with it longer. Now in my mid 30's, I am having that conversation with myself that I may only be able to get away with length in my hair for a few more years so perhaps I should wear it while I can.

A good haircut should make you feel fantastic! It should increase your confidence, make you feel sexier, taller, more sophisticated & most spirited. Styled in the right way, a good haircut can even act as an instant facelift, helping to detract attention from areas of the face that show signs of ageing & highlighting your most flattering features, perhaps great bone structure or full lips.

Colour adds sheen, gloss, texture, thickness, depth & life to your hair and can be used either to enhance your natural hair colour or to explore a different side of your personality and change your image. A good colourist will work with your skin tone and create a style that reflects your character and boosts your confidence. The colour of your hair should be from the same family (warm or cool) as your skin tone. If you have pink skin, avoid reds & warm golds; if your skin has yellow tones, favour deep reds & avoid golds. Dark & olive skin should stay dark, adding richness & depth with lowlights.

During a Colour Analysis (1 hour - $85.00), I always discuss with a client the best colour & style options for their hair. If you are indecisive or reluctant about making a change, but believe that your current colour and style are not bringing out the best in you, come & get some professional guidance. Call me on (09) 475 5987 to schedule a Colour Analysis. A New Seasons Make-up is also included in your 1 hour session.

Now is the time to embard on your change of image!

Monique

Melbourne April 2007

I spent last weekend in Melbourne for The Beauty Expo, which, to be honest, wasn't as exciting as the shopping!

I had determined that the objective of the shop was to find some 'bottom halves' which I could feel excited about. Mid brown, which is my best dark neutral, seems to be somewhat hard to source in Auckland this year, being superceeded by the newly fashionable 'gray' (great for those of you with cool undertones, not good news for us warms).

I spent Friday browsing through the central city stores. There were many shops for the teenage/early twenties age brackets, but I really had to search to find stylistic clothing for anyone over 30! I hit Flinders Street with a credit card, and I know how to use it! Foremost, I went to the major department stores of Myers and David Jones where they hosting a sale with up to 50% off. Unfortunately, I found the variety of styles and sizes unexciting. However, in David Jones I found two items which I put on hold to deliberate whether I would purchase them or not. I like to operate this way, so that I can avoid making an impulse purchase, and then see something that I think is much better later in the trip.

On Saturday, I went to DFO in Spencer Street, which are mall-style Factory Shops. The majority of stock in the majority of stores was summer stock, which was disappointing. It was hard work to weed out some quality winter garments which would serve me well, but I found the following:

Chocolate Brown & Patterned Wrap Dress
This one I was humming and harring over....I could have lived without this item, and to be honest, I am not sure how great I feel in this. I bought it because I just looooove the style of this dress, and I don't often wear dresses due to the fact that I find it very difficult to find a flattering style on my straight body. However, the pattern on the dress is slightly overwhelming on me, and the deep chocolate brown is too intense for my pale skin, but however, better than black.It was only $77.00 which I thought was a reasonable price.



Brown, (nearly) knee-high boots
I figure that these were my best buy, for $149.00. They are genuine leather, have a slight heel (I need to be able to stand comfortably in these day in and day out). I don't believe that I could find these in NZ for under $300.00. True, I would like these slightly higher and a tad more fiiting around the calf, but I just cannot seem to find these qualities in any boot under $500.00.











Beige Tapered Trousers
I have searched for some trousers in a light neutral, it seems, since the evolution of man! Once again, I am wanting to venture from the safety of brown! These were purchased from Sportscraft which have classical clothes. These were $129.00.

V-neck Fitted Tops
Boring, agreed. But these are great wardrobe staples and also good when I am having a 'I want to blend into the background' day. These were $39.95 each from Sportscraft. One is a golden brown and the other is an advocado green.






Morrisey Patterned Wrap Dress
I returned to David Jones on Saturday to purchase this which I put on hold on Friday. It was $249.00 which is a substantial investment in one item of clothing, but I decided to purchase it because the style is perfect for my body type as well as the colours, and it is a little adventurous for me, and rebels against my usual safety zones of cardigans and trousers.











Armani Cream-Beige Wrap Cardigan
Yes, I know, another cardigan, but I love it so. This is my first ever piece of label clothing. Usually I would balk at spending $250.00 on a cardigan, but I bought it because it is very 'now' which is a characteristic that I am looking to introduce in order to liven up my overly classical wardrobe.

So there we have it. Misson accomplished, coming away with four new items which can be worn on the bottom half of the body.


Note - All prices are Australian dollars


Lee's Purchases

Under my careful supervision, Lee selected the following items to add to her wardrobe. Lee was looking to add colour and passion into her wardrobe.

Mauve Pink 3/4 length leather jacket
For $200.00, this was a fabulous buy. As well as adding interest to any outfit, it serves the purpose of being warm as well!


Raspberry Pink Waist Length Leather Jacket
This is hot, hot, hot! Think Pink Ladies from Greece, but an older and more accomplished version. This colour screams 'look at moi' (me, for those who don't watch Kath & Kim).


Black Polo Neck Tunic Top in Stretch
This item is quitely sensuous as well as versatile. This is the right 'soft black' for Lee, and sex appeal this does not lack. Grrrrrr.


Lilic Skirt
Lee feels really feminine in this, and instantly fell madly in love with it. The colour adds spice to her wardrobe.


Silver Scarf
OK, I talked her into this one, but I honestly believe that Lee will own this item for the longterm. The silver grey will be far more versatile than any other colour that she could have chosen. It instantly adds sophistication to any outfit, and does wonders for Lee's blue eyes.


Blue Jumper
Practical and looks great, combining winning colours and style to compliment Lee.


Denim Jeans
From Witchery, we sure found a flattering cut for $........We all know how time consuming it can be to find the perfect pair of jeans, but considering how much time we live in them, it is not worth compromising on 'the best'. The bootleg cut and dark blue colour for winter are 10 out of 10!

Handbag shopping can be tricky, here are some valuable tips!

I believe that every woman has experienced emptying out the contents of her handbag and been gobsmacked at hidden treasures to be discovered in the depths of one’s handbag.

I decided that it was time to simplify my life and went on a mission searching for ‘the right bag’ and had resigned myself to buying 2 if necessary. However, after a visit to Strandbags in Takapuna, somehow I ended up with 3 new bags! Sound excessive? Well, to be fair, they were on sale….only $76.00 each, reduced from $95.00 each.

Personally, I find handbag shopping tricky. Unlike my sister & my best friend, I do not have a ‘handbag fetish’. Nor do I strive to own a ‘showcase bag’ that other people stop me in my tracks to compliment me on (I choose to reserve that position for my jewellery). What I was looking for was something that is unobtrusive and will transport all the parifinallia that I seem to acquire in an organised fashion.

Here is the lowdown on my dilemma….Having a petite frame, I find it difficult to get a bag that doesn’t swamp me and make me look like I am playing dress-up with my big sisters wardrobe. However, by the time I have my wallet, my mobile telephone, my make-up purse, my car keys, a pen, my paperwork, a water bottle and all the other stuff that ends up coming along for the ride, I need a bag of substantial size for practical reasons.

‘Colorado’ produced these 25 cm long by 28 cm’s wide bucket bags which fit the bill. They have 3 internal compartments, which I like, as well as a separate compartment for a mobile telephone (and when I am too lazy to use it, I am sorry,because I can not seem to find the phone in time to answer it). It also happens to have an outer zip and gold zips and buckles which will go with the warm colours I opt to revolve my wardrobe around. Coincidently, they were available in 3 colours that I use regularly as feature colours, so I bought all 3!

The olive green version……….

The red version………….

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  And the ever practical cream version!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tips for ‘Bag Shopping’:

• Try on a bag & observe yourself in a full length mirror to ensure that it is working with your proportions. A tiny bag only makes a large woman look bigger, while a huge bag is overpowering on a petite woman.

• Your bag will draw attention to the area it rests on, so ensure that the bag does not rest on a ‘figure challenge’ or the widest part of your body.

• The shoulder strap should be in proportion to your length.
  


• Matching your shoes, belts & handbags in colour is a tried & true method achieving versatility from your accessories. Neutral colours are recommended for these wardrobe staples.

• Fumbling around for keys, lipgloss or sunglasses means that bags are complicating your basis daily functions. Interior & exterior pocket placement is key to our organisation, so consider your needs before purchasing.
  

• When seams are straight, stitching is even, linings are sturdy & zippers/closures work without struggle, this reflects a quality bag.

I also managed to feed my cardigan fetish during the weekend, adding two new
additions to my already plentiful collection…introducing a teal blue cropped number
from Bliss in Browns Bay. Cropped garments aid the fashionable ‘layered look’ and also help make ones legs look longer (on sale for $75.00 at Bliss). I was drawn to a true green cardi from Glasson's, for only $39.95. Glassons currently have a great range of cardi’s available at the moment. I really enjoy the impressive array of colours to choose from, which is important to me as I feel the cold, however, the alternative of jackets are impractical due to the ease of movement required in my work.

Assisting those who wish to look 'hip' but don't wish to be 'fashion victims' since 2003!

I went to St Lukes on Friday evening for a retail therapy fix. The winter merchandise is starting to filter into the clothing retailers now. Those of you who are old enough will remember that it has been 14 years since teals and greys hit the market with ‘the layered look’ and this year its back, baby and will be big this winter!

Cream is the new white this season….be careful Winters and Summers not to fall into the trap of opting for cream over white when it will make your complexion look sallow and dull. Teal looks stunning on those with Autumn complexions but is in fact a universal colour that will not look bad on anybody….although Winters will look better in crisper blue tones.

There is plenty of talk about footless tights (I’m not sure about those yet!) and tunic tops which can be universally flattering if the shape of the garment is suited to your body.

I was drawn to the romantic, lacy styles that Kimberleys stock from the Metalicus range which is made in Australia. I purchased 4 pieces from this range. For me they are classic, feminine, comfortable and I loved the colour options.

These garments are made of polymide, (which has a lot of stretch and fits to the body) and have an elastane trim. One must be vigilant to maintain it's good condition because this fabric will pull easily and will need to be washed minimally on a gentle cycle.



Does this look like a camisole of a nighty? Oh, I bought it anyway because I figured that being a light neutral colour it will be great for layering…..it will go great with brown, red, teal, green, orange & other creamy tones. $99.90.





This ruby red top with ornate lace I purchased from $99.90. This will go well with creams and deep chocolate brown.

And here it is under last years purchase of a cream v-neck lacey number from Vanilla Ink.

Teal should be mixed with neutrals only, and I love it with chocolate brown. I will be incorporating more of this colour into my winter wardrobe this year!

Cami-style top $85.00 and Wrap around top $145.00.










E-mail your style queries to:
Dear Stylist - monique@stylewise.co.nz
Or check out the http://www.stylewise.co.nz/ for information on one-to-one consultations.
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My weekend in Raglan

This weekend, my friend Lee and I headed to Raglan for a relaxing weekend. Problem was this turned out to be a very expensive weekend because we weren't counting on the high caliber of shops in Raglan.

We headed into a quaint shop called 'Right Up My Alley' who had an impressive collection of antiques, jewellery, collectables, possum fur/merino products, a lot of it imported from Eastern countries. Now Lee and I love this kind of thing and I have made a conscious decision to incorporate a more Bohemian Style into my wardrobe, while still achieving a classic look.

I found these cute little ponchos that were cut very nicely...not big and bulky, but discrete and elegant. These were available in red, black & brown. Being a spring colouring, I quickly eliminated the black (not good on me), but spent some time deliberating between the brown or the red. The brown was a lovely mid-brown, perfect for us springs and would co-ordinate with most of my existing wardrobe. This colour gave a more casual look.


The red is exciting & would add a bit of pizzazz to an outfit. (Excuse the casual attire, but even wardrobe stylists need to dress down in the weekend & be make-up free).

I opted for the red for the reason that this is an unusual piece and I wanted it to grab somebody’s eye when I wear it. I can picture wearing this wee poncho with jeans or with chocolate brown dress pants (as long as they are one colour). It will be good to add warmth when out in the city in the evening and going for a more casual look. Red is one of the key accent colours that use in my existing wardrobe, so I have several mix and match options. The poncho was $85.00.



I was also tempted by several pieces of antique jewellery. I kept my eye out for Lee, because she is a different colouring & body shape for me, so can wear many of the things that I admire and don't suit. Lee and I spent 1 month in India in 2006, so she is very drawn to the ethnic jewellery & clothes.

We saw this beautiful rose quartz necklace. The v shape it creates elongates Lee's neck and the dusty pink harmonises with Lee’s delicate summer complexion. For those that are interested in gems, rose quartz is famous for opening up the heart chakra, and the stones have an energy of their own. So this piece was a go for $140.00 and will be a much loved accessory in Lee’s wardrobe.

We also discovered a wee shop called 'Scintilla' which produces original clothing made in NZ. I purchased a lime green tunic style top for $140.00. This works well with jeans, neutral coloured pants, or in the winter, chocolate brown pants. I love this colour on me....it makes me feel alive and refreshes me.



These chocolate brown jandals with red gems will add some fun to my wardrobe also for only $49.00. If you a drawn to individual pieces, this shop will cater well for you.



So the moral of the story is, don't head down to Raglan and check out these shops unless your credit card has plenty of credit on it.

And remember, that Fashion is not style....style is about being creative and projecting what you want to project. I can help you determine your personal style, go to www.stylewise.co.nz to find out more.

Monique