My Style Modus Operandi

It's February... finally! Let’s forget about resolutions for now and focus on a re-set; an achievable adjustment and a fresh perspective on your style choices. This is my modus operandi when it comes to my wardrobe and style and I know this will help you stay focused all year round.

Be a Fashion Editor

I don’t mean start dressing like Anna Wintour but I do mean edit your wardrobe with the same critical eye. You know if something is worn out, outdated, or no longer relevant for your lifestyle. Recycle the garment or donate it to charity because this always feels good. 

Be Organised

Keep your wardrobe tidy and make use of the space with practical storage solutions. Your first job is to remove the wire hangers and update them with velvet covered non-slip versions. Your clothes will stay in shape and your wardrobe will look good too. 

Be Daring

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Style evolves - just because you have never worn culottes before doesn’t mean you can’t start now! Book an appointment and get inspired. 

Be Decisive

Procrastinate no more. Whether it be to finally clear out your wardrobe, update your moth ridden knitwear or to get help from a professional, some things are worth investing in.

Be relaxed 

This year I resolved to take time for myself and maintain a healthy balance between my two loves; work and loved ones. Keeping my wardrobe edited and full of clothes that are appropriate and versatile keeps me relaxed and stress free. No matter what situation, I know I have an outfit I can put on that makes me feel confident and comfortable. 

Be thoughtful

The sad truth is that the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry on earth. We are all guilty of buying from ‘fast fashion’ high street stores and even if we don’t, if we are wearing it for one season and throwing it away, we are still guilty. So be thoughtful - only shop with a targeted list and avoid impulse buying. Stores are making it easier now to recycle garments that aren’t good enough for Charity. H&M, M&S and Zara all take garments for recycling or visit your local council’s website for local clothing bins. 

My festive wish list

This is by far my favourite time of year... the lights, the get-togethers, the christmas jumpers and of course the gift buying! I take great care in selecting presents for my family and friends. The best gifts are always the ones that they would never think of buying for themselves.

I share this enthusiasm with my clients who come to me to recommend inspirational, original and must-have gifts. So to help you out I thought I would share my festive wish list of covetable gift ideas and what I'll be gifting this year. There is sure to be something for the hard-to-please in your life. 

For my husband - a stylish and functional bed-side alarm clock to stop him from using his phone as an alarm and prevent him from checking his emails in the bedroom when he should be relaxing! The kids will love these allen keys as much as he does and to welcome in the new year and to celebrate his new job, a beautiful Italian leather briefcase.

For my daughter - She's desperate to have her nails painted so I'll fill her stocking with Nailmatic's fun, kid-friendly nail polishes. She is fascinated by women with extraordinary powers so I will get her a Supergirl costume and I'll read to her about real life female super heroes from Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls.  

For my son - It can only be Star Wars so it will be T Shirts from Little Eleven Paris and little lego versions of his favourite characters. 

For me -  I share Gabi Aghion's (the founder of Chloe) love of letters and would love to put this around my neck on Christmas morning. I'd love to take this jumper on my ski holiday and dream of sunnier climates in this dress. I need to be hands free when I'm with the kids and when prepping for clients so a new backpack would be a dream come true. This leather tape measure is beautiful and endlessly practical. And there is nothing better than a good cup of tea and a beautiful book to relax with when the festivities get too much.

But if you still feel overwhelmed by finding a gift that exceeds their expectations, then I offer gift vouchers for all my services. The consultations are informative, fun and eye opening. But don't just take my word for it - read what my clients have to say about getting endless compliments, finding a renewed sense of confidence and finding a life they love. 

Merry Christmas!

Penny x

3 step guide to buying the perfect trousers

It is often thought that a great pair of black trousers is the essential wardrobe back-up, perfect for some many occasions from work to a dinner party. Yet so many of my clients come to me because they really struggle to find that illusive pair of perfectly fit trousers. Now that the weather is cold, the trouser becomes more indispensable than ever so to help you through the coming months of sartorial challenges, I've compiled this 3 step guide on how to find the perfect trousers. 

1. LENGTH | Consider your proportions and your height. 

Tall - Look for brands that offer longer lengths, like J Crew or who cut for a longer leg like Joseph. A cropped trouser on someone who is tall can look ill-proportioned if the crop sits too high above the ankle bone. Consider what shoes you will be wearing to get the length just right. 

Petite - Can petites wear cropped? Yes! Just match or tone the shoe colour with the trouser. Cropped trousers look great on shorter women who can carry the smaller proportions successfully. There are brands that offer petite ranges or better still have trousers altered. The London Workrooms (link) should be on your speed dial. 

Long legs - You choose! Cropped with a statement shoe, wide and long for extra drama… just make sure you consider the material and cut as below. 

Shorter legs - look for a centre crease that make you look long and lean. High waisted styles and a slightly longer leg with heels will also give the illusion of length. 

2. FABRIC | Consider if your body is curvy or straight

Curvy - Look for fabrics that are drapey, flowey or that have stretch to complement your curvy body. Avoid fabrics with texture like tweed that add bulk and stiff fabrics that will look ill-fitting and give you drag lines across your crotch.   And importantly consider the pockets - side pockets that pull can make your hips look wider, flap pockets on the back will add bulk to the bottom. 

Straight - You have greater choice in fabrics whether they have drape or are stiffer but consider the length and cut. 

3. CUT | welcome to the world of something-for-everyone...wide, tapered, pencil, straight, skinny... so much choice!

Wide - Good for tall, curvy and those with short or long legs. 

Straight - Good for everyone. Consider wearing with a heel to lengthen the leg and balance the hips. 

Tapered - Good for everyone. This is my favourite cut as it gives shape to straighter bodies but complements the curvy body. 

Skinny/Slim - Good for tall or petite, longer or shorter leg. Those who are curvier need a fabric with stretch and a bulkier shoe to balance the hips. 

The key is to experiment and try different styles. By doing this you can make comparisons to really find the style that is right for you. When you find a pair of trousers that suit you down to the ground, buy them in every colour and in triplicate!

Trouser muses - Catherine Hepburn, Jenna Lyons, Greta Garbo, Vogue’s Sarah Harris, Emmanuelle Alt 

Favourite brands - J Crew, Max Mara (curvy), Helmut lang (very slim legs), COS, Joseph and Vince

Thanks for reading, 

Penny x 

snow-conquering boots that are stylish

Perfect for braving unpredictable climates in the city and for looking stylish on the slopes, the snow boot should be a winter season essential in your wardrobe. Look for non slip rubber soles, cosy fleece lining and for those that like a bit of leg lengthening, a wedged heel. Once you have slipped your feet into these beauties you will never look back! Wear with skinny jeans or leather leggings and your favourite cashmere sweater. My favourites are from Isabel Marant, Ganni, Penelope Chivers, See By Chloe,  Sorel and Rag and Bone

How to wear wide leg trousers

The skinny jeans have become a wardrobe staple but consider the wide leg trouser as a brilliant cold-weather alternative. But how to wear them for your body shape? They look equally good with a tailored shirt or slouchy jumper, with trainers or boots.  And they transition so beautifully into evening which for the festive season solves all your day to night outfit dramas. But avoid a stiletto - not only could the heel get caught in the fabric but a thicker heel helps to balance the silhouette. They are flattering on all body types but which style to choose? No matter what your body shape, I have the style for you. 

Tall - low slung with pleats and lots of fabric for added drama. 

Petite - high waisted with a centre crease to elongate the leg and lengthen the silhouette. 

Curvy - drapey fabric to compliment your curves and flat fronted style to avoid adding bulk. 

Straight - look for straight details like side stripes or a more structured fabric like denim. 

My wide leg trouser muses… Katherine Hepburn, Yasmin Sewell, Olivia Palermo, 

Best T Shirts on the highstreet

A client once asked me "what is the point of t shirt"? I understood her argument, as a stand alone item they are not particularly interesting or inspiring. But that is the beauty of them. T shirts have this incredible ability to look elegant paired with a statement skirt, look crisp paired with high waisted denim, look cool with a pair of leather culottes or make a tweed jacket look modern… Not to mention that the are preposterously comfortable and affordable! I’m constantly on the search for the holy grail of t shirts and find myself time and again heading to this one highstreet store for an update…COS! The key to finding a great t shirt is the fabric. I prefer my t shirts to have drape as they are more flattering so I opt for a fine cotton or silk and I always size up. Here is a selection I have bought for my clients this season…

Women: silk, oversized, v neck

Men: cotton, round neck, oversized

Top 5 tips for a curated closet

1. Choose a colour palette

Understanding your personal colouring makes it easier for you to build a capsule wardrobe of items that mix and match. All the colours work together no matter what the combination and importantly flatter your skin tone. It is even more important in winter when you need to be able to layer like a pro. Here are my favourite palettes to suit all skin tones;

light & warm… camel, light grey, navy, brown, cream

light & cool… navy, light grey, dark grey, white, burgundy

deep & warm…camel, chocolate, navy, dark grey, forest green

deep & cool….black, grey, navy, white, red

2. Get in the mood

As part of my consultations I ask my clients to produce a mood board of images that make their heart sing. When all the images are collated you can easily see consistencies and common themes such as colours, silhouettes, styles or individual items you love. Make a list and use this list to review your existing wardrobe, for example; muted colours, romantic styles, anything in leather, relaxed silhouettes. You will easily be able to see if there are items that don’t work for you anymore, remove these items and start to see a more consistent style coming through. Pin this list inside your wardrobe to keep you focused. 

3. Build a wardrobe that fits your REAL life

Your wardrobe should proportionally represent your lifestyle and how you spend your time. If you once worked in Finance but are now a stay at home mum, your wardrobe should reflect how you spend most of your time now. You will need comfortable and practical but stylish clothes and flat shoes or low heeled boots. When once a cashmere coat would have been a good investment, now a fur lined hooded parka should be top of your list!

4. Edit, edit, edit

You should edit your wardrobe between seasons and ideally have a mini edit in the middle of the seasons. I edit my wardrobe at least once a month; what do I love wearing at the moment, how can I get more wear out of pieces, Does that item still fit in with my personal style or lifestyle? By continually asking yourself these questions you will maintain a streamlined wardrobe of items you love and most importantly, wear! It will also stop you from making impulse purchases that don’t fit in with your wardrobe and help your shopping to be more targeted which brings me to tip number 5…

5. Shop Smarter and more selectively

Never go shopping without a targeted list and a clear idea of what you need to pull outfits together. Whether your budget is Prada or Primark the principles are the same, don’t stray from the list and take your time. I rarely buy a piece on the same day I try it on. I think about where I can wear it, what it will work with in my wardrobe and whether it complements my style. It’s better to have a gap in the wardrobe than a guilt-ridden gap in your bank account!

Coat Check

The mornings are fresh and the nights are chilly and that can only mean one thing - it is time to update your Autumn Winter wardrobe. When it comes to the cold season the coat is the key piece and its now or never if you want to secure the best of the season. But where to start? Review your existing wardrobe - it may be time to update that classic coat that now looks tired or if you have a good collection of coats then don’t be afraid to opt for something more statement. Nothings more modern than a beautiful coat paired with denim and flats. Wear it with pride and let it define your style for the season. 

So what makes a great coat? Regardless of your budget, material, cut and quality are key. If the best you can afford is high street then I would suggest starting with online research (yes, research!), type ‘wool’ into the store's search bar to make sure you are getting the best quality on offer.

To help you in your search, there are labels that are known for their coat offering - at Burberry you will find military styling and of course the iconic trench, at Chloe a romantic cape, at Max Mara the ultimate classic coat and at Whistles, the cocoon coat, and fabulous fur and leather. 

But of all the new seasons fantastic offering which will work best for your personal style? Whether your a classic, romantic or bohemian, I have found the cream of the coats that will become your hero piece.

Classic - try luxurious camel

Minimalist - try the boyfriend

Romantic - play with proportion

Bohemian - try a cape

Casual Luxe - try the aviator

Fashion or Die - try a fun fur

And For Men; The Classic, The Contemporary, The Preppy, The Fashion Forward, The Sporty  

Accessories update from NY fashion week

Ring details have featured on skirts, trousers and tops and now it's the handbags that are playing hoopla this Autumn. Seen on countless New York fashion week attendees - if you are looking for classic elegance with a modern spin, you will run rings around the competition in this beauty. My favourites are pictured above from J W Anderson, Future Glory Co, Theory, Yves Saint Laurent and Simon Miller

Shopping for workwear on a budget

Deborah Meaden, Business Woman says “If you dress at the top end of your game, it will be obvious you are outgrowing your position”. Style plays an important role in the office but I know how difficult it can be when you need to update your working wardrobe on a budget. But the highstreet is getting serious about workwear and it is possible to look designer on an intern’s budget. And I haven’t forgotten about my male clients - menswear options highlighted below. Here are my picks…

J Crew (Menswear) - Whether you work in the city or soho, J Crew has flattering dresses and great essentials. You are sure to be going places. 

Whistles (Menswear) - With contemporary and fashion forward take on work wear, Whistles gives new meaning to the term ’suited and booted’.  

Fox & B - More affordable than Equipment and just as design focused, new label Fox & B brings you the perfect blouse for work, rest and play. As a subscriber, you receive an exclusive 10% discount. Contact me for details. 

Mango - OK, maybe I was seduced by their campaign with my girl crush, Giorgia Tordini but Mango is a diamond in the rough and these shoes will elevate any boring old black trouser. 

Zara (Menswear) - Where would we be without the formidable monster that is, Zara. But proceed with caution - opt for simpler, less season specific pieces when shopping on a budget. This will prevent any awkward doppelganger moments!

It is possible to be stylish and successful on a budget but if you need more personalised advice then please get in touch. 

Penny x

Easy Formula for the Perfect Wardrobe

I hope you have enjoyed the Summer but with a few days until it's officially Autumn, now is the perfect time to look forward. Imagine your wardrobe was full of high quality pieces that reflected your style and were appropriate for your lifestyle.  It is achievable and all you need is time and a simple formula I use when reviewing my client's wardrobes....

ORGANISATION + PLANNING = THE PERFECT WARDROBE

STEP 1 - ORGANISATION

Be honest with yourself - Before you start, you need to edit. Keep your favourites, those pieces you are confident in and are complimented on. Be honest about the rest and ask yourself this; does it still reflect my style? Have I worn it this season/year? Has it ceased to be an item I wear and become a sentimental keepsake? Is it damaged/worn out/stained?

Expensive mistakes - Don't keep it because you feel you have to wear it to recoup the costs. It only acts as a constant reminder of the money you could have spent more wisely. Your trash is another person's treasure so sell it, it's good for your wallet and the environment too.  Promise yourself you will reinvest that cash back into a piece that will work harder for you and bring you more satisfaction. 

To see is to wear - If had a pound for the amount of times I heard a client say 'Oh, I forgot I had that!'. You are going to feel stressed getting dressed if you open a bulging wardrobe with mismatched wire hangers and lack of organisation. Clutter has a negative impact on your stress levels!  Make the most of the space you have and ensure that every item is displayed properly. 

Create clear divisions - It's really important that you understand your lifestyle so do a pie chart of the proportions of time you spend at work, socialising, exercising, travelling and at home. Your wardrobe should reflect these proportions. Depending on lifestyle and personality, I arrange my clients wardrobes to suit. For a city client who travels for work, I might divide the workwear and casual/social wear, using one wardrobe for each. Some clients enjoy their clothes hung in outfits so they know what they are wearing for the week. Or maybe you are more traditional and hang by type. 

STEP 2 - PLANNING

Back to basics - When you wardrobe is organised and your pieces are displayed properly you will see obvious gaps. The majority of the time, clients lack good basics to pull looks together; a great white silk shirt, a tailored jacket, comfortable and stylish flat shoes. 

No more last minute - Review your diary 1 month to 6 months in advance. What social occasions have you got to attend, work trips or holidays? Can you put together great outfits from existing combinations or do you need an update? Make a list and DON'T deviate from it. Shop online at your favourite stores and put the item you are looking for in the search bar so you avoid any distractions. And no last minute airport purchases!  

 Quality over quantity - This isn't a numbers game. A wardrobe full of low-quality impulse buys will not work as hard for you as a collection of highly edited and coordinated pieces.  That's what a capsule wardrobe is; a collection of pieces that you can easily mix and match. Planning your purchases with careful consideration as to how and where you will wear it, will stop you for making mistakes and help you to create the perfect wardrobe! 

Penny x 

Image Impact. What it is and how to get it.

One of my favourite quotes on personal branding is from Jeff Bezos CEO and founder of Amazon “Your brand is what other people say about you when you are not in the room”. Your personal brand is what makes you unique and authentic. But are you standing out for the right reasons? 

A few weeks ago I was asked to comment on the national radio station, TALK radio, about Boris Johnson’s image and his controversial new hair cut (you can listen below). When Boris was running for London Mayor, his mad, feathery blonde hair made him standout out and even helped him to appear more approachable. But now that he finds himself in the formidable role of Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, representing the UK in all foreign matters, is his personal brand representative of his gravitas and effectively communicating his sense of quality and professionalism, or does it just say ‘cultivated chaos’?

What impression are you making on people with whom you meet and work every day? We are all really busy and we rely on instant information - you have made an impression on someone before you utter a word. So look the part. Be dressed in what is appropriate for your profession and the environment you are in whether it be a formal meeting, a networking lunch or client pitch. 

Maybe, like Boris you find yourself in a more senior role within your company but you want to dress with more impact and to influence people or maybe you recognise some of these scenarios below...

You have been in your current position for too long whilst other people are being promoted around you. You feel stymied in your career. 

Ask yourself - is your personal brand representative of your career objectives, future goals and what you're capable of being? 

Top Tip - People grow and evolve and so should you style. If your current look isn’t working for you, you are sending the wrong messages to your colleagues. You need to look as fresh as your ideas, updating your look communicates that you are current, up to date and that you have your finger on the pulse of what your company and clients need. 

You are very good at your job and your position in your company reflects that. But when it comes to socialising and networking outside of work you feel completely out of your depth and it shows!

Ask yourself - how effectively do you network? Do you come across as approachable and engaging or do you struggle to keep peoples attention. 

Top Tip - colour psychology plays a significant part here. Avoid intimidating high contrast combinations that keep you in work mode and opt for lighter more approachable colours. Your clothes can be a great talking point, - an interesting pocket square or a great piece of jewellery can be a conversation starter. 

If you relate to any of these scenarios stop putting your image to the bottom of your ’to do list’. Having a professional to guide you through the minefield of what to wear will help you maximise your impact and help you to enjoy your life! So get in touch! 

Penny x