5 reasons why a personal stylist is a good investment

Many women and men think they don’t have the time or budget to invest in working with a personal stylist yet they spend many fruitless hours searching for the right garments only to find that they waist money on items that are ill fitting, don’t work with existing pieces or end up looking cheap after one wash. There are many misconceptions and stigmas about working with a personal stylist, but the fact of the matter is the experience is inspiring, motivating and in the words of my clients, life changing. Here are 5 reasons why working with a personal stylist will be the best decision you ever made. 

1. Learn to shop smarter saving you time and money.

When was the last time you went shopping with a very clear idea of the items you need, the shop to go to, the colour to choose and the style the garments should be? Working with a personal stylist takes all the stress and guess work out of shopping. You will not only enjoy the amazing experience of having someone advise, source and locate all the essential items for your wardrobe in one afternoon but when you shop for yourself you will no longer feel overwhelmed by all the choices. You will have all the information you need to walk into a store and scan rails like a pro, eliminating items instantly and understanding which items are worth taking the time to try on and which pieces deserve a coveted space in your wardrobe. 

2. Feel confident everyday.

It goes without saying that when you look good you feel good and this feeling shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions but you should feel confident everyday. How you dress communicates to the world your sense of self-assurance, quality and professionalism. If you feel confident in what you are wearing and you love your style you are more likely to step up and get noticed either in social or work situations. On the days you don’t make an effort with your appearance you are more likely to shy away from opportunities, stifling your career. Working with a personal stylist gives you the knowledge and understanding you need to make confident decisions about what to buy. You will no longer feel overwhelmed and unsure but stylish, appropriate and confident.  

3. Build a functional wardrobe FULL to outfits.

One of the biggest problems my clients have is how to put outfits together and this is often due to the fact that their wardrobe is full of pieces not outfits. There are the pieces they bought in the sale, pieces they bought because they looked good on a friend, the pieces they bought when they had a bad day at work. A wardrobe is only functional when the items in it mix and match to create outfits, this is commonly known as a capsule wardrobe. When you feel overwhelmed by an overstuffed wardrobe you are not going to be able to put outfits together with ease. Working with a personal stylist will give you the clarity to understand what items will go with what and what items are missing that you need to purchase to help you to get more use out of existing pieces. It’s like shopping in your own wardrobe. Getting dressed everyday will be a joy and you will never say ‘I have nothing to wear’ again! 

4. It’s all about you!

You are successful in your career, you might have a young family to look after, you're social and busy organising get togethers, there are also the holidays to plan and the house to keep tidy. When do you have time to prioritise yourself and your wardrobe?! My clients love the consultations and taking time for themselves, enjoying the whole process of re-discovering their style. They enjoy the morning ritual of opening a wardrobe that is organised and edited and full of stylish pieces that work for every situation. But its not only about taking time for yourself and working on your personal  image and brand but the knowledge that every item in the wardrobe is in your best colours and your best styles. Style is a personal interpretation of fashion and how YOU like to wear clothes. Working with a personal stylist will help you fall in love with your style again. 

5. Look contemporary and appropriate. 

Being stylish is not about wearing the latest trends it is about an authentic style that is appropriate and up to date. Fashion evolves and so should your style but with so much information about fashion and style available it is easy to get anxious about how you should position your style for your age. Working with a personal stylist helps you gain clarity on what is contemporary and how to dress for your stage of life ensuring you stay current. I work with my clients season after season to review and refresh their wardrobes, distilling fashion trends and showing my clients how they can add a fashion element to their look in a seamless way. From a workwear perspective you need to look as fresh as your ideas and that you have your finger on the pulse of your industry. Working with a personal stylist will help you to translate workwear dress codes into a style that suits you and get you noticed for the right reasons. 

I hope this has given you an insight into what you can achieve by working with me and I would love to help you regain your style identity and be the best you so please get in touch. 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist, Personal Shopper and Wardrobe Consultant working with successful men and women in London, UK. 

Shoe solutions

Shopping for shoes I know is challenging, with so many different foot issues there is not a one size fits all solution. It takes time and patience to find the right fit. But before you embark on finding the right pair, here are my top tips for shopping for shoes successfully…

1. Buy the best quality you can - I know this goes without saying but it really is worth it. Shoe designers spend a lot of time getting the balance of the shoe just right to ensure equal distribution of weight. The quality of the materials has a huge influence on how comfortable the shoe is - always opt for a quality leather inner as when your feet sweat a synthetic will cause the foot to rub. Also pay close attention to the finish on the inside, if they are not finished properly they will rub. If your budget is limited I recommend Whistles (men), M&S (men), Next (men), & other stories, J Crew (men) and Uterque for affordable quality and fashionable design. 

2. Vary the shoe heights - don't wear the same shoes two days in a row. The best way to extend the life of your shoes is to rotate them and use quality shoe trees after each wear. This will extend the life of the shoe but also help your feet stay healthy by ensuring you are not always putting pressure and impact on the same area of your foot and gives your calves a welcome break. 

3. Fit -  Shoes will naturally mould to your foot for greater comfort but never buy a shoe that is too small expecting it to stretch a whole size. Medipaq sells a brilliant shoe stretcher with little bumps for stretching certain areas of the shoe to reflect problem areas on the feet like bunions. Suede is the best fabrics if you have wider feet as it will stretch the most but make sure you protect them first with a suede protector. 

4. Maintenance - If you invest money into your shoes make sure you look after them. Your local cobbler can re-heel, remove marks, re-stitch, add a new buckle, stretch, add a non-slip sole and add a padded front.  

5. Wide feet - This is probably the most common foot issue I deal with. But fortunately there are brands that are addressing this problem. Here are my favourites…

Best for work wear - Sargasso and Grey 

Best for high street - M&S (men) and Next (men) Clarks (men)

Best designer - Jil Sander, Cole Haan (men)

Best online - V by Very, Nordstrom (men)

Best bespoke - Shoes of Prey,  The Left Shoe Company (men)

How to flatter your feet - the shape of a shoe determines how flattering it will be. Choose a style that works for your foot, ankle and calf shape. Here are my top tips…

1. Wide feet - avoid styles that have a strap over the widest part of your foot. Look for styles with a T bar style strap to elongate the foot. Lace up styles that allow you to adjust the width work really well as this means you don’t have to opt for wide fit brands. Cross over straps are also flattering. 

2. Thicker ankles - avoid ankle straps unless they are in a nude colour. Opt for wedges or platforms for extra height and to elongate the ankle. Block heels will be more flattering than stiletto heels as it balances the calf. 

3. Big feet - if you have big feet and want to make them look ‘shorter’ opt for Chanel style two tone toes caps that shorten the foot. Avoid low cut shoes that will elongate the foot. 

If you are having difficulty finding the right shoes, I can help you find the right brands and styles to help you to remove the pain from shoe shopping. 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist, Personal Shopper and Wardrobe Consultant working with successful men and women in London, UK. 

Summer Style inspiration - Rik Rak

Seaside stripes... tick. Summer florals... tick. Ruffled shoulder detail.... tick. Rik Rak.....??? There is a certain predictability with summer fashion but this season there is a nostalgic detail that I love that sets your summer dresses and skirts apart from the rest - Rik Rak.

 When I was a little girl, I thought of my mum's wardrobe as one big dressing up box. My favourite dress of hers was a seemingly simple white dress covered with ribbons and rik-rak sewn in alternate layers. I have had a nostalgic fondness for Rik Rak ever since. And to my delight it is the fashion detail of the moment. I snapped up a top from & Other Stories (similar here) and I have this dress, reminiscent of my Mum's on my wish list. I also love this J crew, this Sonia Rykiel (now on sale!), this Dodo Bar Or dress and this Bliss and Mischief. 

If you are stuck in a rut and always buying the same uninspiring styles, get in touch and fall in love with your style again. 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist, Personal Shopper and Wardrobe Consultant working with successful men and women in London, UK. 

How to dress for 4 seasons in 1 day

I've been in denial. For the past few weeks I have refused to wear a coat opting for lighter (read inappropriate) layers to herald the beginning of spring. But with the weather refusing to be on my side I've resigned myself to the fact that sandal weather is way off and I'm back into sweaters and winter coats. So how can we put the Spring back into our step and start wearing summer clothes now…

Layering

Use items from your summer wardrobe and layer them with your winter pieces. My favourite tran-seasonal look is to pair a printed dress or slip with a leather jacket and boots. If it gets really cold I add a sweater too. The denim jacket is another brilliant layering piece - layer over a sweater and your summery midi skirt and if it gets colder add a coat or parka. 

Fabrics 

Silk regulates your body temperature and preserves your body heat in the cold. Opting for fabrics like silk, light cashmere and fine knit wool are not only easy to layer but give your outfit a luxurious lightweight spring look. Worried about the price tag? Put ‘silk’ or ‘cashmere’ in the search bar of your favourite highstreet store and you will be surprised at what you might uncover. 

Accessories 

This is the perfect way to add a spring touch to your outfit and add some colour. Why not try this seasons must have wicker basket bag? You can wear it with a coat whilst still referencing summer. A pair of statement sunglasses are perfect for those bright but chilly days and a vibrant printed scarf not only keeps you warm but will have you feeling like spring is just around the corner. 

Colour 

It wouldn’t be a Penny Bennett blog without talking about colour! Lighter colours are the perfect way of helping your outfit feel Spring-y after spending the winter in colour hibernation cloaked in navy, black and grey. Try a lightweight coat in cream with a light grey sweater and your soon-to-be summer staple, white jeans. 

What feels feminine now

It is International Women's Day and the perfect opportunity to celebrate women's style and authentic femininity. Many woman come to me because they want to feel more feminine. So I start with understanding what femininity means too them and I ask them to discuss the last time they felt feminine. And what always comes to light is that femininity is not about wearing frills or a pretty frock but about an attitude; how confident you feel in your clothes and how you communicate to the world what you are capable of. When you understand what colours flatter and what styles will highlight your best bits you will wear your clothes with confidence and your femininity will take centre stage.

These are my 4 favourite ways to get femininity into my wardrobe. 

1. COLOUR

I know, I am always banging on about colour! But it can totally change your mood and is not only important for how you see yourself but how others perceive you - the psychological implications of putting clothes on your body are significant. Even if you’re not trying to make an impression or look a certain way, you are still sending out a message. I recently bought a burgundy silk dress from Rhode resort and the design is very simple but it's all about that deep, cherry stained, amazing red that makes you stand out for all the right reasons. 

2. FABRIC

If you are a tactile person like me, the way a fabric feels on your skin is very important. I like fabrics that feel cosy, soft, comfortable, weightless even. I never want my clothes to look like they are wearing me so I opt for fabrics like silk, cashmere and pima cotton that skim the body and move when you walk. Buy the best quality you can afford and you will feel a million dollars. 

3. ACCESORIES

My current obsession are statement earrings and nothing feels more fun and feminine than to add a dangly pair of earrings to anything from a sweater and jeans to a silk dress. Choose your accessories of choice whether it be layered necklaces or stacked rings to add a distinctly feminine and personal statement to your outfit. 

4. FINISHING TOUCHES

I could be wearing jeans, a t-shirt and trainers but if my nails are polished, my hair is done and my lips are moisturised and full, I feel like I can conquer the world. 

I would really love to hear your how you get finality into your wardrobe or if it's something you feel you need help with, get in touch

My favourite #bold women in fashion: Jenna Lyons, Lucinda Chambers, Jordan Dunn, Natalia Vodianova, Erin O'Connor. 

Book to Read: Women in Clothes: Why We Wear What We Wear 

The perfect high street jeans to kick-start spring

It is always about this time of year that I feel the need to update my denim. Having spent the long winter trussed up in skinny jeans to balance the layering and over coats, I long to set my style (and my legs) free and experiment with different cuts and detailing. And the high street is a great place to experiment with new styles before you invest in a designer pair. So what's exciting for spring and how to find your perfect pair. 

Fringing at TOPSHOP

Why: Pair these with a simple cashmere sweater or t-shirt. Perfect for evening or a lunch with the girlfriends. 

Who: If you are very petite wears these with heels and if you have shorter legs, wear a tonal shoe. 

Designer update: 3X1

Embroidery at Madewell

Why: If you are craving summer like I am then delicate floral embroidered jeans will lift your spirits. 

Who: The way the embroidery on these jeans wraps around the thigh is really flattering on everyone. 

Designer update: Gucci

Asymmetric hem at H&M

Why: For those edgy or sporty looks or contradict with an over the top feminine blouse. 

Who: if you have good ankles this is their time to shine. 

Designer update: Vetements 

Vintage at TOPSHOP

Why: The biggest trend at the moment is for authentic non-stretch 100% cotton vintage denim. I love this flattering high waist and comfortable wider leg.  

Who: If you are used to stretch or you are very curvy you may want to avoid this denim. Wider leg styles look great if you are taller. 

Designer Update: Re/done denim

Shop Smarter

My clients come to me because that want to shop better regardless of budget. They want clothes that have longevity both in terms of style and quality. Now there are no rules in terms of what pieces you should have in your wardrobe as this really depends on your lifestyle - one woman’s black cardigan is another woman’s black leather jacket. But there are ways of shopping to ensure you are getting the best quality fabric money can buy and it comes down to one thing… the search engine.

Retailers are investing a lot of money and time into refining the search parameters so you can find exactly what you want. So instead of searching for ‘sweater’ search for ‘wool’ or ‘cashmere’ or if you are looking for a handbag, search for ‘leather’. H&M even has a ‘Premium Quality’ concept that lists all the items on the site that are made with premium fabrics.

Here are my top 5 premium quality high street buys. Obviously if you are shopping in store this becomes challenging. But maybe I will rebrand myself as 'your in-store search engine’! With my help you will recognise the difference between silk and rayon or wool and acrylic in no time. 

COS - weekend essential; the cosy cashmere joggers.

Zara - The softest cashmere in mood-lifting red.

H&M - Who knew. The perfect leather biker. 

Uterque - People won't know if it's Chloe but they will know it's silk.

J Crew - Day to night in this season's coveted colour.

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,