FINDING YOUR STYLE....

For me it is murphy's law the day you are in your oldest tracksuit and have walked out the house without a lick of make up you will run into the popular girl from school or the friend you haven't seen in ages and even ducking behind the meat counter won't stop her from discovering you. The Take-A-Lot advert on TV right now sums it up in a nut shell, the new mom running into the glamorous friend while she looks less the glamorous you can just see on her face she wishes the ground would swallow her up!

Now a lot of people will turn around and say but I don't have the time I am juggling work, kids, a house etc etc the list can go on, however I am a great believer in that if you feel great on the outside it impacts the rest of your life and just makes you a better functioning human being. I know on the days I feel less than my best it sets the tone for the rest of the day and suddenly you have accomplished half of what you normally could do just because you do not feel top of your game.

With all the new products on the market to make you life easier we really don't have an excuse to look at the top of our game every time you step out the house. Items like BB cream (Beauty Balm) that covers moisturiser, foundation and SPF all in one special little tube can cut your make up routine down by a good 5 minutes, add a bit of mascara, some lip-gloss and a little bit of blush and you are good to go, okay you might also want to put a hairbrush through your hair and make sure it looks presentable but all in all this should literally take you 30 minutes. I know people that need two hours notice to get ready to go any where, if it is taking you this long you do not have good basics in place and you need to re-examine your routine!

For me basics are your go to formula when you just don't have that hour to dedicate to getting ready and you need to still look like a million bucks. I call it my style uniform for me it is a good pair of jeans with a blouse and blazer this can be dressed up or down by adding a couple of strategic accessories. I know that it looks good and can get me through a braai or a romantic diner. Not everyone will have the same formula and remember when you are in a rush you don't want to be experimenting with a new make up look or an outfit you are not quiet sure about. The absolute key to making sure your formula works is preparation. Victoria Beckham recommends preparing the night before and I find this works so well. Now I am not saying lay all your clothes out the night before and one has to be flexible as you never know how the weather might change or even your plans for your day, but just be a little prepared in the back of your mind have a couple of outfit ideas stashed away. If I have a special event or even a day where I want to look just plan fabulous I will start planning two weeks before the event. If you feel like a million bucks it will definitely shine through on the  day!

One question I am asked often is how you find what style works for you? (This is where I must outline the difference between style and fashion: style is your signature that works for you and normally flows through everything from your home décor to your personal look, fashion is more art in my mind it is the runway shows and the latest trends). Okay but back to the question at hand, I am a great researcher I will study magazines, celebrity trends (and not the red carpet stuff lets face it how often in your life are you going to attend a ball?) but rather their every day looks. Think about it a celebrity normally has some sort of stylist assisting and guiding them so by looking at a celebrities style you get the benefit of a stylist at no charge.  Remember when looking at which celebrity's style you like you need to keep in mind are they the same body shape as you, height etc and does it fit in with the restrictions you might have? There is no point in wanting to look like Victoria Beckham when first of all you are not build like a bean pole and work in a factory or casual environment prancing around in 5 inch heels is not going to be practical or realistic. What you could take from her is that she always looks put together whether she is attending a soccer match with her kids or attending a fashion gala.

So you have picked someone you would like to emulate again it might not be a celebrity but perhaps a good friend or acquaintance whose style you admire. Look at what you like about their style and also what you don't like. I then build what I call my style file in this style file (digital or old school) I will store outfit ideas both casual and formal. Look at what are their go to basics. For me my current "style icons" are Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Alba and Jessica Biel (I must have a thing for people whose name starts with J). I love the way they look put together but in an understated way. The common thing for all of them is they love neutral basics, jeans, blazers, scarves (a great way for dressing an outfit up or down) wedges, boots, shirts and your plain basic T. Their style is not fussy or busy.  You also want to keep your age in mind, it would be ridiculous for me to look at Miley Cyrus as a style inspiration there comes a point in time when you are just not going to be able to rock that crop top! However what I could take from her is her edgy rock side and spice up my own style with a leather jacket thrown over a maxi dress for instance! My style file is there to help inspire me and especially on those days when I just don't know what to wear.

This even helps me edit my own wardrobe, it helps me decide if a particular outfit fits in with the overall look I am going for, also when you are shopping keep in mind the items you are missing to achieve an overall look this should help you save money and not end up buying items that will never be worn. Another great place to get inspired and help find your style signature is style books two that I would highly recommend as they are easy reads and style focused rather than fashion is Style A to Zoe by Rachel Zoe and Style by Lauren Conrad and of course style blogs! You will soon see the kind of style that inspires you.

Most important factor to remember is have fun while you are finding your personal "style" signature. You will make mistakes, I still leave the house on days and later in the day think what was I thinking! Making mistakes is how we learn. I also offer consultations if you are still stuck where we can look at things like wardrobe editing building your shopping list and even just helping you find your style signature.

Here is some style inspiration...Look out for my next blog don't forget to subscribe to get your copy emailed directly to you. XOXO Simone 

Going to have to give the outfit in the middle ago!

Jessica Alba shows us that even a new mom can be stylish!

Simple plan black skinnies and jacket are dressed up with a scarve. Scarves are great ways to change an outfit with minimal expense. Throw one on with jeans and a plain white t-shirt with wedges and you have a great out and about outfit.

Dresses are great wardrobe basics the long maxi's that are in fashion right now are awesome!