Shape, size or style - what really matters?

If you want to develop your style then start doing something about it today.  Some people will comment that they would like to feel better about the clothes that they wear but will wait for the weight to shift first.  These are the folk who loved Cinderella as kids, yep I was one of the them.  The ultimate makeover tale and I was enthralled at the age of 2!  But while everyone needs bursts of excitement, life generally progresses at a steady pace and our wardrobes are part of life.  So don't wait for a special occasion, a sudden loss of weight or the funds for a massive spending spree. Take a honest look at your body shape, consider what areas you want to accentuate and look in your wardrobe for a garment or accessory that will bring attention to that area now.

I'm not pretending that this will be easy, not many of us love every inch of our bodies.  But it's essential for your wardrobe development and allows you to be more focussed when you make that shopping list of wardrobe essentials. While the rest of us can do this in the privacy of our own bedroom, Lynne was incredibly generous and allowed me to photograph her so that you can be part of her style development. We considered her body shape and started to make a shopping list for her new wardrobe.  As you look at the picture above consider where do you see Lynne's body go up or down,  in or out?


The first thing that strikes me is the movement down.  The styles and colours of clothes insist that you see them first and eventually look up to Lynne's face. To bring the attention up we first need to create a stronger shoulder line which will support Lynne's fabulous bust.  The length of the sleeves also bring the attention down, sleeves that lie just below the elbow will be far more complimentary.

Lynne's body shape goes in at the legs leaving the upper body looking disproportionately wider. We've already identified that as well as enjoying clothes that are easy to wear Lynne's style personality  has a strong feminine element.  A sensual feminine look requires curves but Lynne's body shape doesn't currently display those curves.  The top right picture shows a more rectangular body shape, definition is going to be vital when shopping for the right garments for Lynne.


So assess your own body shape using these 2 simple questions.
Where do I go down when I should be going up? (Going up is always the more youthful option...)
Where do I go in and where do I go out? Do the areas where I go out need to be balanced up elsewhere?


Now that we know the style and shapes of clothes that Lynne needs size is not a concern so lets quash that myth once and for all - size does not matter!

A Brave New Woman

Today was a great day to begin Lynne's style development.  The snow has gone - OK it's due back, but for today the sky was blue and the sun shone constantly - very symbolic for a new beginning. Today we considered Lynne's unique style personality.  By using different pre-consultation exercises including written word and picture boards we were able to consider what Lynne really enjoys in life, what inspires her and what styles appeal to her.  Our style personality may sound a bit out there but it's vital that if we aim to convey our authentic selves through our appearance we give this some serious thought.    We identified that Lynne is a sensual woman so the use of different materials in outfits will be important. Lynne also appreciates good design in a clean lines and contemporary style using natural materials.  These will be important elements of Lynne's wardrobe as it develops over the next few months.  Look around you, be inspired by what you see and break it down.  For instance many clients are inspired by horticulture but while some love wild, chaotic gardens others appreciate the order and thought of well kept lawns and balance in plant patterns.  The former client may prefer layered and creative forms of dressing while the latter enjoys a minimal, elegant style - both will be beautiful but very different.

The foundation blocks of Lynne's wardrobe have been laid by considering her passions, what makes her happy and that's where every successful wardrobe begins - with the person who will be wearing each garment on a regular basis.

The beginning

17 JANUARY 2010:  The year 2010 just has so much potential doesn't it?  It would be a great year to be born, just to have a special year always be part of you.  It's already been an exceptionally special year for Lynne McNicoll. After spending time working on a voluntary basis for Teenage Cancer Trust she has taken the brave step of setting up a new charity It's Good 2 Give.  Lynne's vision is not that people donate only money but that they can donate their energy, their ideas, time and blood.... Yep, not to be confused with the Twilight film series but if Robert Pattison's reading this feel free to contact us.  January is the month that Lynne's asking us to consider donating blood, a life giving service that doesn't cost a penny.  Lynne does not dabble in charity work and that's why she was recently voted the Institute of Fundraising's Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year Scotland.  So why is Lynne part of this blog?  I approached Lynne and asked if she would consider being part of a short term style programme.  I will document Lynne's style development and you will also learn some valuable style tips as you join with us .  If you feel prompted to donate in any way to It's Good 2 Give then so much the better! First meeting tomorrow...