23 March 2009

Whats in this Issue

• Autumn on a Shoestring
• New Season Trend – Feathers
• Autumn 09 Report
• Smart Shopping – Classic Pieces and Embelllishment
• Men – New Take on Classic Styling
• Body Image - Love the Body You're In

Welcome to our Newsletter

I’ve returned from a relaxing break with my OH in Melbourne and New Zealand, fresh with new ideas, season trends and some beautiful scarves for you to wear.

Autumn on a Shoestring

Update your wardrobe without bruising your bank account. Don't get caught up in discounts, those jeans might be 50% off but that doesn't mean buying two pairs.

For a one step update for only $25 add a scarf in metallics (silver or bronze), stripes (pink or orange), florals or plains in colours (turquoise, lime, red, purple) or neutrals (ivory, grey, navy, chocolate, cocoa). Contact robin@definingstyle.com.au for additional styles.

New Season Trend - Feathers

A simple way to add glamour is with feathers however don't end up looking like 'Big Bird'. Keep it simple with a felt pillbox hat with jewel and feather by Fillies Collection or a feather hair accessory worn on on the side of head. Or try a feathered clutch from Peep Toe Shoes.

Robin's Budget Tip: For a look that won't break the budget, make your own hair piece with feathers purchased from Lincraft or Spotlight.

Autumn 09 Report

This Autumn make your own mark on the fashion landscape as the rules change and diversity is the key to your wardrobe. Which look will be your Signature Style?

• Glam Rock - Wear gold and metallics, texture and embellishment, leather jacket, Woodford & Co satin tuxedo pants or a Sportsgirl sequinned black vest
• Boho - Layer floaty fabrics, persian patterns, printed dresses, floral scarves, opaque tights and boots
• Tribal - Earthy prints, bold jewellery, Gregory Ladner angora animal print beret or a Alex Perry patterned silk dress
• Classic - Colour is restrained but the detail isn't. Wear a tailored trenchcoat, a Third Millenium nude ruffled top, a Country Road cream blouse or Sachi suede peeptoe shoes
• Sweet Sophisticated - Masculine and timeless with textures that are feminine and layered - Superb cut jeans, tailored shirt, knotted scarf, Jag cotton zippered front skirt, Witchery leather and brass belt or a fitted jacket.

Smart Shopping

Classic Pieces
I'm often asked if I'm in something new and do I have a huge wardrobe. I wear clothes from year to year so I buy clothes for longevity. My wardrobe has pieces I've had for years as I buy in neutrals and add beautiful colours, I update each season but don't buy necessarily what's in. Robin's tip: Buy a classic sleeveless dress and glam it up for a wedding with a stylish necklace or make a simple statement on a hot day.

Embellish with Accessories
Accessories are an inexpensive update for an old outift. To recreate my look I use accessories, some I've had for over 10 years, including timeless leather gloves and a leopard print scarf from my mother.

Men – New Take on Classic Styling

Renowned Bush Outfitter, RM Williams partnered with 20th Century Fox on the film 'Australia' with Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, to present its new winter range. The range is a new take on traditional styling with luxe fabrics including soft moleskins, Australian merino wool and silk jacket and Italian weave shirting. Meticulous tailoring creates quality, cuts and finishes with sharp pieces for the discerning male.

• Winter colours are black, navy and grey with rich reds, creams and browns.
• Jackets in tailored houndstooth, 100% cotton shirts, moleskins and denim.
• Their favourite boot, the 'Comfort Craftsman' has two new finishes, brown suede and distressed brown leather.

Body Image - Love the Body You're In

The Butterfly Foundation, which raises awareness of eating disorders says Australia is experiencing a body image crisis. Our society is pressured to conform to the expectation that to be happy and successful you must have the ideal body.

The SISTER2sister mentoring program offers youth 'at risk' around Australia the opportunity to break the cycle of trauma and develop strategies for personal change and growth. The program stresses we are not all meant to be size 8 and our body knows what the right size is for us but we just need to listen to it.

SISTER2sister Key Tips:

• Eat when you are hungry, not when you are told you should eat
• Stop eating when you are satisfied - you don't have to finish what is left on your plate
• Really listen to your body when deciding what to eat - it will tell you what it needs
• Make sure you have a lot of variety in your diet to ensure you get all the nutrients you need
• Incorporate incidental exercise into your daily routine.

Robin's Tips to Look and Feel Great:

• Dress to your body shape (height, weight, face shape, body scale) and wear clothes and accessories that flatter you rather than what's IN.
• If you follow the key rules you can look one size smaller.

For more details on how to dress for your body shape call Robin on 0419468272.

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Cheers

Robin Powis

"My wardrobe was a disaster. Having too many clothes in my wardrobe was so overwhelming and I didn’t know where to start. The problem was all my daggy and ill-fitting clothes hid all the great ones.

Robin from Defining Style saved the day with her honest appraisal to really make my wardrobe work. I knew my wardrobe needed a makeover, I just had no idea it would feel so good. With her discerning eye, Robin showed me how to get the most mileage from my wardrobe with items I should keep, those to toss and those needing alterations.

Robin was also most helpful with her tips on how to draw attention to certain parts of my body and most of all I feel fantastic. Since her visit, I have been even more ruthless and I cannot help but use the information she taught me. I have stopped wasting money on items which don’t suit me and I don’t need!"

Karen Slade
Catering By Design