its all in the detail

Welcome to our newsletter!

The dilemma today in this 'image conscious' age is to how to look young and modern, and yet appropriate for your age.

If you are a woman there is so much more to consider to looking the part. Read my blog on Westpac's Ruby Connection to Drop Years off Your Age Instantly.

Emerging Trends - Colour Block Brights

The block colour trend is exploding adding some life to a gloomy winter. The trick is to mix vivid, contrasting tones but don't go overboard. Choose colours that complement your skin tone and reflect your personality. This look is not for the shy violet.

Since it involves the use of bright colours or many different colours together, it is easy to get it wrong. The best way to pair colour block trends whether for shoes, a tunic or a top is with neutrals such as black, white, brown and grey. This way your colour block will pop out more and look more polished.

Dress to Influence - It's all in the Detail

Success comes from dressing to influence and the primary pillar of style is quality. Superb fabrics, expert tailoring and classic silhouettes are the key to style. When it comes to accessories resist fads and choose quality items with beautiful detailing and craftmanship.

Cuff Links - Choose simple and classic designs to reflect your personality either with your initials engraved, studded, coloured or crystal. The choice is yours.

Jewellery - Keep it simple with a statement jewellery piece for focal anchoring.

Handbags, Briefcases and Laptops - To make a stand-out impression invest in stylish and elegant bags, wallets and gloves. Check out the exquisite range at LadyBird Gifts which are sure to impress. www.ladybirdgifts.com.au The streamlined laptop bags are great for corporate travel as they hold all your personal requirements. You can choose to shop at their showroom or online and they also deliver. With their exclusive giftwrapping they are great for corporate gifts for Christmas or whenever.

Complete your look with a classic tie, bow tie or a silk pocket square to look smart, contemporary and successful.

The Tie - Ties are back and are the centrepoint of business attire. Your tie must complement your outfit with tonal colours, soft stripes and textures, and remember 'less is more'. Your tie should always reflect your role and your personality, and the preferred knot is the double Windsor.

The Bow Tie - If you like to make a statement, the bow tie is very in and looks simple, elegant and smart. Guys please wear a current model not one that is oh so ancient.

The Pocket Square - Also very in and look very debonair without a tie. It can be worn as a simple straight fold across the pocket, a corner fold with a triangular point, or a puff fold which needs a pin to keep it in place.

Designer Shopping a Click Away

www.HopShopGo.com - Set up by Paypal, it allows Australians to buy from US websites that don't ship to Aussie. The service ships purchases to US, consolidates them and then ships to Australia.

www.shopstyle.com.au - A virtual mall with half a million products from more than 300 stores. Purchases under $1,000 are GST free.

www.Shopbob.com US site has free shipping for orders over $US100 and delivers in 4 days.

www.asos.com - UK site has 850 fashion brands with free shipping and delivery in 6-12 days and has recently added the Aussie dollar.

www.topshop.com - Free shipping for orders over 75 pounds (approx $A115) and delivery in 9 days or less.

Hot to Shop

Carla Zampatti - Up to 50% off www.carlazampatti.com.au

Bianca Spender - Up to 50% off at 9 Oxford St, Paddington. 9331 5964.

TS14 - Up to 80% off for sizes 12-24 until sold out. Shop 4, 111 McEvoy St, Alexandria. 9319 7362.

Ignazia - Up to 50% off at Chatswood Chase, Mosman, MLC City, Lane Cove.

Men

Maurice menswear - Brands include Jag, Nautica and Ben Sherman. 235 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville. www.mauricemenswear.com

Brooksfield menswear - Up to 50% off. World Square Shopping Village, 644 George St, City. 9267 7240.

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Cheers

Robin Powis