Defining Style

Is it time to present the real ME?

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 06:25:00 GMT

If International Women’s Day celebrates women and how far we have come, then why are we constantly presented with the same stereotype of how we should look?

This is discussed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom in the documentary Miss Representation, who is perplexed why the only role model American woman are presented to aspire to is a stereotype with blonde hair, curvy figure and a pouting look. The documentary showcases many young girls who proclaim “It’s time to present the real me”.

I believe all women need to discover their own personal style and look. Let’s encourage young women today to be true to themselves, and attain a style that is true to their authentic self.

Retail Dilemmas - The Shopping Experience is Paramount

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:01:00 GMT

David Jones's new strategy of employing more staff at peak shoppping times has resulted in a positive sign that retail spending trends have stabilised. Chief Executive Paul Zahra says their investment in service at peak shopping times is extracting more value from customers.

I was shopping for shoes in the Elizabeth Street store on morning of 16 February, the day of launch of Autumn 2012 Fashion Show on the seventh floor. Upon entering I was chauffered in by a lovely young man, and then at the lift a lovely young lady took me up to my floor. I discovered this special treatment was for DJ's elite customers who were attending the Fashion Show.

I applaud customers being rewarded for their spending patterns however I do object to not receiving great service myself. I was one of several women on the day who had to wait for quite a period to be served by one salesperson. I wondered whether the staff were all up on the seventh floor.

The retail industry needs to carefully look at their strategies and follow through.

Posted by Sydney Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style

Shopping Advice that Really Works

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:46:00 GMT

Do you spend hours shopping and return home empty handed with nothing to wear? Or do you buy an item you only wear once, or not at all.

To ensure a successful outcome when shopping, always take the time to plan in advance and research what’s around.

Wardrobe Review Sort your existing wardrobe to create a shopping list of what you need most.

Research the Current Season’s Trends Explore the new colours and styles and consider only those that will enhance your colouring, body shape and personality.

Create a Prioritised Shopping List of must haves and nice to haves.

Prepare for a Successful Shopping Day Start the day fuelled with a good breakfast so you aren’t lacking in energy and take along water to stay hydrated during the day.

Shop Smartly Only buy what you love when your first put it on. If you think twice about the garment it’s not a must have.

Do You Know Who You Are?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:10:00 GMT

Do you have a distinctive personal style? When did you become aware of it?

To feel fabulous you need to love how you feel no matter what your age. Today more than ever we are not so encumbered by what fashion dictates. We have a great opportunity to be more original and mix and match.

To improve your personal style you have to learn who you are first and then express that through your style. Don't try to be anyone else.

I find that accessories are the key to looking great as they have great transformative powers.

Also don't buy the first thing you see, try digging around till you find what is perfect for you.

Read more to develop your own distinctive personal style.

Posted by Sydney Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style

Leather and Lace

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:22:00 GMT

Lots of lovely textures are forecast for Autumn 2012 fashion including leather, lace and suede. Lace is a great fabric to introduce to your late summer wardrobe as it is perfect in warmer days. Lace is returning in many colours including purple and suede pumps look devine in purple, beige and black. Leather too will star in self patterns and new colours including red and beige. Go wild.

Posted by Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style

A Brave New World

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:53:00 GMT

Another year is here and sometimes it's so hard to go with it. It's so easy to be stuck in the past year and what unfolded.

Learn to take calculated risks for if you hold back you will be where you were before. Take one step at a time and plan as you go. Most importantly you need to track your progress so you know how far you have come. You will then be ready to embrace new changes coming into your life and a real sense of where you want to be.

Posted by Sydney Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style

2012 - Style Redefined

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:47:00 GMT

Redefine your own individual Style for 2012. Spend the holiday period contemplating where you are now and where you want to be.

Become aware of your own style preferences so you can express your personality through your dress and accessories. Leave no stone unturned as you explore new ways to look and feel fabulous every day.

Learn to Define Your Signature Style

Posted by Sydney Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style

Flapper Fashion Leads the Retro Trend

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:21:00 GMT

The resurgence of interest in 1920s fashion has emerged with the filming of the literary classic 'The Great Gatsby' by Baz Luhrmann. This golden era of affluence and fine jewellery is becoming a key fashion trend this summer.

For day look feminine in flapper styles in softly tailored dresses with pearls and big hats. Sparkle at night in soft long gowns with exquisite jewellery and feathered jackets.

Read more on my summer trends for 2011-12.

Posted by Sydney Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style

Beauty is not easy to achieve or maintain

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 08:14:00 GMT

As women, our obsession with our looks and bodies can start from an early age and last a lifetime - sometimes we need to learn to accept ourselves as we are.

Women need to love ourselves, not be self-defeating, and revel in our individuality. By working with what we have, we can enhance and make ourselves shine.

The good news is we can all look great if we learn to understand our body shape.

Read more on my article in Women in Focus

Posted by Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style

The Lipstick Indicator

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:08:00 GMT

We all know that when the economy is tight us girls instead of indulging in a new outfit buy a small luxury item. Hence the Lipstick Indicator which shows a sudden increase in sales of lipsticks.

This summer is a great time to buy a new lipstick with so many new beautiful colours around. Don't forget to wear a colour that suits your colouring. If you have blue based or cool skin wear a blue red or pink lipstick and if you have yellow based or warm skin wear an orange red or coral lipstick.

Also if you have soft colouring wear a more muted shade and if you have clear colouring wear a brighter tone.

To learn more about your colouring go to Colour Consulting Reinvention.

Posted by Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style.

Can you still look feminine and be taken seriously at work

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 06:50:00 GMT

It can be a dilemma for girls today, do you need to dress like the boys to be considered like them. Surely as women we can dress feminine and still appropriately in the work place.

I think it’s fantastic when you see a stylish and polished woman who dresses according to her own personal style. She is not confined to a black wardrobe and wears various neutrals with the added splash of colour for pizazz.

Read more on my blog at Ruby Connection.

Posted by Image Consultant, Robin Powis at Defining Style

Has Black Caviar started a Fashion Trend

Mon, 16 May 2011 07:03:00 GMT

Well its fascinating to see that Polka Dots are a current trend at the moment. Fashion writer and racing identity Kate Waterhouse has highlighted Polka Dots IN are starring at Camilla and Marc, Sportsgirl, Gucci, Lulu and Therese Rawsthorne.

I wonder if this has anything to do with the outstanding race horse 'Black Caviar' whose jockey is dressed in polka dots.

I'm delighted so I can now wear again my floaty spot skirt this winter and I'll team it with a pretty cardigan to look so 50's.

If you would like some help wearing the latest trends ring me on 0419468272 or read about my shopping service.

Posted by Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style

Lace at the Track

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 04:34:00 GMT

Feminine lace is so IN this Autumn and really starred at Royal Randwick's Derby Day on Saturday 9 April. But why do the celebrities go overboard and team their lace item with frills and flounces.

Lace is a feminine statement on its own so girls please keep it simple and elegant.

Ditch the flowers and bows, and go for clean lines and minimum fuss.

Posted by Sydney Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style

Does the New Baggy Look For Men Work?

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 02:19:00 GMT

International fashion houses have introduced more relaxed cuts for men for Autumn Winter 2011. Calvin Klein, Dior Homme, Thom Browne and Yves Saint-Laurent are showing full pleated pants, roomy jodhpurs, oversized jackets and flowing shirts and coats.

But guys be warned, these are only for the fashion forward and those men with a tall and slim silhouette. The more streamlined look in clothing is much more flattering to a man's physique. Flat front pants, tailored jackets and a well cut and fitted shirt reign supreme.

To dress for your body shape call me on 0419 468 272 or learn more at Body Shape Analysis

Posted by Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style

Men - Autumn Collections show Optimism

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 04:41:00 GMT

Milan's Autumn 2011 fashion collections highlight a new optimistic future with a trend of bright colours.

After a very cold winter designers are using bold colours including tangerine, marigold, violet and hot pink in blazers, pants, jumpers and duffle coats.

To dress for your colouring read Men's Colour Consulting

Posted by Sydney Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style