For the last 18 months I've been bursting at the seams to tell you all about an amazing online weight loss programme that I'm so excited to be involved in called www.vavista.com. 

The Vavista Programme is a 12-week online plan, designed to help you lose weight by giving you the science behind what really works for permanent weight loss. It’s devised by the UK’s first female weight loss surgeon, Sally Norton, who has over 13 years experience in the field and is less about eating and more about how you live your life.

The week by week guide is about ditching the diet for good and has been specifically designed to help you lose weight in a manageable and sustainable way with the help, support and guidance of various experts in their field which covers:
- nutrition
- fitness
- wellness
- image (me!).

I believe in this programme wholeheartedly and think it has the potential to turn the dieting industry on it's head. It scientifically proves that dieting doesn't work, and that in fact, more often than not people end up weighing more than when they started. I could talk about if for ages but instead why not check it out for yourself - it's something I'm very proud to be a part of. 

If you would like to join the #dietfreerevolution and enjoy a 50% discounted rate (only £49), use the code vavista50 at checkout www.vavista.com

I was contacted last week by someone who had used a Personal Shopper in John Lewis. It was a really interesting email because it highlighted all the things that make an Image Consultant a much better option for somebody who is looking to update their image.

I'm often asked by women "why would I pay for an Image Consultant when I can get it free in a department store", well, here's the answer:

"....So here's the thing. Last Sunday I bit the bullet and tried to go shopping at the Mall. A kind personal shopper in John Lewis took me under her wing, but she didn't know me, my personality, my work etc etc. I was desperate for a bit of an update to my wardrobe. I left having spent £800 on things - most of which I will be returning this weekend!? It was not a great experience. So, in a good way, it helped me make a decision. I have never enjoyed shopping, but I love having nice things to wear. And I need to shop for the body I have now, not the one I might have in the future. I have no time to shop and find things that suit me yet am in a high profile role where I have to look good. So - that's where I'm hoping you can come in......!"

At the end of the day, a store paid personal shopper is still a salesperson who is employed by the department store to sell clothes to you. They have no prior knowledge of your existing wardrobe to know whether or not the items they pick out are going to fit seamlessly into your existing collection. They don’t know anything about who you are as a person, your lifestyle etc. Their client isn’t you, it’s the store that pays their salary. 

An Image Consultant is employed by you and works with your best interests at heart. They should be completely independent which means they have no monetary gains from any purchases you might make. A good stylist will already have been through your wardrobe and will have compiled a focussed shopping list that they know will work with everything you already own and is appropriate for you, your lifestyle and most importantly your budget. You won’t be under any pressure to buy if you don’t want to, making the whole experience stress free and enjoyable. 

You might have to pay upfront for an Image Consultant but I promise you in the long run, they will save you time, effort, stress and money. AND you’ll have a complete collection of clothes that you look amazing in.