Do you need a fast food fashion fix? Check out my fun article for Vavista.com which won't pile on the calories but will leave you on a high without any guilt!

www.vavista.com/article/foodie-fashion-indulgence-calories/

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.

I'm so excited to now have a regular monthly column in the the fab local mag Bishopstonvoice.  I'll be writing about all things fashion, insider tips, local finds and any other stuff that crosses my mind!  If you would like me to feature or discuss something in particular, get in touch: [email protected] and let me know.  

Jewelled necklace tees are big news this season and are such an easy item to wear as they eliminate the need for accessories.   Wear them with anything from a pencil skirt to your faithful skinnies or for a smarter night out, a pair of cigarette style trousers and heels.  For an edgier look, just add a leather biker jacket and patterned trousers.

Following on from yesterday's post about being more creative with your existing clothes, why not go to your nearest haberdashery dept and invest in a selection of sequins, beads and jewels and have fun creating your own unique neckline that no-one else will have.  If you need a bit of sequinspiration, take a look at these from Dorothy Perkins (if you're not ever likely to sew your own and would like to buy one of these, use code DPFW25 for 25% discount).

Oh my goodness! Have you seen the weather? I just got caught in it wearing suede boots but thankfully I had already sprayed them and my leather bag with rain guard so no wet feet or ruined bags here!

Now the seasons have most definitely changed its worth spending some time waterproofing your leather and suede shoes and bags.  It will help to keep them looking as good as new and will stop unsightly water stains.

Most shoe shops and dry cleaners sell it and for around £4-£5 and it can mean the difference between keeping a great pair of shoes for years or having to replace them year in, year out.

I talked yesterday about red being the colour of the season, well now it's the turn of the print.  Taking centre stage this Autumn/Winter is the mighty tartan in all its highland glory.  Not just appearing in traditional reds, there are lots of alternatives in muted colours if you prefer a more subtle take on this print. 

If you normally shy away from pattern and colour, step outside your comfort zone a little: there's a tartan out there
for everyone. 

This season there's one colour that is going to overshadow all the others and it's bright, bold and beautiful.  It's the colour of love and passion and is sure to get you noticed.  Move over the LBD, this Autumn/Winter it's all about the  LRD.

It's a brave colour so if the thought of head to toe scares you, break it up and use it in a jacket, a necklace or even a hat.  I've done a quick round up of some items currently on the high street which includes Warehouse, Oasis, Hobbs, Phase Eight, Debenhams and M&S.

Two of my particular favourites are the double breasted coat (Hobbs) and the leopard print pencil skirt (Warehouse).  If anything catches your eye and you'd like to know where it's from don't be afraid to ask.  This season be bold!