B Styled for Life formerly Beauty Glow, Skincare, Makeup, Style, Image Consultant in Brisbane

Tag: fashion

  • Red Hot Tips to Keep Cool This Summer

    Red Hot Tips to Keep Cool This Summer

     

    The main things to consider when choosing summer outfits are wearing natural fibres, loose fitting clothes, simple designs and light-weight accessories.

    Steer clear of anything made from synthetic fibres such as polyester – these materials trap perspiration incredibly.  I know that I cannot stand anything that has too much synthetic in it when the weather really heats up.

    Natural fibres such as cotton and linen are cool to wear during the summer months.

    Rayon is not strictly a natural fibre because it goes through quite a process which can involve acetate composites being added to the naturally derived cotton or wood pulp material. However rayon can be quite cool and light to wear.

    Silk is a durable fabric great for tops, blouses and dresses which is very breathable and non-allergenic.  It is surprisingly quite durable.

    Keeping cool in tight clothes is really difficult – that means you might have to get rid of the jeans, pantyhose and stockings for a few months.

    Capri pants are a cooler and chic alternative on the weekend.

    For work consider natural fibre pants and stylish cool tops.

    The following are tips for women wanting to stay cool and fresh this summer:

    • Natural fibres: The best choices are linen, cotton, silk and rayon.
    • Avoid tight fitting clothes: You are going to look your best if you look comfortable and if you are comfortable – and it’s hard to stay cool when clothes are clingy.
    • Light-weight jewellery: Even statement pieces such as large necklaces can be cool to wear if you ensure that they aren’t made from heavy materials – try wooden filigree earrings.  A great way to brighten and accessorize neutrals.
    • Add a scarf: Quite often a scarf, made from natural fibre, can add colour to a neutral coloured dress – the plain cotton T-shirt can be styled with a scarf and the neckerchief scarf is so on trend for summer 2015.
    • Dresses: Definitely the coolest thing to wear – whether they are long or short.
    • Sleeves – Long sleeves during the hot summer months need to be loose and sheer or open-weave and made from breathable fabric.  Lace sleeves are perfect and so in fashion this summer.
    • White Clothing – reflects light – So in direct sunlight white clothing is going to be cooler than dark colours
    • Black Clothing – absorbs heat and does seem to make us feel even warmer in the summer especially if you are in direct sunlight

    It is good to wear clothing that is comfortable and practical for our climate as well as aesthetically pleasing.

    The important aspect of  stylish summer dressing is wearing colour and style to suit you as an individual made from a cool fabric.

    Do you have summer clothes that are really summery-looking and you would probably only wear them in summer?  You keep by-passing them because they are uncomfortable?  Maybe it is time to do a wardrobe audit (download our workbook here) or contact Moana to help you sort your summer wardrobe.

    For more information about the summer fashion contact Moana Robinson at Beauty Glow.

     

     

  • Long Haul Travel in Comfort

    Long Haul Travel in Comfort

    Can you Travel in Comfort AND Style?

    Comfort YES its a must!  Yes to  comfort AND style.   I class long haul as anything over 9 hours.  Sitting on a plane for a long time can be challenging.  My tips for stylish travel with comfort are as follows (especially for those 15 or 23 hour flights):

    • Keep it casual – If you are being met at the other end by a business associate “smart casual” can still be achieved by wearing co-ordinating comfortable clothes and taking a jacket for when you reach your destination.
    • To function efficiently after most long haul flights you may hopefully have allowed time to rest and change before going to your meetings
    • Leggings and tops are great for travel, layered with an easily removable shirt or jacket
    •  Garments made from  fabric which is breathable for comfort and wrinkle resistant for style such as cotton polyester blends are best
    • Cooler tops underneath are good in case there is a delay until take off and the air-conditioning can quite often fluctuate during this time
    • The outer layer (jacket/cardigan/coat) if soft is good to use as extra padding when snoozing on the plane
    • Shoes need to be comfortable for standing in queues at customs and easily removable.  Make sure they are not shoes that will not “give” if your feet tend to swell during a flight
    • Moisturisers and lip balms are a great idea and the least amount of makeup possible.   The airconditioning on planes is exremely drying.  Your skin needs hydration.  Arbonne Regenerating Toner is a good spray mist during long flights. Arbonne Rejuvenating Cream with its emollient properties is great as a moisturiser on top to combat that drying air.
    • Keep jewellery simple.  Scarves are great for a bit of colour  and – again for comfort.  Bulky beads and earrings are not good for napping in.  Bangles in gold or silver or other materials such as plastic or natural are best.  It is a hassle taking metallic jewellery off when going through the metal detectors.
    • Take a pair of socks on the plane to change into 
    • Lots of meals come to you on the long flights and it is best to try to avoid the carbs, sugars and alcohol if you suffer after long flights.  The airlines are really good lately about constantly offering water and it is always good to take advantage of this – hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
    • Think about colours you wear on the plane –  No matter how clean the plane is 400+ people onboard each  747 flight and 800+ on an A380  in such a confined space light colours are just not practical
    • Neutrals are best anyway for travelling for space economy and mixing and matching – For ideas on packing for travel see the article on No Stress Travelling in Style
    • As a hint for any spills or marks soda water is good for spot removals
    • Keep your hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, lipstick, mini spray deodorant and purse sized handcream handy for a freshen up before landing (Remember any gloss or toothpaste or other liquids or gels will need to be under 100ml)
    • Economy Comfort:  If you are lucky enough to travel Business or First Class the lie back seats are wonderful.  A comfort tip for Economy is to always have a sturdy bag that  can stow under the seat in front and  pull it out during a long flight to use as a footrest.

    All the best for your trip whether for business or pleasure or both – Happy travels in comfort AND style!

    Moana is a qualified Beauty Therapist and Personal Stylist.  For advice on Colour, Style, Skincare and products available suitable for travel contact Moana to arrange a consultation.

     

  • Sew Excited – Alterations Can Create a whole new Look

    Sew Excited – Alterations Can Create a whole new Look

    Take Up – Take In – Take Down – Add or Trim

    Are you going through your wardrobe and doing a spring clean?  Do you sew?  If not most dry cleaners can do minor alterations which may completely change the look of a garment.  

    I always say to women who are trying to lose weight that its so good to look and feel the best they can every single day.  How many times do you hear women say “when I get to my goal weight I will get myself something new” or “treat myself to a new outfit”.?   Alterations to a garment or outfit that is a fantastic colour and style for you mean that you can “adjust as you go”.

    There are so many alterations that can make a quite inexpensive outfit look fantastic.  Below are a few tips on how alterations can make a difference to your life and your wardrobe

    • Sometimes you can buy “off the rack” clothes  on sale .. maybe not your size and just have them altered to look amazing.  Even with the cost of alterations you can literally save hundreds of dollars by making the most of clearance sales with odd sizes left.
    • If you love a dress for its style and colour and want a really “perfect” fit sometimes it is even works to buy  a size bigger to have a dressmaker make alterations personal to  your shape.
    • If you are having denim jeans altered it does pay to have this done professionally so that they can match the stitching correctly.
    • If you are looking for a regular dressmaker or tailor give them a simple alteration to do first to see how they go for time and quality of work.  This applies especially to expensive garments.  You dont want to risk having a lovely pair of pants taken up too short in length.
    • It is definitely worthwhile spending the time to find a good dressmaker or alterations person.  Develop a good communication with them and as with most businesses if you are a loyal and good customer they will usually be very obliging if you want something altered quickly for a special event.  Communication is very important as you need to convey to them exactly what you want and ensure that you are happy with the fitting before the alterations are done.
    • When you go for the alteration fitting ensure that you wear the other garments that you would wear with the garment to be altered and the same shoes especially if it is for a hem.  This applies to undergarments as well as a different bra under a top or dress can create a different look to something especially if it is quite fitted.  If you are having a coat  or jacket altered wear the thickest layer that you may be wearing underneath it to allow for layering.
    • If you are buying an outfit in a quality department store or boutique which needs some alteration it pays to ask whether they have a recommended dressmaker or alterations person as this will be someone who is trusted by that retailer to provide good quality service.
    • I have said before when talking about wardrobe spring cleans to have your baskets or bags for Donate, Dump or Darn.  The “darn” basket to me means alter as well as repair.  A dress or skirt can go from looking dowdy or frumpy if the incorrect length to very flattering with some centimetres taken off the hem.
    • Alterations such as hems, side seams, adding darts or tucks, altering sleeves, replacing zips or fasteners can be relatively inexpensive but some fiddly alterations to jackets, coats etc can be a bit more time consuming and costly.
    • If your time is better spent elsewhere  do not feel guilty about having these alterations done even if you can sew.  Alterations can save you so much money if you take into account the cost per wear of a garment that may not have otherwise been worn much at all because it didn’t fit correctly.

    Contact Moana Robinson from Beauty Glow about a Wardrobe Audit which can sometimes surprise you with the different ideas on alterations to create a completely different look for a garment that you may love but isn’t the right fit or shape for you.

    Ask for details of the Beauty Glow Spring Style Special  …

    A complimentary wardrobe audit with your full Style Analysis and Colour Session

    *Limited time and conditions apply

     

     

     

     

  • Spring 2015 Style Tips

    Spring 2015 Style Tips

    Sweet Spring .. So Exciting and Fresh

     …Gorgeous colours and styles for Spring 2015

    Spring Style Colours

    • Sugary shades of lemon yellow, sweet pink, dusty denim, mint green, think of sorbet and everything sweet.  Soft greys and  blues are around a lot especially cobalt blue with tonal shades and neutrals
    • Lots of white on white, lovely fresh and crisp, lace and linen

    Spring Style Fabrics

    • Denim of all weights and washes,  white lace; in particular white eyelet lace
    • Suede is huge this spring – dresses, skirts, vests, bags, shoes …everything
    • Stripes, stripes, stripes and also lots of white on white
    • Flares in pants and jeans
    • Stripes – lovely and fresh – Great for dramatic looks and classical looks
    • Culottes have made a comeback!
    • Jumpsuits, all-in-one and monochromatic outfits
    • Global safari and animal prints
    • Tropical and floral prints

    Strapless tops and dresses and off the shoulder looks are also popular spring styles

    Spring Style Accessories

    • The necktie (tied at the front or back) is a light cool alternative to a scarf and adds a pop of colour to accent the white or coloured outfit

    Spring Shoe Styles

    • The 90s mule is reincarnated
    • the flat espadrilles will be really big this spring as are all flat shoes
    • Bows on heels
    • Wedges
    • Colour block sandals in fun hues
    • The nude pump will elongate the legs

    Have fun enjoying the gorgeous weather and exploring the latest spring styles, spring clean your wardrobe and find a few surprises – mix and match what you have with what you can find ….so much fun shopping for a new season.

    Contact Moana Robinson of Beauty Glow for details of the Beauty Glow Spring Style Special  …

    A complimentary wardrobe audit with your full Style Analysis and Colour Session

    *Limited time and conditions apply

  • One Size Fits All

    One Size Fits All

    … or Does It ?

    Have you  seen a pair of jeans that will fit a Size 6 AND a Size 16 ?

     NO …

    It is the same with styling consultations.  There is not a “One Size Fits All” recipe for looking great.  This is why a personal styling session is so important.  EACH individual person is so unique.  I am using jeans as an example because these days walking into a jeans shop to buy a pair of jeans means more than knowing your correct size.    As well as Size there is Type of jean – Rise, Cut and Colour (or type of Wash) – Here is some information for you about choosing jeans:

    Rise

    The rise is measured from the middle of the crotch seam to the top of the waistband and can create your perceived waistline

    • Low Rise – Sitting a few inches below the navel (Best for women with long legs), great for women with a “boyish” figure or straight up and down figure (“I” shape)
    • High Rise –  Sitting just above the navel (Best for Pear or “A” shaped women) For petite builds this fit also accentuates the waits and elongates the legs, good for women with bigger hips
    • Mid Rise – Sitting just below the navel (Good for women with long legs) also good for women with bigger hips

    Cut or Style

    • Skinny Jean – Suits most shapes apart from Apple or “O” shapes
    • Bootcut Jean – Probably the most flattering cut for everyone, depending on the shoe you are wearing. designed to kick out at the bottom and are quite fitted at the top
    • Flared Jeans – Flattering on round or “O” shapes (however they will shorten your legs)
    • Straight Leg Jeans – Look good on most body shapes; and then there are the …
    • Boyfriend Jeans – usually quite loose and look best on “boyish” or straight figures or round “O” shape figures

    Wash

    Dark Denim – Will look good on everyone, especially women with thick thighs and this is the denim (sometimes called the “Rinse”) which makes the legs look longest also

    Stone wash, Distressed and Vintage Washes can add bulk visually to heavier women and there is even “whiskering” detail on jeans which can draw attention to areas of the body such as thighs.  Then there is where the pockets are placed, detail or lack of detail, topstiching colour … many, many variables which is why …

    As in jeans shopping your Colour and Style consultation is going to be especially for YOU.  No two people are identical.

    Moana Robinson from Beauty Glow takes pride in the fact that she loves to focus on you as an individual and although the process for each consultation is similar the advice given will be personal to YOU.  Contact Beauty Glow for a session that is a fit especially for YOU.

     

  • Make A Statement

    Make A Statement

    Make A Statement About YOU

    I recently completed a Style Challenge set by one of my Trainers Imogen Lamport from the Academy of Professional Image – one of the challenges was to wear a statement necklace  as seen here Style Challenge No. 1 (this necklace was bought for me by my daughter Molly) .  Wearing a statement piece of jewellery is a simple way to say something about yourself especially if that piece of jewellery has  special meaning to you.

    Through one of the networking Groups that I absolutely love going to The Y Network I met the talented Kylie Verner who has a business called KCrystals.  Kylie designs pieces of jewellery specifically for each of her clients.  There is a consultation process and the gemstones and crystals in the necklaces have a specific meaning.  Kylie makes the jewellery with love and care and is very conscious of each of her client’s personalities.  Keep an eye out for more about Kylie’s Kcyrstals special jewellery … There is a point of difference that I think is very unique and am working on something to show you how special it is…. You can see my reaction when Kylie presents me with the necklace here  … a happy client.

    Now a bit about Statement Necklaces …

    1. Statement necklaces are most effective if made the focal point of the whole outfit
    2. Wearing a complementary colour to the necklace can really make the necklace “pop” – for example a turquoise necklace can look amazing with a purple top or dress
    3. Take into account what your “Style personality” is – for example if you have a Dramatic Style Personality a delicate necklace just isnt going to feel right.  However if you have a Feminine/Romantic Style Personality a statement necklace can speak volumes about your own individual personality if it is not cluttered with too much other jewellery even if it is delicate-looking and in soft pretty colours.  A statement necklace should reflect you and your personality
    4. The more simple the outfit the more “out there” your statement necklace can be.  Complex prints and patterns worn with a detailed necklace will not do justice to either the outfit or the necklace.
    5. Most statement necklaces are designed to be large and if you have a statement necklace specifically designed for you the designer will take into account your frame and the length that will suit the individual client’s decolletage and face.  Kylie designed my statement necklace with an adjustable length and it turned out that the shorter length worked better for low cut tops and the longer length for higher necklines. This is because the pendant adds length and needs to be taken into account for the overall effect depending on what top or dress is being worn.  It was great that Kylie suggested this as sometimes you cant tell until you try the necklace on with different outfits.

    Hope these few points help – Statement necklaces as with any piece of statement jewellery should be something special as they are making a statement or expression of  YOU.

    For information on accessories, how to wear Statement Necklaces and other jewellery to suit your special outfits or to assess your Style Personality contact Moana Robinson of Beauty Glow

     

  • Spice Up Your Black Wardrobe

    Spice Up Your Black Wardrobe

     

    ARE YOU TRYING TO EASE OUT OF THE “EVERYTHING IN MY WARDROBE IS BLACK” SYNDROME?

    Sometimes when we don’t know what to wear to work it is just easiest to have that all black outfit or suit as it seems to look smart and professional, keeps clean longer and is just… well, practical.

    I used to work in a legal office and remember one of my daughters asking whether my uniform was to wear black clothes. It wasnt a unitform it was just easy and felt smart and professional.  If you have the right colouring black can look amazing but it can also become boring and uninspiring. I said at a recent talk at a gym how everyone would feel if they walked in and EVERYONE was wearing black outfits and all the equipment was black? How motivating would that be for anyone wanting to put their all into a workout ?…not very! This is why energetic colours are bright colours.

    A way to put more energy and vibrance also into the workplace is to introduce colour that suits your skintone and still looks professional. You can easily expand your “all black” wardrobe and even create some new wardrobe capsules is to utilise your black staples of skirts, trousers  and jackets with a new seasonal colour which will update your wardrobe. Add a colourful jacket or scarf and other accessories in any of the latest colours as a feature. Be careful to not “feature” too many items at once – either have an overall look of black with subtle touches of colour or feature a scarf  or necklace in the contrast colour.

    To really be on trend and fashionable for Autumn 2015 you could add Lucite Green or Marsala touches to your working corporate wardrobe or the very latest colour “Spiced Pumpkin” which ties in perfectly with the upcoming Modern Seventies Trend. 

    Spiced Pumpkin would look amazing with black as it is high contrast for those who suit high contrast and can be adapted to suit depending on your own preference. If you are someone who cannot wear orange definitely keep this away from your face but you may want to just add a touch of spiced orange for fun – The best way is to have a slight black pattern on your orange garment if it is a skirt or top to tie in to the black staple jacket or pants. Choose a colour and accessorise your black. Even in a corporate environment people want to see a bit of colour.
    Contact Moana at Beauty Glow to discuss Styles Colour and spicing up your Work  Wardrobe or even your non work wardrobe

  • “No Stress” Travel in Style

    “No Stress” Travel in Style

    No Stress Packing for Short Notice Travel

    How do you feel when an impromptu trip comes up? Whether it is for work or leisure – Are you excited? Pumped? Thrilled to have a change for a little while … or do you have butterflies in your tummy and are thrown into a mad panic thinking what to take and how to pack very quickly?  
    Here are some tips so that you can pack at a moment’s notice and ENJOY that anticipation of a trip away whether for business or pleasure – Make the most of it and save yourself the stress in 2015

    TOP TIPS

    • Pack for a week (even if you are going for two weeks you can mix and match)
    • Ensure each item of clothing goes with all the other items (in other words try not to take “orphan” garments that dont go with any of your other clothing packed) – co-ordinating colours always!
    • Accessories are a fantastic light way to change your whole look for example day to evening – scarves, belts, jewellery
    • Layers are best.
    • Even if you are going to a very warm climate some hotels really crank up the airconditioning (Conference and seminar rooms are notorious for being chilly) – take a jacket or wrap (pashminas are great)
    • As a guide – for a week
    – 3 bottoms (shorts, jeans, pants)
    – 4 tops (neutral colours are best unless you have a colour theme for your whole travel capsule)
    – 3 pairs of shoes (heels, sandals and flats for travel),
    – 1 dress which is versatile for daytime/evening -( this is where accessories are great),
    – PJs or nightie, 2 bras and 7 pairs of panties
    – Accessories (1 or 2 belts, 2 scarves and a few pieces of jewellery which go together to create the look you want). Scarves are fantastic as they are so light to pack and can change a whole outfit if you take a neutral colour dress
    -A clutch purse or smallish size for evening and larger casual bag (smaller one packed inside the other)
    – Bathroom personal care, skincare and cosmetics should be  travel sizes if possible (and unbreakable) – – In your cabin bag take spare toothbrush and toothpaste, mini deodorant and spare knickers (plus a tip I have is to take something called Arbonne Skin Conditioning Oil which I swear by ….) these are “emergency” items in case your luggage gets lost or delayed which has happened to us quite a few times and at least you have these items straight away.
    • Shopping Trip? – ALWAYS go with a minimum amount and put one suitcase inside another as you dont want to have to buy another case just to fit all your purchases in (unless that was on your list)
    • Travel in style and enjoy!

    At Beauty Glow we can also assist with more travel advice on packing and skincare and makeup products which are great for travel.

  • Fashion Style Tips: Adding Accessories

    Fashion Style Tips: Adding Accessories

    Fashion Style Tips by Moana Robinson

    Adding accessories to an outfit can make a huge difference.  If you want a sure way to be visually “memorable” when presenting professional wear an unusual accessory such as an exotic pendant or some beautiful beads which really stand out.  I have seen a lot of presenters wear a particular style of accessory (but sometimes in a different colour) as part of their branding.  For example if there is a presenter who is known to be a keen gardener she may wear a floral brooch every time she presents on her topic – or a floral dress or jacket.  It is important to remember though that long, dangly earrings can be a distraction especially if the presenter is wearing a microphone.  I have seen this happen where the presenter has had to remove an earring as it kept hitting the microphone as she moved.

    There are so many advantages to collecting accessories in your favourite colours to complement outfits and sometimes give a completely different look.  
    Travelling light is made easier with a few basic garments and accessories such as scarves, beads, earrings to change from daywear to evening or casual to formal.  

    Another advantage of accessories is an usual piece such as a scarf, necklace, pendant or handbag can be a talking point.  A conversation is easily started when someone else notices a lovely item that you may be wearing.  I have had this happen where the item was a gift from a very special lady in my life through my business.  This lead to more questions from the other person who became a client because we got to know each other  through the conversation, built rapport and I offered to drop a skincare sample in to her.

    Investment in accessories does not need to be huge and sometimes unique and colourful items can be found at the most unlikely shops.  Apart from the usual dress/costume jewellery stores and boutiques try looking in gift stores, markets, craft stores such as Spotlight and Michaels.  

    Remember to take your colour swatch so that you know whatever you purchase will go with other items in your wardrobe which can expand without increasing a whole lot of wardrobe space as accessories take up a lot less space than clothes, need less maintenance/cleaning and are less likely to date!  … PLUS if you lose or gain weight your accessories will still fit.

    Contact Us  for advice on Colour and Style  – Moana Robinson 1300 366 675 or moana@beautyglow.com.au

  • Fashion Style Tips: Daily Change – Coping with Chilli Mornings and Warm Days

    Fashion Style Tips: Daily Change – Coping with Chilli Mornings and Warm Days

    Are you finding it hard to know what to wear on these freezing mornings – especially with an early start?

    Fashion Tips by Moana Robinson

    Winter Layering by Beauty GlowYou may be in and out of the car, offices or shops. Drop off time to school and pick up time can be cool and then your day is starting to warm up so you start to strip off! Before you know it late afternoon is here and it is cooling off again! If you live in an area where the temperature vary by quite a few degrees it is important to learn how to layer. This will make life so much easier. If you are a casual/sporty clothes person lighter casual tops and jackets are great to throw on in the morning and as the day heats up are flexible enough to carry over your shoulders or through your bag. Even workwear can be successfully layered whether you wear smart casual to work or more formal corporate wear. Most offices will have even temperatures throughout the day but sometimes air-conditioning can be cause workplaces to be too warm in the winter or too chilly in the summer. It is important to still find ways to layer your office and outer wear to remain comfortable during your work day. Winter style by Beauty GlowMy advice is to start with a neutral base – possibly black if your colouring suits black – otherwise grey, beige, white, cream or navy. This way you can go with a monochrome look with a jacket also in a neutral and perhaps some accessories to brighten and enhance the whole outfit. Alternatively, you can wear a lovely bright jacket with complementary accessories over your neutral base garments. It is important to wear the right accessories so that when you remove your jacket during the day the outfit remains interesting and not too bland if you have started with neutrals. If you love colour you could start with colour as a base, add neutral outerwear and neutral or complementary accessories. Splashes of colour really brighten an outfit during winter and scarves are an excellent way to add interest. A black top or any neutral colour can be completely transformed with a scarf or brightly coloured beads. Winter is a great time to contact Beauty Glow, your personal stylist to find out your true colours, and best neutrals. During the chilly weather we wear more clothes and with larger part of our bodies being covered up the hue of your garments can either drain your complexion or make you look alive, vibrant and show that sparkle in your eyes!