What to wear this spring

Posted on by Toni Carver

You don’t have to be a slave to fashion to look and feel up-to-date in what you wear!

Often, it may be some new inspiration you need. Or, some ideas adapting what you’ve already got. But, it isn’t always a brand new wardrobe! So, if you keep making random and ill-thought through purchases which languish in the back of the wardrobe, help is at hand!

Twice a year, I do the hard work for you with my ‘Seasonal Updates’ for you to learn what’s out there to suit you, and where you can find it – there’s something for everyone!

Make informed decisions, shop with intention and stop wasting money on things you won’t wear! Here’s what’s available and how I can help summarised below. I’ve also recorded a video which you can watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/u_ObU7YbWhY

Who are the seasonal updates for?

Quite simply, ladies who want to feel good and look stylish. Too many people have too many clothes they don’t wear which don’t suit them!

More specifically:

– If you already know your colouring type, you’ll learn the colours you can expect to find this coming season. Ideal if you’ve identified certain colour gaps in your wardrobe from your palette, or you need to invest in a specific colour or style.

– You want to feel up-to-date in your clothes. I’ve picked out the trends to look out for and how to wear them. This way, you can introduce them, or adapt what you already have in bringing them up-to-date so you can feel more confident in your outfits.

– A dislike for shopping, or feel overwhelmed by choice. I’ve already done the hard work scouring what’s available to make it easier for you to shop for specific items you’ll need and wear.

– You’re short on time, as I’ve done the hard work to make it easy for you to shop for specific items with my guidance.

– You’re an impulse shopper and keep buying clothes without purpose or because it’s there/cheap/available. You may already have something similar in your wardrobe and with my guidance, you’ll know what to look for and have ideas to style it different! These seasonal updates will also help you focus on the items you need to stop you buying more clothes you don’t need and won’t wear.

– Lacking inspiration and confidence. Sometimes you get stuck in a rut and need some help getting out of it.

– You make your own clothes and need some inspiration on styles or new designs you could try your hand at yourself.

What’s available?

A suite of support all guiding you on the colours and trends to suit you to save you time.

Spring/Summer 2024 Colour Update Guide

This guide has had an update to the design this year. It’s still a handy-sized guide to pop in your handbag, but it’s now slimmer, so it fits inside your colour me beautiful colour swatch wallet! (sneak peak in the video above!)

You’ll find the key colours for spring/summer 2024 organised by dominant colouring type (using the tonal colour analysis system which you’ll learn during your colour analysis consultation) to help guide you when shopping.

There’s seven colours for each of the six colouring types which includes three neutrals this year, making it easy to focus on updating your wardrobe this season and fill any specific colour gaps you’ve identified from your palette.

Between April and September, you’ll get a copy with all colour and style consultations.

Live Workshop – Spring/Summer 2024 Colours & Trends – Saturday 6 April 12pm

The next live group workshop takes place virtually on Saturday 6 April at 12pm and lasts around 90 minutes.

During this workshop, you’ll be guided on the latest colours, trends and where to find them. I’ll show examples I’ve found on the high street, plus I shop my own wardrobe too! All aimed at inspiring you to style up and wear what you’ve got so you only buy what you need. Get your ticket here.

Recorded video masterclass

If you can’t attend the live event, my pre-recorded video masterclass is for you so you don’t miss out!

I’ll share my presentation and guidance during this 45 minute pre-recorded video which you can watch in your own time. I’ll talk you through the latest colours and trends, with examples inspiring you in how to wear them.

Shop the look guides for each colouring type

I received some fabulous feedback on these new guides last season, so they are back for SS24 bigger and better!

There’s a ‘shop the look’ for each dominant colouring type and ideal if you know your colours to make shopping the new season colours and trends a breeze.

Each guide features a range of garments, including accessories. There’s over 40 items I’ve picked alongside stylist notes and links to each retailer website to buy.

When are the seasonal updates?

The spring/summer update guides will be available to purchase online from 1 April and the live workshop takes place on 6 April. Tickets to the workshop are available to buy here.

If you’re shopping the sales or pre-loved and missed the previous Autumn/Winter update, these are reduced whilst stocks last. Colour and style guides are available here.

Early access at a discount is available, but only if you join the wait list. Subscribing to a waiting list means I can make you an exclusive offer. The offers aren’t available outside of my email list (ie I don’t offer them anywhere else). So, if you’re not on the list then you don’t get this access. Joining the wait list means you’ll get 5 days exclusive access ahead of general sale at an exclusive discounted price.

To qualify, you need to be subscribed, select ‘seasonal updates’ as an interest and still be opted in by the time the offer email comes around. On 27 March, you’ll receive an email with your exclusive pre-launch offers. Register your details here on the wait list.

How will the seasonal updates help you?

Money doesn’t buy style, knowledge does.

I’m often told my guides stop you making the same mistakes and buying more things you don’t wear/don’t suit you. Having a colour and style expert find items you wouldn’t normally choose yourself actually saves time (and money)! Inspiring you and providing ideas for things you already have stops you wasting money on clothes you won’t wear and don’t need. Using my seasonal updates makes you more aware of what’s already in your wardrobe that you can re-wear again and again too.

Having a colour and style consultant do the hard work for you, stops you scouring the internet and the high street as I’ve gathered the colours and trends, who they work for, where to get them and how to wear them. You just need to choose the format which works best for you!

As a reminder:

  1. A summary guide of the key colours you’ll find this spring/summer 2024 for each dominant colouring type.
  2. Shop the Look guides for each colour type which features links to the retailer websites with style and fit notes from me too.
  3. Recorded on-demand masterclass which is pre-recorded showing you the colours and trends in the shops and tips on how to wear them and who they suit. The video uses the same slides I use in the live group workshop.
  4. 90 minute live group workshop, showing you a presentation of the colours and trends plus what examples I’ve found on the high street. Tips on how to wear them, who they suit and making them work for you. I’ll also show you examples of the ‘new’ trends I’ve found in my wardrobe which I’ll be re-wearing to inspire you to check your wardrobe and style them up a different way.

How much are the seasonal updates?

The price ranges from £7.50 to £19.50 depending what you choose. It’s a cost effective way to tap into the expertise of a colour and style consultant! But, if you’d prefer something more personalised, do get in touch: toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Want to get your wardrobe ready for the new season?

Get your seasonal update here

Should you ration fashion like the war days?

Posted on by Toni Carver

It was often said that The Queen’s style often reflected the state of the nation, do you agree? Her colourful outfits deliberately chosen to help her stand out in a crowd – that’s the power of colour. I miss her visual statements and hoping she’s resting in peace.

I discovered recently that when she married, her Norman Hartnell wedding gown was paid using clothing ration coupons, due to measures in place following World War Two.

Clothing rations

Clothes were rationed in 1941. The rationing scheme allocated a ‘point’ value to each clothing type based upon how much material and labour went into the manufacture of the garment. Imagine if this was in place now!

Dresses – 11
Stockings – 2
Shoes – 5
Jacket – 12
Jumper/cardigan – 5
Knickers – 3
Skirt – 8
Trousers – 8
Shirt/blouse – 4

Every adult was given 66 points, which unfortunately reduced over time. From 1 September 1945 to 30 April 1946 only 24 coupons were issued which meant only 3 coupons a month could be used. People were encouraged to be frugal with their coupons so they would last the year. Seasonal and weather changes were highly recommended to be considered to ensure the best garment was chosen to last.

This meant that careful planning was essential but likely meant some people went without. How would you have spent yours?

Each item was bought with the appropriate number of coupons plus money. Each garment sold, whether it be a dress or a pair of underwear, would have the same standard coupon cost but that didn’t determine the cash value cost. So, those who were wealthier could purchase a very high-quality garment that would last a long time, whilst others had to settle for an inexpensive garment which wouldn’t last very long, for the same coupon.

At the time, fashion magazine Vogue were on hand to offer advice which is still great advice for today!:

Put your money into one good outfit and vary it with accessories

The average wardrobe

The English Heritage reported that in the early 1940s, the average wardrobe of a middleclass woman consisted of:

Dresses – 7
Two-piece suits – 2-3
Skirts – 2-3
Overcoats – 3
Mackintosh – 1 (as in ‘Mac’)
Shoes – 5 pairs split between the seasons

By comparison, a poorer woman may have:

Dresses – 3
Skirt – 1
Overcoats – 1-2
Shoes – 1-2 pairs

Both sound like a ‘capsule wardrobe’, but how do these compare to what you have in your wardrobe?

Make Do and Mend

The ‘Make Do and Mend’ campaign encouraged people to make their existing clothing last longer by repairing, reusing and repurposing fabric and garments into new outfits. This gave freedom for some to diversify and be more creative with what they had. Something which still occurs today of course.

Nowadays, it’s thought that over one million tonnes of clothes are thrown away each year. It’s estimated that 95% of the textiles binned in the UK could have been reused or recycled! So very different from 80 years ago.

Utility clothing

In 1942 the government introduced a scheme called ‘utility clothing’. It offered a range of well-designed, quality and price-controlled clothes, affordable to everyone. It was also the first time that high-end fashion designers were making clothes for the mass market. Of course, this set a precedent long after the war which we still see today.

The Utility scheme ended in 1952 and was thought to have given consumers confidence to demand value for money as well as higher standards in materials and manufacture within the fashion industry as a whole.

The development of Fast Fashion

Mass-market production isn’t new, yet the amounts being produced has increased hugely. Clothing was generally produced to sell for the forthcoming seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter, which made planning and prediction of trends much easier. Today, there can be as many as 52-micro-seasons as manufacturers and retailers increase their product range in an attempt to increase sales. But, this hasn’t meant the best quality or fair prices for all involved in the process (ie. the workers).

I’ve always said that I’m not a fashion stylist. It’s not my thing. I’m not a slave to fashion, but I keep an eye on things. I aim to buy what I need and encourage my clients to do the same. Having so much choice can be overwhelming which is why I believe in simply making better, more informed choices.

How to make better choices

Understanding what suits you is key to helping you make these choices. After all, when you know what colours suit you, how to dress your shape and proportions, and reflecting your individual style, you can minimise the noise. The ability to make or alter your own clothes is a fantastic skill to have, but you’ve still got to have the knowledge on what’s right for you in the first place, or you can make mistakes too.

Alongside my consultations, I offer ongoing advice through my seasonal updates, twice a year. This coincides with spring/summer and autumn/winter which is roughly when the the clothes change. It’s not about encouraging you to make further purchases you don’t need and won’t wear. Instead I want to inspire you to plan, wear and buy what you need, from wherever works for you. Use the information to create your own clothes, shop pre-loved and charities and try the many rental marketplaces too.

These options simply weren’t an option to the ladies decades ago, but they are now. Plus, you’ll no doubt find something in your wardrobe which is similar to what’s ‘new’, especially if you invested in better quality pieces.

Back in the 40’s and 50’s, you were encouraged to be more mindful of your wardrobes and inventive with what you had. I encourage you to do the same today and my advice will help you gain the knowledge on what suits you so you get more wear out of your clothes.

 

References:
The book: Fashion Conscious by Sarah Klymkiw and Kim Hankinson is a remarkable read if you’re looking for a way to change your habits with clothes.

Thanks to www.english-heritage.org.uk, Fashion Conscious Book by Sarah Klymkiw and Kim Hankinson, www.iwm.org.uk, www.fabrickated.com and https://www.royal.uk for the enlightening reads and providing my sources.

Should you invest in a seasonal update if you’re not a follower of fashion?

Posted on by Toni Carver

Are you thinking about investing in the seasonal updates but wondering if they’re right for you because you have no interest in fashion?

Here’s everything you need to know about the seasonal updates this autumn/winter and how they’ll help you make informed decisions, shop with intention and stop wasting money on things you won’t wear.

What are the seasonal updates?

A suite of material guiding you on the colours and styles to suit you. Aimed at saving you time shopping because I’ve done the hard work for you! You’ll find the latest trends and how to wear them so you don’t waste money on things which don’t suit you. Encouraging you to check your wardrobe and buy only what you’ll need and wear. You can work through them in your own time.

Who are the seasonal updates for?

As a colour and style consultant, these seasonal updates are for ladies who want to feel good and look stylish. Too many people have too many clothes they don’t wear which don’t suit them.

The guides are for everyone but usually:

– Those who already know their colouring type. The guides illustrate eight colours from your palette that you’ll find this season. Perfect if you’ve identified certain colour gaps in your wardrobe or you need to invest in a specific colour or style.

– Want to feel up-to-date and current with your clothes. There are twelve trends I’ve picked this season which can be introduced or adapted from what you already have in your wardrobe (or pre-loved). The guides will help you focus on how to update your wardrobe to feel more confident in your outfits.

– Feel overwhelmed by choice and dislike shopping. Having the guides makes it easier to shop for specific items you’ll need.

– Anyone short on time, because the hard work has already been done with examples and links (Shop the look guides).

– You keep buying things without purpose or because it’s there, you’re more likely to be wasting money. You may already have something similar in your wardrobe too! Use the guides to stop you buying more clothes you don’t need and won’t wear.

– Lacking inspiration and confidence. Sometimes you get stuck in a rut and need some help getting out of it. These guides will help.

How will the seasonal updates can help you shop with intention?

There’s a choice of material available to guide you:

  1. A colour and style A5 guide which summarises the key colours and trends that you’ll find this autumn / winter 2023 featuring eight colours for each dominant colouring type.
  2. Shop the Look book for each colour type which features over 30 garments in colours and styles to suit your dominant colouring type. Contains links to the retailer websites and style and fit notes from me too.
  3. E-book containing 19 pages detailing the colours, styles and trends and shape considerations. Includes eight colours and makeup shades for each dominant colour type and the 15 colours from London Fashion Week coded for each dominant colour type. Also includes wardrobe and shopping checklists so you can focus on what you have and what you need.
  4. Recorded on-demand masterclass which is a pre-recorded video showing you the examples of the colours and trends you’ll find in the shops and how to wear them. The video lasts 38 minutes and uses the same slides I use in the live group workshop.

What’s the cost of the seasonal update?

The price ranges from £7.50 to £17.50 depending upon the seasonal update guide. It’s a cost effective way to tap into the expertise of a colour and style consultant!

Who should not invest in the seasonal update?

If you want to become a trend-setter and aren’t bothered if something suits you, these guides are not for you!

You should have some idea about what suits you. If not, you’ve lost your confidence or you can’t find a way through the confusion then these guides may not be the answer. A consultation or bespoke session may be better suited and you’re welcome to arrange a no-obligation call. Click here to arrange a no-obligation chat: https://calendly.com/tlcstyleandcolour/schedule-a-call

What kind of results can you expect from seasonal update?

I’m often told my guides stop you making the same mistakes and buying more things you don’t wear/don’t suit you. Having a colour and style expert find items you wouldn’t normally choose yourself can saves time! Using the seasonal updates makes you more aware of what’s already in your wardrobe that you can re-wear again.

Ready to invest in the Seasonal Update for Autumn / Winter 2023?

Buy your seasonal update guide here

How does getting my colours done help me build a sustainable wardrobe?

Posted on by Toni Carver

I’ve talked about the benefits of getting your colours done before. Clients tell me all the time how easy it is for them to shop when they know their colours and, how they save money because they no longer buy things that don’t suit them.

When I first had my colours done many years ago now, I found the same. Even now, I can still walk into a store, look at the racks and I don’t even walk over unless I spy colours that I know will suit me. Some of my clients have a picture on their phone for any impulse trips when they haven’t got their fabric swatches with them so they don’t make mistakes.

Consider Pre-Loved

Of course, this alone won’t build a sustainable wardrobe. It’s about the choices that you make. If you’re making fewer mistakes and buying less items as a result of knowing your colours, this will help you build a more sustainable wardrobe. New clothes don’t need to be brand new either. Pre-loved is huge now. Charity shops, Vinted and EBay have hoards of clothing and you’ll find lots being sold with the tags still on! Just search BNWT (brand new with tags) or BNWOT (brand new without tags). There’s also swap shops and clothing exchanges in most cities now if you prefer physical browsing and you can still take your swatches with you too!

Repair, rewear, recycle

Patrick Grant on The Great British Sewing Bee was instilling the virtues of repair, rewear and recycle recently. All things we frequently hear are essential elements to building a more sustainable wardrobe. Whilst I do have clients who do these things, not everyone can or will. On Instagram (8 June), they shared three statistics:

  • The average person buys 60% more clothes than they did 15 years ago (and wears them for half as long)
  • The equivalent of one bin lorry full of clothing is dumped in landfill or burned every single SECOND
  • The fashion industry produces and sells a staggering 100 billion garments every YEAR

I took to google to ask “how many people live in the world”? The answer was 7.888 billion (2021), which is 12-13 garments for every person. Essentially that’s one clothing item every month.

Building a more sustainable wardrobe is something which many people aspire to, but over-consuming ‘fast fashion’ is the challenge given the over-production. It can simply be too tempting! There’s a reason there’s so many ‘bargains’ in the sale rail! Remember it’s only ever a bargain if you actually wear it. Consider not just the cost of the item, but the cost per wear.

Introducing Sam

Sam booked my Complete Colour Analysis consultation because she wanted to be more sustainable with her future clothing choices. She wanted to make fewer mistakes and know that what she bought suited her.

Her wardrobe wasn’t particularly colourful because she didn’t feel she knew what colours worked for her. She wasn’t afraid of experimenting, but felt she needed more guidance and understanding so she didn’t keep making the same mistakes. Sam wanted a more coordinated wardrobe so she could make more outfits from fewer things.

After her session, she told me that she felt much more confident about future shopping purchases knowing that what she did buy would suit her and that she had her swatches to help guide her.

Colour analysis concerns

One concern with having a colour (or a style consultation) is that you’ll need to get rid of all your clothes and start again! This isn’t something which I recommend (nor is it sustainable and something I’ve covered previously). I guarantee you’ll have things hung up which don’t suit you, but then you probably knew that already.

During a colour consultation I talk you through how to wear your colours. It’s not just what colours to wear as there’s so many different shades and fabric choices. Understanding how to wear things you may already have which aren’t your best colours is important too. This could be dying them, keeping them away from your face or ensuring you wear something more complimentary close to your face such as a scarf or another top underneath. Knowing the ‘rules’ and how to apply them is all part of the journey!

Too many clothes

Most people admit they have far too many clothes in their wardrobe. They also tell me they only ever wear a fraction of the clothes in their wardrobe. When I ask what the reason is for not wearing these clothes, they often tell me that they don’t fit. Or that they don’t know how to wear them. Or they used to wear them, but now not so much. Which begs the question – why keep them?

Whatever the reasons for keeping hold of things we don’t wear, the feeling of overwhelm every day is hard to overcome. It’s often why people ask me about creating a capsule wardrobe. I get the attraction – imagine having a smaller collection of clothes, which can be worn in multiple ways to create more outfits. Yet, the fear of not having ‘enough’ clothes often stops them. But how do you measure too much? Everyone is different which is why I don’t believe in setting a number on how many clothes you must have. It’s pointless in my view! What you need depends upon how you spend your time, what your style preferences are and of course your budget. Know what suits you and you’re half way there to building that sustainable wardrobe. All you have to do is take the steps to create it.

Learn your colours by booking a colour analysis consultation.

If you’re ready to create your own capsule wardrobe but need some guidance, check out my Capsule Wardrobe Masterclass here.

Spring 2023 Spotlight trend: denim and how to wear it

Posted on by Toni Carver

If you’ve been shopping, you’ll have noticed new colours and styles for spring and summer. We just need the weather!

Whilst I shared this trend during my live workshop in April, One trend I wanted to spotlight this spring is denim and how to wear it.

Firstly, think beyond jeans! One of the biggest complaints I get from clients is how fed up they are of wearing jeans! This year, denim has been reinvented! Skirts, dresses, jackets, shirts and more. Different styles, cuts, patterns and washes. Try something different – like a denim dress!

In this video, I’m sharing a denim dress which totally ticks the spring 2023 trend:

Watch it here on YouTube. 

Would it surprise you to learn that this was a charity shop find? (Wakefield Hospice, The Ridings Shopping Centre, Wakefield).

It’s totally ‘on trend’ right??

Which proves the point I’m always making. Trends come and go. Be sure to check your wardrobe for something similar to the latest trends (in which case; get it worn!). Charity shops can be a great place to shop!

Here’s three considerations when shopping for denim:

1. Think about your style personality

Naturals like me, can be drawn to the ease and simplicity of denim. But, do think outside the box and try it on for ease of movement. Denim nowadays is more modern and there are different weights of denim fabric too. The dress I’ve highlighted is a much lighter weight fabric and it has pockets! Go for something that works for your style personality. For example, romantics will be drawn to embroidery, lace or jewel embellishment details. The Classics will prefer a plain item so try something like a smart denim jacket. There’s coloured and traditional denim in the shops in abundance too.

2. Think about your colouring

The lighter wash of the denim dress mans it’s perfect for lights and softs. It will work for warms (you’re best ‘warming up’ your denim and neutrals or look for a colour such as a khaki denim jacket which will give you versatility). Cools, clears and deeps will be better suited to a darker wash.

3. Think about your body shape

Denim is a structured fabric and has a tendency to sit off curves. This dress has a waistband sewn in to provide some shape and darts to create shape. Plus the material is a much lighter weight version so it’s got more movement than a traditional, heavier weight denim. This can be a great option for straight body shapes. However, if you are curvier, look for styles that follow your shape (ie. go in at the waist). Some give will be best so make sure you have some elastane and stretch in your denim or a chambray style of fabric. You could even opt for a belted shacket-style with a soft belt.

Staying up to date

As I said, trends come and go. Just because something is fashion or on trend, does not mean it will work for you. Learn what does suit you and you’ll look and feel great!

If you missed my spring/summer update, the guide featured in the video, the E-book and my recorded video masterclass are all available online until 30 September. These show you some of the colours and styles that you can find to help give you some guidance this spring/summer. Visit my shop online here.

The next live group workshop takes place on 7 October for autumn/winter. Reserve your spot here

Watch the video here

10 spring 2023 trends

10 Spring 2023 trends

Posted on by Toni Carver

Time flies doesn’t it? At the start of April, I shared the new colour and style trends for spring / summer 2023 at my ‘what to wear’ workshop.

Having hit the shops the week before, I found a number of items to help me illustrate some of the colour and style trends to the group. During the live workshop, I go through the presentation I’ve prepared all about what you can expect, what suits you and how to make it work for you. I also use the same presentation during the recorded video masterclass (the latest version is available here). The next live group workshop will take place on 7 October and showcase the autumn/winter 2023 colour and style trends.

I’ve showcased some trends I’ve found on the high street in my latest video which you can watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/kAhXbMXh2U8

Here are 10 spring trends featured in the video:

1. Blue midi off the shoulder dress – Next

2. Lime Green Ruffle Sleeve Tie Back Dress – Next

3. Blue/Yellow Striped collared shirt dress – Next

4. Pink Broderie ruffle sleeve Blouse – Love & Roses at Next

5. Khaki Wide Leg Cargo Trousers – New Look

6. Blue button front midi dress – New Look

7. Metallic Silver clutch Bag – New Look

8. Pink animal print tiered dress – New Look

9. Blue Floral hanky hemline dress – Apricot Clothing at New Look 

10. Navy Botanical grecian occasion reversible dress – Apricot Clothing (also available via New Look, Next and Yumi)

Need more help?

Not all these will suit you of course! When you know what suits you, shopping really does become easier. You’ll learn this knowledge when you book a consultation, so do get in touch if the time is right for you.

If you missed the workshop, or you want to watch it again, the recorded version is available here until 30 September.

The Colour & Style guide for spring/summer 2023 is a physical handout you can pop in your handbag and available here. You’ll receive a copy of this if you book a Complete Colour Analysis Consultation between 1 April and 30 September.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer a complete digital kit of resources, my new E-Book is 20 pages and contains everything you need to know to help guide you on the spring and summer colour and style trends.

Please note. The above list contains some affiliate links which may result in a payment of commission.

Zara dress problem

The real problem with having the cult Zara dress

Posted on by Toni Carver

A few weeks ago, I read an article calling out a new Zara dress which would suit everyone!

I’ll admit, I was sceptical, but I was also intrigued.

You see, I’ve been analysing people’s colouring, style and shape for years now and I’ve yet to find a garment that works and suits every single person.

So, off I went to Zara to investigate.

Introducing the ‘cult zara zig zag dress’

I took to social media to showcase this piece and everyone was in agreement that it really didn’t do anything for me!

So, in my professional opinion, I don’t believe it does suit everyone but importantly, here’s why.

Colour

It’s a dark green and cream colour combination. The green is rather dark and rich which is too deep for many people (especially me). The pattern is too bold and too contrasting for my features. It would suit someone with a richer, bolder colouring (a deep or deep and warm undertone)

Style

As a natural/classic, it really doesn’t tick enough boxes for me but would likely appeal to someone who has a more dramatic style personality.

Shape

Not flattering at all for a neat hourglass figure like me. It’s far too voluminous in the fabric and the tiers just extend it further. It overpowers a narrow or petite frame and would be far better for someone much taller (I’m 5 ft 5) with a larger frame which would suit the scale and size of the pattern (which is also too big for my frame). The dress has no waist definition which doesn’t flatter my figure at all.

Fit

If you’ve got a bust like me, be aware that it does gape a little. The seam across should run underneath the bust but it doesn’t -it would be more flattering if it did!

The top half is narrower but it billows out too much making me look much wider than I am and substantially heavier than I am too. It also sat quite tight around the neck when the buttons were fastened.

Zara is notorious for inconsistencies in their fit. I’ve explored this a little here in this blog: The Zara sizing code you need to know

Conclusion

Something rarely suits everyone because we are all different – colouring, shape, style and your proportions. How can one garment truly work for everyone?

Purchasing items just because they’re in fashion, because an article tells you to do so, or because everyone does so won’t always pay off.

Do you really want to turn up to an event and see someone else wearing the same thing as you?

Knowing and understanding what suits you makes these shopping mistakes a thing of the past.

Investing in a colour and style consultation will arm you with the knowledge to make the right choices. I go through what suits you and why so that you understand what makes you look, as well as feel good.

It’s been a great exercise to be able to demonstrate the importance of knowing and understanding how important this information can be and how it can inform the right decisions on what to wear (as well as what not!) Because, after all, everyone really is different.

Head on over to social media to watch the video and see the posts and comments:

Instagram

Facebook

You’ll also find another dress which I found which I thought would suit more people! I discuss dresses in a new blog which you can read here.

Want to learn how I can help?

Details on Colour analysis, style and image and the transformation packages available.

Sustainable fashion tips

Sustainable fashion tips

Posted on by Toni Carver

The 2022 World Environment Day campaign #OnlyOneEarth calls for collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet. (Visit https://www.worldenvironmentday.global for more details)

As I reflect on what this means, I suppose everyone needs to do something to help protect the planet. It feels rather big otherwise doesn’t it?

I don’t want this blog to become a lecture, but we do seem to consume a lot of things don’t we? Imagine if you bought only what you needed so that you wasted less. This could be food, clothes or makeup. It would have an impact for sure.

Everyone is more aware of the need to be more sustainable when it comes to style. But, it may also mean changing our habits too.

I like to think that my services help support this: Wearing things which suit you. Making things work for you if they’re not quite right. Passing them on to others to keep them in circulation.

Here’s my top tips for a more sustainable wardrobe.

1. Choose quality over quantity

If you buy well you buy once! Look for good quality material and well made clothes. These will last longer than fast fashion and cheaper buys made from poor quality material. If you have a lower budget, make sure you spend as much as you can on the key pieces for your wardrobe that you’ll wear all the time. This is where creating a capsule wardrobe really comes in. Revisit this blog Virtual guides – how to create a capsule wardrobe that works for you.

2. Explore pre-loved and vintage

There are so many options available with platforms like vinted and eBay as well as charity shops. If you would like better quality pieces or designers but can’t afford the price tag, these are often the best solution. That feeling when you find something in the perfect colour for you, wonderful quality and which fits beautifully is a winning combination. Knowing you’ve not only grabbed yourself a bargain, but you’ve also helped the planet is a very pleasing experience. In fact, it can be a bit addictive! It’s a great way of clearing your own clutter and making a little money too.

3. Upcycle your existing pieces to bring them up to date

If you’re great at sewing, then this is definitely for you! By changing your clothes to bring them up to date, you have a very inexpensive alternative to spending more money on new clothes you probably don’t need.

You could change the shape of a collar or neckline. Add some braiding, edging or the sleeve or skirt length to make it feel like a new item of clothing. I have had clients who have altered a dress they’ve grown tired of changing it into a top or a skirt. Cut down trousers into shorts. I’ve even upcycled buttons into jewellery myself!

Even if you aren’t adept with a needle and thread, others are. Switch up the buttons on a jacket to make it feel like new. Or, add a brooch which needs no sewing at all.

Another way to alter something is by changing the colour. Gone are the days of prodding clothes around with a stick in a bucket full of dye. Dylon pods can be used safely within the washing machine to quickly switch the colour of your clothes. It’s fun and simple to do, plus their dye is vegan and environmentally friendly. So many clients have taken my advice. £6 on Amazon. (If you make a purchase using this link, I will receive a payment).

4. Hire rather than buy

Before you buy a new outfit for that special occasion, consider renting one instead.

Check out the many rental marketplaces. Hirestreet, Hurr, By Rotation, My wardrobe HQ are all good options. They offer access to a wide range of premium brands at affordable prices.

https://www.hirestreetuk.com

https://www.hurrcollective.com

https://byrotation.com/

https://www.mywardrobehq.com/

5. Take care of the clothes you have

It really will make a difference. If you’re tempted to throw clothes over the bedroom chair, floordrobe or exercise bike, think again. Our clothes are never really as dirty as we think! Try and hang up items you can get another wear out of before throwing them in the wash. Washing at lower temperatures is recommended and simple these days.

6. Be more mindful

Consider each new purchase. Do you already have something similar? Does it fill a gap you have been able to identify? Can it be worn with at least three other items?

Consider them to be an investment as they can last you many years and see many wears. Remember my ‘pounds per wear’ motto. Clothes in the right colour and style for you which fit and flatter your shape will always be the best choices.

If we all do our little bit imagine the combined change we can make.

How to stop impulse buying

How to stop impulse buying

Posted on by Toni Carver

It was great to do my What to wear workshop for Autumn at the weekend and share the new colour and style trends that you’ll find in the shops and online.

I find that everyone is different when it comes to shopping, but often there is a little common problem I hear time and time again. Impulse shopping!

Now, I’m not trying to take the fun out of life and be a party pooper! It’s a common problem I hear all the time but one which can be solved!

The scenario

You go shopping, hoping to buy something new. You find nothing that fits your proportions / in your colours / in your size / flatters your shape / makes you feel good / feels like you. So, you go home feeling deflated, fed up and totally uninspired. That’s not a great place to be!

Because, it all looks so tempting, inspiring and seductive with the adverts, emails and the rails promoting those ‘must-have’ pieces and outfits. Encouraging you to part with your hard-earned cash. After all, you want to look that good too right? Fashionable. Stylish. On trend.

Stop ✋

Shop with purpose

That’s why my advice is to always shop with purpose. You need a better plan and one your wardrobe, purse and self-esteem will thank you for!

New outfits and clothes don’t have to be new all the time. Sometimes you just need to feel inspired to try a different combination to create a new outfit. If you look hard enough, you’ll probably find ‘new’ things in your wardrobe. Those pieces you bought ages ago and actually forgot that you had. Or those items you bought but didn’t know what to wear it with.

You see, trends come and go and fashion isn’t quite so ‘new’. Yes, the styles may be ever so slightly different but only you know if you’ll get your money’s worth out of buying it.

My what to wear workshops occur every six months for Spring/summer and Autumn/Winter. It’s an opportunity to hear me share my tips on how to make the current seasonal styles work for you but also how to review what you’ve already got and style them up differently. On Saturday, not only did I showcase some of the new trends you’ll find on the high street, but I also picked out 16 items I already had in my own wardrobe which ticked off those same trends! That’s why it’s important to know what you’ve got in your wardrobe.

Shopping tips

These are questions I ask myself when I shop:

Is it the right colour for me?

Does the style work for me?

When would I wear it? (occasion/lifestyle appropriate)

Does it fit and flatter my body shape and proportions?

Is it comfortable to wear?

What else can I wear it with?

Final thoughts

As you can see, it’s all about understanding what works for you, your lifestyle as well as your budget. Even when you know your colours, choosing the right fabrics and styles is equally as important or you still won’t feel ‘right’. That’s where my style and image consultations come in.

Finally, don’t forget about accessories. These can be a great way to put some jazz into your existing clothes and do a nod to the new trends at the same time. Plus, they’re a much more cost effective way of adding something new to your wardrobe.

Remember; just because it’s in fashion, does not mean that it suits everyone. If it’s not ‘you’, don’t buy it! It’s about being authentic and true to yourself. Wearing something that doesn’t feel like you will only make you feel uncomfortable and unhappy and that doesn’t make for a confident feeling person.

My style and image consultations will identify your style, your shape, proportions and the cut and fabrics which suit you best. Contact me to book your session.

Spring summer 2020 event

Who can wear what? Spring/summer 2020 event – Saturday 28 March

Posted on by Toni Carver

Learn ‘who can wear what’ this coming season by attending our brand new and exclusive event for 2020.

This session will last around 2.5 hours with a Spring/Summer 2020 style presentation. This includes the current trends, what to shop for and key makeup shades for the season, all personalised and reflecting the Colour me Beautiful colouring types and style personalities.

You will learn:

  • Your basic colouring type (if you don’t already know it).
  • Six shades of colour for you to buy in the shops this season.
  • Your style personality (as this influences how you shop).
  • What trends you should look for to buy in the shops.
  • Spring/summer makeup for eyes, cheeks and lips; all personalised to you.

You’ll take away a goody bag with the following items (worth over £40):

  • A handy Style Update Guide which includes your six shades of colour and a reminder of the key seasonal trends.
  • A lipstick personalised to your colouring type.
  • A blusher personalised to your colouring type (refillable).
  • Two eyeshadows personalised to your colouring type (refillable).

Where

The event will be held at the TLC Style & Colour HQ in Wakefield

When

Saturday 28th March

10am until 12:30 pm

Cost

£49 per person which includes a goody bag (worth over £40) and refreshments.*

To reserve your place, contact Toni on 07958 657032 or email Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk.

 

* There are limited places available at the event and pre-payment is required to secure your place which is non refundable.

If the cosmetics recommended aren’t available for you to take away, we will place an order which will be delivered the following week.

Fashion quote

Fashion vs style and sustainability

Posted on by Toni Carver

“Don’t be a slave to trends, find your own style and you’ll always be the height of chic! Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose.” Lauren Hutton

I always say to people that dressing well is not about buying expensive clothes, or about being at the cutting edge of fashion. It’s simply, knowing what suits you and why so that you can dress with confidence, every day.

80/20 rule

We can all have those days when we feel like we have nothing to wear. You’ve probably seen the statistic that says that we typically only wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time and with the ladies I meet, the majority all nod their heads in agreement.

It’s not exactly true though is it? We often do have things to wear but we don’t like them / they don’t fit / they don’t suit you / they don’t make you feel good / it doesn’t go with anything. Sound familiar?

If this is you; don’t beat yourself up! But you can change it.

Declutter

Your first port of call is to review and declutter your wardrobe. It can be as simple as this:

  1. Get rid of any items that no longer fit
  2. Anything that’s really worn, damaged and not repairable
  3. Anything you don’t like or hate yourself in.

Now, this might not help but you’d be surprised. Especially if you take the emotion out of it! If everything left it still good enough to wear, ask yourself why you aren’t wearing it.

If you’re serious about cleansing those wardrobes, then try following these simple steps:

  1. Check if it’s the right colour for you; if it doesn’t lighten and brighten your features then get rid
  2. Does it fit? Is it comfortable? Have you worn it in the last 12 months? If the answers are no; get rid
  3. What’s the condition like? Does it need a minor repair and are you prepared to do it? If not; get rid.

Use my free guide to help you declutter in five simple steps. Download your copy here.

Old favourites

Often, it’s not that you’ve actually got nothing to wear, it’s just that you’ve either lost your way or you don’t know what suits you. Instead you end up reaching for the same few favourites or buying another pair of black jeans / trousers / jacket / top that happens to be identical to the other six you have.

When you know what suits you and why; you’ll have a wardrobe full of clothes that are in the right colours which suit you, in the styles which suit your personality and lifestyle, in the right shape and fit for your body. But, it won’t happen overnight and if you need help, that’s where I come in as I have a range of services to support your journey which you can find here.

Fashion shouldn’t cost the earth

Textile waste is becoming a major problem. According to a government report published in February 2019 – 300,000 tonnes of textile waste end up at landfill from households. If you’re decluttering, please consider alternative ways of disposing your items. Try giving to charities, selling on, restyling or swapping.

Swapping events are becoming more popular. They give you the opportunity to exchange your items (providing they are in good condition) for others. They may not be new, but they’re still new to you. If this appeals, you may be interested in a Style Swap event which is being held in Leeds on 23 January. Tickets can be bought from here. The organiser has also asked me to attend the event and do a talk so why not book your ticket and come along? More details of the event can be found on my events page.

Take the 30 day challenge

Another trick is to turn all your hangers so they are facing the same way. Then, every time you wear something and it goes back in, turn the hanger the opposite way. This way, it’s more visible about what you are and aren’t wearing. I tried this last year for 30 days and you’d be surprised what difference it makes. Revisit the blog here and give it a go.

£s per wear

If you’re a regular reader, then you’ll be familiar with my motto. It’s not how much you’ve spent on something, but how many times you’re going to wear it. Before I buy anything, I always ask myself: what do I have that I can wear it with?  Ideally, if you can make three different outfits with it then it’s a good buy in my book. But, it’s got to be the right colour for me (soft, cool and deep), right shape and style (natural/classic neat hourglass) too. Get something in the sale for £10 which you wear once and it’s £10 per wear. Spend £50 on something which you wear 10 times and it’s £5 per wear. I’ve got things in my wardrobe that must be pennies per wear but I regularly declutter too.

 

If you’d like some help sorting through your wardrobe or simply understanding what works for you and why, then get in touch. Most people start with a colour consultation because it’s the easiest way to update your look, but have a browse and contact me.

In full colour event

In full colour event – Sheffield Hallam University students and John Lewis

Posted on by Toni Carver

I was honoured to be invited to speak at the ‘In full colour’ fashion event on 20 November. It was organised by Sheffield Hallam University students with John Lewis & Partners.

Trends

The fashion students set up five areas around the room to showcase the colour trends of the season.

Sheffield Hallam uni event

1. Deep shores (greens and blues). 2. Spiced pumpkin (oranges). 3. Raspberry (purple and pinks). 4. New neutrals (browns, greys). 5. Fiery red (reds and rich oranges).

Colour Analysis presentation

At 7pm I was invited to deliver my presentation about colour analysis. If you’re on Instagram, you can catch some of the highlights and recordings from the grids. Here’s the profile links: @tlcstyleandcolour, @shu_fmc, @johnlewisincolour

I explained what’s involved in a colour analysis consultation and what to expect using some examples. Everyone can wear colour, it’s merely identifying the shade of colour which is best for you. During a consultation, you learn which work for you. This means you save time and money in the long run. When you wear the right shades of colour in your clothes and makeup, it will lighten and brighten your appearance making you look and feel good in what you wear.

If you’ve previously had a consultation and was analysed as a spring, summer, autumn or winter, things have changed. If you’re finding that some colours aren’t working for you anymore or your hair colour has drastically changed; it could be worth booking a review.

The current system is more advanced. At Colour me Beautiful, we assess a person’s physical characteristics – their hair, skin and eyes, to identify the shades of colour and how to wear them.

Using clothing from John Lewis, I demonstrated a few of the current trends to the audience. It included how clothes and styles can suit different body shapes. Size doesn’t matter but shape does, so if something doesn’t fit right, your shape will play a part.

It’s tempting to buy what’s in fashion, but when you learn what works for your colouring, shape and personality, you don’t need to.

The students worked so hard and the fashion show showcase was excellent. I truly wish them all the success and thank them for the invite.

Contact me to book a session.

Event on 20 november

Fashion event in collaboration with John Lewis and Sheffield Hallam University

Posted on by Toni Carver

We have been invited along to talk about the impact of wearing colour to support Sheffield Hallam University students who are working in collaboration with John Lewis to host this event on Wednesday 20 November.

Toni will share how you can wear colour with confidence and offer special discounts on the evening. There will also be stall holders and a fashion show.

The event starts at 6pm and will be held at The Kommune, Castle House, Angel Street, Sheffield, S3 8LS.

For further information, email Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk