mend it may blog image

Mend It May – How colour and style confidence reduces wardrobe waste

Posted on by Toni Carver

You might have seen ‘Mend It May’ pop up on your social media feed (search: #MendItMay). It’s a brilliant initiative encouraging everyone to repair, rewear, and rethink what’s in their wardrobes rather than constantly buying new. Making sustainable choices isn’t just about recycling or buying eco-fabrics, it’s also about making more mindful choices with the clothes we already own.

It’s easy to be tempted by sales, trends, and cheap clothes. So, rather than buying something new this month, how about repairing something you’ve already got?

The campaign encourages people to extend the life of their clothes by mending them and you’re encouraged to share your projects on social media to inspire others to reconsider what they do with their clothes, before they dispose of them.

Rethinking what you own

This month is the perfect opportunity to slow down and take a fresh look at your wardrobe. There might be items you can tweak, re-style, or bring back to life.

A lack of sewing machine and experience needn’t hold you back! Repairs can be by hand and they don’t have to be perfect – just good enough for you to be able to rewear them!

Pro Tip: Pull out all the items which need repairing. Those where the button has fallen off, or the hem has fallen down. Get out those with a little hole in the neckline or sleeve. It’s often these items which are the quickest to bring back to life. They’re probably things you’ve been putting on, only to have to take them off again because of the need to repair! Mending these items will be quicker than what you think and you’ll have something ‘new’ to wear too!

I was never taught how to sew – sure I could manage using a needle and thread, but it was only last year I enrolled in an Adult Education course to learn how to sew using a sewing machine! Is there a course you can enrol in? Or a class you can go to? Now’s the time to have a look and get on board with the campaign!

Equally why not dye things in the ‘wrong’ colour? If you’ve got items which you know don’t flatter you, but you still like them, and find you’re not wearing them anymore, check the label for the material. Dylon dye pods make it easy to dye in the washing machine for anything with natural fibres (or a mix of less than 50% polyester). For anything synthetic based, try Rit.

If you’ve got lots of items requiring a repair, and you feel it’s beyond you, search for places you can take them to for repairing.

You can see how I’ve changed a dress into a top in this blog post.

And, I’ve dyed clothes before and found I wear them more often as a result! Revisit my experience in this blog here.

Wearing what you own

If you’ve got wardrobes full of clothes but still feel like you’ve got nothing to wear, it’s worth figuring out what’s not working for you.

Pro tip: Shop your wardrobe and try things on to see what you have, what fits and what doesn’t work. I find lots of people hold on to garments out of guilt. And, that doesn’t help in the long term.

If you’ve got things which don’t suit your colouring – can you change the colour? Can you wear it differently? Is it worn away from your face (making it more forgiving)? Can you alter the style? Or, it is time to thank it and let it go?

Is the fit not quite right? If it’s something you’ll wear again in the future, consider storing it temporarily. Can you alter it, so it does fit? Taking up the hem, shortening the sleeves, changing the buttons are all relatively simply things to do. Anything major, can be taken to a seamstress if you don’t have the skills yourself.

Does it just not feel like you anymore? That’s OK – our styles change and develop as life happens. If you can’t change it, or you’re unlikely to want to wear it again, let it go.

Should you have things that don’t go, or you’ve identified a gap in your wardrobe, now is the time to search for that missing piece! Check the pre-loved sites and charity shops, or swap events first.

Making mindful choices

‘Mend It May’ is a great reminder that we don’t always need more. Sometimes, we just need to make the most of what we have.

When you understand your colouring, your style personality and the shapes that flatter you, you’ll start to see your wardrobe in a whole new way! You might even rediscover pieces you forgot about or find new ways to style them. And when you do shop, you’ll do so with intention and the right knowledge.

There’s no perfect wardrobe

There’s no ‘perfect’ wardrobe – it’s about having the right wardrobe that works for you. It will reflect your lifestyle, and make you look and feel good. Spend some time getting to know these factors and your wardrobe which start to work better for you.

Understand what suits you

Not knowing what actually suits you often means you keep buying things in the hope that you find something that works. This can be both costly and time-consuming.

Whilst mending and repairing your clothes is great for your purse and the planet, if what you have doesn’t feel right on you, that’s where colour and style confidence comes in.

My consultations will help you to make better decisions by understanding what suits you and why. This way, you’ll reduce the mistake-buys you make by understanding what suits you – from the colour, style, cut and fabric of the clothes you wear.

Sustainable Fashion week Campaign

Find more information about the camping on the Sustainable Fashion Week website here: https://www.sustainablefashionweek.uk/sfw-campaigns including details on some competitions they’re running on social media if you wish to take part.

Need help making sense of your wardrobe?

Book your consultation here
dress to top blog image

Upcycling My Wardrobe: From Dress to Top

Posted on by Toni Carver

Have you ever looked at something in your wardrobe and thought, I love it, but I just don’t wear it? That was exactly how I felt about a dress I reassessed during my recent wardrobe audit (which I shared last week).

If I’m honest, it was never quite right for me, but since it was still in good condition, I wasn’t ready to part with it. Instead of letting it go, I decided to restyle it into something I’d wear more—a top!

Repurposing pieces you already own is a great way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a penny. Not only is it more sustainable, but it also allows you to get creative with your style.

The Dress: From Past to Present

This dress had already been through one transformation! Originally from Zara (bought in 2020), it was similar to ‘stone’ in my swatches. It different from the rest of my wardrobe but casual and comfortable, so it ticked a few boxes. It had a unique sweatshirt-style front, a lightweight shirt-like back, and a fabric tie belt. However, I always felt the colour left me feeling a bit flat, so in 2021, I decided to dye it.

Since the dress had a mix of fabrics, I knew the result would be unpredictable. The label stated:

  • Main fabric: 50% viscose, 37% polyester, 12% polyamide
  • Secondary fabric: 1% elastane, polyester

I opted for Plum Red from the Dylon machine dye pod range. With my basic colour knowledge, I knew this cooler tone would work well with my complexion. As expected, the dye took differently on the fabrics. The front absorbed some of the depth of colour, turning into a softer, muted shade, while the polyester back remained unchanged, creating a two-tone effect.

The result was a pleasant surprise, and I wore it much more often—mainly for working from home. However, the fit was quite loose, and I had already removed the belt. The dropped sleeves gave it a slouchy, relaxed feel, which added comfort but didn’t necessarily flatter my shape. The biggest challenge? The mixed fabrics! The back was thin and cool, while the front was warm and cosy, making it tricky to layer.

The 2025 Challenge: Turning It into a Top

This year, I set myself a new challenge—to transform the dress into a top so I could wear it more as a jumper. Armed with my new sewing skills, I measured where I wanted it to finish (at hip length), then carefully cut the fabric. Since the original dress had a slight curve at the sides, I replicated this and took in the fit slightly so it wasn’t as boxy.

I’m pleased to say it’s already had plenty of wear this January—proof that a little effort can go a long way in making your wardrobe work better for you!

 

 

Top Tips for Restyling Your Clothes

If you’re thinking about tweaking or transforming something in your wardrobe, here are a few things to consider:

Is the colour right for you?
Even though the original dress was technically one of my colours, changing the shade made it much more wearable with the rest of my wardrobe.

Does the style suit you?
The dress had a relaxed fit, which worked for my style personality, but I always felt like I was trying to make it work rather than loving it.

Does it flatter your shape?
Oversized styles can be great for comfort, but if they don’t work for your proportions, you might not feel your best in them. Adjusting the shape slightly made this piece much more versatile for me.

By choosing the right colour, finding a style that suits you, and ensuring the fit flatters your shape, you’ll create a piece you love to wear—again and again!

What’s in your wardrobe that could be given a new lease of life?

Instead of letting something sit unworn, why not see if a small tweak could make it work better for you? Whether it’s dyeing, tailoring, or even just styling it differently, a little creativity can go a long way!

If you’re unsure whether something suits you—whether it’s the colour, style, or fit—I can help! A Colour Analysis Consultation or Style & Shape Consultation will give you the confidence to make the most of what you already own (and shop smarter in the future!).

Book a session with me: https://calendly.com/tlcstyleandcolour

Have you ever restyled or upcycled a piece of clothing? I’d love to hear about it! Share your transformations and tag me on social media—I’d love to see what you come up with!

7 style resolutions for 2025 blog post

7 Style Resolutions for 2025: Refresh Your Wardrobe and Embrace New Colours

Posted on by Toni Carver

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button on your wardrobe and embrace a new year of style possibilities. In my first blog post of the new year, I’ll guide you through seven style resolutions to help you refresh your wardrobe and ensure your colours and outfits work for you in the year ahead. Ready to transform your wardrobe with confidence? Let’s get started!

Colour Block Like A Pro

Roman colour blockingColour blocking is a fun and modern way to create an outfit using solid colours—either on their own or paired together. It’s a great styling technique that doesn’t require much effort but delivers bold, eye-catching results. You can go all out with contrasting colours (as seen with this outfit from Roman), or keep things subtle and harmonious if you prefer a less intimidating look.

To get started, choose two colours that complement each other. For example, if you’re a Clear, try combining contrasting colours like emerald turquoise and mint. If you’re a Warm, opt for earthy, complementary tones like terracotta and olive green.

Pro tip:
If you’re new to colour blocking, ease into it by incorporating at least one neutral colour into your outfit. This way, the boldness of the colours won’t feel too overwhelming or intimidating.

Consider also the level of contrast between the colours you choose and the level of contrast in your features. Those with darker hair and bright eyes will be able to carry off higher contrast in their combinations as it will harmonies with their over-all look compared to someone with a more blended look.

Learning your best colours is a game-changer and makes colour blocking a breeze. Once you’ve had a colour analysis consultation, you’ll have a range of colours to choose from and refer to in your swatches. Your best neutrals will be marked with ‘n’ after the colour name in you swatches for ease of reference. If you’re looking for more ways to wear and combine colours together to help you create outfits that work, download my free guide.

Invest in High-Quality Neutrals

Neutrals can be the foundation to any wardrobe, so choose well. Navy, taupe, camel, grey, black, white and so on, can play a vital role in your wardrobe but make sure they are flattering and that you love them, or you won’t wear them! If you’re not a fan, simply opt for alternative colours that will play the same role in your wardrobe. As these will be your most hard-working pieces, opt for as high-quality as you can, as they’ll be worn with multiple items to create numerous outfits.

The first place to start is what you already have, so review your wardrobe to identify the gaps, especially in basics. These could be t-shirts, jackets, trousers, or a timeless coat. Investing in one or two well-made pieces in your best neutrals will help you create endless outfits this year.

Pro tip:
Do take account of your body shape so that these investment pieces flatter your shape too. A curvy body will look better with some waist definition or shape and fluidity to the fabric. Crisper fabrics and boxy styles will flatter a straight body shape instead.

If you’re unsure about which neutrals work best for you, a colour analysis consultation can guide you in the right direction. Reserve your appointment here: https://calendly.com/tlcstyleandcolour

Boden stripes

Be more successful with prints

Prints and patterns can be transformative to your wardrobe as they can add a youthful element to your wardrobe. However, they should align with your colour palette and style personality or they just won’t work for you, and you won’t wear them. Florals and stripes tend to repeat themselves which means that when you choose the right print, you’ll be wearing it season after season.

Try opting for one patterned piece which reflects your personality and aligns with your colour palette. Charity shops and pre-loved sites are a treasure trove.

Pro tip:
Pair your patterned garments with solid colours in your palette to make it feel more cohesive. Simply pick out a colour from the pattern to wear your block colour in. Remember that patterns are great for disguising and creating balance to the body, you just need to know how to wear them and the size which works best for you. Find out more during a style and shape consultation. Reserve your appointment here: https://calendly.com/tlcstyleandcolour

Embrace the Power of Accessories

Accessories are the quickest way to elevate any outfit, and they allow you to express your personality and style without committing to a full wardrobe overhaul. If it’s been a while since you last raided your jewellery box, now’s the time to dive in!

Why not make it a goal to wear at least one accessory every day – it could be a statement necklace, a fun pair of shoes, or the simplicity of a colourful scarf. Small additions can turn a simple outfit into something extra special.

Pro tip:
Play into your Style Personality. If you love minimalist outfits, try layering delicate jewellery. Go for chunky, beaded or wooden necklaces if you lean toward a more bohemian style. You’ll be surprised how few accessories you need to make a big difference to your wardrobe.

Make Comfort A Priority

Being comfortable in what you wear is key to feeling confident and relaxed in your clothing. Incorporating comfortable yet stylish pieces can ensure that you look good and feel good all day long. Not only that, you’re far more likely to reach for these pieces. Choose well and these pieces can be dressed up with a smart coat or jacket and accessories, or down for lounging round the house.

Find and invest in clothing items that combine style with comfort. Think soft knit sweaters, wide-leg trousers (if flattering), or comfortable shoes or trainers that complement your outfits without sacrificing ease of wear.

Pro tip:
Natural fabrics will allow your skin to breathe, such as cottons and wool. If you prefer some stretch, opt for jersey fabric or blends which contain elastane. Choose cuts that flatter your body shape and allow movement to feel truly content.
Unsure of which styles to choose? Find out more during a style and shape consultation. Reserve your appointment here: https://calendly.com/tlcstyleandcolour

Master The Art Of Layering

Layering is a game-changer for both style and practicality, particularly in colder months. And don’t worry, done correctly, it won’t make you look bigger than you really are. It’s an easy way to add dimension to your outfits, play with proportions, and ensure you’re prepared for varying temperatures throughout the day. Sweat catcher tops are not only practical (does what it says on the tin!) but also allows you to wear jumpers for longer between washes.

Try layering in new ways this year—why not add a jumper over a dress or a scarf over a blouse. Don’t be afraid to mix textures and materials to add extra visual interest.

Pro tip:
Your underneath pieces need to be well-fitted so they don’t bunch up or create bulk when layering. Look for layering tops with details to the cuff, hem or neckline to really elevate your outfits. Go for one statement layer and keep the others simple to avoid too much fuss.

Be Savvy with Your Style Choices

Setting style resolutions is a great way to reignite your wardrobe, but it’s important to make mindful decisions. Whether you’re adding more colour to your collection or investing in a designer piece from a pre-loved store, be sure it’s something you genuinely need and will wear. A wardrobe that works for you doesn’t mean having more—it’s about making smarter, more intentional choices.

Ask yourself:

  • Do I need this?
  • Can I repair something I already own?
  • Can I restyle something like adding a cuff, collar, taking up the length, or changing the colour?
  • Is it versatile and flattering for my style and colours?

Being savvy with your wardrobe means buying less, wearing more, and embracing pieces that truly suit YOU. And when you know your best colours and what suits your shape, you’ll find that you can mix and match what you already own to create endless fresh outfits without overspending.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Book now

RESERVE YOUR APPOINTMENT HERE

My sewing learns from a 10 week course (and how it can help you)

Posted on by Toni Carver

If you’re a member of my monthly newsletter, you’ll know that I enrolled myself in an Adult Education Course. In January 2024, I began a 10 week sewing course learning how to sew!

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of helping hundreds of women with their colours, style and shape. Some of my clients make their own clothes, whilst others don’t. But, getting the right fit in your clothes is something I strongly believe is beneficial to feeling good in what you wear.

I’ve been both jealous and curious of those who can make their own clothes. Having never used a sewing machine before, it was also a daunting prospect!

The course I attended was run through Manygates in Wakefield (https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/schools-and-education/education/adult-education-service/adult-education-courses/) but if you’re not local, check with your own council or local groups. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. For me, it wasn’t just learning a new skill, but having the ability to do something just for me. I found that having the time allocated also meant I made time for myself, every week.

During my course, there were two projects, along with the basics of using a sewing machine. Making weights (which are used to weigh down your fabric when cutting to keep it in place), a hobby bag and a third of your choosing. Most people decided they wanted to make a garment – myself included!

So, what did I learn during 10 weeks of sewing?

Fabric choice is important.

Beach bag on holiday

I chose stripes for the beach bag as I thought having straight lines may be easier to sew. They are not. Turns out it’s rather adventurous for a newbie… So, if you’re using patterned fabric for a garment, consider how easy it is to work with, or if you need to ‘match’ the pattern along any seams.

Most people choose fabric based upon the colour or the pattern, so do consider what you’ll use it for. The weight of the fabric, the feel of it, the colour and size of the pattern are all elements worth considering for garment making but may not be as relevant for interiors for example.

The first is to make a toile!

A toile is a bit like making a prototype which you can tweak and it makes for good practice and learning. Unless you’re a seasoned professional of course. I was not! Making mistakes on this is much easier to rectify than if you shoot straight to making the actual thing.

Cut once and measure twice.

Sewing basics. Oh, and “cut on fold” does not actually mean to cut on the fold!

Take your time.

Rushing will not finish it any quicker and you’re likely to make mistakes. It’s a very patient, frustrating and rewarding hobby! There’s also more ironing involved than I ever realised!

Don’t be afraid to alter the pattern.

I decided to adapt the hobby bag brief to make a beach bag instead! The fabric reminded me of the beach and seaside. Without the teacher (Nicky), I wouldn’t have been able to do this, but Nicky helped me adapt the pattern. Patterns are guides after all and you’ll be amazed at what’s available online for additional guidance. I had no pattern for one of the (additional) projects I decided to make, but I used the skills from the hobby bag with a broad idea in my mind!

Sewing your clothes is not always cheaper than buying them.

Fabric can be expensive and I can see why people end up with a stash of fabric when they can get a bargain! Whilst I can’t use my £s per wear motto on fabric like I do with clothes, the principles are the same. It’s only ever a bargain if you actually use it!

I delayed making my garment because I hadn’t had time to shop for fabric and I hadn’t decided on the colour. Better to have delayed the process and get the right colours than buy something because it’s cheap that I don’t wear.

Rescue fabric!

The old reuse, recycle motto comes in useful here as material is material! Old pillow cases are perfect for toile making. I had an old tablecloth which I used some to whip up a cushion cover one afternoon!

With the left-over fabric from my beach bag, I also made a water bottle carrier and a clutch style handbag.

Knowing what suits me makes decisions easier.

It goes without saying that I could choose the right colours to suit me for a garment. But, I naturally gravitated towards similar colours for the beach bag project too.

There seems to be more patterned fabric than plain, but for my style and scale, patterned wasn’t for me with the garment I had in mind. Having learned my lesson with stripes, I chose a colour block top and dress pattern. Adapting the pattern to suit my shape and size is all in the toile making meaning I could also tweak it before making the real thing.

I’ve found that most people who sew create garments that reflect who they are and which are treasured too.

There’s a lot of time and effort that goes into sewing so if you’re aiming to create a capsule wardrobe, or patterned clothes are not your thing, follow the same principles with sewing.

The fabric for the beach bag was too thick and heavy to make a garment so it wouldn’t have been any good for the top I was making. Don’t get caught out buying patterned fabric you won’t wear or it can be a costly mistake. It’s just the same as holding on to something you bought with the tags still on you which you haven’t worn in your wardrobe!

Stores and supplies

I’ve discovered places I never knew existed during this time and here’s a few I’ve used for fabric, thread, tools and haberdashery bits:

Fabworks Mill Shop in Dewsbury – amazing range of fabric, very helpful staff and tools: https://fabworks.co.uk/

The Recycle Yard in Ossett – a treasure trove of reclaimed arts and crafts and bits and bobs: https://www.facebook.com/therecycleyard

Singer Sewing Centre in Wakefield – a bit like Arkwrights but you’ll get thread and tools and bits at good prices: http://www.yorkshiresewingcentre.co.uk/

Rainbow fabric – deadstock fabric online: https://www.rainbowfabrics.co.uk/

Thread Republic in Huddersfield – Textiles scrap store and sewing and craft workshops: https://www.threadrepublic.co.uk/

Stitch Make Create in Horbury – Sewing workshops (including my Express Colour Sessions!): https://frugalisama.com/

Size: Me sewing – Sewing patterns and sewing retreats in France: https://sizemesewing.co.uk/

Rivers MEET Craft Cafe in Methley – homemade food and great coffee plus craft and sewing workshops (including my mini colour analysis workshops!): https://www.riversmeetcraftcafe.co.uk/

My first me-made garment!

Well, I completed my colour-block top and I’ve worn it! It’s definitely been a challenge, but I’ve loved learning and testing myself. I’ve got even more appreciation and understanding about how garments are made too.

The pattern I used was a Simple Sew (https://www.simplesewpatterns.com/) multi-use pattern – four in one tunic and top. I found the darts didn’t sit right on the toile so altered the angle. Whilst I made a dress, I wasn’t keen so decided to switch to a top.

With the sleeve facing, I used the second colour instead and in hindsight, would have top-stitched the sleeve. Admittedly, I used the second colour choice because I didn’t have enough fabric as it was an off-cut piece, but it complimented the design perfectly! (and, if I’d not told you, you wouldn’t have known!)

Next, I’ve got my first transformational challenge! I’m taking part in the Thread Republic Upcycle Challenge. Ikea have donated some duvet covers which they recalled due to a fault which means that they cannot be used as duvet covers. The challenge is to upcycle the duvet into a garment or outfit. All creations can be handed back to Thread Republic (before 23 August) to be included in the Sustainable Fashion Week Fashion Show on 24 September 2024. I’ve got my not-a-duvet and need to decide what to make! More details can be found on their Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8peBVeRGcC/?img_index=1

Tickets to the Sustainable Fashion Show can be found here (if you’re not taking part): https://www.threadrepublic.co.uk/event-details/upcycled-fashion-show

Learn what suits you

If you’re a keen sewist, or just starting out on your sewing journey like me, understanding the colours which suit you will help you make better choices for your me-made clothes.

When it comes to choosing fabric, when you know your colours, you can shop much smarter.

You’re welcome to join me in the studio for your own Colour Analysis Consultation. But, I also often do mini group events. Check out the latest events and be sure to your register your interest to be alerted when new events are available:https://www.tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk/events/

How to look good and feel confident in a bikini

Posted on by Toni Carver

The modern bikini as we know it today, is thought to have been introduced on 5 July 1946 by Louis Réard, making it 78 years old this week.

Feeling your best in a bikini is about understanding what suits you. It’s easy to feel anxious, but do bare in mind that generally, people are more concerned with how they look and feel, rather than what you’re wearing!

Don’t let the fear of wearing swimwear stop you from wearing something you’ll look good in. Because, like any garment of clothing, understanding what fits and flatters is key to feeling confident.

There’s three things to consider when choosing a bikini. If you prefer a swimsuit, the same applies.

Colour

Anyone who feel subconscious in a bikini, may well opt for black. Unsurprisingly as a colour analysis consultant; black may not be the most flattering shade for you.

Dark colours (including black), are thought to be slimming, but it’s a visual trick. Dark colours absorb light, reducing their appearance and making them appear further away. This is why black is thought to be a slimming colour!

Due to this absorption of light (ie. sunlight), you’re much likely to feel hotter wearing dark colours. Opt for a complimentary colour which will improve your mood and your confidence instead!

Style

Are you a cut-out detail kinda gal, or more frills and flounces? If you’re a lover of print (I’ve talked about patterns here) or not, be sure to choose something that feels like you! Prints can add balance to your proportions, or draw attention to or from an area.

Wearing your style is key to feeling good in what you wear. Check what you’ve already got and how it makes you feel when you wear it. No point going for a neon, cut-out, brazilian cut bikini if you’re more of a polka dot one-piece kinda gal – you won’t feel comfortable or happy.

A beach cover-up like a kaftan, sarong or playsuit is an easy throw on to take you from beach to bar. Plus, it can ‘hide’ any bits you feel conscious of and accentuate your style.

Shape

There’s guides online to help you find the right swimwear for your shape, plus you can revisit my blogs here and here. Consider what fits you well. So, if you’re conscious of your tummy area, opt for shape-wear options, like tummy control or ruching. High cuts will add length to your leg area. Wired cups are better if you need more support.

Try not to feel daunted about shopping for a bikini and make sure you give yourself enough time to try them on. Bring them home if you prefer, but do keep the sticker on the briefs and return any which aren’t right for you before the return period expires.

Buy the right colour, right style and right shape for you which fits and flatters and you’ll feel much more confident in your choice.

Get in touch to book a colour analysis or style & shape consultation.

 

What happens during a style and shape consultation and what can you expect?

Posted on by Toni Carver

Whilst most people start with a colour analysis consultation, a style and shape consultation is often the missing piece of the jigsaw when it comes to clothes fitting and suiting you.

If you read last week’s blog or watched the video on Youtube this month, you might be wondering what to expect when you book a style & shape consultation at the studio. Here’s the low-down.

Arrival

You’ll have received details about where to come and what to expect in your email booking confirmation. No need to worry about what to wear, it’s covered here.

When you arrive for your appointment, I’ll greet you and invite you into the studio. As you get settled on the sofa and fill in a record card, I’ll put the kettle on.

Drink in hand, we’ll have a brief chat about your wardrobe, your clothes and any challenges or expectations you’ve got.

Introduction to style personalities

How many times have you tried to copy the look of a celeb only to feel…well, let’s say flat? Quite simply, it’s because you’re not the same! But, that doesn’t mean you can’t take some inspiration, and still be you.

What you wear tells a story. Your clothes are a way of expressing who you are, your likes and dislikes. Even if you don’t feel that you have a style, everyone does. There’s a little quiz I get you to do with 10 questions. There’s no right or wrong answers as this is about you and how you dress and feel.

Understanding your style personality is the real you. It’s about the clothes you reach for and how they make you feel. Everyone has style, it’s just learning what it is and how to use it to represent who you are so that you can feel like you in what you wear. We’ll also discuss how you might want to push your style boundaries, because nobody has to sit in a box!

I’ll show you some examples to bring things to life. When you nail your personality type it can help you to create a wardrobe that works for you. It’ll help you avoid further shopping disasters and frustrations too and stop buying things which don’t make you feel good.

Your body line, shape and proportions

Now you know more about what works for your personality (fabric, styles, fit etc), we’ll take a look at your body shape. Size doesn’t matter, but shape certainly does.

There are no tape measures used and you can happily stay fully clothed too!

A lot of women tell me that they don’t know their body shape, or that clothes don’t fit them properly. Sometimes, it’s not your body shape which you have challenges with, but your proportions. (I’ve talked about this previously in this video).

For example, if you struggle with the fit of jeans, trousers or skirts, it may not be the size of the garment which isn’t right for you, or even your shape. Instead, the rise of the garment may not be right for your proportions.

Take a jumpsuit. It’s the perfect example for when you know your shape, it can still mean the garment doesn’t fit you correctly. This isn’t about your body being wrong, but that the garment proportions might not be the right fit for you. Body length, leg length and rise length; they all matter! The wrong rise and it could be too long giving the appearance of a saggy bum, or indeed it could be too short so it digs uncomfortably in.

Understand your body shape and proportions so you can refine your clothing choices and make sure they work for you, and not the other way round. Clever techniques exist, it’s just learning more about it, which is what we discuss in detail.

During this section, I’ll also talk about fabric – specifically the cut and weight. These factors have an impact on whether something fits and flatters you. Rise, seams, darts, necklines and sleeves are all elements to take into account when dressing to flatter YOUR shape. Your fabric choice can be a friend or a foe! I’ll show you some examples of weight, texture, cut and feel too.

To give you an idea of what’s discussed, you can watch this video too. During this, I’ll be showing you examples and talking you through how best to wear clothes which fit and flatter you. Learning clever tips and tricks to create different outfits which fit and flatter you.

Clothing review

If you’ve brought along some of your own clothes, we’ll revisit the ones which you felt didn’t work for you. Now you’ve learnt all about what suits you and flatters you, you’ll be able to see why you’ve not been able to make them work for you. This is an opportunity to get ideas on how you may be able to re-work it, or wear it differently, if you decide that you can or you want to of course!

Summary and end of session

Having reached the end of your consultation, you’ll take away the colour me beautiful book which we’ll have used during your session. This works as a reminder and contains some helpful advice to revisit at home.

After you leave

Most clients head straight home to their wardrobe to review what they’ve got and the rest hit the shops! A style and shape consultation can last up to 2.5 hours so you’re unlikely to remember everything we’ll have discussed! So, I always follow up afterwards to help keep you on track. To inspire you further, I’ll also send you over my own brand/retailer list too using the email address you provided on the record card when you arrived. You can opt-out any time.

Should you have any further queries, or you’d like to book your appointment, get in touch: toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk.

When you understand why certain styles, the fit and fabric work for you and why things don’t, then it helps you to create outfits and a wardrobe that works for you. It rarely happens overnight, but trust me, it will.

I hope this answers any questions you have about what to expect during a style and shape consultation, but do let me know if you have any other questions.

will I need to get rid of all my clothes

Will I need to get rid of all my clothes after a colour or style consultation?

Posted on by Toni Carver

One concern with having a colour or a style consultation is that you’ll need to empty your wardrobe, get rid of all your clothes and start again!

This is wasteful, exhausting and expensive and not something I recommend at TLC HQ!

Gain the right knowledge

It’s not for me to tell you what to wear. Or tell you to get rid of things. I’m not your mother and you’ve chosen to come to me for help and advice. But, I do try my best to explain why things do and don’t suit you so that you’re armed with the right information when you leave your session.

You’ll get follow up emails from me too as you’re unlikely to remember everything we go through. I do pride myself on doing this, as I want to make sure you’re supported on your journey and you feel you get value.

My services are an investment in yourself after all.

How to wear colour

When you have a colour consultation, you’ll understand about colour, how to wear and combine your colours and how to wear what you already have. But, there’s bound to be items you’re itching to get rid of and if that’s the case then you’ve got my permission!

Experiment with your colours and making things work for you if they’re not quite right. Alter them to make them perfect for you too. You can dye them so easily at home these days (more on that here) and, if you’re a dab hand with a sewing machine then change them. Even without this talent, you can still swap buttons or cinch them in like I’ve covered here.

Style, shape and fit

Even with a more colour coordinated wardrobe, you may still find some things don’t work. This is where a style and image consultation will really help. Perhaps you’re not wearing things because they don’t ‘go’ or they don’t feel right when you wear them. If you’ve nailed the colour (and why wouldn’t you after your colour consultation!) it’s often the style, shape or fit that’s not working.

During a style and image consultation, we’ll focus on identifying your style personality, how to express it in what you wear and what you choose, before moving onto your shape and proportions. Even if you’re confident about what body shape you have, your proportions (such as where your waist is) or your scale can skew this meaning things don’t fit quite right. Learn what works for YOU. A pear with long legs and a short body who’s classic will need to style, shop and dress differently than an hourglass shape with a long body and short legs who’s a romantic style personality. Then there’s fabric, cuts and patterns to take into account during the session too!

style & image consultation

Enjoy the journey

A consultation on colour or style may feel a little indulgent, but it WILL save you money in the long run because you’ll learn what suits you.

Just because you’ve had a session, doesn’t mean your journey is over – it’s simply the beginning. You’ve got lots to learn and apply and whilst it may take time, do enjoy it!

My help and support doesn’t end with your session. My follow up notes continue to come, plus my newsletter with blogs like this, videos and tips to try! Ongoing support is available with help on what to buy each season and how to style it to make it work for you. Every April and October I update the material and you can join my online workshops. Plus, I’m happy to come out to help you shop for any specific items you need or go through your wardrobe with you if you’re struggling.

Remember, it’s about understanding what suits you. That shouldn’t mean getting rid of everything and starting again but understanding how you can make them work better for you.

READY TO START YOUR JOURNEY?

Get in touch now! toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk