Suzanne Jaya Tips and Tales

Life Begins…

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In a recent interview feature in the Western Mail, I was asked if I feel better about myself now compared with my teens and twenties... mmm, now let me think..

Most of my friends were blond, petite and in my eyes looked cheekily cute. I was all arms and legs with a bit of puppy fat around my middle and wore braces on my teeth. I tended to focus on one or two of my features, i.e., my big nose, ears or feet, rather than looking at the sum total of the whole.

Because I was taller than my peers, I developed at an alarming rate and was always mistaken for being older than I was - I was in adult clothing long before everyone else so looked a bit ‘lamb dressed as mutton'.

I was encouraged to look after my skin. From an early age I would cleanse, tone and moisturize and I thank my parents for their sound advice. My dad was a doctor and worried about my sun-worshipping and I heeded his advice some of the time - a tan just made me feel better and evened out my skin tone. As I've got older I've become more sensible about sun exposure so I always don a hat and slap on the sun block and luckily good skin is in the genes.

The early 1980's were my rebellious years in terms of fashion - heavily influenced by the music of that era. Then oddly later in that decade I was back to looking too old for my years in those awful power suits. Luckily the latest 1980's trend has brought back some of the best bits of that decade but I realise now it was never a good look on me in the first place!

Over a period of time, I accepted that it was okay to be different - in fact I hated looking the same as everyone else, so instead of trying to hide, I embraced a wardrobe of colour, dramatic pieces and clothes heavily influenced by the Asian style of dressing. Obviously by that stage the puppy fat had gone as had the braces and I sort of bloomed. From that moment of enlightenment, so to speak, I vowed to maximize my assets.

It's a pity that women, particularly youngsters have so many hang-ups about their body. I don't remember it being an issue of the same magnitude when I was in my teens. The most someone would have was their ears pinned.

Media coverage of the latest celebrity must-haves and distorted views about perfection just fuels the insecurities of young people. It also skews the way women of a certain age view their advancing years.

The way I look at it, I'm comfortable with me - much to the surprise of one or two of my friends who dread looking older. I've mellowed with time and all that experience helps me to help my clients. I don't give two hoots about my body anymore. I do the best I can for it and feel happy when I look in the mirror. I think it's because I've diced with death on several occasions that my body takes on a different meaning to me. I'm glad I have it - I don't covet anyone else's because it hasn't been through what I've been through. My body makes up the sum total of me and I'm aware that it's not separate to my soul, mind or spirit.

It's much more reassuring to a client when someone of my age understands life experience and can tap into that knowledge and make a connection. Also, no one more than a woman in their 40's understands teenage rebellion and the insecurities of those years - we've experienced it. How would a 20 odd year old be able to develop that level of rapport if they haven't personally been through the mill or experienced a life-changing moment? I have some 20 year old clients who welcome my objective appraisal of their style and uniqueness in a way that their own mum may not. And yes, as a personal stylist, I can even be objective about the sudden craze with everything 1980's - I have to remain impartial don't I?

Women of a certain age are likely to care less about what others think. I'm always amused when I see groups of middle-age women. There is a certain air of confidence that allows them to have fun when they go out. They are more likely to flirt and play the fool in a way that youngsters don't. They just seem to get away with it. You only have to look at Julie Walters and Meryl Streep in Mama Mia to get a sense of how to have fun.

The rest of the interview was covered in the Western Mail

Superwomen

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Well, today has been a day of meeting and connecting with some amazing women whose powers of skill, motivation, creativity and determination never fail to amaze me.

I was lucky enough to attend a Superwoman networking event at The Celtic Manor Hotel where we were entertained superbly by the staff at The Crown Restaurant at the Celtic Manor.

My friend/associate Dominique Column came along - she is a make-up artist extraordinaire who works in Cardiff and South Wales. Not just any make-up artist I hasten to add - not a bit of orange tide mark or scary make-up - no she's too stylish for that and believe me she's the kind of woman that you would want to give you a makeover in the face department. If you want a pared down day look - she's your woman, or if you want to vamp it up at night then what she can do with eye-shadow is just a treat - not surprising being as she's an artist too, so your face is just as much as blank canvas that can be transformed by cosmetics in the same way as her canvas on the easel. What I love about her is her holistic approach to skincare, cosmetics and lifestyle, which is why Dominique and I work so well together - a sort of Trinny & Susannah but a politer and more temperate version. In fact we're nothing like them but you get the idea!

If you think personal shopping is just for clothes - think again. How often have you been to Cardiff shopping and thought "Oh my god, which brand of make-up do I buy and how do I know it's any better/worse than the cheap or expensive stuff". Well, Dominique can cut through all of that by taking you personal shopping for cosmetics. She even does make-up lessons. Because, ladies we all know that women who wear make-up get better jobs and earn more - research has proven it (see previous blogs).

When I was younger, we had a choice between Miners make-up and Max Factor - oh yes and Rimmel, which one of my posh friends insisted on calling Ri-melle.

If you want her number, just call me or e-mail me - she's a hidden treasure.

Anyway, arriving home, I was greeted with a barrage of e-mails, the most exciting of which was one from Jessica Morgan who has released her own album - Jessica's got a fabulous voice - of course she would, her mother is Mary Hopkin and her father Tony Visconti the famous record producer. I'm rushing out to buy her album as I've just listened to it on My Space. She looks fabulous in the photos too - love the cheeky one with the green hat. You really need to hear it - check it out I think you'll love it. I'm lucky to have worked with her in the past so listening to this album with a cuppa or a glass of something stronger will be a real treat.

So you see - amazing women - we really are Super.

Style Workshop

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Style Workshop

23^rd April at Indycube, Media Centre, Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff

9.30am - 1.30pm

£38

Spring has made an appearance

New Season's clothes are in the shops

Have you got your capsule wardrobe?

Before you spend a penny, you might want some sound advice on what to choose, how to shop and how to wear the latest styles.

If you're confused about the latest looks; don't know if floral is for you or nautical is nice, then register for one of my Wardrobe Workout Workshops.

Call Suzanne on 07833 780006 to book your place. Numbers are limited to 10 people and only a few remain.

A word on Nude

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A word on nude. Not as in a state of nudity but rather the state of the shops that are awash with nude coloured clothes.

Don't' confuse ‘nude' with neutral. For what it's worth, every person worth their salt needs a wardrobe with building block neutral shades. Nude (peach butterscotch, putty) - call them what you will only serve to make you look, well.... put it this way, if you're familiar with the story of the Emperor's new clothes, then you'll get the point.

Literally the clothes blend too easily with skin colour and 'disappear' and serve to make someone look like a blancmange or just plain naked.

Nude shades work better on sun kissed and dark skins but they can also cast lighter shadows on the face so making someone look paler and washed out. Well applied make-up is a must.

If you have to be a slave to fashion or ahead of the game in the style stakes, then whatever you do and for what it's worth - do try to mix the textures to add a bit of interest and also bring in a brighter or sharper colour to spice things up a bit.

Nude shoes are great on tanned skin and for ladies with shorter legs, they can help elongate and give the illusion of leaner legs.

My favourite combo at the moment is a mixture of nautical and nude shades - or should I say neutral shades. That way you don't get the full-on sailor look or the head-to-toe safari or peach melba look.

So, our personal shoppers have been out and about doing the research for you and you might be keen to know that Warehouse have a great little short sleeved cropped trench jacket in a neutral stone colour which looks great worn over a striped Breton top, rolled up jeans or khaki trousers.

You get the idea!

mad as the moon for it!

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Now this is spooky! My last blog post did give you an insight into my ‘moon cycle' tendencies. Understandably then, I'm in love with the Giorgio Armani Privé SS10 collection - it's very rare that a collection of clothes leave me open-mouthed in wonderment and awe, but these do - now I wonder if there's a right moon phase to rob a bank!! What, you think we personal stylists wear haute couture all the time - think again, but IT IS fab to look at - I just want to touch the fabric - another strange idiosyncracy of mine.

Described as a "celestrial collection inspired by the night sky", it's worth checking out the image gallery - just one thing if you buy anything can I borrow a piece of it one night when I'm dancing around the garden under the full moon?

Stuff the Rules

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I have a rule that I must post at least one blog each day - I'm not good at rules, which is why most posts are on alternate days or like today - twice. I prefer to go with the flow - karma, universal energy and all that. I'm a great believer in forces stronger than us and the power of thoughts, actions and consequences. I believe in synchronisity and the power of the moon and casting spells. I draw the line at dancing naked around the garden - unless I was wearing my tutu and wellies that is.

I recycle, do my bit for the environment and have even traded in three mobile phones that were sitting idle at home and causing a real feng shui dilemma.

I help my clients recycle their clothes by creating new, previously unimagined outfits using what they already have. A client today cast aside at least £200 worth of clothes that still had the tags on. She will be taking them to a Clothes Swap party this weekend, which I shall attend in some vague hope that I will bag myself something nice that didn't suit anyone else - I do have my eye on an electric blue mac that I know someone might donate to said Clothes Swap party. You see, even Personal Stylists reduce, reuse and recycle.

I believe it's unethical to encourage clients to spend on new clothes when they don't need to just in an attempt to justify my role. Just a little bit of tweaking and imagination can work wonders and give wardrobes a good old workout! All they need to do then is to buy some key quality garments to fill the gaps. Mind you all that wasted cash buying clothes that have never been worn could have given them a couple of worthwhile personal shopping hours. Mmmm.

Anyway, imagine my delight in discovering that the ethical clothing brand People Tree are bringing their brand to John Lewis Cardiff. Emily Watson of Harry Potter fame is the face of People Tree and has even got her own range - I've entered a competition to win one of her union flag canvas tote bags!

A day in the life of a Personal Stylist - Bags to Riches

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

My sister did it in a lay-by of a scenic beauty spot while her infant child slumbered in the back of the car. I've done it on the train to London. What, you may ask, is she wittering about? Handbags of course dahling, handbags! Or should I say the de-cluttering of one's handbag.

I've just spent an afternoon shaking my bags upside down and then turning them inside-out while I wiped them with disinfectant. OCD I hear you all mumbling. A tad but when one considers all the places we take our handbag during its lifetime, then I feel perfectly justified.

This rather lovely chap alighted the train at Bristol. We'll call him Ben - he looked like a Ben! He would want to sit at my table. Up til then I'd had a table and four seats to myself which made the task a lot easier. Now I had to make space for him without losing focus on the job in hand.

He was bemused - quite understandably. We got chatting. He tittered a fraction when he realised I was a Personal Stylist and Image Consultant but just thought it was a charming little ritual that all Personal Shoppers undertake from Cardiff.

I did threaten to have a go at his ‘Man bag' but he clung onto it for dear life and watched on as I sorted through the contents of mine.

So what did I find in my ‘everyay' bag? One hairclip, paracetamol, wallet, make-up bag, hat, business cards, mints, scrap paper with my latest ramblings, pens, shopping list, mobile phone, diary, birthday cards for posting, parking ticket, cheque book, personal details in case of emergency, tissues, a half munched muesli bar, intimate items and much to my cost, a dressmakers pin. Now what does all that reveal about me?

Add to the fact that the bag has probably sat on a dozen loo floors and we appear to be in charge of a highly toxic weapon that gives a whole new meaning to handbags at dawn. Be afraid gents, very afraid. Ben was!

Our relationship with our handbag is as mystifying as its contents. I've never quite fathomed it really, but judging by the sheer look of horror on men's faces, you would think a quick rummage into the bottom of said bag would compare to a bush tucker trial on ‘I'm a Celebrity'.

Have you noticed how a man turns literally to jelly when asked to fetch something from your holdall? They prefer to pick it up at arms length and then fling it at you for fear it might contain an item with string, wings or some feral animal.

A woman hoards her life in it, whereas a man has just enough to fill a pocket (we're talking loose change here I hasten to add). It figures, I guess; a man has no need of a bag - they hate baggage. They prefer to breeze through life unencumbered, detached and free to hunt. Women gather, collect, and nurture. We are sentimental and biologically programmed to lump stuff around.

The female species is obsessed with bags - why do we need one of every size and colour to match each outfit and in a variety of materials from leather to canvas? It's no wonder we collect bits and bobs in each of them.

I love and loathe bags in equal measure. I detest the job of paring down my day bag into a little evening clutch. Bags are a pain, they make your shoulders droop, kill your back and are the most unliberating of accessories. Oh to be free and walk outdoors without 3 extra stones weighing me down.

I've attempted to travel light but fail to find enough space about my person for my money, lippie and other essentials. How do men do it? They must have a back-pocket like Mary Poppins' - dare I say it - bag.

Love them or hate them, we can't be without them. A great bag worn with style and grace will enhance any outfit. A bad bag is a wasteful appendage full of stuff and nonsense. So, do yourself a favour, have a good purge. Who knows a winning lottery ticket could be lurking!

Breast Cancer Care Fashion Show

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Things are hotting up with only 5 weeks to go until the fashion show at Cardiff's City Hall. After a successful 12 years at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, Breast Cancer Care bring The Show to Cardiff for the first time.

I'm, flattered, humbled and homoured to be the Stylist for all 18 models. Each one of them has suffered from or is being treated for breast cancer and it will be a totally empowering and exciting opportunity for the ladies and one gentleman to strut their stuff down the catwalk.

Much has been covered by the South Wales Echo in the lead up to The Show with amazing stories of bravery, survival and positive outcomes.

A huge job and a great challenge - I can't wait to be part of The Show.

I rest my case

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

No sooner said than written I get a call from the South Wales Echo & Western Mail asking for my comments on Katherine Jenkins' make-up free look as seen in the Daily Mail

You know what - hats off to her. Good skin is the new make-up. See my entry earlier.

To get the look, just wear a fabulously flattering colour on the top half - one that suits YOU that is and you will look radiant. Don't know which colours make you look fabulous, well a Colour Consultation and Colour Analysis will do the trick Trust me it will change your life.

Turn heads in 2010

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Turn heads in 2010. That's my resolution anyway. How about you?

Happy New Year to all my loyal clients, regular and new visitors to this website. Well, I'm still in hibernation, along with most of the country. But it makes the anticipation of all the fantastic opportunities and challenges ahead even more exciting. Just the thought of seeing a green field again - imagine living in a white world all year!

At this time of year thoughts turn to self-improvement and whether that be diet, giving up something or giving our style and image some consideration. It's not just our body that needs an exercise regime. It's the time to give your wardrobe a good workout. We always seem to think of getting rid rather than ‘bringing in'. So, this might be a good time to review the good that we can bring into our lives, starting with our overall appearance.

Positive style and image doesn't begin and end with clothes - it's a total package that includes good grooming, shiny hair, and above all well-looked after skin. It you think that this Style and Image Consultant stops with just what you wear, then think again. It is essential that you also look good naked - but for the uninitiated, let's start with the face!

This is the perfect time to create a new YOU from a perfectly fresh and blank canvas. Most of the moans and groans I hear now are do with dehydrated and tired looking skin. So with that in mind, it would be timely to remind you all that the skin is the largest organ in the body (yes this is a biology lesson) and it is responsible for many functions that we give little or no thought to in our daily round. So for starters, it regulates our temperature - crucial in the cold months. It eliminates harmful toxins and provides a protective barrier against the ravages of our climate and environment. And let's face in, our environment is probably more dangerous now than in the days of the woolly mammoth!

If this sounds none too sexy, then imagine how we feel when our skin looks dull, flaky and pale. Fear not, help is at hand. All it needs is a good skincare ritual that includes cleansing, exfoliation and moisturising. I promise you it will help to make you feel younger, glowing and more vibrant. If the most religious thing you do is to clean your teeth, then just add on an extra 5 minutes attention to the rest of your face and body.

How about this for an incentive, research has shown that women who wear subtle make-up are likely to be paid 23% more than those who don't. And, guess what, make-up doesn't half look better on a well prepared skin. So, as money matters and with people out of work, it will pay for you to turn your attentions to how you look in order to secure the job or the object of your desire.

You don't just need a personal shopper for clothes. Think about the confusing choice of make-up and skincare products.

Have you thought about having a skincare workshop with some friends at home. You'll get the opportunity to slap on lotions and potions and learn how to introduce good skincare into your daily routine. It's simple, effective and let's face it, the earlier you start the better the results.

End of lecture!

How to look stylish in the snow

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Snow bound

Stay fashionable and stylish

Bad news is that shops and on-line boutiques are selling fast or have sold out of the warmest of gloves and accessories - so take this as a warning for next year and buy early in the Autumn season. September 2010 is the perfect time.

However, there are still some bargains to be had.

Firstly - great opportunity to do some on-line shopping and bag the best bargains. A good time to invest as this weather could continue and a good seasonal wardrobe will always have essential accessories in advance of the season.

Nothing looks as unstylish as being cold or looking cold. - buy the best you can afford - look to ski centres and sports shops.

Nothing looks more laughable than someone attempting to walk on ice in their skyscraper heels - wear sensible shoes and chunkier thicker soled boots for warmth and comfort and to grip the ice. Otherwise you'll be visiting your local A&E for a plaster cast boot! Although I do believe they come in an array of fluorescent colours these days - great for dark nights!

Layer lots of thinner garments and longer length tops - Zara and Benetton do a good range of longer fitting vests and camisoles that cover the hips. Until it's cold we don't think we'll need them but they are a godsend.

Snowy landscapes lend themselves to bright colours - think of the ski slopes.

Snowballs and snowy activities - waterproof and warm lined gloves - get to ski shops

Cashmere - the best - light, warm and worth the investment - buy the best you can afford

Faux fur is great. - trim on hats or hoods

Glove liners

Hats - most heat lost through the head - to avoid ear ache wear a hat - beanie or one with ear flaps.

Driving

If driving you need to be safe and able to grip your wheel - never use woollen mittens for this - needs to be leather. Driving gloves are thinner leather and sit at the wrist bone but any leather glove will do as long as you can grip, steer and change gear.

Take care getting leather gloves wet and do not dry them on a radiator as they will shrivel and dry out - make sure you use a protector spray.

Gloves

Leather has got funkier - not just the staple black, brown and grey - opt for a bright colour to life your outfit and cheer up an otherwise black coat.

Lots of amazing colours around in leather gloves - acid green and purple or in sumptuous suede. Just remember to spray them with leather or suede protector.

Leather gloves are the best for driving in - keep a pair handy in the car - get as tight a fit as possible as they stretch.

Look for button detailing up the side or go for Longline gloves or Gauntlets - keep you warm up the arm and can go over sleeves of clothes - particularly great if you are going out in the evening and need to keep warm or look great at a special occasion

Always leather with workwear or formal wear and tailored. Mittens to the office will not do.

A lot of jumpers /tops around with bracelet or ¾ sleeves therefore look for long line gloves with knitwear or my favourite are wrist and arm warmers as a great option to help elongate the sleeves so they look an extension of the top. They come mid way down the hand and offer the option of being fingerless gloves or have a thumb hole. Great way of co-ordinating with your outfit or adding some contrasting colour for fun.

They also double up as leg warmers - surprising how cold the calves get especially with the trend at home to have stone floors.

Men

M&S Flannel and nubuck at £22.00 from- look stylish because of the leather and flannel mix yet seem robust and chunky enough for a man to wear with casual clothes.

Ski Lodge in Barry www.skilodge.co.uk

•· Spyder Over web Gore-tex glove £69.99 black and red

•· Quicksilver carpals in Kelly green £29.99

House of Fraser Cardiff - Black wool Firetrap wrist warmers £12.00

Tedbaker.com brown Rodust Leather gloves in brown/tan £50

Various from £20 at John Lewis

Matalan - thinsulate or fleece gloves £3.00

Women

New Look - longline leather ruched gloves with fleece lining - on-line £15

Kuati.com

•· Ruth Cross long capped mittens - £58 - I love the silver birch and raspberry colours

•· Also Ruth Cross Wool belt - very stylish and keeps your kidneys warm reduced to £35

Samantha Holmes.com - alpaca butterfly knit gloves - long with a cuff sits just below elbow £39.50 and ankle warmers - following the current 1980's trend - perfect under wellies or over leggings.

Ski Lodge in Barry www.skilodge.co.uk
Roxy Cold Play Gloves in Black Plaid - striking plaid print design £29.00

Buffersfleece.com - the best fleeces I've come across - fashionable and in an array of lengths and colours - she does matching scarves, ski band head warmers and fingerless gloves with matching scarves - - not on the high street but available on-line. I sleep in one of my fleece jackets for extra warmth. Fingerless gloves £5, whole set £25 for ski band, gloves and scarf.

John Lewis Echo contrast buckle woven gloves in black and white £17.50

Ilove cashmere.co.uk £25 cashmere wrist warmers

What do your gloves say about you?

Leather - stylish - I buy for longevity and they are an investment purchase. I shop in advance for the season and am ready for all eventualities. I know I'll have these next year and they'll look great. Someone who buys leather gloves will always be prepared.

Woollen - I like fun and there's still a bit of an inner child in me. I like to snuggle up.

Fingerless - a bit bohemian - likes to be free - works outdoors and has to pick up things or grip or handle money. I have a cold house and wear them indoors too.

Professional / Ski / sport I'm an outdoors person and like to dress appropriately and practically for the weather - I'll be warm and dry outdoors. A look best kept for outdoor pursuits like walking, tobogganing or snowballing or waiting at bus-stops - not so cool in the City.

Tops & Jackets

Jeans retain cold so go for cord, moleskin or wear leggings or thermals under jeans for a snug fit.

Great range at Barry Ski Centre - gilets are also good ways of layering with a chunky knit underneath and jeans tucked into boots.

Uniglo - great items for layering - using Heattech technology uniglo.com

Footwear

Wellie liners - all good sports and outdoor shops

Fitflops - keep Fitflop boots combine style, practicality and workout the legs and bum - couldn't be better Fur lined wellbeing boot £175 net-a-porter.com - order yours ready for next year as they are selling fast.

check out latest Western Mail feature on everything you need to know about staying safe and warm in the snow

Gift Vouchers for Personal Stylist & Personal Shopping

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

What can I say, for those people who have everything - apart from a well organised wardrobe, clothes that make them look fabulous or a look that flatters, a gift voucher is the perfect gift for Christmas.

It's not as expensive as you might think either. It's a perfect gift that will offer long-lasting benefits for the recipient. It's an ideal gift for family and friends to club together to buy a personal style experience for someone you love - or even ask your family and friends to treat you.

Maybe you know someone who has gone through some life-changing process or they've been feeling a little off colour and need to feel special again. Give them a style and image consultation and help them to feel positive and self-confident again.

What's more, if you quote City Life magazine I'll give you 15% off a colour consultation. Have a read to find out more.

Seasonal must-haves from your Personal Stylist

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

All self-respecting Personal Stylists advocate a ‘must-have list' - right? Wrong!

Actually, I feel a little peeved when I read fashion magazines and someone tells me that unless I purchase an array of designer items, I will become some sort of fashion pariah.

So, not wanting to follow the crowd, let me tell you what I think are real, genuine must-haves - ones that no amount of money spent on designer clothes can give you.

Let's face it we are apparently in a recession, so it's a little bit rude and tactless to suggest that the Hermes scarf worth £1,000 or Christian Laboutin pair of shoes worthy of a three figure sum are an essential must for our wardrobes. Not wanting to put too fine a point on it, this is one Personal Stylist/ Personal Shopper who believes personal style and image is a little bit more than a wardrobe worth thousands of pounds. So here we go - these are my ‘must-haves' for this week.

Inner Self-confidence. Get help for any issues you have about your body, your clothes or other aspects of your life - talk to someone.

Love and respect for your body - i.e. what you fuel it with and do with it.

New Look's black leggings with a cheeky lace and jet bead details at the ankle - they are in shops right now.

A fabulous coat with colour - doesn't matter where you get it - it will cheer you up on the dark dismal winter days and nights.

A hat, scarf and gloves - no-one looks ‘cool' when they're obviously freezing to death.

Cashmere - trust me on this one, once you have worn it, you will never even consider Shetland or Lambswool again. It's like a second skin; soft, unbelievably warm and you hardly notice that you're wearing it. My one guilty pleasure is to wear a cashmere cardi to bed. Now that is pure indulgence, but only because it's old and I prefer not to wear it in the day as it's getting a bit worn looking. Warm nevertheless!

An investment handbag - spend as much as you can afford - I'll leave you to decide, but look for a good quality handbag in a neutral colour and then spice up your wardrobe with cheap and cheerful clutch and evening bags from New Look - you can't go wrong.

A good rain coat. In case you haven't noticed - our seasons are wetter and milder. Keep it in the car or get one that scrunches up in your bag. Nothing looks worse than someone unprepared for the rain. If you're like me and hate brollies then invest in a good waterproof hat - keep it cheeky looking.

Neat and tidy nails and well moisturized hands - even the men! No point looking the business and then waving your hands around when they look grubby or bitten. The devil is in the detail so get a manicure or file your own nails and paint with a clear or coloured varnish. The same applies for feet too.

A good hair cut - whether you are blessed with curls or straight hair a good haircut is the key to a well groomed look. It's your crowning glory.

Some sequins - I'm not talking about a Danny La Rue look here unless that's your thing. Try either a bag, scarf, waistcoat or jacket. Just a little something to add a little twinkle during the Festive Season. What the hell, why not wear them in the day with jeans and chunky boots for dressed up/down look!

Zara camisole vests and jumpers - great basics in an array of colours - make sure you choose the right ones though. The vests are nice and long so give a streamlined look to any muffin-top problems and they keep your kidneys warm in the winter - trust me!

That's it for now - visit again for more Tips and Tales from your very own South Wales Personal Shopper.

Cash in the closet

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dear visitors

Wardrobe weeding, wardrobe workout - whatever you want to call it - do it now. I've managed to make some cash out of my last winter's cast offs, plus I've re-worked some of the garments and come up with new pieces and my proudest bit of thrift is my newly revamped jeans. I took a faded pair of four year old skinny jeans, threw them in the washing machine with a Dylon dye and hey presto a new pair of jeans in a very fetching dark indigo - they look like a new pair of jeans and in fact make the rest of my clothes look revamped - for a fiver you can't go wrong.

Talking of old to new I've just had an inspiring wander around the Oxfam designer clothes shop in Cardiff - a clever boutique style retail unit, garments are merchandised by colour with the cutest little labels informing you of the Oxfam ethos and the life story of the garment. What's more some pieces have been totally reworked to create new and eclectic items by fashion students from Newport and Cardiff. Can't wait to go back. You see, personal shoppers and stylists don't just got for the new clothes - we also like a bit of originality.

For those of you not interested in someone else's old clothes then there's plenty going on in Cardiff at the moment - it's become a thriving Metropolis. The downside is that it's confusing and alluring at the same time. All those shops, too much choice. The cheapest way to make the best investments in your clothes purchasing decisions has got to be by using the expertise of a Personal Stylist - worth their weight in gold. Just make sure it's a freelance personal stylist as they will have an unbiased approach to your personal shopping needs and will shop in the places that are best for your individual style preferences and body shape and proportions, not to mention your budget.

Read my latest column in the new issue of Vale Life http://www.valelife.co.uk/aut_09/features/style.htm

Miss Me?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Miss me? Hey, I'm back after spending what seems to be most of the summer in Cornwall. No that I'm complaining mind you; it was great to be away from the highs and lows of a fashion obsessed urban dweller.

Instead I opted for the informality of coastal living. Not much personal stylist work there for me you might say - true in a county where nowhere is further than 4 or 5 miles from the sea, it would be wrong of me to blaze in there to convert an unsuspecting public to a different style of dress. It just wouldn't do. Not being a sailor, surfer, swimmer or student, fashion that normally lends itself to locations near big cities would jar awkwardly with the Cornish surroundings and what's more, would be totally impractical for the outdoor terrain and the spontaneity of being able to pop to the beach café to hang with the crowd.

I once heard someone say, the least cool thing to do in Cornwall would be to get wet or cold - it breaks all style codes of coastal and outdoor living and it's so obvious when someone looks unprepared for the temperamental weather.

Don't get me wrong though, they're stylish in their own way. The Duchy of Cornwall is after all considered to be a country in its own right. Just like a stylist from the UK wouldn't barge into France and tell the Parisian women how to dress, the same is true of Cornwall.

Of course, people work and where there's work, employees tend to dress in a more formal way, slightly akin to the pages of a fashion magazine - polished, groomed, suited and booted and sharper in cut of cloth. But with Cornwall's biggest employer being the Royal Navy and being a county with such a strong maritime industry, there's little or no evidence of multi-billion corporates, managed offices or the cut and thrust of office life.

Now that's not to say that help is not needed - oh no! It most definitely is, even if it's to keep inhabitants up-to-date with their counterparts up-country.

Everyone benefits from a little make-up, the right cut of cloth, colours that flatter and clothes that fit.

No excuses for looking shabby whatever the location.

My wardrobe for Cornwall is totally separate from the one I wear up-country. To dress any other way would be ignoring the basic rule of camouflage. Why do you think polar bears are white? Swapping a grizzly and a polar bear and plonking either of them in each others habitat would make them easy prey.

And believe me, a mortal would be laughed out of Cornwall for tripping along the coastal path or through the local town dressed in killer heels and head to foot black.

It took my sister a while having just arrived from London before she whittled away her urban wardrobe and slowly morphed into a more relaxed personal style. Don't get me wrong - she's still got bags of style, but it's just not as sharp - less jarring than what is acceptable in a City.

She deals with it by regular visits up country and flying abroad for her job just to get her fashionista fix so to speak.

In my opinion, one of the biggest factors to influence the colours worn, is the clarity of light along the coast. Bold bright colours lend themselves to the sparkling contrast of sea, sapphire blue skies and sand. That's why it's a painter's paradise. Have you noticed that the flamingo pink t-shirt that you wore on holiday or the lime green sari that looked so fetching on a trip to India just looks wrong when you get back home - it's always about the light quality.

So I'm now back to a monochrome life for a few weeks before my next trip to the West Country. Sounds a bit dull to me - looks like it's time my bright purple tights came out of the closet then!

LUSH LEGS

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

So, the temperatures are soaring, as are hemlines. Today's newspapers report that over half of women hate their legs - what an insecure bunch we are. I've just covered this story this morning in a newspaper review for BBC Radio Wales.

You'll note from my previous entry that legs were not an issue at the Polo - or at least women didn't have a problem showing them. Whether or not they were revealed in the best possible light is debatable. We are women and there's nothing wrong in showing our legs but let's make the best job of it. That way we can still exude personal style.

So, here are my personal style tips for getting your legs in tip top condition and looking fabulous in a dress or skirt:

Get a good exfoliating product - sisal or loofah hand mitt, dry body brush, sugar and oil from your kitchen cupboard or a product that has a creamy consistency and is easy to massage in.
Focus on exfoliating the dead skin cells - at least once a week but ideally twice - from tips of toes to top of leg and hips. Don't be too rough - gentle so you don't scratch the skin.
Rinse off thoroughly.
Apply a good moisturising lotion and massage in well. Body lotion should be used on a daily basis. I love Neal's Yard Remedies Base Lotion - no fragrance but really does the job.
Do some basic toning exercises for the legs - get out and walk if you can.
Focus on this for even two weeks and you'll notice the difference.
Paint your toenails in a lovely bright summer colour.
Wear your skirt, shorts or frock at the right length for your leg shape and proportions.
Make sure the hem length is appropriate for the occasion and find out general protocols and etiquette for special events or occasions.

Still stuck - then call me for your own individual blueprint for achieving the best of what you've got

posh frocks at the polo?

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

I'm always asked if I can switch-off from my job as a Personal Stylist. Normally, I can - that is when I'm out and about with friends and family. I do have the ability to turn a blind eye, otherwise everyone I meet would automatically assume I'm judging their attire. I don't - generally unless I'm paid for my professional style and image services.

With the one exception - yesterday's Polo match at Fonmon Castle. In truth, it was hard to spot a horse. There was too much else to look at. Men aside, because to all intents and purposes, most of them scrubbed up pretty well, it was the ladies who concerned me the most.

These days, frocking up seems to give ladies permission to deck up like a Christmas tree - and some just had one bauble too many. Less is more and I can't quite grasp why some women still insist on adding one more ornament to what is already a very busy and loud ensemble of an outfit.

The men on my table couldn't work out if it was a pair of Austrian blinds that adorned one female or if she'd in fact got her frock in a knot after a visit to the powder room. One other sported a very small number that bordered on the wrong side of rude - a word that my male friend used.

It was interesting to hear the male perspective on personal style for women. It's official ladies.. whilst men may have a good gawp, they are not stupid and I was told quite clearly that they are savvy enough to know the difference between class and tart and they can't understand why women try soooo hard. So I asked the chaps to point out what worked for them - in each case they chose the ladies who wore the simplest, most understated outfits or the frocks that were striking in colour with clean lines.

The bottom line - they hate the frills, flounces, over accessorised outfit - it's too distracting. And whilst they like to see what they're getting, so to speak, they do like to have a little bit left to the imagination.

For the sake of spending a little bit extra girls, it will be worth the money investing in a personal shopper or personal stylist - particularly as most people go to the Polo to network and promote their business. It's going to pay dividencs if you promote yourself for the right reasons and don't waste money wearing something that is clearly uncomfortable, dated and sending out the wrong signals.

If designer is your thing then there's a fab on-line source of nearly new designer clothes or new at a fraction of the price - don't believe me, just check out Designer Desires - that way you can look fab on a reduced budget.

Personal style and image rules for men

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Men like to be told it as it is - so I'm strongly advised. Examples of this might be "wear this tie with that shirt" or "those shoes with those trousers". As one of my trusted male friends from Cardiff reminds me "don't give our simple brains too many options".

Personal style and image for men is paramount in today's economic climate where business might be dicey and jobs under threat. It makes sense to look and behave the business when dealing with business.

So, this week's rule for professional attire is... Do not wear short-sleeve shirts under a formal business suit.

Reason 1:

tradition and style dictates that the cuff of a man's shirt sleeve should fall several centimetres below the jacket sleeve - i.e. you should be able to see the shirt cuff poking out.

Otherwise your jacket sleeve will look too short and you'll look like a school boy in an ill-fitting suit.

Reason 2:

it gives you the opportunity to wear cufflinks - it's all in the detail and it is an acceptable form of ‘jewellery' in the workplace for men.

Reason 3:

covers up less than perfect biceps, tattoos etc. However, it is acceptable to roll up the cuffs of a full-length sleeve shirt on hotter days.

So, when can you wear short sleeves shirts?

On holiday, under blazer-style jackets or separates or if business etiquette suggests so when working overseas / Europe.

Still in doubt? Hire a personal shopper to make the decisions for you so that you can focus on what you do best - your Business. Listen to this http://www.suzannejaya.com/swf/sound1.mp3

best kept style and image secrets

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, some really exciting things loom on the horizon - at this stage sworn to secrecy but will reveal all in due course dear readers.

Actually, on a more serious note, if you want to do some reading, then look no further than the fantastic Vale Life magazine and their website, that this quarter, are reviewing the best in fashion for men and women, plus what they call a ‘full and frank' interview with personal stylist and image consultant.... yours truly. I got to borrow some fantastic clothes for the shoot from Bryl's in Barry and also Pink Zebra in Llantrisant. Both these boutiques have some fabulously stylish pieces for the girls and they are on my list of best shops for personal shopping with clients.

Does my bum look big in this... and all other obsessions with jeans

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Good Morning

Font of all knowledge here again!

If you've always found it tricky to get jeans that make your bum look pert or give you that Diet Coke man appeal ... then fret no more. At last, an amazing website has come along for men and women that deals with that common problem of finding the right jeans to fit your shape and proportions.

One of the common problems that faces a Style & Image Consultant is helping clients find the perfect pair of jeans. Gone are the days of that famous Launderette ad when all you had to do was to buy 501's.

There's so much choice nowadays that tramping around the shops is no fun at all. Anyway, to make my job even easier and also to drum home the message that clothes are all about fit and proportions, along has come a website that takes the pressure off.

Besides which, where have all the jeans shops gone in Cardiff?

Back in the old days all you had to was head to one or two standalone jeans shops and hey presto you were sorted. My favourites were Gentle Folk and Lois jeans - mind you we are going back a fair bit.

So back to the plot. For men and women, this amazing service will tailor make your jeans just for YOU. Based in the US and with NO shipping fees (unless you want next day delivery!!) they take you through a step-by-step guide to getting the perfect pair for you. You can even choose your buttons, seam stitching, fraying, fit, finish, rise, number of pockets etc. So without further ado, you must check this out http://www.mejeans.com

If you wish to receive my regular e-mails with updates on what's happening in the world of style and image in Cardiff, the Vale, South Wales or the world at large, then please send me your details or enter them in the box on this website.

With best wishes from Suzanne Jaya, your own Personal Sylist and Personal Shopper

From rags to riches - money spinners

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

One man's meat is another man's poison so they say. So you may be fed-up of the state of your current wardrobe or even your style and image may need a complete overhaul, but with a little sartorial savvy, you could turn your unwanted items into cash.

So what are you waiting for? Spring is around the corner and if you want new clothes that flatter and fit then fling open your wardrobe doors and closely inspect what's lurking in there. This is the time for a Wardrobe Workout to review last summer's clothes and earn some cash from your unwanted items.

If anything has still got a tag on it - either take it back to shop (assuming it's fairly current) and get a refund, credit note or exchange. Ask yourself why you haven't worn it. In my experience, my clients hoard 100's of pounds worth of clothes in their wardrobe because it doesn't suit them or fit! Just don't make the same mistake on your next purchase!

Anything decent - designer or mid priced clothes can be sold on e-bay or through dress agencies and nearly new shops. The important thing to remember is they have to be clean, in good condition and be relevant to the forthcoming Spring/Summer season. Agencies will not take winter items now.

Dress agencies will be looking for wedding, occasion and cruisewear and other lightweight summer pieces, including jewellery and accessories. You'll be hard pressed to get rid of anything in black as colour will be key for the new season.

Anything else should be donated to charity. Alternatively organise a clothes swap event with some friends and get a personal stylist on board to help you.

And last but not least if it has a M&S label on it, then Oxfam will give you a £5 voucher to redeem against fabulous new clothes in M&S.

Just a hint...a Style and Image Consultant or Personal Shopper who's worth their salt will help you to save money in the long-run. Your investment in their services will mean that you won't make expensive mistakes again.

Trust me, I'm a stylist!

Hats off to models

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Walk a mile in someone else's shoes, I always say in my more profound moments. Well, yesterday I tripped the light fantastic in several sets of shoes (not all at once I hasten to add), during an all day photo shoot fest featuring yours truly and a lovely younger model who we were styling for a magazine front cover.

The life of a model may seem glamorous, but take it from me all this pouting milarkey and sitting around being preened and fussed over isn't all it's cracked up to be. There was plenty of hanging around, while having to keep perfectly still for make-up and hair.

I didn't eat all day - didn't get time and by the end of the shoot, all I could think of was a night in with a glass or two of something chilled watching Mistresses on the telly! Still, never a dull day in the life of a style and image consultant. As for the mean pout of an uber model - all I could do was giggle. The more serious I had to be, the funnier it became.

What's more, a room full of creative people, whether they be make-up artists, photographers, hair stylists or personal stylists can only lead to a lot of confusion and plenty of camp moments.

Anyway, all in all it was a good day and it adds variety to my work. Look out for the piccies in the next issue of Vale Life Magazine which should be out at the beginning of March. I'll keep you posted.

Snowbound, yet still wearing make-up

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

2010

I wrote the article below a year ago - snow seems to be a regular winter feature for us now so be better prepared next yeaer. The information here still rings true even a year on.

2009

Well, apart from the snow dominating the headlines, another bone of contention has been the great debate about whether, or not, women should wear make-up and high heels in the workplace.

For anyone unaware of the latest news. The Bank of England, in an effort to motivate and reward staff, brought in a team of style and image consultants to talk to staff during a lunchtime or 'after hours' workshop. Elements of that workshop were communicated to female staff in the form of an internal memo and have now been taken entirely out of context. Some female employees have been insulted about the idea of having to wear make-up in the workplace in order to get ahead in their career. Some even think it is sexist and does not promote equal opportunities.

What's my take on this? It might be an unfair world, but we are in danger of becoming too politically correct. Human beings have primal instincts - even in modern times. We are born to use our intuition and we like to see balance and harmony in all things. Regrettably, as superficial as it sounds, we have to make a judgement about a person in fractions of a second - we just don't have time to spend with everyone we meet to find out if they're a 'good sort'.

Time is of the essence during interviews particularly. When several people turn up with identical skills and meet the required criteria for the job in question, there is no doubt that the determining factor is probably going to be based on appearance - not looks I hasten to add, but general demeanour and appearance. No employer in their right mind will want to recruit someone who is not going to reflect the Company's core values, ethos and brand because they couldn't be bothered to dress appropriately or to the best of their ability.

When we care about our appearance we send out a message to everyone that we also care about others and our work.

I believe women can be talented, knowledgeable, skilled and experienced and look their very best.

Times are getting tougher and when it comes to redundancies and having to apply for jobs, looking the part is going to be more important than it has been in a long time.

The role of a style and image consultant, personal shopper, personal stylist or colour consultant is to help people to dress appropriately for their lifestyle or work. Since time began, women have dressed to impress - women of all cultures worldwide tend to adorn themselves in an effort to stand out. So whether it's feathers in your headress, a grass skirt, ornate jewellery or bathing in milk, it is perfectly natural for women to take care in their appearance.

So if anyone's wondering if I take a leaf out of my own book then the answer is a resounding YES. Snowbound or not I've been sitting at home in my lounging around clothes sporting a perfect pout in my Nutrimetics Sugar Plum lipstick - after all you never know who'll come to the door!

All masterpieces start with a blank canvas!

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

2009

Happy New Year to all my loyal clients and regular and new visitors to this website. Well, I’ve just about come out of hibernation and ready to face all the fantastic opportunities and challenges ahead.

At this time of year thoughts turn to self-improvement, whether that be diet, giving up something or giving our wardrobes a good clearout. We always seem to think of getting rid rather than ‘bringing in’. So, this might be a good time to review the good that we can bring into our lives, starting with our overall appearance.

Positive style and image doesn’t begin and end with clothes – it’s a total package that includes good grooming, shiny hair, and above all well-looked after skin.

This is the perfect time to create a new YOU from a perfectly fresh and blank canvas. Most of the moans and groans I hear now are do with dehydrated and tired looking skin. So with that in mind, it would be timely to remind you all that the skin is the largest organ in the body (yes this is a biology lesson) and it is responsible for many functions that we give little or no thought to in our daily round. So for starters, it regulates our temperature – crucial in the cold months. It eliminates harmful toxins and provides a protective barrier against the ravages of our climate and environment. And let’s face it our environment is probably more dangerous now than the days of the woolly mammoth!

How about this for an incentive, research has shown that women who wear subtle make-up are likely to be paid 23% more than those who don’t. And, guess what, make-up doesn’t half look better on a well prepared skin. So, as money matters and with people out of work, it will pay for you to turn your attentions to how you look in order to secure the job or the object of your desire.

If you want to know more about the science or just an excuse for a pamper at a home or skincare workshop with some friends and the opportunity to slap on the lotions and potions, then contact me today – I can help you to introduce good skincare into your daily routine. It’s simple, effective and let’s face it, the earlier you start the better the results.

End of lecture!

Back is the new Front

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The party season is upon us, or 'silly' season as I like to call it. It's the perfect time to step out in style and get your glad rags on. I've been invited to a 'Bond' style do, so the hunt is on for a frock or some outfit that licenses me to dress to kill. My usual problem is that most partywear sports plunging necklines - not for me I'm afraid.

Being naturally inquisitive of the male point of view I asked a few of my male mates whether a backless garment beats a frontless little number (as most of them are) in the style stakes. There was an unequivocal YES to the backless top. Apparently, it leaves a little more to the imagination plus the men can be a little bit more subtle when they give us the once over (because they're behind us weighing up the back view). "It's a lot more titillating", said one of my male fashionistas and less is more.

No prizes for guessing what I'll be wearing this Christmas! I'm going to do myself a little bit of personal shopping for the perfect outfit that covers up the front and reveals just a glimpse of the back - that'll shake up their Martinis!

Welcome to SuzanneJaya.com

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome. If you’re reading this posting now then let me be the first to congratulate you for being a visitor to my recently revamped website. I have to say that the fabulous boys (men actually) at Squidge Media have done an amazing job to put up with me, especially as I’m such a technophobe. Well, I’m not really, I just plead ignorance as I prefer to channel my passions elsewhere.

We’ve had some laughs along the way, have great plans for the future of this site and we’ve even had a bit of a personal style surgery over a cuppa while also critiquing the general style gaffs in and around the City. Actually now there’s a thought! If Cardiff was a fashionista ….. who would it be? Well, let’s just say that I had a six hour jaw-dropping experience while out and about for the Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations. It certainly wasn’t 1980’s retro but more like still stuck in the 80’s. Or, if I had to use a style adjective to sum up this glorious capital city of Wales, what would it be? Mmm let me think. I’ll get back to you on that one.

Tips and Tales will, at times, be serious and packed full of useful tips. Sometimes it will be peppered with tales on fashion faux pas’ and covert reports from the fashion police. Enjoy!

Suzanne's Tips and Tales

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The world of style and image is so often taken too seriously. Fashion, beauty and getting dressed in the morning should be a fun and confidence - building experience for men and women.

Our clothes, our behaviour and actions are an outward expression of our current self. Some hilarious moments are experienced and observed during the course of my day. Here I aim to bring those moments to life with updates on what’s hot and what’s not with my real-life tips & tales.