Suzanne's Tips and Tales

Summer Nights - Bollywood Style

Those who know me well will back me up on this one - I love the spangle and sparkle of everything Indian / Asian and Bollywood.  It goes back to my Indian roots - and I just can't help it.  Dangly earrings, bejewelled flip-flops, arms full of bangles and a damn fine curry.  The Pussycat Dolls rendition of Jai Ho and the colour, music and dance of the Bollywood Movie Industry.  So I was thrilled when I was asked to contribute to a recent fashion feature in the Western Mail. 

Anyone who has seen the latest SATC movie will appreciate why I was in raptures at the Arabic-inspired fashion during the fab four's trip to Abu Dhabi - a place I visited many years ago just for a weekend!

Whatever happens to our weather this summer - try to adorn yourself with a little piece of the East - it will cheer you up no end.  Happy reading - the PDF below gives you a little insight into what's on the High Street.

indian.pdf

Posted by Suzanne on 7th Jul 2010

Life in Colour

Had the fantastic opportunity of working with the lovely Emily Woodrow, Senior Reporter at the South Wales Echo and Western Mail.  She had lots of fun choosing clothes in shades and tones of colour that will look great in the summer sunshine.  Havana Boutique in Cowbridge had a great range (luckily) in some fantastic colours perfectly suited to Emily's tone and overall look, plus some pieces that reflect Emily's Bo-ho style preference. 

Judge for yourself - the cocktail frock was a particular favourite of hers - she looks amazing doesn't she?

colour_me_beautiful.pdf

Posted by Suzanne on 7th Jul 2010

Personal style and image rules for men

Do you look the Business?  That's the question we fiesty lasses asked a group of people in business.  Only you can answer that one - unless you want to give me a call for an assessment

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".  He's so self-effacing.

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

 

 

Posted by Suzanne on 13th May 2010

Style Tip : Posture Perfect

Often, I’m asked what is the one thing that separates the stylish from the not so stylish.  A debate usually continues about whether it’s something one is born with – personal style that is, or if it can be learned.

Well, if there’s one sure thing that will isolate you as lacking in the style stakes then it will be poor posture.  Rounded shoulders, miserable face and neck sticking out like a turtle.  All your vital energy turned inwards. 

Why do you think the best boutiques make an effort to find the loveliest coat hangers for their prized garments – because the clothes drape and hang better.  The same is true of poor posture.  Do you want to be the wire coat hanger that has seen better days or the padded velvet one adorning the wardrobe?  Mmmn now let me think!

Just walk down the High Street this lunchtime or watch people pass when you have a coffee in a café and you will easily spot those with that je ne sais quoi – as they say in France – and the Continentals are pretty hot in the style department.

Confident people can be stylish and not so stylish, just look at Richard Branson – a bit of a scruffy wotsit at times but hey, it’s his confidence that got him to where he is now!

One vital common factor is that they carry themselves in a positive stance.  They look like go-getters.  People will gravitate towards them – they’re the cheeky chappies and the flirty girls.  There are some people who are so unaware of their amazing style yet they have a self-assured demeanour.

Okay, so you may have lots of problems at the moment – don’t we all.  It’s impossible to become intrinsically confident overnight.  But how about faking it until you make it.  Go on, be a devil, just raise your head a little, pull back your shoulders, suck your tummy in – continue to breathe please and SMILE.

Anyone who needs more help, then try finding a local Alexander Technique practitioner or your nearest Pilates class – all of these help believe me. 

If it’s self belief that lets you down then try someone who practices hypnotherapy or Personal Coaching.  My favourite people for this are Nadia Ansari at Mars Venus Coaching and Sonia Parsons, Clinical Hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner on 01443 400701. 

When I work with my clients I approach things with an holistic two-pronged solution for them.  I use all my experience, skills and qualifications in Complementary and Alternative therapy practice with the Personal Style & Image coaching to deal with the aesthetic and the inner stuff.

One without the other is still great but to find to take positive steps to deal with both will give you a truly fabulous life – trust me and walk tall x

Posted by Suzanne on 4th Jul 2010

Perfect Packing

Excess baggage?  I think not!  A clear head, some versatile mix and match pieces, a common colour theme and a little know-how is all it needs. Now that's better!  Check this out to see how it's NOT DONE!

Posted by Suzanne on 3rd Jul 2010

Suitcase Savvy

If the thought of a summer holiday excites but the thought of packing fills you with dread

 and …

•  You don’t know which clothes to pack
• You can’t mix and match
• You pack too much

Then you need a capsule holiday wardrobe, a personal shopper and

a Fairy Godmother to help.

Call me on 07833 78006 for your Holiday Wardrobe Workout

Includes

•  An itemised list of must-have essentials
• Tips on perfect packing
• Outfit ideas for versatility

 

Posted by Suzanne on 3rd Jul 2010

PR Photography - first impressions count

Why PR photography?

So you might not be famous enough to be snapped unfavourably by the paparazzi, yet your business and personal life depends on you looking the part.

Today, we judge on first impressions – wrongly or rightly!  We are utilising a very primitive part of our brain to make judgements – something we have had to do for millennia as a natural warning and defence system against danger.

Nowadays, we have no need to run from the woolly mammoth and our instincts are required for different things.

Nonetheless, we still judge on first impressions and let’s face it, if our professional reputation relied on whether or not we were captured right on a photo, then that could spell ruin for some people.

In all business activities, there will be a need for the use of photography – especially if you want to build your profile, stay ahead of the competitor or make the most of all PR opportunities.

Just think about the times you may need a photographic image of yourself – website, promotional literature, brochures, press coverage, editorial and advertorial features, advertising, social networking websites – even dating websites.

The current style of posing in a studio in front of the camera is becoming as extinct as the dinosaur.  Instead the trend is for a more relaxed image – one that reflects your personal or professional values, ethos and brand.  It may capture the essence of your personality and character traits or some little known fact about you that makes you a wonderful human being. 

You may want potential customers to regard you as friendly with hobbies and interests or you need an image that conveys an edgier message.

 

If you want to control the photography that finds itself in the media then you need a library of fabulous stock shots that you can offer to people – there is nothing worse than seeing an old happy snap that a press photographer once took, still being used 5 years down the line.  Photography needs to be up-to-date!  Maryanne Hawes can help you to do just that.

What do you wear is the next question?  That’s where yours truly personal stylist Suzanne Jaya steps in.  Between us, we will help you to be perceived in the right way that communicates your values and ethos and your business in a positive light.

And in an attempt to practice what I preach, here are some truly fabulous pictures that Maryanne shot – now I wonder what they say about me – answers on a postcard please!!  Actually whoever comes up with the best assessment of me might get a prize.

 

Posted by Suzanne on 28th Jun 2010

Summer Lovin' on the longest day

Wey hey.. it's the longest day here in the UK - more hours of sunlight and it's set to be a scorcher.  The Summer Solstice is the time to light your campfires, burn candles in the garden at dusk - cast spells, dance naked - if that's your thing - make your wishes come true and dress in truly fabulous summer styles.

Throw caution to the wind today.  Wear daisy chains, flowers in your hair, sparkly earrings, baubles bangles and curl your hair.  Go barefoot and feel the grass underneath.  Take a fabulous or simple picnic to the park.  If you work in the city then find a piece of greenery. Listen to Fleetwood Mac. It's about being wild, free and outdoors.  Go for a walk, breathe in the heady scent of roses and rejoice the day. Dance, sing loudly in the car, smile at everyone.  Have your own mini Stonehenge on the rocks at the beach.

Mix up your colours - even the gypsy skirt is allowed.  Forget the rules today - just go with the flow.

Enjoy x

 

 

Posted by Suzanne on 21st Jun 2010

Summer Style Sensations

Do you remember when Sienna Miller wore that gypsy skirt some 5 or more years ago or when boot cut jeans first made an appearance?  Those who like safety erred on the side of caution, i.e. they waited until the shops were saturated with the latest look – knowing full well that by then they would look out-of-date if not sporting the latest style to hit the big time.

By then of course, the fashionistas were setting the next trend leaving the said gypsy skirt in their wake.  I remember listening to the radio and a conversation was repeated about how a Dutch tourist thought the white frill skirt was our National dress – that shows how many women were wearing them and if I recall, regardless of whether they looked great or not.

Of course, now anyone seen in one would stick out like a sore thumb, unless worn in a way that can be argued as being ‘vintage’ or bo-ho – two terms that helps women get away with anything!!

Anyway, last weekend on a Saturday night trip to Cardiff Bay, which I hasten to add is not my usual territory – especially on a Saturday, my eyes were certainly opened.

I had been scruffing around the house all day in a maxi dress – I’ve been wearing them for the past 4 years (well not all year for 4 years clearly), when no-one else seemed to be doing so.  I’ve got an original 1970’s version and a few more besides.

Laziness made me want to wear it out that evening, but something deep in my gut told me to change into something a little more.. well a little different.  So I dolled up in my Western/Indian garb – a touch of the Bollywood going on – I am half Indian so I’ve got lots of bits and pieces that fit the bill.

Oh, boy, how glad am I!  I kid you not!  Every other woman wore a maxi dress – all shapes and sizes, most of them being hitched up at the boobs.  Swarms of women gathered outside bars and restaurants – it was a uniform.

That’s what we call ‘critical mass’ when a style or fashion item is available in all shops and worn by a lot of people.  Suddenly it becomes one of two things – a classic, i.e, it will still be okay to wear it 5 years from now, or.. like the gypsy skirt it will die a death.  I hope not.  I think maxi frocks are a staple like the LBD.  They’ve taken too long to return since the 1970’s so I hope they are around for a while.

I knew there was good reason not to ignore my 6^th sense which is why I was the only person in my Indian Summer garb while everyone else followed like sheep with the maxi.  Talking of which, a recent feature in the South Wales Echo provides some personal shopping hot tips on getting the Bollywood look just right.

indian.pdf

 

Posted by Suzanne on 20th Jun 2010

Style Survival - Hot Tips

Now I don't mean to be unkind, but this week I have seen enough to drive me to despair. It's the one week, where I have wanted to rush up to an unsuspecting public and have a rant about their fashion or style faux pas.

I bit my tongue because it's not my style to offer unsolicited advice. It is better to be asked for it.

So without getting too personal, it's easier to write about the offences and then offer practical solutions, so that, dear readers you will never commit the heinous crimes that have been committed this week.

Here goes...

To the lady who wore a beautiful frock-cum-tunic, was made up to perfection with beautifully coiffed hair and slim legs – it was spoiled by the fact that when you bent forward just an inch, we could all see the top of your stockings and more besides. Not a good look.

Result: the style and polish went out of the window the minute you revealed too much.

Hot Tip: the tunic was too short in any case, whether or not you had worn stockings. Bare legs might have been better, indeed so would have tights, but the flesh ruined it. The tunic would have also looked fab-u-lous over a pair of cool white linen trousers.

Don't assume that slim legs are a green light to revealing all – a woman needs to protect her modesty depending on her audience and the situation. It was day-time and in a meeting environment so not appropriate. In truth, I don't even think the lady in question realised it herself.

Look in the mirror before you leave home – sit in clothes and check if anything is amiss.

To the high powered business executive who, feeling the summer heat removed the jacket of her well-tailored suit to reveal a black bra under a crisp white shirt.

Result: might titillate the boys – but not in the Board Room. Her status was undermined by the fact we could see her undies.

Hot Tip: If you spend lots of time in the office, earn a good income and have a role that carries a certain amount of kudos, then keep a spare set of lingerie, stockings tights etc in the office. I suspect it was the first thing you grabbed in the morning. Had it not been a warm day we might never have known the difference. Infact, income is not the issue here – if you want to be taken seriously in the workplace then this is good practice. Remember you could be the next Chairman or fancy your chances at promotion at any level.

Never wear anything under a jacket or cardigan that you are not prepared to reveal with confidence and in the knowledge that it will work as a standalone garment within its own right.

To the guy who had stains down his funky tie and when he removed his jacket (on aforementioned hot day) revealed a sleeveless shirt, worn with tie under his formal dark suit. See previous blog for reasons why this is a faux pas.

To the Bridesmaids whose bra straps were obvious when worn under their pretty bridesmaid dress.

Result: You let the Bride down and ruined the effect of what could have looked so beautiful.

Hot tip: Go strapless next time or buy stick-on bra support. Underwear maybe the new outerwear but only works on someone as avant-garde as Lady Gaga or Madonna. It might look good on the beach or casually under a vest t-shirt, especially if it's a pretty or vibrant colour. It's almost accepted. But on a special day wearing a special frock, it's a definite no-no in the style stakes!

Posted by Suzanne on 10th Jun 2010