Suzanne's Tips and Tales

Seasonal must-haves from your Personal Stylist

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.

Posted by Suzanne on 01/12/09