Modelling outfit from the 50's and 60's at the Galway vintage fair Make up by Jannette Lynam Photography by White lil studio Styled by Delilah

Modelling outfit from the 50's and 60's at the Galway vintage fair Make up by Jannette Lynam Photography by White lil studio Styled by Delilah

Modelling outfit from the 50's and 60's at the Galway vintage fair Make up by Jannette Lynam Photography by White lil studio Styled by Delilah

Modelling outfit from the 50's and 60's at the Galway vintage fair Make up by Jannette Lynam Photography by White lil studio Styled by Delilah

Modelling outfit from the 50's and 60's at the Galway vintage fair Make up by Jannette Lynam Photography by White lil studio Styled by Delilah

Modelling outfit from the 50's and 60's at the Galway vintage fair Make up by Jannette Lynam Photography by White lil studio Styled by Delilah

Modelling outfit from the 50's and 60's at the Galway vintage fair Make up by Jannette Lynam Photography by White lil studio Styled by Delilah

As we spend more and more time on daily activities such as work, school runs, shopping, appointments, etc, our wardrobe must reflect our lifestyle and must include key items that can be easily mixed and matched.

With the arrival of spring, fresh new looks and light colours are appearing and I love the fact that these clothes are wearable, practical, and interesting. Flattering shapes is key to the smart casual look to suit you. The following will help you create or recreate looks with what you already have, and rejuvenate your wardrobe with new key pieces.

Sport luxe is a huge trend this season. Clothes are edgy but practical, with loose shapes mixed with structured pieces. The looks do not date, so you can invest in key items and wear them again for years to come. This dress from Les Jumelles is what the sport luxe trend is all about — practical and feminine, wear it with sandals or pumps. As comfort is key, combine a stylish tapered trouser (or jeans) with a loose shimmery T-shirt under a shaped parka.

Prints are still going strong this season with patterns inspired from the fauna, flora, and landscape, with decorative detailing and luxurious fabrics of brocade, lace, and shimmer. Prints are a great way to inject some joy into your wardrobe and update your last season’s favourites. Although this trend is all about mix-matching and juxtaposing patterns, you can also pair prints with a plainer piece. Pair this snake print pencil skirt from Hobbs with a coloured plain top, a short belted jacket, and kitten heels.

Light knits are must-have items for our lifestyles and the weather. Wear loose jumpers or fitted cardigans in pretty pale shades or vibrant hues. Team an oversized jumper with coloured skinnies, or layer a fitted cardigan over a floral dress. I love this knitted jumper paired with a tulle skirt, both from Vero Moda. Finish off with a tan belt tied on your waist or a hat.

Pastels and block colours are much talked about trends this season. Experiment with delicious hues of baby pink, lemon, lilac, or pistachio. Keep the colours plain, or try a combination of block colours. This pale blue cotton dress paired with a dusty pink cropped jacket from Noa Noa is the perfect look for busy mums.

Article also available in the Galway Advertiser: http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/49596/the-new-smart-casual

Naturally, I assume you have decluttered your wardrobe — or are planning to do so — and have put great looks together with what you already have so you can identify the gaps, and you have listed what you should buy to update your spring/summer looks. Once that is done you can focus on what you really need. For each body type there are key pieces of clothing that will complement your wardrobe and flatter your shape. Having these pieces will help you to mix and match clothes and create various looks with fewer pieces while looking your best.

Here is a list of must-have timeless pieces to suit every shape to own for season ahead.

Pear-shaped figure

A dark wash flared midrise pants paired with a brightly coloured fitted top will flatter your hips and show off your waist. Also try a structured jacket with small pads and an A-line skirt that gently flares over your hips, and a pair of geometric earrings to draw the attention upwards.

Hourglass figure

A V-neck wrap dress will show off your small midsection and hips. Peep-toe cone heels will give you longer and leaner legs. Tapered trousers with flat pleats will flatter your hips without adding bulk.

Boyish figure

Coloured pastel skinny jeans worn with a ruffle high neck top will add feminine curves.

A medium size belt over a medium weight cardigan will smartly add volume to your figure without looking bulky. A pair of tan mid calf boots will flatter skinnier legs.

Diamond shape

The apple shape’s best friend is the empire line dress, without pleats or with small, flat, pleats to play up your slimmest part. Wear it with a statement neckpiece.

Opt for mid-rise jeans to avoid the dreaded muffin top, paired with a patterned top that falls straight down from the bust.

Busty figure

Wear the best bra you can afford for support and for a smoother silhouette. An open neck top such as V-neck or scoop neck will lengthen your torso and flatter the bust. A coloured or pattered skirt will balance your top half and a statement bag worn at the hand (not on the shoulders) will draw the attention away from your bust.

Petite figure

Keep your body in proportion and wear a straight style of dress such as a shift shaped at the waist. A coloured cropped jacket will make your legs look longer and make you stand out from the crowd.

Pregnant figure

A few key pieces are essential to help you look good and feel comfortable throughout your pregnancy. A coloured, shaped, top paired with a straight skirt is the great casual look and will smartly show off your belly. Wedge boots worn over dresses, skirts, and skinnies are a must for the yummy mummy-to-be.

http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/49070/must-have-spring-separates-to-suit-your-shape

Avail of FREE individual personal shopper consultations and style advice in Athlone Towncentre on selected dates.

I am available to offer individual hour long consultations to assist you in finding that perfect outfit for an upcoming event, offer style advice on dressing to suit your shape and making the most of the season’s trends.

At the start of your consultation, I will take the time to understand your requirements, areas of concern or occasions arising.  Following this, Iwill be your ‘shopping buddy’ and bring you through a variety of stores in Athlone Towncentre to find that perfect outfit or just to give you practical examples and tips on making the most of your personal style and shape.

To book your individual consultation with Delilah contact 090 6484387 or info@athlonetowncentre.com

Next available dates:

• Saturday 10th March- Fully booked
  
• Saturday 24th March- Fully booked
• Saturday 14th April

From 10am to 5pm on these dates.  http://athlonetowncentre.com/stores/personal-shopper/

Wear high heels

Heels will always make legs looking long, lean, and sexy. Whether it is a kitten heel or a four inch heel, go for a height you can walk comfortably in. Thin heels with a peep toe or pointy toe will lengthen the legs. Avoid a chunky heel as this shorten the legs.

Comfortable shapewear

The benefits of a shapewear are great — it smoothes the bulges, lifts your breasts and behind, and controls your tummy. But there is nothing worse than an uncomfortable shapewear. The correct one should suit your shapes and be comfortable enough for you to forget you are wearing it.

Wear clothes that fit

Clothes that are either too baggy or too tight will make you look bigger that you are. Always go for clothes that fit properly.

Open neckline

A V-neck or scoop neck is a flattering neckline choice and draws the attention upwards away from the midsection or hips, making your silhouette look longer.

Right underwear

The correct underwear is the foundation of a great style. Invest in underwear that fits. Get your bra fitted at least once a year. The correct bra should give good support and a lift. Ensure your panties do not create visible panty lines — look for panties that do have invisible seams.

Dark denim

The darker the jeans, the slimmer your will look. A simple style without extra pockets or fancy designs is a winner.

One hue head to toe

Create an uninterrupted vertical line from the head to the toe to look taller and thinner with clothes of the same hue.

Match your shoes with your legs

During the winter months match the colour of your tights with the colour of your shoes. In the summer a pair of nude shoes is a must — they will make your legs look miles long and give you a thinner looking silhouette.

Use jewellery

Use jewellery strategically to draw the eyes away from the midsection and curvy hips. A long necklace will elongate your body. Big earrings will draw attention to your face. Bracelet or rings will accentuate your forearms instead of your upper arms.

Wear a blazer

Shaped at the waist, a blazer will easily give you definition at the waist, no matter what shape you are. Wear it open with jeans and a loose top.

Look for the right fabrics

The right fabric is as important as the cut of the clothes. Fabrics with some spandex help to slim the silhouette. Lightweight materials are slimming, eg, light denim, cotton, or silk. Bulky fabrics such as corduroy, brocade, suede, or leather should be worn sparingly.

Walk tall

Correct posture is key to looking tall and thinner. Stand up straight, and chin up.

http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/48870/twelve-ways-to-style-yourself-thinner-in-2012

The style you wear changes as your age changes, but trends are for every woman. So what should you be wearing right now? Here are the best dresses for your age.

In your twenties

Experiment with textures, patterns, and colours. Mix and match them. You can go for short length (mid-thigh in particular if you have great legs) or sleeveless. Remember to always flatter you shape — a belt is great to show off your waist. Pair this cute number from Top Shop with ankle boots and a lightweight fur cropped jacket. It is great for the summer festival season with flat sandals.

In your thirties

Dressing to suit your body type is important but you also want to look grown up. Your dress should enhance one or two of your best features — your legs, waist, hips, or neckline — but not all at once. The length should be between mid-thigh and just below the knee. Make sure it is shaped either at the waist or ribs, and use colours and patterns. Team up this Reiss dress with a leather jacket, tights, and boots.

In your forties

Fabrics and the cut of your dress have to suit you. Rouching is a clever way to flatter a tummy area. Clingy material is very unforgiving, no matter your size, so stay away from it. A high neckline is best for a smaller bust, and a full bust looks great with an open neckline such as scoop. The hemline should be just above or just below the knee. Try this knitted dress from Phase Eight, paired with ankle boots or court shoes and a trench coat.

In your fifties

It is all about getting the length right and matching current trends to your shape. Make sure to go for a length that is appropriate. If you have good legs you can go for about three inches above the knee, but not higher. An empire line dress is a great choice. The neckline should not be higher than your neck bone. Go for V-neck, scoop neck, or square neck, depending on your shape; you can always wear a vest top underneath the dress to feel more comfortable. This Ingenue dress is a perfect daytime dress to wear now, paired with either boots or a shoes, tights, and an overcoat. Wear it with sandals and a light jacket for spring.

http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/48629/winter-dresses-to-suit-your-age

Know what really suits you

There is no better rule than this: Know your shape and learn what cut of clothing and style tricks will flatter it. A V-neck top is best on a full bust. If you have a small waist wear waist-cinched clothes. Flatter curvy hips with an A-line skirt, and if you have a tummy, show your legs. Forget about the latest fashion must, go for style first, and follow the trends second.

Work your wardrobe

Great style often starts with what you already have in your wardrobe. A great wardrobe is a tidy wardrobe. The magic words are declutter and mix and match. First declutter. Support may be needed here. You love that dress that you bought 10 years ago but you have not worn it for four years because it doesn’t fit you anymore. Maybe it is time to let it go. You could try to sell it on eBay or to a second hand shop. Once you have cleared out the wardrobe and kept what really suits you, start putting your looks together. This can be tricky, but it is fun. Take your favourite skirt and try to match it with at least two items from your wardrobe. Continue with all your other clothes. You will be surprised how much you actually have. Finally, make sure to store your clothes properly, it will make your life easier.

Shop smart

Now that you can finally see what you have, you can start evaluating the gaps in your wardrobe and make a list for your next shopping trip. Spring is around the corner and it is the perfect time to start updating your style with new looks and keys pieces. Pastel colours were everywhere on the spring runways: baby pink, pistachio, and lilac. Another hot trend is the city sport. With the London Olympics, get into your sporty vibe with tailored dresses, wedges, trainers, or hooded jackets. The key to successful shopping is to stay focused and really buy what you need, suits you, and meets your budget.

Be confident

When you wear clothes that make you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good there are no limits to what you can achieve.

Check out this article in the Galway Advertiser http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/48303/embrace-your-style-with-confidence-in-2012

Make a list: look in your wardrobe and make a list of items that you need. The shopping list will stop you from getting carried away and purchasing things you don’t need or won’t work with the rest of your wardrobe. Write down questions that will help you stay focus. Keep asking yourself: is it worth it? Do I love it?  is it value for money, how long will it last?

Go early: It is best to go sales shopping early to get a better clothes selection and your size and to avoid being rushed.

Stick to your budget : Decide on your budget   and stick to it to avoid buying clothes that you don’t need and to buy items that truly flatter you.

Stick to basics  :invest in timeless pieces, wellcut dresses, jackets, shoes and trousers. Try to look at the style rather that the fashion. You will  wear them seasons after seasons.

Mix and match: Remember the following rules. One item bought has to match at least with two items from your wardrobe. Make sure that pieces bought mix and match with the clothes from your wardrobe.

So you are going for some Christmas party drinks after work with your colleagues, but you have very little time to get dressed up? Use these style tricks to dress to impress after a long day in the office.

Use statement accessories. You will not go wrong with a day black dress (little black dress). Because you are still in a work environment, you still have to be appropriately dressed. Just above the knee is the key. Keep short skirts for going out with your girlfriends. The best way to lift up a black dress is to use statement accessories such as glitzy clutch bags, statement earrings and necklace, or coloured high heels. Bring your accessories to work and quickly add them at the end of your day’s work.

A tailored suit can be effortlessly styled from day to evening using clever accessories and key staples. Switch your shirt with a sequinned top and a simple clutch. An office pencil skirt will also work well for this look. Make sure to wear opaque black tights. The tights can also have subtle patterns such a tiny dots. A tuxedo jacket is a great wardrobe staple that can be worn from day to evening. Penney’s stocks a beautiful off white and black tux jacket, but a plain black tux will also work well. Pair it with brighter accessories and go for a strong colour of lipstick or smoky eyes.

Check this article in the Galway Advertiser

http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/47346/stylish-office-party-looks