4 top ways to look slimmer

For most of us, it is inevitable that we gain a few lbs over Christmas and the New Year so I decided to list some tips here to help you to look slimmer and feel more confident.

  • Dress in darker colours. This is an oldy but a goody.  Even if black is not your best colour then consider wearing it away from your face in a v neck or in a sleek cigarette pants. Black is great, but also consider navy, burgundy, chocolate brown and a dark olive. They are equally slimming and may be a better option with your colouring.
  • Avoid jumpers and coats in  bulky fabrics as they can make you look like the mitchelin man. Choose less bulky fabrics with wool and other thermal properties to keep you cosy.
    Try layering a light or bright collared shirt under a slim dark jumper, letting the hem and the sleeves peep out underneath. This draws attention away from a slightly rounded midriff and looks stylish and put together at the same time. Pull up your collar and let it stand up at the back and add some a silver or gold chunky necklace to up the luxe factor.
  • Wear clothes that skim, not cling. Anything that is too small will actually make you look bigger.

When in doubt, try one size up and cut the label off when you get home if that makes you feel better.

  • Wear outfits with vertical design lines. This might be a jacket/cardigan worn open or a scarf flowing down the front of a sweater dress. Also try a long necklace that flows vertically down the front of your top (You may need to knot it below cleavage to keep it in place).

Illusion is a marvellous thing so why not take full advantage of it to look your best and feel more confident as you take on the new year.

laneimageconsultingLeave a comment

What to wear – Christmas Day

I can’t believe it but Christmas day is already upon us! That happened fast in the end.

Have you thought about what you are going to wear?

Having an outfit planned will take some stress out of the day and help you feel more comfortable as you navigate what is a very busy day for most people.

Christmas day is a big celebration in our house and usually starts out with present opening, hanging around having a drink in our PJs and then getting dressed and going to Christmas Day Mass. This followed by a big turkey and ham feast.

My outfit has to work hard and take me comfortably through a chilly trip to the church, a very hot kitchen, an after lunch walk and drinks later in the afternoon.

Here are my thoughts on how to be best prepared:

  • Start by choosing a colour combo that works for you. The outfits in the set I have prepared would work for someone with cool or Winter colouring.
  • Choose fabrics that can breathe and that allows you to layer a warm coat over if you are planning to go outside. Avoid chunky jumpers as you will overheat inside.
  • Select your shoes wisely; while stilettos will likely look lovely with your outfit, a pair of wedges or booties will be more comfortable and practical for a long day.
  • Outfits that allow room for expansion are a good idea as most people tend to over indulge a little (or a lot!) on Christmas Day. Bring on the elasticated waistbands!
  • Add a little festive cheer by adding some sparkle or shine in your outfit, however be aware that shine brings attention to an area so be sure to place it somewhere you want people to look. An alternative is to select an outfit in a Christmas colour like red, green or gold to up the festive factor.

Once you have your outfit sorted, you can then relax and let your hair down and enjoy all the lovely food and company.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with lots of love, peace and fun.👠🍾🎄🤶🏼

 

laneimageconsultingLeave a comment

Dressing for the Office Christmas Party

This is a tricky one, as you often want to let the hair down after a long year of work but you have to keep in the back of your mind (or in the front in some people’s cases) that this event is actually an extension of work.

With a few key thoughts in mind, you will glide through the event with your work reputation in tact and be able to face your work colleagues on Monday and spare yourself the blushes. After all, who wants to be the subject of the office gossip for the next several months?

  1. Choose an outfit that showcases your personality without being too revealing. This is not the event for low necklines, backless dresses or your new leather mini.
  2. Often times, the office party can be directly after work so you can glam up your work dress with  jewellery and high heels. Keep accessories simple and make sure they work with your outfit.
  3. A fitted, sleek tailored pants with a top is always a great option and might be just the perfect outfit. Avoid going too casual though. Jeans are probably not ideal, unless they are a dark wash and fitted.
  4. I highly recommend that you wear something comfortable  and something that you have worn before as mal functions at this type of event can be very embarrassing.
  5. If you are still concerned about what to wear, then you can always ask the organizer what the dress code is. You can also check with your colleagues what they plan to wear so you feel comfortable and fit in.
  6. Some etiquette tips to keep in mind
    • There may be an open bar for the event , so plan carefully so you don’t  end up too tipsy. Eat a snack before you arrive to the event so you are not drinking on an empty stomach and restrict yourself to one or two drinks . Alternate alcoholic drinks with sparkling water or a mineral.
    • Do make an effort to mingle with colleagues from other departments rather than sticking with your usual crowd.
    • Avoid being the first to leave and do make an effort to meet people and enjoy yourself.

I know, I know, everyone dreads it a bit because it takes us out of our comfort zone and people get to see us in a different light.

Take some time to plan and think it through and another office Christmas party will glide by without a blush in sight!

laneimageconsulting1 Comment

5 Day Break – What to pack?

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland.

Photo by Elias Ehmann on Unsplash

I am off to Ireland today and I can’t wait. Ireland is home for me even though I’ve lived overseas for 20+ years.

To me, its still home after all these years. I always love seeing the first sight of the coast and the green fields. It stirs a deep sense of belonging. I see the same in my two boys even though they weren’t born in Ireland; somehow it has become home for them too.

Anyways, back to the packing. What am I going to bring with me?

When I think about what to pack, I list down what I will be doing and of course take the weather into consideration. Ireland is pretty predictable and rain is almost guaranteed so I will need to pack a rain coat.

So what will I be doing….. Lots of walking outside, some shopping, a double christening and hanging out with my parents. Not too exciting but exactly where I want to be for a few days.

Packing is really unbelievably easy when you have clothes that are the right colours for you, the right shape for you, are right for your style personality and work for the lifestyle you have now.

So here is what I will pack:

Christening: Floral navy wrap dress, Nude Heels and my feather earrings which go with the dress.

Day to day at home: 2 pairs of jeans, 4 light layering tops, denim shirt, 2 pullovers

Walking: Raincoat, runners.

I will wear one of the pairs of jeans to travel, one of the tops and my leather jacket as well as a pair of spanking brand new trainers that are still shiny white and dying for an outing.

I will also bring lots of accessories as they take so little space and really make the most of my travel wardrobe. 2 scarves in complimentary colours and several pairs of dangly earrings.

Did I forget anything? What else would you bring beside the pjs and underwear?

laneimageconsultingLeave a comment

Is your classic style killing your career?

Many of my clients have an element of classic in their style personality, probably because I have a classic style personality at the core and as a result, practical and efficient ladies are attracted to my classic outlook.

The classic style is fantastic in a traditional professional environment because it portrays credibility, conservatism, practicality and trustworthiness.

Classics look smart, whatever activities they undertake. Their appearance is usually neat and tidy. They veer toward a formal look and even casual clothes will have a ‘tailored’ appearance. Jeans may even be ironed – Go on… Fess up! Hair will be neat and tidy and they will wear a small amount of make-up. Jewellery will often be ‘understated’ including pearl earrings and necklaces along with small items of costume jewellery.

The problem with this style personality (and they all have issues!) is that it can go to boring and unimaginative very quickly. It can also look dated so this look is not ideal if you are looking to give the impression that you are dynamic and have moved with the times.

So what can you do to keep your style from veering toward ‘greige’ (A mix between grey and beige and very boring on its own)?

Use colour. A pop of colour will immediately add interest and movement to your outfit. Navy is usually a favourite of the classic lady. Check out this video for ideas of what to pair navy with.

Try adding a signature. This could be a statement lipstick (I love plum), a striking pair of glasses or a contemporary necklace. Read more on signature style here.

Give a current trend a go. This might be a print in a scarf or a trending colour e.g. Colour tailored clothes are huge at the moment. Give a coloured tailored jacket a go and your classic soul will still sing.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and rock your classic style 😉

laneimageconsultingLeave a comment