Michelle-Claire Styling

December 22, 2009

WHY USE MICHELLE-CLAIRE STYLING?

I have the experience and the knowledge, but perhaps more importantly, I care about the service I provide to my clients whether it is for on-line style advice or face to face for a wardrobe makeover/personal shopping day explaining what would make YOU feel more confident whatever your lifestyle FROM HEAD TO TOE-FRONT TO BACK!

Everyone at some time in their lives need direction from outer friends and family….so they call an expert in the field they need help with.

Each and every client of mine is unique….they all have individual reasons as to why they have contacted me. No client is the same as the next.

…Dramatic change in life?
…Weight change?
…Job change?
…Treat?
…Function/Event?
…Direction?
…Wardrobe Tidy?
…Shopping for Presents/Clothes/Accessories HELP?
…Shopping for specific items?
…Personal Shopping?
…Full Head to Toe-Front to Back Makeover
…Straightforward On-Line Advice?
…A change?
…Trend advice?
…Style Presence?
…Companies want to offer a Full Makeover Package with an expert?
…Media Help with a style critic?
…Honest advice required?
…Party perhaps?
…Medical treatment endured?
…No confidence?
…Low self-esteem?
…In need of a pick-me-up?
…I’m available around the world.
…Disabilities?
…Seasonal trend advice - to be the first one wearing latest trend?
…Teen until you just can’t be bothered anymore!?
…Young/old designers getting creative and need to promote their
wonderful, good quality creations?

Well there’s just a few reasons, I could go on - why not contact me?

I absolutely adore meeting different people or chatting via email with regard to style and direction.

I am used to being a team player and I am capable of working with larger groups for specialist stylist needs.

Photographers, hair stylists, workshops, magazine/newspaper editors feel free to contact me via email on contact form.

So why not contact me for friendly (non stuffy) expert advice and find out how much I charge?

Michelle-Claire xx

December 10, 2009

SHOPPING RULES

Filed under: Fashion, ON-LINE ADVICE, Shopping — Tags: , , — Michelle @ 12:01 am

1. Invest in having a WARDROBE MAKEOVER before you shop with Michelle Claire Styling. This way you will save time and money in the long run and won’t impulse buy.

2. Wear comfortable dress. Remember you are going to be trying on different outfits. It’s a good idea to take a scarf with you so as not to get make up on clothes. There is nothing worse than finding your dream piece of the day for it to be covered in make up!!

3. Wear comfortable shoes. Generally people give up because of their feet!!

4. Look good, if you look good and you make an effort on your appearance, you will feel good about yourself when you look in the mirror.

5. Keep to the budget you have in mind, otherwise you’ll get home depressed that you’ve spent too much money!!

6. Stop for a drink or something to eat half way through.

7. Try and shop when it’s not so busy. You’ll find it a lot less stressful.

8. Shop assistants in boutiques up and down the high street, perhaps are not all trained as they should be and you should be made to feel good. After all YOU are parting with your money and it’s their job to be pleasant and courteous!!

9. Have a stylist (Michelle Claire Styling) to guide you through your day and make it an enjoyable experience to carry your bags and look after you personally with just YOU in mind and no-one else and in the end saving you time and money.
http://www.wardrobewarrior.com/contact_me/index.html

10. Don’t feel drained at the end of the day AND look forward to your next organised trip, wearing your new set of clothes with pride.

MICHELLE-CLAIRE xx

October 23, 2009

Dating UK

People should realise differences are beautiful that’s what makes us ‘UNIQUE’.

Dating someone gets to the forefront of people’s minds at this time of year as Christmas is soon upon us.

It’s important for people to have someone close to them even if it’s for companionship and not necessarily a full blown relationship.

You want to be made to feel special and YOU are.

You especially need that confidence boost, can’t lose the weight but need to feel special, confident and comfortable.

SO WHAT DOES MATTER?

First impressions count!
You are what you wear and this is influenced on how good you feel about yourself. You wear black when meeting someone - it might not be showing your personality at its best?

Flatter your assets!

I am able to defiine a unique sense of style tailored to suit your personality.

Why not take a look at what you’re wearing right now?
Does your outfit say to people YES you are gorgeous and feeling fabulous?

If not, call me because it’s ‘YOU’ time.

Most have something black in their wardrobe. But it still really amazes me that so many people out there have black as their comfort colour.

Colours can of course still be worn once fall/winter is here (don’t put them away just because the sun may not be hot) but blend with the black you have. Have fun with other colours too.

Opt for a deep purple and a turquoise for example rather than black. A deep blue is another alternative and works well with a lighter shade of purple.

Don’t get overlooked - whatever your shape or size - there’s a chance for everyone and be proud to be you.

Why not give me a call/contact me using my on-line form?

This could be your best Christmas, New Year present to you to take away with you forever.


(a) STYLE CONSULTATION/FULL MAKEOVER INC. WARDROBE MAKEOVER AND PERSONAL STYLE SHOPPING SESSION £500 - UK only

(b) STYLE CONSULTATION/SHOPPING EXPERIENCE/PHOTOSHOOT £700 - UK only

Michelle-Claire xx

July 5, 2009

Michelle-Claire’s Style and Beauty Habits

MY FAVE ITEM IN MY WARDROBE

Well, it’s actually 2/3 pieces I’m in love with this season and it’s just having the opportunity for me to wear them at the moment:

A brightly coloured ‘Sandwich dress - it’s classical, fun and reminds me of sugar coated rock at the seaside. To me it speaks sunshine and it definitely gets me noticed!

Next is my Nicole Fahri feminine floaty summer evening dress. It’s another classical bargain that I can wear dressed up/down with heels and jewels or gladiators with a bangle.

The delicate fabric is second to none. Hardly needs ironing, which is brilliant for trips away. Because I am quite small at top, I like to have a bit of bra showing. I wear statement jewelled jewellery and bangle.
The tones to compliment this dress are really metallics, anything plastic looking or bright makes the dress look cheap to me.

Adore the floatiness and the fullness of the fabric. Sheer feminity.

And of course my sexy item is my red Karen Millen satin oriental dress revealing a zig zag back and lots of embroidered detail. I’ve had it for years and I am pleased to say it’s great to be able to say it fits me in the right places again!

As I’m smaller busted I love to show off my back and this is to me is just the most attractive design. I have to be careful with the shoes I choose to wear and once again wedges give the dress a different look but really when I wear it, it’s an evening event whereby I would wear dainty evening shoes due to the dress being tight with splits!

Another part of the dress suits my figure due to the front bodice being boned in the tummy area as if I am wearing a corset.

It’s not a dress I have had the occasion to wear that often. It’s a dress I will never give up. Sometimes it’s good when you are older to look back on dresses that are special to you.

Special items make you happy and everyone’s wardrobe should have at least one.

Some wardrobe pieces should be exciting - making you have that ‘Feel Good Factor’.

MY DESERT ISLAND STAPLES
For now, I would say my Karen Millen bikini, one of my fave sundresses, a comb, factor 30 facial sun cream, lip gloss and mascara, tweezers, pen and paper/laptop.

WHAT GIVES ME CONFIDENCE

Everyone has their off days/weeks and even months in times of their life.

On a general daily basis, to get motivated is to firstly have a good, deep sleep. Just this week it’s been proven that women do actually need to have more minutes under the duvet than their male partners. Secondly, exfoliation and a long shower, hair styled to reflect my mood that day, make up and high heels, lastly I smile to myself in the mirror before walking out the door.

A big difference to your day is also being around good, motivated people with inspiring personalities that suit your own.

MY HAIR

I have my hair cut (altho I am in the process of growing it at the mo) by years long great friend and work companion Steve Winder at Secrets Salons and

steve-winder

coloured/highlited by Michelle Thickbroom at Secrets Hair Salon, Rayleigh on a 6 weekly basis and have always attended salons in this way since the age of 16.

The first was with Andre Boughtwood (now Andre Blaise Boughtwood) at the Legends Hair Salon (now known as Salon KF). Andre, a very good friend who performed on my wedding day for me, disappointed to learn from him soon after that he was given this amazing opportunity to style hair in Hollywood. He has been for many years now a well known, well respected ‘key’ hair stylist working in L.A.

I suppose I have been lucky to build good relationships with my hair stylists having 4 in my lifetime these are the 2 I have enormous respect for. There passion and flare comes through to their clients. It proves getting to know your client is paramount. I’ve enjoyed numerous cuts, colours, tones, shades and styles. I just like to change my look - what’s the point of keeping the same style? Surely you would get bored with the same look? Or is it I’m just not content with my look? Perhaps if you’re happy, then you stick with it?

It is so important to have someone you click with and gain their trust to keep you looking tip-top. I have generally let them do what they wish on my hair in the past, I’m still the same - all I say to Steve is “I’m growing it now or I want it short”. I know a lot of clients can be quite reserved and perhaps it’s because they don’t have the trust or the confidence?

It’s all about making those first impressions count again.
At the moment I’m enjoying the tousled ‘out of bed’ look.

MY BEAUTY

I attend a local beauty salon to have pedicures, manicures and the odd facial. Other than that I generally care for myself with exfoliants, fake tans when needed and lots of sparkle.

Like my hair, I’ve noticed perhaps its because of my age 42!, but I am much more relaxed in getting ready, not seeing the need to put the effort in as much and being more natural looking. Years before I would never have gone out of the door with NO MAKE UP! It’s because I am confident in the person I have become.

MY HEALTH

I have recently attended a reflexologist for the first time who I think is amazing, her name is Jill Ingram and she’s really tapped into my body. Can’t wait for my next appointment. Well worth the money and I feel more balanced and in tune with my body already.

Whilst away I enjoyed, well no not enjoyed as such, a Cellulite Massage - 50+ degree heat and wrapped in clingfilm, was not my idea of pleasure and I feel you would have to endure a lot more of them before it made an effect.

Q. Have any of my viewers experienced one?

And of course, I enjoy my 6-monthly dental check up.

Other than that I’m pretty healthy - touch wood!

p10207381

Due to my discounted rates that I’m offering it’s back to my busy, hectic schedule for on-line style advice, wardrobe makeovers and personal style shopping trips.

Bye for now

Michelle-Claire xx

July 4, 2009

MALE FASHION - spend less and look more

Filed under: Fashion, ON-LINE ADVICE, STYLE, Shopping — Tags: , — Michelle @ 12:47 am

A guy’s wardrobe is not ever changing like a girls.

Opting for a college boy look ie: with a blazer like shown yesterday, mix with trousers, which looks more on trend than a suit. There’s some great textured cotton shirts in gingham/check in all the stores.

Opting for a nautical theme, wear a blazer with a boating shoe like the green Kurt Geiger shoe I’ve shown previously.

Not opting for a blazer then why not go for the fine knit cardi - you may have one in your wardrobe from last season?

Remember to adapt your look, saving you money by just buying the odd trend piece - so focus on investment pieces ie: THE BLAZER.

Glasses and a trilby are a great accessory or the Kangol coniston hat I’ve also shown earlier in my posts.

Remember your wardrobe should be relaxed, smart, lightweight and I know you guys like comfort!! Your wardrobe reflects the type of person you are.

Opt for a splash of colour rather than all over - instant wow factor.

Colours do depend on your skin tone so be careful when buying - bold colours Red, Yellow, Navy, Green, Purple.

Look out for the new BLACK LABEL at Ralph Lauren.

No time/no idea - my services are here.

Michelle-Claire xx

June 18, 2009

TIPS: DRESSING FOR AN OCCASION ie: - ASCOT

1. Don’t know where to start? Think of your bank balance first.
2. Make over something you already have in your wardrobe.
3. It’s not necessary to look up the formal wear boutiques. Often
their dresses I find to be a bit dated and overpriced for what they
are.
4. Visit Zara for occasional floaty, feminine wear. They are
constantly changing their stock, its different to other high street
brands.
5. Look at living and giving shops for something vintage.

REMEMBER WITH A HAT - IT’S GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT FOR YOUR OUTFIT AND SHAPE OF YOUR FACE. HAVE FUN EXPERIMENTING.

6. If you are considering wearing a hat (and it’s not compulsory) bear
in mind Miliners are exempt from giving a refund once the hat
has been purchased. It could be worthwhile you purchasing your
outfit first and take it along with you.
7. Cheaper option to a hat is to wear a head/hair piece.
8. Just buy a new pair of shoes and jewellery to an ensemble you
already have.
9. Dramatise your look with accessories such as long gloves,
statement jewels, an elegant stole/delicate scarf or handbag can
really help lift your look.
10. Less is more.
11. Don’t exactly match accessories - it looks cheap. Instead use
different textures.
12. Break in your shoes.
13. Underwear must fit properly.
14. Groom to perfection so you feel tip-top with immaculate make
up, nails and hair to complete your look from head to toe.
15. Enjoy the occasion, be comfortable and smile.
16. Don’t spoil your look by drinking too much champagne!

Michelle-Claire xx

May 19, 2009

Marks and Spencer - Zandra Rhodes

Filed under: Fashion, ON-LINE ADVICE, Shopping — Tags: , — Michelle @ 3:37 pm

Well M & S are celebrating 125 years on the UK’s High Street and I too believe the store will be around for a number of years to come, keeping up with the latest trends and introducing new designers to work together within their great team of people, they pride themselves on giving quality and affordable merchandise.

This store is steeped in history with so many families. I remember when only a small tot - a weekend outing with my grandmother to get a selection of knickers! She would turn to the pleated skirts they had on offer and smart chiffon style blouses, failing that she would opt for one of their suits. What I always remembered growing up, M & S had sizes for all shapes and heights in mens/ladies fashion and the staff always aimed to please and it always used to be a privilege to work there. Nowadays, I feel my grandmother would have loved the new brands that we have seen over the years such as ‘Per Una’, ‘Limited’, ‘Autograph’, ‘Portfolio. She would have still stayed loyal to her M & S in dress and food despite the wide choice that is available today elsewhere on the High Street/Shopping Mall.

This brings me to the latest collection of ZANDRA RHODES.

Designer, Zandra Rhodes, born 1941 in Kent, UK, became famous in 1977 with holes and safety pins in jerseys and known then as ‘Princess of Punk’.

Over the years, perhaps she has been famous for her prints and art detail rather than her cuts of fabric but has designed in the past for Princess of Wales, Jackie Onassis, Freddie Mercury plus numerous rock/pop stars.

Its fabulous that she’s bringing some of her glamour and drama to M & S - keep an eye on theatrical uses of colour and fiercely feminine fabrics.

2 of my favourite pieces at the moment are:

Rose Print Catsuit with metallic detail - great worn with some killer heels. £65

Flary 70s-2009

Flary 70s-2009

Spiral Swish

Spiral Swish

Sprial Butterfly Frill Trim Dress - timeless office piece thats flattering for day into evening.£59

What’s occurring?

Sorry not written on my blog for a while but I am fortunate to say I have been busy with my worldwide client on-line advice and UK appointments.

Due to the economic climate, I do feel people out there are now starting to realise to move forward, like with a lot of life changing circumstances, they have to come to terms with what’s going on around them.
IT’S A BATTLE.
Often to keep on top and to regain confidence, new clients contact me for a boost in their thinking and I discuss with them their new look that they would like to portray to others whether in their business or personal life.

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