Hello Ladies

Let me introduce myself...my name's Fiona and I am the nominated expert within this Fashion Forum.

With 15+ years in the retail and fashion industry, and now running my own image consultancy business, I am well versed in how integral style is in our daily lives. The clothes we wear express our individual characters and directly influence our feeling of wellbeing, as well as playing a key role in the perception of others - like it or not people can be very judgemental on appearances, so don't leave it to chance!

I coach individuals on using colour to full effect, wearing the best styles of clothes to flatter their figures, show them how to maximise their impact via accessories and those finishes touches, to reflect their uniqueness. The benefits of employing these techniques are: they will radiate wellness, look younger, taller, slimmer, well groomed and FEEL confidently stylish!

If you want to ask me any questions, perhaps like "what's the best swimwear for a pear shaped figure?" or "I'm looking for a pink bag to go with my new outfit but don't want to spend more than £40, any suggestions", then get writing!

I'm here to help....don't be shy. Fiona x

(For more info on style2you check out My Profile & My Articles - and watch out for my article in this week's BWC newsletter.)

Hi Fiona

Not sure if this is quite your area but any rcommendations on mascara, I've tried loads and am always disappointed!
Also I find it quite hard going in heels nowadays, I love Thierry Rabotin shoes as they are so totally unbelievably comfortable, it's like you aren't wearing shoes! (and wedges are so much easier for me) but they aren't always quite as dressy as I'm looking for....
Any ideas would be wonderful Nina x

Hi Nina

Sorry to butt in on Fiona's thread, but if you're looking for a good mascara, I'd strongly recommend Dior's 'Show' mascara........or in fact any of the Dior ones. I've found they don't clump at all and really work well. (Of course, that's just me!). And as for shoes, I'm afraid that I've found that the more you spend on heels, the comfier they are. If you have narrow feet, then Manolos are undoubtedly the best. For wide feet, Loubertins work better. However, I've recently rediscovered Carvela shoes which seem to have undergone a makeover and are producing mid-range price heels that are actually comfortable!

Sorry to butt in.......you might be able to tell that I'm a bit of a shoe queen (250 pairs at the last count. I probably need therapy!).

Hi Nina

Thanks for your request - glad to see you are so active on this site as Sue L says too!

Personally for mascara I use and recommend BodyShop lengthen and define mascara. As a contact lens wearer and also needing to wear NAVY rather than black or brown, my choice is less than the average wearer. Most of the consumer polls usually mark highly MAX FACTOR mascaras. It depends what you want of course... durability, waterproof-ness, high impact/definition or false lash effect. If you are blessed with thick long lashes you can use any product, but if you have thin, hardly there ones like me you could try false lashes or even eyelash tints if you are low on time!

As for shoes....that's the million dollar question! Quality does bring extra comfort but again, there is no one size fits all. So my advice is to try spending slightly more money but don't buy high trend ones that will be out again next year. Wedges have been in for a few years now, with them more casual during the summer - as they are now - but whatever you do, buy wisely as today's fab shoes may be tomorrow's bunions! If heels really are impossible, then invest in some great semi flats instead. Comfort comes before fashion, as fashion fades but style lasts. I believe in finding and sticking with your own style, rather than being a victim of the latest heel trend. Did you see some of those weird poodle dog heels? Try www.asos.com for lots of brands and options for this season.

Hope that helps - a bit!
Fiona

Hi Fiona,
Can you advise me? I'm going to a friend's wedding next month. I don't want to spend a hideous amount of money on an outfit that can only be worn once because it looks too weddingy. What do you suggest for someone on a tight budget who needs to get loads of wear out of her wardrobe and doesn't normally get to dress up that much at ultra posh do's?
Vee

Hi Vee,

Thanks for posing your question. From you profile pick I am predicting that you can carry off quite strong bright colours - you may not like these, but they will like you! I'm a fan of getting people to spend their money wisely and can make anyone look fab for just £50! So...wedding next month. As you say you don't get to dress up that often, means you may not be comfortable wearing really smart 'dressy' items. I would suggest a linen suit - perhaps trousers rather than skirt, in white or navy, teamed with a bright top worn underneath. This is a classic look in a classic fabric so will not be worn just once. You then have the option of mixing and matching the suit items to wear as separates. Linen doesn't have to be 100%, you could go for a poly mix which will crease less. As for accessories, match them to the colour top - so, if it was a fuchsia top you could go for a fuchsia bag and shoes (wedges perhaps?). Don't forget jewellery - there are a few great resources on this website in the MarketPlace - I'm a big fan of Ladies Who Lunch jewellery.

If you still don't feel confident enough to go shop on your own, I do personal shopping in Watford on a regular basis! This way you can ensure you buy items to suit your body shape as well as your colouring and wardrobe personality. Hope this helps. Fiona