Blogger Templates: How to install a Blogger HTML template

Blogger Templates: How to install a Blogger HTML template

become a stylist

Becoming a stylist demands a broad interest in fashion and a real eye for style. If you have what it takes, training can help you understand more about the body, colour, clothing and fashion trends – and how to bring everything together. To succeed, you'll need to be extremely passionate, hardworking and enthusiastic, with a warm personality and tactful manner that enables you to provide constructive criticism without giving offence. Being a stylist can be glamorous and exciting, as you work with fascinating people and regularly travel abroad. But it’s also hard, involving long hours and carrying heavy bags, so it’s not for the fainthearted! You don't need a degree or diploma but it provides a good grounding and gives you a much better understanding of clothing and the industry. There are many fashion degrees and Higher National Diplomas currently available in the UK but I would recommend doing a course that combines design and business is a good option – the design to help you understand the fundamental make-up of clothing and the business element helps you to understand promotion and how to run a business. To start your search, try UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) at www.ucas.com. Try to also get as much work experience as possible. Contact magazines and offer your services as an intern in the fashion department or assist a freelance stylist – try The Fashion Monitor (£45) for contact numbers. You could also try work experience at a PR office to understand fashion from another perspective and even in a boutique or clothing shop to help your understanding of shapes and colours. It is also important to keep a watchful eye on the fashion world – stay up to date with catwalk shows, magazines and maintain a general interest in clothing, fashion and design. Inspiration for styles, colour and shape can come from many different sources outside of fashion – e.g. the arts, culture, nature, the movies and architecture – keep your eyes peeled. The most important attributes for someone wanting to go into styling is enthusiasm, determination and a strong desire to work with clothing, fashion and people. It’s very competitive so you need to really want it! Zoe has worked on the BBC's What Not To Wear and has styled celebrities such as Robbie Williams, Cat Deeley, Sara Cox and Ant & Dec as well as doing shoots for magazines and advertisers. She hosts an ‘Introduction to Personal Styling’ event that teaches all the basic skills of styling to people interested in improving their own image and those wanting a career in styling.

finding your signature style

1. Think 24-7 with key wardrobe choices. High mileage is important, so choose pieces that move easily from day to evening.

2. Determine your signature style. Pay attention to different looks you wear and take note of those times that you feel you look your best. Compose a few words that describe the look you like or want to achieve (mine is tailored classics with a fashionable twist). Keep that key description in mind when you are shopping, and always ask yourself if your potential new purchase meets your style mandate.

3. Pick a favourite colour family or combo and stick to it. Pass on the perfect on-sale blouse in turquoise if you never wear blues and greens. I feel my best in neutrals, so I keep my purchases to black, grey, white, cream, tan and brown.

Liis Windischmann, plus-size model4. Keep it simple; don't overaccessorize. Make one or two key pieces the focus of an outfit. If I am wearing a large spectacular necklace, I usually won't wear earrings or bracelets. Each component of my outfit should complement the other, not compete.
5. All women, not just plus-size women, should learn to love their bodies. If you have a body part you don't like, fine, but celebrate and accentuate parts of your body you love. Don't like your belly? Highlight your décolletage with a scoop- or V-neck. High waisted? Choose shirts that elongate your torso (try deep V-necks). Most importantly, just because a certain style is all the rage doesn't mean you can -- or should -- wear it. For instance, thank God that super-low-rise jeans are on their way out. That was the worst cut for me and for many others over the age of 18.
6. Firming undergarments are one of my biggest aids. Clothes don't look smooth all the time without a little help. Spanx are a gift from heaven and I wear them for work and socially, especially under dresses. A great undergarment gives you a trim look from head to toe, as well as confidence in your bulge-free womanly curves.

7. Get bras that fit properly so that you have a smooth line under form-fitting T-shirts and tops. Buy at least one bra in a colour similar to your skin tone, for wearing under white or sheer clothing. A white bra is not neutral under a white shirt; the bra will show through.
8. Lycra is one of the world's greatest inventions. Even a very small percentage of Lycra (sometimes only one to two per cent) in a garment makes a big fit difference.
9. If you dislike trips to the dry cleaner's check labels and buy clothing you can wash at home. You know your habits. Don't buy something that will sit in your closet because you don't like to iron.
10. Never buy clothing a size too small hoping to lose weight to fit into it. That's psychologically traumatizing.

Stephen Epstein, sales director for Boss Black Label11. Build relationships with sales associates that you trust to steer you in the right direction.

12. Be flexible and open to new ideas such as colour and accessorizing.
13. Every man should own a classic white French cuff shirt.
Wendy Bannerman, retailer; owner of Bannerman's14. Never try to be what you are not. If you are larger and in your 50s, the miniskirt won't fly, but maybe a fun multicolour sweater will.
15. Buy to the top of your budget. On a small budget? Buy less so that you can buy better quality. A few high-quality garments will take you further than a closet full of cheap things.