Wednesday 20 April 2011

'Figure It Out'- A Restyle Me event

Modern society puts significant pressure of women to conform to stereotypical beauty. Day after day I am faced with dispelling the negative body issues that modern day women conjure up of themselves, and how the media focus has led them to believe they are unattractive.

I have made it my mission (or so I had the day I became an Image Professional) to educate women locally, nationally and maybe even globally on how to understand, accept and dress their body shapes in a way that strengthens their distinctive signature style, and improves presence and self-confidence amongst their peers.

For this reason I would love for you and your friends to join me at a fantastic fundraising event I am hosting later this year in support of The Succeed Foundation…

The Succeed Foundation started by Karine Berthou is a growing family of caring individuals actively building awareness, recognition, education and support of eating disorders and body dysmorphia...

In an email received from The Succeed Foundation, one representative shared their basic philosophy; my, oh my, sound familiar? That could have been quoted from my CV (if I had one of course)!
‘Promoting well-being, making sure that people are happy with themselves no matter the size they are’
Next I read the following, taken from an educational guide The Succeed Foundation circulate,

‘They will see the beauty within themselves; understand that this beauty has always been there. Their happiness and wellbeing is a seed that needs love and support to grow again; by accepting their inner beauty and self-worth, they will feel the confidence to let it out and show it to the world, embrace love and enjoy life, and become who they deserve to be.’
This charity clearly understands how damaging a negative body image can be, and as they are only in their infancy stages I felt they needed our support.

Join me on 28th May for an interactive workshop teaching the fundamentals of ladies shape and style.

May 28th 2.00-4.30pm
Samlesbury War Memorial Hall, Cuerdale Lane
Between Preston & Blackburn
For full event details and bookings, click here

Monday 11 April 2011

You don’t get a second chance at a first impression…

Do you believe this?

I think as an image consultant I prove this theory wrong on a daily basis. After all, my work (and the whole point of hiring a consultant in the first place), is to have an objective pair of eyes evaluate your current image before advising you on what changes to make towards achieving the end product (whether that is personal satisfaction, recognition, confidence, career progression- whatever!).

Once your image has changed, so does everyone else’s perception of you; how happy you are, how wealthy you are, how fulfilled you are, how relaxed you are, how educated you are… and this list goes on and on.

Even people you may have known for years (like your husband, family, friends or colleagues) will begin to view you in a new light… And so, you have altered their ‘first impression’… What shall we call it? A second impression!!

Saturday 9 April 2011

The Wrong Trousers

For a significant number of women, jeans are THE wardrobe staple. Oy vey, if I had a pound for every instance I was told ‘Most days I just wear jeans and a t-shirt’, well… Put it this way, that ultra-contemporary city centre apartment would have found its way off my vision board by now.
I find that once an item becomes imbedded in your wardrobe as jeans have, it is then difficult to change your shopping habits even when you are completely and utterly fed up of wearing the same clothing day in, day out.
Consequently, for a garment as popular as jeans, a good number of women leapt at the possibility to embrace something new with the rebirth of skinny jeans (an 80’s classic), followed by leggings and then the creation of abhorrent jeggings. But I certainly noticed, as I’m sure you did too, that these skin-tight styles didn’t suit the more womanly physique.
In actual fact, I was encouraged to write this newsletter by a close friend of mine (who happens to work for a mammoth international clothing retailer) having her noticed the pitiable selections ladies were making when it came to their trousers.
And so ladies, I am make it my mission to educate women nationally, internationally and possibly globally into wearing truly tremendous trousers.
Bell-Bottoms
Originally made early 19th Century for the US Navy as the splayed design allowed sailors to easily roll the trousers above the knee while scrubbing the decks, and remove them quickly if washed overboard or to abandon ship if need be.
Today the style reflects a more recent period- the 70’s, with trousers reaching their wide bell-bottom proportions by about 1975. However given another decade perhaps we will consider bell-bottoms a signature piece for the current era, as they have burst back onto the style scene as one of the emerging trends this season. But who can wear such a bold design?
For any ladies with huge breasts suspended unsteadily above endless legs with slim hips these are the trousers for you. Given the extreme flared style, trousers like this will help detract from your bust, balance your frame and make you appear less likely to topple over on account of the sheer weight of your breasts. Plus they add some much needed shape to your legs and are easily worn by all ages.
Skinny Fit
It’s here, it’s there, and it’s everywhere! Nowadays skinny fit is recognized as the style to wear. But in my gospel these trousers/ jeans should be worn exclusively by those lucky enough to possess feline hips, particularly if your torso is somewhat shapeless, as the style with exaggerate what little curves you have.
What I cannot bare is curvaceous women donning these ever-so-admirable trousers in place of less popular styles (even those that may be more flattering), spurting absurd utterances like “they are the ‘in’ thing”, “they are on trend”, and especially my pet hate “you know what they say, ‘No pain, No gain”- absolute drivel!
Wide-legged
Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed the modern day woman’s aversion to wide-legged trousers? Yet for many body shapes (especially women with child-birthing hips and thighs or saddlebags) this timeless style works unparalleled wonders.
Unlike skinny jeans or slim fit styles, wide-legged trousers are made to disguise, and so the key to success is getting a pair that skim over the widest part of your leg- your thigh.
Flared
By far one of the most recognizable fashions of the 70’s, early decade and a statement piece of the current season, slightly flared trousers add a little shape to otherwise formless legs. A slight flare or bootcut style will also serve you well in your battle to garner attention away from your hips, thighs and bottom.
Slim Leg
There are women on this planet (and maybe this is you) who have always considered themselves to be a traditional hourglass, but unlike the modern day Monroe’s of this world you have a long waist and surprisingly slim legs, and so your elongated body seems to reject conventionally feminine clothing.
For you slim leg trousers will sufficiently flaunt your legs, while cleverly giving just enough room to encase your womanly hips.


To read this article of my website http://www.lukesutton.net click the following link,
http://lukesutton.net/#/the-wrong-trousers/4550383645

Monday 4 April 2011

Spring/Summer 2011 Trend Report

**Although this article was written many moons ago, Mid-February, I am still receiving requests for it to be published on blogs, in EBooks and newsletters, and for websites… The latest trends are obviously something every style-savvy gal wants to know, so here you go- enjoy!**



If ever a time came to mix some true vintage pieces into your wardrobe for added exclusivity, this would be it. For those daring enough, a vintage discovery can be an inexpensive way to add excitement to your wardrobe, and with fashion making an overpowering reference to 70’s attire, taking this step and unearthing something individual to you couldn’t be easier.
Flared trousers are by far one of the most recognizable fashions of the 70’s. Early decade trousers had a slight flare but reached wide bell-bottom proportions by about 1975, and now they return to us with a number of contemporary twists; including high-waisted interpretations of this retro classic that are loose fitted about the knee.
Since we have become so accustomed to skinny jeans and leggings it felt only natural that the fates of fashion sent us something new to fawn over. This is not to say that your skinny jeans are “out”. Quite the opposite, they remain a fashionistas favourite and show no signs of shifting.
This trend also expands to include wide leg trousers. The resonant, angelic tones of a ‘Hallelujah’ chorus rang in the back of my mind as I wrote this piece. Wide leg trousers are one of my favourite garments. They are so versatile and undervalued. I have had slim, curvy, young and mature women try a pair of these trousers and love them! So I was ecstatic thinking of the choice that will come about following the collections of John Patrick, Akris and Christian Dior.
Worn with heels, platforms, nautical stripes, or a wide-brimmed hat, wide-legged trousers look the business. But my preferred look has to be when worn with a voluminous loose-fitting blouse in either a sheer or satin finish, tucked into your trousers freely with a skinny belt- phenomenal!
And while on the topic of belts let us touch upon one more trend- tassels (particularly seen on belts). Tassels have also been publicized through other hosts such as bags, shoes, dresses and hats.
This season isn’t all about ‘Saturday Night Fever’. In fact the spring trends of 2011 continually reference an earlier period- the 1950’s.
Think Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, one of the most notable wearers of Cat Eye Sunglasses – the 50’s eyewear phenomenon, in addition to Marilyn Monroe, Barbara Windsor, and Dame Edna Everage (of course). This trend had been forecasted last season once the likes of Prada and had showcased these frames, and now other designers have hopped onto the bandwagon including the likes of Paul Smith, Hilfiger and Giles Deacon.
Other trends influenced by this decade include the use of wide-brimmed hats, kitten heels and the continued popularity of flat ballet shoes. But what do you wear your flats with this season? Another 50’s classic- Capri pants (or just roll up for skinny jeans above the ankle).
For me here, ‘Grease’ was the word! And of course the most recognizable way to wear capris (as any true Pink Lady knows) is with ballet pumps or kitten heels as previously mentioned, or to team them with nautical stripes or a feminine shirt (two further trends set to scatter the high street in many different guises). However, the renewal of Capri pants has brought about a reoccurring trend- Biker Chic; this time exposed through leather or linen capris worn with studded leather jackets, military-style boots or simple ankle boots... And on this occasion I felt the more masculine T-Bird fashion had it (I’m always a chump for any punk/rock themed trend).
Clogs are another popular shoe style this season, and although not the most glamorous sounding trend, platform or chunky heels can be worn by most who dare to try them.
Maybe you feel as though I have lost the plot at this point, encouraging my readers to wear clogs of all things, but between the 1840’s and 1920’s the clog was in its heyday in Britain particularly associated with the industrial North of England (my neck of the woods), so a mention of this Nordic classic was a must.
And so I digress… Whether preppy, rocker, urban, bohemian, romantic or jet-setter there will be pieces available for everyone to make their own. But remember, “ simply because Prada, Marc Jacobs, Burberry Prorsum or any other high end fashion designers sent an assembly of primed and preened size 8s donned in drop waisted chiffon dresses down the Autumn/Winter runways does not mean that same (highly expensive) garment will look the same on you. Such designers cannot tailor their work to every shape, height and size, in fact the majority focus on sizes 4 or less. If you, like the majority of women today are honored enough to own a womanly curvaceous body then knowing your stuff can make you look utterly jaw dropping. Thus returning to the core intentions of my service; to teach you all about your body shape, how to utilize the sources and budget available to you and ultimately know what looks good on you.” (Quote taken from my Guide to Shopping Etiquette, sent once you have joined my newsletter via http://www.lukesutton.net/ )



To read this article of my website http://www.lukesutton.net click the following link,
http://lukesutton.net/#/springsummer-11-trend-report/4548727176

Sunday 3 April 2011

**New** Photograph by Angela Robinson




“Most people would look at Luke and think ...gosh, he looks too young to do this BUT Luke was my keynote speaker with 30 professional ladies and he captured the room and held their attention with expertise and knowledge. I would not hesitate to recommend Luke and his professionalism and I will definitely be working with him again. “
-          Tracy Sheldon, The Original Forward Lady, Mark 1
To all my clients I am known to be a fresh, confident, enthusiastic and honest individual (not to blow my own trumpet). But when it comes to having my photograph taken, I tend to slither away from the lens. Hence why I’ve had the same, dated photograph on my website for the past year as it is the only one I can bare to look while holding back my double espresso and caramel shortbread.
But yesterday I plucked up the courage (or rather I was told I must) and went to have a professional quality photograph taken with the daahling- Angela Robinson in Rishton… And for the record, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
Angela was animated, fun, gave plenty of direction, and really made what I had convinced myself was going to be a nightmare of an hour, fantastic.
For me, an industry specific professional (like myself or a photographer), has truly done a great job when once a customer or client returns for a second helping, and I will certainly be using Angela’s talents again in the future.
Contact:
Angela Robinson
(01254) 202474
The Studio
63 High Street
Rishton
BB1 4LD


Friday 1 April 2011

Is "Le Freak, Cest Chic?"... Who can wear flared jeans?

I live in my jeans and for the last couple of years I’ve faced the onslaught on skinny jeans, leggings, jeggings and all manner of unsightly thigh-tight creations. But I noticed while I was out shopping with a friend last week that flares seemed to be making a comeback, then came across your article confirming my observations. But Luke, my question is who can wear flares? Or are we ‘plus size’ women destined to sit back and watch yet another fashion trend pass us by?
- Maggie, Didsbury


Great question Maggie,
For a huge number of women jeans are a wardrobe staple, and I find that once an item becomes imbedded in your wardrobe it’s difficult to then change your shopping habits, even when you are completely and utterly fed up of buying the same thing over and over.
Consequently, for a garment as popular as jeans, most women jumped at the chance to embrace something new with the rebirth of skinny jeans (and 80’s classic), followed by leggings and then the creation of aberrant jeggings. But I certainly noticed, and I’m sure you did too, that these skin-tight styles didn’t suit the more womanly figure.
And so the fates of fashion thrust upon us the modern flared jean. And what are we going to do? Buy ourselves a pair, or two, or three because they are “on trend”... Well do so at your peril all you voluptuous women.
In my gospel a flared jean is best for women with long/slim legs too add some shape to their figure. Plus works particularly well for top heavy women or those with a proportionally large bust, as they balance your upper and lower body, making you appear less top-heavy.
_ Luke x

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