My interview with Kate from Looknbe.com

Hello Luke! Can you briefly introduce yourself?

I certainly can, I am Luke Sutton Independent Image Consultant, Personal Shopper and Stylist and I am based in Manchester.

You are an image consultant, what exactly does that mean?

A consultant by definition in any field is a professional committing to resolve the problems, you (as a client) put before them. For me of course, these problems are all about image and style. I work with a diverse mixture of ladies, experiencing the bewilderment, misery and bitterness of low self-esteem. To them, image is nothing but a barrier to their happiness, confidence and success. And so, I find my service differs from others as I integrate a stronger focus on the emotional as well as the visual. With me, we address BOTH.

What inspires you when you give fashion advice?

It has to be the client- particularly if she is a lady struggling with low self-confidence! To provide her with the knowledge, expertise and resources needed to revolutionize the way she perceives her shape and her style, and to witness that transformation is phenomenal.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of your job?

Disadvantages? Surely there are none, oi vey! And as for advantages, how long have you got? In this role there are plenty… Not to keep repeating myself, but I’m going to say my clients again! They are the reason I do what I do- if they are delighted, then so am I.

What are the essential outfits for this summer?

This summer women have a great choice of clothing available; from the revival of 70’s flares and bohemian hippy-chic, to trends that are less ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and more ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’ such as cat-eye sunglasses, kitten heels, feminine blouses and capri trousers. I personally don’t advocate trying to follow the latest trends, and couldn’t care less if Marc Jacobs sent an ensemble of drop-waisted chiffon dresses down his Autumn/Winter runway. I would encourage all women to step away from fashion for a moment and focus on strengthening their distinctive signature style through good quality, practical and figure-flattering clothing.

What is your fashion advice that you would like to share with the members of LooknBe?

Besides seeking the help of a personal stylist you mean? Ha-ha. I’d encourage all women to experiment and have fun with their individual style… What we wear provides a visual representation of the type of person we are. It is important that when dressing the rules of style should be remembered, but what is far more important is that we express some individuality and have fun experimenting with clothes, accessories & colour. Keeping your style evolving & fresh maintains enthusiasm and a confidence.




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Luke Sutton, Personal Shopping Experience.

Manchester based, Image Consultant, Personal Shopper and Stylist

Handbag SOS Kit

“I might pass        in the corridor at work!”… And so a full-size perfume, lip gloss, lipstick, mascara, nail file, and hair brush go into your bag, along with everything else but the kitchen sink!

Need I explain the point I am making here?

Keep to these few basics, and come every wardrobe dilemma or clothing catastrophe you’re pretty much covered.

• Tissues
• Mini Lint Roller
• Tweezers
• Spare pair of tights
• Chapstick or pocket size Vaseline
• Antiperspirant roll-on
• Small bottle of fragrance/perfume
• Emergency sanitary wear; 2 tampons and 2 panty shields
• Travel Mirror
• Small handful of change (or familiarize yourself with the wonders of chip & pin)
• Nail File
• Small umbrella (unless by some miracle it’s a heat wave)
• Small brush/ comb

To read this article of my website http://www.lukesutton.net click the following link,

http://lukesutton.net/#/sos-handbag-kit/4548457617

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 19^th 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

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 8’s 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 intention’s 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

**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

info@angelarobertson.com

The Studio
63 High Street
Rishton
BB1 4LD



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Style Spoilers

No matter how well-put together an outfit may be. These minor imperfections will ruin all your effort instantly. So avoid,

·         Wearing ill-fitting underwear; loose bra straps that fall off your shoulders, insufficient support from your bra (read article on ‘Getting correctly fitted for a bra’)

·         Unkempt nails (read ‘nail care’ article); nails are bitten, chipped nail polish, or nails are too long

·         Bra straps or panty line showing through your clothing

·         Missing buttons

·         Unkempt eyebrows

·         Lipstick on teeth

·         Dandruff

·         Grubby shirt collars

·         Clothes that are worn; stained, pulled or faded

·         Bits on clothes (read ‘Handbag SOS Kit’)

·         Shirts that fit too tightly, gape when sitting

·         Overpowering perfume

·         Poorly applied make-up

·         Body odour or underarm staining

·         Tights with runs

·         Unpolished, scuffed or damaged shoes

·         Poor colour coordination (read colour coordination article)

To read this article of my website http://www.lukesutton.net click the following link,

http://lukesutton.net/#/style-spoilers/4548485908

Handbag SOS Kit

“I might pass        in the corridor at work!”…

And so a full-size perfume, lip gloss, lipstick, mascara, nail file, and hair brush go into your bag, along with everything else but the kitchen sink!

Need I explain the point I am making here?

Keep to these few basics, and come every wardrobe dilemma or clothing catastrophe you’re pretty much covered.

• Tissues
• Mini Lint Roller
• Tweezers
• Spare pair of tights
• Chapstick or pocket size Vaseline
• Antiperspirant roll-on
• Small bottle of fragrance/perfume
• Emergency sanitary wear; 2 tampons and 2 panty shields
• Travel Mirror
• Small handful of change (or familiarize yourself with the wonders of chip & pin)
• Nail File
• Small umbrella (unless by some miracle it’s a heat wave)
• Small brush/ comb

To read this article of my website http://www.lukesutton.net click the following link,

http://lukesutton.net/#/sos-handbag-kit/4548457617

The healthy way to walk in heels

For many women walking in six inch stilettos is a mean feet (pun totally intended). Here are a few tips to get you off to a flying start.

The fundamental to walking in heels correctly is adopting good posture and knowing your centre of gravity. It is also important to feel confident in your heels; standing tall with your shoulders back and head up. When you do this pay attention to the palms of your hands; if they are facing backwards you have bad posture. Roll you shoulders back, stand tall, and get comfortable with this stance. Ideally your palms should face inwards towards the body.

If you are still struggling to grasp the concept of how you should stand, try this...

Imagine that the clothes hanger has been left in the jacket you are wearing. Imagine also that this hanger is attached to your shoulders and that someone much taller than you has taken hold of it and is now pulling tightly. What happens? Your shoulders go back, you pull your stomach in, you chest is pushed out and you stand tall. Did you notice how you took a deep breath in as you did this exercise as well? Voila! That is good posture.

I also recommend matching your heels to the shape of your leg. A slender heel is insufficient to support women with big thighs or calves. And by comparison it serves to only make your leg seem bigger.

To read this article of my website http://www.lukesutton.net click the following link,

http://lukesutton.net/#/the-healthy-way-to-walk-in-hee/4548457249

Investment Pieces

I am often asked ‘which pieces of clothing are worth spending the most money on?’Knowing your body shape and understanding it is of upmost importance at this point as for each shape there are key pieces you simply shouldn’t be without, so clearly these are worth the extra cash.

But on the whole I would advise spending more on the following pieces;

Coat- For most choice I recommend owning at least 4 coats and jackets that work with both casual and formal ensembles. Remember your coat will take on the forces of nature on a daily basis, so look for strong heavy weight fabrics such as leather, tweed, wool or denim (and no fleeces!)

Knitwear- The difference between low-priced and more expensive knitwear is astounding. Cashmere, Angora and Mohair garments may cost a little more, but are perfect for added luxury to a basic outfit.

Blouses- Charmeuse/ Satin finish fabrics make lavish blouses.

Fur (Faux of course) - Again, the more you cough up reflects the quality. And more often than not inexpensive fur can look tacky and shoddy. If your budget doesn’t stretch to first-rate fur, then I would advise you don’t wear it at all.

Cocktail Dress- Whether a party animal or composed wallflower you should always make a statement with a stunning cocktail dress. Even if you are shy and don’t wish to garner lots of attention the statement should be “I am confident, collected and sophisticated’.

Evening gown- The ultimate film cliché; heads turning as the ‘beauty’ appears clad in a stunning floor length gown. You should also arrive with an impact in an eye-catching evening dress whether plain or embellished, vibrant or simplistic.

To read this article of my website http://www.lukesutton.net click the following link,

http://lukesutton.net/#/investment-pieces/4548489133

Underwear: Frills, Chills & Flirtatious Fundamentals

Cup Size

The cup should encase your breast tissue completely; meaning that the wires sit neatly around your breast, and shouldn’t sit on or dig into any of the tissue. If this is the case your cup size is too small.

Another sign your cup size is too small is if your breast tissue bulges over the top of the cup or out at the sides.

If the wires of your bra are pushed out anywhere the cup size is too small.

Back Band

If the back band is too big, it won’t be able to sufficiently support your breasts.

Your back band should sit parallel with our front wires.

If you are able to pull the back band more than 2 inches away from the body with ease then it is too big.

If this is the case, then try a back size smaller, and as you go a back size smaller you may need a cup size bigger to compensate so try both.

Keep in mind ladies- it is the underband that should be providing most of your support… If your bra doesn’t fit correctly the straps will take the weight leaving dents in your shoulders (a clear sign something is up)

Remember that when finding a bra, it is the fit you are looking for. You cannot presume that you are a 36D in every brand!

It has been suggested that 90% of women wear an ill-fitting bra.

A good bra lasts from 2 to five years… So spending the time to get properly fitted and finding a style you like is well worth the effort…

And when you find a great bra- BUY SEVERAL!

To read this article of my website http://www.lukesutton.net click the following link,

http://lukesutton.net/#/bra-fitting-fundamentals/4548525596

A prayer for your hair

Short hair

Short hair on tall women can look empowering, but sometimes quite masculine. If you have a large scale bone structure, strong cheek bones or a square jaw, it can be feminised by soft makeup and wispy hair styles. Having made this point, please don’t then believe that short hair works exceptionally well for women with the opposite shaped face- a round face. A short hairstyle on women with round faces can make their face seem fuller- you need hair longer than chin length.

Hair that falls right at the chin will emphasize a pointy face.

Short hair will draw attention to your eyes, especially with a side-swept fringe that hits precisely on the eye.

Mid-length hair

On the whole, shoulder length hair is universally flattering on everyone.

Hair longer than chin-length works best of women with round faces.

Long Hair

Very short women should avoid long hair as it draws attention to their height and makes them look like an extra from Grange Hill (a British television drama series centered on the fictional comprehensive school of ‘Grange Hill’ first aired in 1978). This also applies to women with long/narrow faces.

Long Hair best suits women with oval or square faces.

All women should avoid hair below their breasts. My, oh my, although The Birth of Venus is a beautiful painting, leave Botticelli to enjoy the credit.

The ‘V –Cut’ is long in the back and shorter along the sides. This cut works for women with heart-shaped faces (the likes of Claudia Schiffer and Michelle Pfeiffer to name a couple), as well as those with Diamond shaped faces (such as Linda Evangelista).

To read this article of my website http://www.lukesutton.net click the following link,

http://lukesutton.net/#/choosing-an-appropriate-hairst/4548527988

FAQ's

Where are you based?

I am based in Manchester, in the Northwest.

I live outside Manchester; can I still shop with Luke?

I consider Manchester to be my area of expertise. To offer the best experience possible to my clients I am reluctant to consult elsewhere as Manchester is where I have built relationships with retail staff, boutique owners and other professionals.

Is there a waiting list?

In busy periods bookings are often made weeks or months in advance. It is best to secure your consultation at the earliest convenience around Christmas, Valentines, and the start of each season (approx. March for S/S and September A/W)

Do you offer style parties or group consultations?

Style Parties are available to give your friends a taste of the personal shopping experience.

Do you get commission from any department stores, boutiques or other retailers?

No. As a freelance personal stylist I am free to go in and out of stores as I choose without any incentives to shop in any particular place.

How can I make payment?

Payment can be made by cheque, bank transfer, cash or secure PayPal invoicing.

Do you do personal shopping for men?

Unfortunately I don’t currently consult with male clients. I have chosen to work exclusively with women to hone my knowledge and provide an exclusive first rate service

Can I buy gift vouchers to treat my friends and family to your services?

Yes. Hiring a personal stylist makes a great gift for a friend or loved one. In the past I have had some men mistake that giving a personal styling gift may be taken as offensive, but this is not the case. Your wife, mother, girlfriend or whoever it is you are looking to treat will be so pleased you acknowledged her difficulty dressing and lack of self-confidence and sought to change things for the better.

How long does a consultation last?

Here I must dispel with a very common myth: that I will whisk you away, strip you down to your knickers (or less), and in a few short hours you will walk away a changed woman… surely not?

I must get positively angry and tell you all right here and now that this is not a make-over service. When you come to me I am going to spend time with you personally… My god, Rome wasn’t built in a day!

This is why a consultation lasts as long as is necessary with a minimum of 3 hours.


Read this article on my website, http://www.lukesutton.net by clicking the following link, http://lukesutton.net/#/faqs/4548490032

Reducing the size of your breasts

The influence of today’s society puts pressure on women always look good and confirm to stereotypical beauty… Do you know that?

•       Average age of women having breast enlargements is 34

What may surprise you is that

•       90% have the procedure after having children

•       Most enlarge by 2 cup sizes

However, what really shocked me is that

•       6% have them taken out again because they are unhappy with the result

Most material you can read focuses on teaching you how to make your breasts look bigger, but for many women blessed with a buxom bust it is reducing the size of your breasts that is of priority…

And this can be done through what you wear.

•       A deep-wide V will open your chest area, and virtually half the impact of your breasts, rather than a polo neck that encases your bust in thick fabric. Also with a polo neck the high neck gives the appearance that your breasts are much further down your torso than they actually are.

•       Double-Breasted Jackets will also encase your bust and can give the appearance that you are close to bursting out of your clothing. (Try Single-Breasted instead- leaving the top buttons open)

•       Elaborate necklaces or vivid coloured tops will draw the eye towards your bust. So divert attention elsewhere with bracelets or fancy earrings.

•        Frills and Bows down the front of your tops will add bulk to your already large chest area. It’s best to keep detail around the areas of your figure you are fond of and looking to flaunt.

Read this article on my website, http://www.lukesutton.net/ by clicking the following link, http://lukesutton.net/#/reducing-the-size-of-your-brea/4548381938