Category: Style Blog

Chatting on the radio, as you do…

What a year it has been so far !! My business born from my years in fashion and my conviction that what you wear REALLY matters – has started to fly and it makes me so happy, I can’t tell you. It gives me so much joy to be realising my passion for fashion. And by doing so, helping woman feel empowered by their wardrobe and better about themselves!

 

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I started the month on Radio 5 live chatting with Nicky Campbell and callers from the public on the subject of ‘Does it matter what you wear ?’ Of course it does – what you wear creates an impression of who you are – you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

 

 

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In the second week I was invited to speak at a Women in Finance conference ‘Dress for the job you want.’ I had a fabulous day meeting lots of lovely lady Accountants who were very smartly dressed. Confirming my conviction that if you want to get up the ladder in the workplace – dress as if you are already at the top !!!

 

 

 

Amongst all this I have had a record number of clients who wanted me to go through their wardrobes and create new outfits for them from clothes they already have.

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This is really the most rewarding part of my job – many of my clients lack confidence in how they look – to see them look at themselves in a new light when I teach them how to make the most of themselves is why I do it !

Each client has different requirements – I look at body shape, colouring, lifestyle and create outfits that fit the bill and discard the unwanted, ill fitting, dated items. Those clothes we stick with because it makes us feel like we can hide away. But Spring is in the air and it’s time to step out and shine!

My client’s are then left with a wardrobe full of clothes that they feels confident wearing and that suit the individuals and their lifestyles.

There is nothing to be ashamed of if you need help with clothes, if you are one of those ladies who feel you never look right and are always in the wrong clothes – why not get in touch – as one of my clients said to me this week “Your wardrobe consultation was the best £175 I have ever spent”  – that was my best moment ever in Personal Styling !

Thank you to all my lovely clients.

And thank you to my amazing supportive family. Here we are on a cold brisk February walk.

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Oooops!

Oooops I’ve messed up !!

I can’t believe I havnt posted since February – how did that happen?

It’s one of the busiest times of the year in the fashion world and I’ve been sooooo busy helping clients sort out their wardrobes ,go shopping for new clothes that I have neglected to keep up to you up to date with my news views and fashion tips !!!

My excuse – I hate typing ,computers,and everything that goes with it !!

Give me wall to wall wardrobes and I am happy give me a blank screen and I am sad !!!!

So to get me back on track here are a some pics of my favourite Spring / Summer looks believe me it’s time to get out there 

and have a look – there’s lots to see .

I don’t know where to start !

You only have to look in Zara to identify the trends 70s ,monochrome ,utility ( army surplus style ! ), boho,romantic and many many more – here is a snapshot of things to look at 

Culottes –  big trend this season they are smart ,great for the office and achange from black trousers !

 

Jigsaw high waist culottes

 These look great with the cropped shell top but would look just as good with T shirt and bomber jacket.

 

Whistles culottes

 

Wide trousers – again a change from a skinny silhouette to a looser less tailored look .

These look great day or night  –  a good tip is to wear them with a cropped or fitted top – volume top and bottom is too overpowering !!

 

Whistles wide trousers

 

Please please go and look at Whistles collection this season it is amaIng !

 

Whistles palm print trousers

 

Mansurgavriel is a great new bag collection dozens of styles in so many colours have a look at them at 

www.matchesfashion.com or wwwnet a porter.com

MansurGavriel tote bags

 

Finally I’ve saved the best until last ….. New label Self Portrait  – if you are looking for an occasion dress at an affordable price this is the label to look at !!

 

Self Portrait Ava midi dress

 

 

Self Portrait Lucille dress

You can find these in Selfridges or Asos they are fabulous unique and great quality – seek them out !

 

That’s enough for me now I’m off to help my clients I’ve done with technology for now !!!

 

I’ll be back – my next post is about Mother of the bride outfits – my heart is sinking already !!! N 

 

Until then

 

Lots of love and don’t forget to get in touch if you have a query about anything fashion related !

 

Xx

 

 

Looking Forward !

Spring !

Hi Girls !

Hooray it’s February  and although we have had some snow and ice on a positive note the nights are definitely getting lighter and the days longer – maybe it’s time to look ahead to spring and get our heads round to the fashion trends coming up .

Of course we do not need to be dedicated followers of fashion and possibly fashion victims – it’s good to see what’s on the catwalk and how we can interpret these looks to suit us . 

Here’s a quick tour round the trends – do let me  know what you think !

1970s RETRO

Some of us have done it before just pick out the best bits !!

Flower power !

 

 

Floaty !

FRINGES

Suede and fringing are evocative of the 70s but given a more modern twist with pretty colours and the softest feel ( it used to be sooo stiff you could hardly move in it !!)

Soft Suede jacket

Aqua fringe bag

DENIM

My current obsession ! I can’t stop thinking about denim it’s sooo cool at the moment – you can go anywhere in it ans double denim even TRIPLE denim is acceptable thanks to Alexa Chung !

Alexa Chung for AG jeans

 

Shapes are changing skinny will be with us forever but the choice is widening to bootcut, flares,girlfriend,boyfriend .My most recent purchase is Topshop Mom jeans – high waisted fitted on hips looser on the legs ( comfortable!) and slim at the ankle.

They look good with flat ,chunky loafers for now and will look good with wedge sandals in the summer ( I hope !!)

I’m also dying to see the MIH Marrakesh jeans -also high waisted (it’s everywhere this season -goodbye double muffin top !)

 

MIH Marrakesh Jeans

They are bootcut just enough not to scare you -It’s a shock after skinny ! They are totally flattering on everyone and look good day and night !!!

 Before I finish I must just point out my favourite dress of the season from Celine it’s a really fab maxi that would take you to anything races ,wedding ,party,Henley etc. UnfortunatelyI can’t find a price for it !maybe that’s a good thing -dream on I need it in my wardrobe !!

Celine maxi

There’s so much to write my head is spinning  I need to learn to type more quickly !

DONT FORGET – it’s always a good time to get your wardrobe in order before we head into the new season it’s fun and so worthwhile it’s like colonic irrigation for your closet !!!!!

www.sylviawoodger.co.uk

Until next time lots of love xxx

 

 

 

 

 

January Snuggles !!

I love January it’s a great time to spend time  reflecting on the past year and deciding to make some positive changes for 2015. We can re evaluate our lives and keep doing the things we like and change the things we don’t liken! It’s wiping the slate clean from last year and a new blank canvas for this year.

Lots of challenges and opportunities lie ahead in my fashion world it means looking forward to spring / summer  2015 and deciding which colours shapes and styles are going to define the season .Fashion weeks lie ahead in all capital cities with so much to see and admire.

The new collections will hit the shops over the next couple of months which is something I always feel excited by !!

In our ow wardrobes it should be a time of making positive changes ! Time for a sort out – a days wardrobe consultation with me is £150 – money well spent as it will set you up for the coming season.

You may wonder why this blog is entitled January Snuggles !

When the weather is wet and windy the nights and days are dark what we need are lovely clothes that make us feel cosy,warm and comfortable almost like you are hibernating in your clothes !!

NOT I hasten to add an excuse to slob out in leggings and onsies that is never going to make you feel energised and motivated with your new challenges for 2015.

Have a dig in your wardrobe for soft textured knitwear that makes you feel embraced .

Soft stripe jumper

Cream jumper dress

  

Jigsaw snuggly sweater

As you can see I’ve chosen anything but black -a bit of colour is so uplifting in these dark days . 

 

Top these cosy jumpers with a textured coat -fur ,velvet or wool.

Faux fur coat

Knitted Sheepskin Jacket

 

Scarlet wool coat

 I think just by looking at these you feel excited about getting dressed!

This is not the time of year for tight fitted clothes  – not unless it’s gym gear but that’s another subject !!

As far as what to wear on the bottom just put on your most comfortable jeans and boots and chill out !!

It’s time to save money ,flick  through the magazines and prepare for the zing of spring/summer 2015. 

Thanksgiving in Los Angeles.

 
Hi All

As usual it has been longer than I would have liked between posts -this is because I have been on a fantastic trip to LA to spend Thanksgiving with my gorgeous son and daughter in law.A fantastic excuse to explore the LA lifestyle and fashion scene.

I must say Thanksgiving is a great idea it’s Christmas but without the presents ! You have a fantastic meal with all the family but no headache as to what presents to buy .Why didn’t we think of that first !

Fashion is an interesting one – it’s so low key you can go everywhere in gym gear or jeans – no one dresses up unless it’s a charity lunch or gala dinner again a great idea why didn’t we think of that too !!

My role model for LA is Jennifer Aniston – after all she is the ultimate California girl so I thought to myself What Would Jennifer Aniston Wear (WWJWW ) this is my mantra  -she is also my era (sort of !)

Jen- my inspiration!!”

 

 

Perfect jeans and a perfect white T shirt (tee in LA) I decided and set off to find them.There are lots of great shops in LA but I ended up in Barneys which is full of tiny capsules of hand picked gems of clothing and accessories  -I was in heaven 

Barneys

Barneys

 I went in search of the Holy Grail jeans that fit,I like them and they make me look tall (I’m 4’11!)

These are what I found – Rag and Bone high waisted skinny in a clean dark wash that look so simple but stunning.The high waist is the best thing ever- it’s really catching on after years of low rise that give you two muffin tops and keep falling down 

Rag and Bone high waisted skinny.

 

A high waist gives you a bottom ( butt if you are in LA ) if you don’t have one and smooths and defines your butt if you do have The dark wash gives a clean look which is ideal if you are little like me and can’t carry too much fuss.!I love skinny at the moment but I think changes are afoot we may see the return of boot cut  another super flattering shape especially if it is high waisted as it makes legs look soooo long and elegant.

7For All Mankind High Waisted Bootcut

 

A perfect white Tee on the top takes you to the WWJAW question and here are two I think Jen would love !!

3/4 Sleeve Tee

Sleeveless Tee

So here you are the perfect California look which I’m sure Jen would wear !!!

Next time more LA news – sportswear update !!!

 

 

Christmas Capsule !!

It’s the middle of November- should we not keep Christmas in December ??

Yes Yes Yes but NOT when it comes to clothes – we Re all sooooo busy in December we have no time to think about clothes .

Remember all those nights when panic sets in as you pull dress after top after trouser out of the wardrobe but nothing seems to look right!

Now is the time to create your Christmas capsule wardrobe -here are some ideas.

You can manage with as little as 5 pieces that mix and match eg: LBD shown here so simple but would take you to any event 

Dress up to kill or down for classy casual from the legendary Diane  Von Furstenburg.

 

Next up a sassy skirt – dress up with slinky top and heels or dress down with knit and ankle boots !

Skirt and 2 tops from Net a Porter.

(more…)

September Styling Evening

Fashions fade, style is eternal.

Yves Saint Laurent

 

On a sunny September evening the lovely ladies of Kingsley and Frodsham Inner Wheel came to indulge in a night of fashion and style .

The sound of popping Prosecco corks was almost drowned out by the level of chat about all the great things I  had for them to enjoy!

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  I started by asking the question “is there such a thing as effortless style ?” the answer is- ABSOLOUTLEY NOT!

It takes time and effort to look stylish but it  is really worth it!

Style is about :

Simplicity – is elegantly understated.

Fit – clothes that have been altered to fit are made to measure .

Dressing to suit your body shape – is a skill but you can learn it from me.

Wearing colours that suit you – can lift your look from ok to amazing .

Shopping within your budget – you will never feel good in a dress that cost you a years salary !!
Put all these points into action and you will look and feel great

 

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I had some gorgeous clothes hanging on my rail and the ladies could not wait to have a look through and a good try on .
I brought a capsule wardrobe from Marks and Spencer 12 items that mixed and matched to create different looks .

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This dress was very popular it looks nothing in the shop but great on the right person with the right accessories- especially my 6 foot tall size 8 mannequin !
All the ladies admitted they would never have tried it on and thought it looked frumpy !!!
Once I had made someone try it she bought it – the power of the personal shopper !!

Another great dress that was also met with the same reaction was this owl print from Ingenue of London.
Samantha Carr who owns The Wardrobe in Tarporley had lent me some lovely things this one also was bought on the spot !!!

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I had coats for every occasion -wool ,puffa ,waterproof,waxed,fluffy too many to mention !!

We all had a fantastic time -lots of ladies had questions which I was very happy to answer ,pity we ran out of time.

Don’t forget if you would like a styling party of your own get in touch – we will have a fun time and I can help with any fashion and style problems you may have . Its what I do and I love it !

There’s no room for those “old slippers” in retirement.

There’s no room for those “old slippers” in retirement.

A fresh new look on retirement and fashion by Sylvia Woodger

Retirement is something that people either can’t wait for or they dread…!

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It’s change that we humans get tetchy about. Changing our lifestyle is a big step. It’s often scary, especially when we are used to our familiar and comfortable routine, like an old pair of slippers.

“Old pair of slippers…” I don’t think so! That’s where I come in…

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Retirement is the gateway to a whole new life – time to do all the things you haven’t had time to do and you darn well need a wardrobe that fits the bill!

Your wardrobe will need a total detox, whether you were accustomed to wearing a suit or a uniform – you will have little need for them now. Whatever those clothes meant to you: stress, authority, long hours, organisation – it’s time to clean out the old and start afresh.

By embracing the concept of smart casual (a mystery to many people!) Think about how you will be spending your days and create your outfits accordingly.

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If you have been squeezing in fitness into the weekend or nights, now is the time to make it part of your everyday living and healthy lifestyle. Walking, yoga, cycling, skiing, feeling great and looking good go hand-in-hand, it’s the new smart-casual sweat wear.

Lunching out, adult education, theatre socialising require a bit more thought and I get a real sense of joy planning my own outfits and outfits for others, to make an occasion out of every day living. A capsule wardrobe of a smart jacket, dress, trousers or jeans and a variety of tops will fit the bill.

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Footwear is often a problem, your shoes say a lot about your appearance and can turn your otherwise perfect outfit into FRUMPY! We don’t go there…

It is a good idea to nominate a couple of celebrities as your inspiration and follow their fashion guide lines.

Are you Helen Mirren, Samantha Cameron, Angelina Jolie or Lily Allen? Study their style and you will be on the right track.

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Magazines are another good way of keeping up with trends, choose a magazine that reflects your personality: Vogue, Grazia, InStyle or Stylist are all full of fashion tips.

And of course, you can book me in for a wardrobe consultation and I will show you the way to reinvent your new look and life to feel young at any age!

Call me on 07912 408578

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xx