Thank you all of you who came to the M&S evening on 9th April. We had a wonderful crowd with four of you acting as models! The shopping was very successful and I hope that everyone enjoyed it.

Please let me know what you thought of it and especially what you would like me to do next time. This was the first such event I organised and I'd like to get it just right for you so your feedback is very important. Phone Maria 0212 422 6400 or email maria.price@imagecounts.net

PS Due to internal problems M&S had not been able to produce the fashion show originally described in the invitations. I also apologise for the noise in the presentation area that made things a little difficult.

If the jacket fits ..........

...you’ll look amazing! The jacket is this season’s favourite cover-up and you’ll find a range of styles to suit your shape, scale and personality. Dress it up or down and team with different pieces to look sharp or boho, cute or chic seaside. Whatever you choose, make sure you get the right fit for you.

Blazer Sharp

The blazer features in the nautical look this season in both tailored and softer cuts.

Sharp tailoring is perfect for the neat hourglass and lean column shapes, but do make sure it’s not too tight a fit. It works for inverted triangles but they should avoid longer length styles.

Full hourglass and apple shaped figures should avoid the tailored look as the cut is too structured and won’t complement their curves.

Safari Smart

The safari trend is offering an updated twist on the old classics with a wide range of styles to suit all body shapes. Fabrics are generally softer in these looks so are great for curvier figures and give a more easy-comfort option in the warmer months.

Pockets and belts are the key feature in this trend so do take care which style you choose. Belted waists look elegant and stylish on the right body shapes; find the right belt style for you. The wonderful thing about this trend is the varying lengths of jacket as you are sure to find one that suits your proportions; do make sure it finishes at the right part of your mid-section. If you would like to find out which styles suit you then why not come for a full Style Consultation.

Creative Cuts

For those of us who like to be a little different from the mainstream, look for the natty alternatives to the main jacket themes. There are detailed trims, ruffled edges, and bows. The waistcoat is the lightweight alternative and is mimicking the jacket themes across the range such as the blazer, denim, pinstripe and double breasted, and being just as creative with detail.

Smart waistcoats are ideal for smaller busts and boyish figures. For round and full hourglass shapes choose waistcoats in soft knits and look for appropriate lengths. Bow and ruffle detail across the chest is perfect for those who are smaller on their upper half or who want to give definition to a rectangle shape. Fuller busts should keep detail on top to a minimum to avoid drawing attention there.


Cover-up Check List

Buttons
Should button-up without gaping. If you are petite, giant buttons will make you look like a clown!

Pockets
Take care pockets don’t sit on the larger part of your upper half or the area you want to detract from, ie large bust or wide hips.

Belts
Check the belted look works for you. Curvy body shapes should use belts in softer fabrics.

Lengths
Make sure the jacket doesn’t finish at your widest point, e.g for wide hips it should sit just above or below the widest point.

Are you using the right brushes to apply your make-up? Making your make-up look good is all in the application and using the right tools will make it easier and give you better results. First of all, you need to know which brush sizes and shapes should be used for each part of your face, you should have a kit of at least 5 brushes to work with: concealer, angled eye shadow, blender, blusher and lip brushes.

Keep brushes in good condition by washing them once a week in a mild shampoo or antibacterial washing-up liquid. Rub the tip of the brush gently with your fingers to clean out the old make-up. Rinse well, blot, then stand them upright to dry. Store your kit in one place to help speed up your routine.
To brush up on your make-up skills book a make-up lesson and gain confidence. Call 0121 422 6400.

Colours in the shops for you this Spring

Warm

Cool

Soft

Clear

Deep

Light