Tag: Personal Stylist

Personal Stylist Melbourne

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I really love Personal Styling.  For me it’s a chance to use what I have learnt for the benefit of someone else.  I have often struggled with confidence and bouts of anxiety myself and want to elliviate these feelings in others if I can.   In a world where we are bombarded by images of manufactured perfection it’s easy to mistakenly think this is something we should aspire to.

I know I have the tools to help someone feel better about the way they look and I believe one of the keys to sartorial happiness is not comparing ourselves to others, the 2nd is accepting where we are at at this moment in time while realising that there are infinite possibilities in our future. The time to ‘do’ you is now, not when you’ve lost weight or have more money.  You are worth investing in already.

I am a Personal Stylist because I want people to feel more confident.  I want the negative voices to be quietened so that a person can concentrate on the important things in life and step into the world knowing they are presenting their best and most authentic selves to the world.

I’d love more people to experience this confidence and the joy of dressing with ease everyday like Kate has;  so I am offering 10% off new bookings this month at Eastland.  Please contact me at racheldennisstylist@gmail.com or Guestservices@eastland.com.au to make your booking.  Gift vouchers are also available.

Peace, love and style x Rach

The Year of the Ear

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Looking for an alternative to the flashing Christmas tree earrings to give you Christmas Day get up some extra sparkle?  These stunning Statement drop earrings are your answer (or potential Present, wink wink)

Through the Spring Racing carnival we saw many of our favourite celebrities don some Christie Nicolaides shoulder grazers.  Her unique mix of gold with multi coloured stones are guaranteed to add some extra glamour; whether worn with a t shirt and jeans or with your favourite party dress. Style Tip – No need to match the colour of your earring with your dress – they’ll work either way.

If glamorous boho isn’t your thang you might be better suited to the streamlined styles from Jan Logan, Sarina Suriano or Aurelio Costarella’s beautiful collaboration with Atlas Pearls.  I’m loving the use of pearls that create something both contemporary and timeless.  Which ever style you choose a large drop earring will add some sass to your festivities.

Below are some of my favourites.  Click on the caption to head to their store

 

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From Left – Christie Nicolaides, Jan Logan, Sarina Suriano
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From Left – Punjabi Diva, Jan Logan, Jan Logan
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From Left – Lovisa, Martha Jean, Aurelio for Atlas

Line Up, Line Up

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Left – Style Queen Olivia Palmero (image via Instagram), Top Right – Watson X Watson, Bottom Right – Witchery

I have been a stripes fan for as long as I can remember. My eye is drawn to them on clothing racks and they are an integral part of my wardrobe. This season, stripes are back but turned on their heads with width and textural variances making them interesting additions to our wardrobes.

While I’ll always love a horizontal stripe the styles emerging vertically are designed to be softer and instead of being mixed with clean cuts, work best when paired with natural fabrics such as linen and raw edged denim.  We also see a difference in the shapes  and fabric this season with palazzo pants and soft rayon shirts.  The key word for summer is texture.  Whether it’s in fibre laden linen, added embroidery or woven leather bags; adding a textural element gives any outfit another dimension.  Flat lay’s will become texture lays and we’ll be mixing prints and angles in a new and more natural way.

Volume is another style that we’ll see combined with vertical stripes.   The key to wearing these trends in Spring 2017 is proportion eg, the bigger the shirt, the shorter the hemline, the fuller the trouser the more cropped and fitted the top.  A ‘Styling trick’ that also helps is the tuck. It can be the whole top or just the front but what both options do is show some of the hip and waist line.  They automatically draw the volume in and take it from swamped to stylish.  So your tucking doesn’t look as accidental as a dress caught in your knickers a great belt or sash will finish the look and is another area texture can be played with.

So get in line and try some ‘New’ stripes this summer.

 

 

Never fail Colour Combinations

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Documenting what we wear has become so popular that it’s easy to garner inspiration from our Instagram/ Snapchat/ Facebook Feeds but this doesn’t mean it’s necessarily easy to turn those pictures into reality.  This simple guide will help you master some stylish combinations that NEVER fail.

Khaki, black and white

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Pictures via Pinterest – Photographers unknown

Since the monochrome trend of a few years ago black and white have become staples in our wardrobes. This trend saturated our senses and let’s be honest, we’ve got a little bored with it.  The next step in our mono evolution is to add another colour.  As the pics above prove (thank you street style on Pinterest) you can mix up any combination of these three colours.  Whether khaki is on top or bottom, teamed with B&W it works without fail.

 

Navy, cream (and red/orange)

Pictures via Pinterest – Left Nicole Warne, Right Unknown

Navy and cream are a true classics when worn together.  The combination is a softer take on it’s Monchrome sister B&W and has become a go to every season with cream blouse + Navy peacoat combos in winter and Breton striped t shirts and cut off jeans in Summer.

Navy and cream alone would be considered an elegant albeit conservative option but chuck on a red lip or bold red coat and you take your outfit to another level.

 

3. Denim and pretty much any other colour.

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Pictures via Pinterest – Photographers Unknown

In almost all situations faded Denim can be treated as a neutral, meaning it works back with most combinations; a little like it’s friend grey marl.  Our eyes are so used to seeing denim that it’s becomes a non-colour.  Easily worked into any outfit and kind to the colours it’s worn alongside; faded denim can be worn noon or night.

This is a sub-category of my favourite Denim combinations

Denim and Cream

Denim, White and Charcoal

Denim and Navy

Denim and Primary’s like Red and Green.

Put simply,  a base of Black, Navy, White, Cream, Khaki and Grey Marl and faded Blue Denim will work with any accent colour you’d like to add. It’s worth investing in well cut, classic items in these colours because you’ll find they will stand the test of time and outlive any fads.

Book me for a personalised Shop where you can learn more tricks to being your most stylish

Personal Styling frequently asked questions

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When I discuss what I do with people these are the most common questions I am asked.  I want my potential Clients to have a clear picture of what they can expect when they hire me so here are the answers… if you have any others I’d be happy to answer them too.

Will you make me spend more money than I want to?

Simple… NO.  Before we even meet we will have established the budget you’d like to spend. It’s essential that I know your budget and your goals so I can get the most bang for your buck and take you to stores that provide the best styles and quality for your budget.

 Will you put me in things that don’t ‘feel’ like me?

The primary role of a Stylist, whether professionally or in a personal capacity, is to fill the brief of the client. On a photo shoot, the client is the person producing the work. On a Personal shop you are the client.

Through my experience with dressing a variety of people from News readers to Hosts of live productions and Sporting Commentators I have the skills to assess what your ‘Personal Style’ is and my knowledge of the Australian Fashion Market makes it easy for me to match brands with your style.

I might get you to try things that you wouldn’t usually try but that’s why you hired me.

Do you work on commission?

NO

I have been approached by brands to represent them and on sell to my clients. I have decided that in order for me to feel I am working with integrity I don’t want to align myself with any particular brand.

My opinions are genuine and based around getting the best result for you.

Can I split the cost with a Friend?

YES! I am happy to cater to small groups. 1 hour per person which is the equivilant of a POWERSHOP per person.

It’s a fun outing with friends. Not ideal if you are hoping for a make over but great if you want to get a grasp on the latest trends and how to make them work for you and spend time with your friends doing something unique

Looking to the Future – Australian Designers Spring Summer 16/17

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Toni Maticevski image via vogue.com
Manning Cartel image via vogue.com
By Johnny image via vogue.com
Rebecca Vallance image via vogue.com
Yeojin Bae image via vogue.com
Cameo Collective image via vogue.com
Bec and Bridge image via vogue.com
Steven Khalil image via vogue.com
Dion Lee image via vogue.com

Australian Designers pulled out all the stops this week wooing local and international buyers with sophisticated and sellable collections at this week’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia.

Here’s what we’ll be wearing next summer…..

Off the shoulder tops and dresses still dominate

Strapless tops and dresses and jumpsuits or play suits

Shiny Satin and metallics

Colours –  burnt tans, beige, grey sulphuric yellows, soft peachy pinks and baby blues, emerald green, red and we can’t forget black and white

Keep following  to see how to integrate some of these trends into your day to day wardrobe.

Something a little special

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From top left Wittner – Anita Heel, Olga Berg – Regan Octagonal Pod Clutch, Saint Laurent – Cassandre Clutch from Miss Louise, Tony Bianco – Alita Heel
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From top left Olga Berg – Dana crystal embellished Clutch, Tony Bianco – Kappa Heel , Preciously Paris – Let’s Rock Clutch from MISS LOUISE, Tony Bianco – Laika Heel


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From top left  – Balmain – Tia Heel rom MISS LOUISE , Olga Berg  – Ace crystal oval Pod, Saint Laurent – Silver mini monochrome from MISS LOUISE , Aquazzura – Milla Jewel Heel from MISS LOUISE

 

With The Met Gala on Monday and the TV Week Logies tomorrow I thought it was time to add some Red Carpet inspiration to my pages.

The power of the right accessories shouldn’t be underestimated.  They can make or break an outfit and quickly see celebs heading to the worst dressed list. They can take your outfit from sophisticated to clunky or glam to dowdy.

As a rule, I prefer an open toe with a long gown.  I think they look more elegant when we get a peep of them and they compliment the finer fabrics often used in black tie gowns. You can’t go wrong with a single strap across your toes but if you prefer more support one that has fine straps running up your foot will do the trick.

Clutches are like a bow on a present, they add a little sparkle or contrast to the ensemble.  The fact is, you have to carry a bag so you may as well use it to your advantage.  If you have a simple dress you can elevate it with something sparkly in the same colour, on the other hand, if your dress has it all going on with sparkle and glitz you can tone it back with a simple matte clutch.

Don’t let your accessories be an afterthought and check out the links above for some affordable and splurge options..

x Rach

 

 

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Scanlan and Theodore-Double Cotton Trench $800, Viktoria and Woods – Valentina $699, TY-LR – Antonia Dress $490 

I love living in a city with defined seasons. Melbourne does it well with a full display of colour in Autumn and beautiful Icy winters. The air changes from one season to the next, affecting our moods and lifestyle. As the leaves turn to gold and red we need to start thinking about how we’ll layer for the coming winter. We’re no London or snowy New York but there is still a need to rug up, don a coat and spend weekends relaxing by fires.

This seasons Coats for women range from waterfall wraps to long and over sized with the trench holding it’s place as a wardrobe staple. I love the colours showing this season from soft pinks to rich tans and teal and of course classic navy.  There is a lot of felted wool coming through adding to the unstructured feel and making them super snugly.

An important tip for buying the right coat, especially when the overall style is unstructured, is to make sure it fits you well in the shoulder. The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder bone.  Too narrow and it will look to small and your arm will look larger and rounded.  Too wide and your neck and shoulder will appear to slope.  It’s all about a sharp angle where the shoulder is concerned.  If you do have a shoulder the drops away from you neck consider popping in a slim shoulder pad.

The wrap coat is a great option for those that want their coat to mix work with pleasure.  Tightly cinched at the waist gives a classic pulled together look for the office.  Try swapping the tie belt with a simple leather one for an individualised, look.  Then on weekends, loose the belt all together and casually throw it over jeans and roll neck knit.

These are a few of my top coat picks for AW 2016 .  Click on the captions to head straight to the On line Stores.

 

Godwin Charli – Maxine $799, Godwin Charli – Georgia $699

 

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Karen Millen – Mohair and Alpaca Wrap Coat $ 675 , Saba – Penny Coat $499
Diana Ferrari – Maxwell Blanket Coat $349.95, Viktoria and Woods – Altitude Coat $549

 

Country Road- Military Button Coat $399, Viktoria and Woods – Equalizer Coat $699

 

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As much as I am able to appreciate my last Shoe post visually and as a Stylist; the thought of spending more than a few hours in heels is my idea of hell and I know I am not alone. Not all of us trained our feet to wear heels and find the pain a major distraction from living our lives to their fullest.

Here are my picks of Flats and Boots that’s I’d love to get about in this Autumn/Winter.

Most of the brands will be familiar to you but there is one that you might not have had the pleasure of getting to know.  I am talking about Habbot.  The brain child of Annie Abbott, a talented Melbournite with a passion for shoe design and a desire to have them beautifully hand made at some of Naple’s best shoe makers.  They have a store in the newly refurbished The Strand Melbourne and in the iconic Royal Arcade.  If you are wanting handmade quality footwear please pay them a visit or head to their online store.

I am in love with the patent leather coming through in flats this season.  It gives our comfy flats some glamour, making their limited height less noticeable as the high shine is the attraction here.

This season we’ll see the sneaker hold it’s position as a major trend.  This is music to a flat shoe wearer’s ears.  Team it with your mid-length skirt and  a roll neck jumper for a great off/on duty look.  Ginger and Smart have been clever with the hard ware on their sneakers, adding some rose gold zips and studs.  Wittner’s Beckett is a less expensive pair that offer similar flexibility with what you can wear them back with.

So go forth and be comfortable.  Your feet and the person you’re trying to have a conversation with will thank you!

Habbot – Exposure $395, Walnut Melbourne – Driving Leather Loafer $129.95

 

Wittner- Jerome Boot $249.95, Habbot – Magnify Boot $450

 

Habbot – Dose Shoe $395, Ginger and Smart Forte -Sneaker $369

 

Wittner – Keiko $179.95, Country Road – Carrie Flat $119

 

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Country Road – Ira Knee High Boot $299 , Wittner – Isabelle Boot $329 

 

Habbot – Cha Cha $325,  Habbot – Dish $395,  Wittner – Beckett $99.95

Bag of tricks

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Bag- Mecca, Blusher – Mac’s Fleur Power Satin Blush, Eye Shadow Mac’s Burgundy times Nine Palette, Lipstick – Mac’s Satin finish in Faux, Instant Volume Powder – Schwarzkopf , Dry Shampoo – Klorane 

 

We all need a little help in the morning. Especially on those mornings when we haven’t slept well, don’t have time to wash our hair or generally feel a little lack lustre.  This is my bag of tricks.. products I rely on to help me emerge into society every day.

I’m not sure how I got by before discovering dry shampoo.  It feels like there are two very distinct periods in my life; before dry shampoo and after dry shampoo.  Before dry shampoo I had to wash my hair most days so that it wasn’t a complete greasy mess.  As I’ve mentioned before I have 2 children so find that time to blow-dry and make my self presentable is limited.  A few sprays from this magic can and I’m grease free.  I like the Klorane brand.  It works well in my ash blonde hair and is available at most supermarkets; so easily accessible.

A more recent, but equally profound discovery, is ‘instant volume powder’  While Dry Shampoo does as you’d expect, making your hair appear more clean than it is, ‘instant volume powder’ provides more of a post salon/ freshly styled look.  A few sprinkles in the roots and you can add volume; sprinkle it along a length of hair and you can control where your hair sits.  From what my Hair stylist friends tell me some are better than others so get some advice on what might work for you.

When I was a new Mum and people came by to meet little Milla they would often comment on how well I looked.  I maintain to this day that it was very much thanks to blusher and eye shadow.  It certainly wasn’t a result of a well slept night.  A gentle lashing of blusher and an application of eye shadow that compliments your eye colour, can transform you from zombie to human in a matter of seconds.  I love Mac products.  They have such a variety of colours and finishes that compliment every complexion. I have blue eyes so choose a Burgundy eye shadow palette and soft pink blusher for my fair skin. Professional Make up Artists favour Mac so I figure if they work for the harsh lights of film and TV they’ll be brilliant for the real light of day.

Please share some of your ‘tricks’ in the comments below.