​Hot trend for 2019? Column dressing and there's one person who is the queen of the column of colour. Her name? The Queen of course. Dressing in one colour or similar shades from top to toe is very slimming. A column of colour not only helps balance imperfections but it also elongates the frame giving a leaner silhouette. It's an easy win and a great confidence builder.

​And the good news is that you don't have to stick to black. Take Her Majesty for instance, we rarely see her in black (state occasions and funerals only). There's nothing stopping you from doing a column of red or blue or green or yellow. But black is slimming you say. Yes it is, but so is navy, charcoal and chocolate brown. In fact any deep colour will work, so choose your most flattering shade. 

​Don't dismiss brighter colours though because they can be very striking. We're seeing a lot of brightly coloured trouser suits this season, a perfect choice for a formal occasion such as a wedding. And they're versatile too because each piece can be worn separately to create different outfits. 

White looks great when mixed with neutrals. Choose good quality fabrics that aren't see-through. Make sure that both bottom and top fit and flatter your frame. And finally, choose your best white. Cream will work really well on warm skin tones whilst soft white suits most colouring. If you have a pinky tone, go for a cooler or bluer white. 

A trick that pros use to elongate the leg is to wear the same colour shoes as their trousers. It gives a continuous unbroken line from top to toe and instant length. However if you prefer to wear a slightly cropped trouser or indeed a skirt or dress, wear shoes that are close to your skin tone. And of course a pointed shoe will add extra length to your frame. 

And finally, don't over do it. A column of colour is a bold statement so keep your accessories and prints to a minimum. Less is more with this look. 

Did you know that we have consultants that specialise in showing you how to dress slimmer? Why not treat yourself to a session with your own personal Colour Me Beautiful consultant who can show you how to look your very best(find yours here). 

​Credit: Sunday Times Style
​

​Print is everywhere this season. Big and bold, bright and cheerful, ditsy and muted, there's something for everyone. But where to start? Let us guide you through the pattern minefield with our handy tips below.

Move Over Leopard

​Yes our love for animal print never seems to tire does it? This season it’s all about snake print. Its fuzzy pattern and often muted colours makes this a great option for everyone. Choose a base colour that complements your skin tone, it doesn’t have to be the usual grey/green/brown offering. 

Polka Dots and Spots

Expect to see lots of spots this spring. Remember the iconic brown and cream dress from Pretty Woman? Well, it’s back. We’ve already 'spotted' this colourway in bikinis, swimsuits, skirts and tops. A very feminine print that some would say is timeless, so check the back of your wardrobes before you go out and buy new. Spots are very flattering on curvy figures.
 
Scarf Print

There’s a new busier pattern on the block this season, say hello to the scarf print. Not for the faint hearted if worn all over but great for Creatives who will be more than happy to mix with strong colours, textures and other prints. If you fancy print clashing, make sure there’s some sort of cohesion such as a common colour that ties the pieces together or similar sized prints. 
If that’s a step too far, you could tie a scarf print around the handles of your handbag or even your wrist for a very chic look.  

Geometry Questions

Geometric patterns are ideal for hiding the not so perfect bits of our body - they are the masters of disguise. Straight body shapes such as rectangles will love this design as it complements their angular body shape but hides the mum-tum. Choose your colours carefully and you will have a winner in your wardrobe for years to come. Those with a strong look such as Clears, Cools & Deeps will look fabulous in contrasting colours whilst Softs, Warms and Lights will be far more at home in tonal shades. 

Blooming Blooms

For the last few years, we’ve enjoyed wearing blooms. Say goodbye to the deeper backgrounds as we welcome fresher shades this spring. They can be difficult to pull off though. It’s really all about scale. Petites may want to avoid the huge prints as they can overwhelm a small frame. However, larger figures will pull these off a treat. 

Need help with your new 2019 style? 

Colour Me Beautiful Image Consultants are here to help you translate this season's key trends into your wardrobe in a way that makes you look and feel fabulous. Get in touch today to book in for your appointment and let us show you your own best colours and styles to wear. 

You can start by learning your best colours in a Colour Analysis and body shapes in a Style Consultation. Our most popular makeover is called The Works! We can also edit your wardrobe to help you figure out what you should buy and then even take you shopping! 

​Want to try yourself? We speak your language! In fact, English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese,  French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and many others!  Find your own personal Colour Me Beautiful consultant here...

Hello, welcome back and a Happy New Year to you all. Thanks for stopping by. We hope that you've had a fabulously colourful festive season. 
As you’re reading this, no doubt your inbox is pinging with sales alerts, 20%, 30%, and even 50% off. Tempting isn’t it? But before you hit that buy button, here is our guide to bargain hunting.
 
1.Make a list
Seems obvious doesn’t it but how many times have you hit the shops without a firm idea of what you actually need? A shopping list will keep your mind firmly on the task in hand and you’ll be less likely to make a rash purchase ‘because it was on sale’.
 
2. Look for timeless pieces and basics
There’s a reason that the custard coloured pleather skirt is in the sale…because no one else wants it! Certainly the retailer doesn’t want to be stuck with it for another season. Don’t be sucked in by fashion-led items. Stick to timeless pieces such as trousers, jeans, jackets and coats.

3. Time to invest
The January sales are a good time to shop for investment pieces. Coats, boots and cashmere jumpers will be heavily discounted as retailers make way for their spring stock. Step up your game by visiting shops that are normally slightly out of your price range. Premium stores such as Reiss, Club Monaco, Massimo Dutti, J. Crew and designer shops have excellent sales and that leather jacket that was a little out of your reach before Christmas, may well now be very affordable. 
 
4. Will it work in your wardrobe?
Before making a purchase, ask yourself, 
Can I make at least three outfits with it? 
Do I have footwear and outerwear to go with it?
Is it appropriate for my lifestyle?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, then there’s a fair chance that you will regret it further down the line. 
 
5. Is it your colour and shape?
Just because your favourite blogger looks amazing in a bright pink oversized shirt doesn’t mean that it will be the same on you. Hold the item underneath your chin, preferably near natural daylight. Does it make you look fresher and more vibrant or does it make your skin look tired and dull? Use your smart phone to take a photo of yourself in the changing room. Does the item look good from all angles? Does it flatter your figure? Don’t settle for second best just because it’s in the sale. You can discover your own colours and style by booking in with your personal Colour Me Beautiful consultant here.
 
6. Check out online customer reviews
You can learn a lot about an item of clothing before ordering it by reading the online reviews. If several comments mention that the sleeves are very long then you might want to swerve it. Unless you have long arms!
 
7. Can you wait?
By holding your nerve and waiting until the end of January, you might just bag yourself a bargain. Of course it means searching through the dreg ends but the reward could well be worth it. It’s not unusual to find 70% discounts.

Understanding your own body shape, colouring and style personality will enable you to build a wardrobe of very wearable clothes and . So why not invest in yourself this year with a full image makeover. You can find more information here. 

Step into 2019 in style

Colour Me Beautiful Image Consultants are here to help you translate this season's key trends into your wardrobe in a way that makes you look and feel fabulous. Get in touch today to book in for your appointment and let us show you your own best colours and styles to wear. 

You can start by learning your best colours in a Colour Analysis and body shapes in a Style Consultation. Our most popular makeover is called The Works! We can also edit your wardrobe to help you figure out what you should buy and then even take you shopping! 

​Want to try yourself? We speak your language! In fact, English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese,  French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and many others!  Find your own personal Colour Me Beautiful consultant here...

Red is the colour most often seen at this time of year and there is a red to suit everyone!

We've rounded up some fabulous shades of red to wear for different colour categories and some gorgeous party pieces for you to try during the festive period. 

Soft & Romantic

The beautiful back detail on this dress from Reiss will certainly appeal to those of you who have Romantic style personalities and the Geranium red shade will work beautifully for those of you who fall into the Soft and Light colour categories. Certainly a dress to turn heads in. 

A pair of sparkly metallic shoes will work with this dress  perfectly.  

Then all you need to complete the look is our Sheer Rum or Strawberry Lipstick. 

Deep & Dramatic

Make a real statement in this sparkling number from Karen Millen which needs very little accessorising as it is so stunning - and therefore bound to appeal to those Dramatics out there.

If you fall into the Deep, Warm or Clear colour categories this bold choice will work beautifully for you. 

The perfect addition is our Tomato or Ruby Lipstick. 

Cool & Classic

Cools need to be careful when it comes to wearing red. A Blue Red or more purple/blue based shade, like this  dress from Marks & Spencer, will work best for you.

This timeless understated style is likely to appeal to those of you who have a Classic style personality - just add your own accessories for a chic evening look. 

Turn heads by applying Sangria Lipgloss or Sheer Fiesta Lipstick.

Warm & Natural

​Those of you who fall into the Warm dominant colour category will be happy to know that most shades of orange and tomato red will work of you.

This Reiss jumpsuit is the ultimate in easy evening dressing so simple and so chic.

Certain to appeal to those of you with Natural style personalities 

​Your best lipsticks are Sheer Copper or Tomato. 

Step into 2019 in style

Colour Me Beautiful Image Consultants are here to help you translate this season's key trends into your wardrobe in a way that makes you look and feel fabulous. Get in touch today to book in for your appointment and let us show you your own best colours and styles to wear. 

You can start by learning your best colours in a Colour Analysis and body shapes in a Style Consultation. Our most popular makeover is called The Works! We can also edit your wardrobe to help you figure out what you should buy and then even take you shopping! 

​Want to try yourself? We speak your language!  Find your own personal Colour Me Beautiful consultant here...

​Autumn Trends 2018 continued! Believe it or not, the midi skirt is back and now it looks freshest with a jumper/sweater.  There are so many ways to wear it...

Proportion Rules!

To balance your body shape, try wearing it with a thinner knit on top such as a Merino wool or cashmere top and your fuller or pleated midi. This will balance out the volume on your lower half.

Wearing one colour or depth of colour from waist to toe will make your legs look like they go on forever. Knee high boots or a pair of heels dresses it up plus a little swish of the skirt is fun. ;)
​
​image: Massimo Dutti

​Dress it up, dress it down! 

A thin Merino wool baggy sweater layered over a soft moving silk maxi can be dressed up or dressed down.

The trick is to keep both the top and bottom fabrics thin. Lightweight wools look chic and a soft silk will move and follow your body as you walk. 

Depending on the situation at work,  wearing trainers will give you that laid back casual style.  Wearing trainers to work isn’t what it used to be. In fact, depending on the way you wear them you can look professional and cool at the same time. No scuffs, tears or stains obviously so your trainer doesn’t look like a gym shoe but more of a fashion statement.

Plus your feet will thank you! ​

​Image: Grana

​Chunky Knits!

Another work option is a pencil skirt at the knee or midi length which looks instantly chic with a thin or a chunky jumper/sweater. It’s all about proportions.

You can throw a thin layer underneath and it will go from day to night in a flash. 

​Remember if you are wearing something tighter on the bottom, you can wear something chunkier on top.

Image: Massimo Dutti

Your trends, your way...

How do you use a new trend each season? Do it your way. If you aren't into wearing a suit, you could try a menswear pattern in a midi length for a new twist to your workwear look. ​ Knee length boots or ankle boots can take your look from dressy to casual. 

What to buy? 

​​I know you can’t wait to shop for the new season but before you flex those credit cards, STOP ✋ Shop your own wardrobe first of all. Did you buy a midi skirt (or dress) last year? Try it on with a few of your jumpers to see if the look works for you.
 
At a Colour Me Beautiful image consultation we are all about using your own wardrobe first and foremost, working with the things that you already own. We talk about how to build a stylish wardrobe. It’s an investment in yourself that keeps on giving, season after season.

You can start by learning your best colours in a Colour Analysis and body shapes in a Style Consultation. Our most popular makeover is called The Works! We can also edit your wardrobe to help you figure out what you should buy and then even take you shopping! 

​Want to try yourself? We speak your language!  Find your own personal Colour Me Beautiful consultant here...

​Are you ready for a new season? Over the next few weeks we are here to update your Autumn wardrobe with this season’s trends.

We love fashion and taking inspiration from the catwalk, but it is important to ensure that they fit with your style personality, colour category and body shape so that you look and feel fabulous.

​We’re kicking off with ANIMAL PRINT, which is everywhere this season. Here are the things you need to be mindful of if you’re looking to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe. 

​Image: J. Crew

​PATTERN SIZE 

There are many different sizes of animal print and if you choose the wrong one it can have a big impact on your overall look. 

The taller/grander you are, the larger the print you can wear - something small and delicate will be far too ‘busy’ on you.

​Conversely, if you’re petite, avoid the large, bolder prints as these will overwhelm you. It’s all about keeping prints relative to your size; so the bigger you are, the bigger the print you can wear.

​Image: Wallis

​COLOURWAYS
Traditional leopard print in shades of browns will look fantastic on WARMS and taupe or grey tones will flatter those who fall into the SOFT or LIGHT colour categories.

​DEEPS will be able to add black to their leopards and COOLS should try finding grey toned patterns. If you’re CLEAR we would suggest adding a colour pop (like a bright lip) or opting for bright and bolder pattern next to your face. 
​
This season animal prints are coming in a plethora of colours so don’t feel you have to go for the usual suspects.

​Take your colour swatches to the shops and see what they have from your colour palette that you could try. Image: Boden

​ANIMAL STYLE

Everyone will want to wear their leopards differently. If you’re DRAMATIC or CREATIVE you may well want to go all-out with the animal print trend - try mixing an animal print dress with animal print boots for an all-over look that is being worn by many fashionistas and instagram style stars.
​
ROMANTICS might want to wear a sheer fabric or soft cashmere cardigan in leopard. A little sparkle or embellishment can also give them a feminine twist or you try a pretty scalloped ballet flat in an animal print. 

image: Sam Edelman / Lane Crawford

CITY CHICS will only wish to do a small ‘pop’ of print and the choice is yours in this area - a belt, boot, bag or scarf are all great ways to give a simple look a lift. 
​
CLASSICS will want this trend is a more subtle pattern or as a tiny accent while NATURALS will be looking for comfy styles (we’ve seen some great animal print trainers around!) and build from there.

Image: Zara

STYLE UPDATE

Unsure what your signature style or best colours are and want to get sorted for Autumn 2018? Get in touch with your Colour Me Beautiful in Asia consultant here.

Autumn/Winter is around the corner and with it the opportunity to shake up your style, but where should you start?

Whilst we’re inundated with ‘hot new trends’ and ‘what to wear now’ articles it can be difficult to know where to turn, and what to buy. 

We all have that one friend who seems to always look effortlessly stylish. Whatever the occasion they always get it ‘just right’ and seem to be able to look put-together and chic without seeming to have spent hours and hours getting ready. 

What is the secret of these stylish women and how can we unlock those same style tricks to create the same effect with our own wardrobe? 

This is where our Colour Me Beautiful style consultation services come in and in today we’re sharing exactly what happens during a style session with one of our Colour Me Beautiful consultants so that you will know how to translate this season’s trends effortlessly into your wardrobe in a way that truly flatters you.

What is covered in a style consultation?
We may be famous for our Colour Consultation services first and foremost but our expertly trained Colour Me Beautiful  image consultants also know a thing or two about style. 

During their personal styling courses our consultants are trained to understand your style personality, body shape, proportions and scale in order to advise you on which styles, cuts and fabrics of clothing will work best for you, and how to style them in a way that flatters both your body shape and your unique personality and style preferences.

All of this is covered within a style consultation including advice on patterns and accessories and recommendations for which shops are best suited to you. Our consultants will also talk to you about the key trends for the season ahead and how you can effectively translate these into your wardrobe.

What is a ‘style personality’?

Colour Me Beautiful have developed a clever questionnaire which you will complete at the start of your style consultation. The questionnaire consists of 10 questions which will reveal which one of six dominant style personalities you are. 

Style personalities range from creative to classic, romantic to natural and dramatic to city chic - most people have a dominant style personality and then possibly another category that they score quite highly in too. Your consultant will explain what your answers mean and how your personality can be expressed through your style.

How does my consultant determine my body shape? Will I have to strip off?
No! We would recommend you wear clothing to your appointment that allows your consultant to see your body line (or a loose top layer that can be removed in the privacy of your consultant’s studio if you prefer). You will not need to strip to your underwear or be poked and prodded in front of a mirror! Your consultant will assess your body shape by asking you a few questions and assessing you just by looking at you - it’s as easy as that and only takes a few minutes. Our Style Consultation will give you the knowledge you need to wear clothing that flatters and works for you

What should I wear? 
Just choose an everyday outfit that you feel comfortable in, there is no need to get dressed up at all (unless you want to of course, in which case, go for it!)

How will I remember everything?
You don’t need to! During your consultation your consultant will make a note of everything in one of our Colour Me Beautiful style workbooks which you will take away with you at the end of your session. So you can sit back, relax and enjoy the whole process knowing you will have a personalised reference tool to take home with you at the end of the day.

To shake up your style for Autumn book a style consultation with your personal Colour Me Beautiful consultant here. 

It's Trench season!

​A trench is the perfect 'inbetweeny' coat and there are lots to choose from this season.
Of course, Colour Me Beautiful has a few tips to keep you in style...

1. You don't have to stick to the traditional tan if it doesn't suit you. Navy is a good alternative. But there are so many other colours out there too. However, if you plan on having it in your in your wardrobe for years, stick to neutral colours as these have longevity and are more versatile. Camel is big for Autumn 2018. 

2. If you're petite, try a cropped style which will balance your frame. One that ends on your hips or thigh length works best. 

3. If belts don't work for you, tie it at the back. It will pull in the waist and give a little shape without highlighting the bits that you don't want to show.

4. Single or double breasted? If you're likely to fasten it, a double breasted style is very chic. However it doesn't look as good as a single breasted if left open. Consider how you're going to wear it.

5. Avoid flap pockets that are adorned with buttons if you carry your weight on your hips as they will draw the eye down to this area. Go for a style with side pockets instead. 

6. Think about the fabrics you buy. Does it wrinkle? Most people tend to throw a trench over their arm or bag when it gets hot. Be careful not to end up looking wrinkly by buying a trench with high tech fibres which resist wrinkles. 

7. Plaids and checks work well from Prince of Wales to tartans, pretty much any plaid is good for 2018. Of course, it helps to know your body shape and then you can decide which plaid or check will work for you. 

8. Animal prints are back and look amazing in a trench coat. Instantly makes your outfit an outfit. Why not try something new like a snake print. 

9. Glossy fabrics with shine such as a patent leather will not only look good but be perfect for an actual rainy day. 

10. Go for a tweed and use textures to maximise your trench coat chic. Wear with a leather or pleather skirt to get the latest 2018 autumn look. 

Still not sure what is best for you? Get in touch with us here for a personal one-to-one colour and style advice makeover. Click here to learn more about makeovers? It's fun! ​

At this time of year the accessory that tends to get the most wear is usually our sunglasses.
It’s certainly true that the addition of a pair of sunglasses to your look gives you an undeniably cool edge - but how do you go about finding the perfect pair for you?

With a plethora of shapes, shades and sizes to choose from we’ve put together our definitive guide to choosing the right sunglasses for your face shape to make your next sunglasses purchase your savviest yet.

Defining Your Face Shape
The first thing you need to do is DEFINE your FACE SHAPE, so here goes…

Round - the width and length of your face is roughly the same (like Emma Stone)

Square - strong jawline and broad forehead (like Jennifer Aniston)

Oval - balanced face shape with a chin slightly narrower than your forehead (Julia Roberts)

Inverted Triangle - your forehead will be significantly wider than your chin (like Reece Witherspoon)

Rectangle - your cheek bones, forehead and jaw will be in-line and your face is longer than it is wide (like Meryl Streep)

Opposites Are Attractive
The key thing to remember when selecting your sunglasses is that in order to balance the shape of your face you generally need to choose the opposite style of frames. 

So for example, if you have a square face you are better choosing sunglasses with a more rounded style of frame as this will soften and complement your features. On the other hand, if you have a round face shape then a more angular frame will work best for you as it will offer some definition and balance.

The exception to this rule is for those of you with a heart shaped face - you actually need to mimic your face-shape with your frames.

The Key Styles
Here’s a round-up of the most common glasses styles and who can wear them…

Wayfarers - the classic Ray-Ban style, Wayfarers have been a staple sunglasses style for decades. This style will work for you if you have a ROUND face shape.

Round - another classic sunglasses shape, from big bug glasses to the smaller-styles, round glasses tend to come in a wide variety of sizes. They will work best for you if you have more angular features so those with a SQUARE face shape will look great in these. If you have a RECTANGLE face shape a more oval style will work for you with wider arms that break up the length of the face. Do remember to keep your proportions in balance too; the larger the face, the larger the sunglasses should be.

Aviators - from the days of Top Gun to now, Aviators will never go out of fashion and will work beautifully for you if you have a INVERTED TRIANGLE face shape as they follow a similar shape. Be aware of the weight of your frames with this style. If you’re petite/have delicate features then avoid heavier frames as these will over-power your face.

Cats Eyes - add an instant touch of Hollywood glamour with the timeless Cats Eye style of sunglasses. The upward angle of this style works beautifully to balance a ROUND face shape and if you opt for a frame that has a softer curve (rather than anything to angular) then they will also work well to add width to a RECTANGLE face shape.

If you have an OVAL face shape then you can wear whatever you like, so mix it up and have some fun! Your only considerations are the size and weight of your glasses to ensure they harmonise with your features.

A Final Word On Colour
Whatever your face shape, do think about the COLOUR you choose for your sunglasses and use your colour palette to guide you. As your glasses are worn on your face it is vital they’re in a shade that perfectly complements your colour characteristics.

For one-to-one colour and style advice get in touch with your local Colour Me Beautiful consultant here. ​