​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. ;)
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​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. ​

If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and booking a Colour Consultation then this blog post is for you.
​
It’s all very well for us to talk about ‘getting your colours done’ - but what do we actually mean by this and what happens during your Colour Me Beautiful session? 

Read on to find out…

Who conducts my colour consultation? 

Our amazing Colour Me Beautiful Image Consultants! All personally trained by us with the knowledge needed to ensure you have a wonderful, educational and interesting colour session. 

All of our image consultants have been through extensive colour training which qualifies them to effectively analyse your colour characteristics and advise you on which colour category you fall into and how to wear your colours.

Where will my consultation take place?
​
This is up to you, you can go to our Central studio in The Feel Good Factor or to one of our consultants studio near you. We will help you to find the best location for your consultation.  We also have consultants that will travel to your home for a small fee. Just Contact us!

So what actually happens during my 90-minute consultation?

Your session will start with a chat with your Colour Me Beautiful image consultant. They will take you through what colour analysis is, how is works and describe our six dominant colour categories to you before telling you which category to fall into and therefore which colours will suit you best. After this they will use gorgeous coloured fabrics to determine what your sub categories are before presenting you with your palette of 42 personalised colours.

Do I need to arrive make-up free?

It's up to you! If you don’t wish to arrive make-up free then your consultant will discuss your skin tone with you instead. Of course, if you do want to remove your make-up when you arrive, you can book a Makeup Prescription which includes the application of a natural, daytime make-up in your best colours so you’ll leave looking fabulous too. Best of all, the Makeup Prescription is only HK$500 when added to the Colour Analysis consultation.

How will I remember which colours suit me?

As part of your consultation you will be shown all of your colours and different combinations using special fabric drapes to demonstrate the impact they have on your overall look. To help you remember everything you will receive a swatch wallet containing all of your colours and your consultant will make some notes with key things to remember as well as your favourite shades and colour combinations.

Can I come with a friend?

Absolutely! Most consultants are very happy for you to bring along a friend - you could even book in for a joint consultation and make it a fun day of colour, make-up and chat!

Find your local Colour Me Beautiful here.

Do you love Colour and/or Style? If you would like to learn more about how to do Colour Analysis and/or Styling based on body shapes, contact us! Click here to find out how to become an Image Consultant!

Navigating Spring weather can sometimes be tricky as it changes so often (sometimes within the course of a single day!)

It isn’t cold enough for a heavy layers but you still need an outer layer to keep the chill out of those freezing air conditioners. 
​
This season there are a lot of lightweight outerwear options. We’ve already taken you through what to look for in a trench coat (you can read that post here), so in this post we thought we’d give you the lowdown on a couple of other key outerwear trends; Blazers and Bombers.

If there’s one wardrobe item that is synonymous with Spring, it has to be the trench coat.

The trench coat dates back pre-World War 1, when it was designed as an alternative to the heavy greatcoat that Army officers wore. It was adapted to be worn in the trenches, hence where the trench coat got its name.

Since then it has evolved and developed as times and fashions have changed and it is still a mainstay of many a wardrobe across the world. But do you have one on your coat rail?

Not only is a trench coat an iconic fashion item, it is also incredibly versatile and the perfect solution for those Spring days when a Winter coat is too heavy, but you still need an extra layer to keep you warm. 

As always, there are a plethora of trench coats available this season in different variations on the classic style. Here’s what to look for when choosing yours…

Fabric

The fabric you choose for your trench coat is key to how well it will fit. If you have a straight body shape (Rectangle, Inverted Triangle) then a heavier, more structured fabric will work best - those with curves need to opt for a softer, more fluid fabric that will skim their shape.

Beware of the Belt

Trench coats will usually come with a belt to cinch you in at the waist. This is great if you have natural waist definition (Hourglass and Triangle body shapes in particular will look great with in a belted trench coat to show off the waist). However, if you have a straight rib-cage and little waist definition, or tend to carry weight around your waist (Oval body shapes) you should avoid belts ideally. As this isn’t possible with most styles of trench coat, try belting yours at the back instead.

Details

Some trench coat styles will feature lots of buttons and large collars/lapels. If you have a full bust avoid details like these as they will overwhelm your top half, instead, look for styles that have fewer details to create an uncluttered look.

Colour

Traditionally trench coats have been in a neutral Taupe/Stone shade - this is a great colour to add accents to but there are now lots of choices available. The two key colour stories for Spring/Summer 2018 are bright and bold OR pale and pastel. Choose a colour that falls into your dominant colour category rather than a neutral to give your look a real lift.

For 1-on-1 advice on colours and styles that work for you, get in touch with your local Colour Me Beautiful consultant here.

Let’s get sociable! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter - pop over and say hello!

Do you love Colour and/or Style? If you would like to learn more about how to do Colour Analysis and/or Styling based on body shapes,  contact us! Click here to find out how to become an Image Consultant!

First of all let’s talk about COLOUR - this season your denim needs to be DARKER so here’s how to wear it depending on your dominant colour category.

LIGHT & SOFT -  dark denim will be too heavy for your colour characteristics so weak it away from your face and break it up with another colour from your palette.

DEEP - you look great in dark, rich colours so you can wear dark denim on it’s own or in contrast with another colour.

WARM - medium-depth colours work best on you so pop something one or two shades lighter with your dark denim to even things out.

COOL - inject some contrast into your dark denim to harmonise with your colour characteristics.

CLEAR - dark denim will look great on you worn with a vivid accent colour from your palette. Of course, we are not talking jeans only this season, but dresses, shirts and jackets too.

If you aren't sure what your dominant is, come in for a Colour Analysis!

Now let’s talk FIT - choosing the right texture of denim will have a huge impact on how well it fits you. As well as skinnies there are some more relaxed styles of jeans around this season and getting the right fabric is essential to them looking and feeling good.

If you have a CURVY body shape (hourglass, triangle, oval) you need to opt for a softer denim, or one that has some stretch in it to accommodate your gorgeous curves.

Those with a STRAIGHT body shape (lean column, rectangle, inverted triangle) should opt for a denim that has more weight and structure to it as this will follow your body line beautifully. Detailing around the hips/bottom area to create shape and balance proportions will also work well.

Whatever shade or style of denim you opt for this season it is essential that you feel comfortable and confident. For personalised advice on which styles will work best for your body shape, lifestyle and style personality get in touch with us at Colour Me Beautiful to discuss booking in for a Style Consultation or full Image Makeover.

You’ll be strutting into Spring in style!

Do you love Colour and/or Style? If you would like to learn more about how to do Colour Analysis and/or Styling based on body shapes,  contact us! Click here to find out how to become an Image Consultant!