EcoCentre News

This article is written by Robin Powis who is passionate about personal styling. Robin is committed to working with people to help them feel confident about their own sense of style and to teach them how to shop for colours and styles that suit their shapes and skintone. For more information about Robin please read her profile.

We all know that fashion today is not geared to the average female’s shape. What does she do and how does she shop?

The fashion industry determines what is IN but really it’s more about what you need now in your wardrobe or what flatters your body shape.

Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style says that what defies age and era and looks as fabulous today as it did when Audrey Hepburn wore it are classic styles. 

Clothing that remains one of fashion’s most coveted pieces are the trench coat, the little black (or navy) dress, the white (or ivory) tailored shirt, great fitting black pants, superb cut jeans and a beautifully cut jacket. And remember always choose a version that doesn’t deviate too much from the original style. 

Here are Robin’s five key tips to look and feel fabulous:

1. Body Shape

Sydney based, Robin Powis says that women waste their money when shopping for clothes. With the dominance of fashion magazines, advertising and celebrity obsession, an increasing number of women follow fashion trends that simply do not suit them.

Always wear styles that flatter your figure and follow the line of your body without being too tight, or too baggy. Also avoid wearing too bulky or too stretchy fabrics.

2. Accessories

The key is to discover your own signature style and wear clothes that say something about who you are. Accessories are a great way to update your look and make a statement about you. 

Remember that with accessories that less is more. Generally only wear one spectacular accessory and let the other items take back stage. If your outfit is plain you can afford to embellish your outfit, if it is busy, keep it simple.

Changing your shoes, bag and jewellery can transform a corporate look to an evening look in just seconds. 

3. Colour

Colour affects your mood, body shape, age, your outlook to life and the overall impression you make on others. Wearing your best range of colours will make you look younger, healthier and more vibrant. Wearing unflattering colours can make you look older, ill, exhausted or dull. Learn more at www.definingstyle.com.au/ColourReinvention

4. Wardrobe Planning

How much of your wardrobe do you wear regularly? If you have clothes that you don’t wear because they don’t flatter you or nothing goes with them, chances are they shouldn’t be there. Learn to declutter your wardrobe and group your tops and bottoms separately, in colours and then neutrals. That way you can instantly see what’s in your wardrobe and where there are gaps.

5. Shopping Guide

Shop wisely, don’t buy an item in a hurry or for a special occasion. It’s far better to buy something you need and always looks fabulous. Start with basic staples (like a jacket, shirt, pants) and add the fashion items as money and time permits. Think quality, not quantity. A classic item of clothing will last season after season and never date.

For more information contact Robin Powis, Defining Style (02) 9948 0484 0419 468272 www.definingstyle.com.au

To collect your free e-books on ‘100 Essentials Every Women Should Know’ go to www.definingstyle.com.au/ebooks

Often we push and push ourselves until we break.

Many women in particular find it difficult to justify finding time for themselves, struggling to make it a priority to take time out, to refresh, recharge and feel invigorated.

It is important to make time to prioritise yourself.  We believe that everyone needs to take time out for pampering, time to do whatever it is that makes you feel great, things that inspire you, make you laugh and make you happy.

Whether you walk on the beach, go for a run, take a bubble bath, have a massage, escape with a great book, have a glass of wine with friends, indulge in a Tim Tam with a cup of tea, make chocolate dipped strawberries or call up your best friend for a long chat, there are millions of simple, inexpensive ways to take a break.

At Innersense we are big believers in creating special experiences, whether they last for a few minutes or a for weeks, perhaps even months at a time for a dream holiday!

Decide today to start taking time out to enjoy your life and plan a little treat for yourself.  You will find that you have even more love and energy to give to others, if you take time out to refuel yourself by doing things that make you feel fabulous.

What are you going to do this week just for you?

For my first article for the launch of ‘innersense’ I thought it might be a great opportunity to share with you, some beautifully powerful words that have been a great inspiration and comfort to me. These words were for Nelson Mandela by Maryanne Williamson; I treasure this quote as it lifts my spirit, keeps my energy high and gives me the permission to be all that I can be every day. I hope it moves you to SHINE

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Maryanne Williamson

Like everything in life, whether you’re training for the City to Surf, wanting to lose 5 kilos, rehabilitating from illness or saving for your dream holiday it takes small steps every day. So to move into the inspiring you that SHINE’S, it too will take small steps, consistency, energy and commitment and before you know it you will SHINE.

I believe in YOU, Innersense believes in you

Easy ways to shine!

• Take care of your health
• Eat food that really nourishes your body
• Smile at a stranger
• Do something special for you
• Be in nature
• Laugh everyday
• Keep learning and developing new skills
• Be active
• Try something new every week

Everybody has experienced challenging times and its how we deal with these situations that really define us and our future experiences. How we feel really on the inside is so important and any small change can make a massive difference to our outcomes.

If you would like more information or free 15 min consultation to support, motivate and inspire you to ‘SHINE’ please contact Bev Carter 0414 415 902.  www.bevcarter.com.au