Real Women - Tips & Hints for Real Women

Welcome to the change of season. As the leaves turn and the mist, fog and rain rolls in, it’s time to dig deep into your wardrobe for a new season of inspiration.

Un-box those winter boots, freshen up your well loved winter woolies and as I always recommend at the beginning of each season, revamp your wardrobe!

One of my many inspirations for opening Real Women Have Curves last year was the challenges plus size women have with shopping for clothing that compliment their body shape. On a daily basis I have contact with women of all shapes, sizes, creed and age… all striving to achieve their ultimate appearance.

Are you making the MOST of who you are TODAY?

So many of us make the mistake of impulse buying – or worse still – buying ill fitting garments from mass producers because we think they are the only garments on offer for women with curves and the size tag says it fits.

Guilty?

The challenge here is having your thinking in the right place – but that can be really difficult especially as in some stores I can be a 16, and in other stores I’m up to a size 24 – not a good thing if you base your self esteem on a size tag!!! My point is, if it fits, suits your body shape and adds value to your appearance – wear it – IGNORE the size label and IGNORE what is “in” or “on trend” – wear what looks good on you!

Everywoman, regardless of size eventually realizes that what’s important is to create her own style. Ignore the trends and invest in pieces that compliment you.

For me, my winter style always incorporates a variety of boots and well fitting denim, mixed with jackets, layered tops, and fabulous accessories!

Create a style all of your own – and stick to it! Don’t be distracted by cheap specials or trends…. unless of course they are made for your curves.

Most women find they wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time. If this is you, it’s time to benefit from a Wardrobe Revamp for some inspiration. You should ALWAYS shop in your own wardrobe first, before investing in new pieces. A simple two hours will change not only your wardrobe, but your appearance and spending!

The first step is to pack up your summer garments and store them away. This will create space in your wardrobe space and make it easier to identify your pieces.

Spend some time trying on the contents of your wardrobe, mix and match, create piles of “yes”, “no” and “to be altered” and coordinate with accessories and shoes. Once completed, you should be able to identify a “gap list” of items to shop for. Invite a trusted friend to help you and make an afternoon of it. This process should be fun and inspiring.

I’ve put together some tips to consider when making the most of your curvy wardrobe:

ü Identify your “look” and avoid pieces that don’t fit your image

ü Do your research on what stores welcome plus-size figures and stock lots of options AND are willing to ensure a good fit

ü Don’t rush, often THE item you’re looking for is the one that doesn’t look the best on the hanger!!!

ü Look for a cut that flatters your body shape

ü Corsets work for most body shapes and are so versatile – try your corset over a white business shirt and team it with black pants and dazzling heals, for a great evening look!

ü Your goal is always to find something that makes YOU feel fantastic and confident!

ü In winter, be careful to avoid fabrics that add bulk

ü Black is always great, but don’t be scared to be bold in colour

ü Look for those signature pieces that set you apart from the rest!

ü Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise! Especially if you are prone to wearing a lot of black, add some bling to jazz it up a bit or a coloured bag to break it up

ü Remember when choosing a handbag to go with your outfit, the bigger your bag, the more flattering to your curves

Mission accomplished, a tidy, reworked wardrobe creates a polished finish and makes the MOST of who you are TODAY!

Got your “gap list” but don’t know where to shop?… book a Just YOU personal shopping tour today!

Love your shape!

Janine x

Over the weekend my family and I spent some time at our local beach, the weather was divine. This weather can send us for cover or can encourage us to flaunt our curves - I picked up my Saturday Herald Sun and found a timely double-page spread on "The Perfect Bathers For You" and I was thrilled to see the articule and images covered ALL shapes of women.

Don't cover up, know your body shape and maximise the impact - we are all beautiful creatures who deserve the best! Make the MOST of who you are TODAY!

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ESSENTIAL BEAUTY & STYLE TIPS

These tips are gifted to us from our Make-up/Skincare Guru Julie St Clair from Style & Grace

Skincare For Your Face