Style Angel

10 Most Important Things to Look for When You Shop - Part 2

I hope you got stuck into your wardrobe after reading

 

Part 1 of the 10 Most Important Things to Look for When You Shop.

 

 

Part 2 of the 10 Most Important Things to Look for When You Shop is focussed on your body shape so you know what styles look great on you and what you should avoid.

 

Below you will find a short video where I take you through in detail how to measure your body shape as well as an easy to use body shape calculator with links straight through to your body shape recommendations.

 

If you already know your body shape because you have recently had a Style Session with me then please click on the image of your body shape a bit further down in this article. It happens regularly that I measure women who are on the cusp of two body shapes and you could be in the same situation. When you feel your shape has gone through changes, simply do the measurements again to confirm that you are still working your shape to the max!

Discover your Body Shape

Research shows that 91% of women are not happy with their body shape.

Rest assured there is no right or wrong body shape! Every body shape has its great parts and its challenges.

You are well and truly on your way to learn everything you need to know to make great choices for your shape.

When you know your body shape, it will give you clarity and you might say a few “Oh, that’s why ...” but the most important thing is to focus on what styles work for your shape.

You can take the ideal styles for your shape and compare them to what you currently have in your wardrobe.

You will need a tape measure and a pen to write down your measurements. If you don’t have a tape measure, simply cut a piece of string long enough to measure around your hips and grab a ruler.

Here is a quick video and then I suggest you follow the prompts below.

 

3 Easy Steps to Measure Your Body Shape

STEP 1 - YOUR BUST  With a tape measure, measure yourself from your back around the fullest part of your bust, over the nipple line, with your bra on. Write down this measurement.

STEP 2 - YOUR WAIST Hold your legs still and move your upper body. Put your index finger on the pivoting point in your waist where your upper body pivots on your lower body. This is the position of your waist! Measure around your waist with the tape measure. Write down the number.

STEP 3 - YOUR HIPS With a tape measure, measure yourself around the fullest part of your bottom. Write down this measurement. 

Now simply put in the measurements in the form below and you will see your correct body shape appear once you have typed your last measurement. You can simply click on the body shape that appears to discover all the best styles, and the do's and don'ts for your shape!

Your Body Shape

If you already know your body shape from a previous Style Session then simply click on the image of your body shape to discover all the best styles, and the do's and don'ts for your shape!

 

Will Your Body Shape Change?

You may ask yourself, will my body shape change?

YES, there is a possibility, and here is why:

When you have had children and/or you are going through Menopause you will find that your waist thickens a lot, your stomach is not as flat and female curves may appear on your back (also called back fat but we think female curves sounds much nicer!).

You might also increase in cup size and even the band size.

You may not know that when going through Menopause, your vertebrae collapses slowly and your internal organs get pushed into slightly different positions towards the front.

Your metabolism also slows significantly so the extra flesh around the waist is not always a sign of over indulgence but nature’s way of distributing all your organs.

In my experience, the women who are the closest to another body shape naturally are the ones most likely to change body shape as they get older.

I will give you an example here: Style Angel client Tracey’s body shape measurements are: BUST: 93 WAIST: 85 HIPS: 100.5

Tracey’s bust is only 7.5 cm smaller than her hips, which lands her in the PEAR shape category.

It will depend on Tracey’s changes in her body as she gets through menopause to see if her shape will remain in the PEAR shape category or if she moves to RECTANGLE.

It happens regularly that I measure women who are on the cusp, so you could be in the same situation. When you feel your shape has gone through changes, simply do the measurements again to confirm that you are still working your shape to the max!

Style Session with Style Angel, Angela Barbagallo

If all the above seems way too hard and you feel you would like my help to select the right pieces for your body shape, it would be an honour to look after you.

I have 2 Style Sessions available:

1. Style Session where we select styles from all your favorite stores at your preferred shopping destination in Sydney. Click here to find out more.
2. Style Consultation at Diana Ferrari. You will have 90 minutes with me at your favorite Diana Ferrari store. These sessions are available at all Diana Ferrari concept stores located in Burwood, Castle Towers, Chatswood, EastGardens, Erina , Hornsby, MacArthur Square, Macquarie, Miranda, Kotara, Penrith and Warringah Mall shopping centres.  Click here to find out more. 

If you liked this article, You will love this FREE eBook!

About Personal Stylist, Angela Barbagallo

Angela Barbagallo is one of the brightest minds in personal styling and confidence coaching today.

Angela has educated her many clients in making great style choices, which translates into increased feelings of well-being and a positive attitude in life.

Angela is a body shape and colour expert and a best selling author on Amazon of two style books “8 Ways to Look Fabulous, Taller and Slimmer” and “The Real Woman’s Guide to Hair”.

Angela is the NSW Independent Style Consultant for Diana Ferrari since 2011 as part of their Fusion Reward Program.

Angela also collaborates with Corporate Clients such as Bank of America, Jetstar and Bupa with her “Dress for Success” program.

Follow Angela Barbagallo’s blog posts: http://styleangel.com/blog/

Join the 21 Day Style Challenge: http://styleangel.com/stylechallenge/

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Purchase Angela Barbagallo’s Books: https://amazon.com/author/styleangel

10 Most Important Things to Look for When You Shop – Part 1

Shopping for yourself is NOT a skill, a gene you inherit or a special gift available only to a selected few. On the contrary, it is a simple checklist and a focus and a determination to only ever buy things you love 100%. Yes, you can take a deep breath, roll your stress-shoulders and say goodbye to aimless wandering at your local Westfield.

 Over the next few weeks, I will share with you all my personal styling techniques I use so you can enjoy building a great wardrobe that you love. 

 First things first, we start with the basics. 

 Knowing what is in your wardrobe is a must before you add more. 

 Cleaning out your wardrobe regularly, or at least every 6 months, will get you to a great position to build a fabulous wardrobe, where you love every item. Only having in your wardrobe what you absolutely love is such a powerful place to be in! Any casual, work or party occasion covered, showing up with confidence. I am getting excited here for you!

 You will find gaps in your wardrobe and I suggest you start a list in the notes section of your mobile phone so you are prepared.

 Be honest, how much do you love what is in your wardrobe right now?

 Statistics say that most women ONLY love and wear 20% of the clothes in their wardrobe all the time! 

Allow me make a small calculation for you, you may be surprised how much money is tied up in your clothes that could have had many other purposes.

 On average you probably have at least 100 items in total in your wardrobe with an average price tag of $75 per garment.

100 Garments x 20% = 20 items that get most of the wear

80 items you don’t often/never wear x $75 per item = $6,000

You may be even have more than 80 items you never wear and perhaps a higher than $75 average price tag.  

You can do the sums and change the final figure but the message is clear: aimlessly shopping could possible cost you a lot of money.

Now we have got real, it is time for you to work out what works, what does not and what is missing in your wardrobe .  

I like to sort things out per type of garments i.e assess all your pants first then all your skirts and dresses. Then move on to tops, jackets, jumpers and vests. Jewellery, scarfs, belts, hosiery, shoes and handbags are next.

It is at this sorting stage that you will find renewed excitement for certain clothes.  Have your gap list ready to write down items that you feel are missing. Up to you what method works best: a paper list or use your notes section in your mobile phone or take pictures or items that need matching in great light for true reflection of colour.

Perhaps you are recycling your favorite top as it is falling apart or full of un-washable food stains. Add this on your list so you can look for a replacement.   

The clothes you love and that tick all the boxes are the keepers and go straight back in the wardrobe.

You will notice your comfort zone of styles and looks that you enjoy wearing. What is missing from the keepers section? Is there a scarf or jacket that could perhaps breathe new life into the look. Perhaps there is a favorite colour that you choose all the time and it is time to branch out. Keep adding your thoughts to your notes. 

You will have a pile for clothes that need washing, dry cleaning or alteration. I suggest that you only do this for items that you love 100%, otherwise it is not worth your time or money.

The rest of the items are ready to be put in garbage bags for the charity bin or you may like to give to them to someone.

Your efforts will pay off. Visualise just how amazing it feels to open clean and tidy drawers, a neat and organised wardrobe with all your favorites, a gorgeous accessory selection, beautiful scarves and all your favorite shoes neatly in place.

It is great to get into the habit of a quick rearrange of your wardrobe every three weeks. Sort all items in the right places. With the seasons changing swap seasonal items. This takes only 5 to 10 minutes and will give you inspiration for your week to come. 

Wardrobe Styling with Angela

If all the above seems way too hard and you feel you need my help to get some serious clearing and mixing and matching happening then a wardrobe styling is so powerful! 

I will document what you have in your wardrobe, create visual mix and match combinations that will inspire you plus give you tips on where you can find the gaps in your wardrobe. 

$199 for 2 hours is money well-spent and you will save hundreds of dollars by adding things you need instead of things you don’t need!

Sue from the Blue Mountains emailed me the day after her Wardrobe Styling:

“Well today I had a big day out and what a delight to open my wardrobe this morning to find clothes organised and waiting to be worn. I had fun choosing my outfit today and I am feeling revived and glamorous.

I don’t know how to thank you enough for yesterday. I could not believe the time you spent with me, going through my clothes in the wardrobe and for the tips in the style, cut and colours. I wish I knew you a long time ago. I felt quite liberated afterwards. Thank you again Angela. You are an ‘angel’!”

  BOOK NOW 

Shopping for yourself is NOT a skill, a gene you inherit or a special gift available only to a selected few. On the contrary, it is a simple checklist and a focus and a determination to only ever buy things you love 100%. Yes, you can take a deep breath, roll your stress-shoulders and say goodbye to aimless wandering at your local Westfield.

Over the next few weeks, I will share with you all my personal styling techniques I use so you can enjoy building a great wardrobe that you love.

First things first, we start with the basics.

Knowing what is in your wardrobe is a must before you add more.

Cleaning out your wardrobe regularly, or at least every 6 months, will get you to a great position to build a fabulous wardrobe, where you love every item. Only having in your wardrobe what you absolutely love is such a powerful place to be in! Any casual, work or party occasion covered, showing up with confidence. I am getting excited here for you!

You will find gaps in your wardrobe and I suggest you start a list in the notes section of your mobile phone so you are prepared.

Be honest, how much do you love what is in your wardrobe right now?

Statistics say that most women ONLY love and wear 20% of the clothes in their wardrobe all the time!

Allow me make a small calculation for you, you may be surprised how much money is tied up in your clothes that could have had many other purposes.

On average you probably have at least 100 items in total in your wardrobe with an average price tag of $75 per garment.

100 Garments x 20% = 20 items that get most of the wear

80 items you don’t often/never wear x $75 per item = $6,000

You may be even have more than 80 items you never wear and perhaps a higher than $75 average price tag.

You can do the sums and change the final figure but the message is clear: aimlessly shopping could possible cost you a lot of money.

What is Missing In Your Wardrobe?

Now we have got real, it is time for you to work out what works, what does not and what is missing in your wardrobe .

I like to sort things out per type of garments i.e assess all your pants first then all your skirts and dresses. Then move on to tops, jackets, jumpers and vests. Jewellery, scarfs, belts, hosiery, shoes and handbags are next.

It is at this sorting stage that you will find renewed excitement for certain clothes. Have your gap list ready to write down items that you feel are missing. Up to you what method works best: a paper list or use your notes section in your mobile phone or take pictures or items that need matching in great light for true reflection of colour.

Perhaps you are recycling your favorite top as it is falling apart or full of un-washable food stains. Add this on your list so you can look for a replacement.

The clothes you love and that tick all the boxes are the keepers and go straight back in the wardrobe.

You will notice your comfort zone of styles and looks that you enjoy wearing. What is missing from the keepers section? Is there a scarf or jacket that could perhaps breathe new life into the look. Perhaps there is a favorite colour that you choose all the time and it is time to branch out. Keep adding your thoughts to your notes.

You will have a pile for clothes that need washing, dry cleaning or alteration. I suggest that you only do this for items that you love 100%, otherwise it is not worth your time or money.

The rest of the items are ready to be put in garbage bags for the charity bin or you may like to give to them to someone.

Your efforts will pay off. Visualise just how amazing it feels to open clean and tidy drawers, a neat and organised wardrobe with all your favorites, a gorgeous accessory selection, beautiful scarves and all your favorite shoes neatly in place.

It is great to get into the habit of a quick rearrange of your wardrobe every three weeks. Sort all items in the right places. With the seasons changing swap seasonal items. This takes only 5 to 10 minutes and will give you inspiration for your week to come.

Wardrobe Styling with Angela

If all the above seems way too hard and you feel you need my help to get some serious clearing and mixing and matching happening then a wardrobe styling is so powerful!

I will document what you have in your wardrobe, create visual mix and match combinations that will inspire you plus give you tips on where you can find the gaps in your wardrobe.

$199 for 2 hours is money well-spent and you will save hundreds of dollars by adding things you need instead of things you don’t need!

Sue from the Blue Mountains emailed me the day after her Wardrobe Styling:

“Well today I had a big day out and what a delight to open my wardrobe this morning to find clothes organised and waiting to be worn. I had fun choosing my outfit today and I am feeling revived and glamorous.

I don’t know how to thank you enough for yesterday. I could not believe the time you spent with me, going through my clothes in the wardrobe and for the tips in the style, cut and colours. I wish I knew you a long time ago. I felt quite liberated afterwards. Thank you again Angela. You are an ‘angel’!”

Style Angel Favorite Websites to check out!

www.witchery.com.au - I love their tops, jackets, shoes and cardigans!

 

www.justjeans.com.au - For your favorite jeans and tops!

 

www.victoriassecrets.com - For great bargains on bikini's (great discounts because we run opposite seasons) and of course their super sexy underwear!

 

www.miijo.com - For great bags, accessories and US labels by 

Kim Kardashian and Nicole Ritchie. Just bought a great bag for $59 by a label called Thursday/Friday with the Hermes Kelly bag image.

 

http://birdsnest.com.au - Great for labels like Esprit, Ladakh, Bonds, Mavi, Levi's and more.

 

www.brandsexclusive.com.au - Fantastic bargains with labels for sunglasses, kids clothing, linen, accessories and clothes.

 

www.cudo.com.au - Awesome bargains for haircuts, hotel stays, restaurants. Great to sign up for their daily newsletters to get notified of the bargains.

 

www.net-a-porter.com - If designer pieces are in your budget then this the site to visit!! The pieces come beautifully wrapped and boxed!

 

www.ezibuy.com.au - Great for all ages and body shapes and fantastic return policy.

 

www.bluefly.com - LOVE this site, great images and awesome for tops, mens clothes and accessories!

 

www.target.com.au - Target only recently started online trading for baby and kids stuff. Can't wait for the adults and teenage items to come online.

 

www.topshop.com - What a fashion icon for years! One of the most popular brands worldwide. Free worldwide shipping for orders over 75 pounds.

How to ask for a Discount!


Personal Shopping is one of my favorite Experiences in my "bag" of Personal Styling Consultations. I have done so many of them and the buzz is still the same. I literally forget everything around me and I am 100% focused on finding my client outfits and accessories that they love and that look great on them. My results are great and my clients are amazed!
I have really noticed that from last year, retailers are far more ready and willing to look after their clientele and really want your business! Below a few pointers how to ask (and get) for a discount.
 
Here are some tips:
    1.    You will be more successful if you buy a few pieces in one shopping session. The more you spend the more likely you are to get a discount between 10-15%.
    2.    Don't be afraid to ask for a discount in Major Department Stores like Myer or David Jones. The trick is to get a Manager employed by the Department Store and not an employee from a concession store as they don't have the authority to apply the discount.
    3.    If you have to wait for the right person, do it, the more set you are on getting a % off your purchases the more likely you are to get one.
    4.    Sign up for Loyalty or VIP programs. I know that JacquiE gives you 15% off your purchases on the spot when you sign up for their VIP program.
    5.    Check Westfield stores for promotions as they often give you a Gift Card when you spend over a certain amount. (Myer and DJ's excluded so if you can buy the same thing at another store why not be smart about it!)
If you struggle at the shops and you literally walk out with nothing in complete overwhelm, it would be worth your while looking into booking a Personal Shopping Experience! You will learn so much on how to find the right things and what brands suit you and how to pick those pieces that just work for you! Contact me if you would like to know more!

Angela Barbagallo, Fashion Stylist, CEO of Style Angel and Independent Arbonne Consultant
1 Bracken Close Engadine NSW 2233  0407 032 531  02 9520 9940   email: [email protected]        
          http://www.styleangel.myprivatestylist.com/    http://www.styleangel.myprofessionalstylist.com/
        www.styleangel.com             http://beautybystyleangel.myarbonne.com.au

Become size blind

BECOME SIZE BLIND: The important thing is to select the garment that fits you best & ignore the number on the tag.

Fabulous Uttam dresses on http://www.yumidirect.com.au/

I absolutely love this brand, it's unusual designs where it takes the basic item and transforms them into something different and fun.

Girls check out these gorgeous coats! http://www.yumidirect.com.au/

 

Pantyhose without the "Muffin Top" effect!!

Do you get really annoyed with your tights or panty hose that leave you with marks in your stomach and make you feel uncomfortable?

Then Check out Fab Fit! I have tried them and they are super comfortable, smooth your tummy out and don't leave horrible lines every where.

They are the darkest opaques I have tried and I love that!

This is what Fab Fit say about their line of hosiery.....

Fab Fit are designed with comfort and style in mind.  They sit up under the bust line and therefore avoid the "muffin top" effect that many pantyhose create.  This creates a smooth silhouette under any outfit.  Also, because they have a soft yoga pant style waistband they are very comfortable and do not cut into the body.  You can wear them all day without that feeling of being constricted.
They are currently only available by phone: 1300 736 077.  Two pairs of Fabfit Pantyhose are $39.95 (plus P&H) - one to wear and one in the wash!
They are 100 denier black opaque and are made in Australia.

 

The Gorgeous Rozlyne Vidal and Linda Warlond and I did a fabulous make over day for 6 great Clearasil competition winners such as Emma Spiteri and Laura Michell. Check our this cool little clip!

http://www.facebook.com/l/326bc5z9Bxx3Q_3azLzyJYnsFTw/www.secretsoflookingawesome.com.au/Body-Care/20110627-A-Listers.html

Check out this awesome Vintage Top on www.yumidirect.com.au

Absolutely gorgeous things from UK label Yumi. I wear their clothes all the time and I get lots of compliments.

The designs are different, original and colourful! http://yumidirect.com.au/

K1538 Yumi London vintage print top RRP $65

 

 

Newsletter by Angela Barbagallo
Fashion Stylist and Independent Arbonne Consultant
NSW Style Consultant for Diana Ferrari
1 Bracken Close Engadine NSW 2233 Australia
02 9520 9940     0407 0320 531

[email protected]    www.styleangel.com
http://beautybystyleangel.myarbonne.com.au/
http://styleangel.typepad.com
 
http://www.styleangel.myprivatestylist.com/
http://www.styleangel.myprofessionalstylist.com/
http://www.styleangel.menofstyle.com/