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look great, feel confident, be yourself
PAULINE BISHOP
award winning colour me beautiful personal stylist
Add a spring to your step and breathe new life into your wardrobe - make use of the season's key trends to update the clothes and accessories that you already have, so you look and feel fabulous. One or two pieces will update your wardrobe, and if you get the colour and style right, will give you value for money in years to come.
There seems to be nothing new under the sun, so if you are looking for an item, start with preloved sites, charity shops and your own wardrobe. You can be budget-conscious and age-appropriate, and reduce your carbon footprint, but still have fun with your clothes, make the most of your wardrobe, and even more importantly, make the most of who you are - look great, feel confident, be yourself.

Read on for the latest style news, or email me to receive the newsletter straight to your inbox.

here is the news for January ...

The new year is a great time to set intentions for fresh and fabulous style every day. That doesn't mean looking photo-ready or expensive, but simply expressing the best version of who you are through what you wear.
In this newsletter, you’ll find six easy and enjoyable style resolutions that will help you feel more confident, colourful, and effortlessly put-together in 2025.

1. invest in high quality neutral basics

WHY IT MATTERS
Neutrals serve as the foundation for any stylish wardrobe, and selecting the right shades is key. Choose carefully because neutrals have an important role in your wardrobe, enabling you to make more outfits with fewer clothes. Depending on your personality, neutrals may well make up at least half of your clothing, so make sure that the shades you choose are flattering, whether they’re navy, taupe, camel, grey, soft white, or anything else.
ACTION: review your wardrobe and identify gaps in high quality basics. 
Invest in one or two well-made pieces (such as a timeless coat, or skirt or trousers) in your best neutrals. If you are not sure how to audit your wardrobe, get in touch with me for help. Buy well, and you will only buy once, without mistakes that you don't wear.
MY TIP: consider your body shape and choose items that flatter.
A curvy body may look better with some waist definition and fluidity to the fabric, whilst a straight body shape should adopt a simple, uncluttered look in crisper fabrics.  If you want to find out about your shape, scale, proportion, and the best lines and styles for you, see below for the new style service coming soon.

2. be more adventurous

WHY IT MATTERS
Prints and patterns can be transformative, adding character and depth to an outfit (but they need to align with your colour palette and style personality). Adding a trending print to your wardrobe will keep you relevant and modern, without reinventing yourself each season.

ACTION: introduce one patterned piece into your wardrobe that reflects your personality and aligns with your colour palette.

MY TIP: pair the patterned item with a solid piece in your outfit, within your colour palette; this will balance the look and make it feel cohesive.

3. rock the colour block

WHY IT MATTERS
It's a fun and modern way to dress, and can make your outfit stand out without complicated styling.

ACTION:  use two colours that harmonise within your  palette. For example, a Cool could could pair two contrasting colours such as royal blue and rose pink; a Warm could try earthy, complementary tones like warm red and chocolate.

MY TIP: if you haven't tried this, keep at least one of your colours neutral to ease into the look. Also consider levels of contrast: a tonal look harmonises with softer features, while a strong contrast balances more contrasting colouring.

4. embrace accessory power

WHY IT MATTERS
Accessories are a fast way to elevate any outfit, allowing you to express your personal style without a full wardrobe overhaul.

ACTION: wear at least one accessory every day — whether it's a statement necklace, a fun pair of shoes, or a colourful scarf. These small additions can turn a simple outfit into something special
MY TIP: play into your style personality. If you love minimalist outfits, try layering delicate jewellery, or if you lean toward a more bohemian style, go for chunky, layered necklaces. You will be surprised just how few accessories you need to make a big difference to your wardrobe.

5. prioritise comfort

WHY IT MATTERS
Comfort is key to feeling confident and relaxed in your clothing. Incorporating comfortable yet stylish pieces can ensure that you look good and feel good all day long. Not only that, you’re far more likely to reach for these pieces. This Chinti and Parker loungewear set can easily be dressed up with a smart coat or jacket and accessories.  

ACTION: invest in some clothing items that combine style with comfort, such as soft knit sweaters, wide-leg trousers (if flattering), or comfortable shoes or trainers that complement your outfits without sacrificing ease of wear.

MY TIP: look for natural fabrics that breathe and stretch, such as cotton blends, wool, or jersey. Choose cuts that flatter your body shape and allow movement.

6. master the art of layering

WHY IT MATTERS
Layering is a game-changer for both style and practicality, particularly in colder months. And don’t worry, done correctly, it won’t make you look bigger than you really are.  

Layering is an easy way to add another dimension to your outfits, play with colour and proportions, and ensure you're prepared for varying temperatures throughout the day. Sweat catcher tops are not only practical (does what it says) but also allow you to wear jumpers for longer between washes.
ACTION: try new ways of layering — whether it's adding a jumper over a dress, a jacket over a cardigan, or a scarf over a blouse. Don't be afraid to mix textures and materials for extra visual interest.

MY TIP: make sure the pieces underneath fit well so they don’t bunch up or create bulk. Brands such as Me&Em stock dedicated layering tops with details at the cuff, hem and neckline. Choose one statement layer (such as a jacket) and keep the others simple

style every day

All of the above 'resolutions' are covered in a style consultation, which is about knowing what works for you and how to put it together - it's the difference between being dressed (it'll have to do, meh!), and styled so you look and feel like you, even if that's jeans and flats.

I have been offering this for years, but I thought it needed an update to add some things I see as really essential for easy and confident dressing every day: a visual guide to how to put together an outfit so that it works for you, and help with editing your wardrobe to give you more outfits with fewer clothes.

The style consultation includes:
LIFESTYLE considerations
SHAPE: balance shoulders/hips, height, scale, proportions, curves and straight lines, fabrics, clothing styles, clothing details
BUILDING OUTFITS: looking styled every day, rather than thrown together
EDIT YOUR WARDROBE: more outfits, fewer clothes, but it all works on you

Before it goes live at full cost, I want to run it through a few times to iron out glitches, so this is a great bargain opportunity if you have been thinking that you need to build more on your colour knowledge. The current cost of a style consultation is £175. Get in touch quickly if you would like to book one of the trial sessions for £95
email [email protected]

Please note, to take advantage of this, you must have had colour analysis or a colour update with me.

fabulous in february

Yes, I know it's only January (and that seems a step too far in itself), but I will be away a lot this month, so I am waiting until February to launch a series of new services, from minimal updates to a full-on full image overhaul. Until then, this is a great time of year to go through your wardrobe and make the easy decisions about what does and doesn't belong.
The ideal is to have fewer clothes (of good quality) but be able to make more outfits that suit your colouring, shape, personality and lifestyle. However, to start creating some space in which to think about what goes with what, there are some easier steps. Follow this simple declutter, and in February I will be back to you with the next steps.
DON'T LIKE IT - sell, donate or swap
NEEDS MENDING - what are you waiting for?
OUTSIDE  COLOUR PALETTE - most things can be made to work when you go back to the guidance from your colour analysis. Get in touch if you need some clarification or an update.
WORN OUT - reuse or recycle the fabric
DOESN'T FIT - if it's never going to fit, sell or donate or swap; if it might fit in the future (be realistic), store it where you can't see it, otherwise it will just add confusion when you are putting together outfits.

get the news

you can get the news straight to your email inbox each month - email me to ask to be added to my list
[email protected]

don't keep it to yourself!

Have you had a colour consultation? If you have, you will know how revolutionary and confidence-building wearing what suits you can be (although if your colouring has changed at all, think about an update if what you are wearing looks 'off').

Please do email me some feedback (especially if I can use it on my social media - there is no better advert)

Make sure you tell a friend too. They can book a free 15 minute drop in (or phone call) to ask questions and explore what they need.

reduce, rewear, repair, resell, recycle

Most of us wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. That's a lot of clothing doing nothing. Meanwhile, the UK is the most wasteful nation, buying more clothes than anyone else, and throwing away more as well. It is estimated that 11 million garments go into landfill every week, and while we are recycling more, the places that receive our recycling are getting so much stuff, that they are now putting it in landfill.  Yes, we should also shop ethically, ensuring we are not supporting exploitation, and giving thought to sustainable fabrics. But perhaps we should also buy less in the first place. The fashion industry (and not just fast fashion) is a major contributor to greenhouse gases, and it won't do you any lasting favours either - just furnish a wardrobe of clothes you don't wear.
I can help you translate this season's key trends into your wardrobe in a way that makes you look and feel fabulous. One or two pieces will update your wardrobe, and if you get the colour and style right, will give you value for money in years to come.

buy well, buy once, buy less
your bank balance will be happier, as will the planet.
for more information, or to book contact PAULINE BISHOP
telephone 07557 439317   email [email protected]

payment by credit or debit card, or direct bank transfer