Tuesday 29 December 2009

The September Issue

I love the lazy days between Christmas and New Year, it allows for reflection of the year just gone, and changes that are going to be made for the year ahead. As well as lots of TV viewing. After receiving the DVD The September Issue for Christmas from a fabulous friend of mine, I alongside another fabulous friend of mine, sat down to watch what can only be described as ‘the real devil wears Prada’. Basically the films synopsis is the making of Vogue, and fashion being a religion, therefore the DVD is your bible!

The film takes you behind the trademark bob and huge sunglasses. It is a revealing look into the inner workings and glamour of the fashion industry, as they prepare the biggest ever issue of the magazine.

It's really no surprise to me seeing how much work was put into this particular issue. Neither was it a shock to see Anna Wintour's "human side" because in my opinion, people are people, no matter how stoic or "icy" they are. She actually seems quite nice, although if asked to ever speak to her, I think I would faint!

The big revelation I had from watching The September Issue is the amazing talent that is Grace Coddington. I had no knowledge of her whatsoever until I saw the film. Bare-faced with unruly hair and wearing the most functional workwear, she is not what I expected a Vogue creative director to look like at all, however in my opinion Vogue, would not be Vogue without her.

Here are some of the editorials featured in the documentary; texture, colorblock, 20's and Sienna. (see below)

I am so annoyed that I never brought Vogue’s September issue, time to go look for it on eBay.

Friday 18 December 2009

CHRISTMAS '09 NEWSLETTER

It's snowing, which makes it official; It's Christmas!

Smiley faces, red noses and bustling high streets, a few more mince pies, Sherries and extra duck fat on the turkey are very much justified, before a fresh new start in 2010. A fresh start into the next decade posses the fact of 'resolutions', which by fact and experience is something that will undoubtable be broken by the end of the first week in January. So if like me you are sick of setting yourself unrealistic new year resolutions this year be kind to yourself and your conscience, and make a resolutions you can commit to.

Here are a few pointers from KemiStyle- Image Consultant:

1) The first and hardest one would be... 'Thou shall not spend in pointless sales'... Spending resolutions are hard to stick to once you've seen a bargain. For example, that red jacket is tempting; you like the way it looks and feels, but do you really need yet another piece of outerwear when you have one in blue, black and grey? And is red really a colour that will compliment your colouring anyway?
You know already that in an attempt to relieve boxing day boredom, you will find yourself fighting your way down the high street, being sucked in by bargains galore and raiding the sale rail. But how can you control your frivolous spending?

KemiStyle suggests investing in staple garments that will carry you through to next season. So, keep your eyes peeled for these classics, to ensure that you leave the shop with 2 bags, instead of 10:

FOR MEN:

A classic tapered white shirt, which is timeless when cut to perfection. I love Reiss, for shirts.

A deluxe velvet jacket, instantly spices up a mundane pair of jeans and shirt. Gant, is the ideal shop to buy your jacket.

Brown brogues, are a staple in any trendy man's shoe collection, Poste have them in all different shades and styles.

A good quality V neck jumper, is a purchase you can not go wrong with, especially if brought from John Smedley.

Last but by no means least, a well cut suit, from the likes of Hugo Boss, is a must for any savvy professional.


FOR LADIES:

If you do not own a LBD, now is the time to buy one, ensure the cut is classic and therefore timeless, so even in 3 years time you can wear it. I would suggest Coast.

A trench coat, is trendy and can be brought out at any season. Zara have great sassy and sexy style trenches.

Denim jeans, find a pair that fit your shape perfectly and you can not go wrong. Different brands for different shapes and sizes ladies. I personally find Nelly's brand suit my shape fantastically.

Comfortable, but stylist boots that work with any outfit. Aldo have a great array of styles and colours.

A big bright coloured leather bag, Mulberry bags are fabulous!


2) Try and cut down on your use of fast fashion. It may be convenient buying the same cheap top in 5 colours, but if they only last one wash, and then end up in the bin, where's the saving? Repeat after me....less quantity, more quality.

3) Be good to your body and pay it compliments. Look your absolute best by only wearing styles that suit you and make the most of your good assets.

4) If you really want to change old habits, have me edit your wardrobe so that you can start with a clean sheet in the new decade!


Finally, have a bloody good Christmas and New Year, and I look forward to seeing you next year, which, by the way, is set to be an exciting one! x

Friday 11 December 2009

HARRODS MEN

Yesterday evening, I was invited to the Harrods launch party of there new revamped menswear department. It was decorated lavishly with marble, polished wood and leather, the refurbished area resembles a modern gentleman’s club. I was suprised we were allowed to walk around with our drinks, Lord knows if I had spilt any, I would have had to pay for the damages :-S

Designers from around the world have recognised the importance of the event by providing items to be sold exclusively within the department. From Yves Saint Laurent, who have reworked their logo into a Union Jack style for a limited edition T-shirt, to Burberry, whose creative director Christopher Bailey has hand-signed a number of the label's signature trenchcoats. There's also a new Prada bag and an exclusive Balenciaga bomber jacket in the offing - rare pieces that are sure to become collector's items. Beloved British designer Paul Smith even flew a customised Mini onto the Harrods helipad, to create a one-off image which he has used on a range of bags and wallets. The new department will no doubt become an “international destination for menswear”.

Monday 7 December 2009

SHOPPING WITHOUT SPENDING A PENNY!

NO, I did not rob a shop, or steal some items of clothing. I went to a fashion exchange in aid of Macmillan cancer support or credit crunch chic, as I like to call it!

We all love fabulous new clothes, but are less keen on the unfortunate side effects.....our pockets. It's not our fault our bank managers don't understand the importance of shiny new shoes.

The fashion exchange is shopping without these hangovers. So this afternoon,along I went with clean, presentable good quality clothes that I no longer wear, or indeed have never even taken the tag off to wear, and swapped them for a few great steals. I came home with a large bag which inside included 3 dresses, a top, a cardigan and a pair of boots.

So from my experience, this is how it works:

- Have a rummage through your wardrobe, to find some quality garments that you no longer wear.

- Take your clothes to the event, and exchange your garments for fashion exchange tokens.

- Spend some time browsing the rails to see what there is on offer.

- As soon as the bell rings to declare the exchange as open, you may choose the same amount of items you brought in to exchange.

- Remember no scratching, fighting or hair pulling!!! (This is not an episode of Friends, where Monica went wild at the discounted bridal store lol)

I would highly recommend this form of shopping, find out where and when your local fashion exchange takes place.

Tuesday 1 December 2009

THE FINISHING TOUCH: A LA CARTE SOCIAL ETIQUETTE COURSE…

DAY ONE:

Rather apprehensive on my first day, I made sure I arrived well on time, as it was an etiquette course, showing up late would just be like showing up in joggers for an interview! Meeting the rest of the ladies was an upmost pleasure, they were all delightful, and the huge cultural diversity made for interesting conversation throughout the week.

The first module was one of my favourites throughout the course. International etiquette and general behaviour, we uncovered the nuances of British social codes, and international behaviour. I have now mastered the proper forms of introductions, greetings, saying goodbye and elocution. Interestingly, the key fact of this module is that religion is the prime indication of etiquette, which in fact makes a lot of sense.

The second module was the art of the table. Prior to this module I thought I had perfectly good table manners, however the multitude of things I learnt indicated otherwise. Table manners vary dependant on which country you are in. I now know how to distinguish table setting and manners from formal, protocol and informal settings. This module was the trickiest, and there was SO much to learn. Feel free to book a seminar or workshop with KemiStyle to find out all you need to know, when hosting or attending a dinner party.


DAY TWO:

This was a fun filled day! In the morning the ‘finishing touch’ girls visited Kensington Palace, former home of Diana, Princess of Wales. The Last Debutantes exhibition, was so good, it is a temporary exhibition exploring the glamorous and alluring world of the debutante. I now wish I was born in the 1940’s so that I could have had a ‘coming out’ party.(No not in that sense lol) The ‘coming out’ party was the London season, which would have suited me just fine, getting all dressed up, partying, fine dining, going to Royal Ascot and the Polo. However having to be escorted everywhere would have annoyed me, as those of you who know me, know I like my independence.

The 8 course meal was my favourite module of the course. We experienced a formal luncheon in The Milestone Hotel, where no detail was left unturned. I learnt the art of working from the outside in, just as Jack did in the Titanic. I can now pass the port properly, but please do not ask me to use a knife and fork to eat fruit; I was utterly appalling at this. I think in future I shall skip the 6th course!


DAY THREE:

The art of entertaining and being entertained. What not to say at dinner parties…..Politics, Religion and Money is a NO NO! I am known for being Miss organised, I love hosting parties (my 21st has been my best to date) this module was good, as it has given me the correct procedures to host any type of party in the future.

Poise and deportment, walking with a book on my head, was rather fun. To my surprise it did not fall off, must be due to my ballet classes when I was a young girl! We mastered walking in heels (although this is something I am used to, having worn heels for as long as I can remember) descending staircases, and getting in and out of a car with grace and elegance.


DAY FOUR:

Personal Image and society dress codes, was a module I thoroughly enjoyed, I had an advantage due to my profession, although you never stop learning, and I defiantly learnt a few things, for example the protocol difference between a black and white tie do.

In the afternoon on the last day, we indulged in afternoon tea, which is something I really enjoyed. I first experienced afternoon tea, for my 18th birthday, and I can’t get enough of it. I, likewise to Anna the 7th Duchess of Bedfordshire, find myself getting hungry between lunch and dinner. In 1840 she introduced the tradition of afternoon tea to be served between 3-5pm, traditionally a ladies only event, although in today’s society men can also enjoy the art of tea in all its forms: cream, light, high and royal tea. There is a whole rule of etiquette behind the notion of tea, which goes much further than the cute little monkey on PG tips!!



No matter who you are or what you do, your manners have a direct impact on your professional and social success, I have learnt SO much in my time on the ‘Finishing touch’ course. I feel very passionate about Image, and I am now developing this passion in decorum. The two compliment each other fantastically, I am now pleased to say I am an Image and Etiquette Consultant. If you wish to learn more, please contact me and I can create some bespoke programs that suit you and your company.

In the meantime in the words of my course tutor…..don’t forget to mind your manners!!

Monday 16 November 2009

PICTURE PERFECT

Lights, Camera, Action, and don't forget to smile! The Christmas partying season is fast approaching, within the next week, work Christmas parties shall be commencing. And while that brings fun, drinking and laughter, it also means a lot of Facebook pictures to "un-tag". (Probably taken by myself, as I take snappy happy to another level.....think of the memories, I say!) So get ready for all of the candid photos with a few KemiStyle tips for taking great picture, you'll never have to "un-tag" again!

1) Wearing an outfit you feel comfortable and sexy in, will automatically give you the confidence to smile!

2) Secondly to avoid that dreaded double chin (which even the slimmest of people can get, if they don't position their head probably) pull your head slightly forward and tilt your chin down ever so slightly.

3) When standing, try placing one leg in front of the other, turn your body at a 45 degree angle and place one hand on your hip to create a long lean line.

4) To make your arms appear slimmer, place your hands on your hips, on a bar counter or a friend to avoid having them hang at your sides.

5)Always remember to stand up straight (imagine a string pulling your spine up), shoulders back and relaxed, and gently suck in your stomach.

Finally always remember to breathe whilst having a photo taken, in order to be PICTURE PERFECT! (Beyonce, and Victoria have it down to a T, see pics below)

MANY THANKS

I am truly touched when people take the time out to congratulate me for a job well done. I would just like to share with my readers, some of the comments I have received recently.

'Kemi, was absolutely fantastic!! She made the whole experience enjoyable and I left with the perfect outfit., plus some extra bits. Her choices suited me down to the ground- right colour, right cut, right everything. Thank you so much. I will definitely be back Kemi!' Ms Taplin

'It was an education. Kemi was helpful and very inspirational as well as imaginative! I would definitely use your service again, and highly recommend you to others!' Ms Delliston

Thursday 12 November 2009

KEMISTYLE & THE COMMUNITY

KemiStyle, is a company that likes to give back to the community, corporate social responsibility is high up in the company’s ethos. So this morning I woke up at the crack of dawn, which was hard after a rather late night with my girlfreinds yesterday. Anyway so off I went, taking my bag of tricks and much needed coffee with me, to set up a lovely black and gold stall (KemiStyle’s company colours) for a local school’s Christmas fair. The morning was a great success, with some fantastic positive leads to follow up… (See picture of stall below)

Monday 9 November 2009

FURRR…. IT’S GETTING COLD!

I stepped out this weekend, in my aubergine coat that has seen me through the autumn months, but…..I was freezing. Now winter is officially here, and it is definitely getting colder, it’s time to say bye to the Mac and hello to something much warmer. The question is how to keep the chill out and remain glamorous? Nothing provides warmth better than fur! If your conscience won’t countenance it, I would definitely suggest faux or vintage fur. I am partial to a bit of feline fever, I own a little black fur number, however I feel its high time I own a long warm coat, to stop me catching my death this cold cold winter.

After searching the high street, I have narrowed it down to just one coat- this season Marks & Spencer’s, Per Una coat for only £89.50. The coat references the iconic decades of the 20th century. The Retro styling has given it a contemporary twist for the modern day. Next time you see me I shall undoubtedly be wearing it, as I can’t see this English weather getting any warmer. (See coat below)

Wednesday 4 November 2009

I'M (MENTALLY) HUNGRY....

A thirst for knowledge, is something I most definitely acquire. NO help to me being a Gemini then, where our constant curiosity and restlessness will inevitable result in CHANGE! As soon as I finished University in May of this year, I enrolled in a Make Up Artistry course, to which I completely successfully. I also have enrolled in a variety of free taster courses, which has definitely been food for thought.

Personal development, and investing in yourself, has always been strong on my to do list! You have to know yourself, to grow yourself and all. It is for that reason, that this afternoon I, wait for it......Yes enrolled in YET another course, in London. This course will feed my personal development, as well as KemiStyle's business prospects!

'The finishing touch' course, is an international social etiquette, dining etiquette, image and decorum course- presented by Europe's only internationally certified etiquette and protocol consultancy. I am privileged and so very happy and excited that KemiStyle will be attending such a fabulous course. Ladies and Gentlemen,fear not for those of you who wont be there, I shall blog every step of my (poised) way.....course journal will commence the 23rd November......so keep following people!!!

Tuesday 3 November 2009

REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE 5TH OF NOVEMBER

On Thursday it will be Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night here in the UK. Traditionally we all go and stand outside in the cold and the rain to watch an effigy of a man who was part of a plot to blow up the houses of Parliament over 400 years ago get burnt on a bonfire, and a grand display of fireworks.

Standing around in the cold and the rain presents a special challenge in the style stakes. (Not for me, as I will be warm and safely inside, embarrassing so, I am still afraid of fireworks). For those of you who dare bare this wet and cold festivity, heels are out, not practical for standing in muddy fields. Wellies are really the only sensible choice for those of you going to any kind of fireworks display.

I’d suggest, a waterproof coat (with a hood) and skinny jeans tucked into fabulous wellies,see below my favourite pair of wellies to make your Guy Fawkes go with a (stylish) bang!!

Sunday 1 November 2009

MUTTON DRESSED AS LAMB

One of the most common issues many women face is that as they get older they worry about dressing inappropriately for their age - the old "mutton dressed as lamb" issue.

Interestingly, what I've discovered this weekend with my clients, is that if that thought ever crosses their mind, it's NOT GOING TO HAPPEN and they can put the thought out of their mind.

I see way too many women looking frumpy and dowdy because they dress too old, to make sure they they're not dressing too young. Please, I implore you, don't do this either as it ages you.

So to ensure you don't look neither mutton nor lamb, avoid showing too much flesh, if there is a little cleavage make sure skirts and dresses reach to the top of the knee or longer, and then ladies your good to go....remember your only as old as you feel, and grow gracefully with your age!

Wednesday 28 October 2009

CHRISTMAS ANGEL

Christmas is a time for giving and thinking of others, but sometimes you’re so busy thinking about everyone else you find that you have nothing to wear for the Christmas party season. You’re so pressed for time and the shops are crowded with flustered Christmas shoppers, that the idea of going shopping fills you with dread. Cue the personal shopper, these Christmas angels will help you with finding the right dress for the office Christmas party and they may even do your Christmas shopping for you. To help you get your Christmas wardrobe all wrapped up, look no further than KemiStyle!

After a brief consultation I will accompany you on a shopping trip or if you’re really strapped for time, I can even help you edit your wardrobe you never know what you might find that you may have forgotten about. The result is – an organised wardrobe that will suite any Christmas party occasion.

Please see below for some WOW factor dresses for this party season.

Monday 26 October 2009

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF COLOUR!

Whilst personal shopping this weekend. I noticed a repetitive pattern occurring. All my appointments were afraid to wear and explore colour. Most of them continuously dressing in drab, dark colours. However, after my colourful powers of persuasion, ALL of my clients left with brightly coloured garments. A sure injection of colour for this cold winter season.....try it and see how you feel- positively glowing!

Monday 19 October 2009

A NIGHT OF AWARDS

Last weekend, KemiStyle attended the BEFFTA's and the AMA's, with nominee Pretty poet, for 'best spoken word' category.(Black, entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts and African music awards) The night was filled with ladies and gentlemen, looking glamorous and suave. (See pictures below)

It was a great opportunity for networking, and a fun filled night. KemiStyle will definitely be returning to next years event. With determination and focus, you never know, KemiStyle may even be up for a nomination next year. So let the hard work continue.....!!

Thursday 15 October 2009

THAT FLEECE BELONGS ON A SHEEP!

Joan Collins is on personal mission to revive style in Britain. She states 'that no one is born glamorous, but anyone can acquire glamour'. But what is the meaning of glamour? According to the Collins dictionary It is 'the power or quality of attracting'. I therefore feel that clothes are an important equation in relation to glamour, but ultimately it is about alluring beauty and charm.

On Tuesday evening Ms Joan Collins attempted on ITV to put a spell on the Great British public, in order to make them more glamorous. Three generations of the same family experienced a complete style make over, as Ms Collins endeavoured to convert them to her brand of elegance and style. Mission accomplished by the end of the programme, she had succeeded in her vision, as the Littlefair family looked groomed, gorgeous and glamorous....Hollywood style. Only three down, ?......to go. (Plenty of work for me then)

In my opinion old school Hollywood glamour, should make a come back. As the old saying goes 'If you look fabulous you will feel glamorous' So ladies and gents of Great Britain, make the best of yourselves!!

Monday 12 October 2009

DO I KNOW YOU...?

KemiStyle attended yet another business networking event today, which brought on the inspiration for this blog.

Have you ever attended a networking event, collected a bunch of business cards, and when you go through them the next day, you can't remember who many of them are? Or try to think of someone you met and had a conversation with, but you can't remember their name or their business to look them up?

Well, you certainly don't want to be one of those that other people can't remember, do you? It would just reinforce the fact that you are not fully utilising your 'Impression Management'.
Remember to be distinctive, and stand out from the crowd, in those all important 7 seconds.

I would recommend doing this by wearing a fabulous outfit, or even just a brightly-coloured tie, an unusual necklace or piece of other jewellery, or even just impeccable grooming. Anything that helps people separate you from the crowd. I'm not saying you have to be outlandish (although some people work that very well), just ensure you are the one person they can recognise, even when your shopping in Tesco!

Sunday 11 October 2009

IT'S NICE TO BE RECOGNISED

I would just like to share with you, some of the comments I received this week, for undergoing personal shopping trips:

- I had a great day, spent far too much money! But it was well worth it. Kemi you were great and really lovely. The clothes you found were amazing.

- Amazing afternoon, found lots of outfits, which I'd never normally have chosen. Thank you, Kemi.

- Thank you Kemi, for being so friendly, enthusiastic and truthful. You definitely chose me some ' WOW factor' outfits that I would never have chosen for myself- Move Over Gok!!

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I do love my job- it is so rewarding!!

Friday 9 October 2009

WHAT IS YOUR STYLE PERSONALITY?

Image and fashion choices combined with both verbal and non-verbal behaviours can impact on your professional and personal success. You need the right look for that all-important business meeting, special event or first date. It is important to make the right choices that suit your career, lifestyle, age and personality. Developing your own personal style creates greater opportunities.

Wednesday 7 October 2009

STYLE CITY SEDUCTION

Arranging image consultations in London, is a dangerous thing, especially when my client lives in Mayfair. So yesterday I arrived at Bond St underground, and naturally I had to walk through Old and New Bond street, to get to my appointment, and there was NO avoiding the large mid season SALE items on show in the window. At this point it would have been rude of me, not to go inside and have a nosey around (your probably thinking the title of this blog, should have been named 'Confessions of a shopaholic'). However thankfully Marc by Marc Jacobs did not have the shoes I had previously viewed online, making my exit strategy very straight forward indeed. Needless to say, I was staring at the pavement.....all the way to my appointment!

Tuesday 6 October 2009

EMAIL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to say a BIG Thank you to Kemi, who delivered a fantastic service, at KemiStyle.

You are passionate, positive and easy to chat to. Finding exactly what I was looking for, and gave me overall a brilliant afternoon shopping! You showed me how to wear the clothes, as well as what was best for me and my shape. I would definitely use KemiStyle again!
Thank you very much.

Ms Abell

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!

I recently received a lovely box of large delicious Swiss chocolates (not as delicious as Belgian chocolates....although being half Belgian I am relatively biased), for an extremely successful personal shopping trip. It was hugely rewarding, I managed to find 5 pairs of jeans for a lady, who had avoided jean shopping as long as she could remember!! Having eaten almost the entire box of chocolates, I may also be in need of a 'jeans' shopping trip!!

MAKE UP GALORE

My top tips for A/W natural make up:

Blonde hair, green eyes-
Dark blue eyeshadow, mid-pink blusher and nude peach lips.

Blonde hair, brown eyes-
Lilac eyeshadow, raspberry blusher and rosy pink lips.

Blonde hair, blue eyes-
Gold eyeshadow, gold peach cheeks and peach gold lips.

Brown hair, green eyes-
Deep purple eyeshadow, peach pink blusher and pink berry lips.

Brown hair, brown eyes-
Green eyeshadow, peach- bronze cheeks and dark peach lips.

Brown hair, blue eyes-
Chocolate eyeshadow, golden bronzer and nude lips.

Reddish brown hair, green eyes-
Light green eyeshadow, peach blusher and terracotta lips.

Dark red hair, brown eyes-
Dark green eyeshadow, terracotta blusher and deep cherry lips.

Black hair, brown eyes-
Pink peach eyeshadow, berry blusher and frosted lips.

Remember ladies to smile, when you apply blusher, because it highlights your cheekbones!!

BOYS IN BOOTS

Autum/Winter 2009 is now here, so men I thought I would give you an update about what is going down within the men’s fashion footwear trends for Autumn/Winter. The Chelsea boot is really being pushed right now and seems to have made a MASSIVE comeback for this season. Today I am going to show you some examples of them and let you know how you can rock them successfully.

Monday 5 October 2009

IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT

IMAGE matters, in today's fast paced society, you never get a second chance, to make a first impression! With 93% of communication being non verbal, it is essential that your clothes, grooming and behaviour, are speaking louder than words; in order to stand out from the crowd and create a competitive advantage in today's highly competitive and visual world! Using our unique and integrated approach to style and image, we at KemiStyle want to help you with the 93%!

SHOULDER STYLE

Yes, exaggerated shoulder shapes are back with a vengeance, with designers such as D&G and Balmain leading the way.