Sue Pattinson, Image Consultant based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

February 2010

It May Be Winter Outside...

...But In Our Hearts It's Almost Spring!

The magazines are filled with spring fashions and retailers are already showcasing their new collections full of fresh colours (yippee) and styles. In the meantime, outside it is grey, dull, wet and even snowy. So what is a girl to do to keep morale up in a sartorial sense?

Bring A Little Spring to your Winter Wear

We've been wearing the same clothes and colours since September (when we couldn't wait to get into our new autumn-winter clothes) and now we're ready for a change. We still have to wear our coat and boots, so how are we going to lift our spirits whilst waiting to completely shed our winter clothes? Sue has the solution. Get a new colourful scarf!

Choose a colour that you would like to wear in the spring; think Periwinkle and Aqua for the Lights, or Purple and Red for the Deeps. In the meantime the Warms may like an Orange or Yellow-Green, whilst the Cools might choose a Pink or Emerald. The Clears will add some spring-like colours with an Aqua or Emerald scarf and the Softs will look elegant and feminine with a Periwinkle or Warm Pink scarf.

Choose your dominant from the drop-down list on this page.

The same advice follows for gloves and jewellery.

Time to Layer

This is also the time of the year when you want to start layering; a vest, a top, a sleeveless cardigan, a jacket, a coat and that scarf of course!!! As you are unlikely to want to add bulk to your top half (unless you are a triangle), choose your fabrics carefully and select finer knits.

Wearing skirts will give you a sense of 'spring is in the air'. Wear them with opaque tights (preferably in the same colour as the skirt so as to elongate the leg), and keep those boots for outdoors only. Do a quick change when you come into the office and keep your feet happy in the new lower kitten heels. Yes, they are coming back.

In readiness for your spring shopping spree, make sure you have a chat with Sue, who will be able to advise you on the best colours and styles for you this coming season.

Shopping Tips For Spring/Summer Key Pieces

The shops are slowly filling up with spring clothes, but make sure you wait to see the full spring range before you start spending your money. However, if you are looking for a key piece (read 'investment' piece) or if you are not a size 10 or a 12, then you might want to search what is out there already. There is nothing more infuriating when you start shopping in earnest in April and May to be told 'yes, Madam, we did have size 16 but they've all sold out!' Why can't the retailers realise that there are more size 14's and 16's amongst us than anything else !!!

I have some great suggestions for a St Valentine's Day surprise for someone close to you!!!

How to Vamp Up This Valentine's

More and more people are celebrating Valentine's Day with an evening out and an evening out means a killer outfit. Before you go rushing out to the stores, maybe a little rummaging in your wardrobe might do the trick.

One of the key trends for the new season is showing your bra whenever possible!

Simply unbutton your blouse a little lower than usual to show off your satin, patterned, or lacy bra. If you're too shy for the full on lingerie look then wear a smart jacket or cardigan over a pretty camisole and allow the front to show a bit.

And finally, for Goodness Sake, wear some colour, wear make-up, have your hair done and have a fabulous Valentine's Day / weekend !

Lighten Up On Colour

It's time to start lightening up your make-up and wearing more colour in readiness for spring. For daytime lip colour switch from a heavier cream lipstick to a sheer one or even a lipgloss. Swap your winter shades for lighter colours, for example, your Soft Mauve cream lipstick could be replaced by Sheer Silk, and Cerise with Sheer Fuchsia.

The best treat you can give yourself this February is a one-to-one make-up lesson with Sue. Not only do you deserve some me-time, but re-visiting your make-up techniques and refreshing your colours might be long overdue.



Please feel free to forward the e-mail to friends, family and colleagues who might be interested in my services. To find out more about my catalogue and services visit www.suepattinson.com. If you are not the original addressee for this email, but would like to receive my newsletter, send an e-mail at sue@suepattinson.com with your name, e-mail address and the word "susbscribe" or just call me on 01242 515415 to discuss my many options and consultations

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