Have you noticed there is colour everywhere at the moment! Unusual isn’t it. This time of the year often brings a ton of grey, black and, well black to the stores. But on the back of what has been a tough year it is so energizing to see that many designers are embracing colour this season. Stores like Harry’s, Goodness, Taylor Boutique, De Nada and so many more are rich with colour. Dress yourself up in splashes of it and make yourself and everyone around you feel alive, rejuvenated and happy!

Love, Samantha and the Team xx

This week’s colour palette…

…Dusky Warm Deep

A late Autumn evening depicts the wonderful array of colours to be found in the Dusky Warm Deep. This is a profile comprised of some of the most unusual hues within the colour spectrum. The person who falls into this category tends to choose bright colours, thinking it will enhance their colouring. In fact the opposite occurs, as clear colours do not harmonize well with the strong yet subtle colour characteristics of the Dusky Warm Deep. A bright effect is best obtained by creating dark / light colour combinations and utilizing the unusual hues to draw attention to the wearer.

1. Thrive Clothing Feast your eyes on a delicious colour palette these season from Thrive Clothing. The futurist twist keeps your look updated to!
2. Mondegreen We adore the easy style of Mondegreen’s designs. Incredible prints, beautiful clothes made right here in Wellington.
3. Miranda Brown Miranda Brown is more than a fabulous eco clothing designer, her home-wares are chic too.  We love her cushions!
4. Kukula Design Kukula bangle in a dusky banana colour will give your look extra joy.
5. The Green Hanger Do good by the environment and hang your garments on eco hangers.
6. Inika This Inika lip whip will make your lips look as juicy as an apricot.
7. Taylor Boutique Banish your black coat and welcome in a vibrant cape.
8. Evolu With the changing seasons you’ll need to nourish your skin. Try Evolu, botanical skincare, Facial Serum. It smells divine and really works.
9. Melissa – “Melissa’s”, we shout. “There is so much to love”. Leading the way in eco shoes, Melissa are made from eco-friendly mono materials, and there’s no waste!
10. Miranda Brown Miranda Brown scarves. Rich, beautiful colours dyed to Oeko-tex standards. Beautiful flowy fabric that are easy to wrap. Bellissimo.
11. Pure Fiji We are hooked on Pure Fiji’s body products, from the scrubs to moisturizers they make you feel like you’ve come from an exotic spa.

Resene Colour palette from top:
Resene Dynamite, Resene The Range 2011/12
Resene Bliss, Resene The Range 2011/12
Resene Wax Flower, Resene Multi-finish range (2008)
Resene Fuel Yellow, Resene The Range 2011/12
Resene Butterfly Creek, Resene The Range 2011/12
Resene Middle Earth, Resene The Range 2011/12

If you would like to have your colours done or any other styling service, please feel free to contact us today. We LOVE colour.

Styling tip of the week – best trouser silhouettes

If your trousers are tight and piped, make sure your top is lose or floaty.

If it’s wide leg trousers you are choosing to wear, then think 70′s glam and wear something fitting on top. It’s all about getting the right proportions.

It’s hard to believe we are mid way through February. I don’t know about you, but it feels like this year is whipping by already. This maybe due to all the events we have run or been involved in through the months of January and February. You might have read that Sam was named Fashion Ambassador of Pacific Jewellers Wellington Cup Carnival, which saw her judging for a second time at the races and writing a new blog for the Wellington race club website. We also ran the inaugural Museum Art Hotel Costume Competition at the Hertz Sevens. This is an event the Style Consultancy will be running each year for the Hertz Sevens, which we are really excited about; it was so much fun, especially as we gave away $25,000 in cash to our winners with the supreme winner getting $10,000! Click on the link above to see the pictures, yes, that is our Sam mc-ing.

Sam as Trentham Fashion Ambassador

Next month you can see Sam speaking at two ladies events here in Wellington:
March 7th – Upper Hutt Cossie Club ladies night, where you will be treated to an hour of Sam’s styling advise, a fashion show by Rasha Taylor Couture and an hour of hair and make-up advise from Lisa Ching – contact Melissa Sadler at the Cossie Club if you would like to attend.
March 17th – WellFeild NZ Oaks/Ladies Day. An absolute must for a fun girls days out. Entertainment, fashion shows, wine, food and of course a flutter or too. For more information or to purchase tickets click here

While we have lots of big events on, we are still working one2one with clients and running our 4steps2Style© workshops. We aspire to give you the very best and latest styling information and continue to learn new things everyday. We can’t wait to share all this information with you throughout 2012. By the way, have you seen our new website? We hope you like it as much as we do!

Next 4steps2style© Workshop – 10th of March click here for details

Since we are obsessed with colour here at the style consultancy, we have decided to put a weekly colour inspiration board together for you. For those of you who have had your colours done, this will give you a guide to finding things that suit you. If you’re interested in having your colours done we’d love to see you

The Dusky Cool Light colours encompasses all the colours of the horizon just after a late summers storm – all the hues of Grey-blue from the lightest to the darkest. Unusual tinted Greys in harmony with the Ash tones and Rose browns of the landscape appear as the sun sets, Dusky Pinks vie to be noticed amidst Muted Purples, Dusky Reds and the Greyest of Blues. The Dusky Cool Light, a profile of subtle, intriguing colours that look stunning if you are daring enough to challenge the status quo and experiment with colour harmonies out of the ordinary.

1. Starfish Dress – break away from black and make this gorgeous colour your new dark hue.

2. Kukula bangle in oriental blue – Our new beautiful jewellery range is papier-mâché glamour.

3. Nga Waiata (put in the colour when you’ve chosen it) – stunning statement pendants that fill your world with great energy, each handmade with lots of aroha.

4. Deryn Schmidt – this flirty fronted top is a must for all small to average busted women.

5. David Trubridge lamp – Hail to the King of design. We cannot get enough of this man’s incredible designs. We say keep your colour harmony flowing through your home.

6. Uimi Scarf, Sage Zig Zag in plum – As the months cool down fabulous scarves can become your best friend; just wrap and go.

7. Inika lip whip in melon – no need to let go summer fruits just yet, this cute gloss is an office favourite.

8. Pacific Jewellers ring – when it comes to magnificent cocktail rings you can’t go past a big rectangle cut purple tourmaline surrounded in black and white diamonds. Made right here in Wellington!

9. Terra Plana juniper shoes in plum – let your feet dance down the streets in these dainty eco-shoes

10. Inika mineral blush – comes with it’s own powder puff, no more brushes and fuss. It’s so easy!

11. Jefferson Cross body bag – by reusing what already exists you can create beautiful things! We love.

12. KeepCup – save a tree and take it anywhere and everywhere!

Icebreaker Womens SS Rush Crew

But, this is not the reason for my blog ramblings today.  Today is more to do with sheep than lazy cat behaviour. Just before Christmas I was given a merino running top by Icebreaker to try out. I have never exercised in merino, nor had I thought too. Wool of any kind conjured up memories of being caught out in the rain after missing the school bus; soggy, wet, heavy woolen jumpers are revolting.

Needless to say I was a little skeptical at the beginning, especially when I was told that not only would it keep me cool and absorb all sweat – I really do sweat not perspire – it also wouldn’t smell.  Well Icebreaker, I have been wearing your top to every training for 2 weeks and I am converted!  You are totally right, of course.  Your fine merino running tops absorb sweat and I believe I do not smell.  I’m amazed.  I’m totally sold.  This week I will be stocking up on a few more tops – wearing the same one, while extremely sustainable, does put quite a bit of washing pressure on me.  And while I’m there, I shall purchase some of my other favourite things (see below).

Thank you for introducing me to exercising in Merino.

see website for menswear range

Outfit

Firstly, I must give my dress a mention all on it’s own as the beautiful people at Starfish are by far my favourite eco designers in NZ.  Tomorrow I’ll be wearing the fabulous Paper Cut dress, in deep purple.  I love the cut out detail on the top of this dress, it adds an edgy point of difference to a classic-cut dress. I know I will wear this dress a lot after the races.

Paper Cut dress by Starfish - 100% Rayon, Dyed to Oeko-Tex Standard 100

My hatinator, a generous gift from Crochetta, is made from 100% natural straw.  It’s understated, simple style is brought alive by the dusky purple hue.  My shoes from Mi Piaci, are not made from natural fibre’s nor are they considered ‘eco’, yet they tick a few of my eco boxes; they’re timeless and classic, well made and will last, can be recycled in the future or worn by my girls when they grow up, and they go with everything in my wardrobe.

Like my dress, the jewellery I will be wearing gets a special mention too.  Pacific Jewellers from Wellington are kindly lending me some of their most exquisite diamond pieces.  All handmade from fair trade diamonds, golds and gemstones here in Wellington.

Diamond and gemstone rings from Pacific Jewellers - not the exact ones I'll be wearing

Beauty Products

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating day cream, Evolu facial serum (seriously yummy!), evolu smoothing body lotion, Herb Farm active deodorant and Green People sun tan lotion.

Make-up – Inika, leaders in natural cosmetics and Antipodes lipstick

Shampoo and conditioner  - PURE satin soft range
Hair styling – PURE sea salt spray, Giovanni hair spray and Frizz Be Gone.

All models are from Kirsty Bunny Model Management.

Antipodes joyous night replenishing serum $56.00

Hosanna Intense Hydrating Serum $49.00

Antipodes natural lipsticks $42.00

Hydrating, delicious… and HYDRATING!  I have been using Antipodes products for years so it’s hard for me to choose only a few products; especially as everything is scrumptious.  Antipodes beauty products smell amazing and feel exceptional on your skin.  The 3 products above are the ones I can not live without.  The Hosanna serum can even double as a concealer; just mix a small amount of your mineral powder with a drop of serum and Viola!

Herb Farm Lavender and Tamanu cream

Again, it’s hard to pick one Herb Farm product.  The headache away cream works a treat on migraine head aches; my daughter suffers from them and now carries the cream with her everywhere.  The foot balm is delicious as are the body creams.  My husband swears by the mens range too.

This christmas holidays we’re going camping.  In my first aid kit I have the Herb Farms first aid cream – Lavender and Tamanu cream.  Plus I’ll be taking the Travel Essentials Pack for the family to use.

Oh, if you’re traveling up the island call into the Herb Farm Cafe where you’ll find all their products in their store, a beautiful garden to stroll around that has a magical treasure hunt for the children, a beauty retreat and scrumptious food.

www.herbfarm.co.nz

Travel Essentials Pack - shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

We all know the dangerous effects sun can have on our skin, so these holidays lying around sunbathing is not a good idea. It’s best to stay out of the sun during the middle of the day and wear a hat, long sleeve cotton top and sunscreen all other times (except for 15 minutes, or until your skin goes slightly pink, everyday to ensure you’re getting your daily intake of vitamin D).  You may not come away from your holiday looking like a tanned goddess, but you will save yourself from the sun’s harmful effects and look younger later in life.

However, if you’re like me and prefer to come away with a tan then you’ll love Green People’s Organic Self Tanning Lotion.  I’ve used this product and it’s great.  You will get the slight orangey-glow of self tan, but it’s non streak, smells great and again saves you from frying your skin.

Green People Self Tan Lotion - $47.00

My girls have been using the children’s sunscreen for about a month now. It works beautifully and we love the lavender smell; especially as it’s nicer than the normal smell of sunscreen.

Green People Sun Children SPF 25 'no scent' or lavender $49.00

Green People Sun SPF15 - medium protection with tan accelerator - $49.00

For all you stubborn sunbathers, be smart. Cover yourself in an organic sunscreen with a tan accelerator.  You’ll spend less time sun baking but still get the results.  Remember, no amount of sunscreen will save you from burning if you spend all day in the sun.  Be sensible!

Inika Face in a Box.

We are very excited to be stocking the beautiful Inika make up range in our new online store (coming this week).  This award-winning make-up is so good you could almost eat it, which is handy considering the amount of lipstick we do eat off our lips in a year.  All the products are gorgeous but my personal favourites are the foundation, concealer, eyeliner’s and the lip gloss’.

The above 8 piece collection pack is the perfect gift to get anyone started on make up that is actually good for them.

Pure Fiji Coconut Sugar Rub in an array of smells $66.50

I think I have found the perfect body scrub in Pure Fiji’s Coconut Sugar scrubs.  They leave your skin feeling like silk.  Absolutely divine!

Nga Waiata Pendant from Zambesi

My heart melted when I layed eyes on these pendents.  I have long been a fan of Nga Waiata’s rings, which are handmade from wood and crystals.  Then I discovered the pendants.  Luxurious, healing and uber cool.

www.ngawaiata.com – for stockists

Eco Cups from Iko Iko NZ www.ikoiko.co.nz

Stylish and very handy, the Eco Cup is made from porcelain with a removable silicone sipper lid and sleeve.  I take mine with me everywhere!

$22.90 from Iko Iko

Waiting for the sun sunglasses

Sunnies made from Bamboo and rosewood, these charming frames are as eco as they get.  And they’re made in Paris… what more can I say!

Exclusive to Starfish www.starfish.co.nz $249.00

Tomorrow… favourite organic and natural beauty products for Christmas.

We had 4 weeks and two different sums of money to shop like a stylist on any budget. Our purpose was to build a sustainable capsule wardrobe that worked with pieces we already own in time for summer. Did we manage to do it?  

Angies monthly budget: $500.00.  Remaining amount to spend: $235.00

This weeks strategy: looking back to the 70′s

My favourite new trend to recycle it’s self from the past (as fashion trends do) is the wide legged, flared jeans – I’m in love with them.  My love for jeans has been revived.  These flares are fantastic, they will help balance out your hips and, when they are high waisted they will make you legs look longer whilst being comfortable.

This summer I’ll be taking a trip back to the 70′s, so along with my jeans I’ve added extra flare to my 70′s look with a cute x-body bag.  This go-everywhere bag will be great at concerts, beach parties and coffee dates.  Plus it goes with everything I have purchased.

Mood board

Image from http://blog.closetforher.com

My purchases

Riders by Lee Mid Rise Flare Heritage Blue

Embossed X-Body Pouch 40

Angie’s complete wardrobe

Sam’s budget: $1000.00.  Remaining amount to spend: $63.15

This weeks strategy: Add in some basic’s to complete my wardrobe.

When it comes to summer basic’s you can’t go passed white singlets or T shirts and a plain pair of shorts.  I could have gone for black shorts, but I prefer linen in a natural colour.

In order to make the purchases I have I had to think about what I already owned.  I have a few organic basic T-shirts in greys and blues, which will work in perfectly with my linen shorts and cobalt blue belt.  I also have cobalt blue heels and yellow strappy sandals by Maguba (sustainable clogs from sweden and they’re amazing!). Both of these shoes will add colour and fun to my new outfits, plus they go with every purchase I’ve made.  I also have a pair of Deryn Schmidt linen wide leg trousers for the colder summer days.  I have two perfect cardigans and one navy jacket to pull everything together.

With just 5 new garments added to my wardrobe I can now create over 20 new looks!

Mood board

1920′s mens trousers, I love the shape, and not just in trousers.  I like them in shorts too.  The soft A-line shape suits every body shape.

My Purchases

Classic Silk Tank top from Nature NZ $39.95

Talbot's Linen Pleated Bermuda Shorts $25.00 from Ebay

Sam’s complete wardrobe

Earth 174º Facial Cleanser

The refreshing cream cleanser feels like silk on your skin as you wash your face and the refreshing facial scrub cream leaves your skin feeling soft, fresh, with a divine natural fragrance.

The rich and intensive facial moisturiser is made for dry, damaged skin that is lacking tone – so it was a little too heavy for my skin, but if your skin is lacking a little a life, this is the perfect indulgence to let your skin bounce back. My favourite of the range is the sensitive and dry skin toner. Besides using it like a regular toner, I spray a small amount on my face like a facial mist. The toner was a savour of a recent long flight, when I used it as a natural mist to instantly freshen my face.

My partner trailed the Vitamin E enriched Aftershave Balm. Having sensitive skin when shaving, he found this aftershave balm soothing and light weight, leaving his skin feeling soft and fresh.

If you are looking for a skin care range that uses natural ingredients and doesn’t leave your skin feeling weighed down with product, the earth 174 degrees range is the perfect indulgence for your skin and your senses.

image from http://dorkeeqween.glogster.com/colourful/

A while ago I asked what style tips you’d like to read about. The response was great, thank you!  It was interesting to find out a lot of people wanted to know about colour; how to find the right colours, what does colour say about me, colour combinations and so on. I would need to write a book on colour to describe everything to you.  I decided, for the purposes of this blog entry, to write a quick overview instead.

Why is wearing the right colour important?

The colour you wear near your face should ideally complement your skin, hair and eye colour to create a colour harmony.  This is because your face, in particular your eyes, are your communication centre.  You need your face to stand out more than any colour you wear because we ‘see’ most of what a person says.  Colour should make your eyes pop and sparkle.  The right colours against your skin should make you glow and look healthy.  Your hair, which often surrounds your face, should work with your skin tones.

Quick way to find your natural colours

All of you have a lot of natural colour already on you.  Look closely at your eyes.  They are not just green, blue or brown.  Look deep into them, you maybe surprised to find golds, ambers and indigo’s.  Now take a look at your veins, what colour are they? Blue, green maybe purple?  Your hair can also be more than one colour when it’s natural, you may find honey, ash, caramel, tangerine or bronze hiding in there colour.  Your skin has a few colours in it too plus it has a warm or cool undertone.  All of these colours are your natural colour foundation.

The greens, blues and purples in your veins, mixture of colour in your eyes and highlights in your hair are all your colours. Try squeezing the tip of your index finger, look at what colour it goes.  Mine is a dusky rose colour.  This is your natural red! Wear the natural colours on your body, they’ll be harmonious with you.

When I do colours professionally during my workshops, it does get more technical than this.  There is contrast and colour value to consider.  But the above is a good way to get start.

How to wear colour

image from www.resene.co.nz

If you know the colour wheel you’ll understand that certain colours are complimentary.  Take a look at the colour wheel below, it’s similar to the one I use.  You can quickly identify which colours work together, including how they work with the natural colours you already own.

Take my natural colours as an example. I have blue green eyes with teal around the iris and amber around the pupil.  My hair is brown, with varying blondes.  My skin is what I call Kiwi european brown; I tan to a golden colour in summer and look a little sallow in winter.  I have a lot of rosy red tones too. My veins are turquoise.  Now look at the colour wheel.  Blue green is complimentary with violet, which is why plumy coloured lippy works with my eye colour.  Even my yellowish skin tones work with violets. Turquoise is complimentary with red – my vein colour and my red skin tones.  Interestingly, my favourite colour combos are yellow/purple, turquoise/red and blue/turquoise.

So you can see, you already own all the right colours for you.  Now it’s time to get acquainted.