A slightly different blog from me today.
Now I've ummed and ahhed about this post but then thought - what the heck, as I've learnt, you're never going to please all the people all of the time, and, at the end of the day lots of people have asked for more info on this. So slightly off piste, but please do bear with me - normal service will be resumed tomorrow.
I had planned on spending the day in London on some fantastic press preview days for SS13. Alas - the best plans and all that. Foiled at the 11th hour with a very long meeting with a new builder (all very interesting on the home front - sweet diddly squat interesting to do with my fash pash). I spent the scant remainder of my day grabbing a quick lunch with the husband who was working from home and wading through a newly purchased pile of home magazines.
But I digress. I have taken the opportunity to throw in an extra little post and do - something which I never do and am exceptionally bad at - some self promotion (barf, hate that expression but a spade's a shovel)
I've finally got round to being able to add another page to my blog (I am seriously lacking in the technical department if that wasn't already apparent) and have added the details of the Style Studios that I offer. (she says rather optimistically expecting the page addition thingy to work....)
Just in case it doesn't (and it WILL do by the time I've finished - by hook or by crook) here is the blurb that will appear on the page.
Please do contact me on doesmybumlook40@gmail.com should you have any queries (as it says on the bottom!)
Style Studios
Do you ever have days of "I've got nothing to wear"?
Do you feel that your everyday outfits aren't quite cutting the mustard anymore but you don't know how to make a change without spending a fortune?
Are you at that scary crossroads of mutton and frump and need a bit of help navigating?
Are there oodles of things in your wardrobe that you've spent a fortune on but have no idea really how to make use of them on a day to day basis?
Is it hard to get that balance in your wardrobe of things to wear during the day and what to wear on a night out?
Well maybe a Style Studio would be an idea for you - either on your own or with a group of friends.
A three hour session in either the morning or afternoon, at either my house with coffee and homemade scones (I may stretch to a mince pie for the festive season and maybe a sniff of mulled wine.... which most certainly won't be homemade, I admit upfront) or at yours if you would prefer. (location depending......!)
The Studios work really well with between 4 and 8 friends - you email me before we meet about what you'd like help and ideas with and I can have the research done and ready for when you arrive - your personal shopping list (with options!) compiled especially for you.
Alternatively, there will be dates when I have an open house and you're more than welcome to come along.
I also encourage everyone to bring with them a bag of offending items from their wardrobe. Those gems that you're not sure still belong in there anymore or things that you love but don't know how to wear. We'll go through them together and "kill or keep".
Seasonal topics which are of interest are:-
Christmas nights out - what does one wear without looking like an ageing librarian, hooker or Christmas tree?
Christmas present lists - a perfect time to fill up that wish list with gems which I can help you find - your husband's going to love me!
Sales lists - are there any gems that you should be looking at as investment in the (dreaded) Sales. And more importantly, what's the best way to snag them?
General A/W wardrobe questions (it's a long time till Spring ladies....) - what can you add to your existing wardrobe to give it a new lease of life till we're whipping out the flipflops again?
For more information, dates and prices, or should you have any further queries, please contact me, Kat on doesmybumlook40@gmail.com
And let normal service commence - finishing with my outfit that I was due to trot into London in. Actually I did have my LK Bennett boots on first thing, but truth be known my feet were killing me after the school run (yes, this was the most overdressed I've ever been for the school run!) and so I changed into my wedges. Which were gushed over by the 20something waitress in the pub we went to for lunch. The Husband was suitably bemused as I'm sure most men of a certain age are when it comes to wedge trainers.... (as are a lot of women!)
Any which way, I was most pleased to be able to wear my fabulous Pegasus necklace which I think worked well for day wear.
White longline ribbed vest - Joseph
Dark beige linen top - H&M
Coated black jeggings - Dorothy Perkins
Grey knitted military coatigan - 3.1 Phillip Lim
Pegasus necklace - Stella & Dot
Stone maxi zip satchel - Anya Hindmarch
Bea suede wedges - Ash
Sunglasses - Tom Ford
Normal service will be resumed tomorrow!
The style studios sound perfect ( I think I answered yes!!! Emphatically to those questions...!) fancy a trip up to Manchester??!!
ReplyDeleteMy bum will definitely look 40 on Friday... How did I get to be that age?!! Help most desperately required!
Loving the wedges too by the way.
Wish I lived in the south Kat!
ReplyDeleteBought coated jeggings from DP on your recommendation and love them!
Your hair looks fab in these photos too.
Sue
Come to ireland??!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope it is a really successful venture and the next time I'm in London you can help me find clothes that make me look tall. Good luck.x
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Why not use all that fab insight you have, that's what I say. Would be interested in doing with some fronds for sure... Especially now I've got to mix Boardroom and Playroom effectively :/ Goid luck! X
ReplyDeleteCan see that this would be a godsend for maybe those emerging from the fog of the baby/toddler years and who have lost their way a bit fashion-wise. Or those adjusting to life as a stay-at-home mum. Good luck with this - if I lived closer I'd definitely be up for it!
ReplyDeleteBut do you recomend anything other than skinny jeans ???
ReplyDeleteI think this blog is more for stay at home mums, if you want to look for something different/workwear, try looking at "not dressed as lamb" she shows different looks. Bxx ps Kat & fans this is not a criticism of your look.
DeletePlease, please come to Ireland?? There will be wine .. promise :) Good luck with it all, I'm sure it will be a huge success. And now I'm going to scurry off and see if I can wangle a trip to Kent with a group of girlies, all clutching our crappy clothes in a carrier bag, lol!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab idea - come to Atlanta - we don't even have to talk clothes - just drink wine and eat cheese:) xx Good luck with it - I bet they are worth every penny - a great idea as a wedding/engagement/shower/birthday gift or party!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea and I know of a few that do it around where I live(and do it well).
ReplyDeleteYes but you only wear one style ALL the time so how can you advise others on anything else ?
ReplyDeleteDresses, skirts etc etc
Why don't you book her and find out?
DeleteCowardly "Anonymous",
DeleteYou seem to be a little bit bitter. If you dont approve why do you actually bother to follow this blog? Just to make some sarcastic comments?
A third plea of come to Ireland!! Sounds like fab idea - best of luck! Love cardi & hair in pic. Dying to know your house plans - interiors are my other passion!
ReplyDeleteI am going to use a few cliches on the whole skinnies debate:
ReplyDelete'Another man's meat is another man's poison' and 'If it ain't broke, then don't try to fix it.'
Clearly Kat isn't meat or poison ;-) but she knows what works for her, works it to the max and looks fabulous. Being a Stylist is more than just dressing a person; it is about listening to clients, helping them over their hang-ups, assessing their lifestyle, casting a critical eye over their body and making subtle suggestions.
I am certain that Kat will not dress everyone in skinnies but will take into account all of the above.
Well said!!
DeleteAgreed, well said (please take note 'Anonymous')
DeleteIt's funny Kat isn't it that the unhelpful comments are left by people who aren't brave enough to leave their names. You have a class and style that a lot of us would love to be able to achieve. You go for it! I wish you every success and next time my hubbys over your way maybe I can cadge a lift and book myself in. Xx
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, take it one step further and do individual shopping days!
ReplyDeleteWell done you....its your blog you can do whatever you like with it. And as for styling, its all about finding the look that works best for you and keeping it simple and you do that brilliantly. I think you look great in maxi skirts and skinnies as well as your dressing up dresses.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea! Oh and love the wedges, you wouldn't think they would go with so many things (especially a coatigan!) but they do! X
ReplyDeleteAlso, please clone yourself so we can have a north west style studio! X
ReplyDeleteI would love a session with you but Devon is miles from you. Looks like you're in demand. Looking lovely as usual. Would love to know what you need builders for when you already have such a gorgeous house. Good luck with the venture - Ant xxx
ReplyDeleteI like how you dress, and I like the fact that you stick to what you know suits you, when you are slim tall and gorgeous you could of course do any style at all and look fab, but you keep it to your own brand and it is not boring. With such a great eye, I am sure that you will relish the chance to put together different looks to suit body types other than your own!
ReplyDeleteI am huge with shoulders like a rugby player and have been buying your look of clothes for years and it really isn't working for me. Where you look ethereal, I look like I am about to march for CND.
I am having a massive clear out in an attempt find my own identity, I may come to consult you as I am only in central London. I have loads stuff you might like, Jane Carr scarf, Ross and Bute top, lots of jeans and Bonpoint kids clothes, Anya bags, J Brand jeans etc etc, I am only half way through listing (take a bit longer than I thought!) but have a look in case there is anything you might want to recycle as everything is genuinely being sold from 1p...http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/the-findclearance
I think there is nothing wrong with using your own blog to advertise your services, your ability to style and accessorise an outfit is clear to all. For all those leaving comments re the skinny jeans well most people can wear them it's just a question of what you put with them and creating a balanced shape. I started reading this blog and many others earlier this year when after having 3 babies in 4 years I had lost all of the baby weight and was living in next jeans and cheap t shirts with no clear direction of style. This kind of thing would really have appealed. As it is I feel I managed to glean enough info to look reasonable most days now and Kat whilst I don't always agree with your style choices (recent joggers post and white to weddings spring to mind!),I have also made some other amazing purchases (Zara floral blazer, anthropologie necklace and layering tops from primark being my faves) as a result of reading this blog alone so thank you from me and I wish you well with your business venture.
ReplyDeleteI think it's brilliant Kat. Wish I lived nearer too. Wishing you every success with it. Marie S
ReplyDeleteOh, ignore the stupid comments. Jealousy is just plain ugly.
ReplyDeleteI would hire you in a flash. In fact, I plan to. My biggest challenge is simply getting five other women together, on the same day.
I am about to return to the corporate world after maternity break and could do with the help......BUT, in serious, can you offer help with this? Your clothing appears to be casual, with skinnies and scarves most days, could you help with a work place scenario?
ReplyDeleteThat was my situation exactly. I asked Kat on a previous blog page and to be fair she said it wasn't really her thing. She advised me to ask around on twitter, but I actually went into John Lewis and the personal stylist was fantastic, really great advice. Hope that helps, Cxx
DeleteThank you for the tip!! I;ll try that - thanks for the reply
Deleteps- having read the previous comments, this is a genuine question and not a criticism. Thanks
ReplyDeleteHi Kat- another plea to come to Northern Ireland I would love this service! Wine is included. Good luck you will be fab..
ReplyDeleteI have to agree....every style throughout the blog (look back and see !)is the same and you cant advise on work wear ?
ReplyDeleteNot sure I would call your skills a stylist ? Many more fashion blogs where at least they try different looks ie skirts !
I never continue to be staggered but comments like this. If you don't like the blog, why do you read it? As Kat says below there are plenty of blogs around, why not read one that better suits your style.
DeleteSorry I think there's been some misunderstanding. I've never said I can't advise on workwear, I said that I had no plans to blog on it - it's not something that I personally need to think of and this blog is about my journey through into my 40's. I do advise people on workwear, but privately, just to clear that up!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes I have a specific style. It's a subject I have covered numerous times. I apologise if it's not to your liking, there is a definite theme to what I wear as there are to most people's wardrobes. And there are many blogs out there with different styles. You can't please all of the people all of the time!!
Kat, don't waste your time replying to people who won't even use their names. You have amazing style, know exactly what suits you and would know what suits other people too. I would employ you like a shot if I lived nearer.x
DeleteTo the critics I say this: It's fashion. It's not life and death. If you don't like, don't read - simples.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a huge clothes budget for myself and it will be further reduced next year when we start work on our house. Therefore I stick to tried and tested styles that work for me as I can't afford to make mistakes.
Skinnys work for me. As do scarves. As do wedge trainers. As do stripe tops. The thing I like about this blog is it gives me inspiration for colour and putting items together and accessorising.
Should I ever make it to Bluewater again, I will be begging you to come join me!
What a lovely idea, although I live in Northern Ireland so not an option for me. As others have said, you have lovely ideas re colour combinations and accessorizing, which have helped me try something a little different with my existing wardrobe, and also encouraged me to brave Primark for little extras (they don't count do they ;)!). It's all about taking elements of the looks and making it your own. Wishing you every success. x
ReplyDeletePS Enjoy the writing style and humour
PPS Always coveting the mulberry finches scarf
I love the idea of this but realistically dont think I could get that many friends together who a) could get to you and b)who need the help. Do you offer any other services? I think someone else mentioned personal shopping or even comprising a wishlist for online shopping (think some other fashion bloggers do this) think you might get even more interest if you widened the net, so to speak. Good luck anyway x
ReplyDeleteI'd also like the option of one to one styling / shopping advice. I live at the other end of the country but often go back to London and would gladly hire you for the day for a spot of shopping / coffee / wine and advice. Do add this. I also like the internet shopping idea - after a meet you could charge for later personalised seasonal buying recommendations. I'd gladly pay!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea, any chance you could offer it as an online service?
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking.....I give you my stats, what kind of thing I'm looking for, photographs of a few key pieces I have that I wish to incorporate into my wardrobe.
You come back to me with advice and links.
What do you think Kat? There is lots of interest here from people who are just too far away from you.
Di
Xxx
For those that are not fans, and some blogs just hit the spot, others don't (we are all different, style of clothes, style of blog), maybe try
ReplyDeletehttp://fabmom12.blogspot.co.uk/
or
http://www.buynowbloglater.com/
... for some skirts etc.
Unfortunately, those two blogs are a great example of the exact reason I follow Kat. The idea is NOT to look like a 40+ Mummy 'doing' fashion, but to choose bits and bobs that are in, but that a person of a certain age can get away with... They both look like they've been raiding my mum's wardrobe for shirts - and she's in her 70s!
DeleteI think those two blogs are ok fashion wise. Just had a look at them.
DeleteI love reading fashion blogs and particularly like that second one - great recommendation!
DeleteI've had loads of good ideas about how to rework pieces from my wardrobe from reading Kat's blog updates. I actually think she works a lot of different looks, NOT just the skinnies (which do look utterly wonderful). For instance at the weekend I pulled out a long-sleeved t-shirt dress from Sandwich, belted it, put on brown ankle boots and a leather jacket and a dark scarf and felt fab. Had ignored the dress for about a year until I read this blog!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work, Kat.
Ginny
x
ps I meant to add that I've looked at the 'Not Dressed as Lamb' blog too, and yes, that lady does look stunning in a variety of outfits, but - and this is a big but - most of us can't pull off the extremely bold colour clashes that she favours. I find Kat's blog suggestions both far more wearable, more classy and a little less in-yer-face!
DeleteHi Kat, I'm a big fan of your blog! Living in Dublin and would love to partake in Style Studio, perhaps when you're back in Ireland!! Anyhow I'm wondering would you know of an alternative, less expensive version of your All Saints ruched dress you had a pic of back in your July blog. I am looking for something below the knee, as mine are not a thing of beauty. Any ideas?? It doesn't have to be one shouldered.
ReplyDeleteThanks :-)
ReplyDeleteDon't you have the most lovely followers? I have read all these comments and am feeling the love (and drinking wine which always helps!) I run bootcamps (with wine) and we have guest 'speakers' who do seminars about various topics, would be great if you could come and do a stint, either in the Cotswolds or London (or St Barths or St Trop but you would have to look after the airfare) We normally have 5 guests and although we feed them well, there is A LOT of exercise so we need to keep them busy and focused on the goal, a session with you could just do the trick, could you bring a few clothes from those house sale people that you have blogged about? A bit of shopping always helps to reduce any hunger pangs.
Hi Kat. I love this outfit! A great look for Autumn.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, Alex
I know personally your blog has helped my fashion mojo immensely, and we live in a much more casual world now and judging from the majority of comments they would agree with me.
ReplyDeleteYour personal style is your look and it's the women who relate to you that will want your services, I liked to come for the wine and a mooch about your house.
To those who doubt you, who cares!!!!
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