Anybody stuck in a bit of a fashion rut? My current style situation is constantly wearing black! No matter what the occasion, work – black, wedding guest – black, beach – black, you get the idea.
So when the opportunity to attend a 45 minute personal styling session with the fashion mavens at the Canberra Centre came up, I embraced it (and my daughter a lover of all things bright and colourful encouraged me to attend in hopes of livening up my wardrobe).
I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from the session. Would it be like those reality tv shows, where they make you stand on a podium surrounded by mirrors and the consultant ridicules everything you are wearing? No, it wasn’t like that at all.
When I walked into my appointment at the Hub – Canberra Centre’s intimate fashion styling suite on Level 1, I was welcomed by one of the lovely professional stylists; Francesca, and was immediately put at ease with her philosophy on fashion. It is about embracing your size & shape, working with your proportions & measurements and creating a balanced look, it is not about physically changing who you are. The styling session is an opportunity to discuss and ask questions about trends, body shapes, colours & styles that would suit you. There was no 360 degree mirrors or criticism and I didn’t have to take my clothes off and change….phew!
Seeing yourself though someone else’s eyes is very eye opening. For me, I discovered that I am a pear shape but as Francesca said, not all pears are the same. So for me the key is to keep my bottom half really simple (boyfriend jeans, flared pants, a-line skirts – anything that cinches in at the waist) and to keep the top fun, colourful and well fitted (with print & colour to draw the eye up) this will balance out my hips and look in proportion. She recommended buying investment pieces such as a nice dress, jumpsuit, a-line skirt, cropped denim jacket, good fitting jeans & black pants and then adding trend pieces for each season.
It was such practical advice that I started implementing the very next day by “shopping” my own wardrobe and being more aware of my fashion choices.
Would you like to win a personal 45 minute styling session with Francesca or her colleague Victoria? Where they’ll share their tips for wearing the season’s latest looks and show you how to make them work for you. Each session includes a style kit and gift bag to take home.
There is only one weekend of sessions (Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 November) left and we are giving you the chance to attend for free!
Simply tell us about your current fashion rut in the comments below.*
If you miss out on the giveaway you can still book in for a session:
Dates and times: Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 November
Cost: $50, redeemable for a Canberra Centre Gift Card
Location: The Hub
To book: Send an email to events@canberracentre.com.au
(Bookings are essential)
Find out more about the styling session options at the Canberra Centre
*A winner will be chosen and announced on Friday the 6th of November at 5pm
13 Comments
I love all the new trends but as I get older I don’t want to be perceived as…dare I say it…mutton dressed as lamb 🙁
I’ve never prioritised myself or treated myself, particularly with the latest fashion styles, so as a 40-something recently separated mother I think it’s now ‘my time’. My confidence just needs a kick start to remind me how special I really am.
Congratulations Chris!
You are our surprise second winner of the giveaway for a personal styling session at the Canberra Centre.
Look out for an email from us with details of your prize.
I have too many clothes and I’ve become overwhelmed and lost touch with what my “style” is. I’m a bit lost at the moment and I feel stale, old and undesirable. Winning this prize might just be what I need to get back on track.
Not sure I am in a rut because I never had any fashion sense to start. Before reading this, I thought black was one size that fit all. I totally need a clue.
I am stuck in a ‘play it safe’ rut when it comes to style and fashion. I often see fun, quirky or unusual items of clothing that I like but don’t have the guts to see if I can pull it off. I’d love to be a bit more bold and express myself more through what I wear.
I haven’t refreshed my work wardrobe in about 3 years – now that I’m exercising properly again and slimming down, I’d love the chance to turn my daily wardrobe dread into excitement!
I’ve just had a massive clean out after moving and thrown a bunch of clothes, basically cut my wardrobe by three quarters :/ I have all these ideas on my ideal style but 1 have no idea if that’s the style for me and 2 I have no idea on how to get that style here in Australia as my style crushes are American. I need to fill out my wardrobe so savvy shopping tips would be amazing too!
I am 18 years of age and a larger build. I find it hard to find clothes I can wear at work and out that look good on me and most of the time I think I look like my grandma. Please help!
Congratulations Jade!
You are the winner of the giveaway for a personal styling session at the Canberra Centre.
Look out for an email from us with details of your prize.
Having just started a new job, I’m not feeling particularly enamoured with my Monday-Friday fashion pickings, and sometimes that makes all the difference when facing the day ahead. I would love to develop a corporate style that is as unique and memorable as it is professional.
As a lover of all things bring and beautiful, would also really appreciate some advice on mixing prints and brights for summer without looking too ‘busy’. I like breaking the mould, but I don’t want to look confused at the same time.
Oops, ‘all things bright and beautiful’, thanks auto correct!
I recently got my first full time job out of uni and I don’t know how to dress office appropriate but still show my personality! I also don’t have enough money for a work wardrobe and a weekend wardrobe so want to be able to mix the two 🙂