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.
The lovely professional stylist at the Canberra Centre; Francesca
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.
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
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 🙂