NSW blogger Daniella proves why stylists aren’t just for the celebrity set.
In today’s urban jungle, the fun but frenetic pace of city living often comes at the expense of style and wardrobe. Between work, gym, family and friends, one barely has time to book a doctor’s appointment, let alone navigate the complex world of fashion, shopping and cosmetics.
With a wardrobe bursting at the seams but “nothing to wear”, a Top to Toe makeover at Stockland Balgowlah by Smitten with Style’s Wendy Mak was a welcome chance for me to learn how to style my clothes, make-up and hair to its best advantage.
Before shot. Coffee in hand for the early start!
First stop was John Brennan Hair, where senior hairdresser Karen Tomsett assessed my hair and provided advice on a cut that would best suit its weight, colour and style. A wash, haircut and blow-dry later, and I felt as though I’d just stepped out of a shampoo commercial.
With clever layering and making the most of my natural hair colour, Karen managed to create a look that is easy to manage and yet feels modern and fresh, and also provided tips on hair maintenance and regular styling.
The next destination was Sensora, where make-up artist Courtney went to work. Having requested a natural every-day look, Courtney unravelled the mystery of eyeshadows and bronzers by talking me through the essentials. She demonstrated how to apply eyeshadow for daily wear, and tricks and tips to enhance certain features.
Feeling like a mini-celeb, the fashion segment of the styling session began. My brief was to find ‘day to night’ outfits that could be worn to the office and then modified for a dressier evening look.
Our first retailer was Veronika Maine, a reliable source of feminine corporate wear combined with classic leisure. Wendy insisted that I try a pair of jeggings to commence a session of ‘mix and match’ of individual items, advising me that this is what women tend to find most challenging (agreed).
Wendy in action
Despite my initial reluctance, Wendy demonstrated that when paired effectively with certain tops and accessories, jeggings (a cross between jeans and leggings) could actually form the basis of some classy outfits that could be easily converted from office to evening (who knew!).
Our second stop was Seed Heritage, a beautiful store with flowy clothing and classic accessories.
A store made for mixing and matching, Wendy expertly teamed cardigans, blazers and sequinned tops with a pair of silk trousers: an item I would never have chosen for myself. Seeing them styled effectively with the right combinations changed my opinion of what I had originally termed ‘harem pants’, so much so that I purchased a pair for myself!
One pair of trousers, so many options
Challenging my preconceived notion that stylists were a luxury indulgence of celebs with too much money and time, my session with Wendy was a valuable lesson in concocting outfits and creating an image. Having regenerated my wardrobe, revitalised my look and changed the way I think about getting dressed in the morning, I can recommend a session with a stylist for any woman.
Expert Insider: Smitten with Style’s Wendy reveals her top three tips to look style ready in under three minutes:
Easy accessorising
• A scarf, necklace or bracelet will add pizzazz to any outfit in an instant – but most of the time we don’t accessorise because our accessories are not readily available (and we’re often running late as it is!). Hang your favourite scarf with your keys or dog lead, or stash a bangle in the handbag, and you’ll always have an accessory at the ready wherever you go.
Ten-second make up
• A little make-up always makes us look polished and finished, but who’s got time for to apply make-up when you’ve only got five minutes to get out the door? Look for all-in-one products that combine moisturiser, sunscreen and foundation to save you precious minutes.
Invest in ballet flats
• With all the running around we do nowadays, investing in a smart pair of ballet flats is an essential. It takes just five seconds to slip on but can change your outfit a thousand times for the better than ratty thongs or trainers.