summer essentials

May 19th, 2012

I thought I’d turn my attention to all matters health and beauty as summer approaches. As well as fashion, I write the health and beauty pages for Stamford Living and I’ve become ever more convinced that whilst fashion gives you an instant lift, looking after yourself from the inside out underpins everything. Here are some of my summer favourite products and treatments (not in any particular order!)

Dr Haushka fresh deodorant – gentle but effective, say no more! A bit of a treat at around £12 but smells divine and leaves skin much smoother than the average high street buy and doesn’t contain any nasties (incidentally, I have just started a course of IPL to be permanently rid of underarm hair at Renaissance of Stamford – didn’t hurt and although pricey it will be great to not have shaving stubble!)
Philip Kingsley, the elasticiser – my friend Nicky first introduced me to this product, which you use before shampooing then leave on for 10 or 20 minutes. Last time I went to the hairdresser my hair was terribly dry and tangly and I realised that it was because I hadn’t been using this for a while – it really does restore softness and bounce and I’ll be taking a travel size on holiday with me to use as a leave-in treatment
Max Factor false lash effect mascara in waterproof – gives you incredible lashes – whilst I still love Bobbi Brown no smudge this is the one that really opens up those peepers
Caudalie gentle cleansing water – gets rid of all traces of make up and eye make up in one easy sweep, perfect for a mid day cleanse too if you’re feeling in need of refreshment
Becca cream for cheeks and lips – I used to find cream blush really tricky to apply but this one glides effortlessly and gives such a pretty glow – I have just purchased the rosebud (pale pink) and have the turkish rose (brownish pink) on order, in anticipation of a golden tan!
Falene total block for sensitive skin – I buy this in batches from America – not too expensive and it’s a factor 52 containing only zinc and titanium. I use this every day, even in winter on my face, neck and decollete; it is very slightly pale but doesn’t really interfere with my make up too much and I know it does an amazing job
Nip and Fab cellulite gel – I was lucky enough to get a sample of this in the course of my job and combined with some vigorous dry brushing every morning I do think it’s made my skin look a bit smoother
Pixi illuminating tint and conceal in bare glow number two – this is a great product for when you’re in a hurry, a lovely smooth tinted moisturiser with a clever concealer at the other end of the tube – genius for a quick summer face
Chanel nail varnish in April 533 (pictured) – the holy grail of nail varnish as far as I’m concerned, the perfect pinky/red and looks especially great with bare face/red lipstick make up for summer evenings.
Remember if you’re stuck in a style rut I can give you some advice – the health and beauty expertise is all part of the package!
Genevieve x

Tags: ,

My weekly fashion fix – the wonderful hamammas

April 15th, 2012

 

if only I was on a beach somewhere

Holiday season will soon be upon us and I’ve recently discovered a wonderful multi-tasking item that everyone should have in their suitcase – called the hamammas I came across it on stylepassport.com but I think they also have a stand-alone website. What’s brilliant is that it can be used as a scarf (as shown), a sarong, a towel and even a picnic rug. I’m definitely taking it to cuddle up with on my flight this summer too! If you have any other summer must-haves I’d love to hear about them.

My weekly fashion fix – personal shopping, anyone?

March 29th, 2012

I received some lovely feedback from a client of mine who I recently spent a day with in Cambridge, shopping for Spring/Summer generally and for an outfit for her birthday party. Here’s what she said:

I used to walk into a shop completely lost, walk around the store aimlessly and end up at home with a few items – only to be saying ‘I still haven’t got a thing to wear!’. Hooray, long gone are those days, as every season or two, I can now treat myself to a day shopping with you! Not only does this reduce the stress levels but the compliments I receive when I’m in one of the purchased outfits, make me feel great. It’s totally Gen to the rescue: once you have my shopping list, you’ve already worked out the stores to visit, then you’re off searching and bringing items to the changing rooms for me to try on! We shop for the whole outfit so there’s no getting home and not knowing what goes together (you are great at finding shoes, bags & accessories!). Nothing is forced on me and you are very honest (many a time has you’ve said ‘no, I think we can find better’). The only down side is the hit to the credit card after all the great buys although what I save on the non-purchasing of ‘mistakes’ and the investments in wardrobe classics more than makes up for the dent to the wallet!

I can honestly say that shopping is fun and I’m already looking forward to the next shopping trip Gen!

Rachel x

Praise indeed, for something that I enjoyed very much too. Attached is one of the little treasures we picked up for Rachel – this silk dress is from All Saints

 

Tags: ,

This week’s fashion fix – get your toes out!

March 13th, 2012

Ok so I know the weather is still a little unpredictable, but heck, we are in March and although I have absolutely no desire to waft around in the pastel little floral numbers that seem to be gracing every magazine fashion feature I do want to feel that I’ve moved on from my winter wardrobe, which frankly, is making me feel a little bit dull.

My solution?  A lovely pedicure at Emma Cannings and the resurrection of my All Saint’s cut out ankle boots (teamed with my trusty Maison Scotch chinos, purchased from Energy two years ago, proof if ever it were needed that if you love a trend like I love chinos, it is well worth making an investment purchase).

ps - enjoyed a fantastic personal shopping trip to Cambridge for a client’s birthday wardrobe last week – more on that to follow soon!

 

 

 

This week’s fashion fix – good accessories

March 7th, 2012

I was reminded the other day just how important good accessories are. The plainest white shirt or black dress can be taken to an altogether higher plane with some clever details. Of everything I wear, I get stopped and asked about my (admittedly rather huge), square, turquoise ring the most. One lady even begged me to sell it to her!

My lovely friend Eli (who is the glamour puss mentioned in the photo) should have a masters degree in accessories. She is brilliant at adding those little finishing touches, a cosy little scarf, but always in the softest linen or cashmere, a fab hand bag (Stamford’s Arch label agency is her preferred hunting ground) and some cleverly layered jewellery.

Here she is doing dressed down glam, necklace by Pandora (her Christmas present to herself!) and belt is vintage Jigsaw. Whilst waxing lyrical on accessories, I’d also highly recommend Ruby Loves in Stamford Walk for some fabulous jewellery brands including Pilgrim and always well worth a browse.

If you need any help with shopping, accessories or otherwise, I can also offer a limited number of personal shopping appointments, please contact me here

Tags: , , ,

Client Testimonial – Helen

March 1st, 2012

Deciding what to wear was always the biggest challenge of the day. I seemed to have accumulated loads of clothes over the years but had nothing to wear that i felt or looked good in.

Until that is…. Gen stepped in.

Gen asked me about my lifestyle, my work and what colours I liked.

We went through every bit of clothing together discarding some (most), matching pieces together and realising the gaps in my wardrobe which would enable ‘my look’ to come together.

Gen created a look for me, ‘stylish, classic, sexy’ and I love it. My wardrobe has decreased but every item is worn, looks great and makes me feel a million dollars.

If you are suffering a similar problem, then please contact me for a free initial chat.

Thanks Gen x

 

Tags: , , ,

Client Testimonial

February 7th, 2012

Genevieve came to my house for an express wardrobe workout after I completed a simple questionnaire; I wanted to focus on updating my working winter wardrobe, with a particular emphasis on outfits robust enough for a day of meetings in London – so no killer heels or easily crushed fabric.

Gen reviewed my favourite suits, skirts, tops and jackets, and made some unexpected suggestions, in particular splitting up suits and pairing them with other items for a new look, experimenting with coloured tights and shoes to lift an outfit, and using summer weight jackets with a sweater to extend their life in the winter.

As well as creating some great new outfits from the items already sitting there, Gen suggested some missing pieces from my wardrobe, and later sent me a word doc with a list of these items and, brilliantly, links to websites that featured them!  So I spent a happy evening following up all the links and discovering some new online retailers.

Whenever I feel devoid of inspiration for a new, professional outfit with more of a fashion edge, I can return to my personal shopping list for some great new ideas.  Incredibly, Genevieve did all this in just one hour in my house.  Think I might call on her services again to lift my summer wardrobe!

If you need any help with shopping, accessories or otherwise, I can also offer a limited number of personal shopping appointments, please contact me here

Tags: , , ,

Autumn Update

August 25th, 2011

 

Autumn wish list from Gen

Isn’t it amazing how quickly you can switch from swishing around in a floaty maxi dress to yearning for a decent pair of opaques?  My wish list for Autumn is huge (I did say wish); there are some gorgeous trends around although personally I’m not sure about camel being the new black (looks good when teamed with orangey red or navy though, I’ll give you that.)

I’m also pondering on how fashion can suddenly grab you; you start off being vaguely horrified by a trend, then it sort of nibbles away at you, then you start kind of accepting it, and suddenly you’re seriously thinking of taking the plunge.  I’ve definitely learnt that declaring “I’d never wear that” is almost certainly going to come back and haunt you.  Take the case of ankle socks with bare legs and shoes.  Bare legs are not necessarily going to work for your average day at the office, (although I’ve got a good friend Emma, who never wears tights, even in the midst of winter, and it works for her), but I’m really starting to like the idea of a little tweedy dress, pointy shoes, and some dainty socks.

Have I lost the plot/would I look faintly ridiculous now I’m the wrong side of 40?  Possibly.  But at least I’ve got an open mind.

If you need any help with shopping, accessories or otherwise, I can also offer a limited number of personal shopping appointments, please contact me here

Tags: , , ,

Blog from the beach!

July 28th, 2011

 

Beach wear tips from Genevieve Potter

The beach is such a great leveller, as I found out for myself when I recently spent a fortnight in Southern Majorca, soaking up the rays (don’t worry, I’m a factor thirty girl!).  So many different shapes and sizes, and what always surprises me is how much better the locals look (sorry, but they do).  However, undeterred, I set out to make my own beach look the best that it could be, buying a couple of things in the resort to help me along the way.  Firstly, some Ipanaema flip flops which actually have a (very slight) wedge heel.  Hilarious I know to wear flip flops with heels, but I swear they make your legs look longer.  Next on my list was a little bikini which did wonders for my cleavage.  For years I had coveted the “bra shape” bikinis that the lovely petite Spanish ladies wear, but suddenly, whilst studying them from under my sunglasses, the penny dropped.  This wasn’t an elusive new design, that was impossible to source in the UK, but simply a standard padded halter top with the two straps tied individually to each side of the back strap (instead of around the neck). I’m really fussy about swimwear and would always advocate that the less you wear, the more it should cost, however for ten euros I got a funky little number that I was really pleased with (it probably won’t last beyond this summer, but hey, I’ve had fun).

To complete my joy, my great friend Debbie and I managed a little late afternoon shopping in the lovely city of Palma, and my best buys there were from Massimo Dutti, including a gorgeous floaty little camisole in soft navy blue cheesecloth, and a trusty red cashmere and cotton fine knit jumper.

I do get notoriously camera shy on the beach, but here’s a little pic, of Debbie, myself, and Debbie’s three year old daughter and fashion diva in the making, Daisy, sporting our toenails on the sand.  This is a great summer colour, it’s by Nails Inc, shade is Haymarket.

Let’s hope the sun keeps shining, I’m not ready for those opaques yet!

If you need any help with shopping, accessories or otherwise, I can also offer a limited number of personal shopping appointments, please contact me here

 

Tags: , ,

omg – my first blog!

July 8th, 2011

Well this is a voyage of discovery, but I thought it was about time I had a go!

It’s really just to say that if you’re reading this, you’ve probably found me from the new website, so thanks for having a look!

I promise that I’ll start blogging in earnest soon,  but in the meantime, thought I’d post this little pic of me, back in the days when my love of fashion and rampant use of the dressing up box all began.  That’s me third from left, check out the sailor hat.

If you need any help with shopping, accessories or otherwise, I can also offer a limited number of personal shopping appointments, please contact me here

’til next time,

Genx

Tags: , ,

© Copyright 2012: I Haven't Got a Thing to Wear. All rights reserved.