Improvability Blog

Can’t find the same size to fit you in different shops?

It’s no bloomin’ wonder!

A survey by Which? magazine discovered that women’s size 14 clothes vary by several centimetres in different UK high-street chain stores.

Good grief! What took them so long to work that one out? We’ve all known this all along, haven’t we? We’ve been complaining for years about the difference in clothes sizes, which means you slip into size 12 trousers in one shop but squeeze into a size 14 in another.

Read the clothes sizing facts

I become Mrs. Angry from Chesterfield when I read all those silly scribblings by self-delusional so-called stylists who attempt to advise us all what to wear based on our dress size. (and the above tends to put all this into perspective somewhat, doesn’t it?) Some examples for your perusal:

• Hortense and Hermione are both size 8. Hortense creates a dramatic and powerful look in her Winter hues while Hermione radiates fun, warmth and vivacity in the warm tints of the Spring palette. Should they both wear the same clothes?
  Absolutely not!
• Three friends all wear size 12; the first is curvy, the second is built like a table-tennis table, the third has a curvy waist but no bottom (poor darling!). Should they all wear the same clothes?
  Absolutely not!
• Two sisters are both size 14 and very curvy. Ermentrude is very ladylike and elegant and was probably born with a glass of champagne in her hand! Ethelreda is outgoing and gregarious, loves digging up gardens and drinks cider by the pint. Should they both wear the same clothes?
  Absolutely not!
• Both you and your neighbour are a size 16 and straight up and down. You are 6 feet tall while your neighbour is 5 feet nothing. Should you wear the same clothes?
  Absolutely not!
• You could be size 14 and have shoulders wider than your hips. Great Aunt Jemima could be size 14 and be pear-shaped. Should you both wear the same clothes?
  Absolutely not!

Please don’t listen to GENERAL advice

You are not general and you are certainly not average* (spit, yuk, spit again!). Book yourself some me-time with a real image consultant, and find out:

• what body shape you are
• what your scale is
• what your style personality is
• which colours make you look healthy, gorgeous and alive

Put it all together to create a wardrobe of clothes to suit YOU, your personality, your lifestyle, your bodyshape and scale, etc. because, after all, there’s no-one quite like you, is there?

*Average – here are some definitions of this dreadful little word which, in my opinion, should only ever be used in the field of mathematics:

• Usual or ordinary in kind or character
• Average and medium apply to what is midway between extremes and imply both sufficiency and lack of distinction
• Mediocre stresses the undistinguished aspect of what is average
• What is fair is passable but substantially below excellent

If you believe any of these apply to you, you need to see a psychiatrist immediately. Absolutely NONE of these apply to you so I hope that from now on you will NEVER refer to yourself as ‘average’ again!

Colour Analysis Training in a Box

COLOUR ANALYSIS training
Multimedia DVD-based, self-study course

Train from scratch in the comfort of your own home, wherever you are in the world. No assignments to complete, but I provide full support DURING and AFTER your training.

Visit the multimedia colour analysis training website.

Check out the course content, frequently-asked questions and answers, business potential, colour supplies, extra resources exclusive to Improvability consultants, watch the video, lots of free downloads, and much more.

Skin care and make-up tips

My top 10 make-up tips…

1. Make sure the colour of your foundation exactly matches your skin tone
2. Put concealer on top of your foundation. Using a brush will cut down on leaving grease stains from your fingers
3. Avoid using too much black eye liner and mascara. There are plenty of black/brown combinations available or go for brown instead
4. Avoid too much blusher and only put in places where you blush!
5. Lipstick and cheek colours must blend! Pink blusher with a bronze lipstick looks awful!
6. Check teeth for stray lipstick smears
7. Don’t wear make-up colours that don’t suit you, even if they are in fashion. Find out which ones complement your skin tone and your personality
8. Be discreet with your perfume. Please don’t reapply it at every opportunity throughout the day – you may not be able to smell it, but we can!
9. Don’t rub your eyes if you have eye make-up on. You’ll end up looking like a panda!
10. Take all your make-up off before you go to bed – no matter how late

Read more skin care and make-up tips