Life Less Ordinary

This article is written by Robin Powis who is passionate about personal styling. Robin is committed to working with people to help them feel confident about their own sense of style and to teach them how to shop for colours and styles that suit their shapes and skintone. For more information about Robin please read her profile.

We all know that fashion today is not geared to the average female’s shape. What does she do and how does she shop?

The fashion industry determines what is IN but really it’s more about what you need now in your wardrobe or what flatters your body shape.

Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style says that what defies age and era and looks as fabulous today as it did when Audrey Hepburn wore it are classic styles. 

Clothing that remains one of fashion’s most coveted pieces are the trench coat, the little black (or navy) dress, the white (or ivory) tailored shirt, great fitting black pants, superb cut jeans and a beautifully cut jacket. And remember always choose a version that doesn’t deviate too much from the original style. 

Here are Robin’s five key tips to look and feel fabulous:

1. Body Shape

Sydney based, Robin Powis says that women waste their money when shopping for clothes. With the dominance of fashion magazines, advertising and celebrity obsession, an increasing number of women follow fashion trends that simply do not suit them.

Always wear styles that flatter your figure and follow the line of your body without being too tight, or too baggy. Also avoid wearing too bulky or too stretchy fabrics.

2. Accessories

The key is to discover your own signature style and wear clothes that say something about who you are. Accessories are a great way to update your look and make a statement about you. 

Remember that with accessories that less is more. Generally only wear one spectacular accessory and let the other items take back stage. If your outfit is plain you can afford to embellish your outfit, if it is busy, keep it simple.

Changing your shoes, bag and jewellery can transform a corporate look to an evening look in just seconds. 

3. Colour

Colour affects your mood, body shape, age, your outlook to life and the overall impression you make on others. Wearing your best range of colours will make you look younger, healthier and more vibrant. Wearing unflattering colours can make you look older, ill, exhausted or dull. Learn more at www.definingstyle.com.au/ColourReinvention

4. Wardrobe Planning

How much of your wardrobe do you wear regularly? If you have clothes that you don’t wear because they don’t flatter you or nothing goes with them, chances are they shouldn’t be there. Learn to declutter your wardrobe and group your tops and bottoms separately, in colours and then neutrals. That way you can instantly see what’s in your wardrobe and where there are gaps.

5. Shopping Guide

Shop wisely, don’t buy an item in a hurry or for a special occasion. It’s far better to buy something you need and always looks fabulous. Start with basic staples (like a jacket, shirt, pants) and add the fashion items as money and time permits. Think quality, not quantity. A classic item of clothing will last season after season and never date.

For more information contact Robin Powis, Defining Style (02) 9948 0484 0419 468272 www.definingstyle.com.au

To collect your free e-books on ‘100 Essentials Every Women Should Know’ go to www.definingstyle.com.au/ebooks

Often we push and push ourselves until we break. Many women in particular find it difficult to justify finding time for themselves, they struggle to make it a priority to have time out, to refresh, recharge and feel invigorated.

It is important to make time to prioritise yourself, if you don’t value yourself then it is likely that no one else will, at least not as much as you would like them to. You need to pamper yourself by taking time out to do whatever it is that makes you feel great, things that inspire you, make you laugh and make you happy.

Whether you walk on the beach, go for a run, take a bubble bath, escape with a great book, have a glass of wine with friends, indulge in a Tim Tam with a cup of tea, make chocolate dipped strawberries to have with Champagne or call up your best friend for a long chat, there are millions of simple, inexpensive ways to take a break.

At Innersense we are big believers in creating special experiences, whether they last for a few minutes or for weeks, perhaps even months at a time for a dream holiday.

Decide today to start taking time out to enjoy your life. You will find that you have even more to give to others, if you take time to refuel yourself by doing things that make you feel fabulous.

What do you do to relax?
What makes you laugh?
What inspires you?

What are you going to do this week just for you?

For my first article for the launch of ‘innersense’ I thought it might be a great opportunity to share with you, some beautifully powerful words that have been a great inspiration and comfort to me. These words were for Nelson Mandela by Maryanne Williamson; I treasure this quote as it lifts my spirit, keeps my energy high and gives me the permission to be all that I can be every day. I hope it moves you to SHINE

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Maryanne Williamson

Like everything in life, whether you’re training for the City to Surf, wanting to lose 5 kilos, rehabilitating from illness or saving for your dream holiday it takes small steps every day. So to move into the inspiring you that SHINE’S, it too will take small steps, consistency, energy and commitment and before you know it you will SHINE.

I believe in YOU, Innersense believes in you

Easy ways to shine!

• Take care of your health
• Eat food that really nourishes your body
• Smile at a stranger
• Do something special for you
• Be in nature
• Laugh everyday
• Keep learning and developing new skills
• Be active
• Try something new every week

Everybody has experienced challenging times and its how we deal with these situations that really define us and our future experiences. How we feel really on the inside is so important and any small change can make a massive difference to our outcomes.

If you would like more information or free 15 min consultation to support, motivate and inspire you to ‘SHINE’ please contact Bev Carter 0414 415 902.  www.bevcarter.com.au

2 years ago I could never have imagined where I would be today.

If you are dealing with having been made redundant, dreaming of a different lifestyle and/or stuck in job you want to escape then I hope you find my story encouraging. 

When my role as a Divisional Sales Manager was made redundant in July 2008 I was unsure what to do.  I’d been working full time in the corporate environment for over 17 years, where I’d had some wonderful roles and opportunities.  Now I was ready for change. 

I wanted to escape the long commutes to work.  I wanted to work flexible days and hours and work on a diverse range of different projects.  I wanted to be my own boss.  I wanted to work with individuals and businesses that I liked and I wanted to take advantage of the amazing opportunities I could see with the rise of the internet and the changing international economy.

Despite feeling restless I was not prepared to leave the security of my full time income.  When the redundancy made this decision for me, I decided to throw myself in the deep end, start working for myself & see what happened.  I had no plan, no money (1 month’s pay) & no clue where to start.... not ideal!

Just over a year on I can say it’s been an amazing journey (and it’s still early days).  Some of the amazing benefits that I have loved include; working from home and for local businesses, complete freedom to plan my schedule every day/all day, discovering opportunities everywhere and thinking more creatively than I have in years.  At the same time it hasn’t all been easy & financially I have struggled making well under my previous salary in my first year. 

Recently I was head hunted for a full time job, it was a great role, with a great company and a great package.  It was a very tempting offer which I seriously considered (the idea of going back to what I knew well & regular full time pay was very appealing).  However, as I thought very seriously about what I would have to give up,  I realised that this last year has been one of my happiest, I have met lots of amazing new people, attended courses &  learnt a lot about myself and about doing business differently.  I’ve clarified my vision for my life and my business and embarked on my internet marketing career.  I can honestly say I am out of my comfort zone and loving it and I know I can exceed my previous income with more time.  I knew in my heart that I needed to turn the role down and stay true to my dreams & plans. 

Right now are you doing what you think you should be doing or are you doing what you really want to be doing? 

Are you making the choices that will make you happy?

If you think your dream isn’t possible then it won’t be.  What would you be prepared to do differently to make it happen?

A few months ago I became the very proud owner of a kitten. I have always liked animals and wanted a cat of my own for a very long time. Bella is my first pet and for all of the millions of other pet owners out there I’m sure you understand when I say that I completely adore her and I’ve been amazed at how quickly this cute little ball of fur could take over a major part of my life and heart.

Spending time with Bella has created some of my most special moments each day. She reminds me to enjoy the simple things, her curling up in my lap and hearing her purr when she is content and happy. Having her has been such a blessing.

I have always liked animals and yet since having Bella I am now much more aware of peoples pets, I see cute pets everywhere. I understand and have genuine empathy for people worries about their pets health, I cry when I hear stories of anyone hurting animals and I want to see all loving animals in a loving home.

If you have always wanted a pet I encourage you to ‘go for it’ and if you already have one then I recommend you make sure that you make time in your busy day to spend at least a bit of quality time with them. The love and joy that you get back is unbelievably worth it.

Does anyone have any pet stories that they would like to share with me?

What other things do you do to take time out, to ‘smell the roses’?

Best wishes,
Kyla