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SUIT UP
Robina Town Centre, Saturday April 30. 9:30am
All Access Styling Masterclass with Robina Town Centre's Resident Stylist, Lauren Murphy. Hosted by Sea FM Brekkie Host, Bianca Dye.
Grab your fashionable friends and enjoy a stylish morning with like-minded women as you're treated to a display of new season 'must-have' pieces, a live day-to-night outfit styling session; and an interactive activity that will identify YOUR desired Personal Style.
Listen and learn, as Fashion Stylist, Lauren Murphy, (The Style Files Aus), talks you through a demonstrated "How To" elevate your personal style and best dress for your body shape and lifestyle; validating the power of style.
Leave feeling empowered and ready to put your most fashionable foot forward!
Your masterclass will include:
1-hour styling masterclass
$50 Robina Town Centre Gift Card.
DATES: Saturday 30th April
TIME: 9.30am - 10.30am
LOCATION: Ground Level, opposite Myer & Kookai
COST: $50 which includes;
1-hour styling masterclass with Lauren Murphy.
$50 Robina Town Centre Gift Card.
Plus a complimentary drink and savoury snacks.
With the growing impact of social media and fast fashion labels, its not wonder consumers are feeling the pressure not to “outfit repeat”, and to buy more for less.
By thinking of items as short term tools rather than long term investments, we are actually contributing to wasteful consumption by quite literally dumping landfill into our environment.
4 CONFRONTING FACTS ABOUT FASHION’S POLLUTION:
❎ Well over $500 billion of value is lost every year due to underutilising our clothing and a lack of recycling.
❎ An individual throws away an average 23kgs of clothing a year, contributing to landfill/waste.
❎ Young women of today consider a garment “old” having worn it once or twice.
❎ The typical Australian female is only wearing one third of their wardrobe.
I would like to highlight that when I am invited into someone’s home to conduct a wardrobe cleanse, I “shop their wardrobe” by creating multiple outfits using clothing/accessories they already own ?dc56.
We then create Keep, Maybe and Donate/Sell piles to ensure that anything that doesn’t align with my client’s current style category, body shape and lifestyle can be passed on to somebody else that will actually wear it ?dd
Here are my tips to fostering change and supporting sustainable fashion in your own home:
✅ Shop ethical labels! Do you research and know who and where you are buying from.
✅ Donate clothing that no longer serves you to charities such as women’s refuges.
✅ Set up a Fashion Swap amongst friends.
✅ Hire special event clothing through dress hire companies.
✅ Sell clothing that no longer serves you and use your profit to purchase more items you will wear, (perhaps support your local market’s rack sale).
Ever wondered why fashion is such a powerful communication tool??
Scientists suggest that within one tenth of a second we have already begun forming an opinion on someone based on their physical appearance including clothing, hairstyle, and accessories.
Although these early assumptions,(reflective of visual statements), are often incorrect, they are still made everyday. And we all know that once we make up our mind on somebody it’s much more difficult to change that opinion.
So what nonverbal signals are you sending to others - to your audience, your potential customers?? Is it a true reflection of your personal brand and how your wish to be perceived??
Powerful
Edgy
Approachable
Spiritual
Luxury
Confident
The above are just a few examples of words individuals may use to describe how they hope to be portrayed.
Your logo, your website and your work may reflect it, but do YOU??
Colour psychology, fabrics, graphics, neck/hemlines etc all convey nonverbal clues into your personal brand.
Choose your outfit with the intention of it speaking to everyone you meet.. because that’s exactly what it does!
Let’s chat shopping habits..
Part of the reason I conduct a Style Consultation before all of my Shopping Sessions is to identify my client’s buying behaviour. It’s to break down bad shopping habits and to establish a clear vision before the shop commences. This will help to streamline the overall process and stay on track to achieving shopping success.
Although our buying behaviour may shift over time due to lifestyle changes, we often find ourselves falling into a consumer habit category over and over..
WHICH SHOPPER ARE YOU??
NANCY No Direction - Roams around shopping centre aimlessly while giggling at phone memes. Forgot what they came to the shops for.
EVA Empty-Handed - Refuses to line up for change rooms. Gets a call from the kid’s childcare, leaves in a huff.
OLIVIA Online Only - Hides parcels in laundry cupboards from husband. Son calls the postman daddy.
INDIE Impulse purchase - Has two hours until event begins. Grabs the first thing that looks good on a mannequin.
ROMY Refund Queen - Can recite David Jones T&C’s. Will ask for the manager.
DIXIE Discount Shopper - Only shops outlet. Will elbow a bitch at Boxing Day sales.
I recently saw a quote that read, “If you didn’t hustle during covid, you are never going to hustle”.
I immediately started questioning myself.. did I hustle or am I just a coaster? Will I never be super successful??
During covid I hadn’t launched a new business, I hadn’t made a shit tonne more money than I normally do, I wasn’t staying up until 1am ticking off goals, I wasn’t journaling/meditating/listening to inspiring podcasts while the kids napped, (HA who am I kidding, my kids would’t nap!).
The self doubt crept in and I told myself that this must mean I’ll never “make it”, or ever be seen as a bad arse woman with grit and determination. I ain’t no hustler?!
Then it occurred to me.. The hustle comes in many ways.
Hustle is defined as “a great state of activity”.
Hustle for your heatlh - fuel your body consistency with smarter food choices, join a new fitness group.
Hustle your relationships - put in the work, communicate/listen/learn.
Hustle your passion - keep creative notes in your phone, pin things/words that inspire you.
Hustle your home - turn something unwanted into something valuable; paint your home, work on your garden.
I pressed restart on self reflection. I had in fact been hustling away in many aspects of my life, and will continue to do so!
The level of gratitude we give ourselves for even the smallest wins is what helps fuel the hustle!
So for anyone feeling like they’re a mouse on a spinning wheel not getting anywhere, take a look back on how far you’ve already come; and acknowledge that the hustle is simply a state of great activity.
And finally, in the words of my wise friend @justanothergirl_bykat “Remember that your hard days will one day be your easy days”.
Lauren x
STYLISTS ARE ONLY FOR THE RICH AND THE FAMOUS.
A STYLIST WILL JIDGE MY CURRENT WARDROBE/STYLE.
STYLISTS WILL PUSH ME TO MAKE LOTA OF PURCHASES.
A STYLIST WILL DRESS YOU LIKE THEMSELVES.
STYLISTS WILL TAKE YOU TO STORES OUT OF YOUR BUDGET.
Lies, lies and more lies haha!
A Personal Stylist is hired by individuals simply looking to invest in themselves. They’re open to learning the tools to confidently shop with intention and to dress in the most flattering way for their lifestyle, shape and personal style.
A good stylist will leave their own style at the door and really delve into getting to know YOU and your fashion goals.
Are you overwhelmed by your wardrobe? Are you having trouble dressing for the extra kgs you’ve gained? Do you leave shopping centres without what you went in for? Perhaps a career change has you looking to elevate your professional look?
Every client’s “why” may differ, but as a stylist my why stays consistent - to assist in bringing out the best version of you!
By conducting a One-On-One Style Consultation before any wardrobe cleanse or shopping even begins means that I really listen to your fashion strengths and weaknesses, and can streamline a plan within your budget and taste.
There is zero judgement, zero pressure to purchase and the confidence gained by the end of the process will be worth it!
What’s your fashion story?
When did you begin writing it’s pages? What chapter did you struggle with most? Who and what inspired you along the way?
My earliest memories of fashion are the days that I would go with my mum to take out our Layby at Best n Less, Tweed City. She’d usually purchase in large volumes and seasonally for my 5 siblings I, and always made sure my sister and I were dressed in matching outfits. I clearly remember a striped skivvy with cord overalls and Colorado boots to be precise. Raiding the Cheetah factory sales around Currumbin for matching swimmers, head bands and bags was also an early highlight. It soon upgraded to Pacific Fair hits on a Saturday after we’d played netball/football. I was always so happy and grateful on these days, and when we’d arrive home we would parade our new outfits for our dad to the theme song of Man O Man, (who remembers that show 😂).
Before I knew it I landed a job in retail at age 13 where I would spend the next 6yrs working weekends and school holidays, and growing my love for fashion. I was always the family representative to buy presents for Mother’s Day etc and my sisters have long been recipients of my hand-me-downs. When we were a little older, one of my sister’s even promised to buy me a pair of shoes if i’d go and do her shopping for her, (perhaps this is was my lightbulb moment of “I could actually get paid for this”). For as long as I can remember, before I’d fall asleep at night I’d be planning outfit combos in my head.
Throughout high school I most definitely used fashion as a confidence shell. I’d describe it as getting up and putting my armour on. The way I dressed or presented myself seemed to make me come across as really confident, when underneath I was, in fact, very anxious with such low self esteem. I’ve always had a huge issue with entering public places such as arriving at an event. I would spend 3/4 of the night at high school parties hiding in the car refusing to get out because I couldn’t shake the anxiety to actually enter the party. Clothing can’t take all the credit, but I soon realised that if I dressed a little left field in well put together outfits including bold accessories; that people would then greet me with “I love your earrings” or “where’d you get your dress from”. I used fashion as a deflection of how awkward I always felt and it helped work as an ice breaker for me on many occasions. It quite literally shielded my weaker interior and became my shell of confidence.
Now, when I look at an item of clothing, it tells a story. I see a dress and remember how it stretched over my big belly at the baby shower of my first child, I see a pair of shoes that walked me across the stage to receive my University Degree, I see a jacket I used to put over my mum at chemo because those rooms were always cold..
Fashion has different meanings for different people. Along with different meanings at different times throughout their life. I love how fashion can help transform as a person and the evolving stories it will forever tell. Don’t let anyone write your fashion story but you!
Be Across the Brief– It’s your responsibility to be all over your client’s creative brief and to completely understand their vision and their audience. Always refer back to that brief when making decisions, and what it is the client’s objectives and expectations of the project are. Do your research and ask questions prior to shoot day.
Be Organised– Two words, Stylist Kit! Your Stylist Kit is what comes with the stylist to a shoot and includes items such as a garment steamer, bulldog clips, baby wipes, Hollywood tape etc. Basically, if the model, photographer or client needs anything, you can reach into a Mary Poppins style bag and deliver. Ensure you’ve got back up garments, correct footwear sizes and always load your car the night before!
Be Professional– Being punctual, polite and proactive is the professionalism required on a photoshoot. Everyone is working to a strict time frame and budget. All creatives need to work cohesively and give their absolute all. In regard to garment loans and returns, always ensure everything is in good conditional and returned on time with plenty of gratitude and credit on all final images.
Be Flexible– Do not be afraid to a) get your hands dirty and b) jump in where needed, whatever that may be. The more versatility and skills you demonstrate at a photoshoot, the more valuable you become for a client. Fellow creatives such as hair stylists and photographers will choose to work with stylists that aren’t one-dimensional.
Be Creative– You are a stylist because you are a natural creative. It’s your chance to be brave and showcase this creativity by taking chances and pushing fashion boundaries. A boring or carbon copy stylist will never be remembered. All within the brief of course.
Are you wanting to cleanse your life of all the “things” that aren’t providing you with purpose? Turf the space fillers to make way for greatness? A perfect starting point is in your very own wardrobe!
Let’s kick things off by identifying your must-have, killer basics to inject as your wardrobe’s backbone in building the freshest fit out for you:
1. DENIM JACKET - It’s the staple that continues to have your back year after year. Wear it over almost anything and layer pieces underneath, the denim jacket my friends is not going anywhere.
*Stylist Tip – Purchase a couple of sizes bigger than usual to wear over a hoodie for an effortlessly cool look.
2. FLORAL MIDI DRESS - The perfect “special occasion” dress that requires little to no thought. An easy grab-and-go number that can be dressed up or down for events like Birthday lunches or Christmas Day, where you want to feel festive and feminine.
*Stylist Tip – Pair a tight, plain coloured tee underneath and some layered necklaces for a cute casual look.
3. BLACK PENCIL SKIRT - This is a reliable, cross over piece that works in the office and on weekends. Easily matched with almost any top, it’s also a blank canvas for footwear and accessories.
*Stylist Tip – Wear with a high neck blouse for the office and swap into a lower, more fitted neckline; and add some lipstick to spice it up in the PM.
4. WIDE BRIM HAT - Bad hair day? Gotcha covered! The perfect piece to slap on and tame your mane, while quickly shifting a look from casual to cool! The perfect winter through to Summer accessory.
*Stylist Tip – Don’t just think of hats for the beach, these type of hat looks hot with jeans, boots and a jacket.
5. BLACK ANKLE BOOTS - Style and comfort wrapped up in one shoe, a black ankle boot adds sophistication and edge to any outfit.
*Stylist Tip – Be sure to give your boots a spray with some leather and/or wet weather protector before wearing them to keep them looking new for longer.
6. WHITE SHIRT - The most versatile piece in a wardrobe with the choice to wear it to create either masculine or feminine look. The white shirt can be worn for business or for play and can easily be tucked in or left out.
*Stylist Tip – Try wearing a shirt like this underneath layered underneath a lower cut dress or a vest style top.. very Cher from Clueless!
7. NEUTRAL FLATS – There is nothing worse than having to change an entire outfit just because you don’t have any shoes to match. Grab some neutral flats that are a similar colour to your skin tone and they’ll go with almost everything – such a time saver!
*Stylist Tip - A neutral shoe lengthens your legs. Avoid wearing darker toned shoes with hemlines that are cropped if you want your legs to appear longer.
8. “FUN, FAT” PANTS – A pant with a drawstring around the waist and that’s made out of fleece is every girl’s comfort dreams. This style can be worn in AND out of the house when you can’t be f@cked to “suck in”!
*Stylist Tip – Loosen or tighten the waist string to suit where you want your pants to sit e.g tighter for high to bring in the waist, or looser for low to lengthen the torso.
Ive always been a sucker for a statement blazer, and more specifically, love mixing such a structured piece with more playful garments to create not so traditional looks.
Sometimes it’s difficult to think outside the comfort of your go-to wardrobe staples or to stray from what you believe to be “on trend”, but i’m here to tell you that your personal style has no bounds!
I purchased the above blue blazer from Zara recently for $189. And i managed to shop my own wardrobe (using pieces i already owned, some extremely old), to create 7 different looks.
It’s crazy how injecting one new piece into your wardrobe can suddenly elevate your old ones and open a whole new can of stylish worms..
Jump over to my instagram @thestylefiles.aus for a look at the full video styling these looks saved in my highlights!
Shopping from the comfort of your own home has fast become the new norm of the modern world. It’s easy, convenient, and the Internet never closes.
However, shoppers can quickly become overwhelmed, by choice and eventually toss in the towel. Or worse, impulse purchase!
To help you avoid becoming another e-commerce returns stat, I have put together the following:
5 WAYS TO ONLINE SHOP LIKE A PRO:
1) Create a Clear Shopping List And Stick to It
Save yourself from sinking down the rabbit hole of insta scrolling, and clearly itemize what you’re looking for before you begin. Make sure your shopping list only contains items that are lacking in your wardrobe, that you have pieces to wear them with and that they suit your current lifestyle.
2) Download Price Saving Apps
So you’ve got your shopping list, now let’s get you the best price possible! Lucky for the online shoppers of today, there are apps that can save you both time and money and do the hunting for you. Some great price saving shopping apps include ShopBack, Catch, Wish and Honey.
3) Read Sizing Charts/Customer Reviews
It’s inevitable that sizing/fit differs across all brands. To avoid misfit, you should always take a moment to read over the sizing chart before making a purchase. If you accompany this by checking what size the model is wearing and reading a couple of customer reviews, (they often mention the way a garment fits), then you should be A OK!
4) Beware of Currency Converter
It seems quite straight forward, but often online shoppers reach the checkout only to find that their total has increased due to currency conversion. This is the worldwide web remember! A quick double check straight off the bat will help eliminate later disappointment.
5) Familiarise Yourself with Store Return Policies
Each online retailer will have their own set of T&Cs when it comes to a Returns Policy. Often there is a store credit for exchange granted, whilst few will offer a refund, (usually with timing and/or sale item restrictions). Be sure to feel comfortable with these rules and look for a simple refund or exchange policy.
Happy Shopping!!
Who else strives to be a savvy shopper with a keen eye for a bargain?? It’s one thing shopping for bargains, but we still need to be mindful of not spending purely for the sake of a sale.
Since becoming a parent I no longer have the funds, or the nerve, to spend my pay checks on expensive new outfits. I shop “smart”. I look for versitile pieces that i actually need and will get wear out of, and pieces that do my body and lifestyle justice.
Before making a purchase, i suggest asking yourself the following questions:
Is in it in my budget?
Where will i wear this?
Do i already own something similar at home?
What items do i have that could go with this?
Does it suit my body shape?
Does it reflect my lifestyle?
If you stay on track it should be money well spent! It should also mean you don’t end up one of those people with a wardrobe full of clothes still with their tags on - less wastage people!
