I’m delighted to introduce you to Lorna from Manchester in the UK who writes the blog Colour Queen
What is the secret to great style?
Wearing outfits that flatter your body and skin tone. Knowing what you look good in will encourage confidence and self-esteem. If there’s a trend and you know it doesn’t do anything for you, then you have the sense to steer clear. It’s important to wear clothes and not allow the clothes to wear you, then the real you shines through. Our outfits are meant to enhance us, not overpower us.
What is the one thing you would spend a lot of money on?
The right bra! For the fuller cupped woman there’s nothing more important than the right foundation garments. Then you can build the rest of your outfit on top with confidence! I have found that these bras tend to be more on the expensive side anyway. A badly fitted bra can ruin even the most expensive outfit.
What is the one thing you wouldn’t spend a lot of money on?
Great question! I certainly wouldn’t spend any money on any color that wasn’t in my color fan, especially black.
What are your top tips for looking stylish when travelling?
Wearing predominately neutrals plus finding items that don’t need ironing! I recently went to Amsterdam and only took hand luggage with me. My skirts, trousers, shoes, jackets were all neutral colours which meant I could wear a different coloured top each day and not have to spend time thinking if the color combinations were right for each other.
What’s the secret to looking polished?
Learning from mistakes. We’ve all had style disasters. Since I started fashion blogging, it’s been so interesting analysing those outfits which in theory work but once you see yourself wearing them in a photo, they just don’t look good. Asking yourself why is key.
How do you balance new trends with a more timeless look?
There are certain looks I will always wear regardless of current trends. A coloured blazer with jeans is my go to outfit. Mixing trendy cheaper items with classic more expensive items is a popular and effective way to wear the latest fashion without looking like a fashion victim. I also try to make the new trend work for me. For example wearing flares that are low or mid-rise is better for my figure than the current high waist ones.
What is your current obsession?
Flares! I’ve been wearing flares now for a few seasons, before the 70’s trend was as big as it is now. I’m quite particular about the length. I like the hem to be right at the bottom of the shoe. It means testing them out with various heels to ensure I’m happy with them though and of course, living in UK, where it rains all the time, wearing flares that reach the ground isn’t advisable! Thankfully though, I’ve recently purchased a pair of cropped flares – ideal to wear if it’s too wet for long length flares.
Who inspires you?
I think Katie Piper is incredibly inspirational. If you don’t know her story, she was a British model who had acid thrown in her face. Against all the odds she remained positive, rebuilt her life and now runs a charity for other burn victims. In an interview once she said that wearing colourful clothes and prints make her feel good which is something I’ve found myself when working with clients with low self esteem. If I could chose to meet one person it would be her.
Do you have a signature piece or style?
In the winter months I always wear coloured tights with my skirts and dresses so I guess that has become a trademark.
What’s your secret to making yourself stand out?
Wearing the correct colours for my skin tone. Our eyes are attracted to color more than style. I don’t know if any of you have noticed but whenever you look at a group photo, your eyes will instantly home in on whoever is wearing their correct colours! This is definitely the key to standing out in a crowd! You dominate over your outfit.
The one piece of advice most women need but don’t get?
As I’ve just mentioned, definitely wearing the correct colours for their skin tone. Most woman tend to go for style over color and it’s a real shame. Wearing the right colours makes you look fresher, brighter and more alive. It can even make you look 10 years younger!
What’s the best piece of style wisdom you’ve ever received?
To smile every time you enter a room. It gives the impression of confidence (even if you don’t feel it). People are more likely to remember your smile than your outfit!
What is your favorite current trend?
It has to be mixing prints. It wasn’t that long ago I never would have mixed 2 lots of clashing prints together so I started teaming smaller items together like a top with a clutch until I became more adventurous. I love how we’re living in a time where anything goes!
What’s your favorite short cut to style?
A coloured blazer with a graphic t-shirt and any style of jeans.
What’s the worst current trend?
There are a couple of colours that don’t work well for my skin tone at all although I appreciate they look beautiful and classy on the right skin, just not mine!
I can’t quite get my head around the carwash pleats. They look fun for the runway but I just can’t see me desiring them enough to include in my own wardrobe. High waist trousers and jeans are also a big no-no for me. I think they’re fabulous on the right body but I’ve got such a short waist my body would disappear completely.
What are your favorite websites?
At the moment I dip into Wonderforest.com for help with the blogging and design side of things. Dana Fox is so talented in the blogosphere she’s a good person to learn from. I also get a lot of style inspiration from Pinterest and Polyvore.
How would you describe your personal style?
Colourful! I love to combine colours together. The beauty of knowing which colours suit you means that there are endless outfit possibilities. A lot of my clothes I wear season after season so nothing too wacky and trendy that will be out of fashion in a few weeks. I like to wear heels and statement jackets but love my jeans too. If I had to put a label on it, I would say my personal is smart casual.
Who are your style icons?
If we’re including style icons from the past I would say Princess Diana. I was just 6 years old when she got married so to me she was just the perfect princess. I used to have a princess Diana scrapbook and collected cuttings of her from newspapers and magazines. She often combined the latest trend with classic clothes, true to her natural style.
