The Image You Project

By Jo Clary Maughan 

It’s easy to become lazy with the way we dress – especially more so as we age. As our bodies change after adolescence, birth, menopause and in older age, it becomes increasingly harder to find clothes to suit our changing shape. For many people, a comment out of the blue or a major life change – such as a divorce, relocation, career move or promotion – prompts an image overhaul.


If you own a full length mirror, go and stand in front of it and really look at yourself and what you’re wearing. Do your clothes reflect how you feel inside? When was the last you went through your wardrobe and updated it? Do you make an effort to seek out ways to stay in style or in touch with fashion, to a certain extent? Do you feel it’s time to colour your hair, but you don’t know how to proceed? When was the last time you spent money on yourself – just for you?


What we wear has a profound impact on how old, young or “who” we appear to be – and how we feel. Some styles and colours have the clout to make us look older than we really are, just by their association. And certain styles that once suited us may now be actually making us look older than our years.

Since the introduction of silent movies we’ve become unconsciously conditioned by the media as to what our “image” represents. The images projected by television and movie stars in character have encouraged us to think certain groups of people should wear certain things. If you picture a university student, used car salesman, beach bum or an old lady, your mind instantly creates mental images of what these people look like and what they would be wearing. And it’s likely that everyone reading this article is having these same mental images. This is known as stereotyping and its extreme power can be used for good or bad – if you know how.

If you need advice on creating the image you want to project, how the latest fashion trends translate to your existing wardrobe, or you want to discover simple ways to keep your look current, book a style consultation with us today. Discover how to look your best, increase your self-confidence and make wise shopping decisions – purchasing clothes and accessories that are really you, making you look good and feel great!

5 Winter Wear Storage Tips

By Jo Clary Maughan,  Leading Image Consultant at F3 Image Consultants,

Winter is a word that is rarely used in Singapore.  With the climate hot all year round, we tend not to think of the cold.   However, if you travel to cooler climates, have a look at the following tips to take care of rarely worn items that may be spoiled by humidity.

1. Hang coats, jackets, skiwear, etc in a spare closet separate from your daily clothes. Leather should always hang and it may crack if folded tightly without access to air. Recycle dry-cleaning plastic bags to hang over delicate items and to keep dust away. Store coats on wooden hangers to keep the shape of the shoulders. To avoid mouldy garments, place a disposable dehumidifier container or sachet on the lower shelf of the wardrobe, or in drawers.
   
   
2.  If your leather items have mould on them, try to wipe it with a damp cloth. If this doesn’t work or there is staining left behind, suede or leather can be treated at ColourWash, www.colorwash.com.sg. They may be able to clean most stains or discolouration.
   
   
3.  Take out the seasonal clothes you do not wear and store them separately. Store all handbags, gloves, shoes and boots in Ziploc bags.  Take a straw and suck the air out the bags before closing them up.  Plastic will keep these items from falling apart over time.
   
   
4.  All cold weather items can be placed in plastic storage bags under your bed or in a separate closet. Utilise the area under your bed, as it is easier to access than a high cupboard.
   
   
5.  Put labels on the outside of all of your boxes or bags. This makes it simpler and faster to find the things you’re looking for – especially if you’re in a hurry!
   

For information or enquiries:
Phone: 6876-1761/9150-1705 | Email: info@f-3.com.sg  | www.f-3.com.sg

The Difference between Fashion & Style

By Jo Clary Maughan

Fashion is the accepted day-to-day dressing at any given time.  So if you see everyone wearing the same colour or style when they have not been wearing the trend before, this is “in-fashion”.  Style is how you take fashion and express yourself though it to the world.

The secret to balancing trends and fads with your own unique style is not to take them too seriously or too literally. Designers create sometimes far-fetched or off the wall items for the shows you see in Milan, New York, Tokyo etc. They use these shows as a means to be creative and express themselves. It is only the design lines of these garments that you will see eventually hit the market for the average person to buy. No one buys or wears the clothes from these shows and they never have.

Fashions change because people change and we all want something new to wear. Even though fashion evolves and some styles appear to come back, the way they are combined with other style elements means the look is never completely the same. Holding onto something thinking it will come back in style usually never happens. For example, the rounded toe shoe that was popular in the late 90’s has come back, but  is currently without is the overly thick and chunky platform sole  that accompanied that shape back then.

Knowing what styles and colours work for you is how you can begin to create a wardrobe that works for you.   Call us today to find out more about booking a Colour & Style Consultation and start to enjoy the freedom of purchasing garments and accessories you will wear over and over again!

To Alter or Not to Alter – That is the Question

By Jo Clary Maughan

We all wish that buying off the rack was as simple as walking up, selecting a garment, trying it on and wow - it’s perfect. But how many times does this actually happen? 

Shopping for clothes can be a tedious process, but you can have more freedom to purchase clothing off the rack if you are open to alterations.  Altering a garment can ensure it fits you perfectly rather than putting up with something that will have to do.  Below are a few tips on what you can and cannot alter:

Buy or alter an existing garment if:

1.   Altering an elastic waistband.

2.   Shortening straps or sleeve length.

3.   Taking up the hemlines. You can only take up 7.5 cms on skirts otherwise you lose the line of the garment which will result in having to take the sides in too.

4.   Shortening T-shirt, blouse and suit jacket hems.

5.   Taking in the back or side seams of waists on trousers and skirts.

6.   Putting in or making darts smaller in blouses and jackets.

Do not buy or alter an existing garment if:

1.   You need to let out more than the seam will allow. This goes for side seams and trouser length.

2.   Very sheer fabrics, knits, leather or fur will leave    holes in the fabric where the original stitching was.

3.   Lowering the crotch (rise) by more than one centimetre or quarter of an inch.

4.   Making smaller armholes in jackets, tops and blouses with sleeves.

5.   It is almost impossible to relocate a pocket, or remove it altogether, as you will always see the outline where the original pocket was.

While the 5 alterations (above) can be performed, the cost will be much higher due to the complexity of the work and may cost you the same price as the garment itself - so your purchase may not be worth the money.

The Benefits of Colour Analysis

By Jo Clary Maughan, AICI FLC, Leading Image Consultant
F3 Image

Do you know what colours suit you the best?  Does your wardrobe consist of clothes that are primarily black or white?

There are two ways to approach colour decision:  intuitively and intellectually.  This is usually achieved when you combine a little of what you feel with a lot of what you know.  Colour logic is learned and everyone can learn the logistics of colour and its application.

The colour you wear is the first thing that others notice about you.  By expanding your knowledge of colour you will be able to inspire others and enjoy the benefits of perceptive colour selection. 

By having a personal Colour Analysis consultation, you will learn ‘how’ and ‘why’ some colours enhance your appearance, giving the look of health, youth and vitality.  Your Personal Colour Swatch and Colour Profile Booklet can be used to mix and match your clothing and for purchasing clothing and make-up colours that suit you the best.

A few colour pointers to remember along the way:

1. Light and bright colours are advancing which enlarge the area to which they are applied.
2. Dark colours recede and diminish size.  This is why we tend to love black so much – it makes us look taller and thinner!  Try navy, dark brown or forest green instead.
3. Dressing in monochromatic colours (two colours of similar intensity) leave you looking taller and thinner.
4. By choosing to wear a dark colour on the bottom and a light colour on the top, you will appear taller.  The  reverse is true wearing a dark top and a light bottom.

Join us today for our fun, informative and interesting Colour Analysis consultation so you can begin to enjoy a wardrobe of freedom, choice and colour!

Hosiery in Singapore

By Jo Clary Maughan, AICI FLC, Leading Image Consultant
F3 Image

Oh my… the very thought of donning a pair of nylons/stockings/hosiery/tights – in this climate is enough to make you shudder! In fact, due to Singapore’s humid climate, it’s one of the few places in the world you can often get away without wearing stockings at all.

If you hold a professional position or are attending a special event however, you may be forced to wear them. If this is the case, keep the following tips in mind: 

1.   The best colour choice is a neutral shade. Always opt for    stockings that are one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone.

2.   If you must wear stockings for an after-hours event, leave home with bare legs and carry a pair of stockings in a
plastic Ziploc bag in your handbag. Once you reach your destination, you can then put them on. The plastic bag
saves them from snagging on anything in your purse and you’ll stay cool until you’ve reached an air-Conditioned
environment.

3.   Never wear stockings with a reinforced toe with open-toed shoes.

4.   Never wear stockings with strappy sandals.

5.   Never wear light coloured shoes with dark stockings.

6.   If possible, buy stockings with Lycra or Microfiber in the mix for a lighter, smoother appearance. Lycra and
       Microfiber blend well with Nylon and there is no sagging at the ankles.

Stick to these tips and you will find nylons easier to select and wear.

Buying the Right Shoes for You

By Jo Clary Maughan

Shoes!  Our favorite thing to shop for after handbags!  Shoe shopping is so much easier as we can try them on without waiting for a fitting room or having to strip down under harsh lighting and an altered mirror.  But are you purchasing the right shoes for you?

Being well-heeled or flat soled depending on what you are wearing is up to you and your comfort preference.  If you are fond of flat shoes, do remember calf muscles constrict every time we put on a pair of heels, which stimulate the muscles giving the leg a leaner look.

The French first invented high heels in 1896 and while they may look stunning, standing in them all day can be torture.  Most women feel comfortable in a heel height of 3 to 5 cms, 1 to 2 inches.  If you stand at work or do a lot of walking each day, this is where you will find the most comfort.

If you are large busted, D cup or over, it is best to stick to a maximum heel height of 5 cms.  Higher than this, you may experience balance difficulties, as you need a stable centre of gravity.  The safest bet is a classic width or moderately stacked heel/wedges to evenly distribute weight.

Always remember the height of your heel needs to be in proportion to your garment hem length.  Golden Rule – The higher the hem, the lower the heel and the lower the hem, the higher the heel.  A high skirt hemline with a high heel will result in a tart like look and conversely a long hem with a low heel such as a Birkenstock will leave you looking like grandma.

When trying on shoes, don’t ever tell yourself that they will stretch unless your shoe is quality leather.  Any shoe that has top stitching over the foot will never stretch.  If you feel any pain when walking in the shop, don’t buy them. 

For a fashion update or learn more about purchasing shoes, contact us today to find out more about our consultations and services.  We are here to help you look and feel your best in clothing and accessories that you love to wear!

Fabric Basics

By Jo Clary Maughan

When it comes to purchasing or custom making clothing you love to wear, fabric plays an important and vital role in the success or failure of a garment.  When you buy something in a fabric that is not right for your shape, usually it ends up as a write off as it can’t be altered or dyed to make it into something that you would be happy with.  There are some simple rules to follow when looking at the fabric garments are constructed of. 

Here are some helpful tips when looking for fabrics:

• Bulky and stiff fabrics are the most difficult to suit all body shapes.  They tend to be very straight fitting and make those with a curvy figure look like they are wearing a box.  Women with straighter figures with less waist definition wear these the best.
•  Chinese brocades (what most Cheongsams are made of) might look and feel fantastic but are very unforgiving, as they have no stretch.  Putting on or losing a few pounds will leave these either looking tight or bunching up in all the wrong places. If you have a bust and hips and really want a Cheongsam, it is best to have it custom made but do remember you need to stay at the same weight!
•  Shiny fabrics are reflective and add weight to any area that they are applied.  Sequined items are the most enlarging.  When it comes to evening wear, sheen is a better option than shine.
•  Textured, rough and nubbly fabrics will always add weight.  Smooth fabrics with no surface detail are slimming.
• Slimming fabrics are those that are dark in colour and have a matte surface, as they are not reflective.  Anything light in colour expands and dark colours will slim.

If you wish to learn more about fabric, how to purchase it and which suits you best, contact F3 to find out more and begin to create a wardrobe full of clothes that you love to wake up to in the morning.

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To find out more about F3’s beauty and shopping consultations, services and workshops, please log onto www.f-3.com.sg   to join us to learn what suit you the best and why.

A Closet of Chaos?

Do you look in your closet and feel that you can’t find anything to wear?  Do you have items still lingering around from the late 90’s? Are you the type that never throws things away feeling that someday you will revive items?

If this sounds like you, you may want to consider getting some help with cleaning out your wardrobe.  In F3’s Wardrobe Audit, we not only go through all of your garments to find the most mix and match options, but we also let know you why you do not wear things. 

Once you understand the reason why you made a poor purchase, it will help you part with things easier and cut the clutter. 

If you decide to tackle your wardrobe, keep the following tips in mind:

• Items to keep - Those that you like and are wearing, those that need no alteration, are in harmony with your personality, are comfortable, fit you well, and make you feel good.
• Items that need attention – Those that have missing buttons, fallen hems, require an alternation or need another item to be purchased to go with it. These should be set apart so you address them.
•  Items that need to be given away or discarded  – Anything that is two sizes too small or big, items out-of-date, anything unworn for 2 years, things that no longer fit your lifestyle needs and anything you like in theory, but take off again whenever you put it on.

By Jo Clary Maughan 

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Jo Clary Maughan, AICI FLC, Leading Image Consultant at F3 Image Consultants, provides individual consultations and group workshops for: Colour Analysis, Fashion & Style Solutions, Make-up Solutions, Accessory Magic, Wardrobe Audits, Personal Shopping, Total Makeovers, Professional Makeovers, Deportment Solutions and Colour & Style Solutions for Men.

To find out more about F3’s beauty 

and shopping consultations, services and 

workshops, please log onto www.f-3.com.sg to join us to learn what suit you the best and why.

Dressing Your Personality

By Jo Clary Maughan

For clothes to look good and feel good, they must be ‘YOU’.  They need to suit your shape of body and also reflect your personality.  When you say a certain style is ‘you’, you are in essence expressing who you are and your lifestyle.  For many of us, our personal style is an evolving process over time, experience, our environment, friends, work commitments, goals, age, expectations and simple changes in tastes and opinions.  It is an ever changing process.

If you have not determined your personal style or are unhappy with the style you currently have, take time to go through fashion magazines and cut out everything that appeals to you in regard to clothes, shoes, accessories, make-up looks and hairstyles.  Once this is done you will see a common trend in what seems to appeal to you so you will have more of a direction as to what to look for when out in the shops.  A quicker option to find your personal style is to book an appointment a Fashion & Style Solutions consultation to take the Style Personality Questionnaire and to find out exactly what personal style you currently have. 

Since our personal style is ever changing, you may find that things you wore in the past worked for you then but not now.  By taking the Questionnaire, you will find out two things.  1)  What style you have now and 2) What style you wish you were.  This is beneficial so you can find clear direction to make changes aimed with a certain style in mind.  Being true to your inner self is a critical element in successful dressing.

Have you ever had someone like your husband, wife, mother or friend buy you something that you know you will never wear as you feel it is not you?  If so, don’t deem them as having no sense of style or taste; just understand that they have a different personal style expression from you.  What appeals to one person may not appeal to the next.  This is why fashion gives us so many options in the stores to choose from as they are trying to cater to as many style personalities as possible.

If you wish to find out more about your Personal Style, call F3 today to start enjoying the freedom of purchasing garments and accessories that you’ll love and will wear over and over again!

Visit the F3 website for more information: www.f-3.com.sg 

Where to Draw the Line

By Jo Clary Maughan

Have you ever stood in front of the mirror and wondered which hemline suits your legs best? Should you invest in long and full skirts, or go for a leggier mini?

Knowing which hemlines suit you best is usually a process of trial and error.  By following the tips below, you can get it right every time:

1.       The length of your body in proportion to your torso determines your ideal hemline. If you’re long legged but short in the torso, you can wear a longer hemline. If you’re shorter in the legs than the torso, your best hemline is around the knee or shorter. Steer clear of very long skirts.

2.       The width of your hemline can make your legs appear thinner or heavier than they really are. A wide hem gives the illusion of slender legs, while a right hem will make them appear heavier. A very wide hemline will also make you appear shorter.

3.       Every one of us has a natural curve in the leg and it’s at this curve your best hemline can usually be found. Never end a hemline at the widest point of your calf – this will only make your legs appear heavier, giving you a dowdy look.

4.       Lastly, whichever hemline you do choose to wear, always remember the Golden Rule of matching your hemline to the heel height you pair with it. “The shorter the hem the lower the heel, the lower the hem the higher        the heel”.  Never wear a mini with a pair of stilettos and never wear a long skirt with a pair of Birkenstocks.

Call F3 today to find out more about booking a Colour & Style Consultation to enjoy the freedom of purchasing garments and accessories you’ll wear over and over again!

Jo Clary Maughan, AICI FLC, Leading Image Consultant at F3 Image Consultants, provides individual consultations and group workshops for: Colour Analysis, Fashion & Style Solutions, Make-up Solutions, Accessory Magic, Wardrobe Audits, Personal Shopping, Total Makeovers, Professional Makeovers, Deportment Solutions and Colour & Style Solutions for Men.

 F3 Image Consultants --  Phone: 6876-1761/9150-1705 / Email: info@f-3.com.sg / www.f-3.com.sg