Hello to all those enthusiastic and sensible shoppers reading this webpage!  

I'm Josie Smith, Clyde Shopping Centre's new resident stylist. I'm here to help you with any shopping and wardrobe dilemmas, problems, issues or queries you might have, regardless of the size of your problem, or nature of your question. Perhaps you're looking for a gift for a friend's anniversary, or maybe it's your daughter's birthday? Do you feel stuck in a style rut, and find yourself regularly opening your wardrobe doors proclaiming that you have nothing to wear?!  Whether there's a landmark occasion on the horizon where you need to look extra-special, or you feel that quite simply your whole look needs updated, I'd be delighted to talk to you, and will do my upmost to help solve your shopping and wardrobe problems.

The way that the shopping centre's styling service works is quite simple. Just drop me an email with a brief outline of what you would like to discuss, and we can arrange a styling/shopping consultation in the management suite's styling room, right here in the Clyde Shopping Centre. The cost of a consultation, which will take no more than one hour, is £10.00. If then you want me to shop for you, or assist you with purchases in any way, I'll give you a quote, based on the nature of the task in hand, and how long it will take me to complete. As with everything that happens in the shopping centre though, I'll keep everything as affordable and straightforward as possible.

So, please don't hesitate to get in touch. And remember, sending me an email doesn't cost a penny! I look forward to hearing from you soon, and meeting many of you when I'm in the shopping mall itself - I hope you'll join me for many of the Clyde Shopping Centre's regular fashion events throughout the year. I guarantee they'll be something for everyone.

Keep an eye on this page for regular fashion updates, and improve your shopping habits and wardrobe right now - just by reading my styling tips below..  

With endless fashion choices on every high street, and high-end/couture style so accessible for inspiration, and easy to copy, affordable shopping gets easier every season - but do try to think carefully before you buy. Do you really need that top? What else can you wear it with in your wardrobe? Does it really suit you and fit correctly? Will you wear it again? Don't waste your hard-earned cash! The two most important qualities to look for in fabric are weight and movement. If a fabric is too stiff, it can look boxy; too thin, and it may cling to every bulge. Wool crepe, wool microfibre blends, cotton or wool gabardine and cotton blended with silk are generally good choices. If, like me, you hate ironing, assess material before you purchase each garment. Don't buy items that look and feel cheap. Shop smartly - in all respects!

 
What's exactly is going on underneath your clothes? Note that good quality, well-fitting underwear can make a big difference. At home sort out your underwear drawer. Fold bras at the centre front and keep them in a neat pile; and be ruthless with knickers - get rid of any old greying pairs! Store underwear carefully - line wooden drawers  to avoid snagging delicate fabrics. It's a good idea to have a good, basic black, white and most importantly, nude coloured bra. This will help avoid obvious underwear lines through thin fabrics. There's nothing wrong with a flash of a leopard print bra strap, or a glimpse of a brightly coloured bra under a contrasting vest, but save that eye-catching flash of underwear for the appropriate moment! Lastly, get your bra fitted correctly - it can make all the difference, your whole future may well be in front of you ladies!

 
Know your size. Unfortunately, many high street stores have wildly differing size guides - you may be a size 8 in one store, and a size 12 in another. Although far too many changing room mirrors may leave you aghast as you bask in their fluorescent glow, it is always advisable to try clothes on before you purchase them - it may well save you being disappointed when you finally get home. Don't be fooled into forcing yourself into a smaller size when a larger size would be much more flattering either! Camel toes, straining waistbands and rolls of skin have never been in fashion. You'll feel a lot more confident and self-assured wearing well-fitting clothes, and you can quickly lose your poise if you're not comfortable in what you're wearing. The right clothes really can make you look and feel fabulous.