Nicky shares her insider knowledge
Nicky Hambleton-Jones knows a lot about fashion, and she's here to share her insider knowledge with you.
Her tips are to help you use fashion and get to a healthier you.
Bin the thin
Every woman has two or three outfits she is holding on to for the day when ‘they fit again.’ But listen up. I have shocking news… that day may never come! And if it does, then you’ll be out there celebrating with a whole new look — not wearing unfashionable clothes.
Avoid eating up a size
Most of us have ‘comfortclothes’. Clothes whose size labels are a couple of digits above normal. A smock top or slacks that feel so comfy around the middle? Within a week of putting them on you’ll expand to fill them. Out with comfort clothes!
The belt trick
Belts are wonderful. But hip belts are a no-no for all except the super-thin. Try a chic animal print or plain leather pencil belt worn round a shift dress, this adds a stylish twist to your look. A belt will also let you know when you need to cut back on the treats.
Carmen Miranda, NO!
We can never have too much jewellery, but you don’t have to wear it all at once. Whether it’s fake or the real thing, jewellery should be part of the overall picture. But never more than two pieces. You should be aiming to sparkle — not blind the viewer.
Go nude
A pair of neutral court shoes will take you anywhere. They can lift any of last year’s dresses. If you have a pair, keep them. If you don’t, invest. For the shorter ones among us, opt for pointy toes — they will always elongate the leg.
Recycle, recycle
Our wardrobes hide gems. But with help of a tailor you can give these items a new lease of life. Jackets and coats are examples, but dresses and skirts can also benefit. Result: a new on-trend item. Practise saying: ‘Oh this old thing, I’ve had it for years.’
Black isn’t slimming
The old adage that it makes you appear thinner can leave you looking like a blob. Unless it is well fitted and accentuates your curves, just avoid it. If you must wear black, make sure your shoes are a different colour, and you consider a good belt.
The must-have item
We may be sworn off ice cream, but that doesn’t mean we have to forget about delicious colours. Lime, strawberry, orange, pistachio… this season is about to be livened up by coloured macs and weatherproof jackets. Just putting one will immediately cheer you up!
This spring, SPLENDA® is launching the ‘Small Steps’ campaign and with the help of an expert panel, will be giving women tips on how to keep going on those tricky resolutions. Style guru Nicky Hambleton-Jones, celebrity fitness expert Jane Wake, life coach Liz Wilde and SPLENDA® nutritionist Kiran Goraya.
For the chance to win a personal style consultation with Nicky, a healthy eating plan from Kiran and a healthy eating cookery class or a personal fitness program with Jane, please visit www.facebook.com/splendaUK or www.splenda.co.uk