Key pieces to buy NOW that you'll still be wearing in November At this time of year it's hard to know what to buy - we're heading into spring but there's still a chill in the air. Buying warm jerseys doesn't seem quite right, but it's too soon for summer dresses. Now is the time to look at trans-seasonal pieces - the things that work now that will still be working when we see some warmer summer days. Here's my picks for which current pieces you'll get great value from...   1. Tees A girl can never have too many classic tees. Wear right now by layering under a blazer, leather biker o ..read more

As always, the coldest days of winter follow the shortest day and this year it feels as if Auckland has been particularly cold. Perhaps this is due to less rainfall than usual and the colder temperatures just feel well, colder. In Auckland we don’t really do the big, heavy winter coats or bulky knits that our southern counterparts wear. In my years of doing wardrobe audits, these are the things that I’ve discovered hanging forlornly at the back of the wardrobe. Bought on a whim but seldom worn as we just don’t need them in our more temperate climate - unless of course you travel to Wellingto ..read more

"Shopping for clothes has always been a challenge for me as I am larger than most and had no confidence around what I should be wearing. To start with Jackie helped me to understand the colours and styles that I should be wearing. This made a huge difference to my shopping but I was still nervous. Then I had to find a Mother of the Groom outfit for my son's wedding which was mid July in Maui when we were in winter mode. I was desperate and really worried about letting them down if I didn't have something special to wear. So I went to talk to Jackie in tears and she was amazing. We talked ab ..read more

Wow – this summer has been one out of the box hasn’t it? I mean, where is the usual day or two of rain? The predicted (but never arrives) cyclone? It’s just weird. Definitely not complaining ‘tho – I love the summer sun. It’s probably just as well that loads of fashion retailers will be panicking about their stock arriving from China – I mean can you even imagine trying on knitwear or winter coats right now? If I’m honest, it’s actually the same most years. Fashion works to a weird cycle of seasons, I mean Winter stock starts hitting the racks in February which is arguably the warmest and sun ..read more

Are you too old to wear that? I just had a conversation with a friend about aging parents. We decided that as we ourselves never felt like we were getting older it seemed such a shock when our ‘always been there’ parents suddenly started becoming old and experiencing the health issues associated with ‘old people’. She then segued into “I’m a bit like that with clothes, too. Occasionally I wonder if I’m dressing too young. I mean, I forget that I’m older – I feel like I’m still in my 20’s but can I still dress like I am?” Hmmm. Now that’s a whole other conversation! Can you still dress like yo ..read more

How do I wear that? Each season there are a few new trends to try. Flared pants, paper-bag waists, boyfriend blazers, shoulder pads, polka dots and pleats. Okay, so I say ‘new trends’ loosely as of course, none of these are actually new but they are new again right now. While for some young gorgeous things it is hugely important to follow along and wear all of the trends as they happen, one of the joys of being slightly older is knowing that just because something is ‘in’, you don’t have to wear it and can sit out those things that simply don’t flatter your shape.  There’s a few things ..read more

Get the recipe right... If you follow me on Instagram (@signaturestylenz) or Facebook you will likely have seen my weekly style tips on video. I recorded 52 of these between Christmas and New Year and each week, my videographer sends me one. The original plan was that he would send all of them but hey, he’s young and young men like to put things off until the last minute and I’m OK with that. What that does mean is that every Saturday afternoon I get sent a video which was recorded at the end of last year and is often on a topic that I’d forgotten about. It’s almost as much of a surprise to m ..read more

Winter Wardrobe Wisdom  With winter being well and truly here along with its chilly days, biting winds and plenty of rain (although not as grim as we often expect from this season), it’s not surprising that all the sale racks full of winter garments are starting to look ‘picked over’. What is a bit strange I guess is that due to fashion-world’s weird timing, new season garments are already starting to hit the stores. This isn’t “summer” but rather spring styles we’re starting to see – you see, there are multiple fashion seasons with each having an early, high and late season drop time. G ..read more

Summer Dressing Summer. Blissful days of warmth, eating ‘Al fresco’, long lazy afternoons stretching into evenings. Relaxed lifestyle, relaxed dressing. Summer is definitely my favourite season and when I chat to my clients most will tell me they find summer easier to dress for than winter. Summer requires less thought; pop on a dress, add your shoes for gals and shorts and shirt for guys and you’re done.  What summer does offer that winter doesn’t is more opportunities to socialise. With weddings, parties and impromptu events featuring high on most of our calendars, we need clothing su ..read more

We all wear so many hats in life – from being Mum or Dad on the side-line on Saturday morning, to our working life, being ‘on’ at special events, visiting our parents or relaxing at home. All of these roles bring their own requirements for our wardrobes, and a great wardrobe covers all of these facets of our lives effortlessly. That said, there’s several of us who have one area of life nailed with our sartorial choices, but we really struggle with other areas. I remember several years ago working with a senior-level executive who knew how to do corporate, but totally struggled when it came to ..read more