Before I’d even started my art and design course, we were instructed to collect images, words, colours and magazine articles that reflected who we are and what was personally appealing to us. To this day, it is still one of my personal pastimes. Whether it’s for a new collection of designs, decoration a room or planning a gathering, this is the best way to make sense of what you love, the colours, styling….

I always say at the first meeting to a bride- to- be ‘start shredding magazines! They explain more than words can say,’ the visual image is everything. By building a collection, it very quickly becomes obvious the colours the textures the era you love, and it makes the rest of the planning so so  easy to share. The book doesn’t have to be an expensive art book, a child’s school book, a note book (though don’t get a tiny one) or even a box file. Don’t use an envelope, it will soon fill up then start to fall apart!

This is your bible, your reference book, your notes on colours for flowers, trims, the font for your invitations, styling your hair, the jewellery to go with your gown….collect anything and everything!
Use this same principle when updating your wardrobe. You will find the same neckline, shapes, fabric will repeatedly come up, this is your fashion personality.

If you are unsure of dressing for your figure type, look to the media for inspiration, note the skirt length, the shape of the neckline, the overall look and try it on yourself.