Lynne McMaster is the ultimate fashionista – she has a love affair with clothes that runs far deeper than the latest trends.
The Durban shopaholic with a zany personality has made a name for herself (one that women whisper to one another over mimosas) by making people look and feel fabulous.
She’s a professional image and fashion consultant who specialises in corporate and personal make-overs and her shopping and wardrobe consultations are what everyone is talking about.
As a young mom of two tiny tots, shopping is no longer a relaxing experience for me. Baby is usually snug in his wrap (which makes trying on clothes impossible) and my ‘three-nager’ is either running down the opposite aisle or begging for another ride on the escalator.
Basically I have hardly added to my wardrobe in three years and with the huge weight gains and losses involved in two pregnancies, plenty of what I have no longer fits quite right. A wardrobe clean-out was long overdue!
I was a little nervous to have a stranger go through my cupboards but by the end of the consult I felt like I had made a new friend.
Before we had even bought any new clothes Lynne helped me discover new combinations that had been hiding in my closet the whole time.
She made meticulous notes on what was needed to update my wardrobe, working with what I had and rather unceremoniously chucking out clothing items that “just have to go”.
The cleansing was almost spiritual!
Next we hit the shops for a shopping morning like none I have ever experienced.
The plan was to find good quality wardrobe staples that would give me versatility.
We arranged to meet in Woolworths and Lynne greeted me with a hot cappuccino, a water and an already loaded trolley.
Having familiarized herself with my style and armed with the list we had created she whizzed me around the store and before I knew it, it was time to buy and move on to the next shop.
In a few hours we had visited all the key clothing stores and my trolley was loaded with new clothes.
I was amazed at how much we had found in such a short space of time.
No more vague wandering about, wasting time trying on clothes that do not suit my body type or colours.
Nor did I come home with more of the same. Instead I made great purchases that make me look and feel great.
Lynne always says her aim is to “inspire her clients to bring out their inner beauty and personal style, leaving them with a stronger sense of self confidence”.
While we shopped Lynne gave me the lowdown on the latest trends, here are a few stand-outs for the coming season:
- Red shoes are hot. Find yourself a pair.
- Pointed (almond shape) ¾ ankle boots are key.
- Power dressing is back. Suits have made a big comeback. Be bold in your choice of formal jackets, luxurious fabrics and overstated silhouettes. Combine these with the leather belt bag and you’re good to go.
- Plaid (Prince of Wales checks) are huge this winter
- Key colours for the season are: salted caramel (looks gorgeous when combined with navy), hunter and forest/emerald green, sapphire blue is making a come-back, burgundy or bright scarlet are your reds of choice, rusty orange and purple features strongly (a royalty colour – with Harry & Meghan’s wedding upon us soon) it’s shining bright from ultra violet (the colour of the year) to lavender and lilac.
- The new neutrals to build your wardrobe on are: charcoal grey, chocolate brown, olive green, tan and cream.
Mother’s Day Promo
Lynne is offering a special for our readers for Mother’s Day.
- Wardrobe consultation three hours: normally R 2 550 – less 20% now R 2 040.
- Shopping consultation three hours: normally R 2 550 – less 20% now R 2 040.
- Shopping consultation two hours: normally R 1 850 – less 20% now R 1 480.
- These are all per person individual consultations. Offer expires May 31.
Contact Lynne McMaster at 082 520 1412 or dressbylynne@mweb.co.za
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