Super Stylist: Shopping with a Friend

Today I was a personal stylist! For about an hour and a half. I went shopping with my friend Angelina whom I've known for many years. This longevity has resulted in one of the strengths in our friendship: being able to speak with-mostly-absolute freedom in regards to fashion (if not everything else).

We have quite different personal styles, eclectic versus classic, professional vs stay home mum, but this can work in a very complimentary way, with a new perspective and fresh observations that on our own we might not see.

Today we were looking to add a bit of "zoosh" to Angelina's more working-day wardrobe: perhaps liven-up her more comfortable choices with some new shapes - for example; a cropped cardi, fitted layer tops, 3/4 pants, etc.

Angelina has gorgeous taste and some great modern classics, but sometimes feels she is getting a bit staid in her mostly black, tan or white choices. For me, Angelina provides inspiration to slow down on the "girlie" budget pieces and look for items that will not just suit the moment but actually last ... not just financially but style-wise too.

So I'd like to encourage you all to take the time and the possible risk, to shop with a great friend, one who is not afraid of your wrath in the dressing room when pleading (like today) empire line tops don't always make you look like you're expecting. And one who can enjoy your love of any sort of striped garment, preferably in navy. If you include the latte/cappucino break, people watching, trying on platforms and hats....it all makes for a great day.

I would like to report success from today's excursion. ... I purchased a Witchery cardi and a Seafolly Bikini, which was an unexpected achievement, and made possible only through long-suffering friend answering the - though I tried to rephrase it intelligently - age old question; "Does it make me look ..." I must have heard the right responses, and got a thumbs up from my husband later on. Angelina, who has great legs, settled on some black leggings, and a denim mini skirt. Go girl!

Good luck styling.