AuthorKaren Degg Image Consultant Archives
May 2026
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Did you know that 13th June is National Sewing Machine Day?For your next pub quiz question . . . the very first sewing machine was introduced in 1829 by Barthelemy Thimonnier. And what an invention it turned out to be! Now, I’ll be honest . . . sewing, alterations and threading needles are definitely not my area of expertise. That’s why I always rely on talented seamstresses and tailors when clothes need adjusted to create the perfect fit. One person I regularly recommend is the extremely talented Dalia at Altered Images in Milngavie, who works wonders altering and updating clothing. Why Do So Many Women Struggle with Clothes Fit? One thing I often hear from clients during wardrobe makeovers is: "I love this, but it just doesn’t sit properly.” The reality is that high street clothing is designed around averages but none of us are average. We all have different proportions:
This is why one size can fit beautifully in one area and not at all in another. Can Tailoring Really Make Clothes Look Better?Absolutely. I always say: "We should wear our clothes, not let the clothes wear us!" When clothes fit properly they instantly look:
And often, they help us feel far more confident too. What Alterations Make the Biggest Difference? Sometimes the smallest alterations can completely transform a piece of clothing. Common alterations include:
I also love the idea of updating older pieces you already love rather than replacing them straight away. A few small changes can often bring something right up to date again. Is It Worth Altering Clothes? This is something I talk about regularly with clients during my Wardrobe Makeover sessions, where we focus on the philosophy: “Shop your wardrobe first.” Before deciding whether to alter something, I always encourage clients to ask themselves:
If the answer is yes, tailoring can completely refresh a piece and help you get far more wear from it. It’s also a much more sustainable way to approach fashion and your wardrobe. What Clothes Are Difficult to Alter?Most clothing can be altered beautifully, although knitwear can sometimes be more difficult depending on the fabric and style. But honestly, before giving up on something you love, it’s always worth asking the question first. Need Help Deciding What to Keep in Your Wardrobe?Many women tell me they struggle to know:
This is something I help with regularly during my Wardrobe Makeover sessions. Together we:
Sometimes a few small tweaks can completely transform your wardrobe and how you feel wearing it. Stay Stylish, Karen x Alterations in MilngavieIf you are looking for alterations locally, I highly recommend:
Altered Images Alterations 7 Mugdock Road Milngavie G62 8PD 📞 0141 956 5045 🌐 www.alteredimagesglasgow.co.uk
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Accessories can completely transform an outfit and often it’s the small finishing touches that make you feel polished, confident and put together. Many of us already have beautiful pieces of jewellery tucked away in drawers or jewellery boxes that we rarely wear. Sometimes all it takes is styling them in a different way or updating how we wear them to bring them back to life. Here are a few simple jewellery and accessory tips to help you make the most of your pieces and feel more confident wearing them. How should I wear long necklaces? Long necklaces can be incredibly flattering when worn at the right length. A good styling tip is to allow the necklace to finish around your mid tummy or tummy button area. This helps create the illusion of a longer torso and can help outfits feel more balanced and elongating. If you have a fuller bust, try to avoid necklaces finishing directly on the bust area. Instead:
Small styling adjustments like this can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of an outfit. Can old necklaces be altered or updated?Absolutely. Many necklaces can easily be:
Before buying something new, it’s always worth revisiting jewellery you already own. During a Wardrobe Makeover, Karen can also help you style accessories alongside your outfits so they feel wearable and current again. Are bracelets and cuffs flattering? Bracelets and cuffs are a lovely way to add interest to an outfit while drawing attention towards the wrist and jewellery rather than the upper arm area. Mixing metals, textures and shapes can work beautifully when kept balanced and elegant. A simple cuff or layered bracelet can instantly make an outfit feel more styled without needing to overdo accessories. Do cocktail rings suit mature hands?Yes! Beautifully. A statement or cocktail ring can add personality and softness to your overall look and often helps bring attention to the jewellery rather than the hands themselves. The key is finding a shape and style that feels comfortable and reflects your personality. Are hoop earrings flattering as we get older? Hoop earrings can be incredibly flattering as they help frame the face and soften features. If larger hoops feel outside your comfort zone, start small and gradually experiment with slightly different shapes and sizes. Often it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference to confidence. How can accessories make outfits feel more stylish?Accessories help bring outfits together and can completely change the feel of simple clothing. Scarves, jewellery, handbags and belts can:
You don’t always need a new wardrobe, sometimes you simply need to style what you already have differently. Need help styling your wardrobe and accessories?Karen offers friendly, practical styling support through her Wardrobe Makeover and Personal Shopping Experience services. Together you can:
If you would like a little help refreshing your style, Karen would be delighted to help.
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Packing for a city break should feel exciting not stressful. Yet many of us spend days before a trip worrying about what to wear, overpacking “just in case” and ending up with outfits we never actually use. The secret to stress-free packing is simple: plan ahead and make the most of your wardrobe. Whether you’re heading away for a long weekend in Europe or a stylish UK city break, these practical packing tips will help you travel lighter, feel more organised and still look stylish throughout your trip. Can I Pack for a City Break with Hand Luggage Only? Absolutely and it makes travelling so much easier. Using hand luggage means:
Before you travel, always check your airline’s hand luggage size and weight restrictions, as they can vary. 6 Top Tips for Packing for a City Break1. Check the Weather Before You PackThis may sound obvious, but it can save you from buying emergency ponchos abroad! Use a reliable weather app before you travel and plan outfits accordingly. If rain is forecast:
Karen recently went to Majorca and unwisely did not bring a raincoat so she had to buy a poncho in a beach shop, stylish or what! 2. What Should I Wear Travelling to a City Break? Comfort is key. The best travel outfits are layered so you stay comfortable and save space in your suitcase. A simple travel outfit could include:
The bonus? Wearing bulkier items while travelling frees up suitcase space. 3. How Do I Create Outfits from Fewer Clothes?The answer is mix and match styling. Choose:
For example:
This makes creating outfits much easier and prevents overpacking. 4. How Can I Dress Up an Outfit for Evening?You don’t need completely separate evening outfits. A simple daytime outfit can easily transition into evening by changing:
For example:
Small changes make a big difference.  5. How Can Accessories Change an Outfit?Accessories are one of the easiest ways to refresh your look without packing extra clothes. Try:
These small additions help create multiple looks from fewer outfits. 6. How Do I Pack Toiletries Efficiently? Try to keep a toiletry bag readily prepared for travel, less to think about for you. Top tips:
Less really is more when travelling. Need Help Creating a Capsule Wardrobe for Travel?Packing becomes much easier when your wardrobe already works well together. Karen offers:
Helping you create outfits that feel stylish, practical and easy to wear, both at home and while travelling. If you would like support creating a wardrobe that works harder for you, Karen would love to help.
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What’s Hot for Spring 2026?18/3/2026  Spring is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe . . . but where should you start? The good news is, you don’t need lots of new clothes. The key is making the most of what you already have and adding a few pieces that work well together. If you’re unsure where to begin, a Wardrobe Makeover session can be a great starting point to bring clarity and confidence. How do I refresh my wardrobe for spring?Start by shopping your own wardrobe first. Take everything out and ask yourself:
From there, you can clearly see what you need, rather than buying things you may not wear. If this feels overwhelming, Karen can guide you through this process during a Wardrobe Makeover, helping you create outfits and make sense of what you already own. What colours are in for Spring 2026?This season is all about soft, easy-to-wear colours. Think:
Tip: If bold colours aren’t for you, introduce these shades through a scarf or top rather than a full outfit. During a styling session, Karen can help you choose colours that suit your skin tone and feel comfortable for you, not just what’s on trend. What styles are popular this spring?Spring 2026 is focused on comfort and simplicity. You’ll see:
Tip: Choose styles that suit your shape and lifestyle, not just what’s trending. If you’re unsure which styles suit you best, Karen can help you identify what works for your body shape during a Wardrobe Makeover or guide you in-store with a Personal Shopping Experience. How can I update my look without buying lots of clothes?You don’t need a full wardrobe overhaul. Try:
Tip: A jacket, scarf or handbag can completely change a look. If you do need a few new pieces, Karen can take the stress out of shopping with a relaxed Personal Shopping Experience, helping you choose items that work perfectly with your existing wardrobe. How do I create a simple spring wardrobe?A capsule wardrobe can make getting dressed much easier. Focus on:
This is especially helpful if you’re planning a holiday or simply want a more organised wardrobe. Karen can help you build this during a Capsule Wardrobe session, creating outfits that feel effortless and easy to wear. How do I know what suits me?This is where many women feel stuck. Ask yourself:
If the answer is yes, it works for you. And if you’re unsure, Karen is always happy to help you figure this out in a relaxed and supportive way. Need a little help?If you’re ready to refresh your wardrobe and feel more confident in what you wear, Karen offers friendly, practical support tailored to you.
Whether it’s a Wardrobe Makeover, a Capsule Wardrobe session, or a Personal Shopping Experience, Karen will help you feel more confident and comfortable every time you get dressed. Simply get in touch to find out more or to book your session. |
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