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- Aura Personal Styling Weekly Newsletter #33: The Power of Observation
Aura Personal Styling Weekly Newsletter #33: The Power of Observation
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Kerryn Rutherford
March 08, 2024
 Our Style Foundations Masterclass is LIVE. If you weren’t able to attend the first one - now’s your chance! Held over two 45 minutes sessions on 27 & 28 March, you’ll learn how to determine your personal style, dress for your body and create a wardrobe that allows you to get dressed with ease every single day. | HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY!This year’s IWD theme is to #inspireinclusion. The fashion industry has a lot to answer for in this regard as we have slowly begun to see less diversity on catwalks and in campaigns. This is disappointing considering strides were, seemingly, being made to rectify this a couple of years ago. It’s important for all women to be seen and heard. When you look at a campaign or shop online, models should be age, size and racially inclusive. Given that the average Australian woman is a size 14 - 16, why do so many brands only go up to a size 14? And with no regulation, it is often the case that a 14 just doesn’t fit. Pondering this topic this week, I asked myself what I can do to #inspireinclusion this IWD. I work for two brands that do not show size, age and/or racial diversity in their campaigns. I’m going to question this and ask them to consider making a change. I’m going to continue encouraging women to meet their bodies where they are at right now and empower them with the tools they need to dress (and celebrate) the body they have. Finally, I want to continue to find, champion and support size inclusive brands. Here is a great article on Fashion Journal listing size inclusive, and sustainable Australian and New Zealand brands. As your Personal Stylist, it is my job to help you find gorgeous clothes that fit your body and bring your personal style to life. If you want to have a complimentary chat about your style, book a call here. You can also build your style confidence and learn how to dress for your body in our Style Foundations Master class on 27 and 28 March. Tickets are $60. Have a stylish weekend and, as always, thank you for reading! x |
The Power of Observation
“Watch and learn”. A ubiquitous phrase in my younger years and one that I often return to because there is power in observation.
In fashion, trend forecasters observe buying trends of shoppers, economic changes, street style trends, emotional sentiments and more to advise brands on what colours and designs are predicted to sell well. These insights also help designers when they are putting together their new collections.
Stylists and Fashion Reporters observe how pieces have been styled on the runway and in Street Style to monitor trends.
You can use the power of observation to gain insight into your personal style, learn how to style pieces you already own in new ways and assess gaps in your wardrobe.
Observation is, in essence, what we are doing when we scroll through social media, flick through a fashion magazine, or read an Edit on a fashion website.
When you watch an outfit reel by your favourite influencer or look through a campaign from your favourite brand, look for the small styling tricks they have used to bring the outfit together:
Have they utilised layering?
How have they tucked their shirt or top?
What accessories have they added?
If they are wearing a print, what colours have they carried through to their accessories to bring the look together?
More generally, if you follow a particular fashion brand or influencer, ask your self what it is about their style that you like? The corollary of this is unpacking why you dislike a particular outfit, because you can learn just as much through what you don’t like.
You can apply similar skills to outfits you put together and pieces in your wardrobe. Get curious as to why you love certain outfits you put together and not others. Perhaps, it’s because there is an element of structure or tailoring to the look. It could be because the outfit is colourful, flowy, or a combination of pieces that make you feel most like you (i.e your style uniform).
Get inquisitive about the brands you like, people whose style you admire and your own outfits.
Start taking photos of the outfits you love (or don’t love) and look for patterns.
Use the power of observation to uncover truths about your personal style.
The second instalment of our Style Foundations Masterclass is HERE!
We have made some changes to the original format based on feedback from our first offering so it is bigger and better. The Masterclass will now be held over two evening sessions so that we can dive deeper into the topics we discuss.
In this virtual masterclass, held in two 45 minute sessions, I'll teach you how to:
determine your personal style;
dress for your body;
build a wardrobe that allows you to get dressed with ease and confidence no matter the occasion; and
shop with confidence.
I'll share plenty of other tips and tricks that you can use on your personal style journey.
The first 10 people to purchase tickets will receive a free 30 minute Style Consultation to discuss how they can implement their learnings and achieve their personal style goals.
IN THE KNOW
CONTENT WE’RE LOVING THIS WEEK
 | #1 WE’RE READING - The Gender Pay Gap Data Is Here. But We Must Go Further on Primer We enjoyed reading this op ed by Anna Saunders for Primer, which interrogates “the cultural norms" that underpin the Gender Pay Gap statistics. It is not as simple as “a woman is paid X% less than a man for the same job”. It is this complexity that Saunders unpacks in the article and much more. |
 | #1 WE’RE LISTENING TO - Hérmes on Acquired We are SO excited to have found Acquired. In this episode, hosts Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal deep dive into Hérmes, an iconic, 187 year old brand. Stewarded by one French family for six generations, the brand has survived wars, economic depression, and, more recently, a hostile takeover bid by the world’s richest man, Bernard Arnault. Hémes stays true to its founding values and continues to achieve success year on year, despite operating unlike any other luxury brand. A juicy 4-hour episode, this is impeccably researched with a fantastic blend of drama, business, history and economics. |
#3 WE’RE WATCHING - Welcome to Wrexham on Disney + In Welcome to Wrexham watch Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philedelphia) and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool, Blake Lively’s Husband, The Proposal) learn how to run “the third oldest professional football club in the world” and fall in love with the town of Wrexham along the way. It is a heartwarming series to end your day with, showcasing community, kindness and business acumen. |
 The Empower Personal Styling Package includes a Wardrobe Cleanse and Personal Shopping experience. Under our Empower Package, I will:
By the end of our sessions, you’ll have a clear understanding of your personal style, wear more of what you own, shop less and reduce those waisted purchases. Most importantly, you’ll feel confident, powerful and be able to get dressed with ease and confidence no matter the occasion. |  - WEAR SOMETHING “OLD” - The dopamine hit you get when you come home to a package on the doorstep is undeniable. It’s a gift from you to you! But what about those older pieces in your wardrobe that you have held onto, and haven’t worn in awhile? For this week’s Style Prompt, reach for an older piece (Let’s say 6 months or more) and find a new way to style it. Hop on Pinterest to look for style inspiration or use your powers of observation to spot a combination on a friend, model or influencer that you can recreate. Let’s get our creative juices flowing and show some love to the beautiful pieces we already own. Share your looks with us by replying to this email or tagging us on Instagram. |
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Hit reply and let us know your thoughts on this newsletter. Refer a friend so more people can get tips on how to be their best dressed selves. |  |