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Knowing that style is not just about appearances, but also in the way we conduct ourselves, how we relate to others or even the places we frequent, Vale Life sees the first in a regular Ask Suzanne column.
Suzanne-Jaya is a freelance personal stylist, personal brand and image consultant based in Cardiff and works in and around South Wales and the West. She provides a complete style and image service for individuals and people in business to ensure that they create a positive and lasting impression.
Suzanne writes, is a radio contributor and is a member of the Federation of Image Consultants.
If you would like to ask Suzanne a question please contact her by telephone on
01443 229296
07833 780006
or email suzanne@suzannejaya.com
www.suzannejaya.com
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Suzanne Jaya, personal stylist and personal shopper answers your questions on fashion, style, health and beauty.
ASK SUZANNE
SARAH FROM PENARTH ASKS...
I like to think of myself as a young fashion forward woman and I really want to find something a little bit different to wear for the usual round of summer parties or a special night out. My style is quite feminine but I want something that will work equally as well with heels or flat shoes. Where can I find something that will fit the bill?
Look no further than Pink Zebra in Llantrisant Old Town. I never fail to find something absolutely fabulous in there. Check out the deliciously romantic and versatile Darling range which is taking the fashion world by storm.
As you sound like a bit of a party animal you can kill two birds with one stone with the shoe dilemma. Tempt yourself with Red Foot foldable bejewelled pumps which you can slip into your handbag ready to put on after a night on the dance floor. There can be nothing worse than leaving a party and not being able to walk the distance to the taxi rank in your killer heels!
With names like Dita and Sienna they add a touch of sparkle to any outfit. Priced at £29.95 they make a great addition to your wardrobe and are versatile enough to wear by the pool or even walking to and from work, so limiting the amount of time you spend in your heels.
They’d look great with a Darling frock or even with a cute top and jeans!
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HELEN FROM COWBRIDGE ASKS...
I get really confused when cosmetic products are referred to as natural or organic. Are they really worth the money and how can I tell if a product is genuinely organic?
Also Suzanne, can you recommend any skincare products or places to find them?
Readers will know that I am obsessed about skincare ingredients, so I’ll do my best to demystify it for you and tell where you can get some really effective products.
For a cosmetic product to be certified organic it has to pass rigorous checks to assure consumers that it contains only permitted ingredients, with minimum impact on the environment and no detrimental effects on human health.
Constant and repeated exposure to certain synthetic preservatives can cause skin irritation and disrupt hormone activity among other things, so it makes sense to limit harmful substances entering the body. Organic standards determine which additives are used to preserve products and prevent contamination of the plant ingredients.
The Cosmetics Organic Standard [COSMOS] defines the minimum requirements and common definitions for organic and natural cosmetics in Europe. It’s complex but in a nutshell, always look for the quality assured symbols on packaging. These include the UK Soil Association or Ecocert to name two.
Free to Explore Beauty stocks a range of organic make-up, skincare products and treatments for women and men. Pop along to the shop and salon to meet owner Miriam Holcombe and her knowledgeable staff, who are on hand to offer sound advice, plus give you more information on the ingredients and organic certification. Also check out the Free to Explore website if you prefer to buy on-line.
Right now I’m hooked on their manicures using Zoya polishes which are as natural as is practically available and they come in a selection of juicy colours. Also a tinted facial fluid by Mádara that adds a sun-kissed natural look to the skin – perfect for the sunshy or to maintain a glowing suntan.
But the best pick-me-up for a tired, dull complexion that requires an instant boost is the La Clarée [Oliv’] Radiance Elixir. Containing olive leaf extract, green tea, edelweiss and aloe vera, it’s ideal for anyone recovering from illness or to restore moisture to parched holiday skin. I’ve just tried their organic Luxury Oliv’ Radiance Facial that incorporates a number of products from the facial care system – divine.
Ask about our loyalty scheme.
Free to Explore Beauty
45a Talbot Road Talbot Green CF72 8AD
01443 224148
www.freetoexplorebeauty.co.uk
A fantastic offer for Vale Life readers!
Mention this letter to claim 5% off any treatment in our salon excluding the Perfector and Cell Communication treatments. |
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V GARLAND FROM NEWPORT ASKS...
I’m going to a wedding in August which will be a really smart affair. I always dread the thought of turning up in the same High Street frock as someone else but I’m not prepared to spend much more than £150 to look completely original. Help! Where can I find something in the local area that is a one-off and fits my budget? I like to look different, yet stylish.
I know just the place. Forever Vintage in Penarth is a treasure trove of vintage and antique clothing, accessories and jewellery. There’s no doubt that you’ll find unique pieces that no one else will be wearing and it’ll look chic and timeless. With a simple bag and accessories you’ll be all set to wow the guests. The owner, Melanie Rhoden, sources pieces from the 1930’s to 1970’s with the emphasis being on 40’s and 50’s frocks and the stock changes on a regular basis.
On another note, if readers have any vintage items they want to sell or exchange, please give Melanie a call.
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GAIL FROM WICK ASKS...
My lovely husband is planning to take me on a cruise and I need a complete new wardrobe befitting a Captain’s table, can you help?
You’re in luck. I know somewhere a bit special and off the beaten track with attentive service, and some great pieces for your holiday. Word has it that Katwalk has just completed an extension to its showroom and can now boast a much bigger range of wedding, evening and cruisewear.
Helen Pick from Katwalk has the cutest countryside boutique, not far from the M4 so it's easily accessible. There's a choice of occasion and funky daywear for ladies who refuse to look anything but modern and gorgeous. Certainly she would be your first port of call (pardon the pun!). Expect nothing short of friendly, smiley service and the opportunity to try on clothes to your heart’s content.
Good Luck, Bon Voyage and do let me know how you get on.
Katwalk
Llanharry, Vale of Glamorgan 10 minutes from Cowbridge and 5 minutes from Pontyclun Please phone Helen Pick to make an appointment on 01443 225482 Mobile 07973 463460
helenpick@yahoo.co.uk
www.katwalk.co.uk (arriving soon) |
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EMMA FROM BARRY ASKS...
Hi Suzanne. My dog is constantly itching and it’s driving her mad (and me in the bargain!). I don’t want to use anything with harmful chemicals in to treat the problem. Can you suggest anything which will get rid of the itching using natural products?
There are some excellent natural health products for animals available these days, the best I’ve come across is a range by leading animal herbalist, Ellen Collinson. The Range includes specialist herbal health products for dogs, horses and cats, holds Veterinary Medical Directive status and has a proven record of success with everything from household pets to racehorses in training. There are products that deal with all kinds of issues (too many to list here) one of which is a Skin Tonic and others which naturally eliminate worms, fleas, ticks and lice.
A local stockist is Helen Wingstedt. Helen offers owners advice on the products as well as Natural Health Programmes and Healing. I hope this gets to the root of the problem.
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