A leopard never changes it’s spots!

There’s an old proverb… ‘A leopard never changes its spots…’ referring of course, to a general belief that a person doesn’t change or can’t change or won’t change who they are. Bringing the context of this proverbial analogy from the Animal Kingdom into popular culture, it would seem that when it comes to personal style, this rings true with many celebrities that grace the fashion scene, small screen and the silver screen…

For example, British iconic fashion designer, Vivienne Westwood, who was at the forefront of the punk scene, still loves to wear bold tartans, distressed leather, and bleached denim, accessorised with safety pins. When you think she turns 75 years of age in April this year, I don’t see this leopard changing her spots anytime soon!

On the other end of the spectrum is international singer/songwriter Tina Turner, another lady well into her pension years, whose trademark style is figure-hugging body con short dresses, in bold colours and skyscraper-like heels! Although, it has to be said, with legs like hers, she wears them very well!

Now these are two extreme examples of well-known personalities in the media who have become iconic for their style and dress sense, and let’s face it, with their bank balances and fame, are able to carry off this style with aplomb, regardless of their ages! They know what works for them and because of their public persona, have stuck with it.

But what if they weren’t in the public eye…would they have known how to transition their style to reflect the current times and trends?

Would they have wanted to leave their comfort zone of what they used to wear, into discovering what else they could be wearing to equally flatter them?

Would they have known how to dress and style themselves to highlight their ‘best bits’ and hide the ‘bits they didn’t want to show’?

Would they still have allowed their inner-strength and confidence to exude through their wardrobe?

All too often I meet women who have very defined personal styles. We all have that one friend or family member or colleague who look effortless in each outfit they wear. They stick to the same colour palette, cuts and style and secretly we wonder to ourselves if they have ever made a fashion faux-pas like buying shedloads of shoulder-pad jackets sharp enough to take someone’s eye out or neon casual wear so bright they have caused cars to swerve…

I have also met many wonderful women who have a wardrobe full of clothes that they have either had for years, or have continued to buy the same styles time and time again. Their bodies may have changed for numerous reasons like childbirth or because of a more sedentary lifestyle in the office.

Or they have become so focused on being ‘Mum’ or a ‘Wife’ for so many years, that they have forgotten that fashion is fun, and more importantly, their style is an extension of their own personality, that may have had to take a step back into the shadows because other priorities took first place instead.

A lot of the time, these amazing women have spent so much time putting others first, that they have forgotten what it is like to put themselves first! And often this is reflected in their personal style and their lack of confidence in venturing out to buy clothes that will show them in their true, beautiful light!

You see, for many women, they believe that like the proverbial leopard, they can’t change their style. They’re often afraid to overhaul their wardrobe for fear that it will make them stand out and shine! And gasp…show their true colours! Or reveal the real, confident and wonderful woman that they are!

Mostly though, it is because they don’t know where to start and don’t yet know that a personal shopper is like their very own Fairy Godmother! Who, with a wave of a wand on their wardrobe and a Cindarella-like consultation, could be rocking this season’s flattering florals instead of last year’s old leopard prints.

We all have our favourite go-to outfits, you know the ones…when you wear them, you get heaps of compliments! It might be a beautiful blue or earthy green top that just makes your eyes pop! Or a classic blazer jacket that hugs your curves perfectly. With a wardrobe overhaul and personal shopping experience, women (and men!) can learn how to team these favourite go-to pieces with newer pieces to wear in a multitude of different ways, giving a whole new lease of life and usually confidence too!