Jill’s Makeover 2012
An interview with Jill who was a model at Cindy’s Style Review Runway A/W 2012.
Age 54 Size 14 – 16 Inverted Triangle
1. What was it like to walk down the catwalk in front of 400 people?
Walking out onto the Cinz Style Parade catwalk I felt strangely & uncharacteristically confident. I was determined to make the most of the opportunity that was given to me, to work with Cindy again and show other women in the audience what can be achieved by the most ordinary of women.
2. Which outfit was your favourite?
My favourite outfit would have to be the leather skirt. I actually purchased that leather skirt as I felt it would be a wardrobe staple for years to come as it fitted well. Never did I think a leather skirt would be part of my wardrobe. But that is what Cindy is about; she opens your eyes to the possibilities or wearing the latest trends in a way that suits you. I also purchased the shirts and leggings from Veronika Maine another shop I wouldn’t have dreamt of going into pre Cindy and now I have a few Veronika Maine pieces. I haven’t quite lost the “I hate my legs” syndrome, but seeing the photos from that night I have conceded a little.
3. Why do you think Style Review is so popular?
I think the audience can relate to the outfits and the women on the catwalk. I knew that I looked the part, thanks to Cindy, and I owed it to her to showcase her talents & wisdom, which she imparts willingly in buckets, with compassion and humour.
4. Did you learn anything new about styling that night?
There is always much to learn from Cindy each time we meet and that night gave me more snippets of information to add to my collection of do’s and do nots for my shape etc. Backstage with the other lovely girls was great We were all from different backgrounds and lifestyles but all with the same fashion predicaments needing some help to make the most of what we have that suits our varied lifestyles.
5. What makes you feel confident?
There is this feeling I now have when I am dressed to go out, it gives me a confidence that I didn’t have before. I am more aware of what I am wearing and mood it creates. If I am feeling unconfident going into a situation, I frock it up a bit more just to give myself that edge.
6. Why did you choose Cindy when looking for a stylist?
Initially, I didn’t think that average women could get or certainly afford to get help with style, but I did some online research after I saw a stylist at a business women’s meeting who I thought looked a bit too ‘expensive’ and high end for me. I found Cindy’s website and she looked approachable and on further inspection, affordable and took the plunge to do the workshop even though I still thought I would be the daggy odd one out.
7. How has your shopping habits changed?
My purchases now are much more considered. I still have my different personality capsules but they are all within my shape and colour guidelines. Of course there are some footless tights and flat shoes that Cindy would be horrified at but they do suit my work at home lifestyle.
I’m more likely to be overdressed when I go out rather than underdressed and I wear far more dresses, straight skirts and dress length tunics. I rarely wear jeans I and haven’t worn black pants since shopping with Cindy for the first time.
I’m more of a hunter-gatherer with clothing now, seeking out the right items, rather than purchasing items that “look okay and will have to do”. I generally shop alone and ignore friends fashion advice/encouragement to buy things that don’t suit me.
8. Do you believe style can be life changing?
I believe that style is life changing,
When I turned 50 I felt like I was spending money on clothes but not really getting out of it what I wanted. I like clothes, I purchased lots but they didn’t work for lots of various reasons and ended up in the op shop or pushed to one side of the bulging useless wardrobe. At times I fluked it and looked ‘right’, but never really understood why.
I was becoming part of the old lady brigade of ¾ pants and black pants with various tops or got caught up in the Katies latest look or Sussans latest look mixed in with what I already had and dependent upon who I was shopping with at the time. I would buy colours that I liked which were much different to the colour palette I have now with Cindy’s colour swatch.
Now I’m more of a hunter-gatherer with clothing, seeking out the right items, rather than purchasing items that “look okay and will have to do”. I generally shop alone and ignore friends fashion advice/encouragement to buy things that don’t suit me.
The first time I went to a major clients after seeing Cindy the manager remarked on my looks. One of the other employees said, “Jill always looks good” and his answer was, “no, there has been a shift.” I think that sums it up really. I think aside from my clothing that day perhaps I had an air of confidence about my look that I didn’t have before. Thank you Cindy!