Sometimes life just isn’t fair. The beautiful people live in nice houses, drive nice cars and don’t have to worry about increasing petrol prices, let alone affording a new foundation when they run out (why does it have to be the week I have no money?). Life is now even easier for the beautiful thanks to talented stylist Susan Conterno who offers professional styling services to ‘beautiful people.’ However, I’m sure even if you weren’t beautiful already, Susan would be able to work miracles on you, as she has that ‘fashionable knack.’

Susan, famous from her fashion blog and numerous articles in print across Melbourne, chose last Saturday to host the Winter Fix Event. The aim of the day was to give women from all over Melbourne tips on how to dress for the chilly season and this was achieved through much discussion, as well as salon style demonstrations by a gorgeous model.

Winter Fashion Fix was held at newly re-opened restaurant, The Italian, and we were treated to an amazing lunch! We were greeted on arrival with champagne or cranberry juice and then progressed upstairs to wear baguettes with a huge array of fillings were on offer, as well as delicate little pastries and freshly brewed coffee. The food and beverages were constantly refilled which pleased this fashion-loving group of women!

The clothes used for the afternoon were from Saba and Body, both brands embracing the latest trends, as well as the classics every woman needs. Body was a brand I hadn’t heard of before but am now a big fan of. The designer is former ballerina, Dainy Sawatzky and her inspirations are certainly evident in her flowing pieces which are just screaming to be layered over each other (one of Susan’s big tips on the day- everyone can do layers).

I learnt so much from the afternoon, so I thought I might share some of my new pearls of wisdom with you all:
• Drape a long, skinny scary around your neck. It will lengthen your body.
• Contrast everything this season! If you’re wearing black, throw on some red tights.
• When choosing leggings, make sure they don’t stop at the widest part of the calf because they’ll cut off the leg.
• Shoes and accessories should always match. I knew this one already but came across a new concept, how about grouping them in ‘families’? Like the green family or earthy family?
• Pointy shoes are out. This season it’s all about round toes or almond toe shoes, they’ve got a longer rounded shape.
• A wrap is a very versatile piece to have; winter or summer, day or night.
• The must-haves for a simple but classic wardrobe are a: trench coat, black knit roll neck, black pencil skirt, black pants, denim jeans, white shirt and a blazer style jacket.

Susan also gave the ladies in attendance tips on how to be the style queen of Melbourne. Watch out for us on the streets now, we’ll be unbeatable. However, I’ll give you a heads-up on what she suggested:
1. Assess your body- what really suits you?
2. Look at your wardrobe- what essentials are missing?
3. Write a shopping list- then you shouldn’t stray
4. Use sales assistants- they’ll be able to tell you where everything is. Tell them when you don’t need them anymore.
5. Have a play with the clothes afterwards- try out all the different combinations.

The day ended with guests able to personally ask Susan questions and have a play around with the clothes and accessories and try out some cute combinations on themselves. The afternoon was a raging success with all of us leaving with thousand of bite sized pieces of fashion advice in our minds, ready to hit Chapel Street for a spot of shopping! Look out on her site for other fashion fixes later in the year.