Fashionista's top tips

A fashion expert from Lichfield who has styled thousands of women across the UK is set to offer her top tips to businesswomen closer to home.

Ann Skidmore, of Colour Me Beautiful, in Poolfield Road, will run a 45-minute workshop for members of Wings – Women's Independent Networking Groups' at Walsall's Village Hotel tomorrow.

She said: "I'm not quite as harsh as Trinny and Susannah. But I do know what colours and styles suit different shapes and it can be a real transformation, just like on the TV show."

The short course will include Ann's four steps to fashion success: a colour consultation; learning about shapes and fabrics that flatter; how to enhance your personality; and finishing touches such as make-up, hair and accessories.

The Wings groups, which have monthly meetings at seven locations across the Midlands, were set up three years ago to offer support and networking opportunities that take into consideration the busy lifestyle of women in business.

Carol Garrington, one of the founder members of Wings and organiser of the event said: "Women in business often face very different challenges to men and confidence can be a huge issue – especially if they've been out of the work arena for a while.

"Feeling good about yourself and how you look can help you shrug off any insecurities which, in a business environment, can mean the difference between clinching a deal or not."

Ann added: "I want to show women that they don't have to stick to black suits to fit into the boardroom environment.

"I always quote Coco Chanel to anyone who doesn't think clothes are important. She said, 'With a badly dressed woman, people remember the clothes. With a well-dressed woman, they remember the woman.'

To find out more about the groups, call Carol Garrington on 01543 468621.

Ann Skidmore can be contacted on 01543 416242.