Styling Matters

We catch up with Lynne Meek of Styling Matters to get the low down on fashion, trends and finding the perfect look.

Where do you live and how long have you been there?

I have lived in the Tunbridge Wells area virtually all my life. Aside from ten years working and living in London throughout my twenties. Which was character forming!

Do you feel part of the local community and why?

Looking back to when our sons were growing up (they're in their twenties now) I'm not sure I felt particularly connected to the community here. At the time I was working full time in the corporate world and only really knew work colleagues and parents of our kids' friends.  In 2010 I moved to a ladies fashion boutique, and then in 2012 took the leap into the unknown and started Styling Matters.  I now know hundreds of wonderful local people and businesses.  It's no secret that I am passionate about supporting the community in our lovely town.

What inspired your career choice?

My kids were in their teens, I had a big birthday not too far off, I had spent too many years in the corporate world, and I desperately craved a more creative life.  I have always had a love of fashion and styling, and an eye for colour, shape and proportion. Add to the mix my years in retail, a mature understanding and empathy with people, good marketing skills and a background in business and I realised that I had all the skills required to make a go of my own venture.  I've never looked back.

What’s does an average work day look like to you?

Every day is completely different, as every client is completely different.  But I can often start the day in a client's kitchen.  We always begin with a cuppa and, if it's a new client, it's a chance to get to know each other.  THE most important part of the session for me, and how I gain a real understanding of that person, their life, their personality and what makes them tick. And once they get to know me I can see them visibly relaxing and starting to enjoy the process too.  Doing a colour shape and style analysis, and then editing or styling their wardrobe, is easy once I have this clarity about their needs.  Alternatively I might be shopping with someone in London, doing a styling event, having meetings, doing admin, social media and marketing and the hundred and one things that go on behind every business.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find Instagram hugely inspiring and I follow bloggers and fashionistas from all over the world.  Also magazines, internet, TV, friends, people in the street.  We are now living in a very visual world and I get ideas from all around me.  I get most inspiration for my own outfits by standing in front of a mirror and trying on lots of different clothes, complete with footwear and accessories, until I am happy with the resulting look.  If you follow me on Instagram and watch my #ootd (outfit of the day) posts you'll see I rarely, if ever, wear exactly the same thing twice. It's my way of creatively expressing myself and I've always done this throughout my life.  I started my 'Styling up your Wardrobe' service so I can do the same thing for my clients. They find that the gallery of their best outfits, which we put together and photograph on their phones, makes getting ready in the morning so much easier and a great start to the day!

Your top styling tip?

I have two, but really they are about the same thing. Firstly, ALWAYS try everything on that you buy, whether it's in a shop or on line. Move around in it, sit down, try it with other items from your wardrobe. Be completely sure you love it before you commit to it. If you go personal shopping with me you'll be trying on absolutely everything before you buy it. I see too many mistakes in people's wardrobes to let that happen on my watch.

Secondly, be honest with yourself.  Is it really you? Or did you see it first on someone else who looked great in it.  Does the colour look uplifting on you (if it's next to your face), or does it wash you out? Don't buy something in a rush or in desperation, you will rue the day!  Get a good understanding of the colours and styles that look brilliant on you and you'll find shopping a lot easier and less stressful in future.  And a really good tip is to take a photograph of yourself in the mirror wearing the item in question.  The camera rarely lies!

Favourite things to do at the weekend?

Spending time with family and friends, eating, reading, knitting, relaxing, bingeing on Netflix...

What does 2018 look like for you? 

I'm really honoured to have been announced as one of five Finalists in the 'Style Champion' category of the SO Lifestyle Awards. Winners are being announced in early February. Cross your fingers for me..

Aside from continuing to work with my regular male and female clients, and of course new ones, I have quite a few exciting events already booked in the diary for Spring/Summer. I have some styling talks with boutiques and lifestyle retailers planned, and some local charity events. Also a few Styling Parties are booked in already.  This is where I go to the hostess's house, she will have invited a group of their friends, and I do a styling demonstration and then some one on one styling guidance afterwards.

I'm booked to be part of a wedding planner training course to advise the students on their personal image and style.  I'm also doing a styling talk with 60 'ladies who lunch' at The Grand in Eastbourne in July. (Not bad for someone who was completely unable to speak up even in a group of three back in the day, let alone do public speaking!) And I'm at the collaboration stage with some exciting local businesses to offer some workshops and other lovely opportunities, so watch this space!

What do you love about Tunbridge Wells?
1. The people. I have such a lovely, supportive, positive community of people around me and wouldn't have a business without them.  All the independent local businesses who are so special to me.  Not only the shops, bars, restaurants and cafes, but all my fellow business people who run a myriad of services.  This is the ideal opportunity for me to say “thank you” to everyone for their support of my business.
2. The High Street and Pantiles.  I mean how lucky are we?  One of the most beautiful towns ever, right?
3.  The location. So easy to get to London, across to France, the motorway network and so importantly the countryside and coast.

Anything you loathe about Tunbridge Wells?

Parking! Or should I say lack of parking .….

Top 5 shops in TW?

• Anna Poulsen in Chapel Place
• Bod & Ted in the High Street
• Ilse Jacobsen in the High Street
• Gray & Co Menswear in Chapel Place
• Hoopers Department Store

What would you like to see in TW in the next 5 years...

Lots more car parks!  And even more independent businesses if possible.  Retail has become very generic and every town looks the same as the last.  In my view it's the indies that give us so much more in terms of choice, individuality and service.

Pick one.....
Heels or Flats?
Pizza or chocolate?
Spa or gym?
Afternoon tea or cocktails?
Walking or watching films?
Netflix or Books. (But I also love Netflix!)
Concealer or coffee?
Liberty or Selfridges? Both!
Bowie or Hockney? Probably Hockney but it was a close run thing.
McQueen or Westwood?

www.stylingmatters.co.uk
@styling_matters

Photography by Kate Murrell