On The Couch With…………….

OK, being a former Psychologist, you know

how much I love knowing what makes people

tick. I usually interview fellow bloggers who

have a story to tell; who inspire me in some way

(however big or small).

My interviewee today (Nichola English)

is such a woman. This is a woman who

helps style woman and give them the confidence

they need with personal styling; helping 

them make real changes in their lives.

But here's the rub. She has only recently

learnt to walk again after being involved in

a terrible accident that left her partially disabled!

Enjoy my chat with Nichola English

Tell us briefly Nichola how you got into personal styling?

Having been lucky enough to work within different realms of the retail fashion industry 

I wanted to really learn more about the art of personal styling 

and how this process helps people to really make changes in their life. 

What drew me to the Style Coaching process, 

(which I’m proud to be now one of the leaders in the field of Style Coaching) 

is firstly, they were utterly unique and that’s what made them special.  

They use a holistic approach, that resonated with me. 

Their message is strong and clear; it’s not just about the clothing you wear, 

it's also about the self-journey, awareness and 

appreciation of who you are on the inside and out.

Who is your style icon?

I absolutely adore Grace Kelly -she had a subtle energy, 

natural elegance and style that was very timeless. 

You can even see versions of her style in today’s fashion. 

She was also the unofficial ambassador for Hermes; 

they named a bag after her called the Kelly Bag.

Which celeb do you think has the best style at the moment?

Cameron Diaz is a very natural, casual, chic dresser with 

little bits of sexiness thrown in. 

She always looks very relaxed, confident and comfortable 

in the clothing she wears. 

She also understands the art of dressing for her body shape and personality.

Which celeb would you most like to “get your hands on?”

For me at the moment it has to be Natasha Kaplinsky 

(who is a British newsreader and presenter). She’s very beautiful but 

her style is so conservative and old fashioned. 

I would still like to see her in an elegant dress code, 

but with some add freshness and modern style twists.

Natasha Kaplinsky

How would you describe your style?

My style is a mixture of natural classic with some elegance 

and a little sexiness thrown in. 

That’s possibly why I like Cameron Diaz-we have similar tastes in clothing.

What is the one brand you couldn’t live without?

Chanel make-up it’s a timeless range of 

cosmetics that’s perfect for most women and me.

The way you would spend your fantasy 24 hours 

with no travel or money restrictions?

New York with its fifth Avenue boutiques, it’s labyrinth of streets 

and iconic buildings and theaters; 

there’s just something charismatic about this place.

Your favorite shop?

At the moment it’s a clothing line called Mint Velvet, 

their clothing collections are about empowering women 

with confidence, they use combinations of fabulous textures 

that are effortlessly wearable for the modern day women.

French Riviera or Italian Riviera to kick back?

Italian Riviera with its charm and beautiful landscapes.

Victoria Beckham or Stella McCartney?

I have a lot of respect for Victoria Beckham. 

She has in recent years brought fashion and style 

into the mainstream. I think she really "gets" and understands 

real style and how it works for women. 

I definitely think she is a style icon.

One item every woman should have in their wardrobe this summer?

It has to be statement accessories 

they complete outfits as well as giving the wearer 

a chance to really personalize their outfit.

Tallulah Blue Gemstone Stacking Ring set

One item you are saving up for?

Nothing at the moment

The temptation you wish you could resist?

Clothing and makeup.

Perfume of the moment?

Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle; 

it is sensual and elegant and smells divine.

Tell us something that would really surprise us about you

I had an accident that left me partly disabled with my left leg.
I had to have several years of physiotherapy to learn to walk again

The philosophy that underpins your life?

I actually have this on my desk and see it every day

“Follow your dreams. They know the way”

The song that means the most to you?

Barbra Streisand's Evergreen from her movie A Star is Born. 

I remember when I was a young teenager having the album 

and playing it over and over on my record player.

 It’s such an expressive moving song. Since my father died a few years ago 

(he was a fan of her songs), it has even more meaning to me now.

Your favourite piece from my boutique and how you would style it?

I love the Angelina hammered stacking bangle set with gemstones; 

this would look fabulous with a button back jumpsuit in black, 

statement heeled shoes and an embellished fold over clutch.

Angelina Gemstone Bangle Set

The way you want to be remembered?

I would really like to think that my styling business 

and I made a difference in the world.

Nichola's website/blog can be found here

Pop over and say hello.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Happy weekend Lovelies

xxxxxx