Spring Secrets of a Celebrity Stylist: Gold Coast’s Elizabeth McMahon Tells All

By Kobi Facto

If you have attended at least one of the Gold Coast’s many social events recently, chances are you have seen Elizabeth McMahon (EM). She’s hard to miss. A six-foot-tall goddess and by far, the best dressed in the room.

EM is possibly the busiest stylist, guest speaker and fashion educator on the Coast. And now, she has just opened her very own beauty and styling salon on Chevon Island.

The EM Studio has tailored unique looks for a host of local celebrities including Channel Seven’s Liz Cantor, Channel Nine’s Heather Foord and Melissa Downes and Australian Actress Aleisha Groth – just to mention a few. She’s even worked alongside US celebrity stylist Carson Kressley and the UK’s style makers from “What Not To Wear”.

However you don’t need to be a celebrity to enjoy EM’s styling secrets. She is well known for helping a range of clients improve their presentation and self-confidence through fashion.

“The secret is ‘The Four S Factor’”, says EM. “Shade, Shape, Size and Style”.

“Seeing a Stylist is not about having a shopping spree. It’s about understanding your core style elements so that you buy the right clothes to begin with”.

“Clothes that not only make you look and feel great on a daily basis but that you can enjoy wearing time and again”.

Elizabeth’s Top 5 Beauty and Styling Secrets to prepare you for Spring:

1. Wardrobe edit: Time to pack away those winter coats and plan for the months ahead. Start by assessing your lifestyle. How many hours do you spend at work, home, socially, recreation? Your wardrobe and shopping should reflect your lifestyle. If it doesn’t, then this is when you may feel like you have nothing to wear. Create a list of the items you’re missing – this way you can ensure you are not wasting money on things that you do not need.
2. Colour profile: Nothing screams Spring like a splash of colour. While your fashion staples such as pants, jackets, shoes and bags should include a neutral palette of greys, browns, black, white and nudes, you can introduce high contrast colours like mustard, royal blue, reds, greens and so forth to create excitement in your wardrobe for days when you are feeling bold and creative. I find that colours and prints can really lift your spirits on days when you are feeling unmotivated.
3. Trend alert: Look out for flowing bohemian styles, modern off-the-shoulder and cut-out tailoring, vivid yellow and mustard hues as well as metallic, eyelets and lace-up detailing. In the accessories department, look for oversized retro sunglasses, chandelier statement earrings and chocker’s. You only need to add a touch of trending Spring essentials to your wardrobe to be on point.
4. Quality vs quantity: It is better to invest in quality pieces rather than having an oversupply of items that wear and tear easily. The main capsule of your wardrobe should include classic and quality pieces such as a stylish and quality watch, hat, jacket, handbag, shoes and suit.
5. Body Beautiful: To look great, you must first feel great! Take care of your skin, drink plenty of water and refuel with fresh Spring foods. Exfoliate, moisturise and book in for a fresh hair do or manicure. You deserve it.

For more beauty and styling secrets, be sure to contact EM Studio on 0416 630 299 or pop-in to the salon located on Chevron Island, 3/63 Mwarra Street off Thomas Drive.