VICTORIA Kennedy clearly has an eye for style and is using her talent to help other women look their best and regain their confidence.

The mum-of-two is passionate not just about empowering women to create and love their own unique style, but to embrace their body, whatever its shape.

The former primary school teacher swapped her job in the classroom to set up a vintage fashion shop, before launching The Fairy Clothes Mother, as a confidence and image coach.

When I met with her, I was interested to find out more about how she could help me with my own wardrobe, if not a little apprehensive that she might tell me I was getting it all wrong.

As a busy mum of a two-year-old, freelance journalist and tutor, I have very little spare time to spend on myself, meaning buying new clothes comes last on the list of my priorities.

I used to love going clothes shopping and selecting a new outfit to wear, but now I tend to throw anything on in the morning with little thought, only taking my time with an outfit if it is for a special occasion.

Comfort and convenience have become my priorities when it comes to clothes.

Victoria sat down with me and explained the process, talking me through the colours that work for me and analysing my body shape.

It was fascinating to learn that our veins and skin determine our colour category, with everyone falling into spring, summer, autumn or winter, and cool or warm.

I was in the cool winter category, and when Victoria showed me a range of colours that supposedly suited me, there was a shade of every one represented.

Victoria explained that she doesn’t simply tell her clients the colours and shapes they should be wearing but works with them to feel confident about their style and body.

“As women what affects us is the way we feel about our bodies. If you haven’t unpicked the emotion and feel confident in your own skin then the tips I give aren’t going to make any difference,” she said.

If you feel good about yourself then you will look good and feel confident, she explained.

It made sense, but might be harder to achieve when we are bombarded daily with images of near perfect celebrities and looks which are almost impossible to copy in real life.

It was a treat to have some time to myself to really consider what I wear and have a proper sort out of my clothes, something which has been on my to-do list for months.

It was a confidence boost to discover that I know and understand my body shape well, and thankfully have been selecting clothes, and colours, which suit me.

Only a small pile was set aside to take to charity shops, or the rubbish bin in the case of one jumper which, despite me wearing all the time, I suddenly saw with new eyes as misshapen and faded.

However, I realised that I could have much more fun with my clothes, adding colour in the form of tights or cardigans, and spend a little more time creating a full outfit with jewellery or a scarf if I’m going out somewhere.

Victoria explained that putting together an outfit is about creating an optical illusion, drawing the eyes to the areas you want to highlight, and away from those you don’t. The right outfit can transform a person, accentuating their best parts.

We discussed that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on clothes, with charity shops often offering quirky or designer items at a fraction of their original cost.

Feeling inspired after our session, I went straight out and bought a pair of dark plum tights, which surprisingly go with so many of my clothes, and completely changed the look. Costing only £4 it didn’t even feel indulgent. I also visited some charity shops and picked up some amazing bargains, in the form of three dresses and a cardigan costing a total of £7!

When I tried on my new outfits, I realised Victoria was right – I felt good about myself. I wanted to go out to show them off. I perhaps hadn’t realised that by wearing the same old clothes every day, not really thinking about what I was wearing, I was denying myself something. Just because my priorities changed after becoming a mum, it doesn’t mean I can’t still spend a little bit of time on myself too. I’m glad Victoria made me realise the importance of this and regain my love of clothes.

For more information, go to facebook.com/FairyClothesMother.