My best styling tips - Julie Cobbe

Meet Julie Cobbe, fashion stylist, entrepreneur and founder of StyleFish – a fashion school for women that offers personal styling classes. We asked Julie to share her best styling tips, beauty musts, and advice on how to launch a successful business.

Tell us about StyleFish, how did you come up with the idea?
I’ve loved fashion since I was a little girl! I studied law in college but could never see myself working within it, so I gave it up after a year and moved to London to get my styling qualifications and experience. When I returned to Ireland, I worked as a substitute business teacher in a school in Dublin to make some money while I tried to figure out what I would do next. That was my lightbulb moment! From the first time I stood up in front of a class I knew I was born to be a teacher! StyleFish is a combination of my love of fashion and my love of teaching!

What are your 3 essential tips for someone wanting to become an entrepreneur?
Make it easy to understand and see the benefit in. Believe in yourself even in those moments when you want to give up. Being an entrepreneur is the most amazing feeling but it can also be very lonely in those hard moments. You have got to believe in yourself! Never take no for an answer. Usually the most successful entrepreneurs have failed at something before they found their success. There is no such thing as an overnight success. That’s just what it looks like from the outside! Go for what you want and when you get the no’s, find a way around it or adapt to what your customer is telling you.”


How would you describe your personal fashion and beauty style?
“I would say that my style is quirky, comfortable and a little edgy. When it comes to my makeup I am much easier to please! I look after my skin - when you do that everything else is much easier. Your makeup sits better and you wear less! If I find something that works for me, I stick to it! I use Oriflame’s Ecollagen skincare range and I love it.”

What would you advise to someone looking to define their personal style?
“Learning as much as you can about yourself. Body shape, skin tone, personality etc. The more you know the easier it is to identify what shops will work best for you.

Being confident. You have to embrace all the things that make you unique and wear what you love. Experiment, buy magazines, hire a personal shopper, do little things that will help guide you in the right direction and help build your confidence.” 

"You have to embrace all the things that make you unique and wear what you love."

What are your best styling tips for updating a winter wardrobe for spring?
“First off, you have got to get rid of the things that are no longer earning their place in your wardrobe! Once you have done this, make a list of the key pieces for spring that you need for your wardrobe: a good pair of skinny jeans, a smart tailored jacket, a couple of skirts (suede will be big news this spring) and a couple of funky tees. So, which of these do you have and which do you need? Make a list and always bring it with you when you shop. Be focused and only buy first and foremost what you need. Once you have the core basics for your everyday wardrobe, then you can have fun with the season’s trends by adding some more colour, prints etc.”

How important is makeup when it comes to fashion?
I think it is important. When you meet someone for the first time you are judged first and foremost by what’s on the outside and people will look at your face first! It’s not about wearing loads but it is about having a routine you love and that works for you. Makeup gives women confidence and investing time in it is an important part of creating a style you love.”

What are your favourite products in your makeup bag?
“Some of the products in my makeup bag include: primer, foundation, eyeliner, lip balm, a good set of make-up brushes, under-eye concealer and at the moment the new Oriflame Love Potion Secrets Eau de Parfume.”  

Share you best beauty secrets.
I always carry around a bottle of water with me, water definitely helps keep your skin clear!  I am good at sticking to my skin care routine morning and evening. I think it really makes a difference to how your skin feels and hence how easy it is when putting on your make up. I use the Ecollagen skin care routine. I always say: if you look after your clothes, your clothes will look after you. The same goes for beauty. If you look after your skin and products, the rest looks after itself!”








Words by: Photographs by: Julie Cobbe