Our clothes determine how we feel about ourselves and as a consequence how we behave, and equally, what we wear shapes how our clients see us and what they might hear. The psychology of clothes Research1 shows that what we wear can determine how we process information in the moment and how we behave (a concept known as ‘enclothed cognition’). So clothes that have a meaning attached to them can encourage you to think differently, have more confidence, energy and feel empowered. The Smart Works organisation is proof in volumes. It styles women for interviews, choosing outfits that help clients frame themselves for the job, with a 67% success rate. Considering who you are meeting and how you want to feel in that moment, allows you to curate an outfit to underline your personal confidence and ability to get the work. Colour energy It’s not just the style of clothes that can affect our behaviour. The colour of what we wear has an impact on our energy levels too. Why is red used in so many sports clothes, or green and pale blue used in medical environments do you think? If you need to be heard then blue might be the best choice, and if it’s a tricky situation green might be the best option to maintain calm. Colours create different energies physiologically - if you don’t believe it, try on different colours and see how you feel. Think Visual We all know that first impressions are made very quickly, in fact within a tenth of a second2 , but are you aware how much of this is visual? In research for her book You’re Not Listening, Kate Murphy found that 55% of the information we take in when someone is talking to us is what we see, 38% is through the tone of their voice and just 7% the words they are using3 . So what messages do you want to convey with what you wear? Be true to yourself As important as all of this though is that you show up in clothes that represent your personality. If not ‘clothing cognitive dissonance’ (a mismatch between your values and style and your choice of clothes) kicks in to leave you with self-doubt and unease. We’ve all felt uncomfortable in clothes that aren’t ‘us’ at some point in our lives I’m sure. Curating a wardrobe that feels easy, represents you and gives the best impression of your skills and capabilities is something that takes some thought, but the opportunity to influence your business as you show up as the best version of yourself can be worth it. For a free 30 minute consultation on developing your personal style drop me ‘hello’ in an email or call me on 07789 320983. 1 Adam and Galinsky 2012, 2 https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/how-many-seconds-to-a-first-impression, 3 Kate Murphy You’re Not Listening 2020

We are wearing the smallest proportion of what we have in our wardrobe - just 20% * - and most of us still claim we have ‘nothing to wear’. The overwhelm and guilt of this often means we just buy more, fuelled by social media and fashion marketing. If this were a health problem, we might seek professional advice. Employing a trained, experienced personal stylist with an independent perspective on your wardrobe can save you time and money as well as help you achieve your life ambitions. In this blog I'll share what a personal stylist does how this differs from the ‘free’ advice and guidance you can get online how to decide if a personal stylist would be of value to you A personal stylist is like having a best friend who you can go to with your problems, ambitions and your closet secrets, who who will also give you a professional, trained and honest opinion. They will give you trustworthy, unbiased, experienced advice to shape a wardrobe that reflects your true worth, that you will be happy with and help you achieve whatever you want in life. What we wear can change our lives. If we feel good in our clothes, we feel confident. How confident we are influences how others see us and our capabilities. If our clothes reflect our personality then we are likely to connect more quickly. What we wear helps us ‘fit in’ and ‘stand out’. Clothes help us get the job. Smart Works, a charity that helps women get a job by styling them for interviews have a 64%* success rate. What we choose to put on helps us find a new partner and attract new friends. Because clothes are the language that describes who we are. Research* shows that when we talk, over half of what we take in is visual, not verbal. So how you dress and how that makes you feel is driving what is being heard. Your choice of clothes on any day is determined by the habits within your wardrobe. We tend to choose the same colours, shapes and styles. These habits have a complex foundation, built from our upbringing, the communities we value and want to be part of, practical needs and of course how we value clothes. Someone’s first impression of you - made within less than a second will be a judgement of not just the outfit you are wearing at that time, but your whole wardrobe, your values and your priorities. So if you want to change your confidence, how you show up in the world as you, your career or your relationships, how do you unpick the thread of those habits? How do you discover more about what clothes can do for you and shape your future? It all starts with an understanding of your unique self, your personality, colours that will suit you best, your style preferences and of course who you want to be seen as. An objective perspective from someone who will listen and guide you. Books and articles are useful if you want to do this yourself, but an in-person session with a personal stylist will allow you time to explain out loud what it is you want to change and achieve. How to decide if a personal stylist would be of value to you Here are two areas to consider when deciding to work with a personal stylist 1) Are you looking to make a change in your life or work and would a more confident look that reflects you help you achieve this? If so, how much is that change worth to you? Both to your mental health, and financially. 2) How much could you save by having a wardrobe that reflects you? Take a pen and paper, and think about the average amount you spend each month on clothes, then multiply that by 12 for the year. Say it’s £100 a month (£25 a week), that’s £1200 a year. If you only wear a third of your wardrobe then there’s £900 to be saved (in year 1!) Personal stylists fees vary, but you would be looking to spend from £200 for some essential in-person wardrobe evaluation. Weigh up what you want to achieve and what you might save against this. Wendy, a career health professional in her 50’s had an ambition to sort her look and her wardrobe which was prompted by a step up into a new job role and a change in family circumstances. With a wardrobe bursting with clothes that ‘ I might get back into one day ’ (her words) she wanted to feel free and liberated. We worked to let go of those unused clothes (many still with labels on) and create a wardrobe with fun, stylish and sometimes surprising combinations. There were just three clothing investments needed to complete the wardrobe - a biker jacket, knee high boots and a belt, which Wendy bought within a month of the wardrobe edit “my wardrobe is now more structured and easier on the eye when choosing what to wear”. At a time when we have access to more clothing than ever before, many of us seem to be unhappier with what is in our wardrobes. What we accumulate and don’t wear can prevent us from achieving our goals in life. Sorting this can be simple with a book or online guidance, however, our clothing choices can be complex, so for a solution that best suits you, the ear and expertise of a professional stylist will give you a bespoke response, space in your cupboard and likely money in the bank. Email me for a free 30 minute consultation to see if a personal styling session can take you where you want to go.

So far this summer we’ve seen the highest ever recorded temperatures as well as frequent downpours in Britain. Whilst the weather forecast is worth a check when helping you pull an outfit from your wardrobe, the Met Office make it clear that what they tell you is approximate and change is, well, inevitable. This might make you feel like you either need to pack for every eventuality or run the risk of you feeling too hot, cold or even getting wet! In this blog I will give you three step plan for wardrobe choices that ensure you are always ‘covered’ for the weather and that you feel collected and stylish. Having confidence in your own style comes from being prepared, and feeling like you look like you. Clothes that are comfortable for the day or evening ahead and reflect your personality will allow you to focus on what you are spending your time on and give you more energy for it too. Having a capsule ‘any weather’ collection to draw from in your wardrobe this summer will remove the ‘nothing to wear’ syndrome, save you time in the morning as well as giving you the confidence to know you have what it takes to look the part that day. My three steps to having your ‘any weather’, feel confident capsule are... 1 Identify key pieces that can work with all outfits To make your choice of outfit easier every day, there are a few items that you will work with other items to create outifts, and will ensure you are prepared for whatever weather is presented to us. A short structured jacket e.g. biker jacket or Chanel style jacket, that stops at the top of your hips. Structured jackets bring smartness to an outfit, and can provide warmth if the temperature drops. An oversized tote bag or hand bag (useful for carrying spare jumper, umbrella, water, make up etc). Patents are perfect for moist weather and bring some shine to cloudy, rainy days in the summer. Multi-functional shoes that work with anything from a summer dress to jeans .e.g smart trainers, or Birkenstocks A solid umbrella! P ut these items on one end of your wardrobe rail, or on your bed so that you can move on to the next step of building your capsule. 2 Look for a colour or style theme that appears in your key pieces. This will help build the rest of your ‘any weather’ capsule I often find that women have more than one style personality. Personally I can move from a romantic, laid back style to a more dramatic ‘seeking attention’ style depending on where I am going and what I am doing. You might be more of a classic dresser or want to take on a natural look. Whatever your style personality, to save you time every morning when thinking what to wear and to help you feel confident, having pieces that sit together well style wise is will help. Looking at the key pieces you have already chosen What colours are they? What other colours in your wardrobe work well with them. Have a sift through, hold them next to your key pieces, and ask if they will work from a colour point of view. If they do, put them to one side on your wardrobe rail or on the bed. Looking at the style of your key pieces, are they of a particular style e.g. a classic look or a boho feel? Again, sifting through the other items in your wardrobe, what will work well with them. A classic biker jacket is very versatile for example, it works as well with a smart dress as a it does a pair of jeans. A Chanel style jacket, round neck, tweed design can also be as versatile, but you may want to consider the pattern or detail on other items to co-ordinate. In your capsule wardrobe I would suggest you include: A pair of jeans A T-shirt A vest or camsile top that you feel comfortable in A skirt A summer dress for daytime A lightweight jumper 3 Layer up and down for style The key to your effortless style and comfort is to have with you items that you can put on or take off when the weather changes. Layering can look modern, stylish and can flatter your shape, whilst also keeping you warm. Consider the length of the items you are putting on top of each other. It is ideal to have the last item on ie the item on top, being the shortest e.g. jacket or jumper. having layers like this not only avoids lumps and creases underneath the outer layers but can also make you look taller and leaner (if that’s what makes you happy). Keep items lightweight and breathable. If you are looking for layers for warmth, any weight of fabric will do this once layered so you wont have to consider heavy jumpers or jackets. Make sure you are happy with the layer closest to your body. We all know what it’s like when it suddenly gets hot and you strip off to say one top, its important you feel comfortable just wearing that. I’ve often made the mistake of stripping off to a vest only to realise there’s a little too much on show! So, to have that relaxed smile every morning you open your wardrobe, preparation is key and knowing that, with your key pieces determining your capsule wardrobe, you can be prepared for whatever changes in the weather that day. Tips Find yourself an hour or so one evening or at the weekend to do this. The time you invest now will be saved easily in the week’s ahead every time you open your wardobe doors. Keep the ‘essential items’ at one end of the wardrobe so they are either the starting point for your choice of outfit that day or what you take your outfit to, to match up with. If you have a choice of jewellery, consider what will dress up or down the outfit. A sparkly pair of earrings can make a pair of jeans and a T shirt into a ‘going out’ outfit as I am sure you know. Never underestimate the pick me up of a splash of perfume and lipstick to make you feel special whatever you are wearing and whatever the weather. Keep those in your tote too! Want some help pulling together your perfect capsule wardrobe? Feeling the best version of you comes from wearing clothes that will flatter your features and a style that reflects your personality. We don’t always put ourselves first and do this. A shape and style session will enable us to work through your existing wardrobe to identiy a capsule wardrobe that will save you time, give you more confidence and clothes to wear all year round.

Velvet blazer above from Reserved.com

A change out of work wear, maybe even work uniform, marks the end of the day, into relax mode and perhaps an escape from some pressures in life. We think about how we frame ourselves for work through what we wear, but I wonder if we do the same for our evenings in? The last thing you want is the pressure of having to conform or feel uncomfortable in the clothes you wear to cook, maybe watch TV or walk the dog (and I would argue why should we feel that way in the day... but that’s another blog). But a night in, whether having friends round, on your own or snuggled up with the family is a time for gaining some energy back and building strength for another day. So why think about what you are wearing for a night in? I would say there are two reasons One, you will want to feel a certain way for your time out, be that relaxing, catching up with friends, or educating the children (or your partner!). What you wear can help you get into the right frame for this. Two, however much you think you are switching off, the endless comparisons we make to others will still be there – on screen, social media scrolling, friends or families gossiping! The clothes you choose to make you feel more you will kick any doubts you might have about how wonderful you are, into touch. Personally it took me too long to appreciate how the time I had out of work was more valuable than the time in it, whatever it is I choose to do with my time. The me that was trying to escape for many years in a corporate role now enjoys display even while watching TV, with my oversized Tom Ford glasses frames, leopard print hot water bottle and wide leg velvet jogger pants. Feeling I have dressed as the true I generates the confidence to answer those TV quiz questions, to get on with building my business and even choosing better food to eat. So some suggestions from me for getting more joy out of your nights in are ... · Identify your clothes for your evenings in – joggers and tops, jeans and jumpers. That gives them a special purpose for your valuable evenings. ·Treat these clothes with the same respect you do your work or daytime clothes – always on hangers, ironed. · Accessorize – yes you read that – you know how time you take choosing earrings for work or a night out, so think about jewellery for your night in. And remember belts for trousers ·Remember how much colours can influence how you feel e.g. green is calming, blue is good for communicating with others, red, well red…, pink for reminding yourself how lovely you ar Whatever you are doing over this 22/23 New Year period, wishing you health energy and love x Image thanks to Unsplash

It's almost that time of year (new year) where we often think about reframing things.... how we spend our time.. how we look after ourself... how we dress! It's a positive time of year, things to look forward to, old bad habits to let go of. Time for a clear out! Here is a short guide to help you sort through the gems of what you have, and the trends to consider so you are a step ahead the season. 1 Take five minutes sitting down I always suggest taking a pew (edge of the bed, chair ..wherever) for 5 minutes before you tackle anything in your wardrobe. Our lives are so busy, and we become so efficient at putting clothes in and out of our wardrobes that often we create routines and habits of choice that we don't even realise. Often leading us to wearing the same items over and over again and missing out some treasures. Having 5 minutes to take in what you have in your wardrobe, what order you have put it in, even how well you have put it there, could tell you a lot about what you think, like or even dislike about what you have in there. 2 Put to one side • Anything that no longer (or never did!) fit. • Anything you despise or wouldn't wear again. I’ll let you decide what you do with these. 3 Now, to getting next season ready Your spring wardrobe edit is a real opportunity to help you feel lighter .. I’ll explain what I mean…. Starting at one end of your wardrobe and looking at each item, consider • the weight of the item (how much warmth it gives, how heavy it feels on you) • the colour of the item (is it dark and heavy or lighter) Put to one side, your heavier items, and include clothes that you feel ‘cover you up’ – longer and baggy tops for example. If you have another wardrobe then store these away for autumn, but if not keep them at one end of your wardrobe. I use storage covers, that way the clothes are kept in good condition and I can’t seem them – so that I am not tempted to move them back either ( Wilko are a reasonably priced supplier). 4 You should now have your spring wardrobe in front of you with: • some neutrals that suit your colour tone • cream or white items (the one that suits you, according to your colour tone) • lighter or brighter colours (again, depending on your colour tone) • patterned dresses or tops – floral is a strong theme this season too Finally, shoes/boots and accessories are also for consideration here. They not only complete the outfit, but boots for example can keep you warmer on the cooler spring days with a spring outfit, along with scarfs and gloves. 5 Key trends for the spring and summer coming towards us If you are someone that likes to stay on trend, then you might also look at your wardrobe and see whether it has any of these spring summer main trends: • blue • large pockets - particularly on trousers like cargo pants - great for adding shape and width to your body to make other parts look smaller • nightwear looks for the daytime (that's not pyjamas!, more of the lace and see through look that was in this season) • denim (again, thank goodness) • 'grunge' but in a more sophisticated way I will do a spring summer forecast in my next email for everyone. If you would like a wardrobe edit I offer an online guided edit service, as well as face to face of course, just get in touch . Good luck! x (Photo by Burgess-Milner on Unsplash)

Three things to think about when buying vintage clothing

I read an article recently that said the A line Skirt, which is both in fashion now and featured in some shows for Autumn and Winter, is perfect for every woman. The author must have shares in A l ine production then because, whilst A line can be very flattering for some women, it does not do justice to all, or not without careful thought on the rest of the outfit. What is your take on this classic? It definitely reminisces from the popular 70s and is now reinvigorated in many different fabrics, from popular denim to heavily patterned Gucci print. Some must’s for this season if you are looking at buying an A line It should fall mid-calf, particularly if you are short in height. Wear with chunky heels (not flats or you’ll zoom back a couple of decades – remember Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday?) If you are pear shaped, keep it neat and cinched at the waist with shoulders that are as wide as your hips. If you are tall and slim, this is a skirt you can really take the stage with, swirly flowing fabrics too. Here are some lovely examples if you are looking to buy new, but there are plenty second hand – ebay as my fav, or your local high street charity shops. A versatile Ted Baker cream denim Standout warehouse patent sage Classic Hobbs linen skirt If you want any advice on this wondrous skirt, just pick up the phone or drop me an email.

I’ve felt a real need to get changed recently. Not sure if its inspiration from the 80’s theme that’s seeping through this season – boy pants, neon colours and oversized everything or whether it’s just about wanting to make a noise having felt muted this past year. So I’ve changed a very, very long standing hair colour (muted blonde!). If you know me, you’ll know it wasn't a rash decision, I researched very carefully and took a trusted recommendation for a new stylist who lived up to 100% of my expectations (thank you @hairbykimberlymills). Why change? Or is it indeed not about change and more about not covering up who we really are? Not entering the work wardrobe, not dressing up for people we haven’t seen or maybe want to see again. I’ve recently started a temporary marketing role in a very non-corporate, everyone works from home and in relaxed ‘wear’ team. I haven’t felt the need to fit in at all, I’ve been myself, trying on stand out different items from an 80’s esque look one day to 70’s the next. It's mde me happy. So why dress as yourself? I’ve recently read two books, Charlie Porter’s What Artists Wear, and James Clear’s ‘Atomic Habits’ (which I found potentially life changing by the way for anyone trying to kick a chocolate habit or who wants to get fitter). Charlie Porter describes tens of artists and how each are iconic because of their clothing as a feature. He’s clear from the start of the book that what the artists choose to wear isn't necessarily intended as a statement, but a way of being more true to themselves that allows them to work to the best of their ability. From Barbara Hepworth, who worked in very practical outfits – mainly boiler suits in different colours to French artist Yves Klein who could only work in suits, including tuxedos. James Clear has been successful in helping people to change their behaviour by starting with habits that can only be maintained if they reflect your identity or the identity you want to adopt. And if your clothes don’t sit comfortably with who you want to be…. Want to start? If you don't know your style personality, spend a few minutes exploring through an online test. It’s a great way of starting a conversation with yourself about what clothes make you happy and what don’t. And more importantly why you wear those that don’t float your boat. There’s lots of food for thought I can give you. Kat Deeley was interviewed on Stella live last week – she so clearly identified what clothes made her who she is and why they made her happy – vintage, stand out shoulders, bold and ‘look at me’. I also saw Yasmin LeBon who had just died her eyebrows in an 80’s wanderlust moment too, quiet and unassuming, she sat there comfortably in the muted classic clothes she clearly felt comfortable in. Two successful women who know their identities and what makes them happy. If there’s anytime to be you, it has to be now. Watch the Yasmin Le Bon here and Cat Deeley here .