Apr 16, 2018 | Uncategorised
The Hijab is most often worn by Muslim women as a symbol of modesty and privacy. The purpose essentially, is to let the woman be known for her mind and not her body, for me, such an empowering message.
Halima Aden has been described as the World’s first Hijab wearing Super Model back in 2017, finally lifting the veil on stereotypes of Muslim women on the New York fashion week runway. At just 19 years old, she is redefining beauty standards in an industry long plagued by it’s lack of diversity. As a result of her rise to success, American Eagle Outfitters are now selling denim Hijabs with great success.
Later this year, Nike will launch their Nike Pro Hijab which has been modified to provide a pull on design which is constructed from durable single layered Nike Pro Mesh which is both lightweight and breathable but which remains completely opaque, becoming the first major sportswear manufacturer to explore diversity.
In the UK, we have seen the rise of Hijab wearing TV personalities such as Great British Bake Off winner, Nadiya Hussain, helping to raise familiarity on our screens.
Debenhams have also been quick off the mark to introduce a new range of Muslim clothing and have become the first UK department store to sell Hijabs and additional items relating to modesty wear including tops, dresses, jumpsuits, kimono wraps, caps, hijab pins and headscarves. Aab, the London based clothing company behind the line describes itself as selling “contemporary modest wear” for women.
With this in mind, I have requested the assistance of long standing Styled In Colour client, friend and now fellow CMB@HOME advisor, Iona Connor to take a look at the benefits of choosing the right colour of Hijab to create the very best version of yourself for that added confidence boost.
I first met Iona back in 2017 when we analysed her colours. During that session we used her personal selection of Hijabs to showcase all the very best colors for her skin tone and eye colour. Because the Hijab is worn directly around the face, finding the perfect shade to enhance your natural beauty is extremely effective. Iona now wears colours in contrast and is drawn to bright and vivid colours from her palette to make the most out of her Hijab collection.
I’m sure you’ll agree, she looks absolutely stunning.
Mar 21, 2018 | personal branding, Uncategorised
Can you think back to a moment in your life when you were feeling at your very best? The planets had somehow collided and your hair, make-up and outfit choices all felt right? You were feeling confident right? How did that make you feel? What effect did that have on your posture and body language? How decisive were you at that time? What connections did you make? Were you proud to be you? Whether this memory is just a one off, a few moments in time or how you feel most of the time, it is not a coincidence that our self-esteem and confidence levels are directly affected by the image that we choose to represent ourselves with. With 50% of individuals suffering from self-esteem issues (this is set to rise with the pressures of modern day living and the instant comparisons that we can make on-line) wouldn’t it be nice if we could flip this around and teach people the power of personal branding and just what this can do for inner confidence.
Not to bore you with statistics, but I was shocked to learn that 54% of women rarely feel proud of their appearance and 56% of men are often upset by their looks. The positive thing about these numbers is that they can be improved.
Coco Chanel once said “The badly dressed woman will be remembered for her clothes, the well dressed woman will be remembered for the woman”
What you wear is key to inner confidence. First impressions happen every time you walk in to a new situation where you don’t know everyone in that room. It could be the school playground, a new office, a christening, a wedding, arriving at university for the first time, going to a job interview or starting a new class or activity. Would it surprise you to learn that first impressions are formed within that first 20 seconds of meeting someone and with only 7% accounting for what you actually say, the rest comes down to your appearance, your tone, your mannerisms and your overall body language.
This is why shows like “Take Me Out” are so successful with their “No Likey No Light” tag lines. It is built around a first impression model and they have a surprising success rate for dates that end with a kiss. Think about the similar principle of speed dating or speed networking, essentially we are using the same first impression principle to attract or repel future connections.
So, what is your personal branding saying about you? What 3 words would others choose to describe you? More importantly are you happy with those assessments and do they fit with how you want to be seen and remembered? How you look on the outside reflects how you feel on the inside. This in-turn affects your attitude to new situations, your decision making and what plans you choose to make.
“True elegance and style comes from being confident and feeling comfortable in your own skin” Tory Burch – fashion designer.
So, I ask you this as a final thought, consider what you want people to notice about you in that first 20 seconds and start there. Not every trend is going to work for everyone, nor will they work on every body shape. Determine what works for you, what makes you feel good, empowered, confident, trustworthy, strong (whatever the descriptions you choose for you and your personal branding) and there you have your starting point.
If confidence is holding you back and you’d like to learn more about how you can improve this, then why not consider booking a place on my brand new “Confidence Lab” workshops. Alongside coach Trisha Barker, we will teach you some simple yet effective techniques to kick start your confidence journey.
To book your place simply click on this link: https://www.universe.com/events/the-confidence-lab-tickets-ramsbottom-YT641S
Feb 17, 2018 | Uncategorised
Lots of us get through these first dreary months of the year with the promise of your first holiday on the horizon. If you’re in the lucky group of individuals who are counting down to your annual skiing trip then why not take a little time out to plan your perfect outfit for the slopes. Choosing a colour that will stand out, will not only save you from getting lost (especially after a few après skis), but will also undoubtedly improve you skiing techniques as we already know that colour boosts confidence and with this comes improved posture, balance and poise surely a winning combination for all those black runs! If the idea of salopettes and ski jackets boasting colours aren’t for you, then why not consider adding a splash of colour in the way of a hat or neck gaiter combo.
With the tall genes very much running in my family, my sister Jo has always struggled to buy female skiwear for her 5ft 11″ frame. Instead she has had to opt for unshapely men’s jackets and salopettes in black, black and black again, just to get enough length in the sleeve and leg. Invariably this caused problems out on the slopes as people would presume she was a man and address her as “mate” until she turned around and they realised with varying degrees of embarrassment that she was in-fact female. Years of this can have a negative effect on self esteem, take it from the girl whose only “going out” shoe option at 17 was a pair of black Doc Martin boots, not the most flattering or feminine of footwear!
The answer was to hunt for a tall range of skiwear. Not to be defeated after 7 years of hunting and 2 trips to Holland whilst researching this, we’ve finally found a company called Colmar which do a skiwear range that is suitable for taller frames in colours that ooze femininity. Not only that but they are a reputable brand boasting 88 years of skiwear manufacturing experience. My sister definitely enjoyed sashaying down the slopes in Austria earlier this month in one of her “wow” colours and she didn’t get called “mate” once! Bonus!
Jan 20, 2018 | Uncategorised
I love it when the penny finally drops and a household name embarks upon a change of direction that will empower people a plenty. I was delighted to hear that M&S have finally awoken to the concept that the one size fits all definition of beauty doesn’t cut it anymore. This ground-breaking opinion is slowly filtering its way in to more and more iconic fashion power houses.
This month M&S launch a new addition to the plus size offerings with “CURVE”. It’s a 100 piece collection ranging from a £7.50 tee to an £89 dress in sizes 18 – 32 and includes wardrobe basics through to pieces that would work for special events. Not only that but the collection was designed on a size 24 mannequin (rather than a standard size 12) which will ensure that all aspects of the clothes from fabric to cut to proportionality are all considered for the curvy figure with special attention given when choosing fabrics such as anti-cling cottons to ensure a flattering fit and feel.
What’s also great is that this collection will be showcased on size 20 mannequins in store, finally allowing a more diverse representation of body size and shape to enter on to the high street.
I can see real progress, and long may it continue! You never know, we might finally achieve a fashion world whereby every person is represented appropriately in which no one is left feeling “not good enough” when faced with their reflection in that dressing room mirror. The full collection for anyone interested in learning more is available from 23rd January. Happy shopping.
Dec 20, 2017 | Uncategorised
A statement coat is a must for all of us, it can make or break any outfit and more importantly it can disguise what’s lurking underneath! I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve rocked up to the school gates with a pyjama top hiding under the coat shown above, and no one would ever know (apart from me publically shaming myself in this blog of course)!
A statement coat does exactly what it says on the tin, it makes a statement whilst providing a positive, long lasting first impression. The first consideration for your statement coat is colour, a darker colour from your neutrals or fashion colours in your palette is the perfect choice for your winter coat but try and think outside the box and move away from the predictable black or navy and replace this with red, teal, plum, burgundy or charcoal (depending of course on which colours feature in your palette).
Spring/Summer is the perfect time to inject a little VA VA VOOM in to your jackets and lightweight summer coats or macs, instead of neutral colours from your palette, consider one of your fashion colours to add a bit of vibrancy and flair. Think coral, aqua, mint or icy blue to give you an instant burst of energy and an immediate confidence boost.
The second consideration is style and this is where body shape needs to be factored in to your decision. A single breasted dress coat will suit any body shape so acts as a great universal item that will work in any wardrobe. For those of you who have been blessed with a curvy figure then why not consider a shaped coat to show off your nipped in little waist. A deconstructed coat works well on a fuller figure, hanging from the shoulders and skimming any challenges. Belted jackets are not so flattering on anyone with a tummy so if this is your most challenging area then avoid the belted coat or simply consider fastening the belt behind your back.
For something a little more casual, a safari jacket can be a winning combination for anyone who has a waist. A flattering look for those of us who haven’t been blessed with a waist is to “fake it” with jackets or coats that naturally nip in at the waist with shaping or seams (see the piping in the picture above, that lulls you in to thinking that I have shape when I don’t)!
If choosing a jacket, consider whether it needs to be fastened, if not as long as it has shaping then try in a smaller size and wear it open. This look can be extremely flattering for ladies who, like me have a bigger top half than bottom.
Epaulettes and embellishments on military style jackets are a great way of creating balance for our triangles, whose hips are wider than their shoulders. Cropped jackets are a great way of breaking up a long body but be warned if you have a big bust as it will only make it appear bigger.
There really is a coat for every shape, size and taste so enjoy setting off on your journey to find your perfect coat and when you’ve found it consider buying it in more than just one colour!
If you’re unsure of what body shape you are or would like to find out how to dress your body shape to enhance all the good bits and disguise the not so flattering challenges, then why not consider booking a style consultation here at Styled In Colour and we’ll find solutions to all your clothing frustrations.
Sep 26, 2016 | Uncategorised
Having celebrated my 10 year wedding anniversary this weekend I thought it fitting to make this months blog all about wedding colours.
Looking and feeling fantastic on your wedding day is every brides dream. Good news for all you brides out there, as Colour Me Beautiful can help that happen so that you radiate health and beauty on the one day of your life when quite literally, all eyes are on you.
Choosing a colour theme for the day should be one of the most important decisions in the run up, as having a colour theme that not only compliments you, but also the rest of the bridal party can help to enhance the photographs and videography on the day.
The colour of your dress is no doubt a big decision but your bridesmaids should also compliment you by lifting your complexion during those all important group photo’s.
We have around 10 universal colours that work on every palette so it’s worth considering one of these as a bridal colour.
Did you know that we all have our “best” white as well, that can make us look younger, fitter and healthier on the day, before we’ve even started on the make-up!
Speaking of which, make-up colours also play a very significant role in enhancing your natural look for the day.
For more inspiration, our publication “How To Be A Beautiful Bride” is a fabulous read and gives you lots of ideas on how to dress to impress on your special day.
I used all the teachings I’d learnt from Colour Me Beautiful on my wedding day and enjoyed every step I took on the day! I thought I’d share some of my favourite moments with you!
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