Petite? There's so much more!

A report from the Petite Networking event of...

I connected with Debonita and was invited to do a talk at her petite networking event a few weeks ago. It was great to be in a crowd and feel 'average'. It doesn't happen often, not even at family events, considering that I'm shorter than even my 12yo nephew! 

The first speaker was Jess of "Jeetley Petite" who talked to us about the her petite challenges in finding workwear which lead to the creation of the label, and what goes into getting petite clothing made. I was certainly left with an appreciation of what goes into making petite clothes and that it's not just about using less material. 

We also heard from Rebecca Goodyear about skincare. Obviously, taking care of your skin is not exclusive to us petites, and you'd be amazed at what's gone (going) into our make-up over the years!

Our final speaker was the very stylish Aga of "I A.M the Brand" who went through the trends for the season and which would work for petites.

In between these was me, and the theme of my talk was that "we are not all the same but we are all more than our height" - a 'concept' that seemed to be appreciated. I talked about the rules: what they are, why they exist and - most importantly imho - how and why to break them incorporating style personality and bodyshape. Apparently it was "...epic"! (*Denise grins widely*)

It really was a great evening, and I will certainly be supporting petite brands more to make sure they stay in the shops. 

To sum up:

"Petite ain't nothing but a number, Your height ain't nothing but a thing;

There's so much more to you, That'll never change"

(Sing it to the tune of "Age ain't nothing but a number" by Aaliah"... Loudly!)

Other notes from the night:

As well as the presentations, there were a number of stalls with products not just aimed at, but designed for, petite ladies. Sadly, I'm petite in stature but not shoe size so rather than buy my favourite shoes as a treat, I enjoyed getting my nails done by @NiceNailsBaby instead. Check out the full event details and suppliers at:

http://www.petitefashionweek.co.uk

The shoes* from Petite Shoe Boutique (www.petiteshoeboutique.co.uk)

My nails by @NiceNailsBaby

*Me and my red shoe love: http://damsonbelle.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/how-to-wear-red-shoes.html 

Until next time.....

Petite & Proud!

Denise x

For more:

• Call on: 07887 643807
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
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Six steps for Spring style

Phew, we made it through the wind and rain to Spring so now it's time for the sun to come out and your heavy coat to come off!

Here are my six steps to getting style ready for the season:

Think...

1. ...About what events you've got coming up over the coming months. We're approaching race and wedding season and shopping for/putting together your outfit should be a fun, leisurely experience for big occasions not a mad rush with a greater risk of panic purchases, bad choices and turning up at an event with the same High Street fare as someone else.
(Need help?: A personal shopping experience might be the thing!)

Review...

2. What's already sitting in your wardrobe that's a staple from Springs past and what can you carry over from Winter into Springter (when it's often bright but cold!)?
(Need help?: A wardrobe audit is your needed service!)

3. Also, check your make-up bag. Make-up has a use-by date and a good make-up spring clean is important for clear skin and a fresh look over the coming months.
(Need help?: Learn more at a make-up lesson)

Do...

4. Introduce this season's colours into your layers, and think about fabric that is good in all weathers/temperatures as days are changeable.
(Need help?: A full image consultation will advise you on all that's best for you)

5. Try something different style-wise to mark the new season - I always change my hairstyle around now, but a new lipstick or some new nail varnishes are also good, quick updates. Check out Colour Me Beautiful's fantastic new items at http://www.colourmebeautifulshop.co.uk/products/cosmetics or ask me more!
(Need help?: See point 6!)

6. Join me at my seasonal update workshop or book a one-to-one to find out what seasonal trends are the best for YOU! http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/spring-into-summer-style-seasonal-style-update-tickets-9240868687

Note: the focus is on the DO. Go on, do something and see my contact details below if you need any help or to BOOK any services!


Until next time!

Denise x

For more:

• Call on: 07887 643807
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
• Follow at: @DenDamBelle
• Check out my Pintrest: Denise Sanderson-Estcourt
• Like me at: Damson Belle on Facebook
• Join: This blog!

How to... Wear red shoes!

Inspired by Mrs P & J!

I was recently asked by a former client how she could wear red shoes without looking like a .......! Then a friend posted a picture of her gorgeous new red shoes on Facebook; and now here we are.

The difference in the two perspectives - concern vs 'oh yeah' is probably down to association and style personality. Whereas red shoes are avoided as a little 'daring' or 'showy' for some, for others they will have been chosen because represent power and confidence. And whilst a dramatic will love the impact of a pair, a natural may find them frivolous.

Whether you're thinking of getting a pair of red shoes to be 'daring' or to add to your existing collection, below are my top five tips on how to make sure wearing your red shoes look suitably stylish!

• Watch the height:

The higher the heel the more dramatic the look. A red pump will be seen as a less threatening prospect than a pair of stiletto's. DM's are not covered by this point!

• Think about the material: 

Different fabrics will soften or intensify the colour/impact. Suede will come across as softer than patent, and if they sparkle you may be called Dorothy forever after!

• Consider the details:

Bows and ruffles will create a different look and again will 'soften' the overall appearance of your shoes/outfit. Also, are they rounded, pointed or peep toe?

• Consider the 'what with'?

If you wear high, patent, pointy red heels with hot pants or a leather mini dress the look will clearly take on a different angle compared to the same shoes worn with a long evening dress or a suit with a co-ordinated red handbag. So...

• ...Make them THE statement:

By anyone's standards wearing a red dress, red tights and red lippy might be a step too far, so unless you're going for all out drama, red shoes are best worn as a pop of colour with neutrals.

~~~~~~~~

For inspiration, check out the internet and Pintrest.
And if red shoes are a little too much for you even with all this considered, remember you can create the same impact with shoes in another statement colour or by having red as the trim on a neutral coloured shoe.

Do you own a pair of red shoes? Share a pic' with us! Here's a pic of me in a pair (one of many!)

A peak of my red shoes (and Stella & Dot bling) for BHF wear red day 2014

Until next time!

Denise x

For more:

• Call on: 07887 643807
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
• Follow at: @DenDamBelle
• Check out my Pintrest: Denise Sanderson-Estcourt
• Like me at: Damson Belle on Facebook
• Join: This blog!

Awards season & Style Personality

What's your style personality?

We've just one month until the Oscars, probably the biggest Awards event in the calendar, but we've already seen lots to talk about stylewise. We've had the SAG's, the GG's and the Grammy's so far and it's been fun to watch with every style personality represented on the red carpet.

This year, I've been looking through my 'style personality' lens at what we can learn from looking at the stars, and one thing that's really struck me is that people do tend to stick to a certain type if you look closely.

It's not science, but let's have some fun and see what your choice might say about you! You've probably got likes, but would you really dare to wear Emma's choice?

So, which outfit would you actually, honestly wear from those above? Your choice is suggesting your style personality, so now read the commentary below to discover more. And it's not just ladies, style personalities applies to the gent's as well, so I've considered them too!

HAVE YOU MADE YOUR CHOICE? NOW READ ON...

 

Emma Thompson/Pharrell Williams - Natural style personality: 
Comfort is your thing, fuss is not! Emma wore heels for the red carpet for the Golden Globes but by the time she hit the stage they were gone. By the date of the Golden Globes the heels were gone, and comfort won! And despite the oversized hat, it's obvious Pharrell's focus was comfort.

Lupita Nyong/Kunal Nayyar - Dramatic style personality: 
Your choices state "Look at me, I'm here". Lupita has been hitting the headlines with bold, standout colours this awards season. Kunal stood out in colour too - not as bold but it didn't need to be as most other men unsurprisingly wore black.

 

Julia Roberts/Leonard DiCaprio - Classic style personality:

In your style opinion, some things just work and if it's not a LBD, then close to an LBD is a good solid choice! Everything about Julia's style keeps it classy starting with her updo. Leonardo does classic black jacket and bow tie.

 

Emma Watson/Daft Punk - Creative style personality: 
You're not afraid to make bold style choices. You like to be different and quirky - sometimes it works, sometimes too much but it's always interesting. Emma's choice was adventurous, fun and quirky. And need I say more re Daft Punk who take creative to another level!

 

Kaley Cuoco/ Matthew McConaughey - Romantic style personality:
Pretty, floral, floaty, pink - that sort of thing, is your sort of thing! Kaley was totally girly at the GG's and did the whole girly list. How does a man like MM do romantic? - well, wearing a tactile, smooth fabric like velvet is one way.

 

Anna Gunn /Beau Bridges - City Chic style personality
Something about your outfit will say 'this wasn't off the shelf' and you give your fairly classic look a twist often with accessories. Beau's black, but patterned tux and 'different' shoes give him a dapper edge here.

Did your choice reflect your personality? This is just a glimpse at the idea of 'style personality'. To find out more: Book a style or full image consultation with Damson Belle. 

Until next time!

Denise x

For more:

• Call on: 07887 643807
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
• Follow at: @DenDamBelle
• Check out my Pintrest: Denise Sanderson-Estcourt
• Like me at: Damson Belle on Facebook
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Beat Blue with Blooming

Today is "Blue Monday".
The day that is apparently the most depressing day of the year, so well done to Mental Health Research UK for trying to turn us to brights to combat this, with their Blooming Monday mission detailed here: http://www.blooming-monday.com/

I am really passionate about introducing people to the colours that will not only make them look better (healthier, more vibrant) but also those that will lift their mood.

I know that colour (and as such colour analysis) works on so many levels. It is a key way we make sense of the world around us - if you're not sure what I mean by that, imagine describing the fruit in a fruit bowl without reference to colour or being in a field of black and white flowers under a black sky. Colour, in this instance, also helps to describe feelings and more such as feeling blue, looking peachy, in the pink. Colour can trigger a memory. And colour can make us associate/feel a certain way - some colours are calming (usually paler colours), some energising (usually brighter colours) and whilst there are some standard associations when it comes to a colour, the differences can be as different as we are.

If you want to know what colours are emotive to you, try this (works well for visual people but not for everyone):

Close your eyes, clear your mind, whisper the feeling you'd like to conjure up and just let the colour wander into your mind. 

Now, when you need that feeling, conjure up (or wear if appropriate) that colour!

Let me know how (if at all) this works for you!

Until next time!

Denise x

For more:

• Call on: 07887 643807
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
• Follow at: @DenDamBelle
• Check out my Pintrest: Denise Sanderson-Estcourt
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• Join: This blog!

PS - A few weeks ago, I was invited to talk to Croydon radio on this subject and how colour can lift your mood. Listen to what I had to say here: http://www.croydonradio.com/schedule/show.php?HistoryID=210a66c9-32ba-57d2-8966-ca5d86e0fb0c

Sale shop - Shop smart

Here are a few tips on sale shopping for clothes... smartly!

It's Boxing Day - traditionally the first day of the post-Christmas sales. Some sales are so anticipated, people queue outside in the cold for hours to nab the top bargains.

However, when I'm doing wardrobe audits to weed them or find gaps (http://www.damsonbelle.co.uk/wardrobe.html), I often find that the very items left sitting in them are sale purchases that weren't well thought through.  If this sounds familiar to you, here is my five-point plan to manage this scenario for both on-line and real-time shopping:

1. Know your best colours and styles - you can grab quicker and more accurately then! (The things you regularly wear/get complimented on may give you a clue if you've not seen a professional)
2. Do a wardrobe audit (and remind yourself how much you didn't wear (m)any of your previous sale purchases!) - step 1 will help you with this too.
3. List what you might need to make outfits out of items
4. Set a budget and stick to it
5. Shop smart by asking questions like 'how often will I wear this?' every time you pick up an item

Essentially, it's about having a plan, so don't leave home without one or you'll be fooled into buying more that will sit in the back of your wardrobe with tags on! 

For more tips, check out this article: http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/fashion-blog/2013/dec/26/boxing-day-sale-shopping-tips-post-christmas

Happy Shopping.

Until next time!

Denise x

For more:

• Call on: 07887 643807
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
• Follow at: @DenDamBelle
• Check out my Pintrest: Denise Sanderson-Estcourt
• Like me at: Damson Belle on Facebook
• Join: This blog!