Social media - The tool that's helping me step up my style

Developing my image via Insta!

It's been a while since my last blog - I've been busy at work of late and away a bit, but I have to confess I've also been a little distracted by a new social media platform in the last month.

I recently joined Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/denisese_db/), and it's been a surprise to me that rather than paying attention to the fashion, I've been focussing on make-up and manicures.

I suspect that because I'm comfortable with my style, I've been drawn to what I can develop to boost my image overall. So inspired have I been that my recent image purchases haven't been clothes, shoes or handbags as usual, but a full set of make-up brushes (...not that I know how to use them all!)

It's not that I've been unable to do makeup or manicures (https://www.pinterest.com/dendambelle/client-journeys-events/), it's just that I'm not trained in all things image (not to mention that some things are harder to apply some things to yourself!)

Social media, along with the internet and blogs, is great for helping you step up your style game - Pinterest and Instagram are especially good as they are so visual. What platforms, if any do you use, and...

If your image needs a refresh, what would you have to focus on?

Whether clothes, make-up, accessories or beauty, social media can provide some great ideas and inspire your style development, but remember as this Judy Garland quote suggests don't be a copy. Style is about authenticity...

Good luck developing your original!
Denise x

• Call on: 07887 643807 for a body confidence coaching session or image services
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#Fashfest - More than fashion...

...at "Meet the Stylists"

• The expectation:

Last night I attended Cosmopolitan's "Meet the Stylists" event. According to the write up in the mag we were to expect a 'chance to learn the trade secrets of celebrity style from our panel of fashion and beauty experts'

On that panel were Justine Jenkins, Michelle Humphrey, Lilah Parsons and Gemma Sheppard. Experts indeed. And they were interviewed by Farrah Storr, the editor of Cosmo herself.

• My reality:

However, I didn't come away with trade secrets. I came away with much more!

I had expected to be told about the latest trends, but instead we were treated to stories about the personal journeys of everyone on stage in an open and engaging manner.

If I'm honest I had expected them to a fair bit of ego and some posturing (sorry ladies), but instead we saw 'real' women who were humble, passionate and hardworking.

I had expected it all to be a little TV with the audience kept at a distance from these celebs of style, but each one of them answered questions graciously and waited at the end to speak to their eager audience.

I didn't come away with tricks of the trade - I came away believing that what they had was possible with a willingness to 'learn the trade' (Lilah), use social media and contacts (Michelle), do a little for free and then know/charge your worth (Justine) and to take your chances and be confident (Gemma); and lots more tips!

Unlike some of the (generally younger) audience I wasn't looking for the tricks of the trade or an in, I was looking for some tips. And I got them, but not tips on fashion, nails and beauty...
... I came away inspired, with tips (reminders) on how to get on in life.

• So, what am I going to do with all that?

I'm starting here, and will boldly share this blog with them!

I'm going to take a makeup class.

And, I can't wait to put this to the young people I speak to in schools who might well be told that fashion is shallow and not a real career.

Thank you ladies!*

More life than fashion, no spring chicken and proud!
Denise x

*Sorry, the photos aren't that sassy and there's no Instagram!

• Call on: 07887 643807 for a body confidence coaching session or image services
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
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Beautiful...

...A musical with a message.

I recently saw the musical "Beautiful" based on the story of Carol King, and I loved it! But despite a fab performance by award winning Katie Brayben, and cast, that's not why I'm writing this blog.

I'm writing it because I felt there was a body confidence message in it.
(I know, never quite 'off-duty'!)...

In an early scene 'Carol' talks about not being good enough in the looks department to get noticed by 'Gerry'. Later there's a brief exchange between 'Carol' and 'Cynthia' when 'Janelle's' looks are mentioned. And then there's the suggestion by 'Carol' herself she doesn't think she fits the image of a female lead vocalists when it's suggested she performs her own songs.

The super talented singer, songwriter, legend Carol King herself has endorsed the show and so I take it that such image issues/perceptions of beauty are ones she at least recognises.

Don't let the celeb status fool you - hang-ups about the way we look affects many of us irrespective of our talents, looks or role at least some of the time. 

We all know that in the end Carol's talent is what shines through, but the point is how often we let how we feel about ourselves in the looks department hold us back. As the show portrays, we have to decide to push past our insecurities, grab some body confidence (or at least embrace what makes us special), and hang onto it if we want people hear our true voice and see the "Natural woman" (sorry gents, had to get this reference in!)

How often do YOU let the way you look (or your perception about the way you look) affect what you go for in a relationship or your career, for example?

DON'T!

But, as it's easier said than done, if you're struggling I'm sure "You've got a friend" who can help you with that. We're usually way more harsh on ourselves than others, so enlist some support*

And (not really a spoiler!), let me tell you how the show closes: Yes, it closes with the number "Beautiful" which 'reflects themes present throughout the "Tapestry" album, such as the importance of self-esteem and positive outlook' - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beautiful_(Carole_King_song)



http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/caroleking/beautiful.html



 

 Go on, listen to Carol!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE0TatKLHxo
Denise x

 

PS - *Professional help is available eg from organisations such as The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation (bddfoundation.org) - don't hesitate to contact me if you need redirecting.

• Call on: 07887 643807 for a body confidence coaching session or image services
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
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New season resolutions

A Happy Hello to Spring!

Woo hoo... It's officially Spring, and spring is often a time when we look to get tidy, hence the idea of 'spring cleaning'. It can also be a great time to reflect on how we've done in the first quarter of the year, and move forward with new aims as the sun begins to shine.

In terms of reflecting, looking at where you are in relation to the new years resolutions you set yourself (doesn't it seem a long time ago already!) you may be asking...
...Am I still progressing with my new years resolutions, which if any have I already abandoned (and why?), am I tiring of them, can I celebrate completing any of them or how do I sustain the effort I've already made?

Alternatively, if you're ready to set some new objectives, well done - setting or refreshing targets each season can actually help by taking the pressure off new year or making us set shorter-term, more attainable, more sustainable goals. (Just holler if you want me to don my 'HR hat', and give you some tips on setting SMART targets)

Whether you wish to restart or if you've set fresh aims for the rest of this year, one of my image services might help to get you started, get back on or keep you on track. Here are a few suggestions:

Ideas to get you started:

• You feel it's time to declutter - Start with your wardrobe, and let me help you with a wardrobe audit!
• You're ready for a new job - Let's see if an image consultation helps you get past the initial stages
• You want to look after your skin - Let me help you discover some new season make-up and make-up tips
• You want to feel more confident - How about a body confidence coaching session?
• You're coming out of hibernation and in need of some indoor (it's still a bit chilly!) girly time - Book a style personality party!

Ideas to keep you going:

• You need to keep saving for a holiday but are itching to go shopping - Stop, let's go through your individual items and put them together in a new way to create some new outfits
• You're losing sight of why you're losing weight - Book a colour consultation to give you a boost
• Keeping up a new fitness regime - Let's shop for some new season, new fitness gear (or anything else you deserve for your efforts)!
• Your wedding is coming and you need a boost for the last stages of planning - now's the time to look at my wedding services.

These are just a few examples. Whatever your New Year or New Season resolutions, a look at your image could help you get what you set out to get by giving you the incentive to keep going.

How might a Damson Belle image service help you?

Happy International Day of Happiness! (and thanks for reading)

Denise x

Images from http://www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk/home

For more:

• Call on: 07887 643807 for a body confidence coaching session or image services
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
• Follow at: @DenDamBelle
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Coming back!

It's been a while...

I can't believe it's been so long since I last blogged. It's not as if I've had nothing to say!

There's been so much going on, but I've never lost my colourful core or stopped being a stylist as I get/do a commentary every day in my office with some fellow followers of fashion. It is even became a talking point when I presented back to colleagues on our staff survey!

Along with my regular jobs and styling clients, one of the focus points of recent months has been 'body confidence'. We're reaching our climax when it comes to the 'Body Confidence calendar with the new year looming. (Find out more about this at: www.2015calendar.co.uk, on Twitter: @_BodyConfidence or on Facebook: Body Confidence Calendar 2015). 

It's been a time of 'living out my brand' - whether I've been doing role one (being mum!), my day job, trustee role, being an ambassador for the Calendar Girls or an image consultant. I know I've done it without compromising my co-ordinated dramatic signature style, love of shoes and colour; and with a smile.

Co-ordinated dress and earrings, colourful nails and a smile!

And I'll be bringing all that and more to my blog soon, so watch this space.

It's good to be back!

Denise x

For more:

• Call on: 07887 643807 for a body confidence coaching session or image services
• 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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Why Autumn is awesome...

...By a Summer Lover!

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a summer lover with a need for heat*, so the move into autumn always unsettles me a little. Don't get me wrong, I like autumn. It's the fact it means we're getting closer to winter that's more the problem for me!

I like autumn because *I can wear layers without questions, I can wear more accessories (hats, scarves etc), and because I can indulge in comfort food, hot chocolate and chai lattes.

Colour-wise I move into deep greens, rich reds and plums and chocolate - all of which I love.

But more importantly, the change from summer to autumn means I start to slow down after the speed (and stress!) of the summer holidays.

Autumn is my time to chill out, as I watch nature gloriously do the same.

It's a great time to reflect (how was summer for you, what memories did you make?) renew, and refresh. Just watch how the leaves transition from green to golden brown for inspiration.

And finally... There's still time to squeeze in achieving your last New Year’s resolutions before the end of the year! 

Reflect, renew, refresh my lovelies,

Denise x

For more:

My "Mirabelle" in Autumn, by Chris Estcourt

• Call on: 07887 643807 for a body confidence coaching session or image services
• Look at: www. bodyconfidencecards. com / www.damsonbelle.co.uk
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