My first 'Hello Fashion Monthly' magazine

Thoughts in 5-4-3-2-1

Yesterday I saw the new Hello Fashion Magazine on sale for a pound, and was straight in there! It's been around for a year now but it's the first time I've brought it as I'm usually reading work material on train rides or soaking up fashion news via blogs and social media.

• What I liked about it (5)

It's glossy, focuses on what it says on the tin (fashion), gets a good balance between content and pictures, has items across the price range, and has a familiar format with the inclusion of beauty and lifestylewhich was comforting.

• What I loved about it (4)

A section for bridal (not sure if it's permanent the but I hope it's at least a feature periodically), so much colour, reading about designers rather than a sole focus on their output, the presentation of 1 buy 4 ways

• What I want from it! (3)

My top picks: A buy now, a buy maybe and a buy...if I win the lottery!

 

• Who/what I discovered in it (2)

Susie Bubble and her brightness; her blog is now in my favourites. And, I'd not heard of 'Three floor' before but having checked out their website I think I'm in lust! (three floor.com)*

• What I wasn't so hot on? (1)

Sorry, but it just didn't 'look' diverse - I see the same type of  models and advertising yet again. Why? There are dark skinned models, plus-size, petite and models with disabilities (though anyone featured may of course have a hidden disability) who could give a mag' an edge imho.

Would I get it again? That'd be a yes!

If it's a glossy you've read what are your thoughts and how does it compare to your other faves?

Denise x

 

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* my blog is in no way sponsored, so any brand references are personal and independent.

#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
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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
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Back to black... Clothes, that is!

I lasted more than a month!

In my last blog (http://damsonbelle.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/a-ban-on-black-clothes-that-is.html) I talked about the challenge I'd set myself to #wearnoblack. And I did it. Even at a professionals 'black tie' event. For over a month. Both at play and (often more of a challenges) at work.

This week, I went back to wearing black - deliberately and consciously. And it had to be, because I realised that I'd created a new habit*. The habit of NOT wearing back.

It felt odd. I wore black trousers, a white top, royal blue shoes and a black, white, blue patterned jacket. An outfit that I'd often worn on auto-pilot before. It fit the workwear formula: wear a black dress, skirt or trousers and work around that.

The jacket - worn with a white top and black trews!

So I went to work and for the first time in a month not one person mentioned my outfit. Not one! I didn't miss the comments through vanity but honestly... Work genuinely seemed quieter, and the weather was a bit miserable! I'd spent the whole month wearing colour, enjoyed the challenge, and felt bright. The bonus was that it triggered so many conversations starting with comments like:

• You really know how to put colours together
• You always look (insert something flattering!) in colour
• Your colour combinations always cheer me up
• What colours should I wear to make me look so vibrant?

All the comments/questions reinforced that colour can really create a positive mood, and done in an appropriate way (eg for your personal colouring and environment), colour can be the starter of a great conversation - because we don't always see too much colour in corporate environments.

The following day to complete the experiment, I wore two bright but complimentary colours and no black again. My boss queried what was up that I'd worn black the day before, a colleague said she'd didn't think I'd smiled as much as 'normal' and our College librarian said - you looked like a CEO-in-waiting yesterday (and whilst diplomatic she didn't seem to mean it in a good way, no offence to CEO's!)

Now, I get that for some people that's what they're going for. The blend-in look or the I'm corporate look. And that's fine. But, consider this...

In colour I still looked professional. (There was still a formula eg jacket, heels, appropriate length attire). And, here's the real thing - I also brought a little life to my look and managed to cheer people up at a time when happiness/wellbeing at work is high on the agenda.

Madeleine Albright rose in colour!
http://muzy.com/l/0ikbmxu9

Going forward, I will wear black. And colour. But I will be really conscious of when. And mindful of why.

So, I ask you again - how long could you go without wearing black?
And I challenge you - If black is an auto-pilot staple for you, try going without wearing it for a while and let me know how you get on!

Have a bright weekend!
Denise x

PS - *They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit.

Need some advice?

• Call on: 07887 643807 for a body confidence coaching session or image services
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A ban on black! Clothes, that is...

How many of you could wear NO black for a week?

The lovely Angie Greaves is on a mission with her #wearlessblack hashtag, but I've managed to inadvertently set myself the challenge of wearing no black to set a colourful example at work. I'm not sure that I'll keep going much longer but it's been a while since I last wore any black at all. For some people I know that'd be near on impossible as they revolve their whole wardrobe around black trousers! On the other hand, I recently met a lady who said she felt 'liberated' the day an image consultant 'suggested' that it didn't flatter her.

My colour combinations are all based on my colour palette and importantly, an understanding of how to combine them to suit my colouring, personality and lifestyle & work.

Here are some of the combinations I've gone for (so far)...

Do you have a fave colour combo from my selection of outfits, and what colour combinations could you go for from your existing wardrobe that doesn't include any black?

Hope you're enjoying the sunshine!
Denise x

PS - I've also had a navy & white PJ day, and my bag is taupe!

• Call on: 07887 643807 for a body confidence coaching session or image services
• Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
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New bag, old shoes...

One new bag, lots of old coloured shoes!

I can honestly say I make few rash purchases since becoming 'my-style' concious. I am fully aware of what's in my closet, so when I shop it's usually for something I 'need' or at least I can justify (eg it's something that will compliment lots of other things or is a likely long-term staple).

I do, however, have a bit of a thing for accessories like scarves, handbags and shoes.  So, imagine how happy I was to find a handbag that complimented sooooo much of what I already have - an item that will up-style a pair of jeans and a tee and not look out of place at a swanky wedding or garden party.

And here it is, my new handbag...

Cruther handbag from Aldo, with some of my shoes and Stella & Dot jewellery!

...Just had to share this bright Spring day.

Hope you love it, like I do!

Hope you're enjoying the sunshine!
Denise x

• 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
• Check out my Pintrest: Denise Sanderson-Estcourt
• Like me at: Damson Belle on Facebook
• Join: This blog!