Posted on 21 March , 202320 March , 2023 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

Spring clean your wardrobe with a declutter

**Spring clean you wardrobe with a declutter**

Spring is the time of year to let go all of what you no longer need to hold onto. Use this time to sort through what you have in your wardrobe and declutter and let go all those items you no longer wear. Some may just be past their life; others may not fit into your current style. If you have not worn it this season, are you likely to wear it next autumn? I put everything away clean for next year including my shoes and boots, so they are ready to wear when the weather turns cold. I even re heal shoes ready for next year.

Spiritually this is a time to let go.

Spiritually this is a time to let go of any negativity making way to bring in the new. New creative ideas and anything we want to bring into our life and with this in mind let go the clothes that no longer serve you. This allows us to add some new things, as your style is always evolving. I am sure the wardrobe you had in your 20’s is nothing like what you are wearing in your 50’s.

Nature has the right idea.

If you think of nature this time of year it sheds its leaves which turn into compost for the ground. We cut back all our plants ready for them to reshoot in the spring.

The one thing I learnt in lock down was that I had too many clothes in my wardrobe that I did not wear. I am a great hoarder and find it difficult to let go of things, and yet I also love to buy new things. Try to work on a one in, one out policy. You do not want to have things in my wardrobe that I not wear. Your wardrobe should be full of things you love and love to wear.

Free yourself of clutter

Before you let something go see if you can find another use for it, or style it in another way. In a previous Blog I wrote about how you can re-style clothes that you are no longer wearing. Here are some ideas on how you can change the use of a blouse or your jeans. I also have a page on my Pinterest with some ideas on how to re-use things that you don’t wear into something that you will.

Most ladies wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time.

How do you let things go?

It’s all very well saying you need to de-clutter; you need to streamline your clothes, but how do you do that if you still love the things that you have. Firstly, I think that you need to look at what you do have. You may be surprised when you take everything out the volume of clothes you have. You may find that you have several pairs of jeans or black trousers and how many of each do you need? If something does not bring you joy by making you look and feel fabulous then it must go.

Ask yourself these questions?

Do I love it or is it outdated?
Is this something useful that I want to keep?
Is it in one of my colours or styles that suit my figure?
Would you buy this item again?
Am I holding onto this because of the memory it holds?

Start wearing your unworn clothes or let them go.

One person’s casts offs are another person’s gem. Just because it no longer fits you, or you do not have a use for it, does not mean it has to be thrown away. Charity shops are always happy to take clothes that still have some life left in them. If they don’t look saleable, they can pack them up and get sold as rags, which they get money for. Alternatively, you can sell them yourself on eBay or similar sights and use the money towards buying something new. At my last WI meeting we had a clothes swap, and I came away with two beautiful dresses and let go of three items of clothes I was no longer wearing.

Sort your clothes into piles of

Donate to a charity shop.
Sell online via eBay, Vinted, or similar.
Pass onto a friend.
Rubbish

Think of the benefits of a streamlined wardrobe

You need to let go of the emotional attachment to the clothes. I have known some clients to take photographs to remind them of items they could not let go of. Others to store clothes that no longer fit them away in a case in the hope that if they lose weight, they can retrieve them. I never think that is a good idea, but if that is what you would like to do, and they are taken out of the main wardrobe it is an option. My question to you would be why are you so attached to something that no longer serves you?

The advantages of a slimline wardrobe

It is easier to see what you do have.
A more streamlined wardrobe
A wardrobe of clothes that you love and love wearing.
You are wearing everything you have in your wardrobe.
You have room to add to new items.

Choose to buy investment pieces that will last.

Owning less items perhaps means that you can spend more on the key pieces in your wardrobe, as you are going to get so much wear out of each piece. If you choose pieces that are in your own personal colour pallet, they will all go with each other. Only buying clothes that suit your body shape will also mean you will wear them more. What you must be careful of buying things that are in fashion that will not necessary be in fashion next year so you may not want to spend so much on them. With all this talk about land mines being full of disposal fashion perhaps now is the time to think of purchasing better made clothes that will wear better. Just a thought.

Spring clean your wardrobe with a declutter

De-cluttering is very therapeutic, it is like clearing your mind, making space for new things to come in. They say if you are looking to embrace a new romance into your life clear a space for his clothes in the wardrobe! Less clothes in your wardrobe makes it easier to get dressed each day and it means you are always wearing one of your favourite outfits. If you need any help with your wardrobe, please do get in touch.

Why stop with your wardrobe?

Yes, why stop with your wardrobe, you can work around all the rooms in your house. Moving stuff around also moves the energy around and this is a good thing. During lock down I did just this and we cleared all the cupboards in the house and even the garage. It is amazing how much you do you accumulate over time.

If this resonates with you do get in touch, I would love to hear from you.

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I also have a Youtube channel where I store all my videos. Why not give me a call for a chat to find out how I can help you on 07786 632798. Or email me sandra@colourworx.me or visit my website www.colourworx.me

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Find out which colours work best for you!!

Posted on 17 March , 2023 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

Step into spring with my April offer

Have we finally turned the corner and left the cold weather behind I hope so? I am looking forward to getting my spring clothes out and wearing less layers. Read on to find out my new spring offer.

Step into spring with my April offer

Spring is a time when I put away all my heavy winter items and bring out my lightweight jumpers, long sleeved tops, and my mid-season items. It is also I time to let go of winter items I have not worn rather than putting them away for next year. Also, when I bring out my spring/ summer items anything that does not bring me joy I let go of those too. I work on the one in one out policy. When I buy something new, I let go of something I am not wearing.

This may find you in a position where you have some gaps in your wardrobe. Do you need any help in deciding what to buy going forward? For me the colour is the most important thing as if you get the colour wrong you really can look unwell, tired, and stressed. BUT get it right you will have.

Healthier more youthful glow
No need for lots of makeup
No definition to your face shape
Slim body lines
Lively look to the face brightening your eyes.
Glowing skin

Fancy a girly day investing in “me time” for you?

This is an excellent offer to those ladies who have been thinking about investing in themselves and having a Colour Consultation. Wearing the right colours really can make a difference and not only make you look good but feel good too.

For the month of APRIL ONLY

I am offering a colour consultation for two ladies for £300.00 This is a discount of £30.00 each which you can put towards a new top in one of your wow colours. This is not an offer I do all the time, so if you have been thinking about investing, now is the time to do so. Check out my website for full details of what a colour consultation with me involves.

Consultations will take place in my studio at my house in Chelmer Village in Chelmsford.

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Find out which colours work best for you!!

Posted on 28 February , 202327 February , 2023 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

Ideas on how to wear your denim jacket.

You are never to old to wear a denim jacket and they are a staple in your wardrobe staple. They also never go out of fashion, so you are always on trend. I own three and now the weather hopefully will start to get warmer I am looking forward to wearing them again. Read on for some ideas of how to wear your denim jacket.

Ideas of how to wear your denim jacket.

I have three denim jackets in my wardrobe. First, I bought a light denim jacket which I have had for many years and comes out of the wardrobe every spring. A few years ago, I bought a peach coloured one in the Next sale. At the end of last summer, I bought a red one with a snake print in the material. This one I had at the end of the season so looking forward to finding some creative ways of wearing.

The Classic Denim Jacket.

**Ideas on how to wear your denim jacket**

This is what springs to mind when you say denim jacket. It is one of the original styles which they are still making today. I love this look over a skirt or dress and white trainers. It makes the dress more casual. If you wanted this look now whilst is it cold, you could have a jumper underneath on top of your dress. Warm tights and boots to complete the look.

You can also get these denim jackets in winter versions that are fur lined if you like this look. In the winter I wear my leather biker jacket to get a similar look.

Dark Denim Jacket.

Here is a different style jacket which is longer in the length which may suit certain body shapes allowing you to wear longer tops underneath. It is styled with a hoodie underneath which is perfect for the current weather. Because of the boxy style it looks good with the underneath layer longer. The trousers are a wide leg to balance out the look.

White Denim Jacket.

I cannot remember whether this was white or cream. Choose a white one if you have a cool skin tone and cream if you have a warm skin tone. This can be your go to summer jacket.

These jackets look great over all your summer clothes, dresses, skirts, shorts, and all your various trousers. They are available in lots of different colours and styles the choice is yours.

I would say choose one that is slightly oversized so you can wear a jumper underneath on the cooler days.

All the clothes I have shown here I saw in Marks & Spencers which was where I got this idea to share in this blog.

I hope this has given you some ideas of how to wear your denim jackets. If you have any other ideas do share them below.

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Posted on 21 February , 2023 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — 1 Comment

With Spring around the corner it’s decluttering time

But what should you not throw away? Here are a few ideas of things you should keep. With Spring around the corner, it’s decluttering time. Not everyone likes to streamline their wardrobe and discard things. I work on a one in one out basis. Too many clothes make it difficult to get dressed in the morning. Fewer clothes make it easier to see what you do have.

Clothes that you can let go.

Clothes that no longer fit you.
Items that are not in your colour or style.
Worn out or damaged items that cannot be made good.
Pieces that you have not worn for some time
Things that no longer make you look and feel fabulous.

But what should you not throw away?

Here are a few ideas of things you should keep.

There are certain items in your wardrobe that are worth keeping and you should not let go. Obviously, if something does not fit anymore or is worn out, they must go. What often happens while you are decluttering it can be easy to let things go. Then a few months later regret letting go of some pieces.

Some items never seem to go out of fashion and are worth keeping. Here are my tips on which pieces to hang onto when you declutter your wardrobe.

Leather Biker or Denim Jacket.

I cannot tell you how long I have had this denim jacket, in fact I also have one in a peach too. These can be worn in so many ways, casual over cotton trousers, over a printed summer dress, and over a skirt. I also have a leather navy biker jacket which I wear in the same way in the cooler weather.

Classic Coat/Trench Coat.

I tend to keep my winter coats for many years and throw them away once they have worn out or I have replaced them. My classic beige mac I have also had for many years and although it is very old it still looks good and is very useful. These are key items that do not date and will always serve you well.

Leather Shoes & Boots.

If you invest in good quality leather footwear they will last for many years. When I put my winter boots away for the summer, I have them re healed and give them a good polish so when I take them out in the autumn, they will be ready to wear. If they are in good order and comfortable, why would you want to discard them? If you are bored with the colour, you can dye them.

White/Cream Cotton Shirt.

There is nothing nicer than a crisp white shirt over your smart denim jeans, add a colourful blazer to complete the look. When the shirt is a little past its sell by date you can wear it under a sweatshirt or jumper with the collar and sleeves showing.

Round Neck Buttoned up Cardigans.

These are useful pieces to have in your wardrobe as you can wear them many ways.

Wear buttoned up with a scarf in the neck.
Wear with the buttons down the back.
Put the cardigan over a T/Shirt and to the top button up.
Leave the buttons undone over a shirt or dress.

Jackets/Blazers.

These are staples in your wardrobe, and I have had some of mine, for many years and I would not part with them. Although I love fashion, I have learnt to dress for my body shape. The jackets I have are in a style to suit me and one of my colours. I love there is no need to change it. Obviously, there does come a time when you need to, so that is when I would be ready to let go. Jackets are so useful and can make an outfit, so usually these are investment pieces that you want to last.

Belts & Accessories.

If you have some leather belts, I tend to keep them as they are useful to chinch in the waist. Coloured belts make a great accessory and if they are in one your colours then definitely to not let go. The same goes for coloured jewellery if they work with the clothes in your wardrobe and you are wearing them hang on to them.

Jewellery

Gold or silver jewellery that you are no longer wearing because perhaps they are broken, sell the gold and invest in something you will wear. Costume jewellery keep the pieces in your colours that are working with your clothes and let go of everything else.

If you are unsure what to discard?

I always say to people who are hanging onto things as they do not feel uncomfortable to let them go, store them away. Putting them in a box in the loft and if you have not visited that box for a year, it shows that you do not need it. If however you do miss the item you can access it.

With Spring around the corner, it’s decluttering time

I hope this has helped you to think about what you do have in your wardrobe. What you no longer need or wear and what you can let go. What you let go of can be a gem for someone else. Pre-loved clothes are very popular and allows someone else to get wear out of something that you no longer want to wear.

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Find out which colours work best for you!!

Posted on 27 January , 202326 January , 2023 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

Do you always buy the same colour you always have?

Do you always buy the same colour you always have? Just think about this question. You go into a large store and there is a table of jumpers in lots of different colours, are you always drawn to the same colour?

Do you always buy the same colour you always have?

We are a creature of habit, and we tend to buy the same things from the same shops. We do it without thinking about it. Have you ever got home after having treated yourself to a new jumper or top only to find you have one very similar in your wardrobe already? I have must stop myself sometimes when looking to buy something new, I ask myself these questions. Do I need it, and do I have something similar already. Many of my clients prefer to wear black and that is their go to colour as they think it is slimming. Encouraging them to choose colour is not always easy until they can see the difference wearing colour makes.

Why are we drawn to the same colour?

I have fallen victim to this repeatedly. It started with the colour Red and every top I bought was red. I knew which red to buy that suited my skin tone. Every time I wore it, I got compliments, so it was a no brainer. I then transitioned to Orange. Both are vibrant colours that gave me the energy I needed to show up. BUT as a colour consultant should I not be showing that I know my craft and can wear lots of different colours.

I wear all my Spring colours with pride

I wear the full range of Spring colours and I also pinch some of the Autumn ones too and I still get the compliments. At a wedding last month I wore a dress in a moss green which I felt lovely in and got lots of compliments. Wearing the lovely green also go me lots of compliments too. Each day I chose the colours I wear according to how I want to feel and what I am doing. The bright colours when I need the energy and the muted colours for when I need to rest.

How do you break the mould?

We all have our favourite colours, and I am not saying that you cannot continue to wear them. BUT what I am suggesting is you try to wear other too. If you know what season you are and which colours work best for you, try adding those colours to your wardrobe. If not, why not invest in yourself this year and book a Colour Consultation to find our which colours work best for you. Take a look at my website and see what a colour consultation with me involves.

As you mature your style changes

If you read last week’s blog about finding your own style, I talk about how your style changes over the years. You may be drawn to different colours and want to turn down the dimmer switch and wear more muted colours. It is so important to know which colours will work with your skin tone.

After covid-19 so many of the high street stores closed and some of my favourite stores are now only online. I am not a great online shopper as the colours are not always shown as they are in the flesh.

To sum up

Do not be shy about wearing colour and choosing different colours that you do not normally wear. Keep in your colour pallet. If you have a warm skin tone stay with the warm colour and if you have a cool skin tone stay with the cool colours. Have fun with it, try different colour combinations and enjoy the benefits that colour offers. If you need any help with finding your own colour do get in touch.

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Find out which colours work best for you!!

Posted on 13 January , 2023 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

Are you looking to update your style?

Fed up of wearing what you have always worn? Are you in a style rut? Have you ever thought of re-inventing yourself and changing your style. 2023 is a new year and could be a new you too.

Are you looking to update your style?

We can so easily get into a style rut and buy what we have always bought. We are a creature of habit and tend to shop in the same shops and habitually buy the same things. Your black trousers need replacing and you go to back to the same place and buy a very similar pair.

This photograph was taking recently as my niece’s wedding in South Africa. This green is not a colour I wear very often, and I don’t know why. I got so many lovely comments on the day and when I have shared this picture on my social media the response was good. When I bought the dress a few years ago Ito go to another wedding bought two at the time and the other one was red. Which if you know me you know it is my favourite colour and so I wore that one and this has been sitting in my wardrobe since. I felt nice in this dress, it was comfortable, and it needed to be as it was 35c on the day and one I will enjoy wearing again.

Have you thought of shopping your own wardrobe?

This is exactly what I did when I knew I had another wedding to go to. I could not wear the red dress II wore to the last wedding as it was the other niece getting married. Sometimes, we can forget what we do have, particularly if it is not something that you wear regularly. Therefore, it is good to do a declutter every season.

Regularly look through your wardrobe and look at what you have. Pick out one of your favourite items and try to style it a different way to how you usually wear it. You want to get your wardrobe working for you, so all the items are worn in lots of different ways. This will also be a style re-vamp. Wearing clothes in different combinations will make the outfit look fresh and different.

As we mature our wardrobe changes

As we go through life our style evolves with us. In your 50’s you are not wearing what you wore in your 20’s and so your style changes with you. However, you may have some key pieces the same, but you are bound to be wearing them differently. Your situation changes, perhaps you are at home bringing up your children, or you are now in a high-powered corporate job each situation requires a different dress code.

Do you know how to style your body shape?

It really helps if you know how to style your own body shape so you can make the most of your figure. I have an eBook which explains how to find your body shape and then how to style it to become the best version of you. This you can purchase this from my website

Have you ever thought that you might want to re-invent yourself?

So, how do you do that? Where can you get new ideas on how to put outfits together. Firstly, you can follow me on my social media, the links are below as I am always posting colour combinations and style ideas. Think of someone you admire in the public eye who has a similar body shape to you and pinch a few of her ideas. Pinterest and magazines are another good place to look and they often also tell you where you can buy the clothes.

Accessories

Accessories are another great way to change an outfit. Have you thought about wearing a hat (well I certainly do in this cold weather). Scarves too apart from being warm in the winter they make a great accessory and can be worn in many ways. Shoes and handbags can add colour and style to an outfit. Jewellery particularly costume jewellery can add colour to a plain top and draw the eye up or down.

Most of us do not have as much disposable income to spend on fashion now so it’s about making small tweaks by adding and styling what you do have differently. Let go of what you are no longer wearing so you can see what you have. It makes putting outfits together so much easier.

It is about finding your own sense of style and playing around with ideas and trying different options. Have some fun with it, perhaps get some girlfriends round the more the merrier and the more ideas. Let me know how you get on I would love to hear your stories.

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Posted on 27 December , 2022 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

How shopping in the sales has changed over the years

Firstly, I would like to wish you all a happy new year. I hope you had a good Christmas and are looking forward to what 2023 holds for you. I have always loved shopping in the sales as I love to get a bargain, but it has changed over the years. Here is my take on it.

How shopping in the sales has changed over the years

When my daughter was little (she is 25yrs now) I used to go to the Next sale on Boxing morning early with a friend of mine. I used to buy for her lots of new clothes (sometimes for the next winter) as they were always about half price. We used to go around with a large bag and queue to pay. On arriving home, she would tell me which she wanted to keep and which she did not like. I then returned a few days later. There was always plenty of choice and lots of bargains to be had. It became a ritual very year.

Shopping online in the sales

Anyone who knows me knows that I do not like shopping online. So often, I am disappointed when the clothes arrive. This year however the sales online started before Christmas, and of course I had to have a look!!! I did place a couple of orders as I had not been to the shops for a while as I had been away. I found things online that I had not seen in my small M&S in Chelmsford.

Today, (The first day of the sales in store) I only went into a couple of stores, but I have to say there was not much I would want to buy. It looked to me like the stock in store were items that were not selling at full price. There were racks of the same jumper in every size, a good indication to me that there was something not right with them. Perhaps the sizing, cut or material. I did see one jumper that I had ordered that I will be returning, the material was awful which you cannot see online. If you can find a one off in your size these items are the gems to look for.

How to shop in the sales

Now we all love a bargain, but it’s not a bargain if it sits in your wardrobe with the tags on and never worn. I ask myself l would I buy it at the full price if I could afford it? You should only buy an item after asking yourself these questions.

Do I need it?
Can I afford it?
Do I love it?
Is it in one of my best colours?
Is it in a style that flatters my figure?
Does it make me look and feel fantastic.

What you don’t want to do is buy it because it is cheap, if you cannot answer yes to all the above, do not buy it. Check out the returns policy before you buy so you have an option to return it if you need too. The return period is often a lot shorter (two weeks), so it is important to try the item when you get home. Check that you have something to wear with it as it is not a bargain if you must buy something to go with it. This item needs to be an asset to your wardrobe and something that you love are going to love wearing.

My tips on how to work the sales

If you don’t need it, or you cannot afford it, you should not buy it. You don’t want to clog up your wardrobe with things that you are not going to wear. How often have you got home with a new top only to find you already have one similar in your wardrobe? We have all done it, either throw the old one away or take the new one back.

Sometimes a sale enables you to buy something you ordinarily could not afford.

Would you buy this sale item at the full price? Now this is a good one! You must decide if this item is worth it for you at this price. This is often when you can buy items that otherwise would be outside you budget and allows you to buy something of a much better quality than you can normally afford. Therefore, some ladies like to shop in the outlet stores, so they can buy designer clothes at a discount. Bear in mind if the item is expensive but you know that you will get your wear out of it, the price per wear makes it an affordable piece.

Whether you are buying in the sales or at full price each item of clothing must make you look and feel fantastic. You are building a wardrobe of clothes that you look good in, and make you feel confident. There is no point in buying something just because its cheap as you won’t wear it and it ceases to become a bargain.

I would love to hear your stories of shopping in the sales

I am known in my family as a shopaholic. Yes, I go shopping a lot, but is is my business to know what is around so I can advise my clients. I do not like trying on in the shops because usually I do not have the time. Personally, I like to try on at home so I can see what I have to wear with it. It has to be able to work for me in my wardrobe. By that I mean I like to be able to wear it many different ways, so the item is versatile and gets worn a lot. I hate clothes sitting in my wardrobe that I do not wear.

I would love to hear your stories about shopping in the sales, to pass onto my clients. Please do drop me a line, or comment on this blog, it is good to share.

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Find out which colours work best for you!!

Posted on 20 December , 202220 December , 2022 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

My Colour Journey

I first had my colours done many years ago. My husband bought me a gift voucher one Christmas, to have my colours done. It was not something I would have bought myself. My daughter was young at the time and spending quality time on me was not my priority. I share with you how I went from wearing cream and beige, so I did not stand out, to wearing red and orange and a new confident me.

My first introduction to colour

He bought me a colour and style analysis which also included a make-up lesson. with a Colour me Beautiful Consultant. This really was a treat. as I had not invested in myself like this before. Then I didn’t realise how powerful it was.

At the time I was unaware of how powerful colour was. I had worked in the city for many years and had two skirt suits one black and the other grey was an assortment of blouses I wore underneath. These were conservative as I was working in banking recruitment. Wearing all grey made me feel grey and at the time I did not know why and now I do.

I went from wearing cream & beige to wearing red & orange

At this time in my life, I was very shy and was wearing quite muted colours like cream and beige as I didn’t want to stand out. My colour analysis said I was an autumn which fitted in with the base colours, I was wearing but it showed me I could add some colour to bring my face alive. It taught me I could add colour to my beige trousers, and I started to wear warm apricot, soft greens, watered down red. This was the start of my colour journey.

I learnt how to dress your body shape

The style session taught me not to follow fashion to the letter but to choose styles that worked with my body shape. I have a straight up and down figure with no definition of a waist, so I needed a o choose a jacket that would give the illusion of a waist. It made shopping so much easier because I knew what to look for. Long boxy jackets would do me no favours.

Choosing the right makeup colours

This session included finding the right coloured foundation which is so important as you don’t want to look made up but sometimes you might want to hide some blemishes. A warm skin tone should choose a peachy blusher and a cool skin tone a pink based one. Eye shadows and lipsticks also work in the same way as the colours you choose to wear.

So, what did these sessions do for me?

I learnt which colours worked for me and which didn’t. It made shopping so much easier as I now knew which colours to choose. It taught me how to mix and match all my clothes to make more outfits with less items. Also, I learnt different colour combinations and now get my inspiration from nature. If the colour combination works in nature it will work for you.

Many years later…..

When my daughter went off to university I decided to train as a stylist as it was something I had always wanted to do. Firstly, I trained in Colour and Style Analysis and a couple of years later in Wardrobe Audit and Personal Shopping. For me the biggest transformation is always the colour because that really does make you look and feel different.

Colour Therapy

After I had been working with colour for a while, I decided to investigate about colour therapy as I knew I felt different wearing different colours. This broadened my knowledge of colour enormously and is something that I talk about all the time. Have a look at my blogs about colour therapy check out this one on how to colour yourself happy. Click here

Can you change your season?

This is a question I get asked a lot. If you have been analysed with a warm skin tone, you will always be warm and the same goes with if you are a cool you will always be cool. Firstly, I was analysed as a warm autumn but when I had my training, this time I came out a warm spring. It is like turning up the dimmer switch of colour as the spring colours are brighter than the more muted autumn colours. Both seasons are warm with a yellow undertone so if you are in either season you can pinch some colours from the other season.

For me I think that I had come out of my shell and had the confidence to wear the brighter colours. I was no longer looking to fade into the background and wear the neutral colours I was happy to be noticed for who I was, stepping into the next version of me.

As you grow older does your skin fade?

Yes, it can do, I have had clients that for arguments sake were a winter when they were younger but as they grow older didn’t feel comfortable wearing that level of colour in their 60’s. So chose to wear the softer shades of the summer pallet. Summer and Winter both being the cool pallet with the blue undertone. Winter being the bright jewel colours and summer the softer muted shades.

Should I change my colours if I choose to let my hair go grey?

No, one mistake many ladies make when they go grey is to wear grey. This will drain all the colour from your face. Still keep wearing the colours that work with your skin tone but if you want to turn the dimmer switch of colour down you can do so.

Conclusion

My colour journey has me move away from a shrinking wallflower who wanted to blend into a confident lady who loves to embrace colour. I have learnt so much about colour and its benefits along my colour journey and I love sharing my knowledge. If you are ready to start your colour journey do get in touch. Check out my website for details of what a colour analysis with me involves. Perhaps you partner does not know what to buy you this Christmas like my husband did many years ago. Make that investment in you and start you colour journey with me.

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Find out which colours work best for you!!

Posted on 8 November , 2022 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

Can everyone wear animal print?

Animal print always seems to be on trend but it’s knowing how to wear it. Firstly, there are several versions to think about and it comes in a variety of colours. Whether you want to embrace full on animal print or you want to dip your toe here are my tips showing everyone who wants to can wear animal print.

Can everyone wear animal print.

Here is a lovely long sleeved midi dress from Next at £42.00 It comes in the traditional animal print but also in some other designs. I have not noticed this before, but this dress comes in petite, regular, tall, and fuller bust.

This is a shirt dress and therefore you have many ways you can wear it.

As a dress as shown here.
Worn open like a jacket over trousers and a top.
With a lightweight sweater or camisole underneath.
Long or short boots.
White trainers.
With a leather biker jacket.

This style of dress would be a good investment piece because of all the many ways you are able to wear it. If you work out price for wear with all these options, it makes it good value for money.

Can everyone wear animal print?

If you like the idea of wearing the animal print but are not sure you can carry it off, try this camisole and wear it under a cardigan or jacket so you only have a small piece showing. This is also from Next at £20.00. It looks like she is wearing cream jeans, but this would look great with a suit.

Animal print comes in many colours.

Animal print does not have to be in shades of brown black and cream although that is what springs to mind when you talk animal print. Here we have a green animal pin tuck blouse by Love & Roses sold by Next for £32.00. This comes in petite, regular or curve. It is shown here with a skirt but would also go with black jeans, leggings or trouser.

There are also several versions of animal print with the various animals so look for the version that suits you. If you love black and white combination, there are lots of those too.

Try wearing our animal print in your accessories.

If you are shy about wearing this much animal print, you can wear it in your accessories instead. I have a pair of animal print sandals. which look great when I am wearing my camel and cream neutrals. You can try

A scarf
Necklace
Bangles
Earrings
Handbag

Any of these will add style to your outfit

Are you ever too old to wear animal print?

No, I don’t think so, not if you wear it with style. We all remember Bet Lynch from Coronation Street who used to wear animal print and was very over the top with it. Have a play at the shops and try on some items, take some photos of some different looks. You don’t have to buy but you will get an idea of what you like and what works for you.

I hope I have given you some ideas on how to wear animal print. If you would like any help or advice on how to put your outfits together, please do get in touch.

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Find out which colours work best for you!!

Posted on 1 November , 20221 November , 2022 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

When you look in the mirror do you look tired?

We all live very busy lives and many of us are on the go all the time and our faces we show any stress straight away. When you look in the mirror do you look tired. What can we do about? Here are a few tips on how not to look tired and stressed.

When you look in the mirror do you look tired?

It could be the colours that you are wearing. A lot of ladies that I meet love to wear black as they think it is slimming but it can be very harsh when it is worn close to your face. It can bring out the lines in your face and drain any colour. In fact, there is only one season that I would say can get away with it and that would be winter. But, even then for the mature lady, I would say it is best to keep black away from the face. Black also is a negative colour and will drain any energy that you have, which will also make you feel tried.

Knowing the right colours for you

It is important to find the right colours that will work with your skin tone.

If you wear the wrong colours

It can make your tired and drawn
lose any colour in your face
make your lines more prominent

Wearing the right colours

A healthier more youthful glow without too much need for makeup
More definition to face shape and slim body lines
Brightening your eyes and giving your skin a glowing appearance
An inner confidence knowing that you look and feel your best version of you.

**When you look in the mirror do you look tired?**

On the left we have a cool green which has a blue undertone, and which has drained my face of all colour. I have lost my top lip line, and my cheeks have dropped. In fact, I would say that this is not a good colour for me. The picture on the right is a warm green with a yellow undertone. This has brought the colour back to my face, lifted my cheeks, my eyes are brighter, and this warm green is working with my skin tone.

When you look in the mirror do you look tired?

So now we have identified the first thing to think about is wearing the correct colours uniquely for you, this will not only make you look fantastic, but you will feel fantastic too. If you would like more details on what a colour consultation with me will involve you can visit my website for full details. Alternatively, give me a call for a chat and see how I can help you.

All colours have an energy

This is also very important because if you are wearing colours with a low vibration like black it will deplete your energy. However, if you wear a red or orange it will have the opposite effect and will give you that much needed energy. Colour therapy is another subject all on its own. Why not colour yourself happy and choose colours to make you feel good.

Makeup plays a big part too.

You can use the same rules when choosing makeup colours. If you have a cool skin tone choose a pink blusher and a warm skin tone a peach. Use the same makeup colours as the ones shown to you in your colour consultation. There is so much choice out there, I would suggest if you were unsure, go to a good makeup counter and get some advice.

Use your personality and style

Have you heard the saying you can choose to be happy? I often ponder on this one, but it helps to have a positive outlook. I choose the colour I wear by how I am feeling. If I need some energy, I will choose a bright red or orange. If I feel like I need a hug, I will wear green or pink from the heart chakra and yellow the colour of the sun always makes me feel happy. Choose a colour that will make you feel happy. It may just be your favourite lipstick, scarf, necklace, or your favourite shoes.

When you look in the mirror do you look tired?

Of course, it goes without saying that you also need to look after yourself with a good healthy diet, plenty of sleep and a good work life balance. It is important to schedule in some “Me Time” in the day even if it is only 10-15 minutes. That little break can make all the difference and you come back to your desk with renew energy.

To conclude

Colour yourself happy, be mindful of the colours you choose to wear. If you have not had a colour consultation before think about making that investment in yourself. I do have gift vouchers, so perhaps if could be a present from your family. If you would like a chat to see how I can help you do get in touch, I would love to hear from you.

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