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

Why wearing colour is so important to me

I am a Colour and Style Coach so it is obvious that I would advocate to wear colour, but there is a good reason why I teach and share this. Read on to find out why wearing colour is so important to me and why I love sharing my knowledge.

Why do I love colour so much?

Wearing colour not only makes you look great but feel great too.
It makes you feel more alive and energised.
You can use colour to enhance your look.
Wearing the right colours brings out the best in you.
It shows your own sense of style.
Brings out the fun playful part of your personality.
It makes your outfit look interesting allowing you to draw the eye where you want.

That’s why wearing colour is so important to me. If I was to wear all grey, I would feel grey. I would look lifeless, boring and have no energy. I used to dress like this for the City in a grey suit and white shirt and I often wondered why I felt the way I did. I now know different.

Why wearing colour is so important to me.

Before I trained as a Colour and Style Coach, I knew that when I wore some colours, I used to get lots of compliments and others I didn’t. Being in the city in the late 80’s the uniform then, was power suits in black and grey mainly. At that time, I was recruiting for the Banks in the City, and it was all very conservative. How times have changed, people now love to wear colour, from the palest to the very brightest.

You can still dress conservatively without wearing Black or Grey

If you work in a very conservative environment and need to look smart you can do so, without wearing black the safe option. Have you thought about Navy? This is a very good base colour which lots of other colours work well with. Please don’t chose to wear navy with white as it is so boring. You need to add some colour. Here are a few colours to try pink, orange, mustard, or green (Yes blue and green do go together). Also try another shade of blue, teal, any of the pastel colours, the list goes on. There is so much choice out there now, have some fun and enjoy putting your outfits together.

Other alternatives to your trustee black trousers.

We all have a pair of black trousers in our wardrobe I am sure but what other colours could we choose instead. Navy, French Navy, Grey, Dark Purple, Green, Khaki, Teal, Burgundy, Brown, Camel, and Rust. These are all dark colours which will still have the slimming effect you get from wearing black which is what clients say is the main reason for wearing black. They are all good colours to wear in trousers that you can wear many colours with. Perhaps it is worth experimenting and trying other options.

Use nature to find your colour combinations.

If you can see a colour combination in nature you know that it works. Think of the plants in your garden and get your inspiration from there.

If black is your go to colour here is how to wear it.

I never understand why ladies choose to wear all black. To me it is a draining colour in both energy and in your complexion and can make your face look drawn and tired. If you must wear black as that is your uniform, then try to accessorise with some colour. Nobody will know if you are wearing red underwear, but you will get some energy that way. Wear a coloured blouse or top underneath your jacket. If you must wear a plain top, then you can accessorise with a statement -coloured necklace or perhaps a scarf. Shoes and hand bags also add colour to an outfit. The little black dress can be accessorised as above.

Why wearing the right colour is so important.

I think that by wearing colour you can add your personality to your outfit. You can go as bright as you dare or if you are happy in pastels that’s fine too. Now of course you do need to wear the right colours of you. This is very important, and I can help you with that so please do get in touch if you need any help and visit my website for my services www.colourworx.me or contact me on my details below.

My name is Sandra, and I am colour and style coach based in Chelmsford Essex. Colour is my passion and I love to help ladies find out which colours best suit them. This can be very liberating, giving ladies confidence to be the very best version of themselves and make great changes in their lives.

Conclusion

I have written several blogs about finding your own unique colour pallet and why it is so important and what difference it can make to you and your life. Check out this blog I have a passion for colour find out why?

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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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Posted on 25 April , 202325 April , 2023 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

Get your wardrobe sorted for the Spring and Summer

This is my favourite time of the year when the weather breaks and the sun shines. It’s time to get into the garden, cut back the shrubs and think about planting the bedding plants. It’s a time to look forward to the garden looking colourful, meals outside and enjoying the sunshine. Along with this it’s also time to sort out the wardrobe and put away all the winter clothes. Spring is here let’s bring out the spring and summer clothes.

Get your wardrobe sorted for the Spring and Summer

Look at your Winter wardrobe, are there things that you have not worn this season? If you have not been wearing something for whatever reason, it might be a good idea to let them go. What are the chances of you wearing it next year? I use this as a time to de-clutter as I don’t want to store clothes that I am never going to wear again. Sometimes when you start to really look at what you do have in your wardrobe there will be duplicates. How many pairs of black trousers does a person need? Get my drift, sift through what you have and let go of what you no longer need.

Ask yourself these questions.

Do you love it?
Does it fit me?
Does it make me feel good?
Is it in a colour and style to suit me?

Sort into piles

Rubbish – clothes that are worn out and not worth re-cycling.
Charity Shop.
Sell or pass on.
Keep.

How do I let go of things I am attached too?

If you answer No to any of these questions, then it must go. If you have an emotional attachment to something and you really can’t let it go, then perhaps pack it away in a box. You can re- look in six months’ time and see how you feel then. It is good to work on a one in one out basis and regularly cull your wardrobe every season. Anything that you have not worn for a year you should question. There are lots of ways to re-cycle your clothes. If you have any nearly new or designer clothes that you feel are too good for your charity shop, why not try selling them. Try eBay, Facebook, and other sales sites and this will then give you some cash to reinvest in some new items. Sometimes it is a good idea to have a friend with you when you do this to give you an honest opinion.

Get your wardrobe sorted for the Spring and Summer

Now look at what you put away at the end of last summer. I always like doing this, finding some of your old favourites and looking forward to having the weather to wear some of my lovely dresses. Whilst doing this I do look at what I have and see if I need to cull anything that is looking a little tired. T/Shirts do not always stand the test of time and need to be replaced each season. This is a great way to style last year’s clothes in a different way this year. Sometimes it only takes a few new key items to transform you wardrobe.

When you are putting your summer clothes away do take time to see what you can let go for. My incentive to do this is that I can replace old items with some new. You will now see what you do need to replace, and you can shop for those items. I will be doing this myself over the next few weeks.

Spring is here and the warmer weather just round the corner.

If you need any help or advise about auditing your wardrobe do get in touch, I would love to hear from you. I hope I have given you some inspiration to tackle your own wardrobes to make some space for a few new pieces once we are able to go shopping again. If this lock down has taught me anything it is that we do not all need the volume of clothes most of us have. Life could be so much simpler with less clothes to choose from and that comes from someone who loves shopping and buying clothes. It’s true what they say that women wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time. So, let go of what you no longer need.

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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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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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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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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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Posted on 7 October , 20224 October , 2022 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

This is the perfect time to declutter your wardrobe

It’s that time of year again when I put the summer clothes away and get out the winter. I use this time to sort through what I have and declutter and let go all those items I no longer wear. Some may just be past their life; others may not fit into my current style. If I have not worn it this season, am I likely to wear it next summer? I put everything away clean for next year including my shoes and sandals, so they are ready to wear when the weather turns warm. This is the perfect time to declutter your wardrobe and here are my top tips.

Spiritually this is a time to leg 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. I try to work on a one in, one out policy. I 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 what 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 get something towards you buying something new. 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 is buying things that are in fashion 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.

This is the perfect time to declutter your wardrobe

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.

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Posted on 9 September , 20228 September , 2022 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

You are never too old to look good

Do you sometimes feel I cannot be bothered? I will just grab any old thing out of the wardrobe. It could be the jumper I wore yesterday that is still hanging on the chair and an old pair of jeans. No-one is coming to the house today, so it does not matter. You are never too old to look good.

You are never too old to look good

Yes, I do have days when I feel like that, but I choose to wear something uplifting, particularly if I am feeling down. I have a passion for colour because of the way it makes you look and feel. Sometimes, life gets in the way and the last thing you want to do is put on a full makeup and choose an outfit to dress to impress. But most of the time I do make the effort to put an outfit together.

Choose some colour as it will lift your spirits

If you have had your colours done you will know which colours to choose, if not choose a colour that you get the most comment on when you wear them. It is known that wearing colour really can lift your spirits. Generally brighter colours carry more energy and will make you feel more uplifted. Shades of red are a good colour for that, yellow is a colour that is cheerful. Blues, light green and lilac are more calming colours. Wear your favourite colour and you will instantly feel better.

Try different colour combinations

Get your creative mind working and think about putting different colours together. I remember when I first went for my training my trainer suggested I wore green and pink. I had never thought about putting those two colours together, but they look good. “Blue and Green should never be seen” how wrong is that? They make a great colour combination. A tip if you can see the colours together in nature then you know you can wear them together. Have a look at my Pinterest colour combinations board to get some ideas of different colours to wear together.

Making an effort will definitely make you feel better

If you choose the right colours and style for you, it really will make a difference. When someone says to you that you look great today, how does that make you feel? It makes you feel good and gives you a confidence boost. In lockdown I was suggesting that ladies did not just wear scruff old clothes just because they were not being seen. Dress for you in how you want to look and feel.

Makeup and accessories can make a difference

I am not someone who wears a lot of make up, I only wear foundation and eye makeup if I am going somewhere special. Day to day I wear mascara, eyebrow pencil, blusher, and lipstick. BUT what a difference it makes to even just wear some lipstick and you don’t have to spend ages to do that.

Add a splash of colour in your accessories, handbag shoes, and jewellery it will make all the difference.

Plan if you are busy in the mornings get out your clothes the night before.

You are never too old to look good

As mature ladies I think it is important to make the most of what we have, and try, even if we do not always feel like it. I encourage my clients to build a wardrobe of clothes they love and love wearing, and to pick out clothes that lift your spirits. Once you know what style and colours suit you it is easy to put your outfits together. You will need less clothes and be able to make more outfits. This way you will be wearing all the clothes in your wardrobe, by styling them in different combinations.

Get creative and have a play and try putting different outfits together. Do not make it a chore, have fun with it and show your personality in the clothes you choose to wear especially on days we your think you cannot be bothered.

If you would like any help or advice please do get in touch or visit my website to find out how I can help you.

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Find out which colours work best for you!!

Posted on 26 August , 202224 August , 2022 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

How to adapt your summer wardrobe for the autumn

I love my summer clothes more than my winter wardrobe and like to wear them for as long as I can. The winter always seems so much longer than the summer months. Here are my tips on how to adapt your summer wardrobe for the autumn. Just by adding an extra layer you are still enjoy wearing your summer clothes as the weather starts to get cooler.

How to adapt your summer wardrobe for the autumn

The first thing you can do to continue wearing your summer dresses to add a denim jacket. This I think is a staple piece in most ladies’ wardrobe as they are so versatile. Here is one I found in Next from Sosandar at £55.00 and you probably already have one of those.

When it gets colder still you can change the denim jacket for a biker leather one for the same effect.

You can also add layers underneath your clothes

If you have a button through shirt waister dress, they are ideal for adding a lightweight jumper underneath. Or you could wear the dress undone like a jacket over a pair of trousers and a top. This gives a totally different look to the dress and people will think it is something new. I have shown how to do this in a previous blog.

Try adding some warm tights & boots

Changing your footwear can make a huge difference. For example, the above dress you could wear some thick tights and add a pair of knee-high boots. This would also work if you had a pinafore dress by adding the warm tights, a jumper underneath and a pair of short boots. I like to find lots of ways to wear the same thing so you get good value out of what you have in your wardrobe. You can also wear warmer underwear to add an extra layer.

Jackets & Coatigans

I have several Coatigans in my wardrobe as they are so useful. If you are travelling by car you don’t always need a coat. I found this one in Next for £40 and it comes in this lovely blush, grey or light blue. They are casual and look great with jeans over a t/shirt.

This week’s challenge

Look through your wardrobe at your summer clothes and find a way to still wear them in the cooler months. I would be really interested to see how you get on so do message me with your ideas.

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Find out which colours work best for you!!

Posted on 19 July , 2022 by Sandra Sparrowhawk — Leave a comment

My tips on what to wear to keep cool in the heatwave

With temperature’s rising and set to stay hot, we need to be mindful of what we choose to wear to keep cool. We all know we need to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. If you are thirsty then you are already in need of water, what you need to do is drink before that happens. Have a water bottle on your desk and sip throughout the day. Here are my tips on what to wear to keep cool in the heatwave.

My tips on what to wear to keep cool in the heatwave

Material

It helps to wear natural fabrics like cotton and linen as they are more able to breath and avoid anything with nylon which will make you hot.

Underwear

We all want to feel comfortable so do take care when choosing underwear to wear in the hot weather. For me it has to be cotton all the way. I often suggest that you go up a size in knickers as there is nothing worse if they are too tight and cutting into flesh. Go for a regular bra fitting as it is so important to make a great undercoat for your clothes. In this heat I go for the bras that are not underwired for a more natural look and these are often in a cotton fabric.

Colours

Colours are so important, white will reflect the light whereas black will absorb it. Therefore, there are so many lighter coloured fabrics in the summer and in the winter, we wear the darker colours as they retain the heat. This reminds me of a story when I was in Portugal, and I had a Portuguese boyfriend. We were going out one afternoon and I was wearing a black top (this was before I knew what I know now) He said to me what are you looking to do cook yourself? After I started my colour journey, I know how true that is.

Style

Dresses are my favourite in the very hot weather as I find things around the waist uncomfortable. I love the shift dresses in M&S or Next, they bring out new colours every year because they are so popular. Choose a dress that hangs from the shoulders or bust line as they will be cooler to wear.

If trousers are your thing, a loose-fitting linen or cotton trouser and wear your t/shirt or blouse outside. Whilst working at home I have been wearing one of my sarongs with a bra top and it has been lovely and cool. If you are sitting in the car or travelling anywhere a maxi dress or a long cotton skirt is good as it stops your legs sticking together.

To summarise

Choose a material that is not going to be too hot, in a light colour that will reflect the heat. Loose fitting clothes that will not restrict your movement and allow the fabrics to breath. Clip your hair off you neck if you can. If you are going outside in the heat, make sure you have a good sunscreen on. A pair of good quality sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat. Yes, I hate wearing a hat as I can never get one to fit that stays on, but it is a must when it is very hot.

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Category: Style

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