Hello lovelies,

Happy New Year! It has been a while since I last put my thoughts on a computer to you. So I hope you are all well?

If you have been following me on Instagram you will know that I have been making a number of changes to the services I offer and how I show up and all has gone a little quiet. But if I’m honest it has taken me a little while to put everything together. 🤦🏽‍♀️

So to stop the silence, I am allowing those who wish to work with me ( albeit from a distance) to take advantage of my shoppable boards. Every month I will post a shopping board and if you like what you see you can buy items straight off the board. Sound good?

All you have to do is head to my dedicated shopping channel here and pick the featured shopping board (the one above is here ) and get shopping. Its as simple as that!

Then once I am ready to announce my new and improved services you will be the first to know as you will hopefully be on my mailing list and have been enjoying shopping boards so much you can’t wait to see what I will bring out next 😉 . If you’re not on the mailing list, then just head here to sign up and be a part of my community.

Tip of the day: 

If you have an event coming up or just need to be inspired on something specific to shop for, why not let me create a shopping board with some of my ideas for you. Just drop me an email and I will send you the details and we can take it from there.

Don’t forget, I also show up on YouTube, so you can watch my latest video below on how to style preloved and second hand clothes. Please do subscribe so you will be notified when the next one lands and share as I’m on a mission to help as many women as I can create their own style happily.

Also let me know in the comments whether you think the shoppable boards are a good idea by the way?

Until next time xxx

#slowfashion #secondhandfashion #thriftstorefinds #secondhandclothing #London #thriftedfashion #seconhandshopping #fashionover40 #sustainablefashion #secondhandfinds #secondhandswap #thriftshop #secondhandfirst #thrifted #preloved #prelovedfinds #secondhandstyle #secondhandshop #personalstylistlondon #outfitideas  #womensfashion #fashionista #shoppingsecondhand #secondhandclothesshopping 

Have you been second hand shopping yet? September is second hand shopping month and Oxfam has put out a campaign – dare to rewear!!

Why?

Well like so many people they believe in protecting our planet and helping people beat poverty around the world. By giving clothes a longer life you help to reduce waste and make a real difference.  So for all of September (30 days) the focus is on you buying only second hand clothes online or in your local charity shop that are participating.

You can see my local second hand shopping trip in the video below or here. But here are some reasons why you should get involved;

Fast Fashion is damaging our planet: Clothes that are produced in high volume and at relatively low cost to the consumer, is damaging our planet and the excess waste from this throw away lifestyle is putting pressure on the environment. It is increasing demand for the textile industry, which accounts for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Although we don’t believe the responsibility to fix the problem lies with us, the shoppers, Second Hand September is a way of individually doing our bit to make our lives more sustainable.

Help to keep clothes out of landfill: Did you know, 13 million items of used clothing ends up in UK landfill every week? But when you donate your pre-loved clothes and accessories they’ll never go to landfill. Your items will either be sold in shops or charities will find a use for them.

It’s so easy to Donate: Donating items to this worthy cause is so easy now that if you can’t make it to the shops there are alternatives. Oxfam has launched their Donate by post scheme and it’s completely free to do. You simply order your bag, fill it up with your clothes and accessories and post it back. You can get yours here 

Say Yes to Second Hand: I’m saying yes to second hand shopping and so should you. As you get older you realise that buying for buying sake just isn’t sustainable and I’m finding I get real enjoyment now out of finding something that I really need to pair with my wardrobe or catch a real bargain rather than just to buy something because its there. I would love to know your second hand shopping experience and whether you will buy second hand for the rest of September in the comments?

Tip of the Day:  You don’t need to just take my word for it. Brands are making it even easier to keep clothes in circulation and raise money to support people living in poverty. If you are in the UK check out Oxfam’s pop store at  Selfridges’ flagship store in Oxford Street, opening on 6th September and running until the end of the year. Curated by queen-of-thrift Bay Garnett, the pop-up will again be bringing vintage and designer items, so it’s a great place to browse for those really special, unique pieces.

If you like this why not read about my first second hand shopping trip here

Take Care until next time  xx

#secondhandseptember #fashionpost #outfitoftheday #fashionlooks #womensfashion #secondhandshopping #secondhandfashion  #thrifting #secondhandstyle #shopsecondhand #thriftedfashion #realoutfitgram #sayyestosecondhand #secondhandclothes #thriftshop #prelovedfinds #secondhandshop #sayyestosecondhand #outfitideas #slowfashion #thriftstorefinds #London 

The maxi dress is one of the most versatile pieces you can wear in your wardrobe. FACT!!

So if you are one of those people who say  ‘I have nothing in my wardrobe’ whilst starring at a full or often overflowing one?

You need to dig out your maxi dress girl, because clearly you are not utilising it as much as you should and being versatile means you can layer it up or down. But more importantly you can wear it all year round. So get yours out and have a read to see how you can make the most of it below.

In simple terms, the maxi dress is a floor or ankle length dress, that are form fitting at the top and loose flowing at the bottom. In my video here  I give you tips on how to wear them and why. But I thought I would add some more tips here because one I am nice like that 😁 but two if you haven’t got any or looking to buy new ones, there are things you should consider;

Length

Your maxi dress should never be too short because if it cuts you off at the ankles it may make you look shorter than you are. You also don’t want it to drag on the floor either. Always make a b-line for brands that carry petite lengths for those of you under 5’4″.

Bigger Boobs

If you are a well endowed lady please opt for a maxi dress with straps or a halter neck. Why? This will keep you together and prevent them popping out without warning.

Small Breasts

You can get away with a strapless. However by wearing one with straps it creates more definition around that area or if the straps are wide enough you can wear a bra to push those puppies up.  You may want  to also consider a belt around the waist so it shows some curves.  Watch the video below for more ideas.

Classic

Finally the other great thing about choosing a maxi dress is that they date back to the ’70s and aren’t going out of style anytime soon. They have major staying power due to the wide variety of patterns, styles, colours, and fabrics available. I would always suggest a solid colour in a classic shape as this will see you through changing fads; all you have to do is update an accessory or two.

Tip of the day

Unlike jeans, you can wear a maxi dress to work, a wedding, a dinner date, and the beach. Maxi dresses are a blank canvas — you can lounge in it on the weekend or transform it into a flashy show-stopper. Adding a cropped blazer can take you from the beach to the movie theater. Or change up your look by swapping flip-flops for classy wedges or heels. So have a go and see how many different styles you can create from a maxi dress?

If you like these tips but would like help why not book a consultation with me here, you really have nothing to lose.

Let me know in the comments, how many different outfits you were able to make from your maxi dress?

Until next time xxx

#maxidress #everydaystyle #fashion #fashionstyle #maxidresses #ootd #outfitoftheday #summerclothes #summerdress  #summerdresses #summerfashion #summeroutfit #summeroutfits #summerstyles #summerwardrobe #summerlook #summertime #sundresses #sundressseason #sundressofficial #summertime #styleoftheday #dress #dresses #summerwardrobe #personalstylistlondon #personalstyling #makeoverstylist #themakeoverstylist #fashionstylist

Do you exercise?

I have been exercising for years. But about a year ago a good friend of mine gave me a  seven day challenge to walk 5k every day for 7 days and I have never looked back.

What’s funny though, I really hated it in the beginning. My thoughts were why would I walk when its quicker for me to run and get home lol. Now, whilst I still love to run, I spend more time walking with purpose every day for an hour, to set myself up for the day and because there are so many benefits to walking especially a fasted walk, I have now made it part ofmy styling business – which is all about helping career mums who are struggling to get back into shape, get the body they want and wear the clothes they love.

As a former GB international athlete and having children, I know what it’s like to on one hand have a body at its very best and then on the other hand – not and if I’m honest it has been a struggle to get my body back where it needs to be, not because I haven’t wanted to. But having children really does takes its toll and not everyone snaps back especially older mums, which is why I’ve made it my mission to not only help women look their best but by using all the wealth of knowledge I have, along with a group of former athletes called ‘The Family’ to go deeper and really help to change lifestyle habits through exercise and nutrition.

Now many people believe that you have to go to the gym or pay a personal trainer to help you get back in shape. But the simple truth is by simply walking and having a mind to walk purposefully there are a whole host of benefits. Do watch my video here where I take you back to a snowy February day to discuss this. But in the meantime here are some of the benefits of fasted walking that you might not know about.

Fasting,  essentially without food in our stomachs enables our counter-regulatory hormones to kick in to save the day and provide your body with all the energy you need. Today, many people adopt the mentality of having to eat frequently throughout the day. But metabolically speaking, less is more. Once you realise that both walking and fasting are deeply innate to us, you can utilise them to make yourself healthier. It’s a simplistic approach to improving your well-being that genuinely works.

Here are some main benefits for fasted walking;

1. Fat Burning – Utilising free fatty acids on an empty stomach is great for eating belly fat. You will use your body fat to burn rather than the food you just consumed.
2. Mental Clarity –  Ketones (induced by fasting) are a cleaner energy system that can reduce brain fog and enhance senses.
3. Decreases Stress – Walking outdoors provides you with Vitamin D, which is a primary hormone/micronutrient in helping lower blood pressure. Also, anything ambulatory lowers the stress hormone cortisol. Endorphins that are secreted instantly change your mood and outlook on life.
4. Improves Sleep – The more active you are during the day, the better your sleep will be in most cases. The calming effect of walking and the power of the sun get your circadian rhythm in sync with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. If you just get up and go out for a brisk walk every morning while the sun is up, you’ll notice that your sleep will be a lot more deep later that night.
5. Anti inflammatory –  Walking as little as 20 minutes can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines. A steady reduction in inflammation can lower your risk of developing major chronic diseases.

Tip of the day: 

If you have been doing the same things and not seeing results it’s really time for a change.

If this is something you would be interested in taking up or would like more  information on please do sign up and fill in my wellness form so I can see what your goals are and determine how I can help you before we chat to get started.

If you are interested in finding a little more about why as a stylist I offer this service please do watch the video here.

Let me know in the comments what exercise you do and whether you have considered fasted walking?

Until next time xxx

#walkingforfitness #walkingforhealth #walkingisgoodforthesoul #weightlossjourney #walkingforweightlossformommy #walkingforweightlossbeforeandafter #walkingchallenge #walkingforweightlosswellness #walkingisgoodforthestomach #walkingisgoodforthespirit #benefitsofwalking #exercise #exercisemotivation #findingconfidence #healthybody #walkingforfitness #walkingforweightloss #weightlossjourney #walkingforhealth #fitnessjourney #selfcare #fitnessgirl #bodygoalschallenge #fitgirl #training #fitnessmotivation #newhabits #mindsetgrowth #mindsetgoals #productivityhabits 

Have you heard of up-cycling or reworked fashion?

If you haven’t don’t worry because as I promised back in May when I went on my first second hand shopping trip, I’m going to make a conscious effort to find out all about those brands that are a real alternative to the High Street for you that come under the second hand/vintage umbrella.

In its simplest of terms reworked means taking something old and adding something to it, to make it new. This maybe either cutting it or putting elastic in the hem to give it a twist, either way it’s changing the design a little to make it more personal.

With lockdown lifting, we are all finally heading back to our wardrobe to make an effort to dress up,  and reworked items could be the difference between blending in and standing out. With so many of us not wanting to have the same as someone else, finding unique pieces under the reworked umbrella is a real viable option.

That’s why I went along to meet Hannah from Saluto London who reworks bedding and textiles into outfits for the summer. Whilst this may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The video gives everyone real food for thought on ways to rework your own items if you don’t fancy buying them yourself. You can watch the full video here.

As well as Saluto, the restrictions imposed by the pandemic has led other designers to turn to materials they already have in their studio, instead of shipping in new fabrics. I want to highlight four other brands that might help you on your journey for a more sustainable wardrobe.

Bode: Designer Emily Bode repurposes antique textiles and objects to create off-kilter pieces inflected with a workwear tone. For each collection she sources disparate elements and brings them to her New York studio, where local tailors and seamstresses rework them using artisanal techniques such as the signature patchwork. The result is a selection of modern heirlooms that nod to folkloric craftsmanship through hand-stitched accents and panelled constructions and that are conceived to preserve cultural and historical value through fresh creative narratives.

Encore – Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen, created this collection from surplus materials and sees the clear advantages to upcycling for customers is exclusivity “Once there isn’t any more fabric on the roll, you move on to another leftover roll which  no one else will have.”

ELV-is the “zero-waste upcycled denim” brand founded by Anna Foster. The brand sources unwanted jeans from vintage warehouses across the U.K. and transforms them into fun fresh pairs designed and produced in East London.

Ahluwalia: Designer Priya Ahluwalia made her name by repurposing textiles that already exist for menswear. This year she has teamed up with womenswear brand Ganni to offer an up cycled collection that will be available in Ganni stores worldwide and online in limited quantities.

Tip of the day: 

If doing it yourself isn’t your thing you can find reworked clothes everywhere. Depop, Ebay, Etsy and even Urban Outfitters all give amazing options of reworked clothes.

If you are ready to upcycle your wardrobe but need help in clearing your wardrobe to get it ready for new reworked additions, do take a look at my wardrobe service here. If however you want help to find the brand that will work well with your budget head here.

Let me know in the comments what you are doing to be more sustainable?

Until next time xxx

#refashion #refashionedclothing #upcycledfashion #sustainableclothing #sustainableliving #sustainablefashion #fashionrevolution #reworkedvintage #slowfashion #slowfashionmovement #styleinspo #sustainability #upcycledclothing #vintage #vintageclothing #vintagefashion #buysecondhand #consciousfashion #lovedclotheslast #sustainablefashionbrand #sustainablefashiondesign #nofastfashion #rewear #shopethical #thriftflip #sustainablefashionstyle #secondhand #thriftfashion #prelovedclothing #thrifting

What is your go to look for the summer? Summer for me is all about prints, be it stripes, checks or florals. Every year these are constantly on rotation, but it’s the different interpretations/takes on them that makes me sit up and take notice, year after year after year.

Last summer, it was all about the tie-dye. During summer 2020, at home tie-dye kits sold like hot cakes as people looked to busy themselves during lockdown. Whilst this Spring we have seen checkerboard patterns making a come back.

In my latest video above, I show you some of the prints that are out right now, but before you head off and watch here let me get you up to speed on other prints you may be seeing when you are out and about.

Summer Florals as always are in this time of year, but this summer we are going back to the late 60s and ’70s for a more retro feel, across everything from crop tops, capris to miniskirts, short shorts, sundresses, and even bikinis. So whilst we might not be taking a trip abroad we are very much dreaming of being somewhere else with this pattern.

Summer Gingham isn’t ground breaking as every year this print rolls back around.  However because it does just that, it is worth the investment as you will continue to wear it for so many summers to come. This year what makes it super cool is that bold colours of green have been introduced with this pattern along with checked jumpsuits that makes it such fun to wear this time of year.

Brush Strokes  Simply put is like going back in time to art class at school where you can just throw paint on paper. The difference here is the prints on these dresses and tops are so pretty, with muted tones for those who don’t do too bright, that I’m sure you’ll find a pattern that will work for you.

Psychedelic Swirls – So last year was tie dye this year its about the marble print and these playful, groovy patterns are a great way to inject some colour into your wardrobe. Also a perfect time if you are brave enough to mix and match them with other prints.

Checks – Slightly bigger than the gingham, they were introduced at the tail end of 2020. But from this Spring monochromatic options have now given way to  brighter interpretations of this popular pattern.

Tip of the day: Summer is definitely about adding colour and patterns are a great way of experimenting and finding the right pattern that suits you, so don’t be afraid to try.

#outfitinspiration #summerdresses #summeroutfits #summeroutfitinspiration #summertime #summerlooks #summeroutfitinspo #outfitideas #summeroutfitideas #summeroutfit

How to change your look doesn’t have to be expensive, but if you are not quite ready for the investment there are lots of easy tricks and habits you can do to get you started.

I take you through some of them below. But first I have to say I am excited to reveal the second part of my makeover with a working mum who was fed up with how she looked.  Working from home all day due to Covid she had got in a rut and wanted a change.  So the team and I set to work showing her how easy it was to change her look after being in front of the camera all day to the evening ahead.  Head here to watch the full video and let me know in the comments what you would want to change about how you look?

But as promised though, here are some tips to help you make make simple changes for a fresh new you.

Wear Colour: Many of us tend to stick to what’s safe with colours black, blue and grey. But colour is a fun way to change up your appearance and show off your personality.

Wear a statement necklace : Just some simple jewellery or accessories can do wonders and really change your look. Try beads or stones in a bold colour that complements your skin tone or wear gold metal for a warm skin tone and silver for cooler skin tones.

Coloured Lipstick: Wearing bright lipstick is one of the quickest and easiest tricks to change your look. You may not think you can pull off a bold lipstick, but it’s just about finding the right shade for you can really enhance your look.

Go for a bra fitting: Many of us are guilty of wearing the same tried-and-tested bras for years, despite the fact that your bust may have changed shape and size especially after having children. Get a free fitting done and invest in a decent bra. You’ll be amazed at what an impact  a well-fitted bra can have as well as creating a more flattering silhouette.

#changeyourlook #changeyourlookandchangeyourlife #changeyourlookanytime #changeyourlookinminutes #changeyourlookthissummer #changeyourlooktoday #changeyourlookimproveyourlife  #changeyourlookeveryday  #beforeandafter #transformationmakeover #makeuptransformationvideo  #makethistransformationhappen #makeuptransformation #makeovertransformation

Have you ever considered a makeover?

The reason I ask, is because I’ve realised that so many of us have spent the last year or two (due to Covid), solely focusing on the kids and their schooling or work. There has been no time for us or our needs. Therefore we are officially at the bottom of the priority list.

Whilst this may be common when there is lots going on and you have deadlines to meet. Its not good if you look in the mirror and don’t even recognise the person you have become and are unhappy  with how you look, but you’re just muddling through. If this is you, then it’s time to stop and take a long hard look at yourself.

Last week I finally helped a fed up mum who was going through the same thing and you can watch what I did  in my latest YouTube video below called ‘Its time for a Makeover”.

As a stylist ‘making over’ is part of the brief, but helping to change people’s lives and helping them to look and feel better about themselves from the inside out is what I believe my niche is and what sets me apart from the rest.

If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you know I am a former international athlete, and I help people to change their lives from the inside out which is where you get the most out of me. You  can watch me talk about this more,  here. But by helping this yummy mum on a recent makeover, I can say the makeover is the last part of the journey with me because once you sign up to my get fit and stylish programme you get taken on a journey of transformation that leads to a complete makeover with an amazing team I have formed.

I want to help so many women who feel stuck, so if you are one of them do reach out and book a call. In the meantime here are a couple of self care tips for you to consider to get you back on the right track;

Focus on your inner self

Before we get started on appearance, it’s important to understand that what’s on the inside is what makes the outside look good. We often don’t treat ourselves very well. We eat poorly, we don’t get enough sleep and we are self-critical most of the times. So lets start by taking care of ourselves. Keep yourself healthy and fit. You can choose any exercise you like. It could be as simple as going up and down the stairs, jumping rope, biking, yoga, pilates.

Eating Healthier

Eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid eating more than needed, especially treats. We all love those sweet treats, but it’s time to cut them off as much as possible. Eating healthy will help you lose weight, have a better mood and beautiful skin!

Go to Bed Early

A good night sleep is incredibly important for your health and emotional wellbeing, it’s just as important as eating healthily and exercising. The lack of sleep is linked to weight gain. Sleep will put you in a better mood and will reduce stress and give you the ability to stay calm and controlled and help you to control your weight.

Meditate

We’ve all heard about the benefits of meditation. Maybe you’ve already tried it and did not get immediate results, or you’ve never tried it. But trust me, consider including meditation in your daily routine and you’ll feel much better every day. Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Through meditation, you can achieve a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind.

Clear your wardrobe

This is a really important step! How do you feel when you look in your wardrobe? Does every single piece in it flatter and slim you? Or are you overwhelmed because all you see are frumpy pants and outdated dresses with the tag still on? If there is not a single piece that you absolutely love, it’s time for a clear out. Start putting together a vision board of what styles you like and want to wear and slowly clear out the rest. Your wardrobe should be a collection of your absolute favourite items that bring you joy every single day!

Tip of the Day: Taking good care of yourself means setting boundaries and letting people know what you want and don’t want. Believe in yourself and be compassionate with yourself! Don’t punish or criticize yourself. Accept yourself unconditionally!

If you these tips resonate with you and you want to have a chat about your transformation journey lets have a talk here. But if you are ready to start changing your life from the inside, sign up here. However, if you just want help to create your new signature look take a look at my exclusive service here.

Finally if you like what you read and want to be a part of my Style community why not download my free outfit planner here.

I hope you have found this post helpful. Let me know in the comments what you are struggling with?

Until next time xx

#transformation #beforeandafter #transformationmakeover #makethistransformationhappen #makeuptransformation #makeovertransformation #getfitandstylish #makeoverstylist #themakeoverstylist #bemadeover #fashionista #makeoverstylists #hairandmakeuptransformation #beforeandaftermakeuptransformation #fashion #makeovers #makeovershare

Have you ever been second hand shopping? Believe it or not before this month I never have!

Why? Simply put,  I had some pre-conceived ideas about second hand shopping that fundamentally held me back.

They were;

1. If you can afford to buy, why would you second hand shop?
2. Trailing through rows of jumbled up old clothes wasn’t cool and put me off.
3. I’d never find what I was looking for.

Have you ever felt like that?

Well scroll onto 2021, we’ve been dealing with life under Covid and we’ve been locked down so much so, that the novelty of online shopping started to wear off for me and I came to the realisation pretty quickly, shopping for shopping sake was just not sustainable. More importantly there were so many other styles of clothes that I wanted to try from other decades that I just wasn’t getting.

In addition to that, my age has played a massive part. I’m older than when my pre-conceived ideas were formed and the need to be on the hamster wheel of being on trend just doesn’t appeal to me anymore. Everything has a place and I love to know what’s on trend to help clients and myself, and if there are pieces that I like that will work well with what I have then great. But I am well out of my teens and finding my style is no longer dictated directly by a magazine but is now about what I love and what works for me.

So I was super excited to receive an email about a clothes swapping event, where you could take unwanted pieces from your wardrobe and swap them with someone else’s pre loved ones. My video below goes into the whole experience so do take the time to watch here  and let me know in the comments how you found it. But I would like to leave you with some tips/ food for thought on why I now feel second hand shopping is definitely the way to go based on the following;

1. Shopping second hand is ultimately the most sustainable way to shop because you’re giving a new lease of life to a pre-loved garment. This prevents unloved clothing from going to waste and joining the 11 million items of clothing that end up in UK landfill every week.  It is estimated that extending the average lifespan of our clothes by just three months would lead to a 5 to 10 percent reduction in each item’s carbon, water and waste footprints.

2. It cost me just £20 to swap and browse for items with a Prosecco in my hand and 90 minutes of shopping time. My finds cost more than my entry and I got at least eight items which will add real value to my wardrobe, without the expensive price tag.  More importantly though my act won’t directly fund the fast fashion industry or its exploitative practices. Plus, charity shopping allows you to direct your money where you want it and support a good cause of your choice.

3. Second hand clothes shopping usually come with heavily discounted price tag. One of the biggest obstacles to sustainable fashion is its price point but second hand shopping is budget friendly for students, working families and the frugal at heart. So, it’s the perfect way to kickstart your sustainability journey.

4. When you buy a second hand item you know that wherever you go no one is wearing that same item, and to me that is priceless. Second hand shopping is a great way to experiment with clothes and create your own looks rather than others and develop your own style in much much more affordable way. For those of you who are keen this is a great opportunity for you to find pieces to transform through up cycling too.

5. Finally, everyone likes to bargain hunt and finding a piece that has saved you money is very satisfying. Shopping second hand is admittedly somewhat of a treasure hunt. You can leave loads of stores empty-handed but then strike gold with a designer piece. It’s moments like these that make the entire trip worth while. It’s a moment of sheer joy that you simply cannot replicate on the high street.

Tip of the day: Why not try online second-hand or vintage shopping as a genuine alternative to fast fashion. It’s a real opportunity to inject personality and passion back into your wardrobe.

If you like these tips but you might not have the time to shop vintage or second hand, lets have a chat to see how I can help here.  If however, you are ready to sort out your wardrobe, which for me is the foundation to finding your style, why not take advantage of a special offer I have for the month of May 2021 and work with me. I am offering a discount for my virtual or in person wardrobe detox service, which would normally be £250 and has now been reduced to £200 with GET50OFF at the checkout for a limited time only. Have a look here.

Finally if you like what you read and want to be a part of my Style community why not download my free outfit planner here.

I hope you have found this post helpful. Let me know in the comments whether you shop second hand, would like to and any thoughts you may have?

Until next time xx

#slowfashion #secondhandfashion #thriftstorefinds #secondhandclothing #London #thriftedfashion #seconhandshopping #mumslife #sustainablefashion #secondhandfinds #secondhandswap #thriftshop #secondhandfirst #thrifted #preloved #prelovedfinds #secondhandstyle #secondhandshop #personalstylistlondon #outfitideas  #womensfashion #fashionista #shoppingsecondhand #secondhandclothesshopping 

As we make plans to meet up with friends and colleagues I am conscious that many of you just aren’t ready. 😱

You have been working from home and been quite happy in lounge wear and the occasional smart top or shirt when on a zoom call. But now it’s time to step out in earnest. But, can I ask before you rush to the shops PLEASE don’t impulse buy, if your first response to this new found freedom is, “I don’t have anything to wear”.

Impulse buying is simply purchasing a product on a whim. It’s not planned, not budgeted for and, often, it’s not needed. There is an urgency to make a purchase, without having the time to consider how useful the item actually is.

If you have used lockdown productively you may have cleared your wardrobe, to know what gaps you have in it. But for some of us this hasn’t been the case and I urge the latter who may potentially impulse buy to meet a need, to STOP ✋🏽 as you just end up going round in a vicious circle buying things which don’t add any value to you or your style.

My job as a stylist is not to push items for you to buy. But to help you to shop more consciously and considered and get you to think differently about your wardrobe. Working with what you have and adding pieces (both staple items and statement) when needed.

In my latest video I take a shirt dress and show you how you can make multiple outfits if you think more creatively. Watch it here. Not forgetting as well I show you in a previous video how you can use a wardrobe staple (the second skin top) and wear it in different ways too. However, before you dash off to watch them, if you want to know how to stop impulse buying, here are some of my free tips;

1. Question your reasons: It pays to really think about whether you’re buying something because it’s on sale, it is trending today on Instagram or because you actually love it enough, to wear it several times. The beauty of online shopping means that you can sleep on a purchase. So if you wake up in the morning and still feel Carrie Bradshaw about it, (in love with the skirt and can’t eat breakfast because you’re still thinking about it) then go ahead. But if you’ve forgotten about it by the following morning, you are more likely to forget it after hanging it in your wardrobe too.

2. Do your research: When you see something you like, don’t buy it immediately. It pays to take the time to do your research and ask who made your clothes. There’s nothing wrong with shopping sales or getting a deal, but when prices are too low, someone is more than likely to be paying the price elsewhere in the supply chain. Simply start by researching eco-friendly and ethical brands. The end goal should be to create a wardrobe filled with quality pieces that promise longevity, as opposed to just quantity.

3. One in one out policy:  While it can be hard to ignore the siren call of flash sales, compensate by adopting the one-in, one-out policy. Simply donate or recycle one garment each time you purchase a new one to maintain equilibrium in your wardrobe.

4. Clothes swapping party  If decluttering those impulse buys from your wardrobe doesn’t rank high on your list of fun weekend activities, call over some friends and pop open the bubbly for a clothes swapping party? The rules? Everyone brings over a certain amount of clothes and accessories to be bartered with each other. Beyond breaking the cycle of throwaways, the party will also give you the chance to snag some exciting new pieces for yourself at virtually zero cost. Win win.

5. Finally, build a capsule wardrobe, don’t allow trans-seasonal pieces to dictate your shopping list, but look for versatile numbers that will last the entire year. Unless the weather where you live is prone to extremes, the usual roster of wardrobe basics should suffice from summer to winter. Look for a classic black blazer that makes the transition from the boardroom to the bar, an embroidered denim jacket for easy layering, or a well-tailored jumpsuit etc.

Tip of the Day: 

Whether you’re a seasoned eco-warrior or a well-intentioned beginner, we can all use a little help to ensure that our choices don’t end up as landfill fodder. Think about renting an outfit if you have a special occasion as those one off items are the ones that take up the most room in your wardrobe and you only wear them once or twice.

If you like these tips and want to know what  I am advocating on my shopping channel regarding premium basics that you need for your wardrobe head here. If you would like help with your wardrobe, why not book a virtual  session which means I can service you anywhere in the world or a personal wardrobe session. For this month only (May) I have a special offer of £50 off at the checkout if you tap in GET50OFF. Have a look here. But finally if you like what you read and want to be a part of my Style community why not download my free outfit planner here.

I hope you have found this post helpful. Let me know in the comments how you are getting ready to meet people again and what tips you will be taking away?

Until next time xx

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