….and what I’ve learnt in 2020!
After seeing in the New Year in my jogging bottoms (that’s a sentence I never thought I’d utter) I’ve decided the only way is up in 2021. In my defence I had been wiped out with Covid over the holidays so wearing jogging bottoms was me making the effort to get out of my pyjamas!
I’m not making any resolution this year though. No ‘new me’ rubbish and meaningless positive affirmations. Life is tough enough at the moment without pretending I’m going to live like an angel. Instead I’m going to focus on what I’ve learnt in 2020 and the things I’m looking forward to in 2021.
So here are 5 things I’ve learnt in 2020
We need a lot less then we think
Turns out we can get by without continually purchasing new things. Our pared down lives have given us the time to focus on what we really need. Most of us have realised that it is connection with other humans rather than material things.
I’m pleased to see the tide is turning on social media too and people are wearing the same outfits on repeat as opposed to showing new items every day. This is a much more realistic picture of how a wardrobe works in real life.
You look better on Zoom if you use a lamp
I picked up this tip from make-up artist @amandaroberts on one of my Insta live sessions. It has stopped me looking like an extra from a horror film on video calls!
It’s also reinforced the fact that we should call in the experts when we need them. There are plenty of things we tell ourselves we ‘should’ know how to do. We then spend far too much time stressing about them and not getting round to doing them. Creating an online course was something I’d faffed about doing for a while and it was only when I got an expert to show me how that I finally got it done!
Online clothes shopping works
No one is more surprised than me that I’m writing this. Before lockdown I worked virtually with just a few clients but the current situation means that most of my work is now online and the results have been amazing.
Whilst I am looking forward to shopping again in person this will now become a permanent offer as part of my styling services.
Nature is best appreciated in waterproof shoes
Our new puppy ensures that I take regular walks outside every day which has done me the world of good. One of the best things I did was invest in the right footwear for the job – a pair of wellies that I am happy to wear.
This might sound strange to anyone who lives in the country but as a born and bred Londoner practical shoes were never part of my attire. I had an old pair of Wellington boots for emergencies (like snow) that no one under the age of 80 would have been seen dead in. My new ones mean I don’t have to hide when I bump into people I know.
You can never have too many garden fairy lights
I have been inspired by sitting in my friends gorgeous gardens before the current restrictions hit. There is something lovely about sitting under the stars next to a fire with lights all around – the odd glass of mulled wine definitely helps the experience too. I hope this is a something we continue to do when the pandemic is over in winter and summer.
Five things I’m looking forward to wearing in 2021
There’s no doubt that the start of the year is going to be as tough as the end of 2020. It’s hard to find your mojo amidst the gloom of the current situation.
Optimists tell me we’ll see a bounce back much like 100 years ago when the end of the first world war and Spanish flu pandemic was followed by the roaring twenties. We’ll all be desperate to get out and have fun again once we are vaccinated.
I’m not going to do my usual January take on gym kits as I’m so tired of lycra – see above re. living like an angel. Instead I’m focusing on a time when I can get together with more than 6 friends and family and not wearing wellies.
So here’s what I’m looking forward to from a sartorial point of view. Note that it also makes an excellent ‘feel good’ shopping list for the sales:-
Proper shoes
Maybe it’s an antidote to wearing practical shoes all the time but I’m on the lookout for a pair of not-so-practical shoes. My high heel days are over so it will still have to be something that I can walk in. They will be gold or silver, have jewels or bows and be brightly coloured or all of the above. Basically anything glamorous enough not to be worn for dog walks or with thermal socks!
Clothes without elastic waists
By summer my lockdown lumps will be gone and I will choose an outfit regardless of whether it has room for lunch and is comfortable to sit down in all day. It will need to look good from head to toe and not just the waist upwards.
A sharp blazer
I love jumpers and cardigans but I’ve missed wearing my blazers. There’s something about a blazer that takes an outfit to the next level. It has structure so is always flattering if you get the right fit – you can never look scruffy in a great blazer. They are superfluous when you’re sat at a desk working from home all day though! Buy one now in the sale and you’ll be able to grab a great bargain from the more expensive brands.
Accessorising to the max
I’m referring to head bands, printed silk scarves, cocktail rings, statement earrings, multiple bangles and more necklaces than Mr T. can handle, not all at once mind. Adding the piece de résistance to an outfit takes a back seat when you are only travelling from the one room to another. I shall enjoy adding the finishing touch to my outfit AND leaving the house in it.
Bold lipstick
I’m going to sit myself down at a make-up counter and choose a bold shade I have never worn before. I’ll wear it even when I’m going to the supermarket…just because I can. I will enjoy looking at the stain it leaves on my cocktail glass that I’m drinking INSIDE a bar that I haven’t pre-booked.
Are you joining me?
‘Power hour’ – special introductory offer!
Ensuring your clothes have a positive effect on your mood is so important right now. This is the perfect time of year to remove the styles that are no longer working for you and leave you feeling stuck in a rut.
I will help you find outfits that you feel great in and that boost your confidence – whether you are at home or not. You will gain insight into how to update and refresh your look so you’re ready to step into spring with a revitalised wardrobe.
I’m yours for a whole hour and will answer any styling or shopping questions you like. I’ll also suggest items you need and where to shop for them.
I’m offering this Power Hour for just £59 instead of £99 until the end of January. My styling packages start at £250. I have a limited number of slots available so grab yours now.
So if you’re bored of your wardrobe and looking for a style refresh then book your ‘Power hour’ now. Places are limited and once they are gone, they are gone.