It's the New Year. We've all drawn that line under 2019. A New Year, a new decade - and THIS, as everyone on Instagram has us believe, is going to be our year. The general consensus on my feed was most people's 2019's were pretty rubbish. But this year, oh this year will be different. Positivity quotes are reassuring us it's time to dream bigger, live more and generally be better. But do we put too much pressure on ourselves? This year we will be the best version of ourselves, only better than ever.
We all know that the start of a New Year is usually met with good intentions but broken promises - and that starts with our gym membership and white lies told to our weight loss consultant.
As a stylist, one of the questions I have to ask my clients, when it comes to any shopping experience is what size they are. If I was meeting a client for the first time, I'd usually ask them to stand up (if they were seated) so I can get an idea of their body shape. This is usually met with negativity. Around 95% of all clients stand up, look down at themselves and dissect the things they hate most about their body.
'I've got this horrible mum tum,' 'I don't like my legs at the top,' ' I always cover my arms, ' I don't like my knees,' - I've heard it all. This is all from me just asking them to stand up. And guess what...I'm not particularly fond of my mum tum either but I'm also a lover of red wine, bread and support wear. Regardless of the figure that's standing in front of me , there's something that's so undeniably obvious - we feel the need to look better.
Something I'd love to hear for this year, starting with the clients I have booked for January is that they are happy with how they look. But why would you need to see a stylist if you didn't want to look better I hear you ask? Surely we can feel good in the new clothes we're in without having to change who we are physically?
I've dressed men and women who have come to me having gained weight and in tears because they feel lost in themselves, I've had men wanting to dress in women's clothes but afraid they'll look comical. I've spoken to young women who have self doubt that they won't be taken seriously at work if they don't 'look the part.' We all can be riddled with insecurity but will a New Years promise change this or will it undoubtedly put more pressure on us?
SMALL CHANGES
So now we've established that you're as fabulous just as you are and there's no need for unrealistic goals. However many of my clients usually always come to me with the words 'I feel stuck in a style rut.' When this comes from a client I more often than not suggest a detox is in order. A thorough wardrobe detox is a fantastic way to start decluttering your mind when it comes to your style. Starting with a good sort out and having a conversation with myself about what it is that you struggle with, I can guarantee that the detox will not only realise what it is that you're actually missing from your wardrobe but just how fabulous the pieces are that you still have. Along with your aftercare and upkeep manual which is tailor made for each detox; I will explain how you can get the most from your current wardrobe. You can honestly feel like a 'brand new you' without drastic change. From the advice and knowledge that you'll have been given, we can then discuss about the best places to shop for your style and body shape. Personal Styling and Virtual Styling services are available if you're wanting further guidance.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF. TAKE TIME.
With mental health issues continually on the rise and with the comparison game being played by millions it's no wonder there's issues of self worth amongst us. The truth is, there's no reset button. We're not wired like my rubbish broadband connection. January 1st does not indicate that we can suddenly transform into a 'new us.' I often have regular clients who see me year after year. This isn't because they're lavish and like having a personal stylist on hand. It's because we're working bit by bit on their style. Working on a person's confidence when it comes to their 'look' can take time and we work with their budget for that particular shopping experience.. For others, my services can be used to fulfil a style brief for an occasion but for the most, knowing how to shop, where to shop and what will suit you is a progression over time.
So what if this year we made a promise to love ourselves more? And to take our time in doing so.
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