August 31, 2022

WHY WE SHOULD EMBRACE GREY HAIR

Our dress codes are more relaxed than ever before and we are able, through our clothes, to express ourselves in the most wonderful way…and yet, I am shocked, no saddened that still in 2022 , women who positively embrace their grey hair, are being marginalised.

That’s what happened just last week to renowned Canadian journalist, Lisa LaFlamme.  Dismissed because she allowed her hair to turn grey.  Really!  Unbelievable that her hair colour has become more important than the accolades her well-respected career has afforded her!

Silver hair seems to provide men with an air of authority and maturity yet for women it appears to be attributed to our advancing years.  Nothing is further from the truth.

It is true that whilst we are seeing a greater diversity of women represented, we do need to see higher levels of representation in a more consistent fashion.

Rachel Peru
* Image Credit Olivia Brabbs

Why we should embrace grey hair

We don’t think anything of choosing the latest fashion trends or selecting a brighter jumper to lift our mood.  I see the choices we make for our hair in the same way - as part of our individual identity.  It's about feeling comfortable in our own skin.   Like a perfectly styled outfit, whatever our colour choice, a beautiful head of hair makes us unique.

Although let’s consider that post-lockdown we are actually enjoying the freedom and liberation of trying something different?  Choosing our natural hair colour is like dressing to our own beat, surely.

It is high time to address the negative stereotype associated with the colour of our hair and kick sexism and ageism back into the past.

Grey hair does not define our age

The arrival of grey hair may not purely be a reflection of our age.  I have friends who turned grey or indeed chose to dye their hair grey, before reaching their 30’s.  However not all women reach for a bottle of hair dye to cover up their grey.  For many it is an affirming and conscious decision.

We should not feel limited by the outdated stereotypes that suggests having grey hair means we are old.

According to Vogue in March of 2022, Grey Hair was a hit with the Street-Style set in the fashion capitals of the World.

Image credit Rachel Peru

Grey hair can look incredibly stylish

You only have to look toward Dame Helen Mirren or fashion icon Iris Apfel to see how incredibly fabulous grey hair can look.  Shown here, Rachel Peru also looking amazing with her sleek cut.

Perhaps it is women like these who encourage us to feel more comfortable to let go of our traditional stereotypes so we can enjoy the process of allowing our hair to grey.

 

Annie Stirk & Rachel Peru Image Credit Olivia Brabbs

Silver and Sassy

Feeling strongly that grey-haired women were under-represented within the fashion and media industry, two Yorkshire Models, Annie Stirk and Rachel Peru co-founded and created Silver and Sassy, an uplifting fashion event in Yorkshire that celebrates grey, silver and white haired models.

Initially forming part of York Fashion Week, their 2019 ticketed event was quickly sold-out and it's audience praised the empowering show as transformational in building self-esteem and confidence.

Of the event, Annie states that "the effects on our models has been transformational".  How I love this and how we need regular reminders that grey hair and those who wear it,  are relevant.

Whatever our hair colour, all hair requires care and maintenance

With a shorter crop, I am a regular monthly visitor to the hair salon and on a quarterly basis do still enjoy my highlights.  I know very well the time we spend at the hair salon and indeed the financial outlay to maintain a coloured head of hair.  Regardless of our hair colour, we still require a regime to keep it well cut and conditioned.

 

Given that more of us will be choosing to work into our 70’s, those that continue to demonstrate outdated age and gender stereotyping, need to get used to it.  Only by ‘calling-out’ these prejudices will things change in this arena.

As an advocate of positive ageing I believe that we are beautiful at every life-stage. We should be able to express ourselves without fear of prejudice and have the courage to embrace who we are!

For those of us wishing to embrace grey hair, we should not let others influence our personal choices.  Grey hair is not a passing trend, it is here to stay in all of its natural crowning glory!

Jackie Crawford

29th August 2022

*Main image credit Annie Stirk by Olivia Brabbs

May 31, 2021

DO CLOTHES ENHANCE OUR PERSONAL BRAND?

I have long been an advocate that our clothing is powerful!  We know that wearing clothes that fit and flatter can lead to enhanced self-esteem and confidence.   So, do clothes enhance our personal brand?

Remember wearing an outfit that made you feel like a $Million?  You felt amazing, invincible maybe?  It's as if you can take on the world?  That’s what I’m talking about, clothes that support you and make you feel like a better version of yourself.

When also aligned with our lifestyle and personality our clothes have the power to elevate our status and empower us.

Whether you appreciate it or not, you have a Personal Brand.  A personal brand is all about YOU.    How you promote yourself.  It’s your unique combination of skills, expertise, personality and how you show up.

We all make judgements based on appearance.  Anyone like to hazard a guess as to the length of time it takes to create a first impression?

According to Forbes….just 7 seconds.  Seven seconds to create a favourable impression that can open doors and opportunities for us.   It's well worth making the effort.

It’s just as well that our personal brand allows us to differentiate ourselves from others and enhance our credibility.  That’s why I am a great believer that wearing clothes that work for us enables us to present ourselves in an authentic way.  Our clothing is an extension of us and a major communication tool in creating that positive first impression.

Let me guide you to developing a positive personal brand through your clothes.

Define how you wish to be perceived

This will differ for us all, so think about the way you wish to make an impact in the form of a mantra.   I suggest thinking about this as a form of words – 3 is a good place to begin.  What sums up your brand?

Linking this mantra to the way we dress, helps to focus our mind on our aspirations and goals.  It helps us define the image we wish to create with our clothes each day.

Choose Flexible Pieces that reflect you and your brand

Using your style mantra is a valuable way to identify clothes that really express your qualities.

Once we identify a style that reflects our brand, our clothing choices become far easier, we become more discerning and learn to select more successfully.

Choose current ‘trends’ with care – just because a garment is ‘on-trend’ does not mean that it will suit us all.  Choosing carefully also ensures that the garment will mix and match with others in our wardrobes and maximises our choices.

If you have not yet identified a style that resonates with you, consider putting together a Pinterest ‘look book’ to inspire you.

What is appropriate for your Industry?

Our clothes should be congruent with our industry, our profession and the role we hold.  They should serve to enhance our credibility.

For example, anyone working within a creative environment can express themselves more flamboyantly in their dressing style.  In fact, it is almost expected.

Consider your life journey so far – the lengths you have taken to reach your current position.  You’ve studied hard at College or University, you’re progressing up the career ladder perhaps you have an MBA under your belt.   Ask yourself if your clothes reflect the time and effort that you have taken?

Do clothes enhance our personal brand?

A well-organised wardrobe helps you see your choices at a glance

Plan your wardrobe and get organised

Your wardrobe holds the secrets to dressing successfully and feeling good.  A well-organised wardrobe makes dressing so much easier.  Take some time to organise your wardrobe and as a guide, pairing similar colours together and by category (blouses, skirts or trousers for example) works well.

It enables you to see your choices at a glance.

Consider laying your clothes out the night before leaving you time in the morning to plan for your day ahead.  It also allows you time to take action on a missing button or a toothpaste stain.

Do clothes enhance our personal brand?

Ensure your nails are well-groomed.

Personal Grooming

Never underestimate the value of our personal grooming and the attention we pay to the small details.  Our hair, our nails and accessories (for men and women) all add up to our overall brand.

A chipped nail, a frayed cuff a missing button are all elements that may give us cause for discomfort.  Noticing it in yourself may cause you to hang back, and not fully participate for fear of being noticed in a negative way.

 

The small details matter.

Need some help?  Use an Image Consultant to help you

Are our clothes going the change the world?  No of course not but your image impacts the way you feel about yourself and how others communicate and interact with you.

So do clothes enhance our personal brand?  In my opinion, yes!  We can carry ourselves differently and even walk taller knowing that we are dressing to our strengths.

Don’t be afraid to seek the support of an Image Consultant or Personal Stylist who can help you focus on your ‘Presence’ - the impact you are making through your clothing.

Take a moment to consider how you wish to present yourself.  Does your appearance tell the story you wish people to see?

If you wish to align your personal style with your business brand and require some professional support, reserve a complimentary DISCOVERY SESSION with me NOW!

Thank you!

Jackie Crawford

31/05/2021

December 30, 2020

I PREDICT POSITIVE CLOTHES FOR 2021

No-one needs a reminder that 2020 has been a challenging year on so many fronts.  I predict positive clothes for 2021!

I believe we began to really appreciate the value of the outdoors to our mental well-being and the importance of our planet.  Let us hope that we all continue to place this as a priority over the coming years.

For so many, casualwear became the clothing of choice.  It offered comfort whilst staying and working from home.

Bear in mind that how we dress, what we choose to wear has a significant impact upon the way we feel.  Perhaps our loungewear does not adequately project a working image especially when our calls are visual.  Whilst not dressing formally, a smarter casual on-screen personal creates a positive working attitude.

However, the very act of getting dressed as if we are leaving the house to work or meet up with friends, offers us a structure and a routine that sets the tone for the day ahead.  Positive!

So, what does this mean for the face of fashion for 2021?  A desire to ‘dress up’ and step up our dressing routine again I wonder?  I hope!

Based on the pared down versions of the key fashion shows earlier this year, there will surely be some style winners for 2021 and for what it’s worth, I make my predictions here:

Image Credit Pantone

Vibrant Colour

With rainbow stripes appearing in windows, on T-shirts and other garments, the emblem we adopted for 2020 became a symbol of hope and optimism.  Colour is a wonderful phenomenon that creates a whole host of emotional responses.

Each year the Pantone Institute (the worldwide authority on colour) selects a ‘colour of the year’.  It’s a snapshot of what they see taking place in our global culture.

Unusually, rather than a single colour, a colour-pairing has been announced for 2021.  What do you think to Illuminating Yellow and Ultimate Gray?  Pantone describes their choice as “a marriage of colours conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting”.  What a great positive message.

I really love this fresh combination and shall look forward to seeing these shades brightening us all up on our high streets in Spring.  Watch out for future guidance on my other social pages on how to successfully inject these colours into your wardrobe.

Also watch out for Pink!  I saw this featured in many collections.

Don’t underestimate the power of colour and the joy it can bring to you and your wardrobe.  You may wish to learn more about my Colour Analysis service that identifies the most flattering colours for you.

Good Wardrobe Staples

Good wardrobe staples

Good wardrobe staples

Creating a more sustainable capsule wardrobe focusing on quality essentials for longevity is going to be key for our pockets and the future of our planet.  I’m thinking more classic and versatile pieces that stand the test of time.  In fact, pieces you may already own.

These are the pieces that we tend to spend a little more on – good shirts and blouses, outerwear, footwear and investment handbags.

We can’t all stretch to the designer price tag but we can shop second hand via our charity shops, vintage markets or dress agencies.  There are some great finds to be had.

If a label is important to you, Vestiaire Collective is another great option – a global fashion community selling pre-owned designer items.

Should you wish to buy new, choose to invest in brands whose sustainable and ethical credentials are visible – Baukjen is one of my favourites offering a wonderful clothing range.  Look also for the smaller independent brands that display a responsible fashion ethos such as Livelagom.

Feel-Good Prints

We tend to see more prints appearing on our clothing during the Summer months – perhaps it heralds a more carefree way of dressing?  Given that holidays to sunnier climes eluded most of us during 2020, I predict that we will see some holiday inspired prints this year.  Think palms, Hawaiian style patterns and even a nod to marine life may emblazon the clothing choices for Summer this year.  All great paired with beach bags and wedge style espadrilles.

Denim

With an altogether more relaxed style emerging, denim continues to reign supreme.  The slimmer silhouette of the skinny jeans however will be replaced by a more relaxed or slouchy style.  This is music to my ears.  A boot cut or wide-leg jean are universally more flattering on all body shapes.  Great wardrobe pieces that can be dressed up or down.   They offer a really flexible wardrobe addition that also serves to elevate the ‘yoga-pant’ look.

We have missed dressing up Model: Anna Middleton Hat: Rose and Flo Millinery

Bring back Dresses

With so many social and special gatherings put on hold, I envisage that we may wish to go a little bolder when events return to our calendars.  We have missed dressing up and wearing heels.  A special occasion is a great opportunity to combine the two.

I’ve noticed that more flamboyant styles with fuller skirts and embellishments have featured on the virtual catwalks so can’t wait to see how our high street brands interpret these statement looks.

 

 

It will be fascinating to see exactly what appears in our clothing stores over the coming seasons.  I hope that above all, fashion makes us feel good and that we choose more more mindfully to protect our planet and those working Internationally in the fashion industry.  Choose positive clothes for 2021!  

You can get in touch for more information about my services here.

 

Wishing you all a safe and Happy New Year.

Jackie

February 29, 2020

UPDATING YOUR LOOK FOR SPRING

Spring is the perfect time of year to give our wardrobes a clothing overhaul so spend a little time updating your look for Spring.

With the impact of the sustainable fashion culture, there is no need to replace our entire selection for the season ahead but instead add a few key pieces that mix and match with your existing items. 

I  share some top tips on updating your look for Spring here – the ideal time to breathe new life and joy into your wardrobe.

GIVE YOUR WARDROBE A ‘WORKOUT’

How many items are there at the back of your wardrobe, unworn and unloved?  Prune, rescue and re-invent to create new outfits.  Add a colourful scarf or combine a new and unusual pairing.  Create a capsule wardrobe, identify some gaps and replacing wisely allows you to easily and efficiently mix and match your outfits.  Then arrange your clothes accessibly to simplify your morning dressing routine.

UPDATE YOUR ACCESSORIES

Image Credit The Fewston Bag Morgan + Wells

The Fewston from Yorkshire company Morgan + Wells

This is a cost-effective way to update your wardrobe and even a small change can have a significant impact for example with quality shoes or handbag.  My advice here is invest in what you can afford.  Generally speaking, you will find that higher quality footwear is more comfortable and will serve you for longer.  Where you can, opt for buckles or fixings on handbags in gold or brass, it can look a little more classy.  Spend wisely on your outerwear, apart from your smile, they are the first thing people notice.

With highlighter-inspired neons here for Spring, you can always add a pop of colour with a new handbag - great with neutrals and florals alike.  Your biggest decision will be choosing the colour.

 

 

INJECT SOME COLOUR

With 12 fashion trend colours appearing each season, you can easily elevate your outfit with a splash of colour.  This season, look towards warm reds, hot oranges and vibrant blues. Colour lifts your look and adds a fun and vibrant style.

Select new pieces that you can mix and match with other outfits for maximum flexibility.

 

 

 

Accessorise - Alba Statement Green Resin Earrings

Image Credit: Accessorize Alba Statement Green Resin Earrings

EMBRACE YOUR PERSONALITY

Identify a style that really resonates with you.  Your clothes should allow you to feel both comfortable and confident.  Are you all about classic clean lines - more conservative than fashionista, a little more creative and edgy or is your dressing style more about creating a statement that inspires or intrigues.  Understand what feels right for you.

 

INVEST IN A ‘HERO PIECE’ WARDROBE STAPLE

Image Credit: JD Williams Soft Pink Trench Coat

It’s a flexible piece that works hard for you, a piece that just keeps on giving throughout your wardrobe and in which you simply feel great!  A leather jacket perhaps or a Trench Coat in the new Season pastel shades would make good contenders.  Great to wear to the office or with jeans and trainers for a more relaxed look.  Leave it loose or wear it belted to define your waist.  You choose!

 

Remember when you do invest, buy the article only if you love it and can be paired with other items you already own.  When you shop more mindfully, you will find your clothing budget goes a whole lot further!

Enjoy updating your look for Spring!

January 29, 2020

WHY IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO CARE FOR OUR CLOTHES

WHY IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO CARE FOR OUR CLOTHES

"Care for your clothes like the good friends they are" – Joan Crawford

Sadly she was no relation but she makes a very good point!   So why is it a good idea to care for our clothes?  Well in my case it is because I appreciate the effort that someone has put into their manufacture but also that when I buy clothes I love, they need to support me and stand the test of time.

It was lovely to hear a client recently comment on how carefully I was handling clothes and how I treated them gently and with respect.   Never a fan of fast-fashion, there is a valuable lesson for us all here to treat our clothes with care so we can enjoy them looking good for longer - like my cherished coat (see below).

There are however many benefits of treating our clothes more kindly so I share some of my guidelines here:

Caring for our clothes means that we can enjoy them for longer. Image Credit: Lindsley Weddings

Choosing your clothing carefully

Shopping for clothes can be a frustrating experience and in a previous blog, I shared some guidance on mindful shopping and how choosing quality clothing saves time and money.

Take this coat - it was an investment piece that each time I wear it, I feel fabulous and it continues to look good.  I hang it up after every wearing and is dry cleaned once annually.

I know that sometimes we don’t have a choice than to take certain garments for dry cleaning but by checking the care label before you purchase an item will indicate how practical this may be for you.

Respect your clothes

We tend to wear about 20% of our clothes 80% of the time but it’s important to rotate our clothes so they don’t wear out too soon.

Don’t stuff too much into your wardrobe, give your clothes space to breath which also means not so much ironing.  That has to be a positive, right?

Washing your clothes

I am a recent convert to reducing the chemicals in our home and using products that are kinder to the planet too.  Whilst it is early days for me, I can already recommend the laundry detergents by Norwex. 

The aim of Norwex Products is to reduce the chemicals in our homes

 

Sorting out your washing

Separate your whites from coloureds and also wash similar weight fabrics together by that I mean lighter versus heavier fabrics.

Wash clothes inside out

This helps to prevent colours fading so quickly and also avoids buttons/hooks/zips catching on the garment itself.  Be also mindful of garments with Velcro - it sticks to every fabric.

Jumpers are less likely to pill but don’t actually require washing frequently so to avoid them mis-shaping, it’s a great idea to wash them in a wash bag and also those delicate items.

Hand Washing

Take care when hand washing your clothes and check the washing instructions

Rather than take this vintage silk blouse to the cleaners, against the manufacturers washing instructions, I chose to wash it gently by hand.

Whilst I left it in a little too long, it didn’t seem to make any difference to the size (or colour for that matter!).  Phew, a close shave.

Moral of the story?  Use cool water and hang around while your delicate items soak!

 

Allow your clothes to air before hanging up in your wardrobe

Hang Loose

Apart from the aesthetic of looking at beautifully matching hangers each time you peer into your wardrobe, there is another value to good quality hangers – the way they support your clothes.  I would avoid the cheap metal hangers that mis-shape the shoulders of your clothes and instead invest in some wooden hangers or those covered in flock.

We should hang our clothes every day on good quality hangers rather than tossing them on the floor although knitwear responds so much better to being folded.

Air drying rather than using a machine is kinder on the garment and the environment.

Allowing space for our clothes to breathe can also extend the life of a garment.

How to treat jumpers

They benefit from folding to help protect the shape but first leave them hanging to air before folding them away.

Clothes in a Drawer?

Try the Marie Kondo method of vertically folding your clothes into a drawer

We’ve all heard about Marie Kondo – the Mother of organisation and tidying magic?

Essentially she advocates that clothes in drawers be folded vertically rather than horizontally.  It’s so clever, you can see every item in your drawer without having to root out your favourite tee!

Not only is it a great space saving solution to ramming things in our drawers, it also protects our clothes from squashing them down in the hope we don’t snag them on the upper drawer or our drawer runners.

My friend Claire Cutler Casey is a Kinesiologist based in York but also an expert in this area and can be contacted if you wish to use her wonderful service.

Folding clothes along the seams avoids unwanted creases and helps to maintain its shape.

 

 

Shoes and Handbags

Polish your shoes and boots regularly and when necessary, waterproof your leather items.  It’s a good time to check now if any of your footwear needs new heels or soles.  You’ll thank me one morning when you are dashing out of the door for that important meeting.

Using boot and shoe trees helps to retain the shape of the leather and helps avoid creasing, particularly at the ankles.

Using tissue paper, stuff your shoes and handbags to help them keep their shape and if you are able, store them in dust bags (or a redundant pillow case).

 

Remember that the clothes we wear can help elevate our status and help us to feel empowered.  They are a major contributor to creating a positive and lasting impression, for that reason, why it's a good idea to care for our clothes.

I’d love to hear your thoughts so please feel free to leave a comment.

Jackie Crawford

Image Consultant

 

COLOURS • CLOTHES • CONFIDENCE

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