Firstly, thank you all so much for the many comments and messages encouraging me from all around the world. It’s great to be part of such a supportive online community!
This is about my personal makeover journey, inspired by books and blogs and the ten things I’ve done (so far!) It was necessary because I had a big change in lifestyle – from running a vintage shop and then doing stalls at fairs to returning to work as an addiction groupworker and would-be blogger.
My wardrobe consisted of five or six vintage outfits , jeans and tops for days off and a couple of ‘going out’ items. Vintage bags, vintage-style shoes and even hairstyle (picture below).. It no longer suited my lifestyle so it was time for change. This is what I did.
- I did lots of homework . I have over 15 books now on style, fashion, colour . I’ll be reviewing the ones I found most helpful in another blog post. I look at magazines, I read blogs and I look in the shops. I keep an ‘inspiration’ file of colours, styles and combinations I like.
- I had a ‘refresher’ session with my House of Colours consultant Margaret to check I’m still a winter jewel and look at styles that are better for my current bodyshape – still rectangle but with a tummy!
- I attended one of her Open House sessions to look at the Kettlewell Colours clothes and have a bra fitting. I bought several bras as I’d gone up a cup size and four of the tops and scarves in ‘my’ colours.
- Next – new haircut. This took a few attempts to find what I wanted; eventually I found a hairdresser nearer to me that had great reviews, had a consultation and a much more modern, flattering cut.
5. Makeup. Vintage no longer – I had a couple of free classes with Mac and Clinique and then discovered the Look Fabulous Forever range for older skins; brilliant! There are also great video tutorials on the website.
6. Exercise and diet – ongoing! I’ve cut down on sweet things a lot – now I’m not running round in the shop all day I’m doing yoga at home and dog-walking – not an exercise class/gym person!
7. Wardrobe analysis. After my session with Margaret I looked at the clothes I had for the different activities in my life and could see where the gaps were.
8. Wardrobe detox. Inspired by all the books I went for it. A lot of my vintage pieces were donated to charity shops, along with everything that didn’t fit or was the wrong colour. Kept one pair of Katherine Hepburn 40s style wide leg trousers as a motivator – can nearly get into them now!.After Christmas and rearranged everything by colour. This is the result…it’s cheered me up tremendously. I don’t have a large collection of clothes and shoes but now I can see what I have.
9. Shopping. I‘ve been gradually replacing items over the last six months, on a limited budget. So it’s been outlet stores online, charity (thrift) shops and a great local dress agency. I’ve made a few mistakes (mostly online) but I’m trying hard to concentrate on fit and colour and shop with a clear idea of what I’m looking for.
10. Finally, and the very best value so far I’ve joined Imogen Lamport of Inside Out Style’s Evolve your Style programme. For only $10 a daily style challenge . You post on the group’s Facebook page and receive comments from other members – it’s been so helpful and great to feel part of a community. 10 days to go! My partner said this morning @Another great outfit. It’s like waking up with a different person each day…hmmm. I think that’s a compliment in Manspeak.
So that’s the journey so far. More to follow as I search for style for the over 60s on a budget – with not a twinset in sight!
Are you or have you been on a makeover mission? I’d love to hear from you.
Fiona
