GUEST BLOGGER, Anita Feron Clark, an award winning personal stylist, talks about how to stay and feel stylish while caring for babies and toddlers.
As a mummy of two small children herself, Anita is fully aware of the demands put on her time. Trying to look stylish isn’t always top priority what with juggling scores of different things related to the children, work, household chores and correspondence etc. However, here are some achievable ways to staying and feeling stylish whilst being a mummy or carer with young children:
1. Finding your colours
Much research has been done on the psychology of colour and its effects on everyday life. Colour can affect your mood and your energy levels profoundly, and has a great impact on your general sense of wellbeing. It will also affect how others view you (source: Colour me Confident, 2006). For example, Red is the colour of energy and by wearing it, you will feel confident and in control – great to wear at the end of a hectic week, when you’re feeling a bit frazzled; wearing pink suggests gentleness and empathy, it brings out the femininity in every women; and purple shows creativity as well as indicating sensitivity – great if you’re organising arts and crafts. If you’re not sure what colours complement your hair, eyes and skin tone, consider having an individual or group colour consultation.
2. Looking good and feeling great doesn’t need to cost a small fortune
It’s about buying fewer items but in the right colour and silhouette that make you look stylish and you will gain confidence from knowing that they are those that flatter you. Places like Uniqlo, Top Shop, Marks and Spencer have a good selection of inexpensive basics such as jumpers, tops, and trousers in a variety of colours and styles, which you can use to mix and match with other items in your wardrobe.
3. Aim to have the right balance of practical, work and glamorous clothing
For example, if you spend 75% of your time looking after children, then your ‘non-work’ clothes should represent 75% of your wardrobe. If you are a full time mum make sure you have enough variety in your wardrobe so that you don’t feel like your wearing the same thing everyday, for example, jeans and a T shirt. Try to have seven complete outfits, one for each day of the week. To achieve this, write a list of items you need to buy to make those outfits look current and complete. Include all accessories for each outfit. That way you can look your best and feel stylish every day of the week.
4. Start by wearing the right underwear, does it fit you properly?
Think about wearing one size bigger in knickers so that you don’t get elastics pinching into your thighs and tummy, which can give ‘visible panty line’. Also your bra size can change during pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or gain. As a rule try and get your bra size measured at least once a year. If you don’t wear the right bra, your clothes won’t hang properly – the wrong bra can alter your body shape and clothing size. Have a variety of bras to suit different occasions and different tops. And although no one can see it, it will make you feel confident and sexy.
5. Take a few minutes to choose your clothes the night before
To avoid a panic in the mornings, this will allow time to think about the whole outfit (make up, jewellery, shoes etc.) rather than you grabbing the first thing that is to hand or the same old outfit. With make-up ‘less is more’ and the right shade of lipstick and blusher can make the world of difference to how you look.
6. Size doesn’t matter, shape does
When it comes to looking stylish, the most important thing is how well your clothes fit not, for example, whether it’s a ‘size 14’. So wear a size larger if you find you are struggling to fit into your outfits. Women fall into seven different body shapes and it’s about understanding this and using clothes that accentuate all your best parts and detracting the parts you aren’t comfortable with.
7. Have you changed your hairstyle or make-up routine in the last 3 years?
Then maybe it’s time for an update. Lots of hair and beauty salons are offering special offers at this time of the year and one way to make an instant change is to look at your eyebrow shape as your eyebrows frame your face and bring your eyes alive if they are shaped correctly.
8. Put yourself first for a change
Think about spending 10% of your household income per month on yourself, be it a haircut, new top, new shoes etc. This isn’t excessive as it’s important for your wellbeing that you put yourself first some of the time.
9. Wardrobe Re-vamp
Try to maintain an ‘up to date’ wardrobe. If you have clothes, which haven’t been worn for over 2 years, consider giving them away or organise a clothes swap with some of your NCT friends etc. This is a great way of adding newness to your wardrobe cheaply as long as it is in the right colour and shape for you. In addition, shoes and boots will update your look easily, so try and invest in at least one new pair every season. What about all those clothes you save for ‘best’? Do you feel you can’t wear your ‘best’ clothes because they might get dirty; most clothes are machine washable so wear them and feel good.
10. Work with your personality rather than against it
This is your own interpretation of fashion and how you like to wear clothes. For example, if you are naturally creative, be imaginative and adventurous with your clothes, accessories, hair and make-up.
Anita is passionate about helping women rediscover how to look younger and healthier by wearing the right colour and style of clothes. Most of her clients are mothers, read what they have to say about her on the testimonial page of her website, www.feronclarkstyle.com.
Anita offers a wide range of services to clients of all ages, backgrounds, shape and sizes. You can come on your own or with friends and she can tailor make any of her services to your needs. Contact Anita at:
anitaferonclark@mac.com
07799 856 544
www.feronclarkstyle.com