True Colours...

Welcome back and before I get into the swing of things I’d like to say how nice it was to have some male readers of my 'It's Only Rock 'n' Roll...' post. Can’t think why they were so interested all of a sudden…!

The backing track I’ve chosen for this post is True Colours by Cyndi Lauper - now there’s a lady who loves her colour. I’ve not heard the song in a while and I appreciate now how emotive the lyrics are – a perfect tune to have in the background whilst I tell you how the last 7 months of training (and blogging) has influenced my life.

So, the news is that I have successfully completed my required number of ‘guinea pig’ colour analysis sessions (image of an actual guinea pig wearing a scarf popped into my head then!). For someone who thought colour analysis was a load of old baloney and a bit 80’s – I’ve had to eat a generous main course of humble pie and a side order of old hat. Colour analysis is magic – fact! See my first ever post back in January for a recap. And for more eye candy visit my True Colours Pinterest board here.

Some of my tools...

 

It’s usually the recipient that finds the outcome of colour analysis life changing and emotional – but learning this valuable skill has, in no doubt whatsoever, been life changing for me too and at times very emotional – tears of happiness, tears of frustration and tears of “oh I don’t know” sniff.

It’s not easy to determine a person’s season and sometimes it’s very hard. It took 2 rounds of draping one of my guinea pigs, the gorgeous redhead Rebecca, culminating in a drive, SOS style, to Gail's house (my tutor at Study in Style) to finally determine her season. The truth is, Rebecca could look good wearing a hessian sack – but given that they are very itchy and the colour choices are limited, we’re glad to have finally got her sussed.

Rebecca and my Technicolor drapes

 

Lady in red...not quite the right red, but a nice picture 

 

I had one weekend where I honestly couldn’t fathom any of my clients at all. It was like I had colour blindness and as a result doubted my ability, big time. But it was just a blip - a mixture of tiredness and forgetting the theory that goes hand in hand with the draping. But luckily, once again, my fabulous tutor came to the rescue. She didn’t just tell me the answer but cleverly steered my tired brain back on track so I could work it out for myself. And these wise words “you don’t learn nuffin if you get everyfin right all the time” helped too – thank you Mr. B. He doesn't actually talk like that by the way, it just sounded better in a Cockney accent for some reason! 

My guinea pigs have been a mixture of family, new friends, old friends, work colleagues and people that I’ve never met before. It’s been wonderful to reconnect with people I’ve not seen in a while and to meet new people - one of the reasons this new career appealed to me in the first place. I would like to share with you in this post some of the moments, happy and sad, that have reinforced my decision to train to be a Style Advisor.

One of my ladies who I’d not met before is a young widow. Her husband died 4 years ago leaving her with 2 children to care for and comfort.  Until now, she hadn’t felt ready to do something that was just for her. She felt that getting her colours done would be a good place to start. And it’s true. Knowing the colours that suit you gives you a clear direction when shopping for clothes. And of course when the compliments come flooding in, it’s very good for the soul too. I’m not saying colour analysis is some amazing cure for the bereaved, that would be irresponsible of me and unfounded, but it’s a great first step to banish the blues, boost confidence and give direction when other things in your life have been turned upside down and you’ve been knocked for six (and then some).

Speaking to her before her colour analysis session I felt lucky that I was the person that she’d asked. I also felt hugely responsible, if I’m honest. Of course, I want all my clients to feel relaxed and cared for during the consultation but knowing this lady’s story, I wanted to ensure it was a very positive experience for her.

Thankfully, she loved the session and soon after requested a wardrobe weed. A wardrobe weed is where I help the client get rid of the wrong colours and styles from her wardrobe and compile a shopping list of items that will make her wardrobe work even better for her lifestyle, colour diagnosis and body shape. This wardrobe weed was a freebie for her and great experience for me which will form part of my training – so a win-win for both of us.

It was when I was in her home for the wardrobe weed that her situation hit me harder. Chatting in the hallway when I arrived, there was a beautiful family portrait hanging on the wall near my head. I told her it was a great picture. She said that she was still unable to look at it but had it there for the kids really. I realised then how privileged I felt to be part of this tiny section of her journey. Also, before we got started on her wardrobe weed she showed me the patchwork blanket that her late husband’s mum had made out of a selection of his favourite clothes – which I thought was an amazing idea, though the same tears that stung my eyes then, sting again now as I type - a very sad and yet truly beautiful blanket. 

Work shirts, rugby shirts, jumpers and pyjamas

 

I left late that evening having not even finished going through one wardrobe (she has two!) but we did manage to clear out all the skirts that were the wrong colours and didn’t suit her body shape - so she was chuffed to bits. I will go back again, for part two of the weed very soon - but knowing what a tiring (though no less rewarding) process it is, we’ll start in the morning next time!

Another wonderful experience was draping a lady that I had semi lost touch with. We were Facebook friends but hadn't actually met up and talked face to face in about 7 years. During the consultation she mentioned that she really wanted to be an estate agent but had been doing a very different role, working from home, for years. I basically asked her what was she waiting for and told her to go for it. I had a text a few days later saying that she had got an interview and that it was my fault! The next thing I hear is that she’d got the job. Result! I’m by no means selling career advice along with style advice, no, no, no – but what an amazing feeling to have helped someone with their career – which probably wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t started my new career.

And aforementioned ‘now estate agent’ lady recommended my colour analysis services on a Facebook group and as a result I’ve been asked to be part of the Rennie Grove Ladies Pamper Evening on June 5th. I’ll be donating a colour analysis session to the raffle and presenting some styling tips throughout the evening. Have I done a presentation like this before? No. Am I scared? A little. Will I feel the fear and do it anyway? Yes, of course I will - it's for a charity that has helped some close friends of mine and continues to offer much needed support in our community, so I’m more than willing to stumble on my words, provide a giggle and throw in some style advice on the way. What’s the worst that can happen? I’ll tell you in June!

Better still, come along and enjoy the evening for yourself. Tickets are £15 which includes one free treatment and a glass of Pimms. There are so many exciting treatments available but you must book these in advance. See here for more details and booking info.

 

And last, but by no means least, was my interview on BBC 3 Counties Radio with Nick Coffer the other week. I was very excited (though my, oh my, was I nervous) to be asked onto the show to tell the listeners how my Styled by Mel blogging and training journey began and how it was going. Thank you to those that tuned in and thank you to Nick (author of My Daddy Cooks and blogger himself), for making me feel very at home. But no thanks to my silly brain for not knowing my own twitter address. What a twit!

I woz ere!

 

So you see, by learning a new skill my life has been enriched in a way that I couldn’t have predicted when I started this course back in September last year. It’s honestly the best thing ever. So if there’s something you’re itching to do but never quite had the courage to do it, I’m telling you now – don’t be scared and just give it a bash! Often it’s a lack of time that can be the issue but sometimes there are other less important things that can take a back seat. For example, I now live in a less tidy house but, you know what, who cares – life’s too short. Grab your dream by the horns and make it happen – because you’re the only person who can.

Thank you to the people mentioned in this blog for allowing me to share their pictures and stories.

To celebrate my new learnt skill I will be offering colour analysis sessions at a reduced rate of £50 (includes colour swatch) for a limited period – so please get in touch by emailing melwallstyle@gmail.com if you are interested or want to book for a friend or relative. M x

Next time…I promise, promise, promise to show you my new purchases and how they’ve helped me create some new looks within my wardrobe. But before I go I just wanted to share with you one small tip to take your existing jeans into spring - roll them up! Yes it’s that easy. The turn up creates a more summery, casual look and the flash of flesh at the ankle is more than enough whilst the temperatures are still fluctuating – simples!

Flash of flesh!

  Mr. B says that the turn up is a good look for girls - but not sure it's a look that many men can carry off. Discuss.

It's Only Rock 'n' Roll...

Are you sitting comfortably? Perhaps a cuppa or cheeky tipple in your hand? Maybe just a quick read sitting on the edge of the bath whilst the kids are brushing their teeth? Whichever moment you’ve grabbed - thank you and welcome back. So, just a little recap – last time it was my work week wardrobe, sans jeans, that needed some thought and planning. This time it’s my gig attire that needs a bit of a shake-up. So, different brief, same criteria - I want to look good, appropriate and as always, steer clear of mutton and frump options.

I’ve been thinking back to what I used to wear for my gigs - I’ve been gigging for over 18 years now – that’s right, I started gigging when I was just 7 (ahem). And the outfit or rather fabric of choice I distinctly remember back then was PVC. Now, there is, out there, photographic evidence of these gigs. Unfortunately, I think it’s well hidden in my best friend’s loft. I know, how disappointing. You would’ve all loved a giggle at my expense wouldn’t you? Sorry about that.

But wait, all is not lost. I may not have the photos to hand but I do have the gear itself! It’s not been worn for a VERY long time I hasten to add – the last time being dressed as Trinity from The Matrix about 12 years or so ago. So I guess you’re wondering why a Style Advisor would hang onto things she’s not wearing? How very ‘pot calling kettle black’ of me you say. Well, the reason is that they’re a little piece of my past and I thought that one day, when I am older, I would dig them out and have a good old laugh.

Well it seems that that day has arrived and how wonderful that I have all of you here to share that moment with me – who’d have thunk it? How privileged do you feel? Yes, hard to put into words isn’t it.

So here they are – in all their gorgeously tacky (to the touch and sight) glory! That’s two pairs of trousers - one bootleg pair and one straight leg pair and a top. They are making me smile and I remember thinking I was the bees’ knees prancing up and down the stage of the Queens Head in Fulham and The Horn of Plenty in St. Albans! I’m disappointed that I can’t find the electric blue bootleg pair actually - not sure where they’ve got to.

Sorry, what was that? Put them on? What? Are you all insane? Oh ok then…as it’s you!

This is an advance warning. Some viewers may find the following photos of ‘cling-film wrapped mutton’ distressing.

I retract that last statement labelling myself as mutton because in actual fact I think I’ve aged far better than the PVC has. At least my top layer isn’t visibly flaking all over the flippin’ floor! And that isn’t my bum that’s baggy either thank you very much! I’m sure (and hope) they fitted better back in the day.

Does my bum look big in this?

Err yes, it really does. Look how high waisted these babies are. I remember my best friend and I having a right old giggle in Miss Selfridge changing room (communal in those days – not good) at how high the waist was then. So in comparison to today’s super low waist trends these are super, super, super high. They cover at least two of my ribs. A couple of inches higher and I could wear them as a jumpsuit.

Bootleg vinyl

The bootleg pair (an usual leg shape for plastic I think), fit slightly better (maybe not) around the bum but feel so much more Eddie Izzard than the other pair.

By the looks on your faces, I can tell you are none too impressed. And judging from the tirade of “Why are you wearing that mummy?” and “You look horrible mummy, take it off” and “It does nothing for you” from Little T and Mr. B respectively, I don’t think my family are embracing my Miss Whiplash look either.

But back when Blur and Oasis were battling it out in the charts and the Prodigy were starting fires – I was pretty sure I was the only female singer (definitely in St Albans anyway) wearing PVC. And actually, I don’t think even the tough girls of Skunk Anansie and Garbage had ventured down the plastic trouser route then either - so you could say the PVC was my USP.

WHAT ABOUT NOW…

So nearly two decades later, what am I wearing to my gigs now? The answer is mainly shorts/hot-pants (call them what you will) with opaque tights and shoe/boots. But recently I’ve been thinking, is the hot-pant (albeit a tailored non cheek revealing version) ok for a 41 year old who is not Kylie?

I’m glad to say that I didn’t ponder too long over my ‘shall I shan’t I hot-pant wobble (pant wobble – ew!). I decided that this is a totally acceptable outfit to wear. Had I teamed the shorts with bare legs, sky-rise stilettoes and a plunging neckline – probably not. But with opaque tights, the conclusion is that the shorts still fit the brief perfectly and so I will wear them confidently.

However, I’ve been wearing variations of the short/hot-pant thing for some time and it would be good to try some different outfits. And being in a band, to a degree, gives me a license to try things that I wouldn’t necessarily try if I was just popping out to The Dog and Duck for a shandy.

INSPIRATION...

So, I thought of some singers that inspired me – both visually and artistically - and merrily grabbed some ‘reusable’ pictures from Google and included them here. But apparently that’s a bit dodgy so I’ve created a board on Pinterest that you can view here. Not sure why this is less dodge – but I’m sure the picture police will explain why when they wake me up tomorrow morning on their dawn raid!

Some of the first pictures are of Kate Moss - not a singer I know - but she does the Rock ‘n’ Roll look brilliantly.

After looking at Gwen Stefanie, Lily Allen, Blondie and Imelda May - I think one simple way of spicing up the shorts is a striped top and some stunning make-up. I can do the t-shirt easily but I’m going to need a little help with the make-up. I don’t know about you – but so often I apply make-up, think I’ve done a great job but when I look in the mirror on my first trip to the loo of an evening out, it’s somehow vanished and I look very similar to my no make-up selfie! #disappointing.

Now, old school rocker Chrissie Hynde is sporting a well-fitting pair of leather trousers that look fantastic. I’ve been on the lookout for some and I got very excited when I found a Whistles pair online the other day – but as law of sod would have it, they are now discontinued! Grr – shame, they were a great shape and under £500!

STOP PRESS…or rather if you can imagine the sound of a stylus being dragged across a record and the room going silent – do that.

(And sorry if you’re still perched on the edge of the bath, this post seems to have turned into a 12” long play).

I’ve just opened The Sunday Times Style magazine (Mother’s Day edition) and discovered this picture of a lady wearing PVC. A very spooky coincidence.

 

This is the actress Charlotte Gainsborough. The PVC trousers, if you ask me, fit just as badly as mine and as well as a bin liner. But the difference being is that she appears at number 13 in the Best Dressed 2014 chart. I know! I had to double check that I hadn’t accidently turned over too many pages and skipped to an article titled Worst Dressed 2014. Nope, I hadn’t. So what the hell is going on here?

The blurb alongside this picture says ‘Here she is doing what she does best – working a boyish, nonchalant, covertly sexual, French-meets English look, with a sly twist of something subversive. The PVC trousers are fashion rather than fetish (but they’re still PVC) and the rest is a retro boy look’. She could have worn a tux, but instead she opted for Alen Bennet-meets-punk and managed to look quite sexy in a Galod shrug, “whatever floats your boat” kind of way. What this outfit says is “You don’t know me, I do. Enjoy the movie”

I’m personally thinking that the words were meant for a different picture and there was some sort of mix up in the editorial/picture department. So, having the vital ingredient in my possession, I thought it would be fun to try and re-create this look. So, I’ve teamed my ‘sly twist of (baggy super high rise) subversive’ with a white shirt, tank top (actually a vest top but it does the same thing) and a pair of brown boots. This is the result.

So what do you think? I didn’t think for one minute that it would actually look half decent. But, surprisingly, I think it does. I’m not saying that I think Charlotte now deserves to be in the best dressed list – not at all, I still think she looks a state – but she’s onto something. I think we both just need to replace the old PVC with an up to date, lower waisted, slimmer leg version and we’d be good to go (though I would also consider replacing her shiny brown patent boots if I’m honest). So, have I just gone full PVC circle before your very eyes? Yes, quite possibly.

I’m thinking the PVC trouser might just have the Rock ‘n’ Roll edge, the sparkle and the stage presence I’ve been looking for. Let’s hope they’re easier to find than their leather counterparts - though I reckon Little T and Mr. B will be hoping not!

However, to quote a line from the film Erin Brokovich, “As long as I have one ass instead of two I'll wear what I like if that's alright with you?”

And actually ladies, if you think you have two asses instead of one – flaunt it! There’s nothing like a sexy curve. Is there Kanye?

M x

Next time….I’ll be revisiting the amazing world of colour analysis and how it’s changing lives around me. I might also give you a sneaky peak at some of my new (not much grey or black!) purchases since my 'She's got legs...' post. Oh and before you go, if you’re also fans of Kate Moss’s style, she will be launching her new collection in Topshop at the end of April. Her first collection was amazing – so I’m very excited about this one.