^ Shopping mindfully for your festive outfit

The festive season has begun! I am sure you will have a few outings planned and are looking forward to celebrating.

I love the fact that Christmas is a time when everybody likes to dress up and and there is nothing better than putting on something fabulous and enjoying ourselves.

Let me ask you this though? Do you turn into a bit of a magpie at this time of year? veering towards all the exciting sparkly clothes? It is so tempting to buy something new and shiny but at this time of year we still need to be mindful when shopping for our special outfit. I waas shocked to read this the other day -

Oxfam reported in 2019 that 1.7 million sequined items would end up in landfill after Christmas, despite having been worn an average of just five times – and urged people to buy second-hand.

Jaqueline Wake Young

How often will you really wear that sequin dress/ blazer etc? Just something to consider when you are shopping. I would never say don’t buy something if you absolutely love it but it should be a piece you will be happy to wear in years to come.

A good way of putting together a festive outfit is to think about what you have and then how you could re-style it. Silver is huge this year! You could update a jumpsuit, dress, top and skirt/trousers with some silver accessories. These flats from Jigsaw I am holding are super comfy. Have a look in charity shops for silver bags, necklaces, brooches (still very much on trend).

A really easy but classic outfit is a patterned blouse/dressy top and black trousers you could add your silver shoes/heesl! Once you have found a pair of black trousers you love - you will have so many dressy outfit options.

Rather than a sequin blazer try a velvet one. It doesn’t feel as out of place come the new year and can carry you through more than one season.

So the message from me this festive season is to restyle and rewear, shop second hand and if you do buy new be mindful of how often you will wear something - and make sure you absolutely love it - if it’s not a ‘hell yeah’ its time to walk away!!

Dress up, show up and be confident this season!