Category: Fashion

1. 8 Valuable Lessons You Can Learn from the Inclusive Beauty Movement

   Posted on 10:00am Thursday 28th Dec 2023

   The inclusive beauty movement advocates for a more expansive and accepting definition of what people consider to be beautiful. Gone are the days of narrow standards that exclude vast segments of the population. This movement champions diversity, challenges traditional norms, and encourages individuals to embrace their most unique qualities and with two daughters, this is a positive trend I can get on board with.

   

   Inclusive beauty goes beyond what’s skin deep and strives to uphold an environment that celebrates representation, body positivity, and self-expression. Below is a list of the valuable lessons this movement has brought to the forefront:

   1) Diversity Is Beautiful

   Diversity is a central concept in inclusive beauty. This lesson urges individuals to appreciate the richness found in differences, whether they be in skin tones, facial features, or cultural practices.

   As such, many people who ascribe to the idea of inclusivity are quite open to finding beauty and inspiration in a highly diverse environment. They can, for example, be inspired by individuals from various backgrounds.

   It’s also not out of the ordinary for them to support brands that prioritize inclusivity and cater to a wide range of people in terms of marketing and product offerings. Adopt an open mindset yourself to expand your own beauty standards and contribute to a more inclusive narrative for others.

   2) Representation Matters

   That said, the significance of representation within the inclusive beauty movement extends beyond mere visibility. There is power in seeing oneself reflected in media and beauty campaigns, and in knowing that there are beauty products like makeup or clothes like women’s tights that are made to complement your unique features.

   You can advance the value of representation by engaging with content creators and brands that prioritize human characteristics outside what traditionally counts as beautiful. Additionally, consider amplifying your own voice by sharing your unique beauty journey. This contributes to the narrative of inclusivity that empowers others to embrace their authentic selves. 

   3) Celebrate Your Own Body

   Inclusive beauty challenges the pervasive narrative that dictates a singular—and often unattainable— standard of beauty. This lesson, centered on body positivity, encourages individuals to redefine their relationships with their bodies.

   Take this lesson to heart and engage in positive self-talk, appreciating your body's uniqueness and surrounding yourself with body-positive influences. Doing so will cultivate a healthier self-image and contribute to a broader cultural shift towards accepting and celebrating diverse body types.

   4) Beauty Products Can Be Both Inclusive and Accessible

   Inclusive beauty doesn't stop at representation; it extends to the products available in the market. This highlights the importance of beauty products catering to diverse skin tones, hair types, and abilities.

   To integrate this lesson into your own beauty routine, seek out brands that prioritize inclusivity in their product lines. Advocate for accessibility in the beauty industry by supporting initiatives and brands that champion a wide range of needs and preferences. Your support helps ensure that everyone has access to products that enhance their unique beauty.

   5) Break Stereotypes

   The movement also challenges societal stereotypes related to age, gender, and conventional beauty standards. You can do this yourself by being courageous in expressing your authentic self, free from societal expectations.

   Challenge stereotypes by embracing styles and beauty practices that resonate with your identity rather than what is expected of you. Also support campaigns and initiatives that actively challenge stereotypes and advocate for a more inclusive and accepting definition of beauty for all.

   6) Vouch for Your Own Empowerment and Self-Expression

   An inclusive perspective views beauty as a form of self-expression, and it encourages individuals to experiment with different styles and looks. You can embody such a stance whenever you choose to explore and express your personal style without fear of judgment.

   Instead of a means to attain other people’s standards and expectations, use beauty as a tool for self-empowerment. Encourage others to do the same and start roots in a community that celebrates diverse forms of beauty and self-discovery.

   7) Appreciate Other Cultures

   Cultural appreciation, or the acknowledgment and celebration of the diverse beauty practices and traditions across the globe, is a fundamental aspect of the inclusive beauty movement. Take part in this by actively educating yourself about beauty practices from various cultures. You can also engage in respectful conversations and give people space to share how they cultivate the concept of beauty in public and personal spaces.

   When incorporating elements from different cultures into your beauty routine, do so with respect and understanding. This way, you can avoid appropriation and instead honor global beauty traditions the way they deserve to be honored.

   8) Champion Beauty Education and Awareness

   The inclusive beauty movement underscores the importance of education and awareness regarding the impact of beauty standards on mental health and well-being. You can bolster this lesson by thinking critically about media messages and beauty industry practices.

   Educate yourself on the psychological effects of unrealistic beauty standards and share this knowledge with others. Support organizations and campaigns that promote awareness as well, and advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate beauty culture. Through education, individuals can become catalysts for positive change in the perception of beauty.

   It is not difficult to make a change and to continue to learn lessons. As a mother, it is important for me to pass this on to my children and the friends and people around me. That way, we can all become agents of change and lead a world where authenticity is valued, stereotypes are shattered, and everyone is free to express their beauty in a way that resonates with their true selves. Become a champion of the inclusive beauty movement in your own way, and advocate for the world to become more accepting not only of you, but of the generations to come.

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2. The Art of Self-Care: Incorporating Wellness Routines into Your Fashion Lifestyle

   Posted on 10:00am Tuesday 19th Dec 2023

   Many women face unique challenges in balancing multiple responsibilities at work and at home. Even as they work on achieving their dream careers and making meaningful connections, they also want to maintain a cozy environment where they can find solace as they work. Given their busy schedules, taking care of their overall well-being becomes even more crucial. That’s why they need to find moments to practice self-care. This may involve incorporating wellness routines into different aspects of their daily lives, like their fashion choices.

   From mindful dressing to caring for your clothes, you can intertwine wellness routines with your everyday style to achieve the desired effect. Here are ways you can explore a holistic approach to self-care through fashion.

   Boost Your Confidence by Dressing Well

   When you feel good about what you wear, it positively influences your overall well-being. This can be a very powerful tool, especially when you need an extra boost of confidence. For example, when you’re preparing for an important client meeting or business presentation about web development, projecting a strong image through your fashion choices can influence others’ perception of you. In such scenarios, leverage your clothes to express yourself and improve your mood. 

   Wear clothes and accessories to express your best self and that suit the occasion. In a formal professional setting, this can include a smart dress suit, high-quality knee high hosiery, and elegant pearls. 

   Practice Mindful Dressing

   Mindful dressing is another form of self-care you can integrate into your daily schedule. It involves taking time to choose outfits with intention. Rather than viewing dressing as a mundane task, transform it into a meditative experience. Select clothing that resonates with your mood and your personal style. You can also enhance the experience by choosing your outfit the night before. This way, you won’t have to rush in the morning and will feel more relaxed getting ready.

   Build a Capsule Wardrobe 

   If you have a busy schedule, you need to be efficient, even when dressing up. Thankfully, creating a capsule wardrobe provides a practical solution and another form of self-care. With a curated collection of clothing, you can minimize the fatigue and stress associated with outfit choices. Just make sure to build a capsule wardrobe of versatile and timeless pieces. It’s also a good idea to invest in quality, multifunctional items that effortlessly blend style with practicality. This way, you won’t feel like you run out of stylish clothes to wear. 

   Organize Your Wardrobe

   Another alternative is to organize your current wardrobe. This is a good option if you feel a capsule wardrobe isn’t for you. Additionally, an organized wardrobe can enhance your overall well-being by creating a sense of order and calm in your daily life. 

   So, take the time to declutter and arrange your clothes thoughtfully. You can start by categorizing your wardrobe according to the type of clothing and occasion it's suited for. Then, take out any worn pieces or items you no longer use to declutter your wardrobe. Once you organize your closet, it will be easier to find what you need, fostering a positive and stress-free morning routine.

   Take Care of Your Clothes

   Many people often overlook that caring for their clothes can also be part of their wellness routine. When you have well-maintained clothes, they last longer. They also contribute to a positive self-image because you wear pieces that are clean and in good condition, allowing you to project a well-kept and confident look. So, take the time to properly clean, store, and maintain your clothes. Remove any stains you find on your clothes immediately and follow the care instructions for each clothing item. If a piece of clothing requires special care, take it to the professional cleaners. 

   Dress for Comfort and Confidence

   When it comes to comfortable clothing choices, you don’t need to sacrifice style. You just need to find fashion trends that prioritize both comfort and fashion. Some examples are oversized sweaters and athleisure pieces.

   Also, many fashion brands have answered the demand for comfortable and stylish outfits by designing trendy pieces made of comfortable materials. So, try to find pieces that align with your preferences and make you feel at ease. 

   Embrace Creativity through Upcycling

   Instead of discarding old clothes, consider transforming them into something new and trendy. You can turn jeans into shorts or repurpose shirts into stylish crop tops. You can also breathe new life into old clothes by customizing them. In this sense, upcycling contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle and allows you to express your creativity and individuality.

   

   Wear Comfy Sleepwear for Restful Nights

   Having quality sleep is a cornerstone of overall well-being. It ensures you have energy for the next day and contributes to your focus. One way you can extend your wellness routine to bedtime is by investing in comfortable and breathable sleepwear. Opt for fabrics that feel soft against your skin. Also, choose sleepwear that won’t restrict your movements while in bed. This allows you to relax and get a restful night's sleep. 

   In the journey of incorporating wellness routines into your fashion lifestyle, remember that self-care is a personal and evolving experience. Find joy in the process, celebrate your uniqueness, and prioritize your well-being. By blending fashion with mindfulness and self-expression, you're not just creating a stylish look, but you're also doing yourself a favor by cultivating a balanced and fulfilling life.

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3. 4 Accent Wall Ideas for a Fresh Look

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 31st Mar 2022

   If like me, you work from home, you want to make it a great working environment and one of the hottest interior design trends this year is adding an accent wall to a room. This is surprising since this isn’t a new trend – accent walls have been around for years. And yet, they are still popular.

   This is probably because accent walls are a great way to add a splash of color or a bold statement to a room without overdoing it. It’s the perfect way to dip your toes into the water, and it’s great for both offices and your home. If you need some ideas for what to do with an accent wall, keep reading.

   

   Plaster

   Yes, you can create an accent wall with plaster. Of course, this is a bit tricker than the other methods on the list, but the results can be amazing. However, we do recommend using professionals to do this for you. The type of plaster that you use also matters. Blue Venetian plaster is a great way to make a statement with your accent wall, especially because it has such a unique look. This is also a very durable material, making it great for accent walls because your wall won’t lose its signature look after a few months.

   Paint

   Of course, we can’t have a post about accent walls without mentioning paint. While this may be a more traditional way of creating an accent wall, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.

   Painting an accent wall is also one of the easiest and most affordable methods out there, so it’s certainly a worthwhile option. You can paint the entire wall a solid color, or you can get creative and try painting some patterns. If you’re updating a room, you should certainly consider using paint to add an accent wall to that room.

   Tiles

   We often tend to think that paint and wallpaper are for walls and that tiles are solely for the floor, but there’s no reason why you can’t tile a wall. In fact, this is a great method for adding an accent wall because it doesn’t just add color and patterns to a room, but it also adds texture. While this style won’t be for everyone, finding the right tile and using it on a wall can transform a room.

   That being said, you need to ensure that the process is done correctly, otherwise, it won’t look good. To learn how to tile a wall, click here.

   Add a corkboard

   While this may sound a bit far-fetched, adding cork to an entire wall can make the room pop. You can get a giant corkboard, or you can use tiles made of cork.

   On its own, it creates a wonderful accent wall, but the great thing is that you can also add things to it with thumb tacks. You can add pieces of art for a sophisticated look. If you invest in an instant camera, you can cover the entire wall in photos.

   Another benefit is that it’s not permanent, so you can add different things to it as your mood and style change.

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4. Must-Have Sandals and Shoes for This Spring

   Posted on 11:00am Friday 12th Apr 2019

   It is no secret that I love fashion. Shopping makes me smile, especially if it is boots, shoes or sandals I am buying. So, I love it when the seasons change and it time to update my footwear collection.

   

   My husband suggested that I should get my high heeled shoes reheeled but the other day I was browsing fashionworld.co.uk and came across some fantastic spring/summer footwear. I’ve not quite decided what I will be buying yet, but, thought I would share a few of my favourites. Plus, a few of the interesting footwear trends I discovered, including a few of the ones I won’t personally be following.

   Sliders

   First, I am going to start with the most comfortable looking styles, most of which are flat. Sliders certainly fall into that category. They are practical too. You can just as easily wear them with a skirt or dress as you can with jeans or shorts. The teens LOVE them too! The fact that they cover s significant percentage of your foot reduces the chances of blisters and ensures that they stay firmly in place. But, they are not a good option if you are planning to run around the park with your kids or grandchildren.

   Retro trainers

   For that a pair of trainers is a much better option. I can’t say I am a fan of this type of footwear. But, I know most people do like them, so thought I should include them in my list.

   This year, 90s style Adidas, Nike, Puma and Fils trainers are all the rage. They will certainly be comfortable. If you want something that is more like a regular shoe take a look at the latest Converse range.

   The flip-flop plus trend

   For a holiday or short trips flip-flops are a great option. There is nothing wrong with buying a cheap pair. But, they do not last long. The soles tend to cave in pretty quickly, which means they end up in the bin and ultimately in landfill. If you like wearing them but want to break this negative cycle, I suggest you consider spending a little more and buying a pair that have been made to last. This year, a lot of designers have included leather versions in their collections. These have the potential to be worn for many years to come.

    

   Mules

   If you are looking for something a little more stylish, perhaps with a heel, you are bound to like the mules that are currently available. You can find everything from plain leather versions to delicate crocheted mules. These are available in white or a range of gentle pastels. These would be an especially good option for wearing to a spring wedding. Provided, that is, it is a warm enough day for you not to wear tights.

   Floss sandals

   You really cannot go wrong with a pair of strappy sandals. They look classy, keep your feet cool and can potentially be worn with anything.

   This year, the straps are ultra-thin, which has led to them being called floss sandals. They are certainly worth considering. But, if you have delicate feet that blister and bleed easily you may be better off avoiding them. If you still want to wear them, I suggest you read this article which explains how to toughen up your feet a little.

   More style-related articles

   I trust that you have enjoyed this fashion-related article and found it useful. If you have, you will probably enjoy reading this one too.

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