Guest blogger, Kate Llewellyn, talk us through the preparation involved before a style consultation; The Second Step on Style Journey.
The prep form and photographs;
After agreeing on a date for my consultation, Victoria sent across payment details (absolutely fair enough!!!) and a questionnaire, alongside requests for photographs (including the weirdest request ever!). She wanted one photo of my face, in natural light with no make-up – fair enough; one of my full body in swimwear or black leggings (I went with the latter option…it is winter after all!), front and back and then the strange one, a picture of my wrists! I was slightly concerned on first reading, but I vaguely remembered Victoria mentioning something about blood colour?! So, I trust there was a very good reason and I will fill you in when I find out more at my consultation (or perhaps Victoria just has a bit of a thing about wrists?! …I’ll let you know! 😉)
The questionnaire;
I opened the questionnaire and thought, considering I am an editor and copywriter, answering a few questions wouldn’t take too much effort.
The start of the form begins naturally enough with your name and contact details, etc., and some basic questions about your size, your looks and any experience with a stylist or colour consultation.
However, then came some of the most difficult questions I have had to answer. They really made me think and one made me feel quite sad. Crucially, I realised how important the work Victoria is doing is to so many women like myself. Let me explain.
Brands;
One of the question regarding ‘Your style’ was to ask what are your ‘go to’ brands and clothing stores – well, I faltered at the first hurdle! I really struggled to identify the shops I truly love and trust. I know this is incredibly subjective, but personally, I don’t know where I ‘fit’ on the high street. Back at uni, I used to always buy from New Look, Topshop or River Island…but I now feel about 75 when I go in there! I have always liked Next, but since giving up working in an office, it often seems too smart. The honest truth is for many of these stores, I just haven’t even been in them recently.
I love getting the brochures in the post from Hush, Baukjen, Joules and The White Company and daydreaming about what I would buy…but unless there is a sale on, I feel quite outpriced by most of their stuff and I am genuinely not sure it would suit me.
Instead of thinking about brands I love I thought about the facts – where are the clothes I am wearing actually from? And the answer: Sainsburys (TU), Tesco (F&F) and Gap – maybe I am drawn to acronyms and short names! The truth is ‘convenience’, not passion, has taken over my style. I have bits from the supermarkets because that is where I actually get chance to look at clothes, and I buy from Gap because they flood my inbox everyday with money off offers.
Unfortunately, with two young children and only a couple of days a week to cram in work, I don’t have time to wander around a shopping centre. I remember when I was working in publishing I would ‘pop into town’ on a lunch break, because I could! However, ever since having kids who can move, the last thing they want to do is stand nicely in a shop whilst mummy browses and it’s the last place I want to be with children!
So, what did this question achieve? My determination that things have got to change! I need to take more interest in my clothes and the brands and styles out there. I need to find my trusted, go-to shops. I need to find some time (yes hubby and grandparents be ready for the call!) to go and discover what is out there for me…in my budget, in a fashion that will suit me and where I will feel happy, whether that is on the high street or online. I really hope Victoria can set me off in the right direction!
Style Icons;
Identifying a style icon also lead to a rather worrying realisation – I don’t have one! I believe this is partly because I have never been overly interested in fashion and though I can appreciate when someone looks nice, I am not sure I take much notice of what people are wearing. The one person who did pop in to my head was Tess Daly. Primarily, because I watched the entire series of Strictly last year and I often thought to myself ‘she looks nice’. However, the downside to picking ‘Tess on Strictly’ as an icon, is that she always looked very glam and perfect for a cocktail party or dinner-dance – this neither suits my situation or my needs. Oh dear…so once again…Victoria, help me please!?!?!?
Naming positives;
The second to last question was painful. It’s awful to admit, but it took me absolutely ages to think of ‘three things you LOVE about yourself’ …just three…but love not ‘like’, not ‘think is ok’… actually LOVE.
As I sat there, mind blank, it made me feel incredibly sad. It reminded me why the work Victoria does, her positive attitude towards body image and her constant reminder about being confident in our own bodies is so so so important. I want both my children to be able to name three things they love about themselves in an instant (not just my daughter, but my son also), and not only now, whilst they are children, but forever. I think I often come across as a confident person, but do I love elements of myself? It turns out, I don’t. I cobbled together three things, but I hope after my consultation and over time, I will be able to name three and truly believe in them.
And the icing on the cake…
As requested, I sent off my questionnaire and photos (yep even the wrists!) and what did I get in reply? An acknowledgement? Yes. A ‘looking forward to our consultation’? Yes. And also a P.S., which simply said ‘your figure is AMAZING!’.
I don’t share this to show off (and I don’t even believe it), but just to see it there in black and white, well, I admit it did make me smile. It made me think a lot about why I can’t believe it and, once again, it made me realise how much I need Victoria in my life. We all need someone to tell us that ‘you are amazing – yes you’.
As it is January, my personal new year’s resolution is to compliment more people – my friends, family and clients – to tell them genuinely how good they look, how nice they are and how happy they make me feel to have them in my life. Spread a little happiness.
Now, bring on the colour consultation – I can’t wait!
I can’t wait either Kate! See you soon!
Be Forever You, Always,
Victoria