STILL INTO THE SEVENTIES & FEELING MYSELF

What a difference a month can make and of course a spot of nice weather ey?

Having started the year on a bit of a lull, I guess like many of us, I’m finally feeling like myself again. I’m happy, positive and excited for the year ahead.
The weathers getting a little warmer the diary is filling up and there are lots of things to be excited about and thankful for! I truly hope you’re all feeling good too, especially if like me you’ve had a slow start to the year.

You can always tell I’m feeling good about life when I choose to vlog, which I did last week, my first vlog in months and months. It went live last night and I’ll leave it linked here for you in case you fancy having a nosey at what I got up to last week. There’s something really fun about vlogging but also really terrifying about putting yourself out there on the internet for others to make a judgement on. I’m doing much better mentally and I feel like I’ve FINALLY got that “fuck em” attitude back towards those who don’t like me yet choose to watch and in-turn talk about me. Thank you to each and every one of you who has taken the time out to comment or to send me a private message or email with all the positive vibes, it’s you guys I’m here for and will continue to be here for and you always manage to put me back on the right path, so thank you. It’s nice to finally have that positive light back in my life and to not dwell on the minority of meanie bums that unfortunately come part and parcel with this industry.

Another thing that has really been adding a spring to my step lately is falling back in love with my own personal style.
I was discussing this just last week with my sister Faye and how the clothing and pieces that make you feel the most like you, can also make you feel like you’re in a bit of a rut, like you’re being a touch predictable and that don’t always fill you with the inspiration you need to take on the day.

My sister stated how she was “bored” of wearing a midi/maxi dress with chunky footwear but found that she was constantly being drawn back to said pieces, and I get it, man alive I get it, show me a pair of platform boots, an A-line mini skirt or a pair of wide leg jeans and I’m sold, a no brainer way to make me feel good but often an easy way to make me feel like I’m stuck in a rut or boring everyone with the same work horse pieces.

However, it’s important to remember that there’s a reason that those pieces are the work horse pieces within your wardrobe and there is certainly a reason why they work to make you feel like you; they allow you to feel comfortable and like you can take on the world. They’re often the pieces that allow people to relate to you, to understand you and to distinguish who you are as a person; and whilst I don’t condone judging someone based solely on the way they’re dressed, it’s certainly something that shouts a message to the world, that showcases your personality and that creates a first impression for those who are yet to get to know you.
I often struggle with imposter syndrome and second guessing myself and my style due to the fact that I’ve built a career based around just that, it’s key that I and that you don’t loose sight of those “predictable” pieces however “done” with them you may feel at the time.

It’s so easy to be inspired by other people you see in your field and to almost subconsciously mimic what it is they’re doing or what they’re wearing, but essentially you aren’t being true to yourself and your own personal style and this will always end badly for your state of mind. I’ve discussed how I’ve always had a very distinctive style from a really young age, always inspired by certain eras, by music and by colour, however I remember when the whole Scandi scene came along and everyone was rocking it and everyone was killing it on social media with it. I gave it a go, I even reduced the amount of colour in my wardrobe entirely (yeah I know what on earth was I thinking!?!) And in-turn I neglected my true self, my own passion and my personality and I’m not sure I’ve ever felt lower. It was then that I vowed to never do or try something just because everybody else is doing it and succeeding it in. Take the whole get-dressed-really-fast Instagram video trend that’s taken the fashion industry by storm lately. I’ve got to be honest, I absolutely HATE them! I don’t find them interesting or inspiring to watch so I’m sure as-heck not going to make my own just because those who are doing it are flying, you know?! Different strokes for different blokes, it’s SO important to stay true to yourself, your morals and your style, as that will always stand the test of time and allow you to stand out in the long run, I truly, truly believe that!

For me, it’s the pieces that nod to the sixties or the seventies, with a touch of masculinity and a pop of colour that I find myself gravitating back to time and time again. And whilst it’s great to experiment and to get out of your comfort zone from time to time, it’s nice to know we always have those failsafe pieces to fall back on.

Choose the pieces that make you feel confident, particularly when you’re in a funk and just do you, don’t look to others and what they’re doing, simply march to the beat of your own drum and be unapologetically yourself.

Take this look for example, a look I’ve rocked countless times before over the years but a look that truly makes me feel bad ass and exactly like me. It’s the failsafe combination of flared jean and platform boot, a combination I’ve convinced myself I’m done with but a combination I find myself turning to in times of need and of doubt ‘cause it’s a combination that truly epitomises what I’m all about.
By adding in some seasonal touches, it’s a combo that is so easy to update with passing trends, feelings and of course the unpredictable British weather. Throwing in some SS19 touches with some super cute and super nostalgic red polka dot hair slides, a pair of new and totally fabulous sunglasses by Burberry and a new in Reefer Jacket that work to keep this look fresh and new whilst still being oh so totally me.
Like it or lump it, the most important thing to me is to be me.

x M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSIE BUTCHER