Change It Up!

"Hair style is the final tip-off whether or not a woman really knows herself." - Hubert de Givenchy

So it's a new year fashionistas! A time for looking forward, taking a leap, learning from the past and conjuring up resolutions for the coming months. I am lucky enough to say that I live with no regrets, any I might have had, (especially in terms of style) I like to think of as much needed learning curves. Now, as the new year has come, I've been contemplating how I could better myself, my look, my attitude and meet tomorrow with a new me. Not much different from before, still fabulous, just improved. As business was good nearing the end of the year I treated myself, a little extravagantly and fed my shopping addiction. So a wardrobe change wouldn't do the trick as I now have more outfits and shoes than i know what to do with! And my style is ever changing - gradual, not what i needed to zhoozsh this new beginning.

I recently returned from a fabulous holiday in Cape Town, and as much as I love the city, myself and wind don't mix. After one day in the dreadful gust my hair and I needed a new plan of action. For quite some time, two years or so, I've been sporting a super eighties mega mullet. Short sides, (sometimes shaved) choppy on top and extra length at the back, like below the base of my neck extra length. Not for everyone but I loved it, even more so with my 1920's inspired headbands. As much as I thought my hair worked for me, in the Cape it really didn't. I was in 'fashion don't' territory. My straightener wasn't doing anything to help, unless I was gearing for a scarecrow look. Hairspray only helped in mucking everything up and creating a horrifying nest. Other than staying in doors I needed to take drastic measures. Hats are a fabulous accessory, however with my large head and not so dainty ears they've just never really worked for me. But on this holiday I was going to make an exception, I needed a cover up and I needed it now! Luckily on our second day I found a stylish trilby, woven that glistened a little in the sun. It fit my head, was sold, and I wore it consecutively for the next few days.

On arriving home and really feeling the pressure to make myself over in some way, I realised it had to be the hair. I took the trip as a sign that the mullet wasn't working for me, and with the ghastly holiday pics it created I new I would never enjoy it the same. So I did it, booked the appointment and off to the salon I went. 

I always say, that there's nothing like a good cut and colour to lift your spirits and that's exactly what it's done. I walked out feeling the breeze on my neck, loving the new frame on my face and ready to kick-start 2011 in style! I have to admit, that if I'd kept my old cut any longer I'd be nearing the danger zone of fashion 'has-beens'. You know those sad individuals who get stuck in the styles of their youth when they thought they looked their best, yet not so much ten years later and counting. If Cape Town and it's frightful winds planted the seed, this pushed me over the edge and landing under the scissors.

When it comes down to it, what is it that really gives us the key to take on the world? How do we get that smile in the mirror before walking out the door? How is it that we get people, colleagues, family and friends to notice us, really see us? It's with confidence. And in my opinion, no greater confidence comes from anywhere else other than how you look. Your outward appearance affects how you feel on the inside. Looking good on a constant basis filters out into your life in ways that still surprise me. Working in fashion I see first hand the magic it makes people feel. The false eye-lashes you never thought you'd wear, better fitting clothes, the height of a heel or a new hair cut. Small things and easy to do, but they'll bring about a change, adding to the (as Kimora Lee Simmons coined) 'fabulosity' you already possess. So do it, make the change, the resolution if you will, and start your year in style.

My 'after' picture.

Stay fabulous fashionistas and create your own.

Yours in style,

Melissa Jane

xoxo