OWN YOUR CONFIDENCE & FEEL YOUR FABULOUS WITH SPICEY MEL B!

KEEPING IT REAL, SCARY SPICE MEL B GETS CANDID ON BODY CONFIDENCE AND SO MUCH MORE…

OUR CELEBRITY JOURNALIST ANGELA SARA WEST @ANGELA_SARA_WEST UNEARTHS HOW THE HONEST SPICE

GIRL SETS AN EXAMPLE TO YOUNG GIRLS, HER FAVOURITE SUMMER SWIMWEAR, MODELLING WITH HER MUM AND DAUGHTER, AND WHY SHE INSISTED ON NON-AIRBRUSHED IMAGES FOR HER #OWNYOURCONFIDENCE CAMPAIGN WITH POUR MOI.

Looking to spice up your life this summer? Look no further than one of our fave champions of girl power, Spice Girl Mel B, who tells us about how to achieve body confidence, what she wants, what she really REALLY wants, and how she’s inspiring us all to ‘feel our fabulous’ and forever confident with her gorgeous new lingerie and swimwear range.

Empowering us all to ‘own our confidence’, luxury lingerie, swimwear and nightwear brand Pour Moi has teamed up with Mel B MBE - the embodiment of Girl Power, AKA Scary Spice!

Joined by her stunning daughter Phoenix Brown and amazing mum Andrea Brown, this power trio are here to show us how they feel confident, comfortable and fabulous in a gorgeous new range from the brand.

“I LOVED shooting this with my daughter Phoenix and mum Andrea, showing how you can feel confident, comfortable and fabulous in gorgeous lingerie, swimwear and beachwear!” Mel reveals.

“I love that it was a collaborative experience – it was my idea to include my mum and my daughter. I love Pour Moi’s lingerie and swimwear and how it makes me feel, and I loved that almost everything looked WAY better on than I ever thought it would. I love that it’s British, and I loved that on the day we had so much fun!”

SPICE GIRLS’ ‘WANNABE’ SUPERSTARDOM

As one fifth of the best-selling girl band of all time, Melanie Brownaka ‘Scary Spice’ - is one of the most widely recognised pop stars on the planet. The band’s catchy debut single, ‘Wannabe’, hit the No.1 spot in a whopping 37 countries, sending them on a meteoric rise to superstardom. The all-girl group have since sold almost 100 million records and are such an influence on modern culture, very much inspired by feisty Mel B, that there are constant calls for them to reunite.

Mel B has been a driving force behind the Spice Girl’s reunions and tours while her solo and media work has gone from strength to strength. Phenomenally popular, Mel B has enjoyed a successful solo career, throwing her larger-than-life personality and incredible ambition all in and topping the UK charts with her debut single, ‘I Want You Back’, co-written by Missy Elliott.

Her eagerly anticipated debut album, ‘Hot’, spawned two other Top 10 hits - ‘Tell Me’ and ‘Feels So Good’, while her second solo offering, ‘L.A. State of Mind’, followed before she scored another hit with dance track ‘For Once in My Life’ in 2013, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs Chart.

The Scary Spice Girl remains constantly in demand as a TV presenter, too, also featuring as a judge on music mogul Simon Cowell’s hugely successful small-screen shows ‘The X Factor’ and ‘America’s Got Talent’, along with co-presenting ‘Dancing With the Stars’ in Australia and the UK’s version of ‘Lip Sync Battle’.

Celebrating Real Woman

So, how did Mel’s latest top brand collaboration come about? “I love that Pour Moi’s philosophy is about feeling fabulous, feeling confident and celebrating women of all shapes, sizes and ages. It’s about being real, not being edited, and not taking ourselves too seriously,” says Scary Spice.

“There is no such thing as the perfect body; we all come in different shapes, sizes, colours and skin tones, and all of them are beautiful. We need to celebrate all body types and shapes, too!”

GIRL POWER!

Their collaborative Own Your Confidence campaign is dedicated to women celebrating women, and both the Spice

Girls and Pour Moi believe that every girl and woman should feel confident and empowered to be unapologetically themselves.

“I’m all about the girl power, as you know, so when I was approached by Pour Moi for this campaign, I knew I had to be a part of it. It’s time that we owned our confidence, spread those positive vibes and empowered others to be their true selves!”

So much so, that you can now shop Mel’s styles, Feel Your Fabulous and Own Your Confidence with Pour Moi!

Spice Up Your Summer Wardrobe Add some serious spice to YOUR life and wardrobe with the latest lingerie, swimwear and beachwear styles from a brand that spreads positivity, empowerment and encourages people to be themselves.

Pour Moi’s range of core products are designed with YOU in mind, so you can feel confident and supported knowing you’ve found the perfect fit for you. “We all want to feel our best and make the most of ourselves whatever our shape or size,” says Scary Spice.

How does perfect-fitting lingerie make Mel feel? “It makes me feel fabulous, confident, supported and sexy!” she reveals. “Great-fitting lingerie gives you confidence because you feel fully supported and fabulous, and that’s how we all should feel, right?!!”

Sculpt Your Curves

The queen of girl power, just like Pour Moi, is all about celebrating our differences and what makes you uniquely YOU.

Pour Moi will help you find the perfect fit, because when the fit’s good, YOU feel good, too! Their swimwear styles are designed to fit and flatter your natural body and help sculpt your curves.

“I love Pour Moi’s lingerie and swimwear, and I loved that almost everything looked better on me than I ever thought it would. It’s true what they say, Pour Moi is for everybody!”

The multi-generational Brown family show you how to feel confident, comfortable and marvellous in whatever you’re wearing.

Along with Pour Moi, the Spice Girl hand selected a range of incredible products across lingerie, swim and beachwear that will make you feel your most confident self.

Her fave confidence-boosting piece? “That’s a hard question, and the answer will probably surprise people, but I love the old-school white-lace India set. It’s so pure and pretty. Gorgeous!”

She says she also loves the Paradiso, Cali and Casablanca swimwear lines, alongside Pour Moi’s Constance, Logo and India Eyelash lingerie sets and showstopping Leopard Couture Padded Bustier, which emulates Mel’s Iconic Scary Spice look, harking back to the hot’n’steamy Spice Girls days.

RADIATING SKIN & BODY CONFIDENCE

Honest and transparent Mel B also spilt on how she’s dealt with body confidence through the years.

Stating that she’s been through a lot of ups and downs, she says she is very grateful for her body and all it has done for her.

She believes comfort and fit are key factors in making women feel confident. “100 percent! I went into this campaign thinking I was a 34D… turns out I’m a 32DD. That proves the point that most women don’t really know their correct bra size. When you find a bra where both boobs fit well, that doesn’t make your boobs spill over for a double bubble or feels too loose or too tight or shows off back fat, you do feel different because you look good in it. And your clothes look better with the right-fitting underwear.”

Along with her daughter and mum, Mel’s cute pooch also got in on the camera action! The family joined forces with the luxury lingerie, swimwear and nightwear line with the shared belief that everybody deserves to feel confident and sexy in their own skin, no matter their shape, size, age, or skin tone.

Confident In Her Skin

From a young age, Mel says she understood that she looked different to other children in her school, so she had to quickly learn to be proud of who she is, her heritage, her hair and body. She has, therefore, always felt confident in her own skin.

“I was born a working-class kid in Leeds in the 1970s. My dad was black – from Nevis – and my mum was a blue-eyed English rose blonde. I was brown,” she explains. “My skin was different to most of the other kids’ I went to school with, so I had to learn very fast from a young age to be proud of who I am, to own my heritage, my fro, and my body. That’s how I’ve always felt.”

And her confidence positively radiates in every amazing image in this fantastic campaign. “After all, there is no such thing as the perfect body!” Mel exclaims. “We need to celebrate how unique we all are.”

Looking phenomenal, how does she see her body now, compared to when the Spice Girls were in their peak era? “Oooh… is that a fair comparison? I’m in my forties compared to my teens and twenties!” she says.

“It’s harder staying in shape, but I feel so much better when I really push myself to exercise, to eat right and to just feel like I am totally comfortable in my skin. I am never going to have the body I had as a teenager, but this body has given me three children. It’s been through a lot of ups and downs, so I’m very grateful to this body.”

Expressing Her Freedom

What does she love most about her own body? “I love my curves, I love the fact that my body is strong, and I love that I have brown skin. I love that I’m still standing after going through a lot in my life, including a ten-year abusive marriage. I’m a survivor. My body belongs to me, so part of the reason I did this campaign was to express my freedom.”

KEEPING IT REAL - UNAIRBRUSHED IMAGES

As part of the campaign, Pour Moi and Mel B both agreed on no airbrushing on all campaign imagery, which was very important to Mel.

“We all have lumps, bumps, creases, cellulite and stretchmarks that maybe we don’t want, but they are part of who we are. I was very keen NOT to airbrush these images because I am real, I am honest, and I don’t want to have my waist slimmed or my thighs trimmed because it’s not who I am…”

A Healthy Body

“I exercise – you can see my workouts on Instagram – I eat well – I don’t deprive myself of food or cravings - and I look after myself,” she divulges. “I’m proud to be 48 years-old and fit and healthy. I don’t want to be part of an unattainable, airbrushed campaign that actually makes women feel bad about themselves, because it’s not real.”

“We all come in different shapes, sizes, colours, skin tones and all of them are beautiful. We need to celebrate all body types and shapes! To me, it’s about fit, healthy bodies, confident bodies… it’s about loving the body you are in!”

How does she encourage and instil this ethos in her daughters so that they, too, feel confident in their bodies? “I tell them they are beautiful. I never talk about diets - I talk about health, fitness and strength.”

UNDER PRESSURE? RELAX AND THINK FIT!

How should women learn to love themselves unconditionally? “We just need to relax and stop putting pressure on ourselves,” Mel advises. “We need to think less about being thin and more about being fit. We need to honour our bodies and appreci - ate everything they do for us, even if it’s simply looking at ourselves in the mirror and telling ourselves we are beautiful. We need to think about the parts of our bodies we like, rather than focus on what we don’t like, and we need to stop worrying about what other people think.”

SOCIETY & SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGES

Does she think society’s views on the female body have changed much since the 90s? ”That’s a hard one… I think in a lot of ways we are more open, but on the other hand, we are bombarded with so many more images of ‘perfect’ bodies,” she replies.

“Back in the 90s, there were fewer women who looked like me in the public eye and now there is a much bigger melting pot. But women’s relationships with their bodies are always very complicated…”

It’s extremely important to Mel to set a good example to young girls about their bodies. “We live in an era of social media where girls – and boys – are constantly comparing themselves to perfect images, all the time. There is NO SUCH THING AS THE PERFECT BODY.” Her message to young women who feel pressured to look a certain way? “Please, please, please just be yourself. You are beautiful as you are.” And what would she say to her younger self? “Make the most of every happy moment.”

POUR MOI – SUPPORTING WOMEN

Pour Moi champions inclusivity with sizing from A-J Cup, with all products designed with everybody in mind, ensuring they are confident and supported, knowing they have found the perfect fit.

Supporting women is at the core of everything Pour Moi does. “We believe that everybody should feel confident and empowered to be unapologetically themselves,” says Michael Thomson, CEO and founder of Pour Moi. “That’s why we couldn’t resist sharing this journey with Mel B. Charismatic, confident and a true inspiration to many women, Mel B embodies everything our #OwnYourConfidence campaign stands for.”

“It was a no brainer to have her and her family help us spread the ‘feel your fabulous’ vibes!” The multi-generational Brown family show you how to feel confident, comfortable and fabulous in whatever you’re wearing.”

Mel clearly feels completely at ease in front of the camera, as portrayed in her collaborative #ownyourconfidence campaign content. “She completely understood the aim of the campaign and the ethos behind Pour Moi, so when she suggested involving her daughter, mother, and adorable dog, Cookie, we jumped at the chance!”

Changing Fashion

How has she seen clothing change since the Spice Girls’ 90’s heyday? “We have so much more choice now!!” Mel replies. “Back in the day, you’d have to cut up clothes or alter them to create a certain look that you liked. Now, you can see something and literally order it online in seconds.”

Fashion, of course, is constantly changing. “But then again, my daughter Phoenix is never happier than when she is rummaging around in my Spice Girl wardrobewhich she calls my ‘vintage wardrobe’. And I still wear catsuits, leopard prints and everything I wore back then! And I can still get into most of them!”

ANTI-AIRBRUSHING CAMPAIGN IN AID OF WOMEN’S AID

Supporting and empowering women is at the core of everything Pour Moi do, which is why, as part of the #OwnYourConfidence campaign, the brand is making a donation to UK charity Women’s Aid, forwhich both Mel B and Phoenix are patrons.

“I really love that Pour Moi are making a donation to Women’s Aid. That means so much to me, as their patron,” reveals Mel B.

GET SET TO SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!

Rumours are rife that Spice fans might soon get what they wish for, with Mel B and fellow band members Mel C (Sporty Spice), Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) and Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) all reportedly in reunion talks, just awaiting word from Victoria Beckham (aka Posh Spice) as to whether she will, this time, join them. Watch this space!

In the meantime, shop the Mel B look and spice up your life with Pour Moi’s latest lingerie, beachwear, swimwear and beachwear styles from the #OwnYourConfidence campaign and feel confident and supported, knowing that Pour Moi and a superstar Spice Girl have positively got your back!

To shop Mels favourite confidence-boosting pieces, head to www.pourmoi.co.uk/own-your-confidence

© Angela Sara West 2023 Insta: @angela_sara_west

Angela Sara West is not only a celebrity cover journalist for various national & international titles, but also a TV producer, celeb events planner & co-founder of Surrey Fashion Week, which sees a bi-annual celebrity charity catwalk show in her home county.

The ex-BBC writer based near London has interviewed everyone from Michael Douglas, The Spice Girls & Sir Richard Branson, to Bear Grylls, Claudia Schiffer & Ivana Trump, and schmoozed with Snoop Dogg, Henry Winkler (aka The Fonz) & Britney Spears.

Angela’s currently working with A-listers on world-famous Pinewood Film Studios’ annual Halloween Ball for tickets to the exclusive event and has recently teamed up with the Think Ocean charity to help save our precious planet.

For further info, visit: thinkocean.earth

©Insta: @angela_sara_west : @surreyfashionweekuk : @thinkoceanearth

Transform Your Backyard Into A Serene Oasis

As an interior stylist, I am constantly seeking new and unique ways to create beautiful spaces that bring joy and tranquility to our lives. One area that often goes overlooked when it comes to interior design is the backyard.

A backyard can be so much more than just a patch of grass or a place for kids to play. It has the potential to become a serene oasis, a place where you can escape from the daily hustle and bustle and find solace in nature and beauty.

Creating a backyard oasis is not as daunting as it may sound. With a little planning and creativity, you can transform your outdoor space into a tranquil retreat that reflects your personal style and provides an extension of your home. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. DEFINE YOUR SPACE :

The first step in creating a backyard oasis is to define the space. Consider what activities you enjoy the most - whether it’s lounging, dining, or gardening. Divide your backyard into zones for each of these activities, using different materials and layouts to designate each area.

2. SOFTEN WITH GREENERY :

Incorporating plants and greenery is an essential aspect of creating an oasis-like atmosphere. Choose a variety of plants, including tall ones for privacy, lush foliage for a tropical feel, and fragrant flowers to engage your senses. The simpler the better. Keep it consistent. Whites and greens work well together.

Think hydrangeas and boxwoods. Then you can add in some annual flowers that you can replace yearly to add in your pop of colour. Every year you can switch up your colours!

3. CREATE A SEATING AREA :

Every oasis needs a comfortable seating area for relaxation and entertaining.

Invest in durable outdoor furniture that combines style and comfort. Opt for weather-resistant materials such as rattan or teak, and add cozy cushions and blankets for that extra touch of luxury.

Place a pergola or umbrella to provide shade during hot summer days.

4. ADD WATER FEATURES:

The sound of flowing water has a calming effect on the mind and can instantly elevate the ambiance of your backyard oasis.

Consider installing a small pond, a trickling fountain, or even a mini waterfall to create a tranquil soundscape. Not only will it add aesthetic appeal, but it will also invite local wildlife to visit your little corner of paradise.

5. LIGHTING :

Don’t underestimate the power of lighting when it comes to creating a magical outdoor space.

Explore various options, such as string lights, lanterns, or solar-powered path lights, to add a warm and inviting glow to your oasis. Proper illumination will allow you to enjoy your outdoor haven even after the sun goes down.

6. COZY ACCENTS:

To truly create an oasis-like atmosphere, add cozy accents that evoke a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Incorporate outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and blankets in soft, natural materials to create a cozy nook. Hang a hammock or swinging chair for moments of serene daydreaming.

Remember, the key to creating a backyard oasis is to design a space that reflects your personal style and needs. Whether you prefer a Zen-inspired retreat or a vibrant and tropical sanctuary, infuse elements that bring you joy and help you unwind. With a little effort and creativity, your backyard can become the serene oasis you’ve always dreamt of - a haven where you can recharge, indulge, and find inner peace.

Enjoy your summer!

Your exterior Stylist

HANNAH