Accessories Edit

House of Colour

Accessories Edit

Accessories are the single most transformative items in our wardrobe. It’s a bold statement I know but honestly if there is anything that is worth investing in and most importantly wearing, it’s accessories. They can enliven the most basic of clothing into something that has style and panache. They singularly can take the plain jumper and trousers and make them an outfit that reflects our personality, adds interest, and lifts the spirits!

From jewellery to hats, belts, scarves, hairclips even shoe clips the range on offer and the areas to which one can add something different and defining is great. So dig them out. Have a look through them all and let’s get them on: • How often are elements lurking at the back of drawers, cupboards, bottom of jewellery boxes that don’t see the light of day? Are you wearing the same pieces that happen to be handy on your dressing table? Lay them all out, look at what you’re wearing and what you’re not wearing. If you’re seriously not going to wear that item again then move it on to a new home. Rotate them - invest in a jewellery tree so you see more on your dressing table and are inspired therefore to wear it. • Brooches – how often do you wear one? They have been having a renaissance recently and they instantly add oomph to coats, jackets and knitwear.

Wear on the upper left side. Try it on a hat. • Could the item be reinvigorated? We often have items particularly jewellery that we have been given but which don’t necessarily suit us and haven’t therefore been worn. So, could they be remodelled? There are jewellery designers who will remodel items and I include costume jewellery, into something more useful. It could be as simple as changing the length of a necklace. Gemstones are often redesigned and is a lovely way to take the spirit of the item into a new era. There are lots of good jewellers locally – ask your consultant for details. • Everyone needs a good quality belt. Where there are beltloops there needs to be a belt. At a style consultation we go into this in more detail in terms of style and positioning because it’s really important for a number of reasons. They give us proportions, and I know it’s counter-intuitive as many of us are really nervous of highlighting that area but defining it in the right place makes us look slimmer! Try taking a photograph of yourself full length with a top tucked in, with a belt, and one without and see the difference it can make. Belts give us authority – think about military uniforms, they all define this area and this translates into contemporary clothing. • Add pop of colour. Scarves are a fabulous way of bringing colour and style to an outfit (I’m sure you have a fair few lurking in a box, drawer somewhere).

Wearing a wow colour next to the face brings an instant lift. Try switching up the way you tie it to make it more interesting. Check out a few youtube videos for a new way of tying them or ask your consultant. If I could exhort you to do one thing it would be to wear them; rock that post office queue, dazzle the supermarket, uplevel the kitchen disco. Let’s not leave them in the box, the drawer, for that ‘special’ occasion. Everyday is special enough.

Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour

House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look. Find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist

Could you volunteer and become a school governor?

Would you like to help make a positive contribution to children’s education and help shape the future of the next generation? Do you have professional skills that you can offer? Are you committed to contributing to your local community?

Laburnum Primary School is looking for supportive volunteers who want to make a difference to the lives of our children by offering their skills, expertise and time as school governors. Being a school governor can be enjoyable and stimulating and is a rewarding way of making a difference to the lives of local young people.

LABURNUM PRIMARY SCHOOL

If you are interested in the role of Governor and can spare time to attend meetings and school visits (three full meetings a year plus committee meetings), please contact Pauline Duncombe, Chair of the Governing Body on p.duncombe@laburnumprimary.co.uk In accordance with our safer recruitment policy, all governors will need to provide two personal references and agree to complete Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks prior to appointment.