…….. we’ve had at the first Style Forum on Personal Branding. Our 2 hour session overran by nearly 2 hours!!!  That’s how much fun we had, along with the learning and the revelations about who we really are and how we should dress to embrace our unique essence.

Missed out? Well, our next one is on April 24th and I do limit the numbers to keep it personal as well as affordable. If you want to look like a model, then go straightaway to this link and book now. Places are going fast. You might not look like Kate Moss but you’ll certainly know what suits your  own catwalk style.

http://shop.feelfabat50.com/index.php?maincat_id=7

What a fantastic day we had on Friday. Fabulous women delighting in their new authentic styles. Here’s what some of them have to say:

‘The workshop was most illuminating and to that end I have been more conscious of my attire. Even my chickens have been impressed that the standard of garb when administering to their needs has improved somewhat! You have to go some to impress a chicken let me tell you!!’

‘Thanks for a really enjoyable and informative day – I had fun and feel more confident in expressing my authentic self through the way I dress. The very next day I did my first wardrobe weed and was able to put out a very full bag for charity as a result! Your comment about that you consistently feel 9/10 in your presentation has stayed with me and as I dress now I consider how I would rate it and adjust accordingly to get it higher’.

‘Many thanks for yesterday, I really enjoyed meeting everyone. The event was inspiring and enlightening and the visit to Ronen Chen was my Ah Ha moment.  I got a WOW from my daughter this morning and for the first time ever, I felt like a 9 when I walked out of the door.’

…… mmmm, 2 of my favourite things and now  a new brand created with the older woman in mind.

I blogged last year about the demise of Principles and how the directors were hoping to create a new brand. Well, Mint Velvet is here and here is their story.

Liz, our Brand Director, came up with the idea for Mint Velvet following her own frustration at the lack of glamorous, yet relaxed, clothing for modern women.  Liz wanted to create a range that was sexy and comfortable at the same time as being affordable and age suitable.  The collection fills a heavy gap in the market for 30 something women who want their dose of fashion, which is relevant to them and their lifestyles.  In fact, our customers range from 20s – 60s.  The ease of the collection makes it so wearable across the board.

Liz, Jane and Lisa, who are behind Mint Velvet, are amazing, inspirational women to work for.  Not only have they created a fabulous brand, but juggle the usual keeping a home, and bringing up young children.  They have achieved so much in such a short time, particularly considering the set up was in the midst of the recession, and are truly iconic figures to other women wishing to start up in business.  They make work life fun and interesting – everyone who works for Mint Velvet adores the brand and the team.  It’s great environment to work in.

The Story So Far…

Mint Velvet is a brand grown from a love and understanding of fashion, and a desire for something new, modern and easy.  Mint Velvet was founded by three women from the fashion world, who longed for clothing that reflected their lifestyle – relaxed, yet glamorous.  The brand offers women a collection which co-ordinates, is flattering and makes them feel great about themselves.  The collection is bought and designed entirely in house, and comes together effortlessly, combining stylish basics with beautiful prints, individual detailing and refined textures and always with Mint Velvet’s “relaxed glamour” ethos at the heart of every decision.  Mint Velvet aspires to be different, offering beautiful clothing in a beautiful boutique environment with expert style advice from Mint Velvet’s in-store stylists.

Spring  Summer 2010…

…Welcomes a new romantic and more delicate feel to the season.  Sheer fabrics and layers, lace trims, lingerie influences and gentle ruffles are the vibe of the summer.  Every piece has the signature Mint Velvet touch of easy, layered, styling.

A palette of cosmetic tones and ice-cream hues of mints, peach, nudes and pretty pinks all sit back with soft greys.  Hints of sparkle and stud beadwork give an edge to the softness.

Slate Silk Ruffle Dress, £75, Full Sleeve Cardigan, £65, Stone Vintage Lace Pom Pom Scarf, £25′.

Soft smudgy floral dresses are layered with sheer knits, or subtly, crushed and creased, outerwear; a boyfriend jacket, a trench, a gently creased leather jacket or a throw-on summer coat.

Cut and drapery remain key to the Mint Velvet look with clever knots, twists and hook-up detailing.  Easy slouchy top and tunic shapes are simply put back with a legging, jean or easy pant for an elegant, feminine and effortless look.

Floral Dress, £85

More about us…

Mint Velvet is available across the country in House of Fraser and selected Fenwick stores, online at www.mintvelvet.co.uk and in our boutique stores in Chichester and Windsor, with more openings planned for the New Year.

AND BEST OF ALL – THERE IS A SPECIAL DISCOUNT TO FEEL FAB AT 50 READERS .

Follow us on our blog at http://blog.mintvelvet.co.uk/, on Facebook and Twitter!

I’ve just bought the new book by Lulu looking for an insight into her secrets for looking amazing. I can’t believe how youthful and radiant she looks and, as she’s 61, I decided I need some of what she’s on before that age descends upon me.

Interestingly, I have already picked up on some of her tips which reflect the changes in our bodies as we get older. I don’t mean the obvious, such as staying out of the midday sun, giving up smoking and so on but things like cutting down on fruit (too much sugar), eating lots of greens (every meal), enjoying quality and not quantity of my favourite things such as coffee, chocolate and alcohol (not only do I put on weight but I don’t sleep either).  She is also a huge advocate of yoga, walking ( I have books on it – and that’s as far as I’ve got), and meditation (also on my ‘must do’ list but unfortunately at the bottom).

I’m thrilled she’s still in love with fashion and accessories though not bags (that’s very like me at the moment – perhaps the IT bag has had its day at last?).  I also agree whole heartedly with her styling tips, which are definitely on a par with the ones I’d give you.

Wise and beautiful with a youthful curiosity, high energy and a fantastic radiance, Lulu’s definitely an inspirational icon that I’ll be referring to as I grow older.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/LuLus-Secrets-Looking-Good-Fabulous/dp/0007310544

It’s Fairy Liquid’s 50th birthday and if you are as ‘old’ as me, you’ll certainly remember Blue Peter. Whatever they created always required sticky back plastic and a Fairy Liquid bottle!

To mark the occasion, Fairy Liquid is back in its former packaging – the white bottle with green lettering and, of course, the baby. Seems like only yesterday that this was the version in the shops! I must be getting old.

Principles is back. Many of you have lamented its passing, especially those of you that are petite. well, stress no more. Your prayers have been answered.

Ben De Lisi, obviously understanding the plight of this market, has relaunched the range for Debenhams bringing back timeless elegance and quality fabrics at affordable prices.

Go online and you’ll find a capsule wardrobe with hints and tips on how to wear from Ben himself.

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_10001_10001_135110_-1

I took the liberty of ‘stealing’ this from my inspirational POWER (Perfectly Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Results) colleague Lisa Whitehead’s e-zine as I thought it was really apt

It feels decidedly cold here for March. I heard that the daffodils are about 4 weeks behind their normal appearance this year. It seems Spring is a little slow to wake up this time, just a little bit longer in hibernation…. Trust that, just the same as the daffodils, the growth is still going on, we just can’t see it yet. Once the new shoots break through, everything speeds up and everything blossoms very quickly, so enjoy this time of nurturing. Its all part of the preparation for bigger, brighter, bolder things!

Which brings me to my guidance for this month!

Be Bold!

Just like the daffodil, bright and bold.

How can you be bolder today?

Do you grow towards your goals…or do you shy away?

In order to grow and bloom the daffodil grows towards the sun, it basks in its warmth and light, it stands tall.

Its bright yellow colour brings wisdom, intellect, enthusiasm, joy and optimism.It is the colour of personal power and fulfilment,abundance, courage and self confidence. Throughout the ages yellow has stood for wisdom, aiding logic, memory and concentration. It brings will power and  creative energy, giving us a feeling of exspansiveness and curiosity.

Where do you need more “yellow” in your life?

Just for today, why not look for ways to be bold, unlock and unravel your full potential. Try something new and bold……. let me know what happens!

www.getalife-uk.co.uk for more information.

Look at Calendar March 30th for details of Celebrate Me workshop and the launch of POWER. It’s FREE.

Wearing fur has always caused violent reactions and not since the 80′s has the fashion industry embraced the real thing with anything like the enthusiasm shown by the new collections for Autumn/Winter 10. Texture is making a comeback and it seems that real fur fits neatly into this box, even though there are really good alternatives available these days. Designers have said that they scrutinise their suppliers to make sure the fur is gained by ethical means but the decision to take stock has not been decided by all retailers yet, though John Lewis and Selfridges have declined to take it and Top Shop and River Island are nodding to the trend with vintage style faux fur coats. Harrods will continue to sell fur under their ‘customer choice’ policy and some of the independent traders are also backing the fur option. Many famous names, such as Twiggy, have rallied against the trend saying it’s ‘sad’ and ‘disappointing’, especially when you consider global fur sales in 2008 were a massive £8.5bn. What do you think?

Photo: Chanel using fake fur in their collection shown in Sweden.

Last year Top Shop held a charity project with some of the most stylish women in the world donating their clothes for hire over the Christmas period. The same dresses are now up for auction. Proceeds are going to various charities such as Age Concern and Help The Aged. The date: March 16th. To check out the clothes and make a bid : http://www.invaluable.com/catalog/searchLots.cfm?scp=c&catalogRef=OFEDH9EEMC  Before you think ‘I’m too old, too big, too poor’ read on. The clothes are not all small sizes – at least one item is a 44 inch chest – and bidding starts at £30. There are some real classic labels such as Ossie Clark, Biba and so on, so check it out. Something for everyone, including your man!