MIDWEEK MANTRA

KEEPING YOUR SPIRITS HIGH WITH WEEKLY THOUGHTS, INSPIRATION AND TASKS JUST TO GET YOU THROUGH TO THE END OF THE WEEK.

DRESSING UP TIME

WE ARE NOW GRADUALLY COMING OUT OF LOCKDOWN AND HOPEFULLY OUR SWEATPANTS AND HOODIES. BUT HOW WE DRESS CAN IMPACT HOW WE FEEL AND VICE VERSA. I RATHER EXPECT A LITTLE LIKE ME, YOU HAVE NOT BEEN PUTTING TOO MUCH EFFORT INTO YOUR APPEARANCE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

SO IN PREPARATION FOR GEARING OURSELVES BACK UP FOR WORK OR JUST LAUNCHING OURSELVES BACK INTO THE SOCIAL WHIRL ……..AT A SAFE DISTANCE OF COURSE I WANT YOU TO THINK ABOUT WHAT OUTFITS MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD.

Something Tailored To Get You Back Into Work Mode

SO TOMORROW I WANT YOU TO PUT A LITTLE MORE EFFORT INTO WHAT TO WEAR AND CHOOSE CLOTHES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD AND CONFIDENT. TAKE TIME TO DO YOUR HAIR AND MAKE UP. THIS WILL HELP TO RESET YOUR MIND READY TO TAKE ON LIFES CHALLENGES AGAIN. I SUSPECT WE ARE ALL FEELING APPREHENSIVE ABOUT GOING BACK OUT INTO THE BIG WIDE WORLD SO LETS START WITH SMALL STEPS TO INSPIRE US AND CHANGE OUR MOODS AND RAISING OUR STANDARDS IN LINE WITH OUR RENEWED HOPES AND DREAMS.

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: THE OLD ADAGE YOU ARE WHAT YOU WEAR IS DEFINATELY TRUE WEAR SOMETHING THAT INSPIRES YOU. IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE ULTRA SMART MAYBE A T SHIRT IS ALL IT TAKES, BUT JUST GIVE IT SOME THOUGHT TODAY

STAY SAFE !

MWAH MWAH XXXXXXX

JOJO X

MIDWEEK MANTRA

THOUGHTS, INSPIRATION AND TASKS TO GIVE YOU STRENGTH AND CLARITY TO GET YOU THROUGH THE WEEK.

Meditate In A Hammock By The Ocean

MINDFUL MEDITATION……ANYTIME ANYWHERE !

MANY OF YOU TELL ME THAT YOU FIND IT HARD TO FIND TIME FOR DAILY MEDITATION. TO TAKE TIME OUT FROM YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE TO SIT DOWN AND FOCUS IN QUIET CONTEMPLATION.

BUT MEDITATION CAN TAKE MANY FORMS AND YOU CAN MEDITATE WHILE DOING YOUR DAILY TASKS WHILE YOU ARE WIDE AWAKE.

IN 2020 OPRAH INTERVIEWED THE MONK THICH NHÅT HAHN SHE ASKED HIM “DO YOU MEDITATE EVERY DAY?’

HE REPLIED :” WE TRY TO DO IT NOT ONLY EVERY DAY BUT EVERY MOMENT. WHILE DRINKING, WHILE TALKING, WHILE WRITING, WHILE WATERING THE GARDEN, ITS ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO PRACTISE LIVING IN THE HERE AND NOW.”

MEDITATION IS ABOUT TUNING IN AND FOCUSSING YOUR MIND WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING AS YOU GO ABOUT YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS

  • HOUSEHOLD CHORES – TURN THE PHONE OFF AND DEVOTE SOME TIME TO CONCENTRATE THE MIND ON CHORES REALLY ACKNOWLEDGE EACH STEP AND HOW ENJOYABLE THE TASKS ARE IN GETTING A SATISFYING END RESULT.
  • DOING THE DISHES- FOCUS THE MIND ON THE FEEL OF THE SUDS ,THE WARMTH OF THE FLOWING WATER. TREAT EACH DISH AS AN INTERESTING ARTEFACT.
  • THE LAUNDRY- FEEL THE TEXTURE, SEE THE PATTERN OF THE MATERIALS. NOTICE THE SMELL OF THE CLEANLY LAUNDERED CLOTHES AND LINENS. TAKE CLEANSING BREATHS AS YOU FOLD EACH ITEM.
  • GARDENING- NOTICE THE SMELL OF THE FRESHLY MOWN GRASS, THE COLOUR OF THE FLOWERS AND THE SHRUBBERY, THE INSECTS. BREATHE DEEPLY AND MINDFULLY THE FRESH AIR AND FILL YOURSELF WITH GRATITUDE.
  • WHILE DRINKING AND EATING- TURN THE TV OFF . REALLY FOCUS ON THE FOOD ,THE TEXTURE,TASTE,SMELL REALLY SAVOUR EACH MOUTHFUL .EAT SLOWLY AND MINDFUL BREATHING DEEPLY.

HOW WONDERFUL TO MOVE THROUGH YOUR DAY IN A GRACEFUL MINDFUL MANNER TO HELP YOU APPRECIATE EVEN THE MOST MUNDANE OF TASKS.

TODAY TRY TO MOVE THROUGH YOUR DAY IN A MINDFUL WAY AND SHIFT YOUR PERCEPTION ON MEDITATION.

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: ALMOST WITHOUT EXCEPTION THOSE THAT MEDITATE ON A DAILY BASIS ARE ALWAYS HAPPIER THAN THOSE THAT DO NOT. THESE PEOPLE SEEM TO FLOW THROUGH LIFE WITH A PEACEFULNESS AND SERENITY ABOUT THEM.

MWAH MWAH

JOJO XXXXX

STYLE: HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT FITTING JACKET

OKAY STYLE BUNNIES AS YOU KNOW I AM ALL ABOUT INVESTMENT PIECES FOR THE SAKE OF THE PLANET AND THE SAKE OF YOUR CLOSET. ONE KEY INVESTMENT PIECE MUST BE A WELL FITTING TAILORED JACKET. BUT IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THOUSANDS TO SPEND ON HAUTE COUTURE OR A BESPOKE TAILOR THEN LET ME GUIDE YOU THROUGH GETTING THE SAME LOOK BUT (A LITTLE) CHEAPER. CERTAINLY WE WOULD BE LOOKING TO SPEND AT LEAST £300 ON A GOOD JACKET. BUT YOU WILL ONLY NEED ONE FOR A STAPLE IN YOUR BASIC WARDROBE.

Two of my current favourite Jackets Alexandre Vauthier and Moschino

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

FIT

When trying a Jacket on check for the following:

  • Shoulders of the Jacket should sit no more than one half an inch over your natural shoulder
  • Rotate arms over your head you should be able to do this comfortably
  • Collar form neck to bust line should sit smooth and flat
  • The Jacket should button easily but not too loose. Place one hand between the Jacket and your body it should sit comfortably between the two
  • Ensure the sleeves are the correct length. they should fall at the base of the hand. A good test is hold both arms out in front of you if the sleeves pull up above the wrists they are too short

LENGTH

  • The golden stylist rule here is your Jacket should cut off at the part of your body you wish to highlight. If you want to disguise large hips your Jacket should fall below the hips.
  • If you wish to emphasize a small waist then choose a jJacket that sits on the hips and is fitted at the waist.
  • Consider your body shape. try different style Jackets to see what flatters you.
  • If you are tall and want to appear shorter the general rule is a longer Jacket to balance the body. But if you have great legs shorter Jackets can emphasize longer legs.
  • Certainly though if you are short you will not want a longer line in your Jacket.
  • An ellipse shape (apple) may decide to go for a less nipped in at the waist style.
  • Employ a stylist for a couple of hours if you are unsure. Most large stores now offer this for free especially if you are going to be investment spending and you may get a glass of bubbly too while they do all the work. Would definately recommend.

LAPELS

  • Smaller lapels for larger bust
  • Wider lapels for small breasts or to balance body shape if you are a pear. to give you that sought after hourglass figure.
  • Large busts need a low button beneath the lapel to prevent gaping and pulling across a bust where the Jacket may fit perfectly.
  • Remember if you have read my earlier blog on body types you are angular or curved. Your lapels should reflect the line of your body. Curved lapels for curved body lines. Sharp lapels for more angular athletic body types.

POCKETS

  • Try to avoid flap pockets or overly decorative pockets on the hips if you don’t want to add weight to them.
  • I prefer a slit pocket on Jackets for overall fit and sleekness
  • Tailored jackets will sometimes have stitched the pockets shut. There is much discussion whether to cut these stitches or not . Personally I like to leave the pockets stitched to keep the line of the Jacket and to prevent it from becoming crumpled. Tailored Jacket pockets should never be used.

COLOUR

  • Once again if you read the article on discovering your colour type. You will already know what colours suit you. Choose a staple colour that will suit most things in your wardrobe. Some suggestions would be WINTER colouring BLACK, SUMMER colouring NAVY , AUTUMN colouring TAUPE SPRING colouring CREAM.
  • Or you may want a statement piece to wear with other neutral tones or jeans. Remember to stick to your correct palette to enhance your complexion and overall look.
  • I would stick to a basic colour for an investment piece as it should not be dictated by fashion however if you are attracted to a more dramatic Jacket be careful with the pattern or print. Basic rule large patterns make you look larger. Vertical stripes make you look taller. Small checks look better on a small frame. Larger checks look better on a larger frame. Personality also plays a part in bolder more dramatic prints. I often think a dramatic print on a timid shy person loses the person completely.
  • If you don’t know your colour palette enlist a colour therapist to ascertain yours. One hour is all it takes from £100. This is an investment as you will get a wallet of swatches of all the colours that suit you and go together in your complete colour palette. So every item of clothing in your closet will blend seamlessly. As far as I am aware no large stores yet offer this service.

FABRICS

This depends on the climate that you live in. But strictly NO polyester,viscose or acetate. It is like wearing plastic and will have you perspiring . Sweat patched under the arms is not a good look !! Other than that if you find a great Jacket and it fits perfectly dont sweat (see what I did there) the small stuff.

So there you go Stylistas my GO TO Guide to finding the perfect Jacket. So once lockdown is over schedule a day – time to Shop once more ! This is one time when mail order WILL NOT WORK for you.

JOJOS PICKS

Some of my favourite Jackets right now including my Alexandre Vauthier for half price !!!! (Very annoyed face)

IFYOU RECEIVED THIS BY EMAIL CLICK ON THE URL LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE TO VIEW THE IMAGES OR GO DIRECT TO STYLELIST50.COM

SHOP THE LOOK

JOJOS STYLIST TIP: NOT ONLY DO LARGE STORES PROVIDE PERSONAL STYLISTS NOW BUT THEY ALSO PROVIDE OFF THE PEG TAILORING AT A MINIMAL COST OR EVEN FREE TO ‘TWEAK’ THE GARMENT FOR A PERFECT FIT. ENQUIRE WITHIN STORE WHETHER THIS IS A SERVICE THEY OFFER.

MWAH MWAH

JOJO XXXXXXXX

MIDWEEK MANTRA

A WEEKLY DOSE OF INSPIRATION, POSITIVITY AND STRENGTH TO GET YOU THROUGH TO THE END OF THE WEEK.

SHIFT HAPPENS !

THE LAST FEW MONTHS HAS BEEN A TENSE TIME FOR MANY OF US. OUR NORMAL LIVES HAVE BEEN DISRUPTED AND MAY NEVER GO BACK TO BEING THE SAME AGAIN, BUT INTERESTINGLY I HAVE NOTICED THAT PEOPLE ARE TREATING EACH OTHER WITH FAR MORE CONSIDERATION. BUT AS THE LOCKDOWN EASES THERE WILL BE MORE CONSTRAINTS AND PRESSURES PUT UPON US AND WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESUME OUR LIVES PRIOR TO MARCH 2020. SO LET US CONTINUE OUR CARING TOWARDS OTHERS AS WE ARE BROUGHT TOGETHER IN TROUBLED TIMES TOWARDS OUR COMMON GOAL.

REACH OUT WITHOUT TOUCHING

SO THIS WEEK THE MANTRA I WOULD LIKE YOU ALL TO FOCUS ON IS BY THE AMERICAN POET MAYA ANGELOU.

“TRY TO BE A RAINBOW IN SOMEONE ELSES CLOUD”

FOCUS ON THIS MANTRA AND REPEAT IT SEVERAL TIMES AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH DAY TO SHIFT OUR OLD PATTERNS OF THINKING. TO MAKE A RAINBOW YOU HAVE TO ADD LIGHT INTO THEIR WORLD. THINK HOW YOU CAN DO THAT FOR PEOPLE YOU KNOW AND FOR PEOPLE YOU MEET NOW……EVEN 2 METRES APART IN THE QUEUE AT THE SUPERMARKET. EVEN IF IT IS A NOD , A SMILE, ANY GESTURE TO LET THEM KNOW YOU ‘SEE THEM AND FEEL THEM AS ANOTHER HUMAN’

REMEMBER IF YOU GENERATE FEELINGS OF PESSIMISM, ANGER AND HOSTILITY YOU ARE CERTAINLY NOT GOING TO GET LOVE AND LAUGHTER IN RETURN.

FIND YOU OWN LIGHT AND RADIATE IT . IT IS A SUPERPOWER . IMAGINE LIGHTING UP OTHER PEOPLES LIVES WHO MAYBE IN THE DARK RIGHT NOW.

JOJOS STYLIST TIP: WOW CAN YOU IMAGINE IF WE ALL DID THIS COLLECTIVELY. IN THE WORDS OF LOUIS ARMSTRONG I WOULD “THINK TO MYSELF WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD”. SO PASS THIS MESSAGE ON LETS DO THIS TOGETHER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE. STARTING TODAY !

MWAH MWAH

JOJO XXXXX