The FAB 40's | Red and Pink & My Ugly Shoes.

The Fab 40's

Today is an exciting day for me!
I am honoured to be included in a group of international bloggers, called The fab 40's.

The purpose of the group is to show how different women interpret a specific 'theme' or style.
{There is a different theme every month}

This diverse group of fabulous women, highlight the joy of individuality.
Each lady is completely different from the next but they all prove how stylish 'real' older women can be.
40+ does not have to mean dowdy, frumpy, boring or forgettable.
I am thrilled to bits to have been invited along!

Red and Pink

This month the theme was wearing Red & Pink together.
I don't mind admitting that I was very pleased!
Pink and red (especially red) are colours that I love to wear, and I often reach for these bright hues in the depths of Winter.
Red certainly adds some light relief to a miserable day.

{If you look carefully, you can see the rain in my photographs}

Today's Pink and Red outfit came together with ease.

I chose to wear my tight pink dress again, which I wore in the post "How to be Braver".
It is double layered jersey and is meant to be worn either knee length and smoothed out, or ruched.

These ruched dresses are supposed to be super-flattering ...hmmmm.
I have to say that I find that they highlight lumps and bumps.
They even create lumps that I didn't know existed.
My 42 year old mother's midriff does not need any help in the lumps department!
For me, this dress was an expensive mistake.

So, to tackle this lumpy problem (and to stop this dress ending up in the donation bag) I always wear something over it.
I decided to wear a red shirt dress over the top today, keeping with the red and pink theme.

A chunky necklace added interest but also had the job of distracting the eye.
My red/orange coat seemed the obvious cover-up choice.

Let's talk about Ugly Shoes. 

Okay, let's talk about a favourite topic of mine...Shoes.

I have many pairs of shoes and boots.
They give me a lot of pleasure.
Some are practical, some a just beautiful and some are classic BUT, sometimes I just give in to an "ugly" shoe.
I can't help it!
Something draws me to the awkwardness of certain shoe styles.
Maybe it's the fabric? The colour? The cut? The geeky vibe?
Whatever it is, I just can't resist.

Classic pumps (or even an ankle boot) would have been more grown-up, and elegant, with this outfit.
I know that.
BUT, these wedge-heeled wallabees were calling my name!

They are cool, quirky and fun.
They may not be to everyone's' taste but I can't help it... I look down and I smile.

As soon as I popped them on, It felt right.
I looked at my golf-club-esque limbs and could not help but laugh.
Ugly shoes can be beautiful.

{Oh, and did I mention they are supremely comfortable AND I got them at a bargain-tastic 80% off!?}

I love that feeling.

Coat: Hearts and Hands (urban outfitters)...similar.
Dress: Baukjen
Shirt Dress: Yong Kim (from ebay)...similar.
Tights: Levante
Shoes: Clarks Originals
Bag: Primark
Necklace: Boden

Please share any Ugly shoes that you love....tweet me a picture!

Let me introduce...

Now it is time to introduce my fellow bloggers and their fabulous Pink and Red outfits.

Sheela from Sheela writes.

Sheela lives in Houston. She is an amazing writer as well as a fiercely stylish blogger.

Her accessorising is incredible (when you have a browse at her blog please check out some of her rings) and her shoe collection is eye-wateringly cool!

These red shoes are a personal favourite of mine.

Jacket: Vintage Ungaro

Turtleneck: Forever21

Capris: Herban Devi

Wristlet: Rebecca Minkoff

Shoes: JustFAB

Lipstick:Veronica by Anastasia Beverly Hills

Dawn Fashion should be fun.

Dawn is from California and she is someone who's wardrobe I would LOVE to have a rummage through!
Some of her pieces make me go a little crazy.
{Vintage Prada shoes, for example}
Her take on this theme is so cool.
Feminine, yet edgy.
She mixes vintage, designer and highstreet with effortless ease.

Coat: vintage

Skirt and Bag: Boohoo

Jumper: Shein

Shoes: Vintage Prada

Mary from Curlybyrdie Chirps

Mary is a blogger from the Midwest who aims to be fashionable and fabulous, without spending a fortune. 

A woman after my own heart!

Her take on the theme is classy but uber-sexy.

She oozes femininity.

And, that clutch? I love it!

Skirt: Bisou Bisou

Coat: Worthington 

Boots: Nina
Clutch: Sam and Libby

Ann from Krembe de la Krembe

Ann is someone who I consider to be my blogging best friend.

She lives in Hong Kong and is a seasoned fashionista.
She has been blogging forever!

Her style is BOLD and I love her attitude.

Her pinks and reds are punchy and vibrant.

But, she grounds it all with the perfect shoe AND, that background?

Wow!

Glasses, Dress and Trousers: Forever 21

Blazer and Clutch: H&M

Earrings and Shoes: Kate Spade

Conny from Conny doll lifestyle.

A fellow pixie, from Germany.
How cool and casual is this take on the theme?
I love the effortless feel of this look, with that bold lip.
I would happily steal this entire outfit and wear it tomorrow!

Blouse and Cardigan: Dorothee Schumacher

Trousers: Minimum

Shoes: Nike Air

Bag: DIY

Jennie from A pocketful of polka dots.

Jennie is a lover of colour, but that was not always the case!

She made a conscious effort to ditch the black and embrace the fact that she looks great in bright colours.

Her mantra of "Go fabulous or Go home" really makes me smile.

Her take on the red and pink theme has a slightly masculine feel, which I love.

Jacket: Shein

Top: NY&Co.

Trousers: Worthington

Pumps: Y-Not?

Necklace: Charming Charlie

Bag: Kate Spade  

Diane from Fashion on the fourth floor.

Dianne is a natural athlete who loves to add a tomboy twist to her looks.
She is all for having fun with fashion!
I love the softer colour palette of her outfit and the fuss-free lines.
This jumpsuit is right up my style street...and those shoes?!
Hello!

Turtleneck:  Uniqlo

Jumpsuit:  River Island

Heels:  Hinge

Ring:  Forever 21

Bracelets:  Forever 21, Charming Charlie, H&M

I hope you enjoyed this post.
Please check out the other blogger's blogs (if you don't know them already) for more inspiration.
Stay tuned at the end of March for more fab40's fun!

P.S If you like this Red and Pink post, why not take a look at these...

If in doubt, wear red!
Styling eveningwear during the day.
Layering Reds and Pinks.
Wearing OTK boots.

Inspired? Join in the RED and Pink fun!

Pyjamas as Daywear, over 40, without looking silly?

Pyjama-style trousers as daywear?
Can anyone really look good in them?

I have to admit to secretly loving these pyjama-style trousers.
They are obviously VERY comfortable.
{That goes without saying, though, doesn't it!}
With comfort comes that relaxed feeling which is reflected in my mood.
Fidgeting with uncomfortable clothing is never a good look.

This pair of pyjama-style trousers have a luxe feel and a nice drape.
The design has an almost denim-like base colour, with a high gloss shine.
They are undeniably fun!
BUT, can we really get away with it, over 40?

You know my answer to this one....Of course we can!

If you love your slouchy PJ trousers (or anything else for that matter) and you feel good in them, then go for it!

If you are a bit nervous about looking like you couldn't be bothered to get dressed...

• Forget about teaming your slouchy pyjama trousers with slouchy tops. Leave the sweatshirt for another day.
• Pull them down a little, onto your hips. Honestly, it works a treat!
• Stick to luxe fabrics with a decent weight.
• Try wearing a high heeled bootie or (for evening) a dressy heeled sandal.
• Keep the lines of your top simple. Now is not the time for ruffles, bows or pleats.
• Add a "grown-up" bag in a neutral tone.
• Don't wear them with ballerinas...it just looks wrong.

Of course, I could have worn a high heeled bootie, plain bag, and a neutral top with these trousers.
Aiming for more of a glamorous and grown-up look.
BUT, I was all about comfort and colour today....and fun!

Personally, I would not be comfortable wearing the full pyjama-style look.
No matter how stylish it is supposed to be, it does not work for me.
However, pyjama-style trousers with a more fitted top (and some casual footwear) is a look I can get into, very easily.

I kept the rest of this outfit simple.
Teaming this patterned pair with a plain, but colourful, cashmere jumper and suede trainers.
This long blue pendant finished things off nicely!

I know pom poms are on their way out but, I could not resist adding this colourful duo to my bag!
{Not very grown-up at all}

Bag: Urban Country
Trousers: Topshop (these are nice)
Jumper: Boden
Trainers: Nike
Necklace: A Gift

 

Have you been tempted by the pyjama trend?
Or is that one look you are leaving well alone?

Please let me know in the comments.
Or if you prefer, tweet me @samantha4blair

Get a pyjama-style look:

Are Skinny Jeans really Over?

Skinny jeans.

My beloved Skinny Jean is falling out of favour with the fashion police.

Many "experts" would condemn them anyway...

• They are totally inappropriate for most occasions...too casual, too sexy, too revealing.
• They can be very unflattering....every lump and bump is on display. Muffin top anyone?
• They can look a little "sad" and "desperate" on anyone over the age of 20....Ahem? Excuse me?!

AND now, they are officially out of fashion.

Skinny jeans are over!

Should the skinny jean really step aside and let the new denim shapes and styles shine?

While many people will cheer at the demise of the skinny, there are those of us who will be mourning their passing.
Skinnies have had such a long run in the fashion spotlight.
I feel like they have been around forever!

{They have, haven't they??}

Is the skinny jean really dead in the fashion water?
Sigh.
I don't mind telling you that I still love them and I am not ready to give them up.
What should I do?

Luckily, being over 40 has its advantages.
Let me explain...

Nobody expects you to be fashionable.

One of the great things about being older is that nobody expects you to be fashionable.
Yes, of course, you can be bang 'on trend' and sport the latest designer looks, if your budget allows.
If not, you can 'nod' to the trends.
But only if you want to!

{WARNING: Totally ignoring trends is a one way ticket to Frumpsville}

However, whether you want to follow fashion, or not, you are entitled to wear whatever you want!
If you have honed your personal style, and you love a certain look, then it is perfectly acceptable to be completely out of fashion... so to speak.
To make your own rules.
If you love skinny jeans but the fash-pack are telling you not to, you don't have to listen.
You are free to do your own thing.
Age has it's benefits.

{Okay, the list is short...but this is a good one!}

Doing my own skinny thang!

Today I am wearing my new, saddle brown, super tight, skinnies and I don't care if I am not in fashion.
I am feeling pretty good.
They are a great (snug) fit with a decent rise...my muffin is tucked safely away.
The best part is that they were in the clearance section of the sale.
It turns out nobody else wanted this look in their wardrobe.
Lucky me!

I teamed them with this equally "over" scuba fabric, slightly quilted, sweatshirt and an old (possibly vintage) blouse.
Not in fashion, at all...oops...naughty me!
I had to wear my autumn hero's and these fine wool socks.
The colour combination was hard to resist!

Do you love, or hate, Skinny Jeans?
Are there any styles you wear regularly, regardless of what the fashion police say?

Please let me know by leaving a comment.
Or you can contact me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
I look forward to hearing from you!

Socks: Falke
Boots: La Redoute (similar)
Sweatshirt: H&M (I like this one)
Jeans: M&S
Bag: Chaps (This one is nice)
Shirt: Alexon (very old....similar)

If you like this post you might like these Skinny looks too....
Too old for skinny jeans?....OTK boots and grey skinnies and Skinny cords, with a vintage knit!

Get the look:

Spring Trends for Real Life | Casual Metallics & Multi Colours.

I love the "New season" magazine supplements, and really enjoy flicking through the latest designer offerings.

The Vogue supplement was making me swoon over the stunning clothes, at eye-watering prices.
£5000 for a dress? Yikes!

If, like me, you do not have a spare £10,000+ to re-stock your spring wardrobe, don't despair!
It is time to get inventive.
Just because I can't afford the designer pieces does not mean that I should not enjoy experimenting with the new trends.
Sometimes we can even re-create the latest looks from items we already have in our wardrobes.
Or, with the addition of a few well chosen pieces.
{Brands such a ASOS and Topshop tend to have their own versions in the shops quite quickly}

Celebrating Individuality

This SS16 season, the fashion houses were all about celebrating individuality and uniqueness.
I am all for that!
Using our clothes, and the way we dress, to reflect our personality or mood.
Today a woman at work asked me...

"So, what are the new trends for my age then, Sam?"

For my age??
I had to tell her off for that!
Modern clothing is meant to be fun, regardless of age.
Trends are for everyone.
We just have to dress to suit our body shape (and the occasion).
Age has nothing to do with it.
Mood and personality is everything!

Nod to the trends

Unless you are a model (and even then) head to toe trends can look a little silly in real life!
Those amazing, structured and enormous sleeves are totally impractical when making the dinner or doing the washing up.
But, we can easily give a subtle "nod" to what is in style, without looking (or feeling) like we are dressing up.

Today, I wanted to give that subtle nod to two trends that caught my eye.
Modern Alchemy: aka, metallics (or more specifically silver) and the Rainbow (multi) colours trends.
Both are easy to translate into real life.

Multi (rainbow) Colours

Rainbow colours (or my version, at least!) were easy to incorporate into a casual daytime look.
A floral blouse (last seen here, in summer) a multicoloured belt and designer-inspired necklace.
This is my cheap and cheerful version...

And this is the Marie-Helene De Tallac version, at £14,000....yep, you read that right!

Of course the designer version is far more beautiful than mine BUT 14,000 worth of beautiful??

Maybe not.

A bright green, cashmere, cardigan provided more colour and that all important warmth.

Skinny jeans are supposed to be on their way out (although I am not ready to give them up yet) so I gave my girlfriend-fit pair a spin.

My trusty silver and white metallic brogues were the perfect choice for a touch of the metallic, without being too shiny.

Comfortable and on trend.

What more could you want from a shoe?

Pop socks!?!

I have to admit to a couple of "cheats" in order to wear this outfit on such a cold day.

None of them are very glamourous or typically blogger-esque!

You will not be surprised to hear that I am wearing a long sleeved thermal top and matching leggings. (this top and these leggings)

I am also wearing sheepskin shoe liners.
They are soooooo cosy and well worth a try if you suffer from cold feet.
However, my biggest confession is that I am wearing...{gulp}.....pop socks!
Honestly.

Okay, Pop socks are certainly NOT classy or sexy.
I know they are not in any way chic.
BUT, if you avoid the cheap and nasty multipacks (they never, ever look good), they can look just like skin. (Try these).
No one would know.
They gave me just enough warmth to enable me to bare an ankle, with the added bonus of taking the edge off my blue (and slightly veiny) skin.

Spring is on it's way!

Do you have any secret "cheats' that allow you to wear what you want?
Do you ever wear uncool items...like pop socks!?
Please share in the comments....if you dare!
Or, if you prefer...message me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
I love hearing from you!

Jeans: GAP
Shoes: Aldo (these monks are cool)
Cardigan: Boden 
Watch: Swatch (this one is fun)
Blouse: Asda (this one is pretty)
Necklace: Asda (this one is lovely, this one is fun!)
Belt: Boden (similar)
Pop socks!: Wolford

Shop this look:

What I Wore to an Informal Ceilidh | Vinyl leggings and Chiffon.

If I was a gambler, I would wager that when you read the word Ceilidh in this title, you thought there would be some tartan in this outfit?
Maybe a Sash or tights?
At least something with a tartan touch.

I am sorry if I have disappointed you with the lack of tartan in this look.
But, this outfit was all about the dancing.
I will explain...

Ceilidh's are enormous fun!

A ceilidh can be either formal, or informal.

The formal events involve men in kilts and ladies in gowns.
Cocktail dresses are popular, but I love the look of a long dress (the twirlier the better) flowing around the dance floor.
When the whole room is alive with energetic dancing, it is a fantastic spectacle.

Informal Ceilidh's have a dress code of "anything goes", and this is my kind of event.
You can literally wear anything you want, from jeans to that long dress.
There are no restrictions.
Men can still wear their kilts, and often do!

Comfort is key

Comfort is the most important thing to take into consideration when dressing for a ceilidh.

{Unless, of course, you intend to sit on the sidelines and miss all of the fun!}

I would not recommend wearing anything that requires to be taken off in order to dance.
Uncomfortable shoes should be left at home, no matter how pretty they are.
The dancing is fast, furious and vigorous.
Bare toes are not an option...unless you want some serious bruises!

It was all for charity

This informal ceilidh was arranged in aid of Alzheimer's Scotland.
A charity close to my family's heart.
Suffice to say, I was more than happy to part with my cash for this good cause.

This look might not be the first thing that springs to many people's minds for a night of dancing but, for me, it was perfect!

A loose and free flowing tunic shirt, perfect for twirling without interfering with other dancers.
Vinyl leggings, supremely comfortable, not too hot and just that little bit more funky than a skinny jean.

My footwear was a straightforward choice too.
I wanted to tear around the dance floor, feeling free and focusing on fun...not on how my feet were feeling!

I am not a fan of spending too long getting ready.
If I faff about with my hair (or makeup) for too long, I end up looking a mess.
So, it took about 5 minutes to muss up my hair (short hair is a doddle) and pop on some eyeliner.
Easy!

I am pleased to say that the night was a huge success (raising loads of money) and so much fun to be part of!

As I looked at the photos of this outfit, I realised that I often choose black clothes for evenings out.

{See this outfit I wore for my Christmas night out, or this one, that I (almost) wore for a wedding}

This struck me as strange for someone who loves colour in the daytime.
It got me thinking about style moods and how we should dress to suit how we feel.

I almost always reach for dark tones at night.
Vibrant colour can be lost at night, becoming "muddy".
Shine, texture and unusual fabrication is much more important to me for an evening look.

What about you....
Do you like to wear colour in the evening?
Or are you like me, and often reach for those black outfits?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Or, if you prefer...message me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
I love hearing from you!

Leggings: Pamela Mann (similar)
Blouse: TkMaxx (similar that comes in black and white)
Necklace: Urban outfitters (similar)
Shoes: Guess (similar....in fact, these are gorgeous!)
Bag: Linea (similar)
Coat: Limited collection at Marks and Spencers (similar)

Shop this look:

Bright Colours in Winter | Cobalt, Red and Sky Blue.

Another chilly day calls for another colourful winter outfit!

Nothing beats the Winter Blues like a punch of colour.
Nothing cheers me up faster than wearing my favourite colours.
Colour has the power to lift us up or drag us down.
It is our choice.

When it comes to colours, I have to admit to having a few favourites.
And the favourite of the day all depends on my mood.
Sometimes, muted tones of grey or cream.
On other days, bright pink or neon yellow.
But, cobalt blue and red are very often in pole position.
And, together they have me grinning from ear to ear!

It started with a lipstick

This colourful look started out with a lipstick.

My new blogging friend Ann (at KremebedelaKrembe.com) surprised me by sending a fabulous red lipstick for my birthday.
{It turns out we are both February babies!}
She is very well known for her vibrant red lips and luckily she wanted to send some colour over to Scotland.
As I am sure you agree, a thoughtful surprise is the best kind of present.
I was touched.

This bold red lip needed something equally bold (and red) to play with, so I chose to wear this red silk skirt.
It is a vintage party skirt, from the 80's I think, and is so well made.
The fabric is raw silk, with a mock wrap front.

It feels like "real" clothes

It fits like clothes used to, do you know what I mean?
Back in time, before everything went either: too big and shapeless, or too stretchy.
It has real structure.
I feel properly 'dressed' in it.
{This is opposite to the feeling I get from wearing one of my sloppy jumpsuits}

Although it is supposed to be an evening/party skirt, I thought it would be fun to team it with this pale blue polo neck.
Styling it for daytime.
{I styled another evening skirt, during the day, here}

More blue please!

After wearing the pantone colours of the year...here, I decided to get more soft blue into my wardrobe.
This polo neck is a great addition.
A classic and versatile item.
I can see it being very busy, in my wardrobe, moving into spring.
{Hurry up Spring, I am freezing!!}

I needed a warm coat that was not too heavy or bulky.
My bright blue coat was the perfect choice.
{See it styled here with a clash of pinks}
It tones nicely with the pale blue, and contrasts (in a satisfying way) with the red of the skirt.

Colour play

This red skirt seems to take on colour from whatever it is teamed with.
The silk appears to pick out the cool tones of the blues, and give the skirt a pink-ish sheen at some angles.
Certain fabric types can be influenced by pairing with different colours.
Colour is a powerful thing!

This necklace was a last minute addition (thanks to a dear friend who gave it to me, for my birthday) and it pulled the colours together well.

Let's talk tights...

Legwear choices can be really difficult for me.
I love my tights!
But, there are so many beautiful types of hosiery, that I sometimes feel spoiled for choice.
The wrong tights can ruin the feel of an outfit.
Bad tights can ruin the look of the leg.
Don't get me started on barely blacks (shudder).
{See my post about tights here}
Legwear is so important.
Black opaques were a non-starter.
Navy would have been too dull, nice but just too plain.
Red too "dress up".
Cobalt too matchy matchy.
This navy tartan pair were perfect!
Fun but still grownup (okay, grownup...ish).

Shoe love

I simply had to wear my fab patent brogues (given to me as a Christmas gift... see the original post here).
They are slightly more masculine than my other brogues and oxfords, and this really helped to bring the red silk skirt back down to earth.
Shoes have the ability to transform the feel of an outfit.
That is why I love them so much!
{Imagine this outfit with these pumps, or these boots....totally different}

What are your favourite colours or colour combinations?
Do you wear them or just admire them?

Do you have your favourites but choose to wear a more muted colour palette?
Or, do you go bold and bright?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Or, if you prefer...message me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
I love hearing from you!

Necklace: A gift....this one is nothing like it, but gorgeous!
Shoes: Marc Jacobs ...these are similar. These are red patent!
Tights: Pretty Polly
Skirt: Vintage (similar)
Coat: Vintage (similar)
Top: Urban Outfitters (similar)
Belt: Boden (similar)
Gloves: Dents
Lipstick: Wet and Wild

Shop my look:

5 Steps to Body Confidence | Styling a Floral Jumpsuit.

I think it is safe to say that most women (and men) want to look the best they can.
Almost everyone, hates the thought of looking like everyone else!

We all want to be the best version of our unique selves.

Everyone knows that other people make instant judgements about us, based on our appearance.
Whether you agree or not, right or wrong, it still happens.

Yes, I know you should never judge a book by it's cover.
I am all for getting to know a person, before I figure out what they are about.
BUT, we are all guilty of those instant judgements, aren't we?
That split second assessment of a person, and who we perceive them to be, really does matter.

It is important to let your clothes do (at least some of) the talking for you.
Express your true self (or your mood) through your outfit and style.
Make your moment count!

So, how can we find the confidence to dress the way we really want to?
To express our true selves through our choice of clothes?

There are 5 simple (ish) steps to a more confident you!

1. Surround yourself with positivity.

This is the most important (and potentially difficult) step of all.

You MUST be positive when thinking about your body and your life.
Don't compare your figure to someone else's, we are all different.

This is easier said than done, I know.
Especially if your confidence is low.

So, think about someone you love, family or a close friend.
I bet you think they are beautiful...and I am also sure they are not 100% perfect, are they?
We each have our strengths and weaknesses.

As I have said before, some of the most fabulous and stylish ladies I know are far from perfect.
What makes them so fabulous and attractive?
A positive attitude and a big smile!

Don't compare your life to anyone else's.
Nobody's life is that perfect.
Anyone that makes out their life is all romance, and perfectly behaved children, is lying...or on serious pharmaceuticals!

Surround yourself with positive people.
Ditch those people who are always moaning and bitching.
Or, anyone that drags you down with their permanent negativity.
Especially anyone that puts you down...they are the worst!

If you can't ditch them (for example it's a work colleague or a relative) then turn every negative thing they say into a positive, put your own spin on it.
Or, try and steer the conversation the way you want it to go.
They will soon get the message, and either begin to modify their behaviour, or move onto someone else.

Be nice yourself.
Be nice to others.
Even if they do not reciprocate.
You will feel better, be happier, look happier and will therefore look better.
You can't lose!

2. Find some like-minded fashionistas.

This may seem obvious and easy, but it can be tricky.
Most of my IRL (in real life) friends are not into clothes and fashion.
They find it boring and can't quite understand why my face lights up when talking (at length) about shoes or the latest trends!

If you struggle to get your IRL friends to talk about style and fashion, then look online.
You will easily find many like-minded bloggers and be able to interact with them.
Or, join a forum and start a discussion.

{I can't vouch for this, personally, as I have never taken part in a forum discussion, but I know many people do}

Your new online fashion friends will happily discuss the finer details of your wardrobe dilemmas with you.
Or, swoon over the latest colour combinations and shoe designs.
You can talk about what you want, for as long as you want, without fear of boring someone into a coma!

3. Pamper yourself and look after your body.

Look after the body you have.
You only get one.

Don't worry about the body you you think you should have, or beat yourself up about your size/shape/age.
Eat good food (and not just "healthy")... a little bit of what you fancy does you good.
Drink plenty of water and look after your skin.
Buy a luxurious body lotion and pamper the body you have.
Don't hide your body away, cherish it.
Buy some good quality, well fitting and (most importantly) comfortable underwear.
Everything that follows will look and feel instantly better.
You deserve it!

4. Plan your outfits.

If you struggle to find the confidence to wear the clothes you want.
Or, just end up grabbing the same old things every morning.
Plan your outfit the night before.
Lay out your choices, or hang them up, ready to put on the next day.

{I live in an unpredictable climate, so I check the weather forecast for the next day and start my outfit with the appropriate shoes. Sometimes I have an alternative, on stand-by!}

Lay out everything you need.
Right down to the fine details, like underwear and earrings.
Make sure you have tried on the whole look before you wear it.
This makes sure that there is no last minute panic and the outfit ends up getting ditched.

When you wake up in the morning, be brave and just go for it!

Being so organised with your clothes, leaves you enough time to enjoy another cuppa.
Or, spend more time on your hair/makeup.
It's a great feeling.

5. Fake it until you make it.

If you are still a bit wobbly, and find yourself tempted to ditch your pre-planned outfit and slip back into your usual look....
STOP.

Take a deep breath, and go for it!
Once you have worn your new look a few times it will become easy,  it is just a question of getting over that first hurdle.
Luckily, nobody else knows that you are not feeling 100% confident.
So, if you strut your stuff (and smile) you instantly look sure of yourself, and therefore fabulous.

I am all for faking that fabulousness!

Today, I was hoping to express the following "messages" about myself,  through this outfit...

• Fun
• Unique
• Positive

However, if you are not used to expressing yourself through your clothes, then you may be worried about looking odd or strange.

You might be thinking that there is a fine line between looking 'Unique and Interesting' and 'Wackadoodle'.

Looking Unique and interesting makes people notice you.
You will attract attention, sideways glances maybe?
People looking are not always thinking: "I wish I dressed like her."
But, they are probably thinking:  "She looks cool/interesting/brave/arty/fun."
They may want to talk to you, to ask you where you got your shoes/bag/jacket.
Or, they might just smile and nod an acknowledgement of your fun style.

Looking Wackadoodle makes people look at you too!
Although, it is not always so positive
Wackadoodle, can look scary and intimidating.
People will be looking at you, thinking: "WTF?"
They are unlikely to want to talk to you...more likely to give you a wide berth, in case you do something unpredictable.

Sounds awful, right?

But don't worry.
The difference between the Unique and the Wacko is not the clothes, it's the attitude.

As long as you are positive and nice, you will always look like that unique and interesting person. No matter how colourful or contemporary your outfits become!

Today I am wearing the comfiest jumpsuit, ever!
It does not even feel like a 'real' item of clothing.
I feel like a bit of a fraud.
Did I even bother to get dressed today?

{See this jumpsuit styled a little smarter, but still very comfortable.}

I wanted to be all-out casual.
Mixing my patterns.
Having fun.

{See this post about how to mix patterns}

The jumpsuit has a lot of great colours, and a bold pattern, so it was easy to clash (a little) with this part animal-part dotty, T-shirt.
Gold, metallic socks (it is cold!) and my black gutties were the perfect footwear for me today.
Casual and comfortable.

I am, of course, wearing thermal layers.
Fleece-lined tights and a brushed, thermal camisole.
I still need to be practical.

This fun bag finished my look off, perfectly!

Beware of the bum!

One last thing...

Be careful about the look of your bum in a jumpsuit.
Even the perkiest rear can look a little droopy, and start resembling an elephant's behind.

{My husband pointed this out once, and it made me laugh}

A pattern can help, by confusing the eye and hiding any imperfections.

If in doubt, wear a long waistcoat (or cardigan) that covers your bum.

Oh, and don't forget your pants (I mean knickers, for my Pants=Trousers ladies).

If they dig in, or there is any fleshy ooze, wear a thong or french knickers.
You could always wear a pair of tights (you know the ones with the cotton gusset) and ditch those pants all together!
Or, even spanx...if that is your thing.

{Please correct me if I am wrong; but I think that is how Spanx started out, originally. The inventor was cutting up her tights because she could not find the underwear she wanted}

Do you have any other tips to boost body confidence?
Do you always wear what you want?
Or, do you lack the confidence to express your true self?

Please share in the comments, I love hearing your thoughts!
Or, if you prefer, Tweet me @samantha4blair

Jumpsuit: WalG (this is nice, and has a sleeve)
T-shirt: Boden (similar)....this one would look fab!
Shoes: Guess (similar)

Shop this fun look: