There’s something about a bit of sunshine and blue sky as we come out of winter that makes you feel all “spring-y”!  Although I must admit, that bright sunshine highlights all the bits you’ve missed when cleaning … as well as making you realise that you really do need to clean those windows on the inside! 

With a spring in my step I decided that after 30 years of having my hair done the same colour at the hairdressers, my spring optimism led me to take the plunge and change my colour!  For some people changing a colour slightly is no big deal, however, my hair does weird things.  The colour I’ve had for years was not actually meant to come out the colour it was on me and would be much darker on someone else but having had this done for 30 years, I didn’t even consider the possibility that the new colour I was opting for with my hairdresser may not actually come out that colour on me even though my usual colour sometimes went a bit pink orange or purple until its first wash!  

When I left the salon after almost 4 hours, I liked my hair.  Little darker low lights and a different shade of blonde highlights – a more blended look that looked a bit more natural and similar to Baroness Karen Brady (as seen on The Apprentice).  Lovely – or so I thought! …. By the time I got home a few hours later my hair was no longer these lovely shades of blonde – the darker lowlights were now “Dracula Black” for about 3 inches giving me “lockdown hair” vibes … and the lovely blonde on top was now a murky greenish/grey shade!!!!  Aaaaaarrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! 

In a panic I messaged my hairdresser who reassured me that the darker colour was semi permanent and would fade considerably after a couple of washes so despite having spent twice as much as I would normally do getting my hair done….and twice as long… there I was – in the shower washing it already within 4 hours of leaving the salon! 

Next morning I did the same again, it had faded a little but not much as “the plan” and was just way too dark for me.  Also the greenish/grey blonde was no different so I arranged to go back to the salon for my hairdresser to put in some more highlights a little closer to my face and in a warmer brighter shade of blonde.   

If you have ever had a “hair disaster” then you probably know where this is going!  Almost 3 hours later and on my way out to a social event it was better but still not right and still a little too cool a shade for me.  Its not the fault of my hairdresser – it’s my weird hair doing weird things.  So basically I’m stuck with hair that matches the greenish/grey colour of my kitchen cupboards for two weeks before I can put anything else on it without damaging it and if you see me out and about I may very likely have the hood of my coat up (whatever the weather) or be wearing a hat! 

When your hair isn’t right it really affects your confidence and also your mood but there are “hidden meanings” in the colours that we wear that affects not only our own moods, but how other people feel around us too.  Have you ever noticed this yourself?  Maybe there is a particular colour you wear that draws people to you like a magnet (remember that Impulse Body Spray Ad from TV with the bloke giving out random bouquets of flowers?) or perhaps a colour that draws negativity in your reactions with other people?    

There is a whole science behind colour psychology  so thinking carefully about the colours you can wear to help you give the right impression is especially useful when you have a particular message that you want to convey.  

Orange symbolises enthusiasm, attention, happiness, fun and energy – it’s a colour that says “look at me” but is not as confrontational as a bright red can be.  It’s a colour that people often interpret as creative, fun and sociable so a great colour for holding people’s attention.   

If head to toe orange fills you with dread, opt for orange accessories or mix orange in just a small part of your outfit instead.   

These Jeans With Fancy Buttons are in a Coral orange colourway with delicate embroidery on the back.  They are a traditional 5 pocket jean style with a relaxed slim fit that is close to the leg but not tight.   Crafted from 99% cotton with a dash of elastane for a little stretch they are available in sizes UK4 to UK20 and are part of our Planet Tortue sustainable fashion range too!   

We’ve paired them with this Striped Shirt in Apricot shades.  Its crafted from 100% cotton so nice and cool for the approaching summer and available in sizes UK6 to UK20.   This shirt features a traditional shirt style collar with buttoned front and a patch pocket to the chest.   There are some button details to the middle of the back of this, dropped shoulder long sleeve shirt with buttoned cuffs.  It’s a loose fit item so if you prefer a more fitted fit, we advise you to go for a size smaller than your usual.    

If you want to introduce a much smaller amount of orange to your outfit so that it doesn’t dominate your look then this Crossed Shirt in Sky Blue may be for you.  There’s a little dose of glamour from the sequin applique palm tree motif.  The shirt is made from cotton poplin fabric featuring a collar and front opening scoop neckline.  The buttons are diagonally placed rather than the usual straight up and down shirt style and there is a complimentary blue Ottoman ribbon on the side seams from the underarm down to the hemline of the shirt.   It’s a very loose fit item, so if you prefer a more fitted look then we suggest you opt for a size smaller than your usual.  

This shirt also comes in a white colourway with white sequin palm tree motif for a more subtle look.  This time the Ottoman ribbon to the sides is a lovely bright tangerine “highlighter pen” orange that will definitely get you noticed but in a more subtle way!  The shirt features dropped shoulders and long sleeves with a buttoned cuff that looks fab folded back to the elbows for an informally smart look.  Its available in sizes UK6 to UK20 

White is the colour of peace, cleanliness and innocence so wear white when you want  to feel uplifted, fresh, and for a new start  i.e. that blank piece of paper effect! 

Green is associated with luck, envy, safety, healing and nature.  It can symbolize a sense of calm, be reassuring and ooze approachability.  Wear green when you want to feel grounded or refreshed.  It’s a great colour to wear for important meetings or when expecting to meet new people like networking events or social events where you may not know the other guests - especially if you find these kind of events stressful.   

There are many shades from minty pastel greens, to khaki greens, bluey greens up to bright emerald “Leprechaun” greens too!  Mixing green with blue in a print is a good option if you don’t feel comfortable in a full on green look!  

This Printed Short Sleeve Blouse in Duck Blue is available in sizes T0-T5 (UK6 to UK24) and is a great way to update your look for Spring.  The delicate print features a counter balancing green for an elegant look.  There is a V neckline, with macrame detailing on the dropped shoulders and sleeves for a little touch of sophistication.  Crafted from 100% Viscose Ecovero its one of the pieces from our Planet Tortue sustainability “eco” range so you can be “green” … whilst wearing green too! 

Blue is the colour of stability, productivity, loyalty, competence, wisdom, tranquility,  trusting and calmness.  When you think about it, the sky and the sea are blue which join together when you look at the horizon.  They are dependable for always being there which promotes a sense of calm and de-stressing.  Just looking at a blue sea has been proved to slow your heart rate, deepen your breathing and calm you down if you are feeling stressed or anxious so wearing blue when you want to feel confident and to diffuse a stressful situation is a good idea. It’s a great colour to wear for a job interview too as it promotes professionalism and encourages trust.   

The Printed Short Sleeve Blouse pairs beautifully with the Belted Loose Trousers in Duck Blue.  These really are such an elegant piece for your wardrobe and super comfortable too!   Made in a “City Trouser” style they feature Italian style pockets to the side of the hips with little faux welt pockets at the back.     The straight cut trousers fit a 30 inch inside leg, with a detachable double sided belt in the same colours as featured in the Print of the Printed Short Sleeve Blouse in Duck Blue.   These trousers are available in sizes UK6 to UK20  and another sustainably produced item from our Planet Tortue Eco range.  

I wore this outfit to a Business Networking event recently and received many compliments from the ladies attending (and also from the Barista where I bought a coffee on my way to the event too!) 

All colours have their shades within them so the paler tones of the colours will dissolve the impression that the colour gives, whereas stronger tones of the colours will enhance the impression that the colour gives which is worth thinking about when you consider how colours can influence your own mood as well as the effects on other people too.  

If you have ever had a professional colour consultation you will already have a steer on which colours suit you, but if not, then we can help steer you in the right direction during our 1:1 Style Sessions.   These “taster” sessions are Free and we can help you find pieces from the collection in not only the right shades for you but also that will fit and flatter your body shape too!    Just get in touch with your local Consultant or via our website chat and we can link you up! 

I’m off to buy a bottle of tomato ketchup – I’ve heard from a few reliable sources (rather than sauces) that if I add this to my shampoo this may help tone down the green a bit! 

Au revoir! 

Angela 

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