I am thrilled to announce that I am launching my coaching business.
I qualified as an Executive and Personal Coach in 2023 and have been practising it alongside my full time job in education. This summer, I took a leap of faith and am able to offer personal coaching two days a week.

Coaching will provide you with space, support and the tools to explore your goals, overcome challenges and take confident steps forward.
Together, we will create meaningful, manageable steps of change. I’m here to champion you, challenge you when needed, hold your hand and celebrate your wins.

How the sessions work:
Connection
Focus & goal setting
Exploration & discovery
Plan tangible actions
Reflection & close
Small steps build big change

What you need:
A quiet space
An open mind
Note taking materials
Willingness to make change 
Commitment to taking small steps to create big change

Package:
Initial consultation
3 x one hour sessions
1-2-1
Online, in person or on location
Special introductory offer £249

Get in touch via email brokedirtyblonde@gmail.com or DM me in Instagram!

 What struck me most was the reminder that it's never too late. Sometimes we may feel certain experiences belong in the past - but stepping back into the saddle showed me how powerful it can be to revisit old passions.  Trying something again, years later, can bring a new perspective: confidence, gratitude and the utter thrill of proving to yourself you still can. 
Riding after three decades (and riding Western for the first time) wasn't just exciting - it was liberating.  A reminder that adventure doesn't have an expiry date.
​So if there is something you've been longing to return to - whether it's a hobby, a sport or a dream: take this as your sign - it's waiting for you. 

Many thanks to the fantastic folk at Yellow Snake Horses Brazos River Ranch. I can heartily recommend Rhonda and her ranch family if you find yourself in Parker County, Texas and want to get in the saddle. Also, if Bruce if there with his mules and chuckwagon, you are in for a cowboy breakfast treat!
​PS. I felt like a sober Beth Dutton. 

At the end of July I decided I wanted to start my day with free writing.
Fifteen minutes, first thing, releasing a stream of consciousness.
Routines for me are essential, they keep me safe and I tend thrive when I am allowed to create a routine that works for me.   Having read Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, I have dipped in and out of Morning Pages (as she calls them). 
For me, the benefits of free writing, as opposed to prompted journaling, is that it serves as a daily mind cleanse.  Three pages, first thing, no filter, no judgement. It's early days but I am certainly feeling clearer and more able to face the day (and dare I say, more productive!)
In case you need some convincing, I have included some benefits below:

 Clear your mind → Start your day with focus
 Unlock creativity → Fresh ideas often flow
 Emotional release → A safe space for worries + frustrations
 Self-awareness → Spot patterns + connect with your true voice
 Productivity → Prioritise what matters
 Problem-solving → Answers often appear on the page

This month I will be going Live on Instagram For me, pen and paper, open mind, open heart and non judgement. Keep an eye on my stories for details of dates and times. Or you could try it at home:

Find a quiet space
Make yourself comfortable
Unclench your jaw, relax your shoulders and take a deep breath, hold and release
Pick up your pen and start to write (some people choose/have to do it digitally also)
Either fill three pages or I like to write for around 10 minutes)
Gently close your journal, hold it in your hand
Visualise the words inside without judgement
Take a deep breathe, hold and release
​
Have a great day

Here's a few things I did which have resulted in growth of my hair in my fifties:
BLEACH BE GONE: This was the first thing that had to go: honestly, that alone was the biggest step, but it was a hard one. My wonderful hairdresser (not the one involved in historic, full head bleaching) used a tint to lift the colour, without the need for bleach. 
MINIMAL HAIR WASHING: I used to wash my hair every other day. I switched to washing once or twice a week. I ensured I used a nourishing shampoo and conditioner especially for coloured hair.
HAIR MASKS: A weekly leave in hair mask was a great excuse to also exfoliate my skin and paint my nails.
HYDRATION: Drinking 2 litres of filtered water each day.
LIMITED HEATED STYLING: The straighteners are gone and blow drying on a cool setting only.
PROTECTION FROM SUN: Staying in the shade, silk head scarves or hats are how I protect from the sun in summer. 
SUPPLEMENTS: Whilst I have no evidence this has had an impact on the health of my locks, I know that taking daily marine collagen, magnesium, zinc, iron and vitamins C, D and E has helped as part of my self-care habit stacking.

So here I sit, typing this with the healthiest locks I have had in a long time and it feels great. I am grateful that my hair grew back and I have been given a second chance: I will continue to look after my mane moving forward and maybe I will be the old lady with long hair I swore blindly I would never be! Watch this space!

The Old Town: beautiful lanes of vintage shops, independent stores and with weekend markets. 
Pubs and restaurants: Fish and chips on the beach is my go-to (I always travel with a bottle of Heinz Ketchup for this very reason!) The town is well served for pubs and bars. The Fez being one of my favourites. Afternoon tea at the iconic Walpole Bay Hotel cannot be missed. Edwardian in style and utterly seductive, we have always enjoyed wonderful service in the quaint surroundings. 
Art: Margate is awash with artists, studios and small galleries. A great place to start is on the seafront at the iconic Turner Contemporary Gallery.
Attractions: With offerings such as The Crab Museum and Shell Grotto, Margate is brimming with things to do. Play the slots on the seafront in one of the amusement arcades. Or the iconic Dreamland boasts a traditional English seaside with a Grade II listed wooden rollercoaster, a roller disco and hosts concerts throughout the year.
Beaches: The sandy beach in Margate with life guards during the high season is popular if you fancy a paddle. The tidal pool further along at the Lido is also worth a visit and we can never resist a dip. 
Accommodation: Too endless to list - Margate is well served for rental properties and hotels. We are yet to try The Walpole Bay Hotel, but it is certainly on the list. 
Transport links: Margate is accessible by rail and road. The train station is central and only minutes from the beach. National Rail coaches serve the town from London daily. By road, Margate is easily accessible and is located 1.5 hours from London.

The above is a mere sniff of what is on offer in Margate and us by no means an exhaustive list.  
So whether it is a few days away with the girls, a family break or a dirty weekend for two, there is something for everyone in Margate! 

On walks you pay attention to your surroundings. The pressure of conversation is somewhat alleviated by the natural narration of your environment. Walking side-by-side is great for having tricky conversations: taking an issue outdoors into neutral surroundings can be helpful. 
Lockdown and made us all aware of how self-sufficient we need to be, how important contact with people, animals and nature is.  Walking for me has really helped to meet those needs and I always feel better after a walk. 
So what's next for my walking?
✔ More Disco Walks.
✔ Introduction of my Walking Coaching sessions.
✔ Maybe we will go international and plan some NYC or Amsterdam walks. 
Certainly I will keep on walking and talking: plodding, noticing, being inspired, connecting, improving my physical and mental health and hopefully stroking lots of dogs en route! 

Before I knew what I was doing, I was ensconced inside the booth, tapping my phone on the contactless payment pad and "CUCKOO!" (that's the noise the machine makes to warn you it is about to snap you for posterity) I was away - although as you can see, I wasn't quite ready for that first one! I was just warming up and it was all over.  The £5 investment in a bit of fun was worth it (and cheaper than a matcha!) As I emerged, a group of excitable teenagers waiting to use the booth looked slightly confused at my solo antics. Thankfully, unlike in Northampton Bus Station circa 1987, the photos were expelled mightily fast, so any potential shame was alleviated as I beat a hasty retreat with my already bone dry photos in my sweaty mitt!
Apart from having Baader Meinhof-like passport photographs taken alone, I realised I would normally only enter a photo booth with another person. But wait, here I was having as a lot of fun on my own! 
Clutching my bone dry photos I then walked the streets of Shoreditch/Whitechapel: admiring architecture, art, graffiti (much of which was political I was grateful to note) and remembered how much I love my own company.
Just wanted to remind myself, any maybe you, that don't save all your fun for when others are willing to come with you: do it alone!

Playfulness and versatility are two things that really drive my style: whether its clothes, accessories or makeup. I have been known to use kohl pencils, liquid and even lipstick to create my eye-catching looks. Top tip, if you have a shaky hand, try resting your elbow steady on a surface as you draw. There are plenty of tutorials online. My advice, just go for it and see what happens! ​ Meeeeoooooow!

After a two year hiatus: I am back. Dipping my toe into blog writing: just for me.
Hopefully you will get something out of it too!
​Toodle pip!

Julia Clancey is a designer whose work evokes the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age and the hedonism of seminal 1970s-night club Studio 54. 
Drawing inspiration from these cultural touchstones, Julia creates clothes imbued with a high-octane flamboyance which channel the unapologetic escapism of those emblematic eras while inhabiting a thoroughly contemporary sensibility. Creating pieces suffused with a cabana to club duality, Julia has become the go-to designer for an ever-increasing number of women who appreciate the transformative magic that comes with wearing her serotonin-boosting designs. 
Living and working between Los Angeles and London, Julia has never lost sight of her Yorkshire roots. Roots which inform everything that she does, including the rigorously sustainable ethos which underpins all her work and her commitment to social justice.  
We sat down with Julia to discuss what was an unorthodox route into fashion, the key to her longevity in an often-transitory industry and her hopes and aspirations for the future. 
​

"Congratulations on what is the 20th anniversary of Julia Clancey, the label. Julia, what is the key to your continued success and longevity is in an industry where designers reputations can ascend and descend rapidly?"
"Wow! No way 20 years? I had a break for several years after one of my collections was stolen. At that point I went into costume design on Hollywood film sets.
The key? Well, I have never really listened to a lot of advice: the do’s and don’ts. I very much thrive when dancing to the beat of the sound of my own drum. Over the years I have lost count of all the things I was told I could not do. Yet here I am… more the tortoise than the hare maybe.  Being self-taught, all the experimentation you would normally do at college, was thrust straight out there with no filter. Although it takes time to find your groove, I have always been very driven: with my blinkers on. I absolutely love what I do and am incredibly grateful for those who appreciate it too.

JULIA CLANCY

I was delighted to be interviewed by Keira @scott-samuel.co.uk
Some accounts on Instagram always bring me joy and Dolly’s is one of these!  A riot of colour, sparkles… she exudes happiness and always puts a smile on my face from her disco walks around London to her maximalist style.  Today I chatted to @brokedirtyblonde Grab a cuppa or a glass of something nice and enjoy…

How would you describe your style?
No rules and maximalist! Think details, lots of them: I will always add extra accessories to any look. When I get ready I will start with one piece and build from there, often looking for unusual combinations (a harness over a vintage dress) and mixing textures (feather and sequins). Comfort is a big consideration for me now as I am active: often trainers or cowboy boots will be found on my feet!
How long have you been on Instagram? Tell us a bit about your journey on there and what you share?
For years friends were telling me to jump onto Instagram but it wasn’t until 2019 that I took the plunge. It started as a personal style diary and a place to share my thoughts and ponderings. In the past, people used to come up to me in the street to talk to me about my style, now they do it online. And lots of them! It has made me realise that authentic style is something that can’t be bought and it is truly unique. Not everyone has it, not everyone wants it but I love it.
What is your favourite independent brand and why?
As well as Scott-Samuel (obviously) there are so many wonderful independent brands that I have come across on Instagram. Some that I love to ogle and fantasise about are Annie’s Ibiza, Heyami Stylist Shop and Discount Universe for cutting edge style and incredible pieces.
What is your favourite season to dress for?
As a Libra, I love autumn most of all: crisp days and bonfires! My maximalist tendencies are satiated in autumn as I can wear lots of pieces; combining textures, colours, layers and, of course, jewellery, shades and hats.
Favourite High Street shop and why?
Charity shops, which adorn all high streets now. I love the excitement of entering the shop and there being no guarantee that you’ll discover anything. But always that slim chance you might strike GOLD! Top Shop was the playground of my youth (after Chelsea Girl!) and you just could not beat the feeling of a Saturday day time in town with friends, sorting through the endless rails of the latest fashion.
Don’t worry what anyone thinks: there are no rules. What you look like on the outside is only one part of your story. Style is about YOU.
dollyWhat is your go-to look for dressing up?
To be honest, it is the same as my casual dressing below (read on) with the addition of lashes, heels and a feather jacket! There will always be chunky jewellery by the bucket load!
And your signature style for casual dressing?
Boiler suit, beret, shades and trainers! Simple, comfortable and versatile. Always with a killer lipstick!
What is your favourite accessory? Favourite piece from Scott-Samuel?
A smile. Always a smile! I love my silver Scott-Samuel leather bumbag and may have to upgrade to an X-Large version soon!
Are you a hoarder or a declutterer?
I am somewhere in the middle: I have lots of stuff – clothes, books, ornaments, treasures. But I only keep things that make me happy or have a purpose. I am good at letting things go and annually do a clear out and a Peckham Car Boot Sale. I worked with an incredible declutterer ( @tidylicious_home on Instagram.) She and I worked on my accessories: it was powerful to take it all out, let some of it go and reorganise. Now I can see what I have and therefore wear it more!
Best style advice/tip?
Don’t worry what anyone thinks: there are no rules. What you look like on the outside is only one part of your story. Style is about YOU.
Dream collab?
Not really a collab, but a seat on the couch with Lorraine or Loose Women would be great: a place where you can use your voice to speak to people and open up their minds. In this job I would also style myself and there would be no rules!!!!
Dolly! xx
Full blog available here.
https://scott-samuel.co.uk/blogs/news/influencer-spotlight-broke-dirty-blonde

Need some help when shopping preloved, vintage or jumble? Catch my top 5 thrifting tips with Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet’s founder, Nikki Spencer’s latest blog.
​
https://www.haventstoppeddancingyet.co.uk/post/5-of-the-best-charity-shops-in-se-london-some-tops-charity-shopping-tips-too

Well, it was partly that and partly trying to get round restrictions for meet ups during the pandemic.
We talked about the elements we needed for an enriching experience: music, movement, food, hydration and beautiful human company. Having spent a lifetime curating a group of friends who are unique but all warm, kind, and inclusive, we started with small meet ups.
We chose a different location each time: Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill, Hackney Marshes, a walk along the Regent’s Canal. We were soon seeing friends more often than we had previously and the quality of the interactions and connections were massively improved.
We were soon seeing friends more often than we had previously and the quality of the interactions and connections were massively improved.
dollyOur music, attire and vibe often meant we inadvertently picked up strangers along the way. We welcome all to our group as long as they are respectful (we have had to eject some bods in the past who have joined us and we not on our vibe – no questions, OUT!)
Dukes of Joy Disco Walks were born: we walk, we talk, we listen, we laugh, we sometimes cry, we dance, we mingle.
So here we are, on New Year’s Eve-Eve prepping for a Disco Walk in the rain! Who knows what we will see, who we will meet or the joy we will create, but it will be another one-off.
In 2023 we are planning to do some charity Disco Walks, so watch this space.
Happiness is an inside job, but we could all do with a little help from time to time.
Happy New Year!

Astrid Kearney is the epitome of the beauty industry polymath. With a career that has spanned decades and has seen her work with style icons Lenny Kravitz and Grace Jones. Drawing inspiration from her mother, Ingrid’s innate style, it was inevitable that Astrid would embrace a  career in the creative industries. This has manifested itself in a multidisciplinary approach that has seen her in international demand for runway, fashion editorial, advertising and celebrity styling. It is a career that has seen Astrid at the forefront of beauty innovation and one which sees her continue to inspire both the present and future generations of beauty creatives.
Astrid’s flamboyant and fabulous approach to beauty is achingly apparent through her own personal and unique style. We were delighted to have the opportunity to sit down with Astrid and take a deep dive into what has been a varied and illustrious career so far.

​What was it that inspired you to become a makeup artist, and how did you get into the industry?
When I was little I remember I had a passion for all things beauty, skin and hair. My earliest memory when I was small was sitting watching my neighbour Mrs Dooley do her French plait totally transfixed by her hands with long pins, creating the perfect smooth roll. I made face masks in the blender and used my poor brother as my guinea pig.
By the age of 20 I had lived in Paris, London and Miami alone. I worked in the theatre arts department in a high school in Miami. I studied makeup in London, hair in Ireland and joined all the leading makeup and skincare brands such as Chanel, Givenchy, Shiseido, Lancôme in stores all over London. I settled with Clarins and trained as a skincare specialist and started creating their displays which was my outlet for creativity.
I joined ITV (one of England’s main TV stations) and ran the department for the team. This enabled me to get my portfolio together at weekends and I started working on shoots with the models at Model One modelling agency.
My first big gig was working with Lenny Kravitz and Catatonia as her artist. From there I landed an agent who I stayed with for 5 years. I missed being part of the dialogue, planning and production elements.  After this, I left to work on commercials and drama documentaries in Morocco and Tunisia. I LOVED this as it incorporated all the elements.  Time and life moves on and now I definitely love to layer my work loving London Fashion Week: planning, writing and developing courses and being the creative director of editorial and fashion shoots.

How has social media changed your profession and are there any special factors that you need to consider when creating a look that’s Instagram ready?
I see social media platforms such as Instagram, for example, as a viewing platform of a small snapshot of what I encompass. Time is precious and my life is incredibly busy, incorporating lots into it, not just work. What I love most about social media is that it is a window into our lives creatively. This of course can be a negative also as it sometimes draws people into a sense they are not enough: comparisons can be dangerous and there can be many illusions it creates. When developing looks for Instagram it all depends on if you are working micro shoots, film, advertising campaigns or sharing a little piece of you that you wish to express to the public in a very real way. Instagram can be very staged and plastic, we are so fortunate to be able to see so many incredible artists out there who are sharing their life differently and more authentically.
The very last words my dad ever said to me before he passed were “Don’t let the bastards get you down.” That’s all the advice I’ve ever needed in life.
Astrid kearneyDuring lockdown a lot of doors opened with advertising companies who needed assistance with contacting their public in a more creative way. This was a different way to what we had been used to. We are so lucky in the industry that we have an incredible array of artists and creatives who work in a variety of  ways and bring a vast array of incredible creativity and vision.

You teach and lecture the next generation of aspiring makeup artists. What advice would you give to them and what’s the best piece of advice that you’ve been given?
My biggest piece of advice to my students is to work on themselves emotionally as well as their craft. In the studio I tell them you are surrounded now by fellow ‘inmates’ but when this is all over you will need to push yourself and do the daily hard work. I teach them about layering their life within work and play and always keep up the training.
The best piece of advice that I’ve been given was from my mother Ingrid: “Be yourself and do your best.” The very last words my dad ever said to me before he passed were “Don’t let the bastards get you down.” That’s all the advice I’ve ever needed in life.

From convent school to catwalk, Astrid’s bold and experimental aesthetic is one which connects the Golden Age of Hollywood glamour with the realities of twenty-first century living. In this post-pandemic world which has highlighted the importance of self-care, Astrid shows us that beauty is not simply skin-deep, but encapsulates our very essence. Her commitment to a philosophy of self-care is one that she feels as passionately about as the beguiling looks which she creates for her myriad of admirers. It is this holistic approach which has secured Astrid a place at the forefront of a fast-paced and constantly evolving industry, meshing creativity with the health and happiness we all desire. Hers is an authentic advocacy which leaves us all awaiting her future innovations.
Credits: Astrid is wearing Dino hat by @sophiecochevelou and was photographed by @anthonylycettphotography

444 days.That’s it. It has been 444 days since I last consumed any alcohol, took a drink, imbibed (as long as you don’t count that sauce that came with scallops which I devoured and later discovered had whisky in it!)
My sobriety has been the thing that I have received the most private messages about: why did you do it, how do you do it, how did people respond, can you still have fun?

Now, let’s get this clear, I was no Sue-Ellen* to start with, pouring whisky from a decanter into my cut crystal tumbler when I got home from work. In fact, I only drank occasionally (which coincidentally, is what many sober-curious people claim to do in their messages to me) but when I drank, I DRANK. I mean, I drank and pole danced on lamp posts in the street, I drank and got into strangers cars, I drank and lost a shoe, I drank and could not remember getting home.
I was actually a fun drunk – cheery, happy and often to be found in the toilets of the pub/bar/club dishing out advice to younger girls on relationships/make up/life choices: much like a modern-day Claire Rayner*.
But I didn’t always make good choices when inebriated (see Exhibit A – “getting into strangers cars”.) Then there was the recovery: not just the physical, but the emotional. Waking up with a sore head, cut knees and a sense of dread. What had I said/done and to/with whom. The anxiety when waiting for replies to messages from friends seeking reassurance. Resentment towards the physical recovery time also grew: I can’t afford to spend days recovering from a Friday night out before I was back at work on Monday. My vanity also was a factor: the redness of my eyes, my dull skin and lack lustre hair (although the latter is still much the same post-pissed-Dolly.)
So what made me take the first step? Whilst things looked pretty good on the outside, I was experiencing increased levels of anxiety. I felt overwhelmed at work, found decision making in my personal life a challenge. And I began to notice that when I drank, it was to unwind and escape from these feelings of dis-ease.

DOLLY

DOLLY

You can read the full article in Darkus Magazine.
Please see interview for full credits.

You can read the full interview in Darkus Magazine.
Please see interview for full credits.

Travel: Make sure you have your travel sorted: whether you’re driving to the venue or getting public transport, make sure you know your route and have booked parking and transport once you have your festival ticket. Lots of festivals link up with coach companies to lay on buses and this can be a wonderful way to travel and get the party started before the festival! Pack as much as you can the night before arrival and departure so you do not get stranded – Uber can be expensive!

Plan Ahead: Once you get to the festival, there are so many distractions and wonderful people that you can end up over-excited and missing main events. Check out the set times and make a list in order of acts you want to see from “Absolutely cannot miss” down to “Wouldn’t mind seeing“. Plot them across the festival and have your non-negotiables (I will never forgive myself for sleeping through an Inner City set and an intimate audience with Zandra Rhodes!) As long as you have your non-negotiables then you can go with a flow, meet new folk and hang out in between.

​Packing: Before I leave home, I pack with anal retention! If it’s a three day festival then I need six outfits: one per day and one per night. Travel in comfy clothes that you will be able to erect your tent in. As space can sometimes be at a premium and your clothes may be packed tightly, I organise my looks from underwear and sunglasses to jewellery and everything in between and bag each look up. Then I label the bag with when it is for, ie, SATURDAY DAY or SUNDAY NIGHT. I know it sounds like a faff but it means I can get ready in a short amount of time in cramped spaces as I have everything organised and ready to go. Historically, I have always saved the BIG looks with wow factors for the evening, but at festivals the lighting can be dim in the evening so I have changed this up. We use our WOW looks during the day when everyone can see us! Don’t hide those fabulous threads away at night!

DOLLY

Camping: Try to get to the site early enough to get a decent pitch: not too near toilets, food stalls or major intersections. If you’re camping in a group, make a small circle but don’t leave big gaps as you’ll wake up with other tents squeezed in there. Remember, you shouldn’t be spending long periods of time in the tent or at the pitch so don’t overthink it. Make friends with your neighbours as they will look out for your tent and belongings. Sleep with your valuables in the bottom of your sleeping bag. PLEASE. Make sure you pack warm layers for night time, even in summer it can get hella cold. We make sure we bring reusable water bottles so we can fill up when we go into the main arena. Take snacks so you can have brekkie at the tent and don’t have to spend £20 before the day has started. If you have room, a single gas ring and kettle is great for tea and you’ll make lots of friends. Just check the campsite cooking rules for your festival. Take everything home afterwards. Honestly the scenes after some festivals (Boomtown!) have looked like a post apocalyptic nightmare. Such terrible waste: tents, beds, chairs all left behind.

Bum Bag/Fanny Pack Essentials: Mobile phone, charger, sun screen, refillable water bottle, antibac, tissues (for the loo) and condoms. I would say cash but as many festivals are going cashless, check the sitch before you leave. A little cash is never a bad thing.

Additional Considerations: If you have allergies or are on any medication, please make sure someone with you knows. Pace yourself, have a disco nap in the day (just set your alarm so you don’t sleep through with the hypnotic sound of the main act in the distance!) Go easy on alcohol so you get to enjoy the festival. Make friends with security staff, most are lovely and will be helpful if you need them. Spare chargers are a must for your mobile phone but don’t rely on a good mobile service: plan a rendez-vous point that you can meet at every two hours if you all get separated. If you take substances that make you feel unwell, please tell someone, likewise if someone in your group does, get to the first aid tent ASAP.

​Now if that sounds overwhelming, take a deep breath and read it again.
Festivals are one of my favourite sources of fun. I’ve met some wonderful friends at festivals and also friends that are just friends for that one festival. Go forth, enjoy and make 2022 a festival season to remember!

Money is not something I have been blessed/burdened with. Unique style I have in abundance. As a result, I have used my brains, creativity and keen eye to curate a wardrobe that contains knock-out, versatile pieces.

​Mainly shopping in vintage and charity shops means that while I can access incredible pieces, they are often not in my size and can be damaged. The accompanying photograph to this blog is a tribute Róisín Murphy: the sequinned dress has a wonderfully deep V in the front, making maintaining your dignity one mighty challenge. The solution: I wear it back to front and spare any passers-by the sight of my raspberries. The headdress was found in a vintage shop years ago by my mama: I am wearing that back to front too (purely because I preferred this direction of travel!)

DOLLY

Equally I have a number of (mostly tulle) skirts that I wear a) pulled up as dresses b) around my neck as capes c) over my head as a headdresses. A couple of children’s tulle skirts double up, worn at the top of my arms as, well I don’t know what they are worn as!!!! Tulle epaulettes maybe? Try beautiful bras worn outside your clothes – why hide them underneath? Men’s ties worn as ties or belts. Belts worn on bare skin. Men’s suit jackets can look incredibly flattering paired with boyfriend jeans (or indeed, nothing worn underneath). Swimsuits worn as bodies, a sequin boob tube as a snood, beloved sequin trousers that no longer fit have been cut through the crotch and the two legs go over my arms now, fashioned as a bolero jacket.

​Make your wardrobe work hard for you: look for items that can be reworked and reworn in different ways. I have always done this purely because I cannot afford to buy new pieces. That coupled with the fact that I have a recurring fever dream where I arrive at an event and I’m wearing the same outfit as everyone else (oh and to make matters worse, I also have no make up on!) I can guarantee that no-one else at the party will be wearing old trousers, cut through the crotch with billowing sequins cascading down their arms. “Oh this old thing?” And that is just how I like it!!!!

A face tattoo?” There was no hiding the bewilderment in their eyes.
“You do know what that represents don’t you?”
I don’t feel the need to justify my choices about me body but I do love having discussions with people and changing the way they might think about things.

Tattoos can conjure a range of reactions in people: when I was growing up, tattoos were the mainstay of Hell’s Angels and the hapless, cartoon character Popeye. Indecipherable inky blue and grey markings that looked far from expressive. Tattoos were often hidden underneath clothes by the working (most often) man, for fear that the big boss would see them! From being a subculture, tattoos are now a mainstream commodity. Did you know there is evidence of tattooing and body modification being practiced as far as Neolithic times?

​My tattooing journey started when I was 43. Before we explore that, let’s look at a more common gateway to body modification: piercings. I started proudly with ear lobe piercing in The Friary Jewellers in Northampton’s Grosvenor Centre circa 1987. Various additions in my lobes escalated to navel piercing in the iconic shop Into You when I arrived in London in 1993. Various ear piercings occured in intervening years, with me sitting shamelessly in the window of Claire’s Accessories in Lewisham, ahead of a group of excited children (I believe they don’t pierce babies ears at Claire’s!) This was followed by nipple piercings back at Into You just weeks before it sadly closed its doors in 2016. A Madonna piercing in Brighton on a whim also figured at some point. All of these gave me an opportunity to express my style, my uniqueness and change my look in the switch of a stud.

DOLLY

At this time every year I reach for my old friend: my trusty, vintage, leopard print, faux fur coat. It is so loved that the pockets have now perished, the lining resembles a moth eaten eiderdown and it feels more like a blanket than a coat.
But for me, nothing quite beats the impact of faux fur. It is now a wardrobe staple of many: from high street to high end and from catwalk to alleyway.

In my wardrobe I possess faux fur cuffs, scarves, coats, hats, mittens and bags. Patterned, plain, deep shag and threadbare. Faux fur is timeless and versatile, easily dressed up and down.
Gone are the days that those of us of a certain age would declare “Bet Lynch” or “Pat Butcher” when we spotted the spectacle of someone in a (usually leopard print) faux fur coat. Actually, I still do think that when I see my own reflection in mine!!! And yes, images of mob wives do still dance in my head when I wear my full length, faux fur. But all of the collective above may also be considered style icons.

DOLLY

Faux fur is a style commitment: you will not go unnoticed! If you are new to fur and wary of the impact, you could try a fur scarf in neutral tones or maybe a coat with fur details, such as a collar. But obviously I would recommend jumping in with both feet: bright, bold and vibrant!
If you are looking to purchase faux fur, I always like to feel the fabric to make sure it pleases me (for me thats smooth and soft please!) The weight can be an indicator of quality too. Keep your eyes peeled for preloved or vintage faux furs: but do look out for ones that look like they’ve been worn in the rain and avoid.

​I have mixed feelings about vintage real fur. Whilst I inherited a real fur stole (complete with claws and fake eyeballs) from my Granny, I do not buy real fur: my Granny’s fur stole resides at home.
So don’t hide your outfit under a grey puffa: embrace the faux fur and all the glory it brings!

This is the description of the reaction to John Hetherington, a haberdasher who dared to appear on the streets of London wearing the first top hat in 1797. 
The poor, audacious soul was promptly arrested! Ridiculous huh? 

Well actually, upon reading this I found that it resonated with me. So many people find hats a mystery: an excessive adornment which is not for them. How many times have you heard someone claim hats just don’t suit them? Or say they are “not a hat person”?  Maybe you have uttered these words yourself. 
Personally, I think if you feel hats aren’t for you: maybe you just haven’t found the right hat yet.  Homburg, trilby, pork pie, beret, fedora, Panama, boater, bowler, top, Cordoba: the options are endless and it doesn’t just have to be the paper hat from your Christmas cracker that takes pride of place on your head.
Historically hats signified importance and the type of hat worn was often a symbol of the occupation of the wearer.  Some of the first depictions of hats date back as far as Ancient Egypt. So why do so many people seem to avoid wearing hats? Is it confidence? Practicalities? Are there too many rules about wearing them? (NB. Please take them off if you’re sitting in front of me at the cinema or theatre!!!!)

DOLLY

It is true, the first time you wear a hat in public you can feel like the whole world is staring at you. But a hat can, quite literally, top off your look. For me, it adds personality and fun to my style. It also solves a hair problem in my case: as I have documented regularly, after washing and styling my hair, it behaves itself for approximately 8 minutes and then descends into something that resembles a bird’s nest. A hat disguises that really well. REALLY WELL. Added to this, in winter hats keep me warm. In summer hats protect my hair and scalp.

​There is also an element of mystery when you add a piece of millinery to your outfit: I mean, who does she think she is? It does take an air of confidence to enter a scene donning your hat. There are rules to help find hats that suit the shape of your face, but I won’t have it. I’d recommend just trying as many different styles and shapes. Some will look ridiculous, some will make you laugh but you might just come across one you could rock.

My current favourites include my Yardie Crown by fantastic designer @uptownyardie and my Panic Crown by @panicthemother They both offer stand-out style. If you prefer something more subtle, try a fedora or beret (although I can’t shake the Frank Spencer connotation when I wear a beret!)  I have made some mistakes with hats and have ended up looking like the mother-of-the-bride at a dictator’s wedding! If the day is windy, I will stick to a beanie as no-one needs to be chasing a hat down a dual carriageway!

So take a deep breath and understand NO ONE IS LOOKING AT YOU! Well they might be, but who cares? Hopefully the response won’t be as extreme as in poor John Hetherington’s case (it should be noted that a young boy also broke his arm in the ensuing melee!)
*Thank you to @thehatterysquash for reposting the article from the Hatter’s Gazette in 1797.

I favour huge cocktail rings, multiple being worn simultaneously. Another signature look of mine is chunky, statement necklaces and oversized odd earrings. Not to mention my penchant for an ankle chain which would look equally at home on the neck of Mr T.
I simply love the clatter of jewellery as you move about your business: like a claxon announcing your arrival. I love to look at my jewellery, studying it and fiddling with it. I love that it changes a look and can transform the plainest of outfits (not that I tend to wear anything plain!) I own a few sentimental pieces but the vast majority of mine are charity shop, car boot sale and vintage finds, averaging a cost of £2 a piece.
As I state with most things, there are no rules: personally I don’t mix gold and silver, but other than that I will try anything once! A collar and leash are one of my favourite pieces, but that’s for another blog post altogether.

One thing that splits opinion is the big question: do you leave yours on while you shower? Hell to the NOOOOOOOO! In fact the moment I get home and take my shoes off, the next thing to be removed and put away is my copious amounts of jewellery.
So head straight for the jewellery section in charity shops: look for eye catching pieces, feel the weight and feel the energy. I think it is a bit like buying a crystal (not that I’m an expert); the jewellery will speak to you.
Do I care that the jewellery accentuates my ageing hands (Prince Philip Mitts as I used to call them)? Or drapes heavily on my 48 year old décolletage? Is it my concern that sometimes I am left with a telling, blue stain on my skin declaring “CHEAPSKATE!” once my jewellery is removed? Non, non, non.
Enjoy your jewellery – use it to your advantage. And if like me, money is tight, jewellery offers high octane flamboyance without the pricetag.
Go wear your happiness on your digits, around your neck, wrists or ankles bishes.

So let’s talk strategy:
Manage your expectations – enjoy the journey. You can find absolute gold dust or diddly squat! Make sure you have a coffee cup in your mitt and a good book so that if the day doesn’t turn out golden, you can abort mission and go and people watch (hopefully in the sunshine in a park!)
Dressed to thrill – I always make sure I have a body or one piece on and clothes/footwear I can slip on and off easily. Bear in mind, many charity shops do not have swanky changing rooms: you may find yourself in a cupboard with someone’s charging laptop, egg sandwich and only a curtain to semi-cover your modesty. Whilst clambering into THE most fabulous sequin 1970’s jumpsuit, I lost my footing and ended up on display in the window of MIND on Camden High Street!

DOLLY

Scan and rummage – charity shops will differ on the way they display pieces: some by colour, some by size and others by item type.

If I know what I’m looking for (eg, an 80’s jumpsuit, sequin cardigan, tulle skirt) that can help so you can zone in on areas. However, it’s great to also keep an open mind: you can miss some real treasures by rushing. Sometimes I will pick up an item that catches my eye and take it for a walk around the shop and abandon it if I upgrade to something better!

Timing is everything – regular visits pay off, particularly during the week when shops tend to be quieter. Be friendly and if you’re a loyal customer, staff may magpie pieces for you if they know what you like. Also they may let you know when they get new drops so you can be there when the bounty hits the rail. Also bear in mind that stock turnover can be high, so just because you don’t find something one week, doesn’t mean you won’t find that Alexis Carrington jewelled jacket the next!
Location, location, location – sometimes the leafy, market towns can behold treasures which are great quality. Hip neighbourhoods may have real treasures but will often be more expensive and thin on the ground. Occasionally you will find real treasures in the bargain bucket – my mum once found Nicole Farhi jeans for 50p because the lovely ladies in the shop didn’t recognise the name (M&S jeans in the same shop were £11!)

Vintage all the way – I will tend to look for vintage pieces that are well made. I also look for unusual pieces that stand out. I always ignore the sizing labels. A size 12 in 1970 is not what we would consider a size 12 today! Try it on – I slip things on over my own clothes if there is no changing room available. Don’t despair if it doesn’t fit – if it’s a treasure and a good price, consider having it altered. I infamously buy items the wrong size and often will repurpose them – I have turned some lovely tulle skirts into ruffs. Remember you can look up on YouTube how to change buttons, add shoulder pads or dye pieces.

PS. Whilst shopping is a lovely thing to do with friends, when shopping for preloved I am a completely independent shopper – I love to shop alone and get stuck in. For me it means I don’t have the competition of my crew looking for similar pieces (those elbows of mine are sharp!)
After shopping it’s great to meet with friends to discuss your endeavours and hopefully show the spoils of war.

Traditionally in the UK charity shops on the high street have been the most popular way to shop preloved, but look out for local clothes swaps, pop up shops, vintage fairs, preloved markets and there’s a further plethora online.
I will follow up with an online guide to shopping preloved soon.