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DOLly talks Hair health

27/5/2025

 
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Blondes have more fun don't they?
Well, this blonde had stopped having fun. Over the years, my midlife blonde hair had been through a lot: highlights, heat styling, sun exposure and hormonal changes. 
What used to feel strong and silky, was feeling dry, brittle and prone to breakage. 
My once-loved crown of glory was no longer.
I realised my mane was a powerful part of my self-expression and linked to my self-esteem. 
 I realised a healthy hair routine was a form of self-care I needed to adopt to impact my emotional wellbeing as well as to give my hair the tender love and care it so desperately needed (and deserved).
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!

dirty weekend in margate

5/5/2025

 
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Mention Margate to anyone over 50 and they'll break out into song (thanks to the 1982 Chas and Dave number, which captured the essence of the seaside destination for many Londoners.)
Now, it is more likely to conjure up images of creatives congregating in the many galleries, bars and cafes in this north Kent town.
Having been visiting Margate for many years, I can confirm it still holds the charm of the traditional British seaside town whilst benefitting from the investment of the DFLs (Down From Londoners).
​So if you have 24 hours in Margate, grab your Kiss Me Quick hat and as here is what you shouldn't miss:
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! 

That time i was on getty images

13/4/2025

 
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24 hours on and I am still thinking about the pieces I saw: and longing for pay day! ​
FLOORED!  Last night I was delighted to attend the Wall and Jones unapologetic fashion event at Indra Gallery in east London.
The invitation promised bold energy, personality and a fashion show "like no other".
From the moment I entered, I knew this all to be true.  The independent shop on Hackney Road is a cornucopia of individuality, design, frivolity and fun. The catwalk was walked with the same passion, energy and joy: truly visionary.
I was fortunate enough to feast my eyes on exquisite pieces, worn by people with REAL personality and flair. I found myself squealing with delight on a number of occasions as the models appeared, draped in ravishing attire. 
Last night, true style and fashion met passion and stuck two fingers up at any establishment rules. 

walking for wellbeing

1/4/2025

 
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In the past few years I have truly embraced travelling by foot. During lockdown my partner and I, out of necessity, set up regular meets with friends on the hoof. Armed with some food, a flask and a speaker: news of these 'Disco Walks' spread and before long we had friends and strangers joining us for an amble through London.  Parks, canals, markets, the River Thames and brutalist estates were explored - no where was out of bounds. 
Since then I have noticed a natural tendency to choose to walk: whether alone or with a friend, sometimes a small group.  It's all about the prep for me: comfortable SOCKS and shoes, weather appropriate clothes, snacks and a flask (and maybe a flash of hot pink lippy!) 
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! 

feline flicks

25/3/2025

 
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I remember about ten years ago, a friend who is slightly older than me, warning me to enjoy my smooth eyelids. Having no idea what she meant, it only dawned on me a couple of weeks ago that IT HAD HAPPENED. My once creaseless lids were now akin to parchment paper on display in the British Museum: complete with crepelike imperfections. 
Since the age of sweet sixteen, I have been a walking advertisement for bold eyeliner: I don't feel dressed without it. The iconic cat eye has to be, hands down, one of the most flattering make up tricks you can learn.  The appeal of the cat eye has endured for centuries: from Queen Nefertiti to Amy Winehouse, the feline flick is still going strong.
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!

solo shoreditch

21/3/2025

 
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I found myself with a few hours to kill on my own in Shoreditch, east London last week. 
Granted, there could be worse places to be unexpectedly alone.
I considered hiding in one of the many coffee shops boasting £5.80 turmeric matcha lattes, but I am to frugal for that nonsense. 
Considering my options, I passed a black and white photo booth. It should be noted that I am religious about utilising these when I am with a friend (I am a 1-2-1 girlie by the way!) I have a growing collection of black and white stills with various friends and family members - if you are not in my collection yet it is merely because we have not passed one of these machines when we are together!
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!

welcome back

14/3/2025

 
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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!

'Your VOice here' PODcast

26/4/2023

 
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Welcome to the Your Voice Here Podcast - a podcast all about helping budding radio presenters, podcasters and voice over artists get their voices heard.
This week, we discuss radio presenting, teaching and kindness with our guest - Dolly/ aka Broke Dirty Blonde
​Click here to listen.
​

music & podcasts

where sustainability meets studio 54

7/4/2023

 
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Brian James and I had the pleasure to speak to the incredible designer Julia Clancey. The full interview appears in Off The Rails Magazine.

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influencer spotlight

28/2/2023

 
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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…

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thrifting in south-east london

12/2/2023

 
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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

lifestyle & relationships
​fashion & style

dukes of joy

30/12/2022

 
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Have you ever been on a night out and found that people do not appear to be enjoying themselves: standing in cliques, not dancing and bar prices are extortionate? After enduring one-too-many nights out like that, with people glaring when we enter the venue, we decided to create our own nights (and days) out where joy and connection is at the heart of what we do.

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Painting faces – astrid kearney

30/10/2022

 
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Brian James and I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing the extraordinary Astrid Kearney, make up designer and creative director. The full article appears in Issue 50 of Solstice Magazine.

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Sober Dolly

8/8/2022

 
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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?

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Soul Sisters: Serving Serious Sass & Sisterhood

11/5/2022

 
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Brian James and I were lucky enough to catch up with Cardiff designers Luna and Wenda (AKA Soul Sisters). Meet the dynamic duo and discover what iconic pieces they are launching next.

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SLK Designs x Darkus Magazine Interview

19/4/2022

 
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Brian James and I interview Sarah-Louise Koessler, the incredibly talented designer behind SLK Designs about the reality of establishing a brand during lockdown and the elation at seeing your creations worn by supermodel Adwoa Aboah on the big screen.

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Dolly Does Festivals

7/4/2022

 
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Sweat, glitter, blood, tears, wet crotch… yep, they’re all familiar elements for many festival go-ers. As some of us prepare, with a big dollop of excitement, for a summer sprinkled with festivals I thought I’d share how I ensure my gang and I have a blast at festivals.

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Dolly Does Things Differently

29/3/2022

 
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People often ask me what the special occasion is when they clock my clobber. Life is the occasion! There is no guarantee there will be a tomorrow, so I try to make the most of every day. That doesn’t mean I wander the streets of London full time, dressed to the nines like Liberace! But it does mean I try to make the most of what I have.

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Dolly Talks Tattoos & Piercings

22/1/2022

 
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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.


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Dolly Does Faux FUR

18/12/2021

 
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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.

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Dolly Does Hats

14/11/2021

 
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Several women fainted at the unusual sight, while children screamed, dogs yelped.” *
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? 

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Dolly does jewellery

29/10/2021

 
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During the past few weeks I have been stopped four times in London by photography students wanting to take photographs of my jewellery. Endless conversations have been started with complete strangers and my jewellery has been credited with being the ice breaker each time.

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Dolly Does Charity Shops

13/6/2021

 
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Elbows at the ready… There are not many things I love more than an amble around a vintage or charity shop. I think I’ve inherited this from my mum who is the original thrifter.
Luck can be a factor as to whether you strike gold, but there are some tips that can help you, even when Lady Luck is not on your side.

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Dolly Dares

6/6/2021

 
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"More tits in Lidl please!” my lovely friend Meredith greeted me with this new year message once.
It is true, I have been known to wear the most ridiculous outfits to the supermarket, but in my defence the Lidl ‘debacle’ happened en route to a Halloween event. The fact that I subsequently got too inebriated before we arrived at said event and spent the evening waiting for a non-existent cab on a kerb, is not to be spoken of again!

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Who Is Dolly?

31/5/2021

 
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After years of being stopped in the street and questioned about my look/laughed at/complimented/criticised (delete as appropriate) I took the plunge in early 2019 and began curating my favourite looks on Instagram. This has since become a wonderful vein of inspiration, friendships, opportunities and fun.

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© Broke Dirty Blonde 2025
  • Home
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