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What is wearable technology?

Yoga

What exactly is wearable technology?

Written by Clare Elson 

Ever heard the term wearables?

To be perfectly honest, up until about a year ago I hadn’t ever heard of, let along used, the term wearables. It started to crop up in conversation more and more until it got to that embarrassing point of no return and I asked ‘What is wearable technology?’. Thankfully I wasn’t ‘tech-shamed’ and happily I learned something new that day however the fact remains that wearables appear to be more and more a part of our everyday life.

Examples of wearable technology

Put simply, wearable technology is any kind of electronic device designed to be worn on the user’s body. So that could include digital watches, headphones, smart jewellery, intelligent clothing or even hearing aids; items that most of us are already familiar with and probably incorporate into our daily lives one way or another. Wearable tech can also take the form of medical devices which incorporate built in sensors to transmit patient data wireless to a healthcare facility. Our car alarms, electronic key fobs, locator devices and even our chipped pets are all part of the picture.

Phone call
Tech
Yoga

Everyday technology

In reality we’ve all been using wearables for some time – remember the Sony Walkman? And in general we love the freedom they bring us and the ease with which we can track or streamline our lives. Darcy, our Design & Digital Marketing Manager wouldn’t be without his smartwatch;

“I use a Samsung Galaxy Active 2 smart watch and love it. I can leave the house without my phone so going for runs is grand. I’ve got Spotify on it so it connects to my wireless headphones and it’s got payments attached to it so I can run into the city, grab a coffee then tube home without taking my phone.”

wearable technology smart watch
Wearable technology flat lay

Wearable tech implants?

These are benefits that most of us can appreciate and possibly make use of one way or another on a regular basis but at the cutting edge of this technology the chip can be implanted into the human body making the wearable something you can’t simply leave at home or switch off. Contactless payments? No problem. Locate my car? Of course.

Indeed a recent BBC article reported on a ‘biohacker’ who has 32 body implants including magnets, to try to improve his performance.

Future of wearables

Whilst this is likely to be a step too far for most of us, not to mention inherent data protection issues, the fact remains that wearables are very much a part of the way we live and in general make our lives easier and our actions more effective.

In terms of the future, we might someday soon be wearing our Apple Glasses to view our text messages and emails, transferring the energy generated from our 10,000 daily steps to recharge our smartwatch or using our smart contact lenses to correct our vision while providing real-time, hands-free information.

For now though, I’m off for a run (smartwatch attached to my wrist to track my progress of course…and then perhaps get the bus home!)

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Crossbody Bagletts

Bagletts - Our original crossbody sling bag

Bagletts

If you’ve been out and about recently, you’ve probably noticed the latest must have accessory: the sling bag. In all shapes and forms, these small crossbody bags are having a moment. We’ve finally waved goodbye to the habit of taking the kitchen sink out with us just to pop to the shops and gone are the days when celebrities lug around a suitcase sized handbag on a night out. As it turns out, we’ve had sling bags in our lineup since the early 2000’s!

Textured Nylon Lagoon Baglett

What is the sling bag?

Sling bags are designed to carry your daily essentials and to be worn slung across the chest leaving your hands free for shopping, cycling, walking the dog or a stroll around the local park. They are generally capacious enough to hold more than your door keys and often have nifty pockets to hold your phone, coins, sunglasses or a small book.

Crossbody benefits

We’ve understood the benefit of small crossbody bags for a long time. Our Bagletts were probably one of the earliest sling bags to hit the market back in the early 2000’s and immediately became one of our best sellers. We understand the importance of combining fun with function so we designed these mini bags with a long adjustable and detachable strap which means that they can be worn any way you like. We also made them with a ‘D’ ring which clips into a regular sized Healthy Back Bag for times when you need a grab bag of essentials neatly stowed into a larger bag.

Microfibre Mini Baglett berry sorbet
Textured Nylon Baglett Rocket Grey

The Large Baglett

In 2009 we launched our Large Baglett in the form of a ‘Cause Bag’ sold to raise funds for cancer charities like CoppaFeel. This slighty larger version of the original Baglett was designed with space to hold a water bottle or a small umbrella yet still light enough to sling across the body and forget about.

It wasn’t long before we started to add more colours in Microfibre and subsequently Textured Nylon and in 2016 teamed up with textile designer Margo Selby and made a designer version adding an element of luxury to our sling bag line up. Today our Baglett and Large Baglett line up totals some 40 bags and we’re happy that latest trend or not, we’ve got your back every time.

Top 7 reasons to carry a Healthy Back Bag Baglett

 

  1. Cross body – leaves hands free to get on with other things
  2. Minimal contents – lighter load on your back
  3. Versatile – can be worn front or back
  4. Key hook – always keep your keys to hand
  5. Multiple colour and fabric choices – smart or casual, there’s one for every occasion
  6. Sanitized lining – prevents the spread of bacteria
  7. 2 outside and 1 interior pocket for extra organisation

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Lessons from her Majesty’s Wardrobe

Queen

LESSONS FROM HER MAJESTY'S WARDROBE

The latest from our House of Colour blogger
Fiona Ingham
Fiona Ingham

First published on the House of Colour website May 2022
Lessons from Her Majesty’s Wardrobe

BOLD COLOUR CHOICES

Our budget, lifestyle, and jewellery collection may be realms away from the Queen’s, but can we learn anything from the wardrobe strategies developed, with the help of experts, during her 70 years reign?

Bold bright block colours, ranging through the entire rainbow, ensure that she is easily visible. They also project confidence. When asked about colour she said,  ‘Who would know who I was if I wore beige?’.  Softer hued evening dresses have eye-catching beading or embroidery.

Queen

STYLE THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

The Queen loves clothes and knows her style. She gives lots of input to her designers, who now are Stewart Parvin and Angela Kelly. Angela Kelly commented that she is ‘a real expert on fabrics.’ In the 50s she requested that her couturier Hardy Amies create ‘clean and simple’ daytime looks, not like a ‘girl on the cover of Vogue’, while Norman Hartnell showed off her hourglass figure with elaborate fairy tale evening concoctions. In the 60s she favoured tailored looks before her daywear embraced some fluidity and pattern in the 70s and 80s.

Her current structured single colour dress and coat combos, with a variety of collar shapes, trim and buttons and falling below the knee, perfectly flatter her petite frame. A matching hat, stud earrings, pearls, a heritage brooch or two (worn high on the left) white or black cotton gloves (changed several times a day) and a Launer handbag, accessorise the look.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

The clothes are stored in airtight wardrobes and her team notes each wear on spreadsheets. Outfits are worn a maximum of three times then retired to private use. Wardrobe mishaps must not happen, so nothing is left to chance. The setting is checked in advance in order that the chosen colour will neither fade into nor clash with the background.

Skirts are weighted down, floaty fabrics tested, and crease-resistant fabrics are essential. Three-quarter length sleeves which must not be too tight facilitate waving and hand shaking. Moderate sized hat brims and see-through ‘Birdcage’ umbrellas by Fulton avoid her face being obscured. Foot comfort is ensured as her handmade Anello and Davide black patent or leather slip-ons have heels of just two-and-a-quarter inches and are first worn-in by a staff member.

Unlike many Royals throughout the ages the Queen buys exclusively British, apart from her favoured Hermes headscarves which are worn for more casual events and to replace a riding hat, which, ever aware of practicalities, she explained would ruin her hair.

Queen

ALWAYS DRESS FOR THE OCCASION

Religious and diplomatic conventions must be respected, therefore as a female head of state, she wore black when meeting the Pope. Colour and motif often compliment the country visited so when in Ireland her evening dress was decorated with shamrocks and an Irish harp brooch. Sky blue and pale pink evoked cherry blossom season on a visit to Japan. Prince Philip’s favourite colour, forest green, aka Edinburgh Green, was her perfect tribute for his memorial service.

Queen

LESSONS LEARNED

The Queen, who apparently does her own makeup, knows that a bright lipstick works wonders whatever our age. The public’s positive response to her choice of neon green for her 90th birthday and sunshine yellow for the recent opening of the Elizabeth Line, proves how wise it is not to retreat into neutrals as we age.

When advising both female and male clients about appearance I’ve heard many sad tales of past wardrobe mishaps which have caused stress at important events. So can guidance be gleaned from this expert who has negotiated 70 years in the public eye, without ever putting an elegant foot wrong? Perhaps the maxims ‘Know thyself’, ‘Be consistent’ and the motto from her Majesty’s girl guide days, ‘Be prepared’ say it all.

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stripey dress and blusher copy

Fiona Ingham

Consistent holder of the House of Colour Star Consultant award each year since 1991 plus the new Double and Triple Star Consultant award for 2020. Winner of the Business Development Award and Team Productivity Award and also a 2017 Livewire Innovation and Excellence Award.

Colour Analysis can be a private, Individual session or Duo session where two friends attend together in the Primrose Hill studio.

Personal Style can be an Individual session or a Duo session for two friends in the studio OR an Individual session on Zoom for clients who live further away.

Please email or call for full information.

[email protected]
@fionainghampresentation
07791 507534

See Fiona's Profile
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Tyvek Bags

Beige Leopard S

What is Tyvek?

HBB X TYVEK®

We are always on the lookout for innovative fabrics to make bags from. This can come in the form of colour, texture or print however one thing which remains constant throughout our design process is a desire to make bags which don’t just look great but are highly functional too.

We know that our customers lead busy lives and use their Healthy Back Bags for many purposes: work, travel, hiking, cycling, walking…the list goes on. We also know that our bags need to withstand the knocks and scrapes that life on the go throws at them so fabric choice is important. No one wants a bag looking like a sack of potatoes after its first outing.

Getting Creative

One of the most exciting fabrics we’ve come across recently is Tyvek®. If you’ve ever been to a festival and been issued with one of those tear-proof wristbands, chances are you’ve come across Tyvek®. And if you’re anything like us, you’ve awkwardly and with some relief had to cut it off your wrist after the event since it simply won’t rip.

Tyvek® came to our attention because it’s all the things we like. It’s tough and hardworking yet super-lightweight. It’s also breathable but resistant to water, abrasion, and bacteria. But that’s not the end of the story.

Camo Utility S

The Result

We always have our eye on our environmental footprint so when we learnt that the fabric is 100% recyclable* and often enjoys a second life in products like pallets, park benches and playground equipment we started to get interested.

The big question then was how would this work as a Healthy Back Bag? It’s got a paper-like quality so how’s that going to feel on your shoulder or back? We made a few samples to give it a test and were surprised by the result. We overprinted it with a subtle leopard pattern (everyone loves a bit of leopard right?) and the process magically transformed the fabric into a chamois-like texture: super-soft and tactile yet indestructible and lightweight. We loved them so much we printed more in a camo print and now are proud to present our Tyvek® collection of both small and medium bags.

Are they our best Healthy Back Bags yet? That’s up to you to decide but for us, they’re pretty perfect!

Beige Leopard S
Beige Leopard
Beige Leopard S

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Spring Colour 2022

Flowers

Spring Colour 2022

The latest from our House of Colour blogger
Fiona Ingham

During a Personal Style consultation, we look at the client’s Lifestyle Wheel. The categories are; Work, Home, Social, Hobbies and Holidays. What percentage of time is spent on each and, importantly, does the client’s current wardrobe reflect that? But since lockdown I’ve noticed a change.

A shift in how we dress

Our lives are now less compartmentalised, and this is reflected in clothing choices. Recent catwalks have celebrated flexible dressing, showing clothes which can be worn to a work meeting then differently accessorised for dining out. Vogue shows sparkly tops jazzing up utility-wear cargo’s and denim is teamed with lace.  Smart trouser suits abound but are roomy, not sharply fitted and put with loafers, dressed down with trainers, or made glamorous with killer heels and statement jewellery.

The past two years have prioritised comfort. We’ve grown used to that so although structured dresses are back, they are often in stretchy or knitted fabrics which allow us to relax and enjoy that dinner!

Flowers

How to wear your healthy back bag

Dress codes constantly evolve, and recent events have accelerated change. My HBBs, comfortable to carry and hands free, were permanent companions on those daily walks and for park bench coffees. However, the general move to a more relaxed look has meant that I‘m now happy to team my dark olive one with a tailored dress for some business meetings.

New Collection

The new HBB range will be a joy to colour lovers. It covers the entire rainbow, offering options for all colour seasons, whether warm, cool, bright, or muted. Look no further if you wish to embrace the current dopamine dressing trend! Autumns and springs can find their delicious acid brights; limes, tangerines, oranges or yellows. The Valentino-type pinks, cobalt blues and emeralds, will ensure that winters and summers feel truly ‘in the pink’.

If you are unsure of your palette, try a lovely red or purple (on trend as Very Peri, Pantone Colour of 2022). My mineral yellow and tangerine bags enliven all autumn neutrals. But on warmer days I’m going for full dopamine effect by teaming them with orange-red, buttercup-yellow and grass-green spring coats.

Tropic S
Textured Nylon Wisteria

How to choose the perfect bag

When choosing your HBB, check which clothes are already in your wardrobe to see what will coordinate. If your current bag is a neutral or dark perhaps go vibrant or try a pretty pastel. The catwalks promoted a huge variety of pattern: retro, tropical, animal, stripes or florals. If so far you’ve opted for a plain what about branching out?

HBB can be a great way of nodding to these trends and updating your look if a head-to-toe print isn’t you. I tend to go for angles and stripes, but rounded shapes and florals might be more to your taste. If the pattern is right for you and your wardrobe the look won’t date or fall from favour.

Maybe refer to the Lifestyle Wheel and decide which areas of your life you want to carry your bag into. Will a riot of colourful pattern feel great in that beach bar? Will you be the envy of your friends with your soft pastel at a girl’s night out? Would you prefer a more restrained look at the governor’s meeting? It’s your choice. One thing is certain. The right bag for you will be sure to put a spring in your step!

stripey dress and blusher copy

Fiona Ingham

Consistent holder of the House of Colour Star Consultant award each year since 1991 plus the new Double and Triple Star Consultant award for 2020. Winner of the Business Development Award and Team Productivity Award and also a 2017 Livewire Innovation and Excellence Award.

Colour Analysis can be a private, Individual session or Duo session where two friends attend together in the Primrose Hill studio.

Personal Style can be an Individual session or a Duo session for two friends in the studio OR an Individual session on Zoom for clients who live further away.

Please email or call for full information.

[email protected]
@fionainghampresentation
07791 507534

See Fiona's Profile

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Spring Cleaning

Flowers

Spring cleaning &
baby basics donation

Spring cleaning after a long winter is always cathartic. With the lengthening days and brighter skies, all those dusty corners and cluttered cupboards come into focus and since Christmas is long gone, all those leftover packets and tins can be used up or recycled.

Making way for the new is very much what this time of year is about and not just in the home. One of our post-Covid, post-winter tasks at HBB HQ recently has been to have a trawl through our warehouse to make space for the new season Healthy Back Bags and to consolidate existing stock. We were excited to discover some dust covered boxes of spare baby changing mats and waterproof pouches hiding in a corner which are sold as part of our Baby Bag bundle. With sustainability and waste reduction top of our minds, we decided to put them to good use.

Baby Changing

Getting Creative

The discussion about what exactly to do with them was entertaining with some innovative suggestions for both items. For example: the changing mat would be ‘great for sitting on when camping’, ‘comfortable for kneeling on when you’re gardening’, ‘perfect for impromptu picnics or taking a break on a country walk’, or ‘excellent rolled up as a pillow for sunbathing on holiday’.

The waterproof pouches make for excellent make up pouches, sun cream holders, a wet weather tech bag or even a place to keep your sandwiches. Some were slightly mad such as ‘use the mat as an emergency umbrella’ or ‘a waterproof cape’. Maybe a step too far!

The Result

What we did all agree on was the need to put them to good use and to find a charity which we could support in the process. A quick search on the internet and up popped Baby Basics. Baby Basics is a volunteer led organisation which supports new mothers and their families via a nationwide network. Perfect!

Since then we have so far donated over 100 packs comprising both changing mat and waterproof pouch with more destined for regional locations.

We’re happy and proud to be supporting such a great project. And as a bonus,  we’ve been able to turn surplus stock into something useful. And as a result we also have some space ready for incoming SS22 product…watch this space!

Textured Nylon Baby Changing Bag Crimson

About our baby bags

Our award-winning Baby Bags are designed to make life easier when out and about with a little one. They’re lightweight, hardwearing and completely machine washable. With its extra-wide padded shoulder strap and multiple pockets inside and out, this bag is practical, comfortable and spacious.

Wear cross-body to have hands free for the baby, but still have the ability to pull the bag round to access contents without taking it off. It comes with a removable plastic pouch to keep dirty or wet stuff separate, a washable, padded changing mat, a zipped purse on a lanyard, and an insulated bottle pocket. Meaning it will keep you fully prepared to travel with your baby any time, any place, anywhere.

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Pantone Colour of the Year 2022

Purple

Pantone Colour of the Year 2022

Veri Peri 

The latest from our House of Colour blogger

Fiona Ingham

Colour of the Year

Very Peri Pantone 17-3938 ‘a dynamic periwinkle blue hue’ the Pantone colour of 2022, should be popular because blue is the colour most loved worldwide. I was surprised at the choice as it’s so close to both Ultra Violet of 2018 and 2020’s Classic Blue. However, the good news is that unlike 2021’s bright yellow Illuminating which is perfect only for warm skin tones (Springs and Autumns) this hue works well for us all.

Pantone have announced a Colour of the Year since 1999. Now, for the first time, they’ve created one new to their existing range. They research, to name but a few, political events, art, film, sporting events, the world of virtual reality and now the metaverse, to discover the colour representative of the zeitgeist. The chosen one is a colour which will shine throughout the year in both fashion and design.

They decided it had to feel empowering after another turbulent pandemic year, so blue, representative of trust, calm and reliability was felt to be appropriate. The injection of a red undertone created ‘the happiest and warmest of all blue hues’  Some describe Very Peri as purple, others call it blue or ‘a shade of lavender’ So take your pick!

VR
Purple

Very Peri in Fashion

Very Peri is already on the catwalks. Check it out at Chanel. But it isn’t new as a fashion statement. Kate and Camilla wore iterations to the Royals’ Christmas service in 2019. Team Biden, Jill and Kamala, wore it to the January 2020 inauguration. They can all shop in their own closets. Hopefully we can too. By chance, just before the announcement was made, I bought a beautiful pre-loved fit ‘n‘ flare lace party dress in this hue. The only thing missing now is the party!

How to wear Very Peri

If you have been Colour Analysed, check the rating through your colour season. This will clarify whether Very Peri looks stunning worn head to toe or is best kept as a splash in patterns and accessories. It might be fun introduced as a dash of eye shadow or eye pencil, mixed with neutral grey or brown shadows, or maybe you fancy the current blue or purple hair trend.

If you know you’re a Winter you will rate fantastically well in this colour. Summers might go for a softer plum, lavender or grape iteration. Very Peri sits between Spring’s violet and bright blue, so will work well with all the palette and is particularly wonderful for Blue Springs. Some Autumns might go for just a touch but Blue Autumns dazzle in this look as it is close to both their Heliotrope and Royal Purple.

Drink
Purple

Colour History

Synthetic dyes began in 1859 with Mauve, very similar to this colour. Mauve was worn by Queen Victoria at a daughter’s wedding and became so popular amongst the fashion conscious that there were jokes about ‘mauve measles spreading’ and ‘purple birds of paradise’.

Prior to this time purple dye came from a rare Mediterranean shellfish (now extinct) and Ultramarine blue from lapis lazuli which was mined largely in Afghanistan. They were available to only the few as sourcing them was hugely expensive.

Consequently, they spoke of wealth, authority, and status. Some of this aura still hovers around this look, so perhaps try it at your next important event or on a Zoom meeting and check out the effect. Sometimes colours speak louder than words!

stripey dress and blusher copy

Fiona Ingham

Consistent holder of the House of Colour Star Consultant award each year since 1991 plus the new Double and Triple Star Consultant award for 2020. Winner of the Business Development Award and Team Productivity Award and also a 2017 Livewire Innovation and Excellence Award.

Colour Analysis can be a private, Individual session or Duo session where two friends attend together in the Primrose Hill studio.

Personal Style can be an Individual session or a Duo session for two friends in the studio OR an Individual session on Zoom for clients who live further away.

Please email or call for full information.

[email protected]
@fionainghampresentation
07791 507534

See Fiona's Profile
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Christmas markets

Market

5 CHRISTMAS MARKETS TO VISIT THIS FESTIVE SEASON

It’s that time of year where we’re all starting to plan for the Big Day.

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday firmly behind us, 25th December is fully within our sights and along with it, a whole raft of ‘yet to buy’ items on that present list.

So where best to forage for those outstanding gifts and have some fun while you’re at it?

Christmas Markets up and down the country might be a good place to start and for those who are keen not to be heading to the malls and crowded shopping centres this year, what could be better than an outdoor market, often in the most picturesque locations, with a chance of a glass of mulled wine and an opportunity to support local businesses in the process?

We’ve handpicked 5 festive locations here, all of them running events from November to January but take a look at Christmas Markets in your Area for further information.

1. BRISTOL

Over 50 stalls in Broadmead in the heart of the city centre selling seasonal gifts, crafts and trinkets along with a range of delicious treats on offer from traditional Bratwurst to crepes and churros. You can hire private igloo pods, enjoy live music from local musicians in the Jäger Barn Bar, and watch Santa and his reindeer as they make appearances throughout the festival.

Christmas

2. LEEDS

Numerous events are taking place in Leeds this year at its Winter Favourites festival. Enjoy local street food at the Chow Down Winter Village, visit the Corn Exchange for Christmas gifts or browse the speciality markets at Kirkgate and the Mini German Market at Sydney Street. There will even be weekend snow flurries at the Trinity Leeds Après Ski Bar where you can soak up the atmosphere over a hot chocolate and some gingerbread biscuits.

Market

3. BIRMINGHAM

The city’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria and attracts visitors from across the UK and Europe. Stalls on Victoria Square and New Street are offering traditional fare including Pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts all of which can be washed down with gluhwein, weissbeer or a warming hot chocolate.

 

Christmas Market

4. EDINBURGH

From bumper cars to a carol concert, light installations to Lidl on Ice, Edinburgh’s Christmas market located at East Princes Street Gardens and The Mound gets bigger each year. With 77 stalls to explore and Santa’s Grotto to entertain the kids, you might find you never want to go home.
Slide
Fruit

5. LONDON

The Christmas market on the South Bank and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park are well known fixtures in our capital city’s calendar but at HBB HQ you’ll mostly find us on December 4th stocking up on jams, chutneys, pickles and cakes and enjoying a chat with our neighbours at our De Beauvoir Christmas Fair and Trail. Based in our local church the fair extends to stalls in front gardens where our very own Santa(ess) Priscilla, accompanied by her faithful hound Lola, will be offering a selection of our Healthy Back Bags and maybe a mince pie or two.

Find your Christmas Market here

Visit England

UK Christmas Markets

North East https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/christmas-fairs-north-east-november-22047004

North West https://www.visitnorthwest.com/

South East https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/events/christmas/christmas-markets

South West https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/top-christmas-days-out-in-the-south-west

London https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/whats-on/christmas/best-christmas-markets-in-london

Scotland https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/events/christmas-winter-festivals/

Ireland https://www.ireland.com/en-gb/magazine/culture/christmas-in-ireland/

Wales https://www.visitwales.com/things-do/events/events-wales-during-december

 

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Autumn and Winter fashion essentials

Autumn and Winter Fashion Essentials

Autumn

Autumn weather can be like experiencing four seasons in one day which makes dressing appropriately a fine art. You can’t get it right every time but here are some classic wardrobe essentials that won’t let you down.

The Trench Coat

It’s the perfect outerwear layer – easy to take off and light enough to carry if it’s too warm but roomy enough to layer underneath when the temperature drops. Pair with a coloured HBB and you’re good to go!

Microfibre Aloe S

Boots

Time to bring out your favourite boots from the back of the wardrobe. They always look great with a long sleeve floral dress and a cardigan but are also very practical for those unpredictable autumn rain showers.

A bag

With the ever changing weather you need to be prepared which is why a suitably sized bag is another must have. Our Camo Utility Small bag made from Tyvek is the perfect example. It will easily carry your daily go to items as well as an extra layer incase it gets chilly and an umbrella if the heavens open unexpectedly. Did we mention it’s also water resistant?

Shoe
Camo Utility S

Winter

You can buy foam pipe insulation from builders merchants, wrap this around hot water pipes to keep them warm and reduce heating costs.

Knitwear

You really can’t have enough jumpers for winter which is easier said than done when it comes to budget. This is why it’s a good idea to consider buying neutral colours which go with everything and can be worn year after year. Think maroon, tan, deep forest green and black.

As the evenings get colder and darker why not give knitting a try. You can add to your winter wardrobe and learn a new skill in the process.

Knitting has become very trendy thanks to websites like Wool and the Gang. You can always start with something simple like a scarf or beanie and then progress to something more complex. There are so many great patterns online for every level and budget, you can almost always find a pattern for free!

Blankets

Outerwear

Puffer coats and jackets are a popular choice this winter and have been for the last few seasons. The greatest thing about them is that they’re both practical and look great! There are so many styles and colours out there to choose from and some brands are making them more affordable and environmentally friendly.

You can rely on a good coat to be in style season after season which is why it’s worth investing in one you love and you will wear year after year. Some colours are absolute classics and will continue to be in fashion season after season, black, navy, camel and dark green.

coat

Looking for colour
and style inspiration?

stripey dress and blusher copy

Fiona Ingham

Consistent holder of the House of Colour Star Consultant award each year since 1991 plus the new Double and Triple Star Consultant award for 2020. Winner of the Business Development Award and Team Productivity Award and also a 2017 Livewire Innovation and Excellence Award.

Colour Analysis can be a private, Individual session or Duo session where two friends attend together in the Primrose Hill studio.

Personal Style can be an Individual session or a Duo session for two friends in the studio OR an Individual session on Zoom for clients who live further away.

Please email or call for full information.

[email protected]
@fionainghampresentation
07791 507534

See Fiona's Profile

Join the list

Get the VIP info on all things Healthy Back Bag, including our newest designs, special releases and monthly giveaways. Plus you’ll get 10% off your first order!

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Do colours change with age?

Your True Colours

Do they change with age?

The latest from our House of Colour blogger
Fiona Ingham

How colour analysis works

Colour Analysis discovers which colours are best for your skin tones, eye colour and natural hair colour. It works for both women and men. Despite advice given on internet forums and by fashion journalists, please don’t waste time trying to discover your colour season by deciding whether your veins are blue or green (an impossible task!) or following the diktat that skin with a slightly sallow look needs warm colours (it usually doesn’t). Successful Colour Analysis needs two hours in front of a mirror, guided by an experienced consultant.

After a consultation you get a fabulous fan of fabrics in the colours of your season and an individualised booklet. A quarter of the colours in the world are represented. If, for example, you are a Winter then your colours will be cool, bright and clear. In total contrast, Autumn colours are warm, rich and soft.

The session includes a detailed rating through these colours to discover those which are stunning (your wow colours) those which are pretty good and those which are best kept away from the face or worn only as accents. This rating is what decides your Sub Season.

Colour Changes

During our lifetime this detailed rating will change. In their teens a Winter might look stunning wearing a black high necked top and trousers, but an older person might look great when a bright or soft colour is added around the face.

A teenager who is a Summer might rock a powder pink dress, while an older woman might wear it as a shirt, jacket, an accessory or in a pattern. If your hair goes grey or white the season won’t change but your best colours within that range and the best way to wear them will.

A Colour Rerate (£90) updates by revisiting the colours of your season. It’s great to do this a few years after Colour Analysis if you feel your colours are no longer working so well. Advanced Colour (£150) can be done at any time to increase colour knowledge and discover exciting new ways of combining your colours.

Makeup

Both sessions include a Makeup Review as our best looks may change over time. Makeup, particularly lipstick, can be our greatest ally as we get older because it adds back contrast to the face. We may want to go easier on sheen in eyeshadows and not overdo the foundation, but in general the lipstick colour should not go paler.

Makeup
flowers

Adapting your colour season

The way we use our colour seasons can be adapted to fashion trends. We can look great in the current one colour head-to-toe look if we know our wow colours. Currently regal purples, golds, vivid greens, aquas and show stopping reds are to the fore. There are versions of these in each season, so there really is something for everyone.

FIONA INGHAM

Consistent holder of the House of Colour Star Consultant award each year since 1991 plus the new Double and Triple Star Consultant award for 2020. Winner of the Business Development Award and Team Productivity Award and also a 2017 Livewire Innovation and Excellence Award.

Colour Analysis can be a private, Individual session or Duo session where two friends attend together in the Primrose Hill studio.

Personal Style can be an Individual session or a Duo session for two friends in the studio OR an Individual session on Zoom for clients who live further away.

Please email or call for full information.

[email protected]
07791 507534

SEE FIONA’S PROFILE
 

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