IDEAS 

PRACTICES 
Oh, the world of fashion and beauty is a colorful, vibrant, and diverse one! Have you ever stopped to think about how we often limit ourselves to a tiny box of what is considered 'attractive' or 'desirable' at any given time? It's time to break free from those constraints and allow yourself to play with your style and express your beauty in your own unique way. And trust us, there are countless styles out there to try! From powdered wigs to jeggings, hoop skirts to shoulder pads, fanny packs to shutter shades, the options are endless. So why not mix and match, experiment, and have fun with your look? Not only will you feel more confident and expressive, but you'll also be communicating your attitude and values to the world, and attracting like-minded souls who appreciate your boldness and creativity.

Beauty and style are all about inclusivity, subjectivity, and personal expression. Forget about unrealistic and unattainable beauty standards set by society, and embrace the unique qualities and characteristics that make you beautiful in your own way. Yes, YOU! Whether you're tall, short, skinny, curvy, have freckles, birthmarks, or any other 'imperfections', you are beautiful just the way you are. Celebrate your unique features, your cultural expressions, your personal style and your body, exactly as it is today. Remember, beauty is not about conforming to someone else's standards, but about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.

Also, let's not forget that fashion and beauty should be fun. Don't take yourself too seriously and don't worry too much about what others think. Instead, express yourself in a way that makes you happy and confident. So put on that funky hat, rock those neon shoes, and dance like nobody's watching. Because when you feel good in your own skin and embrace your own unique style, you radiate confidence and joy to the world. Now go out there and play with your style!

CASE STUDY 

Edith was a 70 year old beautiful soul, but she didn't see it that way. Instead, she looked in the mirror and saw wrinkles, grey hair, and a body that didn't feel like hers. She felt old and ugly and thought that her best days were behind her.

One day, Edith was out shopping when she stumbled upon a beautiful dress. It was a bright shade of red, with a flowing skirt and intricate lace detailing. She picked it up, admiring the way the fabric felt in her hands. Suddenly, something inside her shifted. She realized that she had been holding herself back for far too long, and that it was time to start living life to the fullest. From that day on, Edith began to experiment with different styles and fabrics. She tried on bold patterns, bright colors, and fun accessories. She started to see herself in a new light, appreciating the beauty in her wrinkles and the wisdom in her eyes. With each outfit, she felt more confident and alive, radiating a new energy that drew people to her.

As she looked back on her life, Edith realized that she had spent far too much time worrying about what others thought of her. She had been so focused on trying to fit in that she had forgotten what it felt like to truly be herself. But now, she was free. Free to express herself in whatever way she chose, to wear whatever made her feel beautiful, and to embrace her unique sense of style.

And so, Edith lived her days with a newfound sense of joy and freedom. She laughed more, loved more, and lived more fully than she ever had before. And though she still saw wrinkles in the mirror, she no longer saw them as a mark of age or ugliness. Instead, she saw them as a badge of honor, a sign of a life well-lived and a woman who had truly come into her own.
  • Spend time looking at your body in the mirror and noticing everything that you like. 
  • Practice rewiring your brain when you have critical self talk about something about yourself. For instance, if you notice a wrinkle or 'imperfection' on your body, try looking at it in a new way. For instance, notice how wrinkles give our faces character and depth, and can be seen as a sign of wisdom, maturity, and resilience. They are also what make you uniquely you. 
  • Make a conscious practice of expanding your definition of what beauty is. A simple way of doing this is by admiring people in the street who you haven't found beautiful in the past, and noticing things about them that you find appealing. 
  • Take time to think about the styles, colors, and patterns that you are naturally drawn to. For inspiration, you can check out second hand clothing stores. 
  • Look for beauty and fashion inspiration on the streets, in magazines and social media.
  • Take a risk and experiment with a bold fashion choice. 
  • Surround yourself with positive people who appreciate you exactly as you are and find you beautiful. 
  • Practice positive affirmations that remind you that you are beautiful, exactly as you are.
  • Call out ageist and sizeist comments about beauty. 

RESOURCES 

BOOKS
  • "The Body is Not an Apology" by Sonya Renee Taylor​. 
  • "The Conscious Closet: The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good" by Elizabeth L. Cline.
  • "Fashion: The Ultimate History of Costume from Prehistory to the Present Day" by Collectif.
  • "The Curated Closet: A Simple System for Discovering Your Personal Style and Building Your Dream Wardrobe" by Anuschka Rees.
  • "Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design" by Danielle LaPorte and Carrie McCarthy.