Autumn can be a tricky time to dress for, then add on top of that an occasion such as a wedding and you may be baffled for what to wear.

In the UK, Autumn tends to be drizzly and cool – so being prepared for these weather changes is essential for your outfit.

In this blog, I’ll be sharing some top tips on how to dress for an autumnal wedding so you still feel appropriately dressed for the special occasion, even if the weather decides to change on you!

Select a warm layer

Layering is all important at this time of year. You’ll want to have a small additional layer to pop into your handbag, hotel room or car for the late afternoon/evening. Something like a bolero, pashmina, or blazer can be excellent solutions.

A pashmina works over dresses, jumpsuits and suits, and can be a boho-chic option, while a bolero is a more formal option. A blazer is an excellent solution for your two piece outfit, and you could go all out and wear a formal suit for the wedding, or why not play with different colours to make a statement?

Another option to keep yourself warm during an autumnal wedding, particularly if you are in older venue without heating (or when the fire isn’t lit) or if you are at an outdoor wedding, is to look for hosiery. A thicker dernier pair of tights can go a long way to keeping warm, without deterring from the elegance of your outfit.

Sleeve length

While during the spring and summer you may be wearing sleeveless or short sleeved garments, an autumn wedding may call for a longer sleeve. A ¾ length sleeve is a great option for this time of year and can be excellent for highlighting your waist. Look for a length of sleeve that stops right at the smaller part of your waist so it brings the eye in.

A full length sleeve is another option, and can be perfect for outdoor weddings where you know it will get a little chilly.

For an elegant look, why not try a dress with a cape attachment? This covers the shoulders, and adds an additional layer for warmth.

Play with suiting

Suits are becoming more and more fashionable, and are a beautiful choice for an autumnal wedding. Look for autumnal colours to really pop for the season, and match with a warm, elegant shirt underneath. To really play with the suiting element, you could mix and match your blazer and trousers, and add accessories to make the look more feminine such as jewellery, heels and your bag.

I wrote an article all about how to style a suit, for more inspiration, should you want to try a suit.

Try a jumpsuit

A jumpsuit is an effective option for this cooler weather as it keeps your legs covered, while looking formal and fun. Depending on the colour, pattern and style, you can dress up or dress down the jumpsuit to match the wedding.

Look out for the right shape for your body shape to elevate your confidence. Some jumpsuits can have a shorter torso or gusset area, so I always recommend trying your jumpsuit on at the shop.

One of the most important things about dressing for a special occasion is to feel confident and align with the dresscode. If you’re unsure on what to wear, speak with the couple or fellow attendees to gauge what level of styling will suit best. If it is a black tie or more casual affair, this will help inspire you for the outfit. 

 

If you’re heading to an autumnal wedding soon, and just don’t know what to wear, I can help with my personal shopping service.   

You've meticulously researched, planned every detail, and eagerly awaited your upcoming adventure. The 'out of office' sign is up, the packing ordeal is behind you, and you've finally arrived at your holiday destination.

And out of the blue, an overwhelming wave of exhaustion crashes over you.

Sound familiar?

Welcome to the enigmatic world of Holiday Fatigue – where relaxation and weariness seem to intertwine in the most unexpected ways. Let's delve into this phenomenon and uncover strategies to reignite your energy levels to maximise your holiday enjoyment.

🌴 Release and Renewal:

For so long, you've been multitasking, juggling all your responsibilities, keeping those balls in the air. As you step into your well-deserved break, the chance to put those balls aside emerges.

Your body seizes this opportunity to unwind, releasing stored-up stress. The intriguing result? A curious surge of fatigue that forces you to stop.

⚡ The Adrenaline Shift:

Your body has been a powerhouse, fueled by adrenaline to conquer life's challenges. But then, the holiday rhythm arrives, and as the adrenaline gradually reduces, relaxation sets in which results in unexpected fatigue. This might just be your body's way of urging you to finally catch up on that much-needed rest. 🛫 Changes in Routine: Traveling disrupts your regular routine – from sleep patterns to meal times.

Your body's internal clock (circadian rhythm) can get thrown off balance, leading to fatigue as your body adjusts to the new schedule.

🌍 Change in Environment:

While holidays are meant to be enjoyable, being in a new environment can also be mentally draining as you navigate unfamiliar surroundings and make decisions about what to do and where to go. So how to help yourself so you don't feel like you are losing precious holiday time feeling like a zombie? Here are some suggested strategies to handle this …

Adapt the itinerary:

Balance sightseeing and activities with time to rest and recharge. Try to avoid over-scheduling which can end up being more stressful and take away from some of the enjoyment. Time Zone Awareness: If traveling across time zones, plan an easy and less demanding schedule for the first day to acclimatise. Scheduled Breaks: Incorporate short breaks during outings. Find a quiet spot to sit, close your eyes, and recharge.

Post-Holiday Buffer:

Plan a buffer day before returning to work. This provides extra time to unwind and transition gradually back to your routine. Remember, the goal is to create a holiday that rejuvenates rather than exhausts. By proactively adapting your plans to accommodate holiday fatigue, you can ensure a more revitalising and fulfilling travel experience. Tell me in the comments how you will be incorporating downtime into your summer plans.

Why Should Small Businesses Publish Blog Posts?

Your website is like a shop front. A window into your world and what you have to offer. If it’s pretty, it helps draw people in. But there still needs to be something of substance there or they’ll just keep walking.

But why should you bother with blog posts? After all, it’s just one more thing to do.

Think of a blog as part of your window display. And it helps fill up those shelves behind the counter that people like to peer at in case there’s something else of interest they’re missing out on. 

Here’s how small businesses can benefit from blogging:

1. Blogs increase traffic to your website

Search engine optimisation, or SEO is not a ‘dark art’. There are many ways you can make your website more appealing to the search engines and blogs are one of them.

More people visiting your website means more potential clients.

The more traffic you can get to your website – and the longer people stay on it – the better you will score in search engine rankings. So, the more interesting, relevant content you can provide, the better.

Blogs give the search engines more reasons to rank you when people are searching for answers you can provide. This means they will be more likely to discover you exist and visit your website.

Each time you add a new blog post you are giving the search engines a signal that your website is active. They will ‘crawl’ it again to index the new content. 

Make sure you have all the right keywords, headings, and so on, in your blogs but remember you're talking to your target clients, not robots. Your tone, language, and content need to reflect that. People need to read it and get something out of it.

Even the algorithms now penalise poorly-written content of little value. AI writing tools can be useful aids, but don’t depend on them to do the job for you.

The right blogs can help drive small business leads, letting you compete with much larger companies.

2. Blogs build engagement, trust, authority, and community

You know you’re an authority in your field. You know how you can help people and add value to their lives and businesses. But how does anyone else know that? It’s no good just telling people how great you are on your About page and expecting them to go with it. 

People want to see proof that you know what you are talking about. They want to know you care. That they matter and even that there is a like-minded community they can be part of.

Blogging about subjects your customers are interested in can showcase you as an authority in your field. You can share insights and your perspective on things that matter to you and your customers. Blogs can help reiterate your brand values and open up opportunities for discussion and reflection within a community you are building. 

Keeping people engaged with your company and your brand keeps you front of mind.

3. You can create more content from your blogs

Businesses are increasingly under pressure to produce a seemingly never-ending supply of content for various social media channels. It’s not easy, especially if you are a small business with a limited number of products, services, or employees. Generating new content can be hard.

Your blog posts will give you ready-made content you can share. You can share the post – and maybe others will too, giving you greater reach and a new audience. You can talk about them in your newsletters and email campaigns.

There are plenty of ways in which you can repurpose your blogs. You can take snippets and talking points from them for new social media posts. 

Maybe you can reference discussion points that come up in the comments. And of course you can return to your blogs anytime they become relevant. 

Maybe you blogged about something a couple of years ago that has just become a talking point in a news story. You can share your original blog again or update it and share it with a different emphasis. 

You can even use them as a way to give people further information that might be of interest to them when they buy a product or service from you. By sending a link to a relevant blog you’re adding value and increasing traffic to your website at the same time.

Consistency and quality over quantity

Remember, for content, quality and consistency (even if there is less of it), is better than sporadically bashing out reams of average ‘stuff’. Plan out what you can realistically achieve and commit to it.

If writing blog posts that will resonate with your clients and keep the search engines happy is not your forte, find someone who can help. And if writing is your thing, you can learn how to write blogs that will get noticed.

I love to chat all things writing so please get in touch or connect with me on LinkedIn.

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Why my only business goal in July is WELLNESS

Ok, so I totally believe that a thriving business begins with a healthy and balanced mindset.  You’ve heard me say it before if you follow me but in all honesty, it’s my number ONE struggle in business.  I’ve had a very feast or famine approach to my wellbeing for as long as I can remember.  At a recent Get Shit Done Day I was reviewing the goals I set at the January session and AGAIN my wellness plan was the only one that had a big fat cross through it! The basics are there, the plan is in place but the FOCUS isn’t.

So for July, my ONLY goal in business and life (insight – my life and business goals blur they’re not separate) is WELLNESS! I asked on IG and you wanted to join me so let’s go!

I’m going to delve into the transformative journey from burnout to breakthrough, exploring how adopting a wellness mindset can revitalise your business and pave the way for growth.  This is my starting point for the month so join me to look at the keys to success and discover how self-care and support can fuel your entrepreneurial rollercoaster.

This is the plan, follow me on IG to join in the journey ✨

Spot the Signs of Burnout 😴

The plan – The toll of burnout: We’ll discuss the common symptoms of burnout and how they limit both personal well-being and business success. We’ll also look at the importance of self-awareness: so we can take the first step towards a wellness mindset.

The why – As a business owner, you play multiple roles and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks, projects, and responsibilities. Before you know it, burnout creeps in, dimming your creative spark that should be fuelling your entrepreneurial fire. It’s crucial to recognise the signs of burnout, from exhaustion to lack of motivation, so you can take proactive steps to address it.

I’ve done some work in this area so this time, luckily, I’m able to put some things in place as I can tell I’m on the cusp of burnout!

Cultivating and Embedding that Wellness Mindset 🧘🏼‍♀️

The plan – Prioritising self-care: We’ll explore the significance of self-care and its impact on our overall well-being. Discover practical strategies to incorporate self-care into your daily routine without losing business focus.

Shifting perspectives: Reframing your beliefs and embracing a holistic approach to success. We’ll delve into mindset shifts that can lead to breakthroughs in business and personal life.

The why – We’re all about simplicity here at Ministry and in the past I’ve failed at this because I’ve super overcomplicated my wellness plan! It’s time to infuse your business with a wellness mindset that nourishes both your soul and brand.

We’ll share practical tips on creating a self-care routine that fits into your busy schedule and helps you find your center again. Together, taking care of ourselves, we’re investing in the foundation of our business’s success.

The Power of Support: Virtual Assistants to the Rescue ⚡

The plan – Delegating for growth: Recognise the power of delegation and how it can alleviate overwhelm and empower you to focus on high-impact tasks.

Finding your perfect match: We’ll guide you through the process of identifying your unique business needs and selecting the right virtual assistant to support your journey.

The why – we need to get ambitious as entrepreneurs, we often try to do it all ourselves. But imagine this: outsourcing tasks that drain your energy, while you focus on your true passion and core strengths – what you’re good at and what you love! A virtual assistant (VA) can be your ultimate ally in this journey. We’re all about getting stuff done and bringing back the fun! Delegate the ‘back end’ tasks to us, and watch your business grow ALONGSIDE your wellness and energy levels!

Integrating Wellness Practices for Business Growth 🤍

The plan – Creating healthy routines: Discover how incorporating wellness practices such as mindfulness, exercise, and proper nutrition can enhance your productivity and overall business performance.

Setting boundaries: Learn the art of setting boundaries to protect your well-being and foster a healthy work-life balance.

The why – We’re after wellness-driven success here ladies: When you’ve rekindled your passion and harnessed the art of delegation, it’s time for the magic to happen. With a wellness mindset, you’ll find clarity, creativity, and focus. You’ll effortlessly connect with your audience, attract like-minded clients, and watch your business bloom. Remember, when you’re in alignment with your well-being, your business will naturally thrive.

So as I start on this journey from burnout to breakthrough, I’m taking you with me! I know that elevating my business starts with prioritising my own wellness so I’m doing it NOW and you’re coming with me.

This is a starting point, a guide that as always you can adapt and change to suit your wellness needs, business needs and daily/weekly structure!

Follow me on Instagram to join the wellness journey or if you want support NOW let’s chat.

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ministryvaservices/
Free Planner- https://mailchi.mp/584d865ab953/ready-to-outsource

When you want to feel formal, business/casual, comfortable, or even sexy, you may not instantly gravitate towards a suit if you a more of a feminine dresser. However, if you play with the styling, colours, and shapes, you may be surprised to hear how versatile a suit can be.

With so many beautiful suit styles out there, aimed at more feminine shapes, now may be the perfect time to try out a suit, one with colour or pattern, to transform your day to day dressing.

How to find the perfect shape of suit

It’s all about the shape. When your suit is fitting in a certain way, this can change how it is viewed as an outfit. For example, a less form-fitting blazer with wide leg trousers oozes modern-style with casual comfort at its core, without removing the professional edge that a suit can provide. The baggy blazer and wide leg style is best for those who are more rectangular or an apple shape, and quite tall as well; but if you look for blazers with shoulder pads you can work them for a pear shape, and whether you are a pear or an hourglass, tuck in your shirt within your high rise trousers and your waist will come back on full force.

For a more professional look, a tailored suit is the right option – perfect for work, meetings, or special events where you just don’t feel like wearing a dress. A tailored suit will work for all body shapes, depending on the bottoms you choose – for example, a pear shape will want to wear a more flared style, whereas an upside down triangle shape will want cigarette trousers, and an apple shape will look fabulous in a wide leg (just make sure to match it with a flowy blouse).

With a whole world of suit shapes out there, I highly recommend trying on different styles and forms to see which one/s you feel best in.

Finding a colourful suit

Now we know the shapes that we want to play with, you can inject personality to your suit! This all starts with colours and patterns.

The high street and high end fashion retailers are filled with amazing varieties of colours and patterns. When you have your colour palette, you can then pick and choose the suits that fall within your season to maximise the way it will make you look and feel. Some of my favourite suit makers for colourful options right now are Marella, Theory, Veronica Beard, Asos, and Max Mara.

You may want to look for a few options in your palette – try bringing some of the bolder colours and more neutral colours into your wardrobe with the suits you invest in, to make them more versatile.

How to style your colourful suit

With your colour palette in hand, and the shapes you want to wear, you’ll now be thinking about how to style them, right?

A few of my favourite ways to style your colourful suit are below, and remember – this is your style, you can play with fashion to make it work for you.

Colour blocking your suit

 

One of the easiest and boldest ways to make your suit work for you is to colour block it. This means to take one colour, and utilise different shades of it throughout the whole outfit. Let’s say purple is your favourite colour and you find a gorgeous lilac blazer. You can pair this with a pair of purple wide-legged trousers in a lighter or deeper hue of purple, and bring in a blouse that is also in a shade of purple. Top it off with a purple briefcase or shoulder bag, purple heels and a purple belt at the waist – and your suit is ready for showing off to the world.

For many, colour blocking feels a little daunting – it’s a lot of the same colour, but with a suit you’ve already got two items in your “colour block”. So, if the selecting of all the items feels a little much, start with the two items within your suit – the blazer and the trousers, shorts or skirt. You can then complement the suit with the accessories in the hues that work within the suit’s shade and voila – you’ve colour blocked your suit!

You can try to match the shade if you prefer to keep within the one shade for your entire outfit – while this can be trickier to do as different designers may make different hues, if you look into purchasing from one store, you may be able to colour match the items exactly. 

Play with analogue colours

Analogue colours are the colours that are next to each other on a colour wheel (something we use in our colour clinic). For example – red falls within red-orange and orange; blue is between blue-violet and violet; while yellow is between yellow green and green. You can pick your main base colour for your suit, for example blue, and then add one of the analogue colours from the wheel such as blue-violet. This makes a more subtle and approachable outfit with a variety of ways to style it.

Picking your main colour as your suit already checks off most of your look, you can then pick an analogue colour as your shirt, accessories, shoes, or even jewellery, and keep the rest of the look in a neutral tone. 

Go bold with complementary colours

One of the boldest ways to make your colourful suit pop is by adding a complementary colour to the look with your accessories. Complementary colours are those which are on opposite sides of the colour wheel such as fuchsia and chartreuse, or burgundy and forest green. This makes the colours stand out and pop in your outfit – and can be complemented beautifully when you select them from your seasons.

For example, go really bold and pick up a fuchsia suit and add on a chartreuse shoulder bag to pull the look together. Keep the rest of the look neutral with whites or creams to really make the complementary colours shine. 

How to style your suit

Now you understand the ways in which to utilise the colours of your suit and make them shine, you can have a play with the styling. A suit can, in fact, be an incredibly versatile outfit. The blazer alone can have a multitude of outfit options.

1. Go fully professional – this is best for meetings or office work where you need to feel the most professional. Add a classic blouse under your blazer, your heels or brogues, and a work-bag and you’re ready to go.
2. Smart-casual suit styling – simply changing the shoes or the blouse will transform your suit to a more casual look. You will still want high quality professional pieces to fall into the smart-casual style, but you can be a bit more comfortable. A pair of comfortable yet work-appropriate shoes such as platform sneakers; or a high quality cotton tee can be another way to do this.
3. Comfortable suiting – this is where the form of the suit and the accessories can work to your advantage. A looser fit is usually more casual looking, so a wide or flared leg or shorts can work for day to day suit styles. Add a cotton tee, your favourite sneakers (or why not try sandals during the summer), and roll up the sleeves of your blazer to feel pulled together yet comfortable.

There are so many ways to make your colourful suit work for your style, body shape, and colours. Let the suit be the base of your outfit and then swap in and out accessories, colours, tops, and even cross over your suits to really make a statement, to make your investment work for you. If you have wanted to try a colourful suit but you’re not sure where to start, please get in touch about my Colour & Style Clinic.