Spring/Summer 2022 trends have come in and one of the top trends is the use of green. Green is a great colour, as not only is it a colour that feels fresh and springlike, it is also available in a variety of tones so can work for any skintone, as long as you find the right shade.

If you want to add this colour to your wardrobe and ensure that you pick up the perfect shade for your skintone, here are my top picks for you depending on the season you fall into.

How to wear green as a Spring

If you are a Spring – someone whose undertones are just like spring – bright, varied and with light features, then you want to find a bright or vivid spring green to add to your wardrobe. This is because the fabulous bright tones steer clear of those darker, muted tones that tend to drown you out.

Green pieces to add to your wardrobe as a spring

If you want to add pieces to your wardrobe in this on-trend colour, that works perfectly for you, then designers have a large selection of options for you. If you are on more of the tentative side and just want to add a little splash of green, then an accessory such as a bright green bag could be the perfect option for you. Whether it’s a designer piece such as this beautiful Mini Jodie bag by Bottega, or for a high-street option, this bright green shoulder bag from River Island is a quirky and bright addition to your wardrobe. The great thing about adding colours through accessories is if you want to keep more neutral with the rest of the outfit, you can do so. With bright greens, whites and creams are best to match, and they are best for your brighter skintone, too. 

For a little more green to your look, you can add green with your trousers – wide leg trousers are a classic, while becoming more popular this year. They work perfectly for workwear, meetings, or casual brunches, depending on how you style them. Again, look for bright or light greens for your skintone. These bright, turquoise green, high rise Ted Baker trousers are a great option for you, or you can head to Nasty Gal for a pair of warmer green wide leg trousers. Match with your platform trainers for a more casual look, or heels for a more professional style. 

How to wear green as a Summer

Summers have soft and cooler undertones, with pastels and blueish undertones working best for them. Think colours that aren’t too vivid, so as to not overwhelm your lighter features.

Green pieces to add to your wardrobe as a Summer

You will want to look out for more pastel or less vivid greens when adding this on-trend colour to your outfits. You can look for accessories to start adding a little touch of the colour to your wardrobe, and shoes are a great option for you. As we head into the warmer weather, you can look at adding these aqua green from Salvatore Ferragamo to your shoe cupboard, or try these slip on flats by Dune. And for a touch of glamour, without giving up on comfort, I find this metallic green loafers by Tod’s an excellent choice.

If you want to take the green in your wardrobe to a new level and add it as a full outfit, you can try out a spring/summer dress. I love when the seasons change, so being able to wear a dress without countless heavy jumpers over the top means I can try out a few brighter colours too! If you feel the same, then try this beautiful backless maxi dress by Aeron – a great date night or brunch with friends piece, or pair with a blazer to cover up the back and you could wear this to meetings, too. For a smarter style, this belted jumpsuit from Zara in sea green is a great option for your wardrobe. 

How to wear green as an Autumn

Just like Autumn, people within this seasonal toning have deep and warm undertones, with soft contrasts. This means colours that work best for you are deeper colours that you would spot at this time of year.

Green pieces to add to your wardrobe as an Autumn

When you fit into this season, you will want to look for deep, rich greens to bring into your wardrobe. For a quick splash of colour, look for scarves in deep green, or with patterns to bring a little personality to the outfit, or accessories such as jewellery to easily update your look with this on-trend colour. Scarves are an often overlooked accessory, but can be used in a multitude of ways to update your outfit – from the different knots you can try around your neck, to playing with them as hair accessories, you really can play with them in unique ways. Find ones that are slightly slimmer if you are wanting to try out the different options without having to fold them over a lot to fit on your head or neck. 

For a powerful, all-over green look, you could bring the colour to your wardrobe with a women’s suit all in green. The great thing about suits is that you can play with the way you wear it – wear the full suit together for a professional end result, or just wear the blazer or trousers and dress it down for a less formal look. This beautiful deep green suit by Ami Paris is a perfect formal yet comfortable option with it’s more relaxed tailoring. For a high street option, you can’t go wrong with this rich green suit from Zara. 

How to wear green as a Winter

Winters have cooler undertones with deep and bright tones, which means you will want to look for those wintery colours such as bright icy greens to play with in your wardrobe.

Green pieces to add to your wardrobe as a Winter

When you consider adding green to your wardrobe, you will want to remember the colours of the winter – icy, bright, and cool. This will help when you look for options to invest in for the Spring/Summer and throughout your shopping! Whether it’s an emerald crossover body bag like this by Bottega Veneta, or emerald green sandals like these by Jimmy Choo – the accessories are always a place to start with colour additions. As a Winter you can wear black, unlike the other seasons, so when you bring a dash of colour to an all-black outfit in this way, you really can make an impact. 

As we head into the warmer months, you may want to try out a more appropriate dress for the weather. Whether that’s a slip-style dress made of satin-crepe, perfect for feeling luxurious and sexy, or a more casual swing dress like this from Whistes, finding a dress in your green tones will be a great addition to your wardrobe for Spring/Summer 2022. Style them with a rocker vibe adding a black leather jacket over the top, or go for a more romantic style with silver accessories & a blazer. 

I hope these ideas for adding green to your wardrobe this spring have given you some inspiration to add this on-trend colour to your wardrobe.

If you would like to know more about how to discover the season you fit in to, I have shared more detailed information about the 18 seasons method, here, or get in touch to arrange a colour analysis to help you know the colours that work best for your skintone. 

The defining moment in my marriage came the night my father died. My best friend and the person who had always believed in me and knew I could do anything if I put my mind to it had just left me. I hadn’t felt loved or cared about for, by my husband, in many years. I knew then that I couldn’t spend the rest of my life married to him but I had a 12 year old daughter to care for.

Making Plans

Three years later after two bouts of depression and counselling, I started to make plans in my head. I’d worked for a bank for 15 years prior to having my daughter but hadn’t worked since other than volunteering at her primary school. I’d had a small cattle rearing business with my father-in-law and had kept the books for that business, so I decided to do my bookkeeping exams. I still had no plans to leave my husband until our daughter had gone to university.

Events, however, overtook after I had a break away on my own. So in December 2008 I decided enough was enough and asked for a divorce.

A New Chapter

That was the start of an awful period in my life. He took my request for divorce badly and retaliated by telling lies to some members of my family, this caused great distress to all and although some relationships were mended, one sadly could not be restored. However after a lot of hard work on my behalf I am now back in touch with my cousin and we are rebuilding our relationship.

A New Start

The marital home eventually sold and in November 2009 I moved 200 miles away to start a new life. I only knew one person here and had no job.

As I hadn’t worked for so long I had a very limited chance of getting a job. Add to that my daughter was living with my mother and I was visiting them about every 2 to 3 weeks. The M6 and I became very good friends. Once the house was straight, I concentrated on my studies and in April 2010 I passed. I now have letters after my name. Dad would have been proud of me. Even with my qualifications no-one wanted to employ me. My money was running out, so I had to do something pretty quickly. How difficult could it be to work for myself?

Striking Out On My Own

So my bookkeeping business was started. First thing was to find clients. I put an advertisement in the local paper for a month, but nothing came of that. So I joined the local Chamber of Commerce and the lady who completed the forms suggested I go to a free networking event they were hosting the next week. I had never done anything like that in my life; I was terrified, but I went and met two very nice ladies who were as nervous as me and we spent most of the evening chatting.

I then contacted a local woman’s business organisation who gave me some marketing ideas which weren’t really suitable for my business but they invited me to a Chamber of Commerce breakfast club that is held monthly. Someone from the organisation would be there to introduce me to people. At your first meeting you can give a 30 second talk introducing yourself and your business.

Yes I did it!

I was nervous and not sure that it was the greatest 30 seconds ever but it did get me my first client. I now table host at this event, which entails me making sure that everyone on my table gets the chance to pass their cards around and tell everyone on the table about themselves and their business.

I have made friends from this networking event and been told about other events which I now go to and enjoy.

You never know where a potential client will come from.

It might not be someone you meet at an event but they might know someone who does need your services. In the meantime my daughter built a website for me and I have found a few clients from there. When I first started I took on any client that asked me but I have learnt that if I don’t like them or their demands for my time are unreasonable then they aren’t worth keeping on my books.

I have had to toughen up as clients can be very unpleasant and it’s hard not to take it personally.

You really do need a business plan before you start out and to belong to an association that specialises in your business. Do your research about the type of business you want to start and how much other people are charging.

I still do networking and am enjoying it. You meet so many nice people and learn about their business.

Always have a strap line for the end of your 30 or 60 seconds.

It hasn’t been easy and I’ve had many a Monday meltdown. I have changed my mind set to one of positive thinking all the time. That can be challenging at times.

Photo credit Athena Hall

First of all, this is not a burning your bra type of blog (which was first done by Mary Phelps Jacobs in 1914 by the way) so don’t panic.

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March.

I think quite often this day is focused on discussions whether women and gender equality and what is left to achieve. However, for me it is an opportunity to celebrate amazing people who have made our world brighter and fuller whether in science, invention or just inspiration.

I have been a Women in Business Network franchisee since 2013 so I thought I would ask my members their top 5 inspirational women.

In business we all need inspiration

In business we all need inspiration, and it is these pioneers that will create and develop the younger generation, so this month I have asked my members to give me their obscure women that inspire them.

Mary Curie

Originally from Poland, and well known for being the first woman to get the Nobel Peace Prize, she travelled across the country to help better herself. Her upbringing was seemingly very difficult, and to me, she owns up to her own personal mistakes with her children and was forthcoming in terms of wanting to develop her knowledge. When it came to the Nobel Peace Prize nomination, it was, in fact, her husband that insisted she receive the prize.

Mary herself ensured that everyone on her team that got one, too, for their work to the pioneering findings. There is a great picture of her in the World Science conference where she is sitting proudly next to Albert Einstein and is the only woman in the room.

Sadly, at the time, she was more well known for scandal of having an affair with a married man, and her love letters were publicly printed in a national French magazine by the wife. This scandal took away the focus from her fantastic scientific findings.

Amelia Earheart

A pioneer in American aviation, Amelia was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She also was one of the first aviators to promote commercia air travel, wrote bestselling books about her flying experiences, and was also instrumental in the formation of the Ninety-Nines, which is an organisation for female pilots.

After piloting the nonstop solo transatlantic flight in 1932 and earning the United States Distinguished Flying Cross, she became a visiting faculty member at Purdue University in 1935, as an advisor to aeronautical engineering & a career counsellor to female students. Not only did she help inspire future female pilots, she also was a fundamental part of the National Woman’s Party, as well as an early supporter of Equal Rights Amendment.

It is likely she died in the Pacific during the circumnavigation of the globe in 1937 with co-pilot Fred Noonan, which sparked conspiracy theories & investigations into their deaths.

Melanie Perkins

If you run a business that uses designs for your social media, marketing, or presentations, you will have probably heard of the powerhouse that is Canva. Inspired by fellow students who found Adobe and Microsoft “crazy hard” she and fellow co-founder Cliff Obrecht wanted to make a collaborative, accessible, and easy to use tool to create designs.

Starting with a yearbook design system for users to design & collaborate together, they then decided to go big. In 2010 they pitched to Silicon Valley investor Bill Tai who connected her with all of his contacts.

By 2012 they had tech advisor & co-founder of Google Maps, Lars Adams on board as well as many others on the development side to help close their first funding round – causing them to be oversubscribed with $1.5M invested & matched by the Australian government! Within 5 years, the company had catapulted in popularity and Melanie was showcased as one of tech’s youngest female CEO’s, and within 7 years the company is now worth $3.2Billion.

Katherine Johnson

Known as the “human computer” Katherine was an incredible mathematician in NASA, who showed strong skills in mathematics from a young age. Because the school she was attending did not offer public schooling for African American students past the eighth grade so her parents enrolled her in Institute High School, West Virginia to continue her education. She continued to further her education by taking every maths course offered by her West Virginia State college, receive mentoring from multiple professors, and finished her degrees in mathematics & French by the age of 18.

In 1952, after a career in teaching, becoming a mother, and being a research mathematician, she was recommended by a relative to apply for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) as a mathematician. During her 33-year career with NACA, which in 1958 was superseded by NASA, she earned a reputation for mastering complex manual calculations as well as implementing computers to speed up the tasks, while having to manage many of the difficulties African American women had to face in the workplace. From calculating trajectories & launch windows, to emergency return paths for spaceflights, she was essential for helping get the first American in space, the first American in orbit, and rendezvous paths for the Apollo Lunar Module & Command module on flights to the moon.

I highly recommend watching “Hidden Figures” to find out more about her, and fellow black female NASA engineers & mathematicians.

Elizabeth Phillips Nee Maggie

Elizabeth Phillips Nee Maggie - (great name by the way!) came up with the concept of Monopoly. She was an American game designer, writer, feminist and Georgist who invented The Landlord’s Game which was the precursor to the game we all know. In 1903, after creating the game and playing it with her friends, she decided to get a patent on the game.

It was originally designed to demonstrate the economic ill effects of land monopolism and the use of land value tax as a remedy. The game continued to develop throughout the years, from the main aim to obtain wealth to eventually have 2 settings – one being monopolist which was to own industries, create monopolies, and win by forcing others out of theirs; and the second being Prosperity – where the goal was to create products and interact with opponents.

The Parker Brothers published a modified version of the game, known as Monopoly in 1934 stating that it was invented in the basement of Charles Darrow, one of the brothers. Elizabeth stated that she had not been credited for the game, and had made a mere $500 from her invention, criticising the brothers in an interview in 1936 with a Washington DC newspaper. Darrow continued to be known as the inventor of the game until Ralph Anspach discovered Elizabeth’s patents, yet still did not receive credit until after her death 1948. She was not credited for the impact she had had on the board game community, after such an incredible creation

Who Inspires You?

We have only talked about 5 women today, and there are so many more – can you suggest any more that inspire you?

Personally, the most inspirational ones are those that do not shout from the rooftops about their success, remain humble, always wanted to achieve more and wanted to help others through their own successes.

Today, I wanted to talk about the baby photos to take before you leave the hospital. Now, my own daughter was born in December, so it’s on my mind at this time of the year. Although it’s not a huge month for births, obviously this is a podcast and it could be listened to at any time in the future and will still be relevant.

What I plan to do is share my 10 must-take photographs of your baby’s birth. I’m not talking about the actual birth process, just the part when your baby is snuggling in your arms, that end of the operation.

Photos You Can Take

There are photographers that offer birth photography (not me), but I’m thinking more practically for parents. I think when you’re in the throes of actually having the baby, taking a photograph probably isn’t the first thing on your mind. I don’t blame you.

Although this is ’10 ideas of photographs to take before you leave the hospital’, my aim is just for you to take at least take one. I think any more is a bonus, but it’s still a beautiful memory to have. So I hope this inspires you to at least get the smartphone out and take some photographs in the hospital, or at least brief your partner with some ideas.

1. I would go with first cuddles of mum with baby or dad with baby, or maybe you can find someone else to take a photograph and you can both be with baby.

I would keep it snugly and tight crop of head & shoulders. This is not a time for full body photography. We want to see your connection with your baby. So photographs of you nose to nose with this new, tiny newborn make beautiful memories.

2. Capture their measurements and their weight.

We had a midwife who very cleverly took a photograph of my husband, sat behind the baby weighing scales with our daughter on them. And it shows how much she weighed. And we’ve also got the tape measure that they used to measure her. They gave us a paper tape measure at that time. I believe it was the midwife’s idea to take this photograph. I absolutely love it. My husband obviously knew he needed to take a photograph, but I don’t think he would’ve thought of this setup personally. I was still in recovery, so it was nothing to do with me, but I really appreciate the fact that she went to this effort and it’s a photograph I look at a lot.

3. Capture their tiny toes and try and show some scale with that.

So if you can cup their little feet in your hands or something like that, and I wouldn’t worry about hiding the ID bracelets either. I think they’re a nice touch. It shows how new they are.

4. And then similarly their hands

If they will grab your little finger, or sometimes I’ve seen photographs where when the baby’s clenching their fist and mum or dad has put their fist next to it, like they’re doing a fist pump. That makes a beautiful photo as well.

5. Capture them in their first bed.

So I’m thinking hospital cot when I say this, and an overhead shot of the full cot structure to frame the picture with your new tiny baby in it is one I’d go for.

6. Capture them feeding, breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

7. If you’re in long enough, you might be able to capture their first bath as well.

I know when I was in the nursing staff actually did my daughter’s first bath, but that might be because I wasn’t in great shape so I certainly didn’t leap up and take a photograph. Hopefully, you’ll be to 🙂

With all of these ideas, take it with a pinch of salt. You’ve got to look after yourself first as well.

8. Baby meeting their siblings if they’ve got any.

And it could just be older brother or sister looking over the hospital cot at their new brother or sister. They’re probably not going to be holding them. It just depends on what the age difference is, but it’s just that look of awe when they first see their new brother or sister that is beautiful to capture.

9. Meeting grandparents.

Although that might not be possible in the hospital at the moment. But when I had my daughter, I remember my father coming up to the hospital and holding my daughter for the first time. A bomb could’ve gone off, but nothing was going to distract him. He was just so absorbed in looking at this new tiny baby and chatting away to her and it was a lovely photograph to capture. It was like the rest of the world disappeared. And he was just immediately in love with his new granddaughter.

10. Leaving the hospital.

So I’ve seen some great photos where it’s literally the parent’s legs and the new baby in the car seat, as they’re leaving the hospital. It’s almost become a silhouette because the light is all ahead of them.

Other Ideas

I’ve also seen some really cute setups on Pinterest with things like chalkboards displaying baby’s name or their measurements, which is very forward-thinking, and of the baby holding their scan photos as if to say ‘I’m here now’. But seriously, that was way more organised than I was and I was a photographer at the time.

It’s a case of taking a photograph when you remember. I think that’s probably the best you can ask for when you’re in the hospital. Another photo to consider is if you are in hospital in labour for a long time before the baby arrives, you can do a ‘waiting for baby’ photo. So, an impromptu bump photograph. If you are in your hospital gown cradling your bump and looking like you’re ready for the baby to be here, it’s part of the story, isn’t it?

I know everybody is in hospital for different lengths of time. So it may be that some of these photographs get taken at home. I would just really encourage you to try and take a photograph in those first 48 hours of your baby’s birth.

Your future self will thank you. And it’s even more important now that the bedside photographers can’t go into the hospitals at the moment because of the restrictions due to the pandemic. So we are even more reliant on what we can do ourselves.

https://suekennedy.co.uk/ep-022-baby-photos-to-take-before-you-leave-the-hospital/

Images © Sue Kennedy 2022

Colour analysis: the 18 seasons method and how to discover your colours

As a personal stylist, colour is one of the most important parts of my work with my clients. Colour can completely transform how our skin looks in dramatic ways, and I use my colour analysis service to do this for my clients. We work together to discover their seasons, and the colours that they can gravitate towards to help them feel their best whenever they next go shopping.

Now, when I talk about the “seasons” you may be thinking – well there are just 4, right? Well, there are 4 main seasons and then their underlying notes which in fact makes it 18!

Don’t worry – you don’t have to know all of them, for you, you just need to know which one is the best aligned to your skin tones and therefore the colours that match you best.

I wanted to share a few insights into the colour analysis method, and help you dip your toe into discovering the colours that best suit you, but of course, if you’d like to have the knowledge of the colours that help you feel most confident, I’d be delighted to help.

Let’s dive in!

The four main seasons in a colour analysis

Before we dive deeper into the palette that work best with you, we need to find out the general features that characterize every season, and that you can find in yourself, and your natural colours:

Spring

Springs have a warmer undertone, with bright and light features. They are actually just like spring – bright, varied, and with strong colours working well for them. However, they need to stay clear of muted, dark and colours with cool undertones, as these will take away from their features.

Best metals: yellow gold and rose gold

Summer

Summers have a cool undertone with soft, and once again light features. Think soft brown or blonde hair, your classic beachy boho tones with cooler features. Colours that work beautifully on summers are pastels, softer tones, and mother-of-pearl shades. Nothing too vivid, harsh, or strong in terms of colours should be worn by Summers as it can wash them out.

Best metals: silver (possible antique) and platinum/white gold

Autumn

Autumns have deep and warm undertones, and soft contrasts.Think of all the beautiful colours you see in Autumn and these are the tones that work best on this type. Whether it’s deep greens, oranges, or the reds you see as the leaves turn – these colours should be welcomed in your wardrobe, while brighter and cooler colours should be passed by.

Best metals: gold (possibly antique) and copper

Winter 

Winters have the cooler undertones with deep and bright tones. Winters do not just have lighter skin and bright eyes, they are often with olive skin and dark hair, but the contrasting features are the most obvious to spot when it comes to winters. Colours that work beautifully on winters are bright icy greens, blues, blacks and even many shades of pink, from fuchsia to sorbet pink. You can also step towards the wintery colours of deep purple and emerald green.

Best metals: silver and white gold 

The 16 subgroups of a colour analysis

Now we know the 4 main seasons we use for a colour analysis we can jump even deeper into the undertones we have.

Let’s be honest – we all have a range of skin tones, hair and eye colours, and therefore, putting us into just 4 options is restrictive. That’s why we have more options to help me discover the truly perfect matches for my clients.

The way I do this is through using the subgroups of each season:

• Spring: Light, Warm or True, Bright
• Summer: Light, Cool or True, Soft
• Autumn: Deep, Warm or True, Soft
• Winter: Deep, Cool or True, Bright

So while three different people may all belong to the same season, they might have different colourings, different level of contrasts and hue. Think of Cate Blanchett, Emily Blunt and Kate Winslet, all summers but with different palettes. And this happens with all the 4 seasons, and these sub groups help us discover the specific palettes that will be the most appropriate for your skin tones, which is not just clothes, it includes accessories, make up, hair colour (should you wish to change it!), and jewellery.

Now this way we have 12 main groups of colours. Then why I say I work with 18 seasons? Now things get really complicated, I know. the thing is, while (based on my experience) the majority of people fit in one specific group/subgroup, others can have a mix of features (ie. Warm skin undertone but cool eyes and hair, or warm hair but cool eyes and skin undertone) or a predominance of one particular characteristic (i.e “warm”) that place them in between two seasons. These are so-called “neutrals”, and they can be:

Spring/Summer (or Summer/Spring)

Summer/Autumn (or Autumn/Summer)

Autumn/Winter (or Winter/Autumn)

Winter/Spring (or Spring/Winter)

Autumn/Spring (or Spring/Autumn)

Winter/Summer (or Summer/Winter)

Why is that? There can be varied reasons: some people can inherit a mix of features from parents/family members and have in them a balanced mix of those, which provide them with a wider range of opportunities in terms of which colours suit them; others can experience a transitional phase due to ageing, when hair naturally change, as well as the skin and the eye colours (getting softer), and this make them shift from a brighter season (for instance) to a softer one.

It truly is transformative – and while I would say that because I love my job – it is always so wonderful to hear from my clients when they see the transformations in front of them, saving themselves wasted money on shopping trips with clothes they just don’t suit, and make-up that they love to put on.

Colour can bring us joy, change our mood, and as you can see, transform how we shine! I hope this insight into what goes into a colour analysis and the depth we go to so you can discover your best colours was beneficial! If you’d like to know more or book your own colour clinic, I’d love to help.