Saturday 24 January 2015

Take your basics...

...Dress them up!

As I've mentioned in a previous blog, I have many roles. As a result of my many roles, I have little time. Despite little time, I like to love my look and live my brand. Sometimes I even need to be different (or at least look like different) people in one day!
Question: Does that sound familiar?

Believe me, it's not all about an extensive wardrobe either (though that would be nice!).  As an image consultant one of the things I love doing is helping people make what they already own work better/ harder/smarter.

Take this staple base of a plain black top and trousers.

In a super speedy ten minute headshot photoshoot* with the fabulous and talented Kate Darkins of http://www.katedarkinsphotography.co.uk/ I managed to get these different looks, all relevant and true to me with just: 3 scarves (each used differently), 1 jacket, 1 necklace and 1 hat!

What does each 'look' say to you,and where might they be appropriate?






I wanted to create a different impression with each of the 'looks', but at the same time be true to me and professional, relevant, happy (comfortable) and accessoried!

Knowing how to accessorise your basics is a great way to:

  • Maintain and maximise a capsule wardrobe
  • Go from daytime to evening events
  • Have productive and considered shopping trips
  • Save money on buying 'whole new outfits'
  • Pack a light case for travelling
  • Get the maximum out of a photoshoot! (*Yes, I'm serious, we made the changes and took the shots in just 10 minutes - so imagine what we could do with longer.)

So, how would you accessorise your best basic outfit?

If you'd like to know how to make the most of your wardrobe, how to accessorise, your best colours or have any style related challenges, I'd love to help!

'Til next time!

Denise x


For more:

  • Call on: 07887 643807 for a body confidence coaching session or image services
  • Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
  • Follow at: @DenDamBelle
  • Check out my Pintrest: Denise Sanderson-Estcourt
  • Like me at: Damson Belle on Facebook
  • Join: This blog!

Wednesday 14 January 2015

The clue's in your eyes!

A tip on... How to find a shade that works for you.


The GG's is probably my fave awards event as it gives a hint of what's to come at every other awards event and the fashion season that follows. This season for example, look to white and metallic fabrics along with the usual black and red numbers for dressing-up.

Every year I promise myself I won't drool over the dresses (it's all about the talent surely!), and every year I find myself doing just that. However, I have tried to challenge myself to blog about more than my hits and misses from the event and instead look at what we can learn from the red carpet. (http://damsonbelle.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Awards%20season%20style)

This year, one point was literally steering me in the face...
That the shade of a colour that matches, and makes your eyes sparkle, is going to be an amazing colour on you.

There wasn't much green, violet or brown on the red carpet but here are a couple of 'blue', examples:


Julia Goldani Telles suits clear deep blues that match her eyes, wow

Amy Adams looks beautiful in this soft light blue that matches her eyes

Try it, and see if it works for you. Then share it with me!

Thanks for reading!

Denise x



PS - If you want to know all of my hits and misses from this year, and/ how to be a hit yourself contact me via my contact details below:


  • Call on: 07887 643807 for a body confidence coaching session or image services
  • Look at: www.damsonbelle.co.uk
  • Follow at: @DenDamBelle
  • Check out my Pintrest: Denise Sanderson-Estcourt
  • Like me at: Damson Belle on Facebook
  • Join: This blog!