• Home
• Coaching
• Courses
• Workshops
• Shop
• Articles
• Success Stories
• Community
• MyStuff

What’s the most enduring memory of your childhood Christmas? For me, it’s as clear as yesterday. I’m standing in the still, crisp night looking into a black, velvet sky, staring at a multitude of stars and wondering how they keep on shining. A truly magic moment. One I’ll always remember.

You see, I LOVE Christmas. Every last gaudy bauble, mince pie and mistletoe kiss. Christmas epitomises 3 of my favourite things: Hope, Love and... Dressing Up!

There’s something so theatrical about it all. The prospect of preparing for a Christmas party fills me with excitement. It’s the one time of year to really let rip and allow yourself to shine. And that’s my task right now – to get the sparkle back into your Christmas! Follow my top tips, and you’re on your way to a fabulous festive season.

1. Plan To Be Positive

Ok, so maybe you’re not brimming with festive cheer. But face it; whether or not you approve of Christmas, it’s going to be happening to you – SOON. Why not choose to feel positive about it?

Create a great affirmation such as “I enjoy all that Christmas holds for me.” Get into the habit of repeating this regularly. Start now.

2. Go Shopping... In Your Wardrobe!

Chances are you’ve got at least one social event to attend over the next few weeks. Rather than rushing out to buy a complete new outfit, spend an hour looking afresh at the items you already own. Gather together anything vaguely party-ish, and have a trying-on session.

Make sure you’re wearing the correct shoes and underwear. It will make a huge difference to your shape. Establish what’s working for you. I bet you’ve got the basics of a great outfit right under our nose.

3. Accentuate With Accessories

Yes, you CAN wear that little black dress again, but let’s bring it bang up-to-date with fresh accessories. Take a simple, fitted shift dress, or if you’d prefer, trousers and a strappy top. Use accessories to ring the changes: Add a sequin shrug and killer heels for a really ritzy look. Go for classic sophistication with a soft pashmina and vintage jewellery.

Teamed with a velvet jacket, boots and a sparkly scarf, you’ll be set up for daytime events such as a Carole Service or lunch party. Take your vampy jewellery, lacy tights and heels to work, and you’ve got the office party in the bag. With one simply cut dress, you can create outfits to take you from the office knees-up to New Years Eve. Clever, eh?

4. Make-up Makeover

Christmas is the perfect time to be more adventurous with your make-up. Switch off the tele this evening and spend some time experimenting with new looks. Try out smoky, dramatic eyes or strong, glossy lips. Be creative and use colour. That green eye shadow worked well for the ABBA tribute night, but it would look great with all your party gear, too. Have wet wipes to hand-practise makes perfect!

Have fun playing, but remember the golden rule: if you’re going for a dramatic look, focus on one key area only – either lips or eyes – never both. Team strong, smouldering eye make-up with a softer lip shade. Always fancied a Marilyn Monroe style pout? Best to follow her lead and stick to neutral colour such as greys or browns on the eyes.

5. Come To Your Senses

Christmas is so close now. You can almost smell it, touch it, taste it. Bring in all your senses as you prepare for the party. Get in the mood by playing some uplifting music. Layer on your most alluring scent. Treat yourself to a glass of exotic fruit juice, or your favourite wine.

Wear something textured – a velvet scarf, beaded cardi... and see how this draws people to you. Successful impact is about so much more than looks.

As I finish this article, I’m looking out over the night sky. The stars are still shining, bright as ever. Choose to follow their lead, and keep on sparkling.