The Style Coach

Yesterday I took part in the Style Coach class on Goldster. I wasn't really sure what to expect but thought it was worth a try in the vague hope that this class will help me sort out my personal style, something I have really struggled with since putting on so much weight. I tuned in for the first class just to see what it was all about and I'm so glad I did as I think it will really help me. It's a 12 week course running every Monday and Wednesday for one hour each time, which is more than I was expecting but as it's only for 12 weeks I will make the effort to attend every session. I tend to be easily influenced by other people's suggestions and no longer have any real idea of my own 'style', so I'll use the guidance provided in this class to work out exactly what I want. 

The course will cover the following topics:

• Planning
• Mindset
• Style Preference
• In Depth Body Shape Advice
• Colour
• Capsule Wardrobes
• Wardrobe Organisation and Editing
• Shopping 
• .... and so much more!!! 

We've been set our first challenge already which is to refrain from buying any new clothes, accessories and shoes for the next twelve weeks. I'd struggle if it was garden related items but won't have any problem if I have to avoid buying clothes as it's not my favourite activity. I've also decided that I won't declutter any more of my clothes until I have completed this course.

The bulk of the first session was taken up with setting a goal and relating each of these questions to that goal ... 

• What do you want specifically? (state positively) 
• Is this within your control? 
• When do you want to achieve this by? 
• Where do you want this? (what area of your life?) 
• Why do you want this? 
• What will it look/feel like when you have achieved it? 
• What will happen if you achieve this? 
• What won’t happen if you achieve this? 
• What will happen if you don’t achieve this? 
• What won’t happen if you don’t achieve this? 
• What could stop you from achieving this? 
• Do you have the resources to achieve this? (time, money etc) 
• How will this affect other people in your life? 
• Does this align with your values/beliefs?

By answering all of those questions the idea is that you should be able to see whether the goal you have set is really worth doing and also have a much clearer idea how you will benefit once you achieve it. Apparently you are three times more likely to achieve your goal if you write it down so here goes .... my goal is "to lose one stone by 31st December 2021". Two of the ladies I recognise from the nutrition classes have set the same goal and we've formed out own mini support group. I toyed with a goal of creating a capsule wardrobe but I've tried that before and failed miserably so I need to wait for the advice before thinking about that. With the weight loss, I know I can do it but I don't currently have the right focus so this will help me get back on track.

The final thing was to decide on a reward for when you achieve the goal you have set. I've decided that I will treat myself to a new jacket, style and colour to be decided.

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My August decluttering challenge:

• 1st = a set of plastic measuring spoons (I never use them)
• 2nd = a white shirt (band uniform that is now too big) 
• 3rd = odd balls of wool (going to my sister, who can make use of them)
• 4th = a map quiz book (completed and unlikely to want to do it again)
• 5th = blue cardigan (big holes in both elbows so only fit for the bin!)
• 6th = a pile of half completed puzzle books (going to my friend's sister)
• 7th = large fruit bowl (I don't like it but K does, so it's going to her!)
• 8th = a broken Filofax cover (only fit for the bin!)
• 9th = unopened toiletries (unwanted gifts, so going to a friend)
• 10th = 3 small terracotta indoor pots (gifting them to K)
• 11th = old duvet set (to be donated)
• 12th = 5 Pyrex divided containers (to be donated as I never use them)
• 13th = two impossibly hard jigsaw puzzles (to be donated gifted to Joy)
• 14th = books, garden fleeces & growing bags (gifted to Joy)
• 15th = a box of carbon paper (gifting to E)
• 16th = tin full of pencils and crayons (donated to a woman's refuge)
• 17th = DVDs I never watch (gifting to E)
• 18th = broken metal whisk (to be recycled)
• 19th = brand new under sink waste bin (to be donated)
• 20th = 2 pairs of specs (to the collection bin at the recycling yard)
• 21st = winter coat (now too big, gifted to K)
• 22nd = old makeup (only fit for the bin) 
• 23rd = tatty tea towels (wanted by T for use in his garage!)
• 24th = laddered tights (only fit for the bin)