Which Style Tribe are you?
One of my favourite chapters in Style Forever is the one on Grown-up Style Tribes. I’m not sure whether that’s because it’s the last chapter I wrote and I was demob happy, or because I enjoyed writing it so much. I’ve always been interested in tribes and the way people dress, and while grownup style is individual, it’s human nature to identify with others. Just look at the Advanced Style movement for further proof. Anyhow. This is also one of the chapters that people have picked up on, including the staff at the Daily Mail who invited me to model each of the Style Tribes, and then set a quiz for readers to figure out which tribe they are. The feature was published last Thursday, but you can read it online (and take the quiz) HERE.
LK Bennett stripe coat, available HERE, Hush cashmere jumper, available HERE, Hush scarf, available HERE, Jigsaw trousers, available HERE, LK Bennett suede boots, available HERE.
And, spot the difference between these photos and my ‘Going Grey for the Guardian’ pictures. Proper hair and make-up obviously, and a fair amount of Photoshopping. I’m hoping the reality lies somewhere in-between. Last time I was in the Mail, a reader commented that they were surprised I’d allowed the images to be Photoshopped, to be honest I really don’t have a say in the matter. I’m not Kate Winslet. Though it is a bit odd seeing pictures of myself and knowing I don’t really look as smooth-skinned as that. Like me, on a good day. About 15-years ago.
When it comes to which Style Tribe I am; I’d say (depending on how I feel), I’m a bit of all of them. A Gentlewoman with a penchant for sparkle who loves Scandi and Parisian Chic. The sequin bomber jacket is from M&S, I have a feeling it might have sold out – it’s not online at the moment – so I’ll find out if it’s being re-ordered and report back. Seems like I’m not the only Casual Glamourpuss in town…
re photoshopping the pics… sure, they’re going to do it anyway, irrespective of the ‘philosophy’ of the woman in the frame (unless you’re Kate Winslet… sometimes). So, why do these shoots in the first place – especially in such a depressing, misogynistic and frankly racist paper as the Daily Mail? OK, obvious answer: to sell more copies of your book (and your agent doesn’t give you a choice either?) But the pics in The Guardian showed a really beautiful woman – with integrity, intelligence and a great sense of humour. Goodness me, I know it’s tricky, but don’t we each have to draw the line and just say ‘no’ to some *opportunities*?