The Essential Guide to Mindful Dressing by Jules Standish

192 Pages
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing Ltd, O-Books
Release Date: December 9, 2016

Nonfiction, Health, Mind, Body, Spirit, Self-Help, Clothing, Colors

The book is divided into the following chapters.

Chapter 1: Mindful Matters – and how to master your image
Chapter 2: Ageing is All in the Mind – and how colours can change your outlook
Chapter 3: Discover How to Mindfully Choose Your Colours – and dress for optimum well-being
Chapter 4: Mindfully Lift Your Face With Colours – and smile with happiness
Chapter 5: Mindfully Red – Choose your shade of red and feel energized and positive
Chapter 6: Mindfully Pink – Choose your shade of pink and feel compassion and love
Chapter 7: Mindfully Orange – Choose your shade of orange and feel confident and full of self-esteem
Chapter 8: Mindfully Yellow – Choose your shade of yellow and feel joyful and happy
Chapter 9: Mindfully Green – Choose your shade of green and feel contented and balanced
Chapter 10: Mindfully Blue – Choose your shade of blue and feel calm and in control
Chapter 11: Mindfully Purple – Choose your shade of purple and feel inspired and creative
Chapter 12: Mindfully Neutral – Choose your shades of Grey, Black, Brown or White and feel complete
Chapter 13: Mindfully Choose Your Own Colourful Conclusion

The author gives a unique approach to colors and how we choose the colors we wear. I have to say I honestly never gave that much thought into why I selected the colors I wear. I have always worn bright or dark colors. I am not one for pastels, but this book has given me insight into the reasons behind that sort of thinking. I have made several lists of colors I should wear for getting over illnesses since that is a priority for me.

I love fashion and makeup and have done all my life. I own books on style and loved TV shows like Trinny and Susannah's What Not to Wear or Gok Wan's show.

I have a good idea of what suits me and what does not, both in terms of clothes and makeup, but am always open to new ideas.

Jules Standish's book The Essential Guide to Mindful Dressing: Choose your Colors-Control your life is an essential guide for any fashion and beauty lover.

Thanks to Jules Standish and O-BOOKS for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars.

"The Essential Guide to Mindful Dressing" by Jules Standish is a helpful style guide that talks mostly about colors that should or should not be worn by different types. The author is an image consultant in the U.K. There are a few case studies from sessions with some of her clients. I think the promise in the sub-title, "Choose Your Colours, Control Your Life!" delivers. I like the breakdown she does of each color which includes: Background, Benefits of Wearing, When Not to Wear, What Colors to Wear With, Different Shades, and Case Study. I found the sections on how neutral tones bring balance to colors of interest.

QUOTE:
"In short, everyone needs lots of light and colour. As well as seeing colours through your eyes, you also absorb colours through your skin and your own personal aura (the energy field that surrounds every living being). Certain colours you choose to wear can make you radiate with health and well-being, and give you the WOW factor, by putting the life back into fading looks, lifting your spirits and physically balancing hormones whilst boosting your emotions."

Most of the author's suggestions for my coloring, "darker skinned with African, . . . tones," were already in place. I didn't do the color draping tests. I basically go with what I like, stick with a warm palette, and pay attention to what gets the most complements. But this is a good "go to" when you need fresh ideas. I'm gonna buy it when it becomes available in the US.

This review is of a complimentary digital copy from the publisher provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Quoted excerpts may have been edited prior to release.

This is a great book for anyone who wants to improve their way of life by using colours! Standish explains how to tell what 'season' you are and how to dress appropriately. She also gives excellent advice about choosing the right colours to wear for different occasions or just to improve your mood. For example, blue is soothing and red can give one energy. She also tells readers how to match colours.

I think that I will buy this one!

I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was something completely different to what I would normally read. I've never thought about dressing mindfully but the chapters in the book really gave me something to think about. I feel a lot more in control of my wardrobe now!