A Truly Inspirational Style Story...

Bonjour

I get a lot of emails every day from women asking for style and related advice and I reply to every one. I feel that, if you take the time to write to me, sometimes with very open hearted messages, it is only right that I reply. In fact one of the things that surprises me is the 'surprise' people express that I have actually replied. Perhaps it is the way of the world these days that no one, least of all Influencers, reply to messages and comments.
Some of the messages I receive are truly inspirational. Women who have suffered loss and heartache find a way to cope and the courage to move forward. I received such a message from Sarah this morning. This is what she wrote.

"Dear Marie Anne,
I felt compelled to write and thank you for all your videos. I recently found you on youtube and you have been a massive boost to my well being. I am recovering from the loss of my husband and have found life very hard the last few years. I was encouraged to find someone who inspires me online and lifts my mood. I am about to turn 50 in a few days, single and have been feeling lost and styleless and a million miles away from my former self. Then I found you and your videos are helping me to regain my self confidence. I was advised to do self care so I now get a cup of tea and watch your videos as my self care.
I have been making notes and learning how to think differently about shopping. I am planning soon on trying your journal course and dress like a rectangle. I enjoy making notes on all the tips you give. You seem to be a font of knowledge. I wish I had found you earlier. I bought so many wrong things during lockdown that I never wear. And they look awful when I try them on. Your videos on how to shop like a french women are so useful to me. I live by the sea and feel I am dressed like a man all winter in dark water proof coats and wellington boots and a tight beanie hat as the wind blows off anything nice. I need to get my wild windy cold coastal winter style sorted out ! and feel feminine when I go out.
I also like watching you talk about you hair and how being tall affected you, as I have the same issues and thought it was just me. It makes me feel so much better hearing another person that understands.
You have also made me think about my style, how tragic life events can make you forget yourself. I feel I am in the process of refinding myself and starting a new chapter. I feel there is a psychological aspect to style that helps your self esteem. I have never written to someone like this before but I felt I really wanted to tell you how glad I am to have discovered your channel.
Kind Regards
Sarah"
Sarah is truly inspirational. At such a deep point in her life she found the courage to ask others for help (the person advising her to seek inspiration online and to practice self care). Too many times we feel like we must struggle through our problems by ourselves. To admit we need help is taken as a sign of weakness. Far from it. To ask for help is a sign of courage. It opens our hearts to others and lets in light to where there was before only darkness. To allow others to help you is to acknowledge their gifts and to recognise their light. What greater gift can you give than to allow others the ability to shine their light into your life and to help you. There is reciprocity in such healing - mutual love and respect that honours both.
Style is a great expression of self. There is a huge psychological component to style. We do dress how we feel. We can style ourselves to greater confidence, which affects us in so, so many ways. Improving your style is all about knowledge - Style Knowledge is Style Power.
I always say that you can tell a person's style level by the questions they ask. At a most basic level people will ask what they should wear or what goes with what. It is so very interesting to see that Sarah didn't actually ask for any style advice at all. She states what she is doing and where she is heading. Sarah is doing exactly what I would have recommended to her. Start journaling and learn about her body shape objectives. Sarah is doing everything right. Her new style journey is starting on the right path and I am sure Sarah will go from strength to strength.
So please, if you feel you need to ask for help do so. And, if you choose to seek help from me do not be surprised to get a response! I am here for all my French Chic Ladies and Lads. I hope to walk your style journeys with you.
Let 2021 be Your Year of Change
Best Wishes
Marie-Anne x