Into the Blur

Things are hotting up nicely, now 2023’s finally got the memo re: sunshine for summer, inviting us all to dress for the occasion. And, whether you’re skipping off on a sandy holiday or suffering through unexpected British heatwaves, there’s a trend to keep your wardrobe cool: blurry ombré, and summer’s blast from the past – tried and tested tie dye.

This season’s catwalks were awash with it — Altuzarra (inspired by desert myths, “world travellers and trekkers”) sending models out in waves of zig-zaggy tie dyes in ocean blues, oranges and lime, rippled with raspberry and lemon; Prada putting subtle smudge prints on silk dresses (think red or brown, inked with deep plum blotches) or defining collars and hems with dip-dye; and Roksanda showing pieces in abstract, solarised prints, taking inspiration from Swedish artist Pipilotti Rist. Meanwhile in Milan, sunset shades in ombré walked the catwalks at Ferragamo and Etro.

To wear it, choose from mesh tops and long tulle dresses, lightweight maxi skirts or wide leg trousers in sweet, zingy hues. The colour-shy among you should swap for subtle watercolour palettes. Simply pair with white to look the epitome of summer style. Prefer to down-play your prints? Stick with standout accessories instead. Avoiding

Iwork with clients presenting with depression and anxiety, addiction issues and relationship problems.

Addiction stems from trauma; it’s a survival technique subconsciously used to stop feeling painful emotions, so we shop it, drink it, take drugs, over-eat, smoke or use behaviours such as sex or unfulfilling relationships, gambling or constantly scrolling our phones. It’s not about the substance or behaviour, it’s about the need to numb the pain, to feel connected, to feel loved, to feel secure. The cycle starts with craving the substance or behaviour, then short term relief, and then the cycle starts again. Unless we address what’s underneath, the addiction won’t just go away. Many clients report that when they stop drinking or smoking, they notice they’re shopping or scrolling their phones more. This is because the pain underneath, is still there and so is the need to numb it. It takes time, but it’s liberating to know yourself more deeply, to know why you’re in pain, and the ways you’ve learned to ignore it. Childhood experiences profoundly shape us and we survive by acting as though we are ‘fine’.

I want to work with you to help you reach that self-awareness and create healthy change. I look forward to meeting you to work out your needs.

Email: pennysharland@hotmail.co.uk

Insta: Claritycounselling2023

Tel: 07435 213768