Fashion is Mood Altering

"I used to dress to be seen… I wore heels and great suits and statement earrings. I loved it, but it was outside validation. What happened with ‘Wear Your Happy is that as I started to get better with therapy, with silence, meditation, journaling, affirmations, all of that, I also started to step into how powerful I feel when I wear what I like. I started to worry less about what people thought of me. I mean, sometimes I look bonkers, but I feel great!" - Karen Arthur

Hey, LinkedIn community!

I hope you're all doing fantastic! ?? Today, I want to share another incredible podcast episode that left me feeling inspired and empowered. ??? I had the honour of hosting the amazing Karen Arthur, a former teacher, fashion model, and content creator, on the Big Dress Energy podcast. We delved into some thought-provoking topics that I couldn't wait to highlight with you all. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

1?? To Karen, "Big Dress Energy" means embracing your personal style without worrying about societal norms or age limitations. Wear what you love unapologetically. ??

Karen beautifully expressed the importance of dressing for ourselves and finding joy in the process. We should never let anyone dictate our fashion choices based on age or any other factor. Confidence comes from being authentic and true to ourselves.

2?? "Wear You're Happy" is all about finding healing and empowerment through clothing choices. ??

Karen shared her experience with grief and how she found solace and strength in clothing. Her "Wear You're Happy" workshops are a powerful way to empower oneself through fashion, even if some pieces carry emotional weight. It's about reclaiming our narrative and expressing ourselves unapologetically.

3?? The power of fashion in self-expression and confidence-building. ??

As we discussed, people often underestimate the significance of fashion. However, it's much more than just clothes; it's a tool for self-expression and a way to boost our confidence. Fashion can be a form of art that allows us to communicate without saying a word.

4?? Finding validation within oneself and pursuing what you love. ??

Karen's journey resonated with me deeply. Initially unsure about a career in fashion design due to not having a degree, she realized her inherent creativity and passion. It's crucial to find validation within ourselves and not let external factors limit our dreams and aspirations.

5?? The mind-body connection and the importance of comfort in clothing choices. ??

Karen's background in dance influenced her current endeavours, and she highlighted the significance of comfort in our clothing choices. Prioritizing our physical well-being impacts our mental and emotional health positively.

6?? Embracing heritage through clothing, mending, and repairing garments. ??

Both Karen and I share Caribbean heritage, and we discussed how clothing reflects our culture and memories. Mending and repairing garments become not only practical but also a beautiful way to honour our heritage.

7?? Shedding light on menopause and empowering women through conversations. ??

Karen hosts the "Menopause Whilst Black" podcast, addressing the lack of knowledge and support for black women going through menopause. By challenging societal expectations and having open dialogues, we can make menopause a more manageable and supported transition.

I highly encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode to get the complete experience and insight from Karen Arthur. Her expertise and wisdom are truly transformative. You can find the episode here:

Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2JwfWwMwwLNoccy6DdomfE?si=DgovUPLYTcKFbYvIgmhqpQ

Let's continue these important conversations and celebrate the power of fashion and self-expression! ??

With love and style,

Shakaila