All wrapped up in a bow - my year in style
A couple of years ago on the eve of delivering a 1-hour presentation to a room of 200 colleagues, I called my sister in a state of anxiety for advice. It had been a while since I’d last presented to an audience that size and on the last occasion, I had a panic attack – full blown, I’m talking legs shaking, knees knocking, sweat pouring, nausea inducing.
My sister calmly said, "visualise that experience, have it clear in your mind.
Now wrap it up in gift wrap and tie a ribbon around it. It’s done. Its time to put it aside and not let it define you". She also added that when I walk on stage I should put my shoulders back and stick my tits out. “Shoulders back” she said”, “will give you instant confidence, open your lungs and project your voice.”
Her advice changed my mindset and turned a situation that had left me sleepless for three nights, to one I relished and conquered.
I’ve been reflecting on her words these past few days when I think about 2020. Inevitably as you approach the end of any year, you reflect on the one just past and review the ups and downs and promise yourself all the ways in which you’ll do better next year.
There will be much commentary on 2020 and its no secret that its been a year of changes. Changes to every facet of our lives from health, community, travel, the environment, schooling, how we interact, how we work and where, our families and relationships and without sounding frivolous what we wear.
For many people, its been a year they want to wrap up tightly, fasten with a ribbon and toss far away never to be seen again. For me, I’m still unpacking it, but I’m firm in my attitude of embracing 2021 with shoulders back and tits out.
For my last blog of the year, I thought I’d reflect on the year in style. 10 fashion moments, shows, brands, tips and style bits for 2020.
Lisa Stockman Personal Stylist uniform for 2020.
1. MY MOST WORN IN 2020
I ditched the skinny jeans for a roomier fit. These straight leg mid-rise are from Zara.
Blazer for instant boss-ready mindset. This one is from Zadig & Voltaire.
Crew-neck white cotton t-shirt. Uniqlo was my go-to.
Mask up, stay safe but make it fashion. My mask of choice from Hot Face.
Lisa Stockman Personal Stylist jewellery worn in 2020
2. MOST USEFUL FASHION ACCESSORY
Masks aside, chunky gold jewellery was my accessory of choice adding
instant glam.
This necklace from Zara featured in many posts, videos and client meetings.
Earrings from Wayne Cooper.
Lisa Stockman Personal Stylist with Sharon Tredrea - Inductee Cricket Australia Hall of Fame 2020
3. MOST CRY-WORTHY CLIENT EXPERIENCE
Styling Sharon Tredrea - 2020 Hall of Fame Inductee for the Australian Cricket Awards in February was an experience that gives me goosebumps whenever I think of it.
After months of planning, this look came together and Sharon shined like a star, accepting her award on national tv. When this photo was taken, we were holding back tears of joy, conscious of not ruining her makeup. If only I could bottle moments like this forever!
4. BEST STYLE READ OF THE YEAR
The Sartorialist Man.
As the byline says, inspiration every man wants, education every man needs.
By renowned photographer and fashion editor Scott Schuman, this is the ultimate how-to guide style guide for men.
5. BEST TV SERIES FOR WARDROBE
Lockdown was the excuse I needed to binge on Netflix and call it "research". Three series captivated my attention when it came to style - The Queen's Gambit, The Crown Season 4 and Emily in Paris.
Patricia Fields, legendary stylist behind Sex and the City, was responsible for the "ensembles" in Emily in Paris. If you haven't seen it, check out Sylvie - the real star of the show in style.
The Queen's Gambit, the most watched show on Netflix follows Beth Harmon played by Anya Taylor-Joy, a chess prodigy proving herself in a man's world. French costume designer Gabriele Binder paired at least a dozen outfits containing geometric patterns resembling a chess board. Genius!
The Crown Season 4.Amy Roberts costume designer for Series 4 recreates with incredible detail iconic fashion moments from Princess Diana, Margaret Thatcher and The Queen. I especially loved the 17 Diana outfits in episode 6, The Australia Tour.
Isabel Marant RTW Spring 2021 - Image courtesy of wwd.com
6. FAVOURITE RUNWAY - ISABEL MARANT RTW SPRING 21
In October, whilst still in Melbourne lockdown, the Isabel Marant RTW 21 Spring show in Paris made me smile. Sequined bodices, studded leather jackets, acid-washed hot pants in fuschia and metallics, an ode to 80s stars Debbie Harry and Kim Wilde was the disco optimistic vibe I needed.
So love these pants!
7. INSTAGRAM INSPO OF THE YEAR
@blaireadiebee
In a year where I made a conscious effort to not wear black, Blaire Eadie was a constant inspiration of colour. Her combinations of textures, fabrics and hues set in the streets of NYC gave me endless joy.
Image courtesy of vogue.com
8. WILD ABOUT HARRY
Voted GQ Magazine's Most Stylish man of the decade, Harry Styles former One Direction member, had to be in my top 10. The thing I love about Harry is his directional style, his ability to blur gender lines, push boundaries and wear whatever the hell he likes with confidence. This to me is the embodiment of style.
Image courtesy of Uniqlo.
9. BEST VALUE BASIC FOR 2020
Uniqlo cashmere crew neck jumper - $139.95
In a year where loungewear, activewear, athleisure was de rigueur, I opted for this luxe feel, super comfy and stylish sweater. It was light enough for layering under a blazer or coat, while being warm enough to feel snuggly on its own. A style Uniqlo repeats every year - I highly recommend this as a wardrobe essential.
Image courtesy of Reiss.
10. A GO-TO BRAND MY CLIENT'S LOVED IN 2020
Reiss
A brand I'd never really known much about, Reiss was one of my go-to's this year when I needed to find tailored pieces like jackets, blazers or pants. From sizes 6-16, Reiss just seemed to work for many clients this year for those outerwear wardrobe staples.
This Geo Leather Biker Jacket was one of my favourite pieces.
That's my wrap of 2020 in style. I'd love to hear your thoughts on fashion and style in the year that was - drop me a line at lisa@lisastockman.com.au
Lisa Stockman.