Monday 27 December 2010

The new beginning

It's been a hard year. After achieving the dizzy heights of a distinction in my Masters from the London College of Fashion it has been a long haul to get to the end of 2010. In the March I completed a bid for script funding from the now defunct UK Film Council. I didn't get any funding but the writing was already on the wall for all sorts of Arts funding and most definitely film funding.

It was back to styling for me and this felt like going through the motions. Even when I started to get some exciting bits of work I kept feeling highs and lows almost simultaneously. Then the petit garcon started school and I realised that relying on public transport and paying an arm and a leg in child care was not what I wanted to do.


Then one night I was watching Ugly Betty and I had an epiphany! There was a hilarious scene when Amanda tried to become a designer but failed.



Mark had to explain to her that it takes years of training to be a designer. But Amanda pointed out she wanted to do something creative and she had just helped Betty and an up and coming designer to style a successful debut show.

So, Mark suggests she becomes a stylist. Amanda whines about not wanting to go to college and Mark says all you have to do is say 'I'm a stylist'. Amanda repeats after him , 'I'm a stylist' and there are high fives all round.

I was laughing so much because the comedic undertone was spot on. I started as a junior fashion assistant years ago at Elle magazine and then went on to work on a few publications producing the style sections. A stint on radio and then a proper career in the creative department for Orange gave me the much needed financial boost I need that working in fashion couldn't give me. Then I returned to my first love, job and passion and have earned a living for the last six years as a freelance stylist.

A recent review with my many contracts brought home the reality of day rates, planned productions and projected business revenues and in fashion the hard times are getting harder. I know full well things are cyclical and if I want to throw myself into things I could. But here is a little whisper, when you are being under cut by 'bloggers turned stylists' who do the work for free then you know things aren't great.

However, the reality is I don't feel the need or drive to once again rise phoenix like as a thrusting stylist . The main reason is the petit garcon. I know I can never have the time back with him ever. My best bit of 'work' this month which was entirely voluntary was building Santa's grotto at his school for the Christmas Bazaar. I loved creating a set that was magical and the kids loved it. My fake snow and cotton wool did cause all manner of nuisance combined with wet boots but I cleared up well.
The petit garcon & his buddy visit Santa in the grotto!

I love writing more than anything, I can whip up an outfit for an ad or create a fashion shoot look blindfold. But writing amuses and pushes me. I love creating stories and I can combine my visual creativity with words. I am going to take a year out to write, write, write and nothing but write. This means I can keep going with my blog and still interact and learn from all of your wonderful blogs, lives and thoughts. I had some invaluable feedback from Sister Wolf on my film script as she was a script reader for many years. I have done nothing with it now for 6 months because every thing else gets in the way. In my very large box of writing I have 3 unfinished novels, one television drama, a non fiction book and a film script plus numerous short stories and ideas. I know I am wasting my talent. It was really brought home to me when I was invited to write part of a chapter for an academic book and after the research I didn't have the time or head space to deliver!

2011 will be my year to succeed and focus on my writing. I have a few styling contracts I have to fulfil but at the end of March I will be a free of all obligations.By not working I will save myself untold money on travel and childcare. I can if I want live all day in a dressing gown save the school run but that would be quite hideous and uninspiring. However I won't need to buy items for things and intend to make do with my wardrobe and stick to my style challenge (still only bought the Valentino skirt and I will do a 5 ways to wear it post very soon).

I've always been a working girl and like to contribute to the running of the household, I really couldn't abide to abdicate such responsibility and am mindful I am being very selfish in some respects. I'm sure Mr MDS would love a year long golf sabbatical - which is completely out of the question! Therefore I've set up shop with my Make Do Style Health & Beauty online store for Arbonne productsThey are very lovely and I was introduce to them by a famous ex popstar's wife when I was styling him for UK television during a stint on the West End a few years ago. She works for them! It is funny in my job I see all sorts of people at their height, their lows and then when they are sorted.

I have 3 sample sets to give away to 3 readers in return for a small review either on their blog or for mine. Email me and I will send them out. If you do need anything and would like the convenience of ordering online for some very lovely product then please do! Currently the only criticism I would have is the postage is too high in the UK but that is being sorted. It is fine in the US, Canada and Australia. Until it is resolved then I'm happy to refund postage because I'm so confident you'll love the products. I will promote my site in order to earn something, but probably no more than once a fortnight in my posts but let me know if it annoys you after all I like feedback!

What hopes and desires do you have for 2011? What would be your dream come true?

23 comments:

  1. I'm so glad for you that you arer doing this! Good luck!

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  2. I love epiphanies. I haven't had one for 2011 yet, but I wanted to say that I'm very happy to see yours! Best of British to you! xx

    (p.s The bloggers working as stylits for free really grinds my gears too. It's the same with photography by all accounts. Sigh. Still, get an amateur, get an amateur result...)

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  3. Hi Kate

    You go girl! I am really pleased that you have taken time to think about what you really want, and then come up with a plan to get there. I can't WAIT to hear about the things you get up to this year, and hopefully read some of your writing.

    I don't think I have enough readers to make a big impact with a product review, but make sure one of those samples goes to Christina! And nab WendyB and Faux Fuchsia for your US and Oz readers ;)

    Lots of love xx

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  4. I am completely rooting for you! I think you are going to have a very fulfilling year. To focus on your talent as a writer while saving the costs of travel and child care is very smart, and of course you will never ever regret the extra time with petit garcon. My own son is off to University this year and the time has flown by.
    My goals this year include really organizing my paperwork at home and at my part-time job (which is admin stuff for my hub's own business), working on my French and building up some extra funds by, yes, "making do" with what is in our house already.
    Looking forward to reading about your journey this year!

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  5. Kate: I know that anything you take on, you will do with all of your focus and with expertise! I'm wishing you the most successful, writerly 2011. PS: Petit garcon is so lucky to have a mum who puts her time with him first.

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  6. Hi my dear-sounds like a very exciting, productive and fulfilling year, which I hope proves to be most successful for you-best wishes with all you aspire to, I'm sure you will be very happy too xx

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  7. I'm really looking forward to seeing your 2011 posts. I'm really disappointed in our government, they've cut out funding for some of the things that make Britain great like our films and arts. To be honest, next year I will feel in limbo until I find out if my job is to be cut but my resolutions so far are to lose weight before my fortieth, reduce my spending, make do with my wardrobe (inspired by your posts!)and improve my health condition (endometriosis) as I don't think I'm getting the treatment I need.

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  8. I can really relate to your post. This time 18 months ago I was a retail manager and ran an online vintage shop and had an 18 month old daughter. I was pushing myself to the limit!
    I totally agree! It takes something to make you realise it's impossible to get their early years back and I think you just have to switch down a gear and enjoy it
    xxx

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  9. This sounds like a plan! Your writing is amazing - very smooth and always makes you feel warm and happy. Bring on 2011, I hope it's a good one for you!

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  10. Well done Kate, I think writing this post and laying down your plans is one of the hardest things too do. Once you have the plan the rest should flow!
    I still haven't gotten my arse into gear - haven't earnt my next Chanel nail varnish yet ;-)
    but I have been seriously thinking about where to go next, talking to you really spurred me on - so here's hoping you will see my plan of action post very soon!!
    Penny Dreadful, as always, has some very wise words on who to get to do the reviews, I agree! I've had a good look at your website and the products sound really good, can't wait to read the reviews! x

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  11. I wish you all the success in the world, Kate. xxx

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  12. Best of luck with your plans. I found your post fascinating as I once dreamed of being a stylist and studied at LCF (though not at the lofty heights of a masters.) It was doing this that made me appreciate how insecure the job would be and how I'd struggle to make ends meet. Plus I realised I didn't quite have enough desire to do it. So pleased you've done it, loved it, and are now moving onto bigger and hopefully better things. Good luck!!

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  13. Congratulations on your choice to continue with your writing in 2011. You have one of the best blogs out there and it is always a pleasure to read about your fashion and your family life.
    Also, I do hope that you will pursue your work in film.

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  14. Dear Kate

    Good luck with your new journey! I've been looking at childcare fees lately and they are prohibitive, but I know I will never ever give up my job- not because of the love for it, but because of the filthy lucre. 2011 I hope will be a happy and sort of more peaceful year for me as I wait the birth of my son. He is very much wanted and I had sort of given up hope of becoming a Mum, so it's very exciting for me. I am however already a bit sad about losing my "old" life too- because I know Things Will Change. A lot. I wish you much luck with your journey. xxx

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  15. Oh my God, I'd never recommend working at home to anyone, but I guess your kid will help keep you on a schedule to avoid the insomnia and overeating the rest of us suffer from!

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  16. Wishing you all the best in your new career direction, Kate, and I look forward to enjoying more of your blog entries in 2011!

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  17. Congratulations - I admire you so much for following your dream...

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  18. Kate after meeting you in person, I believe that you are capable of doing anything you set your heart on and more than that you will do it well. Like you I have always been a working girl, I still am for the select few who's hair I still do.. I get more pleasure from it now.. but also like you enjoyed my writing.. but for the moment I am having a break.. my house is so clean LOL
    xxx

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  19. Well done girl, you're great!! I wish you the best!
    xx

    www.ohmyvogue.com

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  20. Dear Kate, you will do brilliantly at anything you want to so go for it!! If I can ever help you with anything just call.

    Wishing you tons of success for 2011, you deserve it xx

    PS. I would love to review the Arbonne skincare if they're still going. You know I love a product! Thank you Margaret for suggesting me xx

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  21. Good luck with the writing, I am sure all your dreams will come true and you will achieve great success! For 2011 I just want good health for me and my family and if I could choose to do anything workwise it would be to have the time to blog full time and to never lose my blogging mojo!

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  22. Sounds like a good plan. My dream is to immerse myself more deeply in textiles and writing. . .

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  23. Too many women worked in "the boom" just to pay child care/transport bills and live on easy meals while dealing with fractious under nurtured children at the end of an exhausting day. Just to stay on a non existent ladder to the top. When we all know a snake.can bite you on the arse matter how high you have climbed.

    Outstanding ! I think that doing without a few luxuries and taking time to enjoy Petit Garcon is a great plan. And a full on career break for some parenting time need'nt mean a skills break. You can learn a lot and be even Better when you go back to it. And whatever you do in the meantime will be much more enjoyable if you know you are giving it your best.

    Enjoy, just make sure you can send PG on a playmate next time I am in London so we can do afternoon tea.

    xx

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Thank you for commenting, much appreciated. Sorry about no longer offering anonymous comments but spamming had become a very annoying issue. xxx