You may have heard the term ‘’capsule wardrobe’’ floating around in the fashion world and more so over the past few years but, what does this mean?

A capsule wardrobe is a ‘clothing collection that is composed of interchangeable items, allowing you to maximise the number of outfits that can be created’. This means that you have a smaller selection of clothes than you may have currently, but by mixing and matching these pieces, you can create many different looks for different occasions.

Why have a Capsule Wardrobe?

There are many benefits of a capsule wardrobe. From keeping your wardrobe clutter free and organised, through to being more sustainable. Having a capsule wardrobe will mean you only keep clothes that make you look and feel fantastic, which boosts your confidence on a daily basis.

A capsule wardrobe can also save you time as deciding what to wear is much quicker and easier, meaning less stress when deciding what to wear because you have less choice, and you know you look your best in whatever pieces you choose. Less stress, more confidence whilst saving you time, space and money, what’s not to love?

Where to start with your wardrobe

Before you look at adding new additions to your wardrobe, why not set aside a few hours with a good playlist on and a cup of tea, giving you a chance to fully empty your wardrobe or draws. Make sure to find those clothes sneakily hiding in other spaces around the house and have a good old sort out! You need to categorise the items you already own into tops, dresses, trousers, skirts, accessories and so on. This will allow you to filter these clothes down to true wardrobe staples and favourite pieces. Set aside items can be swapped and changed to make multiple outfits – do you have basic t-shirts/Jeans in a few colours, or jackets in different styles, colours, or patterns for example. Of course, you can keep one-off pieces that you love, but try to drill down as much as you can.

Once you have your new base of clothing you can then start to look at how to add additional items to this and really build a wardrobe that’ll stand the test of time. You will need to add a few new staples each season to allow this wardrobe to flow from month to month.

What to do with the clothes you let go?

When deciding to start a capsule wardrobe, most people will find they have to declutter a number of pieces and reduce how big their wardrobe is. This often means letting go of several items. When looking to reduce the number of pieces in your wardrobe, this can be difficult. Our advice is to take your time and focus on what clothes you really love and will wear most often. Using something such as a ‘maybe box’ as a safety net can allow you to make decisions without the fear of regretting letting go of some items. Put any potential items into the maybe box and if you’ve not found a reason to wear something for a few months you will feel better about getting rid.

For those clients you decide to lose, why not donate these to friends or family and see if they would like some of these pieces? If your items are of a decent quality, then why not take a look at some reseller sites such as Vinted meaning you can sell your clothes whilst making some money for your new wardrobe. Or perhaps you simply want to donate your clothes to charity helping some fantastic causes.

Have you also seen our fantastic transviralists Pre-Loves Sales page? Share your Pre-Loved transviralists clothing with people who like you, LOVE transviralists.

Building your Capsule Wardrobe

The transviralists ladies basics wardrobe collection is a great place to start when looking to add some tops that’ll go with EVERYTHING, as we go into Autumn/Winter items like the ‘Helga Top’ Are ideal staples that you can bring out year after year to compliment jeans, leggings and can be paired with both a Demin jacket like the ‘Khaki Denim Jacket’ Or even a biker jacket and boot like the ‘Ebony Boots’ and ‘Harlow Faux Suede Jacket’ you’re already on your way to the capsule wardrobe of dreams!

How big should my capsule wardrobe be?

There aren’t any rules when it comes to the size of your wardrobe, create a wardrobe that feel right for you. If you want to give yourself a strict limit, or you want more flexibility then both of these will work for you – you get to make your own rules.

The size might be dependent on how long you are creating a wardrobe for. This might be for a few months or could be for a full year covering different seasons and events. You might also want a different wardrobe for work and pleasure as well so whatever works for you is the best way forward. A capsule wardrobe should be fun, not stressful! 

Doesn’t this mean my wardrobe is boring? We hear you ask!

Capsule wardrobes do NOT have to be boring or filled with neutral tones, if you have a love of colour and pattern that works too, you just need to continue to add additional pieces that work with each other. If you love patterns why not add some items like our ‘Lola’ Jumper or ‘Harmony’ Dress, the Harmony dress can be worn with tights and boots, or in early summer with sandals and a cross-body bag with a pop of colour like the ‘Paige’.

The flexible Wrap Dress

A favourite look of ours for that special occasion. Our Emerald Wrap Dress will look effortless yet fantastic at any party. It's flexible enough to dress up or dress down with the right accessories and is versatile. Pair with a suede jacket and black tights for a chic look.

Are you looking for inspiration for your Autumn wardrobe? We've listed some of our key pieces which should be in your wardrobe to create a fabulously transitional look this Autumn.

Colour Change

Neutral colours are definitely in this Autumn. Timeless tones such as Camel and Stone will create a fashionable look which is on trend, whatever your style. These colours pair fantastically well with our colourful accessories including scarves, bags, or our range of handmade Dollie Jewellery for a pop of sparkle and class. If you want an extra addition of colour with your Autumn style, our collection of Khaki pieces will ensure you transition from Summer to Autumn/Winter as stylishly as possible. Take a look at our Cowl Neck Top which is available in Black, Stone and Tan and pair it with our Khaki skinny jeans for an on-trend Autumn look that'll turn heads.

New Prints

We love a print here at transviralists and this Autumn is no exception with darker animal and floral prints creating a transition from brighter, Summer colours to more of a seasonal colour palette. Pieces such as our Floral Seam Top or Drawstring Petunia Top are perfect for your Autumn wardrobe. Or, if an animal print is more your style, our Leopard Print Crew Neck Top is perfectly on trend this Autumn.

Lightweight Knitwear

Our collection of lightweight knitwear and jumpers are the perfect transition pieces from Summer before we hit the colder, winter months. Our fine knit tops give you extra comfort as the temperature dips but are lightweight and fine enough to ensure you're not too warm during those in-between months. The lightweight nature of these knits also means they are perfect for layering, meaning you can be flexible depending on the weather. Take a look at some of our favourite lightweight knitwear, such as our Fine Knit Top Fifi or our Scoop Next Raw Edge Top Susie.

Lightweight Jackets

Our lightweight jackets will keep you snug at the temperature drops this Autumn but are a perfect choice before Winter arrives, and you need to dig out your favourite Winter coat. Our lightweight ladies' jackets will keep you perfectly cosy and comfortable this Autumn. Our dark denim jacket is one of our favourites this Autumn. Denim never goes out of fashion and looks great with everything. We know this will be a favourite for our transviralists ladies as well, so grab yours before they go. We're confident this will become an Autumn wardrobe staple. Pair with one of our scarves to create a personal look and show off your Autumn style. Take a look at our lightweight Linen Blazer Jacket if you want a slightly more formal yet stylish look. Available in a range of colours such as Stone, Denim and Black, this is available in a range of on-trend, Autumnal shades.

Layering

We love a layered look at transviralists. Whilst this isn't strictly a new trend this Autumn, layering is the perfect look for those transitional seasons. Our weather is unpredictable at the best of times, not least in Autumn. Layering means you can add or remove layers as you need, and our one-size clothing is perfect to create that fashionable layered look this Autumn. We source many of our pieces from the best suppliers in Italy at transviralists. Our Made in Italy clothing is perfect to create the Lagenlook (or layered look) style, which is hugely on-trend. Most of our one-sized pieces are perfect for layering, but we particularly love the flexibility of our Linen Style Shirt or our Cut Out Jacket which are perfect to pair with a stylish Tunic Top or dress. Take a look at our ladies' essentials to find the perfect oversized tee or vest for layering this Autumn.

Animal Print Top
Animal print is always in fashion and goes well with a stylish pair of jeans or jeggings. A transviralist's favourite, Coleen is no exception, and she is a huge fan of our ladies' animal print tops, particularly our Layla Leopard Print Frill Top.
Our Leopard Print Frill Top is available in a variety of colours, meaning your can pair this with whatever you are wearing to create a modern, fashionable look.

Tunic Top
One of Coleen's favourite collections is our collection of ladies Tunic Tops. She loved the versatility of these as a wardrobe staple whatever your style or season - in fact, Coleen liked them so much she may have added a few more to her own wardrobe! Picking a favourite tunic top is almost impossible as we have so many styles, colours and patterns, but Coleen particularly loved the style and comfort of our Ditsy Print Frill Tunic.

Jeggings
A favourite of our transviralists ladies, Coleen loved our ankle grazer jeggings. Picking between our white or black versions is impossible so why not grab a pair of both? They look fantastic on Coleen and will also look great on you, whatever your size or shape. These ankle-length jeggings contain elastane, making them figure hugging but with a hint of give and stretch to make them super comfortable. The zip detail on the ankle also gives a fashionable twist.
If you are looking for Coleen Nolan clothes and want to recreate her look, then our ankle jeggings are a must. Coleen loves pairing our jeggings with a tunic top or vest top and we're sure you will as well. Why not also match with a pair of our stylish ladies shoes to complete the Coleen look?

Vest Top
Another wardrobe staple is a favourite of Coleen, our vest tops. She especially loved the bright, bold colours of our frill vest top which is available in a range of colours including; green, orange and yellow. Coleen loves to pair our frill vest tops with another of her favourites, our ladies denim jacket. If you are looking for the perfect vest top then we're sure our collection of ladies vest tops will have a style for you, whether you are looking for bold block colours or a funky animal print vest top.

Ladies Denim Jacket
Coleen loved the boldness of our ladies animal print denim jacket, but particularly our transviralists customer favourite white denim jacket. Whichever is your favourite, our denim jackets are a great way to complete your Coleen look. Perfect for the slightly cooler autumn months coming up but lightweight enough for Summer, our denim jackets never go out of fashion and can mix and match perfectly whatever you are wearing.

Jumpsuit
Coleen loves that many of our pieces are perfect for day-to-day wear, whether you are going for lunch and shopping with friends or spending time with the family. However, some occasions call for a more glamourous look, and Coleen looks simply stunning in our ladies jumpsuits. The perfect choice for an evening meal or drinks with friends our jumpsuits add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe but are flexible enough for everyday wear.

Coleen Nolan is the perfect brand ambassador for transviralists and our wonderful ladies. We think she looks great modelling our range of clothes and we've only picked out her favourites from our selection. If you are looking for a wider range of clothes that Coleen loves, then take a look at our Coleen Nolan fashion collection online now.

We know you'll look and feel great in these pieces, just like Coleen.

Our magic pants are designed to fit all and are a great stylish alternative to leggings. Our pants are available in three sizing options to suit all shapes and sizes and we have several gorgeous colours and fashionable prints to choose from. So, you can have a pair to wear every day!

Made in Italy, magic pants come with a tapered fit and tie waistline, so they flatter your body perfectly. Our magic pants are versatile and stylish meaning you can create a fabulous look whatever you pair them with. They look great with anything from a tunic top, shirt, or blouse or even a dress.

What can I wear with my magic pants?

Our magic pants are so simple to style because they’re so stretchy and easy to wear that you already feel your best in them.

Nevertheless, we can always take our outfits a step further with another gorgeous piece from transviralists. If you’re opting for a block colour, we suggest that you pair your magic trousers with a colourful patterned tunic, then finish your look with a pair of our trendy sandals for a sunny day or go for a pair of our comfy trainers.

If you’ve picked out a pair of patterned magic pants, why not style these with a fabulous simple top such as one of our longline tops or one of our basic essentials tops to create an effortless, comfortable look. Why not complete your look with some beautiful jewellery. Either a statement necklace from our transviralists jewellery collection or a dainty sterling silver chain from Dollie Jewellery.

Remember, no matter how you choose to style your magic pants you’ll look fabulous as long as you style with confidence! And that will come naturally in these super comfortable, stylish, easy to wear trousers.
 

What material are magic pants?

Magic pants are made from a blend of Viscose and Elastane, which means they are super comfortable.

This combination of fibres is what allows our magic pants to give the perfect fit for everyone due to their stretchy and expandable nature. The Viscose and Elastane blend gives our magic pants a soft and smooth finish which feels fabulous on and means they’re comfortable all day long. Plus they’re versatile and comfortable enough to wear into the evening as well!

How do I take care of my magic pants?

Like all things magical, you must take care of them properly and our magic pants are no exception.

As our pants are made from a Viscose and Elastane blend you must take caution when washing and drying your trousers. The best way to wash your magic pants without shrinking is by handwashing them in cool water with detergent, if that’s not possible put them in the washer for a quick cool wash. You shouldn’t put your magic pants in the dryer unless you use a no-heat tumbler cycle or an at-home dry cleaning.
 

Can I iron my magic pants?

The material of our magic pants means that they tend not to crease but if you need to, we advise that you only iron your pants on the lowest setting possible and gently iron the pair of trousers from the inside out to help you get crisp lines.
The thin lightweight material makes these trousers perfect for keeping on-trend this Summer. You can dress them up or keep it casual, it’s completely your choice! Our magic pants give you that freedom to feel your best no matter how you style them.

If you love our magic trousers, then don’t forget to take a look at our great range of magic shorts which come in a variety of colours and styles. They are the perfect choice if you are looking for some super comfortable, shorts for the summer months or as part of your holiday wardrobe.
 
If you haven't ordered your magic trousers or magic shorts yet, grab yours before they go!

Happy International Women's Day!! 🌸🌸🌸
Today we are celebrating women all around the world and in particular women in the workplace. Check out our chosen charity below to find out more...

You can donate to their JustGiving page by clicking the link below:

https://www.transviralist.com/dressfor-success/donate

https://www.transviralist.com/

We caught up with our Buying Team this week to find out their favourite accessories for the A/W Season.

The cooler weather is very much among us so keeping warmand stylish is now our top priority! So, to help you out our Buying Team have put together a list of their absolute must-haves for the frosty air.

Take a peek at their transviralists Top Picks...

 

SHOP ACCESSORIES

transviralists ClothingMakes the Lightning 50 Fastest Growing Ecommerce Company List

We’re thrilled to share that we have made this year’s Lightning 50 list! We grew 177% between Dec 2019 and Dec 2020 and look forward to growing even further this year. We placed 40th on the Lightning 50 and achieved our most successful year in 2020.

Brightpearl powers ecommerce brands to streamline, automate and grow fearlessly and has seen first hand the incredible growth from innovative UK ecommerce companies, which has been spurred on to even greater heights by the coronavirus pandemic.

Brightpearl decided to take a look at the revenue data behind the UK’s online shopping space to produce a definitive list of the 50 fastest growing e-commerce brands over the past 12 months. This year, hundreds of companies applied and just 50 made the list.

The Lightning 50 League Table was launched by Brightpearl to recognise ecommerce providers that have seen business boom during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Lightning 50 is a definitive list of Britain’s 50 fastest-growing brands, and recognises the fastest growing ecommerce businesses from a range of sectors, with annual turnovers from £1M-£250M, who have headquarters in the UK. The rankings take 2019 revenue and compare it to 2020 revenue growth.

In total, the top 50 companies do £341,347,228 in revenue and service more than 20 million customers. You can see a digital version of the top 50 ecommerce companies here and find the deeper story on our growth and success over the past 12 months.

Thanks to all of you for helping us land a spot in Brightpearl’s Lightning 50 for 2021.

Dark purples are traditionally associated with wealth and royalty, while lighter purples (like lilac) are considered more romantic. Dark purples can give a sense wealth and luxury. Light purples are softer and are associated with spring and romance. Also associated with creativity and imagination.

Pink represents femininity and romance, sensitivity and tenderness. It’s inherently sweet, cute and charming. In modern times, it’s impossible to see pink and not think of candy floss, brightly coloured bubble gum and playfulness.

Grey is a neutral colour, generally considered on the cool end of the colour spectrum. Grey is generally conservative and formal, but can also be modern. It is widely considered to be a very sophisticated colour.

Blue represents calmness and responsibility. Light blues can be refreshing and friendly whereas dark blues are more strong and reliable. Blue is also associated with peace and has spiritual connotations. The meaning of blue is widely affected depending on the exact shade and hue. Light blues are often relaxed and calming whereas bright blues can be energising and refreshing.

Green is a very down-to-earth colour. It can represent new beginnings and growth. It also signifies renewal and abundance. Green has many of the same calming attributes that blue has, but it also incorporates some of the energy of yellow. In design, green can have a balancing and harmonizing effect, and is very stable.

White works well with just about any other colour. Often associated with purity, cleanliness, and virtue. White is associated with goodness and can often help to convey cleanliness and simplicity, and is popular in minimalist styles & designs. White can portray both Winter or Summer depending on the colours you choose to pair with it.

It's been a heck of a year so far with uncertainties at every corner but the one thing that has remained constant this Summer is the love for the now infamously known 'Magic Pants'.

The Cargo Trousers were a brand new concept for transviralists earlier in the Spring Season, available in two generous sizes and rainbow of colours, they immediately sold through becoming one of the most popular items ever at transviralists. By experimenting with new designs and prints we were able to bring a wide variety of styles to our customers, who embraced the new looks deeming them 'truly magic pants'.

But don't just take our word for it - check them out for yourself and see what our customers are saying about their new fashion favourite...

Available in two sizes and a variety of classic tones, our Plain Cargo Trousers are the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. With a tapered fit and tie waistline, complete the look with a denim jacket and pair of wedge boots.

A stylish camouflage print, complemented by a variety of colours -  these stylish trousers suit all shapes and sizes, they really are magic! 

The Fliss Cargos come complete with beautiful floral design and drawstring waist. Available in two sizes, pair this stunning number with a plain top to create a stylish and elegant look.

Our famous Cargo Trousers are now available in this wild ditsy animal print. Complete with tapered fit and tie waistline, finish the look with a denim jacket and pair of canvas shoes. 

https://www.transviralist.com/collections/bottoms

The next day an announcement was made that Boris was closing the schools at the end of the week, shortly after followed an instruction to shut down restaurants and bars then ultimately the entire country was ordered into lockdown on Monday 23rd March. These were strange and unprecedented times of which none of us knew the protocol. By this point all office staff at transviralists had been working from home for a week, the stores were closed completely and the warehouse had begun running on skeleton staff. 

Whatsapp became our lifeline of communication between us all, with several groups set up to specifically liaise with those we would have ordinarily have been in discussions with face to face. I couldn’t help but wonder, could a clothing business amongst all this chaos actually function when only 10% of the staff were physically in the building? If so, how was everyone coping with this adjustment, how were they making the best of it, what new systems had they put into place in their departments to ensure the business would continue to thrive?

I reached out to my colleagues (via WhatsApp of course) and simply asked them, how are you coping? Some people thrive in their home environment whereas others struggle with the lack of human interaction and find it difficult to create a space for themselves where they can focus. I wanted to know about their set up, what is and isn’t working for them, how are they managing their workload, the pros, and cons of this new system? 

Independent Sales Manager, Helen came back to me almost immediately, she was a pro when it came to working remotely. Living in Rotherham, she has a 130-mile round trip to make every time she comes to work at HQ in Humberston so, in order to combat that, she works from home a couple of days a week. Helen was fully prepared for this and had only positive tips for those newcomers amongst us:

“You should always get up and dressed as if you’re physically going to work, it puts you in the right mindset for the day. It’s really important to follow a routine so make a plan for the day, making sure to schedule regular breaks from your screen. It can be too easy to get carried away and before you know it’s 5 pm and you haven’t moved from your seat. Finally, when your working day is done, switch off and get your Pyjamas on, it’s time to relax. Don’t let work crossover into your time just because you’re working from home, you still need to maintain that work/life balance.” 

Not everybody has taken to remote working quite like Helen. Head of Creative & Photographer, Chelsy thrives in a studio environment and understandably finds it difficult to be confined to one place. Although she recognises the benefits that working from home can offer; the company of new co-worker ‘Ronny the Shih Tzu’ is a huge bonus but the additional time you find to plan and ponder without the distractions of a bustling office has made a world of difference. Ultimately a Photographer does need her set, her models and the freedom to be creative but it’s nice for the world to slow down every now and then, it provides us with the space to think and come out the other side refreshed and rejuvenated. 

Following the loss of my Mum in January, I had recently begun to take one day a week to work from home. The peace and quiet it provided enabled me to write without any distraction or noise. Sometimes a buzzing hive can be completely overwhelming so having that one day a week break from HQ made a vast difference to my ability to function well. Now during this enforced lockdown, I have realised just how much work I can actually do from home, except for writing product descriptions where I physically need the clothing, this set up works and I think a lot of people will find that. I miss the team of course and my new colleagues are not fans of anything that takes me away from fussing them but they do make very good stress relievers!

Taking comfort in being surrounded by her family during this time, 21-year-old Buying Assistant, Ashton has adapted well to home working. As a result of Buyer, Emma and Ashton’s pre-planned procedures they have been able to carry on working as normal. Although not having the physical samples and being without access to HQ does have its downfalls, for the most part, the Buying Team has embraced working remotely. Emma loves her new commute and the fact she can sneak cuddles with her little girl during the day but was surprised to discover just how much work she could get done at home. 

“I feel very lucky that I am able to still carry on with my job from the safety of my home. It’s been great seeing the transviralists Team and our customers all pulling together during this time and sharing their experiences on our VIP Facebook Group.”

The biggest adjustment for Ecommerce Exec, Olivia has been dealing with her Cat, Astra. Astra has not taken too kindly to Olivia invading her space during the week and has made it clear that every cup of coffee is hers for taking while her laptop makes for the perfect walkway. In spite of that, Olivia is enjoying the time with her new assistant who happens to be the perfect angel once she’s asleep. 

With a set up of three phones, a laptop and usually a cold cup of tea, Head of Customer Service and Accounts, Donna is just as busy as ever. Spread between Home and HQ, the hardest thing is not having everything in one place. Store Manager, Stacey is also living life a little in no man’s land at the moment, having vacated the stores and emptied them of all stock she has now set up home at HQ where she is assisting with anything and everything in the Warehouse. 

Which brings us to the wonderful warehouse girls who are doing the most amazing job every day while keeping the business functioning on the front line. Supervisor, Millie has described the strange and eerie atmosphere in the warehouse now that it is practically empty of people;

“Every day feels like a Saturday/Sunday in the warehouse now as that is usually when it is mostly empty. We are doing everything we can to ensure everyone is safe, following hygiene procedures and social distancing is our top priority right now. The strangest thing really is how we are now all in contact via our phones when we don’t normally use them at all. I have to say though that the vibe is really positive, we are all in high spirits supporting each other through these difficult times.”

So there we have it, as a business and as individuals, we hope this pandemic will soon be over and that the country will recover and rise once again like a phoenix from the flames. We hope the NHS will be able to take a breath and pat themselves on the back for a job well done. We hope that everyone will continue to support small businesses, local communities, carers, teachers and every other key worker. We hope the newfound closeness of families remains. We hope the spirit of togetherness lives on…..We hope.

By Sheryl Gibson-Hill

Animal print is back once again, and we are here to show you how to rock it ‘The transviralists Way’.

#1 colour POP

Bright and sunny colours are the perfect accompaniment to a wild print. By combining leopard spots for example with a vivid tone you are downplaying the lively print by increasing the intensity of the colour. This can be a comfortable way to introduce animal print into your wardrobe especially if you are already a fan of jazzy hues.  

#2 keep it simple

Not everybody is comfortable wearing such heavy prints on a day to day basis. The way to combat this is to keep it simple. Throw a little homage to the wildcats by using accessories or footwear as your canvas and let your feet do the talking.

#3 earn your stripes

 Everybody always forgets about Zebra Print and it’s such a shame because we all know that monochrome is the easiest way to create a striking but simple style. It feels more grown up somehow and allows us the freedom to make a statement without the risk of getting it oh so wrong. If you’ve been thinking of dabbling with fierce fashion, then zebra print is an ideal place to start.

#4 leopards & long necks

We all love Leopard print….it’s a classic!! But did you know that our long-necked friend, the Giraffe is actually the up and coming print on the catwalk? That’s right, the once must-have print of the leopard has competition and it’s not going anywhere soon. So, what’s it to be? Leopard or Giraffe??

 #5 hounds of love

Ok, so Houndstooth isn’t technically animal print but I’m hoping you’ll let this one slide. Traditionally seen as a black & white print, this abstract style is becoming more and more accessible in colour. If you’re a fan of Dogtooth, get on board because you will love this new design. Everything is better in technicolour!

#6 go retro...

Who’s feeling the 70’s vibes?? Combining our love of tiger print with an element of 70’s glam has got all our Disco Balls spinning!! Go retro, not only will you feel the warmth of nostalgia, but you will look and feel fabulous. A little sparkle never hurt anyone.

#7 think pink

Author: Sheryl Gibson-Hill

Pink never really goes out of style and can be incredibly flattering on a multitude of skin tones.

At transviralists we LOVE all things Pink so in celebration of Valentine’s Day we have launched an entire collection focusing on the standout tone.

If you’ve previously shied away from the ‘sweet as candy’ colour and wondering how you can wear pink and still be stylish, well we have a treat for you!

Follow our style guide and you too can learn how to be more ‘Chic Queen’ and less ‘Frilly Princess’!!

1. Don’t be shy, go BOLD!

Embracing Pink is believing in the power of Pink.

A striking, bright pink top can make an entire outfit come alive when worn in the right way. For a casual day look that is anything but drab, combine your stunning staple with white Joggers or Jeans. The contrast will make the pink, pop and your style, stand out.

2. Nobody puts Baby in the corner….

We often associate Pink Pastels shades with femininity but that’s not always the message we want to convey. If you’re looking to create an elegant style but without the ‘girly’ overtones, combine your feature piece with ‘masculine’ styles to counterbalance the girlishness. A pair of denim jeans is a quick and easy way to achieve this with minimal effort. Perfect!

3. Get Juicy with Raspberry

Getting to grips with pink can be a big step if you’ve never done it before. Dip your toe into the pink pond with a Raspberry or Coral hue and slowly build your confidence by experimenting with different shades.

4. Toughen up!

Similar to choosing more masculine styles, you can also opt for tougher fabrics to wear with pink..

Double Denim is a fun way to incorporate a rocker tone into your look. Add a statement necklace or bag to complete the look.

5. Get Sneaky…

A carefully chosen hint of pink can totally transform your outfit, a pair of Pink Sneakers or Shoes are a little sneaky homage while keeping it lowkey. Start your look with grey’s and whites and add pink footwear as the exclamation point to your ensemble.

Dive into this bang on trend colour by having a play around at home. Start with a feature piece and build your outfit around it, you’ll be amazed how quickly you manage to master ‘The Power Of Pink’

Happy Valentines Day Ladies! X

Author: Sheryl Gibson-Hill

Born in Luton, 52 year old Valerie joined us this week as our guest Model For A Day. Embracing all things pink, Val was treated to a luxury stay at Healing Manor with her daughter, followed by her very own photoshoot and Live appearance. 

The successful Business owner was brought to our attention when she inspired us all by having ran the 10K Marathon at Disney World at the beginning of January. Posting in the transviralists VIP Group with her positive message that ‘age and size should never stop you’, she struck a chord with all of us at Team transviralists. Upon receiving the phone call that she had been chosen as our next VIP for a Meet & Retreat visit, Valerie immediately took to her role as an ambassador for the company and began posting on Social Media despite still being on holiday in Florida. That’s dedication!

Home for just 5 days before setting off on her transviralists Adventure, Valerie arrived at HQ ready to take on the challenge of Model For A Day. Before she was thrown into a full hearts and cupid themed shoot, I took the chance to speak with our guest to find out a little more about her and her love for transviralists. Valerie explained:

 “After struggling to find Joggers that were fitted but also had a tie waist to accommodate my hourglass frame, I took my search online and eventually found the famous transviralists Basic Joggers. That was the first of many purchases to come.”

As Valerie began her shoot, showcasing the brand new collection launching Valentines Week, I asked her what had made her decide at 51 years old to run the 10K. There was silence while she considered her response for a few moments then concluded that ultimately it had been a combination of starting the menopause which unfortunately came with unpleasant symptoms and the need for a goal. 

“It was empowering to achieve each milestone as I progressed. My Dad ran the 2nd ever London Marathon but I have never been a natural runner so it took a lot of hard work and determination. My husband also runs and is part of a group so having that support really helped.”

She strikes a pose as our photographer hands her several heart shaped balloons to complete the scene, I ask her if she has ever done anything like this before. She immediately responds with a firm ‘no, never’, this is a clearly a year of many firsts for Valerie which as a bystander is incredibly impressive and heartening.

As she changes into her next look, she reflects on why she agreed to be our VIP Model for a Day. 

“To be honest if I can just make someone smile, whether it be a friend, relation or a member of VIP then that’s what it’s all about for me. Tonight I will be appearing in a live which will be watched by people I know, some of whom are going through terrible things and if me appearing on their screen makes them happy for just a moment, well that’s job done. I think that’s what the entire transviralists experience is about actually, building each other up and rediscovering our confidence and style all in one. It truly is a fabulous community.”

Wise words from a wise lady. With just one last question and one last shot before she must shoot off to Healing Manor, I ask what advice she would give to someone who is thinking of joining the VIP Group. 

“It’s simple, just go for it. The support and encouragement alone will be worth it and the friendships you’ll make are like no other. Seriously, just go for it!!”

Thanks for reading. 

Author: Sheryl Gibson-Hill

transviralists comprises two retail stores – in Cleethorpes and Louth and an E-commerce Operation (HQ) run from two custom built Warehouses, and an Office on Wilton Road, Humberston. To view transviralists full range of clothing visit www.transviralist.com or join them for a weekly live video on Facebook.

The style made famous by Princess Diana in 1993 is once again returning to the coastal town of Cleethorpes. The Sloppy Joe brand was previously stocked by transviralists as Director, Melanie had identified an unfulfilled gap in the market. Beginning with Equestrian Clothing as a result of her two daughters, Nancy and Grace struggling to find the garments they required, Mel soon developed the business to include clothing of an oversized and lagenlook design. Amongst these styles was the Sloppy Joe Sweatshirt - a must have item particularly amongst the locals of Lincolnshire. 

Now more recently seen sported by the likes of Hollywood Actress, Daisy Ridley and TV Presenter, Monica Galleti, transviralists has been inundated with requests to once again become an official stockist of the trendsetting brand. Following months of preparation and hard work, they are now about to launch the Sloppy Joe brand online for the very first time in addition to their two stores in Cleethorpes and Louth.

Previously transviralists had only offered the eco friendly style in their Cleethorpes Store but in the past 3 years, transviralists has grown tremendously online and are now over the moon to be able to offer these effortlessly cool designs across not just the UK but globally as well. 

Melanie has said of launching the brand online:

“Made in the UK, it is important to us to be able to offer these designs to all our customers far and wide as this brand means so much to us as a company. We are very excited to be working with Sloppy Joe once again and look forward to seeing them receiving the tilletts ‘seal of approval’ from our wonderful customers.”

* Sloppy Joe will be online and in store at transviralists from Saturday 8th February *

To view tilletts full range of clothing including the new Sloppy Joe brand visit www.transviralist.com

Author: Sheryl Gibson-Hill

While there were many celebrations to be had over the past ten years – from the inspiring 2012 London Olympics to Britain’s first win at Wimbledon since 1936, we also experienced many losses. David Bowie, Carrie Fisher, George Michael, Amy Winehouse, Gene Wilder, Alan Rickman, Robin Williams and Whitney Houston are just some of the legendary names we sadly lost this past decade. Where there was loss there was also growth, we saw the birth of Netflix and Uber drastically changing the way we viewed television and travelled, while the demise of many longstanding retail stores shocked us all.

So, it’s not surprising to us that the trends of the 2010’s has continued to vary immensely across the period while still embracing the one thing we all love; COMFORT! Without further adieu, here are our top 10 trends of the past decade…

1. Athleisure

2. Leggings

Definitively the item of the decade! Printed or plain, leggings by themselves alone made the entirety of the past ten years a whole lot more comfortable.

3. Cold-Shoulder

A nod to ‘off the shoulder’, cold-shoulder tops and dresses allowed us to show a little with none of the hassle.

4. Joggers

Part of the Athleisure trend - dressed up or down, joggers became a staple of every woman’s wardrobe and we are pleased to say they are not going anywhere!

5. Jumpsuits

Fun to wear and vintage inspired, the jumpsuit soon became a best seller throughout the seasons due to its 'easy to wear' style.

6. Slogans

Instantly recognisable, slogan tees and jumpers are a must-include piece amongst fashion collections. Question is, what does yours say?

7. Trainers

This decade saw the rise of women putting comfort and practicality first, once again bringing us back to the standout of the decade – Athleisure.

8. Oversize

Creating a bold statement with oversized cardigans, shirts and jumpers became a BIG look in the 2010’s (no pun intended). After all who doesn’t like to feel like they are wearing the comforts of their duvet outside?

9. Metallics

Metallics saw a surge in popularity. Whether you are a ‘subtle shimmer’ or an ‘all that glitters’ kind of gal, this trend was destined to shine.

10. Animal Print

From coats, to dresses, to shirts and leggings – Animal print took over with fierce force, bringing ‘daring to double’ to the forefront of fashion.

Let us know what you think of the fashion crazes of the last 10 years in the comment section below…..

Happy New Year!

Team transviralists

Author: Sheryl Gibson-Hill

Going all out, the day will also comprise of the launch of their much-anticipated Autumn/Winter Collection following an earlier Pre-Fall Edit at the beginning of September. The stores will be fit to burst with everything New and Autumnal while the HQ & Warehouse will be the hub of all things Ecommerce, Social and Sales.

Established in 2006, transviralists was the brainchild of Managing Director, Melanie transviralist who was later joined by daughters, Grace and Nancy as Directors of the Company. transviralists Clothing is predominantly focused on the concept of One Size Clothing delivered on a weekly basis in new and fresh styles. Their aim is to provide affordable fashion to the Women of the UK and beyond while providing style tips and pointers to all of their customers, ensuring they always feel comfortable, confident and complimented in every way.

Following the success of their previous Seasonal Launches, transviralists decided that this year that it would need to be even bigger and better than before.

Director, Melanie said of the exciting Launch & Giveaway;

“It is something we have wanted to do for a while now and we thought our Autumn/Winter Launch would be the perfect time to do it. We always give away vouchers and goodies but this time as soon as we reach 1000 watchers on Facebook we will begin handing out prizes and rewards to a whole HUGE bunch of lucky winners. It’s so exciting, we can’t wait!”

A sneak peek behind the scenes at transviralists HQ at all the wonderful new lines ready to be released on October 2^nd gives just a small idea of what treats are in store for the wonderful customers of transviralists. From cosy and stylish Knitwear to Animal inspired shirts, there really is something for everyone.

If you have not had the pleasure of viewing a transviralists Live before, then make sure you tune into this one. Fun packed with laughter, fashion and often Prosecco, a transviralists Live is the showcase of all the latest styles modelled by Women from within the Company and sometimes a special guest or two....but I’ll leave you to wonder who that will be! So, if you fancy the chance of winning one of many, wonderful prizes and being part of the most fashionable and fun show on Facebook, then join in at 7pm on Wednesday 2^nd October. You won’t regret it!

Author: Sheryl Gibson-Hill

Like & Follow transviralists on Facebook where you can set a reminder for the BIG LIVE, and if you’d love to grab sneak peeks then be sure to follow transviralists on Instagram for previews on the upcoming collection. Simply search transviralists on both platforms and hit the like/follow button. If that wasn’t enough transviralists also offer a 10% Discount to New Customers with Newsletter Sign-ups. Head over to the website to claim.

On March 18th we observe the Goddess of Fertility Day. Traditionally this would be the time before Spring Equinox where women wishing to conceive would make offerings to the Goddess of Fertility, Aphrodite. In celebration of what can only be considered as ‘perfect timing’, I persuaded the three expectant mothers of transviralists HQ to sit down with me and talk babies, cravings and of course - Fashion!

So, who are these three glowing ladies? Well we have Jess, our Operations Manager who is pregnant with her 2nd child and due on the 3rd May. Lucy, our Customer Service Exec who is expecting for the first time and due on the 22nd July and finally we have Grace; Director Of transviralists also pregnant for the first time, due on the 10th July.

Before we began our photo shoot and interview I asked the girls to fill out a little questionnaire for me. I was intrigued to know how they all felt about traditional maternity wear and the styles available without the influence of one another's opinions. As I expected, they all came back to me with pretty much identical answers. When asked what she had found to be the main problem with sourcing maternity wear, Jess responded:

“I don’t like myself in maternity clothes. I want to feel comfortable and stylish but it’s so hard to find anything like that.”

For those who aren’t as familiar with Jess, she is a very stylish and chic individual. She loves her designer fashion and is sucker for all things stripes but with such a naturally petite frame she often struggles to find styles to suit her shape. I naively expected for her to actually find it a little easier once she announced she was pregnant but these past few months have certainly opened my eyes to a new world of issues within fashion that I have not yet personally encountered. Suffering with back issues, Jess spends most of her day standing as it is more comfortable so she needs the right clothing to accommodate that too, of course Jess still wants to feel good about herself so a hoodie and joggers is not going to cut it. On top of this it needs to be practical but still portray her individuality. Not an easy feat by anybody's account. Luckily for Jess, she had the striped Jumpsuit from transviralists last Summer season (pictured - Jessica Jumpsuit RRP £22) that fit her size 6 frame perfectly and amazingly has transitioned and grown with her bump.

“Once the baby has arrived, I know it will still be the most comfortable and stylish piece of clothing I have in my wardrobe and now we have received more in new colours so I’m all set!”

“That’s the beauty of one size clothing” Grace explains. “I’m surrounded by fashionable, comfortable pieces that I can team with my leggings or maternity jeans that I will still be able to wear post pregnancy, that’s why tilletts has been great for me”.

Lucy added “Exactly, tilletts is a great alternative to traditional maternity wear as you are not restricted to when you can wear it. There are no 'bands', inserts or change in the way the garments are sewn and therefore you can continue wearing the clothes long after pregnancy.”

Newlywed Grace, has also chosen the Gia and Jessica Jumpsuits for the Summer ahead but the piece she can’t get enough of at the moment is the Sofia Stripe Tee (pictured RRP £18). Describing the style and fit as ‘perfect’, Grace loves how the top was and will be with her before, during and post pregnancy.

Pregnancy got off to a tricky start for the eldest transviralist daughter with her realising she was pregnant whilst on a Business trip to Las Vegas. Grace recounts:

“I had a funny feeling but dismissed it. So, on the only day we had free (Nancy and Mum were suffering with a hangover), I suggested I would go out and fetch them food as an excuse to go out on my own. I then google mapped the nearest Pharmacy, and took the test in the hotel loo while on the phone to Lewy. Typical day in the life of the Austwick’s! Ha ha”.

Lucy on the other hand has had a pretty smooth journey so far, bar a craving for all things cold she has taken to pregnancy like a duck to water. The shortest of the three, Lucy’s biggest issue has been finding trousers to fit her small frame.

“Not many places offer various lengths in maternity wear and those that do, provide styles that are just not me.”

As a solution to this, Lucy has been wearing various tilletts shirts with tilletts leggings as she can pull these up over her tummy while still feeling like herself in the animal print styles. The Amber Animal Print top has proved a firm favourite due to it’s “lightweight and versatile” feel. A new arrival caught her eye just before the shoot which we insisted she wore as it suited her so well. (Pippy Portrait Tee RRP £16 pictured).

At this point I looked to Jess who was lovingly cradling her ever growing bump and asked if there was any advice she had for Lucy and Grace as first time Mum’s, anything she wish she had been told before she had her little girl?

Jess immediately responded:

“Just don't judge yourself, there is no wrong or right way to do this. You'll know what's best for your child, no one else. Most importantly try to sleep when the baby sleeps and enjoy this time with your little ones as much as you can.”

Of which the girls nodded and mentally took note of the wisdom passed on from their friend and colleague.  

It was almost time to place our three Mum’s to be in the spotlight, unbeknown to them with a hurricane of confetti heading their way! But there was just one last thing I wanted to know - what other item would they recommend to other expectant mothers as a must-have in their wardrobe? Without hesitation, they all answered simultaneously “A COMFY BRA!!!”.

Right, well we’ll get looking into that one then girls!!

Thank you for reading.

Love Always,

Team transviralist xx

Author: Sheryl Gibson-Hill

I hope this will give you a better understanding of how I came to be the Sheryl you all know today and why transviralists is much more than just a ladies clothing company and a place of work. So, if we are all sitting comfortably I will begin...

I was 16 when my Dad died suddenly of a Heart Attack. My Mum and he had been separated since I was 10 and she had later gone on to marry my Stepdad, Derek when I was 12. By this point I had spent the last 6 years seeing my Dad each & every weekend, and I doted on him. I admired him for his love of animals, his wicked sense of humour and impeccable music taste. Throughout my childhood I always had a very close relationship with my Dad and my Mum but being so alike my Father meant I developed an affinity with him that I have only ever been able to replicate with my husband, Ashley. When he was snatched away so quickly, a huge hole developed inside me that I would subsequently spend years trying to fix but never able to fill.

This traumatic event sparked the very beginning of my battle with depression & anxiety and sadly the start of my unhealthy relationship with food and my own body image. Within a year of my dad's untimely death I had put on a couple of stone and had become somewhat of a recluse. At 17 years old, I was miserable and made the conscious decision to get back to my former bubbly self. To achieve this all I would need to do is become slim again because after all, if I was slim then that would mean I would be happy again. Right?

So, I lost the weight, I looked great but you guessed it, I was still unhappy. Even though everyone was constantly telling me how amazing I looked and how well I had done, I still felt fat, uncomfortable and out of place. This was a pattern that would follow me around for the next 13 years. Now of course, I look back at photos of myself from this time and I would give anything to have that figure and energy again. I wish I could tell my younger self to believe people when they told me I looked beautiful and to enjoy the moments because they will fly by so fast.

I’m sorry to say I spent a good 10 to 15 years not savouring the moments and never fully letting myself be happy. It’s pretty hard to have fun when the voice in your head is constantly berating you and scaring you into hiding away - not to mention being emotionally and mentally exhausting. Eventually there comes a point that every outing becomes something to dread, fear and avoid. Towards the latter part of my 20's I pretty much stopped going out altogether and hanging out with friends in public places. I was so sore and bruised from the mental beatings I had given myself for the last decade that I didn't have the energy to fight anymore.

I was at my very lowest and my toughest battle each day was simply trying to get dressed. The thought alone was so overwhelming that it would often end in a panic attack with my husband trying to console and comfort me. This was not your average ‘I Have Nothing to Wear’ tantrum, this was a daily meltdown on what should be the easiest of tasks. Picking something to wear to the corner shop for a 2-minute visit would take close to an hour before I was comfortable enough to leave the house. All I wanted was to not be noticed, to pass strangers by without fear of them looking at me. Soon enough leaving the sanctuary of my home became an impossible thought.

I had been signed off work for several months with Vertigo of which I later found out was a symptom of my Fibromyalgia however, all this time at home only exacerbated my depression and anxiety and I was at my lowest ebb. Then, something wonderful happened….

My MRI’s had come back clear, and the Doctor had finally given me the go ahead to return to work. I did not want to return to my previous role and opted for a fresh start. Pretty quickly into my search I came across transviralists who were advertising a Customer Service Vacancy – I had lots of experience in this area and I also had purchased a couple of items from them before in store a year or so earlier and so I was familiar with the Company. At this point I wasn’t aware they had now transitioned to Online and I was delighted when I saw the Advert as my previous work had also been in Ecommerce. I began looking through the site and ordered myself several items (in my husband’s name – I didn’t want them to think I was a suck up after all!).

Now, unfortunately the items arrived the day after my Interview but luckily, I still managed to impress Jess without wearing transviralists attire as she called me the same day (Friday) to offer me a trial and start on Monday. I accepted and the following day I opened my parcel. As you know Ladies, a transviralists parcel is always a delight without exception but this parcel was more than that, this parcel actually changed my life! I tried on the clothes and…they all fit…. they all looked great AND I wasn’t uncomfortable, which was huge for me. I couldn’t quite believe it, I had avoided shopping for so long that to receive an order where everything fit me and fit me well was mind blowing. For the first time in a long time, I went out with my husband that weekend in my new transviralists clothes and I felt incredible. I was out in the open, I had picked my clothes without any drama and left the house. I had forgotten what that felt like, it was extraordinary!

Fast forward 1 x Year and my position had changed from Head of Customer Experience which I had proudly handed over to the gorgeous Donna and I was now Head of Content. My wardrobe was overflowing with transviralists clothing and not much of anything else AND I had posted several photos of myself in VIP while appearing in a couple of Live’s. My panic attacks had long stopped at the thought of leaving the house or simply getting dressed and was now reserved for unsettling situations only. Suffering with Anxiety is a lifelong deal and I’m grateful that for the most part I have control of it now since working at transviralists, but it will always be there and there will always be occasions where I struggle and I’m ok with that.

2018 was full of challenges for me personally and I’m proud to say I made it out the other side. My intention last year was to lose excess weight in order to improve the pains and symptoms of my Fibromyalgia, but as the late, great John Lennon said ‘Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans’. After such a difficult and emotional year, it’s easy to lose your way but amongst all the chaos, I had a constant in my life keeping me on track, keeping me sane and that was transviralists.

Unfortunately, diets do tend to go out of the window during times of turmoil and now we are in February 2019 and I’m pretty much where I was physically this time last year. Does that matter? Well no not really, it’s never too late to make a change right! I will cut back, eat better and exercise more but no matter my shape or circumstance, one thing will remain the same.

My size will forever and always be……One Size - transviralists Size.

Thank you for reading.
Love,
Sheryl & Team transviralist xx

Author: Sheryl Gibson-Hill

If any of you lovely ladies would like to share the story of your ‘transviralists Journey’, please feel free to contact me.