As women’s month begins, Fourways Review spoke to a local author about her book Reclaiming Beauty: Look Like Your True Self to find out how, for women, it’s not just about the clothes.
The author, Glynis Mackenzie who works as an image consultant and lives in Pineslopes, wrote the book in the hopes that it will help women figure out their true self so they can live more authentically. The 200-page publication offers guidelines, techniques, exercises, tools and tips to encourage women to develop a personal style and sense of self to reflect in their wardrobe.
“I didn’t want the book to be a slick or glamorous coffee table book, as I believe women already feel intimidated by fashion. I wanted people to feel comfortable using the book. The current definition of beauty is so narrow that almost all women feel inadequate, and this needs to change,” said Mackenzie.
The first step for readers working through the book is to think about who they really are and to come up with a list of self-style words to describe themselves and who they want to be – am I professional? Fond of glitz and glamour? Creative? – as all other fashion decisions need to be made with a sense of self in mind.
“I believe in taking an inside-out approach [to fashion]. Clothes can be fun, but I want women to focus deeper than just their physical appearance. We need a snapshot of who we are in the inside in order to translate that to the outside.”
Mackenzie is careful to clarify that she does not want women to blindly follow fashion trends, but instead to see clothes as a means to an end. Looking good makes you feel good, and when you feel good you will be able to do better in life, she explains.
“Until women take their rightful place in the world, the world is going to be a mess. I think of humanity as a bird – one wing is the men of the world, and the other is women. Unless both wings are strong and developed, we will never move forward and will only go round and round in circles. I believe this book can help.
“People have contacted me after reading it and told me ‘your book changed my life!’, and I know everyone says that but in this case, I really do think it’s true,” Mackenzie concluded with a laugh.
The book, Reclaiming Beauty: Look Like Your True Self is available at most bookstores and can also be ordered from Mackenzie’s website.
Details: Glynis Mackenzie www.livingonpurpose.co.za; glynis@livingonpurpose.co.za; 082 551 4985.
