Danielle Perry is a radio presenter at Absolute Radio, a band manager, DJ, podcaster and writer for Q Magazine. She’s also a new mum to baby Etta. Although life has changed somewhat, there is a common ground between everything and that’s what she’s going to be writing about in this new column, 'Me +1'. She’s not going to be banging on about sensory classes or Peppa Pig – but the way our interests, styles and passions shift throughout our lives and how it is possible to not lose any of your identity or fun with the impending feeling of being a proper grown up.
Whenever I start writing these columns my inner voice morphs into Carrie Bradshaw. ‘So there I was, walking down the street when I bumped into Big…’ you get the picture. She’s actually a great starting point for this piece, but first, let me set the context.
Yesterday I was hanging out our washing in Etta’s room (surprisingly consistent feeling of satisfaction clean washing isn’t it?) and I looked at all the fabrics hanging together - over half the clothes were varying degrees of black, depending on how old the jeans or jumper were. My husband and I are pretty monochrome. Shoes and boots zing (what a middle-aged term) up the look, but essentially the palette is dark.
Then I looked at Etta’s side of the clothes horse. Yellows, reds, greens, banana prints, elephants, penguin socks (WITH BUILT IN RATTLE) floral jumpsuits, denim dresses, little tiny stripy socks. I walked downstairs and after pouring a restorative G&T announced to my husband that I’d reached peak monochrome. From this day forth I shall endeavour to dissolve this dark (but fabulous) persona and launch full throttle into the world of Carrie Bradshaw, her floating skirts, amazing heels and the down right genius of 95-year-old style icon Iris Apfel (that is colour and style magnified to sheer bloody mindedness and she looks FAN-TASTIC).
I’m going to start slowly - my marriage is important to me, and you have to get it right. It’s important to not look like you’re having a crisis. Splashes of colour will suffice for now: like one of the hats from the stunning Yosuzi range (check out the bags too).
This Maje dress - I tried my friend’s on and I completely adored it. It was such a flattering cut that I didn’t even think about the fact I was a huge block of walking colour.
…And if that all feels too rushed, why not just get a pretty out there manicure to begin with. Hands are some of the first things people notice.
As Iris Apfel says, “If your hair is done properly and you’re wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything.” WHAT A LEGEND.
Listen to Absolute Radio at absoluteradio.co.uk and catch Danielle Perry 4-6pm Weekdays on Absolute Radio, and on The Sunday Night Music Club - 8pm - 12am.
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