The third of our 'Remarkable women' series finds us chatting with Sidel Stewart aka Comfort Without Apology. I had worshipped Sidel from afar and we became virtual friends before we finally met each other and hit it off. Sidel is an entrepreneur with a string of talents including Business consultancy, PR and digital marketing. She is also a talented Spoken word artist and headwrap BOSS! Together, amongst many things, we share a love of loud, colourful prints and Ginger tea…and red wine. Well, wine.
Anyway…it started with The Shoes…
In Sidel's words:
Golden shoes of Wonder by Giardo! *hears angel chorus sing*
"I usually have themed parties. My 30th was a Dancehall Kings and Queens themed party. I spent an ages making my DIY costume. (Think String vests and teeny tiny shorts). I wanted to save my favourite era for a milestone birthday".
"I was born in 1975. My earliest memories of music are 70's Soul. So, naturally I guess, I always wanted to have a 70's themed party".
"I love the glamour and the glitter of that era. Big hair and glossy lips. I'm an extremist when it comes to things - it's all or nothing. I wanted big platform shoes and a loud dress!"
It may be worth noting here that Sidel stands at an impressive six feet. This is one lady who wanted to stand OUT on her special birthday. As well she should!
"My favourite garment is the 70s kaftan dress I had made by Reddskin"
*silent delighted cheer from Interviewer* .
"I wanted my dress made in African fabric in a geometric print with my favourite warm colours. Something that would match my gold shoes which I'd found online a full EIGHT months earlier!"
"Errmm..so why can I see the bottom of my glass?"
"I'm not easy to avoid at 6 feet tall and my shape has changed over the years. I wanted a dress in a 70s style that was flattering and showed off my 'assets'. I love batwing sleeves and I had a favourite leather Obi belt that I also wanted to show off". Sidel approached Reddskin to help her realise her perfectly fitting outfit for this special occasion.
70s style Bespoke Kaftan dress: Reddskin UK. Gold leather Obi belt: Love YaaYaa. Black Girl Magic: Models own.
"I had my perfect 70's look all planned but actually didn't get the chance to do justice to my makeup on the actual night. The day before my event the venue cancelled due to a double booking (Don't…even…) I had to find a new one! Quick!
"Then on the night of my party I tripped in my shoes and broke one of them so I haven't worn them since". Thankfully that's all Sidel broke!
Despite the mishaps, Sidel had a BRILLIANT time and her dress is a constant reminder of this, and the loved ones who celebrated with her. She's planning where she can resurrect the outfit again…regretably without the Golden shoes of Wonder.
Do you have a favourite garment that takes you back to a special event? We'd love to hear your comments.
On the blog soon: Read about our favourite Relationship guru who loves to wrap in comfort.