It "should" go without saying that we all have the perfect wardrobe staples, just waiting there as the backbones of our personal style. But so often we will be drawn into yet another trend, and splurge all on a one season wonder, and forget about investing in the pieces, that you will return to time and time again........
"Buy now wear FOREVER".......well almost?
One woman who knows how to make wardrobe essentials work is Phoebe Philo of Celine.
A cluttered wardrobe, makes for a cluttered mind. My advice would be to do a WARDROBE DETOX, and the start of the new season is the perfect time.
Get a freestanding rail ready, and the bin bags too!
The
RULES
1
EDIT YOUR CLOTHES TWICE A YEAR.
Put away past seasons clothes, and be ruthless with the wardrobe monsters! Separate the baddies into charity shop piles, and if it's a designer item try to sell it. The two year rule usually applies, if you haven't worn it by now, you probably never will.
Where to sell? Try........... Vestiairecollective
This Paris based site re-sells luxury fashion brands.
Where to sell? Try........... Vestiairecollective
This Paris based site re-sells luxury fashion brands.
2
BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR LIFESTYLE
Do you have a wardrobe of party clothes, but now your a full time mum? Yes of course you want to rock the yummy mummy look, but those sequined and lycra little numbers hiding in the dark corners of your cupboard, may have to go!
Elle Macpherson gets it right.......
3
REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS
REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS
Is there anything in there that you have been waiting to have altered or repaired? If so find a good reasonably priced dressmaker, and get it done now. Sometimes a small alteration such as a hem length can give clothes a whole new life.
4
WHY AM I NOT WEARING IT?
Ask yourself, Is the item too small.......Has the garment hung in your wardrobe for years waiting for you to lose weight? Well its probably time to "man up" and let it go.
5
REPEAT.....
Do the same with shoes, underwear and other accessories.
6
NEARLY THERE
NEARLY THERE
Now, you should be left with the clothes you love, and have a purpose in your wardrobe. Put all similar items hanging or folded together.
7
THE GAPS......
This is where you will be able to see what is missing from your essential wardrobe?
8
BE PREPARED
Make a list of what you are missing? I have a permanent "looking for" list in my phone, at the ready.
9
CLOTHES SHOPPING (At last I hear you say!)
Always try to make considered future purchases. Can I make it work in many different ways, and for different aspects of my lifestyle?
Using wardrobe essential such as plain white tee, a great blazer, Ray-Bans, and a good bag. This look is given the wow factor with Zara shoes........£29.99 in their sale, sadly now last season!
10
READY TO GO
Here to help are the key pieces that will never go out of style, or loose there Street Chic appeal.
The
BUILDING
BLOCKS
Leather biker jacket Mango £119.99
Grey cashmere, the ultimate luxury piece Equipment sweater £325
Suede pumps Saint Laurent £370
Classic sunglasses Ray-Ban Wayfarer £120
Mid rise skinny jean J Brand £205
Tailored black blazer Mango £59.99
Saint Laurent Bag £1180
Silk jersey Tee Cos £39 .....go for a couple of white one's too.
Leopard print pumps Mango £44.99
Silk Shirt Mango £39.99
Add to this list a great coat, ankle boots,
Sophisticated, timeless black coat Joseph £595
.........and just in case you get asked out, or manage a night off from the little darlings!
The ultimate, definitely no carbs now (see last post) little black dress Herve Leger at the Outnet Was £1335 Now £675
BACK TO BLACK.....
Keeping the basic canvas of your essentials black, means seasonal styles, colours, textures and accessories can be added to, without breaking the bank.
However, If black is not your thing, you can always do the wardrobe essentials with either navy,white, or a neutral tone.........good luck!
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