How I styled out my dry January

One of my New Year's resolutions was to curb my spending this year. Since starting my own business 4 years ago it is a skill I have honed and kept in check every season. But last season (Winter 2017), when I detoxed my Autumn / Winter wardrobe I realised that there were alot of pieces that had seen better days, that didn't fit anymore and that I had fallen out of love with.

So I took my own advice and ditched them from my wardrobe. But it meant I needed to reinvest in some key pieces such as knitwear, a new parka, some jeans and new winter accessories. That was great for my wardrobe, but bad for my visa card! It is fine to splurge on yourself when it is needed, when items are missing from your wardrobe, when you are re-gaining your style but the spending pattern can be hard to break away from once you have started.

I spend ALOT of time online shopping for clients and can easily fall into the trap of purchasing everything that I like. But after a good look in my wardrobe I realised that there is nothing I need for the next couple months whilst we are still in the cold months until I re-asses my wardrobe in the Spring. So that means I need to utilise what I have in my wardrobe for the next few weeks and try and bring old pieces back to life by mixing them with some of my newer pieces. 

This is the area where I know alot of your struggle with, day to day styling, making the older items in your wardrobe look new again. So I have pulled together some style tips to help when pulling together outfits and then I will give you some style inspiration of how I styled out the last 2 weeks with things in my wardrobe. So even if you feel like you’re in a wardrobe rut, approaching your old clothes with a fresh outlook can make you feel like you’ve just doubled your wardrobe.

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1. Layering is key

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2. Utilise everything in your wardrobe, including things you keep for 'best'

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3. Wear skirts and dresses more

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4. Use colour

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Of course throughout the month I wobbled, shopping for clients and the onslaught of social media can be a killer when you love what you do and get excited when newness comes into stores. But I resisted and started a list of things that I wanted and instead of buying everything on the list I would see what happened when January ends and whether I still want those things or not. A seasonal list is something that I blog about and talk to my clients about alot, having a list keeps you focused, keeps your budget in check and ensures you are not buying things you really don't want or don't need in your wardrobe.

Here is my list and I can happily say I have brought one thing today on the 1st February as I realised it was missing from my wardrobe. The rest are firmly staying on the list and I will see out another month and if I get to the 1st March and I found I NEED it rather than WANT it I will buy it then. Having time to think about my purchase ensures that I am making the right decision. 

1. Black boot with a heel - Topshop magic ankle boots, now £50.00

2. Floral dress - &other stories pleated high neck dress, £69.00

3. New white trainers - &other stories adidas Stan Smith, £75.00

4. Stripe embroidered knit - Whistles kiss embroidered knit, £89.00

5. Leopard print bag - Michael Kors, now £92.26

Your 2018 style resolutions

The start of the New Year is the perfect time to take stock and re-evaluate your personal style.  Resolutions don't have to be those dreaded things you make at the beginning of every year, only to be cast aside and forgotten. When it comes to fashion, committing to some new resolutions can help reinvigorate your personal style. Regardless of whether or not you feel like you're in a bit of a fashion rut, or you just want to take your style to the next level, 2018 is the year of making leaps.

Read my style resolutions to help your start your new year in style!

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Everyday is your 'best day' 

This means not saving anything for best – life’s too short not to wear that amazing jumper, or go for dinner in that OTT dress. Embracing your special pieces will instantly change the way you see your wardrobe.

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Don't be seduced by the sales

Let 2018 be the year you don’t buy that dress you’ll never wear just because it’s got a 50% off tag. I recommend adding to your basket online in advance of the sales, so you know you’re purchasing items you actually love.

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Invest in accessories

From statement earrings to wow factor shoes, accessories were the star of the show in 2017. The perfect investment for colourphobes and black devotees, try investing in this season’s crop of must haves to easily transform simple looks to stylish outfits.

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Wear more colour

Wearing the right colours that suit your skin tone can change your style, your wardrobe and your life. Knowing your colours improves your confidence when pulling outfits together and when shopping. It also gives you more ideas if you are stuck in a rut wearing black all the time. Break out of your black habit and get your colours done and change your outlook on colour forever.

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Love your wardrobe & it will love you back

Hands up if you’re guilty of ‘the chair’? Stop throwing everything into a pile this year and, instead, take the time to fold things, hang them up, buy good hangers, head to the dry cleaners – making a little bit of effort will make your wardrobe last.

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Try somewhere new

Whilst I love a high street bargin and will always be a Topshop girl at heart, it's always great to try new places to shop. Read my blog on where to find clothes you actually want to wear and get upto date on the new places to shop online.
 

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Buy Less, buy clever

Make the most of your budget by spending more wisely on pieces that have a big impact on your wardrobe rather than buying throw away items in the sale.  Avoid impulse buying by delaying your purchase by a day, walk away from the shop, save the link or add it to your wish list and give yourself a chance to really think it through.

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For more style tips and advice then follow me on social media or book me for a consultation.

What to ditch from your wardrobe to make you happy

There is a difference between saying you hate everything in your wardrobe and owning items that actually make you feel sad. When it comes to your wardrobe, stocking it with items that make you happy should be a number one rule. If you agree, then you need to ask yourself why are you holding on to pieces that trigger feelings of insecurity, disappointment or the kind of nostalgia that hurts, such as trousers you used to fit into or gifts from someone special who is no longer in your life, or maternity wear that you no longer have a need for?

In my opinion, life is stressful enough, so when it comes to my wardrobe, I want it to be a place where I can temporarily escape to; one that makes me feel like the best version of my current self, and nothing else. Here, I break down the items I (not so easily) ditched from my wardrobe in order to make my life a happier one overall. From personal experience, I can tell you that letting go of the five types of items was not a walk in the park, but after ripping off the Band-Aid, I live a life that is generally more at peace with my style, I increased my self confidence as I now know the pieces I own fit and suit me, and I have less urges to buy new things all the time.

Go on to read about the items I ditched from my wardrobe that lead to a happier stress-free style!

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ITEMS THAT DON'T FIT

I think it's safe to assume that most women (and men) keep that more than one article of clothing hidden away in their wardrobes that used to fit them, but no longer does. The intention behind keeping said item is to hopefully motivate yourself to trim down enough to fit into whatever it is. From personal experience, this tactic only stirs up negative feelings about your body, and no one wants that.

Instead, I recommend ditching those items. For me, it's my "too-skinny" jeans. I'm now investing in jeans that not only fit, but ones that make me feel more confident and happier with my body.

Jeans chuck out of skinnies that no longer or will never fit me again.

PIECES WITH UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

When I was younger I had tended to buy articles of clothing that require a lot of work to wear—fashion tape, cross-over bras, slips, etc. Or items that I can only wear to one type of event or holiday - that strapless ball gown or an over complicated top and skirt, that kind of thing that you end up never wearing again. These items always overwhelm me when I come across them, as I remember all the activities I imagined myself doing in them, but never actually did and all the extra items I had to buy to make them work. 

Once you get rid of these not so versatile items from you wardrobe, promise yourself to buy pieces that are a breeze to wear, uncomplicated and doesn't require a slip or cami top in every single colour you can think of.

Unrealistic ball gown that is never going to be worn again.

PIECES GIVEN TO YOU OR HAND-ME-DOWNS

We can all fall into that trap of accepting items from our Mothers, Mother-in-laws, sisters, friends but this is just a cycle of cluttering rather than making you feel good. They are handing you the items that they no longer want, so why would you want them? If it's a Burburry Mac, Chanel bag or a pair of Chloe boots I wouldn't say no, but your mother-in-laws purchase from Matalan 5 years ago, just isn't going to cut it with your style let alone your confidence.

Learn to say thanks and then bag it up for the charity shop. Don't feel bad about this, if they were going to chuck it out then there is no problem with you doing it for them. 

TRINKETS FROM A PAST RELATIONSHIP / LIFE

When it comes to nostalgia, I am someone who appreciates my memories more than the physical items that trigger those memories. But I have clients out there who love keeping their memories alive with items of clothing or gifts that have been given to them from a past relationship. Unless this is something you wear everyday, like a ring from your grandma for example, then keep them in a memory box. You don't want that cut up t-shirt from circa 1990 from your travels around Europe clogging up your wardrobe in the summer months, when you could be making room for something that fits and suits you.

If you make a memory box with items that bring back good memories then make sure you put it somewhere you will remember and won't throw out in the future.

ITEMS THAT HAVE DUST GATHERING

When I am helping clients detox their wardrobes we often find items of clothing with a heavy layer of dust on them. Most commonly this is suits that women have worn in a past corporate life and are now either in a different job, are Mothers who don't work or just have no need for suits in their life. Don't hoard these in your wardrobe thinking one day if you go back to work in a corporate environment that you might drag those suits out of the back of your wardrobe, because inevitably you will buy yourself new clothes for your new job.

Think of all that space you will create by getting rid of all those old suits that by gathering dust they are no longer wearable anyway. 

Upto date suits, gathering no dust.

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By having the items we love the most in our wardrobes we are taking back control of our identities and have a wardrobe that serves your life and future goals. If you need help with reviewing what you have in your wardrobe and want to develop your signature style then please get in touch now to book your consultation with me.

Dreaming of an uncomplicated de-cluttered wardrobe.

Taking time to detox and recharge your wardrobe

Every January I write a blog post on detoxing your wardrobe. It always feels like the perfect time to de-clutter after the chaos of Christmas. January is a month for taking stock and planning for the year ahead. Refocusing on yourself is a great resolution and by starting with your wardrobe it can give you a renewed sense of self confidence and excitement for the year ahead. Re-organising your wardrobe can be a daunting task, and despite knowing you’ll feel better once it’s done, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Start by giving yourself the time to do the detox, from my experience when working with clients I allow for 3 hours, but you might need more if you are on your own. Pull out everything that you want to go through, it might just be seasonal clothes or everything you own! Once you are ready to make a start you will need to ask yourself these questions when looking at the items in your wardrobe:

1. When was the last time I wore it?

2. Does it fit me?

3. What can I wear it with?

4. Does it need mending/altering/dry cleaning?

5. Do I love it?

There are many reasons why you might not have worn something for a long time and it's very tempting to hang onto clothes that remind us of a period in our lives, but your wardrobe should reflect the person your are now so LET THEM GO. Your wardrobe should reflect and represent your personal style, but if you are not sure what that is then starting with de-cluttering your wardrobe will help give you some direction. By loving everything you have in your wardrobe it will give you the confidence to own your own style and less of an effort when pulling outfits together. If styling isn't your strong point then having your wardrobe organised will make your wardrobe work harder for you so that getting dressed in the morning isn't as stressful.

If this still seems daunting, then hiring me, a Personal Stylist to help guide you through the process is one of the best investments you can make. Not only do I bring my creative eye to your wardrobe, giving life to your old clothes, I can also help you work through your wardrobe objectively. It’s very easy to underestimate the emotional connection we have to our clothes and having someone there to help make those decisions without judgement (and the desire to help you look and feel your best self) is an investment worth making. 

If you are still unsure then read Helen's testimonial that you can find on my website-

"I booked a ‘wardrobe detox’ with Nina. I was excited and nervous at the prospect but really wanted to give it a go. Nina advised me to gather all my clothes (even those lurking in boxes in the loft!) in order that we could do it properly. We spend 2.5 hours detoxing my wardrobe, Nina was brilliant providing lots of tips on colour, cut, fit, and material. She also helped me put together some new outfits from my wardrobe that I wouldn’t have thought of before. It was a very therapeutic exercise – I soon got into it and was quite ruthless – I ended up with 3 bin bags of clothes for the charity shop and a lot of empty hangers!"

If you would like some help with your wardrobe then book your detox with me now- nina@edits-styling.com