Wardrobe Maintenance

Winter months, New Year, as good a time as any to have a sort out in our wardrobes and make space for any new exciting sale purchases! As my baby is due soon, am planning on some AB (after birth!) shopping but I do need to de-clutter, even if I can't try them on, I can still have a tidy up. Here are some tip's on reducing your wardrobe to only include items you do wear;

1. If you've not worn it in a year - charity/bootsale it. Unless it's vintage, then store away in moth proof bags.
2. Pack Summer/Winter clothes (eg vests/short, scarves/gloves etc) away in boxes. You can buy great fabric totes everywhere these days that can sit on top of your wardrobe looking pretty! Put thick jumpers/strappy tops etc. in here. Then your wardrobe isn't cluttered up with pieces you wont be wearing for another 6 months.
3. If you buy anything new, get into a routine of hanging it on the front of your wardrobe where you can see it. If it's still sat there 2 weeks later (unless bought specifically for an occasion) then it doesn't have a place in your life and return it, save your money for when something does!
4. Be ruthless if you need a good clear out however remember that accessories like necklaces and scarves can update a tired outfit. If the item is in good condition, still fits and is a classic, route through your jewellery and add something. A big fabric flower broach can change a top instantly.
5. Jeans and woolen jumpers should be folded and put in drawers (with moth ball sachets). Hanger marks on jumpers are no good for maintaining them and jeans take up too much space.
6. Rotate how you organise your wardrobe. This is a great way to bring some freshness to your daily outfits with pieces that have been hidden away. Organise into colours, work & play, patterns & plain but always tops & bottoms.

I think I may print this blog off as just noticed towards the back of my wardrobe a black top on a hanger is grey (dust) and worn a cardy that has been washed too many times so is half way up my back!

Good luck!

PS No I don't have a wardrobe like the above, but it's always good to have something to strive towards......

Capsule Winter Wardrobe

Deborah asks Glamrosie via Facebook;
Sorry for all the questions! I've got hundreds, you'll want to start charging me soon! What items do you think are the basics for any wardrobe? I've recently lost weight so have nothing that fits anymore, I'm restocking my wardrobe and need to know where to start................

Glamrosie;
1. Underwear - the staple to any outfit, make sure you are measured regularly and have some great sets of underwear. If your weight has changed, this is especially important.
2. Layers - a collection of vests (M&S can't be beaten!) and long sleeve t-shirts, high or low neck depending on cleavage size. Make it easy for yourself to start with. Think of 2 colour pallets; blacks, greys, whites, and then browns, nudes and creams. If you always have some of these in your draw you can dress them up with cardys, necklaces or wear as a basic under other items.
3. Jeans - a smart navy pair for going out and a lighter pair for day wear. Every wardrobe needs jeans! It can take a while to find the right pair for you, there is so much choice out there. My favourites are Topshop's Baxter style, skinny but not as tight as their Jamie style. Levi's have recently launched 'Curve ID' to find the perfect pair for your body shape. Have a look at their website; if you have an idea of your shape and measurements, it can recommend for you straight away. There are even images of women in the different cuts they offer to give you something visual to help.
4. Cardys/Jumpers - just watch the content. I love cashmere but will only invest in a good quality piece. Avoid 100% acrylic! There are plenty of wool cardigans about. I bought a beautiful basic style in a rich raspberry colour from Costco of all places! £15! This is where you can add some colour to your basic layers with cardys. Again, think of your 2 colour pallets to get your capsule wardrobe started. You can always add accessories to brighten or update any basics.
5. Shoes - a good black court, a must! I am loving suede courts right now, Dune have a fab selection. Boots; a heeled pair to wear with dresses or over jeans (think knee-high or trend of the moment, ankle shoe boots!) and a flat day pair - Ugg my number 1 day choice!
6. Dress - a basic tunic style that can be dressed up with heels, tights & jewellery or down with flat boots, leggings and a cardy. Try H&M, they have a great selection of dresses.
7. 'Going-out-top' - something to wear with jeans and heels for an emergency outfit. Look at the image above, something like this never dates, looks great with jeans (or even skirts), add a cute clutch, a cardy if you want to dress down and off you go!
8. Handbags - a black clutch and a two day bags; across the body for casual shopping trips/day outs, and a larger handbag for work.
9. Jewellery - some big statement earrings, a necklace and bracelet. Say you want to jazz up a scoop neck t-shirt with jeans and heels, add jewellery and this does the job. Try not to wear more than 1 large statement piece of jewellery at a time, it over complicates an outfit. If you have short sleeves, think bracelet, high neckline think earrings, scoop neck think necklace (or leave bare and just do earrings if fussy neckline).
10. Winter coat and a blazer - blazer is another staple that can really make a difference, especially to how you feel and hold yourself. I recently converted my sister who always thought that they were just for the office. Found her a different material to her tailored work suits and she loved it! Said it made her feel so much more confident. You can add a scarf for warmth if you need, this isn't an everyday coat, you will know when it's needed! Winter coat - just look at which length would suit you best and invest! A coat can take you through the whole season and many more to come if you pick wisely.