I hate my clothes, I have too many clothes! This is something I hear every day and it is something that most women have in common. It doesn't matter how tall, short, thin, not-thin, old, young, rich or not-rich they are - it is the same mantra!
Lots of clothes (that they hate) and no, or very few, clothes (that they want to wear). The best way to sort out your clothes is to be honest, objective, not emotioinal and a bit brutal.
If you do not wear it - and are not likely too, then get rid of it. If you do wear it, then move it to the front of your wardrobe and give yourself some space.
We keep clothes for lots of reasons. Some of them are nostalgic (remember when that fitted! or when you wore it on a great date?) If something has real meaning, then keep it. I defy you to find real attachment to the thing that is hanging in the wardrobe with the tags still on it! You bought it and not only haven't worn it, you haven't even removed the price tag! It is a waste of closet space.
If you are holding out to fit back into it be realistic in your thoughts. Are you really going to get there? If so, great and look forward to the day. If not, move it along to a new and loving home! Someone else will benefit from your cleanout and you will be able to feel good about decluttering
Bottom line - no pun intended, but worthy of consideration - if you do not wear it, do not keep it!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
What's in a size?
Size labels were designed by people wanting to do our heads in!! In my humnble opinion, that is. You have to have a fairly "thick skin" as my Mother used to say, to be able to cope with the "ups & downs" of trying to try on clothes.
I like to think that I have a fairly good idea about clothes and what I like. (as it should be for an Image Consultant, I hear you think) Anyway, there I was wading through miles and miles of clothing choices in a big name department store, when (using my 3 Step Elimination Process) I came upon not 1, but 2 things that ticked my 3 criteria. (right colour, right shape and right for me) Having found these 2 little gems, I proceeded to select the right size. Being somewhat "medium", a very nice lady found the medium in one top for me and informed me that is was indeed my lucky day. We will see, I thought! Then I found a medium in an English brand structuted shirt. (great cut and great colours for an Autumn like moi). In I went feeling fairly chipper about the whole exercise. You see, there has been and still is to an extent, a dearth of choices for us Autumns of late. However, I digress. There I was in the fitting room and low and behold if the red strips that had appeared "yellow red" in the store, seemed to become "blue red" in the different light. Always a problem when buying the colour red. I tried it on and it was OK. A bit loose, but in a good way. So, onto the second shirt. After slipping into in, there was a gap (yes, a gap!) of at least 2.5cm between the sides of the shirt at the front! it would not close! I was surprised, then mortified, then rather disappointed. I liked the shirt, but could no get my head around having to go to an XL to obtain comfortable fit. I am generally a 10 - 12, in lots & lots of other brands.
The first shirt, did not pass the natural light test, so suffice to say, I again left the store "parcel free".
I must say, I always believe in trying something before purchasing it. I just found the exercise particularly unnerving, when the size tags were so inconsistent. I accept that all brands have their own sizing, but this was too far off to be reasonable.
I like to think that I have a fairly good idea about clothes and what I like. (as it should be for an Image Consultant, I hear you think) Anyway, there I was wading through miles and miles of clothing choices in a big name department store, when (using my 3 Step Elimination Process) I came upon not 1, but 2 things that ticked my 3 criteria. (right colour, right shape and right for me) Having found these 2 little gems, I proceeded to select the right size. Being somewhat "medium", a very nice lady found the medium in one top for me and informed me that is was indeed my lucky day. We will see, I thought! Then I found a medium in an English brand structuted shirt. (great cut and great colours for an Autumn like moi). In I went feeling fairly chipper about the whole exercise. You see, there has been and still is to an extent, a dearth of choices for us Autumns of late. However, I digress. There I was in the fitting room and low and behold if the red strips that had appeared "yellow red" in the store, seemed to become "blue red" in the different light. Always a problem when buying the colour red. I tried it on and it was OK. A bit loose, but in a good way. So, onto the second shirt. After slipping into in, there was a gap (yes, a gap!) of at least 2.5cm between the sides of the shirt at the front! it would not close! I was surprised, then mortified, then rather disappointed. I liked the shirt, but could no get my head around having to go to an XL to obtain comfortable fit. I am generally a 10 - 12, in lots & lots of other brands.
The first shirt, did not pass the natural light test, so suffice to say, I again left the store "parcel free".
I must say, I always believe in trying something before purchasing it. I just found the exercise particularly unnerving, when the size tags were so inconsistent. I accept that all brands have their own sizing, but this was too far off to be reasonable.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
It's all about YOU!
Fashion is all about fashion, art, creativity and making money! Retail is all about making money by selling us stuff! Shopping is all about us spending money and buying stuff! Clothes are all about selling us an idea, providing a necessity or making us feel good/bad about our shape!
Image is all about YOU! How you look and feel is all about you expressing the real you, the true essence of you. Now before you start thinking that this is all a little "new age" and "out there" - think about it. Your clothes act as an introduction service to yourself. If you are a person who loves bright colours and textured fabrics, then by george that is what you should be wearing. If you absolutely love soft, floaty and totally romantic things - again, this is your style and ignore anyone who advises you to dress in another way.
By all means, find out which bright colours make you look sensational and which soft, floaty fabrics and styles best flatter you - but that is just detail. The overall look should be a statement of you. When you feel good in an outfit, you look great! When you look great, you can take on the world. (Hopefully this won't be necessary, but should it happen - then watch out world!) You will never feel great in an outfit, if you don't feel right! You might look great, but you have to feel it to get the entire experience.
Look at models (and who doesn't?) - they can look an absolte million dollars in something on a catwalk, but it is very rarely that you see those same "stunners" wearing those clothes in real life. Look great, sure; but feel right - maybe not.
The only time I concede the point is for bridemaids - although even then, I am not totally convinced. But, should your bride choose something that makes you look great, whilst feeling like a floral arrangement, then at least the photos will be wonderful! It is her day, after all. However, I still cringe at having to buy something I really didn't/don't like, just to keep a friend happy! (another whole bag of blogs in weddings!)
Be true to yourself, make use of the tools available from professionals (colour & style knowledge)and set forth and be wonderful. You are the only You that there is - don't just embrace it, celebrate it!!
Image is all about YOU! How you look and feel is all about you expressing the real you, the true essence of you. Now before you start thinking that this is all a little "new age" and "out there" - think about it. Your clothes act as an introduction service to yourself. If you are a person who loves bright colours and textured fabrics, then by george that is what you should be wearing. If you absolutely love soft, floaty and totally romantic things - again, this is your style and ignore anyone who advises you to dress in another way.
By all means, find out which bright colours make you look sensational and which soft, floaty fabrics and styles best flatter you - but that is just detail. The overall look should be a statement of you. When you feel good in an outfit, you look great! When you look great, you can take on the world. (Hopefully this won't be necessary, but should it happen - then watch out world!) You will never feel great in an outfit, if you don't feel right! You might look great, but you have to feel it to get the entire experience.
Look at models (and who doesn't?) - they can look an absolte million dollars in something on a catwalk, but it is very rarely that you see those same "stunners" wearing those clothes in real life. Look great, sure; but feel right - maybe not.
The only time I concede the point is for bridemaids - although even then, I am not totally convinced. But, should your bride choose something that makes you look great, whilst feeling like a floral arrangement, then at least the photos will be wonderful! It is her day, after all. However, I still cringe at having to buy something I really didn't/don't like, just to keep a friend happy! (another whole bag of blogs in weddings!)
Be true to yourself, make use of the tools available from professionals (colour & style knowledge)and set forth and be wonderful. You are the only You that there is - don't just embrace it, celebrate it!!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
BEWARE there are Sales!
Sale shopping can be exciting, enticing, entertaining and exhausting. It can also be downright dangerous - to your sanity, your self esteem, your image AND your wallet.
It is all about bargains. Finding one, catching one and then snaring one. A bargain is "a thing bought or offered for sale for a low price" So, using that definition, everyone can find (and buy) a bargain. However, is it a bargain if you a) do not need it, b) do not use it and c) it does not suit you? C is the big one. Nothing is worth the price - whatever the price, if it does not suit you.
The bright purple, extremely fashionable and "now", full length designer leather jacket that DID NOT work for you last week at the price of $$$$$$$ will still not work for you at the bargain price of $$$! The article has not changed, only the price tag!
It still has not passed the magical 3 Simple Steps Elimination Test. (3 Simple Steps of Successful Shopping - 1. does is work for YOUR colouring, 2. does it work for YOUR shape and 3. does it work for YOUR lifestyle.)
However, if the article in question gets a resounding Yes to all 3 elimination test questions - then grab it and run - do not dawdle - run to that customer service point, hand over the money and make that garment your own. It was meant to be!
The perfect garment that works for you (on every level) AND at a discount price. Now THIS is what successful sale shopping is all about. Go have that coffee and glance (only occasionaly, to stare and brag about your purchase would be mean to the other frustrated shoppers) at your perfect purchase in the carry bag. Smile (contentedly) and listen to your friends starting to question their shopping choices. Your shopping choice is perfect and they are already wondering if they have made good decisions.
Oh, it is great to be informed and able to source a REAL bargain.
Happy shopping!
It is all about bargains. Finding one, catching one and then snaring one. A bargain is "a thing bought or offered for sale for a low price" So, using that definition, everyone can find (and buy) a bargain. However, is it a bargain if you a) do not need it, b) do not use it and c) it does not suit you? C is the big one. Nothing is worth the price - whatever the price, if it does not suit you.
The bright purple, extremely fashionable and "now", full length designer leather jacket that DID NOT work for you last week at the price of $$$$$$$ will still not work for you at the bargain price of $$$! The article has not changed, only the price tag!
It still has not passed the magical 3 Simple Steps Elimination Test. (3 Simple Steps of Successful Shopping - 1. does is work for YOUR colouring, 2. does it work for YOUR shape and 3. does it work for YOUR lifestyle.)
However, if the article in question gets a resounding Yes to all 3 elimination test questions - then grab it and run - do not dawdle - run to that customer service point, hand over the money and make that garment your own. It was meant to be!
The perfect garment that works for you (on every level) AND at a discount price. Now THIS is what successful sale shopping is all about. Go have that coffee and glance (only occasionaly, to stare and brag about your purchase would be mean to the other frustrated shoppers) at your perfect purchase in the carry bag. Smile (contentedly) and listen to your friends starting to question their shopping choices. Your shopping choice is perfect and they are already wondering if they have made good decisions.
Oh, it is great to be informed and able to source a REAL bargain.
Happy shopping!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
LET'S TALK ABOUT LEGGINGS & FASHION!!
Leggings (lyra/knit/cotton stretch) pants are comfy, cosy and wonderful - on some people. They are comfy, cosy and just plain mean on others! They look great under long shirts and jumpers - on some people. They show off backsides, thick thighs and bumps on LOTS of others!
Basically, they look great on people with smooth thighs - remember, they leave nothing to the imagination. The fabric that makes them so great, is the very thing that makes them mean to most ladies! This fabric clings to the skin. Now, should the skin be uneven and have some of the dreaded (wish I could type a drumroll) dimples or extra weight - guess what? The fabric still clings! It actually highlights the thighs - dimples and all!
If you choose to wear a long jumper or shirt to hide the dimples - in most cases the fabric of your outer garment will cling to the fabric of the leggings and draw attention to that spot. You are also drawing a horizontal line across your body where the jumper/shirt finishes - any horizontal line ADDS width. So, whilst trying to hide the thighs, you are drawing a line across and under them, thus adding width to them! I am sooo the bearer of good news!
If, however, you are blessed with smooth, weight free thighs (now is when we own up to the sin of envy) - then go forth and wear leggings with confidence.
The quickest and most honest way to check is simple. Run your hand down the outside of your (own) thigh and see if there are bumps or lumps - if they are there, leggings are not your friends!
If it is a smooth surface - go for it. Leggings are not only in fashion for you, they will really work well for, and on, you!
Leggings (lyra/knit/cotton stretch) pants are comfy, cosy and wonderful - on some people. They are comfy, cosy and just plain mean on others! They look great under long shirts and jumpers - on some people. They show off backsides, thick thighs and bumps on LOTS of others!
Basically, they look great on people with smooth thighs - remember, they leave nothing to the imagination. The fabric that makes them so great, is the very thing that makes them mean to most ladies! This fabric clings to the skin. Now, should the skin be uneven and have some of the dreaded (wish I could type a drumroll) dimples or extra weight - guess what? The fabric still clings! It actually highlights the thighs - dimples and all!
If you choose to wear a long jumper or shirt to hide the dimples - in most cases the fabric of your outer garment will cling to the fabric of the leggings and draw attention to that spot. You are also drawing a horizontal line across your body where the jumper/shirt finishes - any horizontal line ADDS width. So, whilst trying to hide the thighs, you are drawing a line across and under them, thus adding width to them! I am sooo the bearer of good news!
If, however, you are blessed with smooth, weight free thighs (now is when we own up to the sin of envy) - then go forth and wear leggings with confidence.
The quickest and most honest way to check is simple. Run your hand down the outside of your (own) thigh and see if there are bumps or lumps - if they are there, leggings are not your friends!
If it is a smooth surface - go for it. Leggings are not only in fashion for you, they will really work well for, and on, you!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
AA - Age Appropriate Dressing
AA dressing. Not is it not meeting apparel - it is Age Appropriate! As we age, so should our style of dressing. No matter how slim, tall and downright gorgeous you are, there comes a time that skirts should be longer than they are wide! Stomachs should be covered (yes, even in swimsuits) and cleavage should be supported and concealed! Lycra is a wonderful, clingy fabric - sometines clingy is not good! The most toned and tanned skin - when is has been toned and tanned a number of years, is never going to be your best asset.
A great fit and toned figure will look even better in clothes that cover and flatter.
Very high shoes belong on the bottom of young legs. Legs with smooth skin and no obvious veins. Strappy shoes belong on well maintained feet, with manicured nails and smooth skin. Don't even think about the alternatives!
Ageing is compulsory, it is all about doing it with style and minimal exposed flesh!
A great fit and toned figure will look even better in clothes that cover and flatter.
Very high shoes belong on the bottom of young legs. Legs with smooth skin and no obvious veins. Strappy shoes belong on well maintained feet, with manicured nails and smooth skin. Don't even think about the alternatives!
Ageing is compulsory, it is all about doing it with style and minimal exposed flesh!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Expensive is not always good!
Lots of people pay lots of money for a garment/accessory that is very expensive and believe (mistakenly) that it is going to work really well for them. The shape and colour of the purchase would be the same in a cheaper article - generally it is the quality of the fabric and the craftsmanship that incurs the extra cost. If the shape and colour do not suit you - it does not matter how much you spend on it, it will not work for you.
The people we all see in magazines, in the "OMG why are they wearing that" section are generally wearing expensive garments. The garment/article might be great, just not on that person. Also, most of the people in those sections are good looking, to say the least. It is just that the shape and colour of that particular choice is NOT complimentary to the person.
Having said that, the right shape and colour will work wonders for you. It is just a case of acquiring the knowledge, then honing it every time you shop. If this means you shop a number of times without purchasing - the so be it. When you do find exactly the right thing, it will be cause for celebration. And, you will look great!
The people we all see in magazines, in the "OMG why are they wearing that" section are generally wearing expensive garments. The garment/article might be great, just not on that person. Also, most of the people in those sections are good looking, to say the least. It is just that the shape and colour of that particular choice is NOT complimentary to the person.
Having said that, the right shape and colour will work wonders for you. It is just a case of acquiring the knowledge, then honing it every time you shop. If this means you shop a number of times without purchasing - the so be it. When you do find exactly the right thing, it will be cause for celebration. And, you will look great!
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