Velvet blazer above from Reserved.com

A change out of work wear, maybe even work uniform, marks the end of the day, into relax mode and perhaps an escape from some pressures in life. We think about how we frame ourselves for work through what we wear, but I wonder if we do the same for our evenings in? The last thing you want is the pressure of having to conform or feel uncomfortable in the clothes you wear to cook, maybe watch TV or walk the dog (and I would argue why should we feel that way in the day... but that’s another blog). But a night in, whether having friends round, on your own or snuggled up with the family is a time for gaining some energy back and building strength for another day. So why think about what you are wearing for a night in? I would say there are two reasons One, you will want to feel a certain way for your time out, be that relaxing, catching up with friends, or educating the children (or your partner!). What you wear can help you get into the right frame for this. Two, however much you think you are switching off, the endless comparisons we make to others will still be there – on screen, social media scrolling, friends or families gossiping! The clothes you choose to make you feel more you will kick any doubts you might have about how wonderful you are, into touch. Personally it took me too long to appreciate how the time I had out of work was more valuable than the time in it, whatever it is I choose to do with my time. The me that was trying to escape for many years in a corporate role now enjoys display even while watching TV, with my oversized Tom Ford glasses frames, leopard print hot water bottle and wide leg velvet jogger pants. Feeling I have dressed as the true I generates the confidence to answer those TV quiz questions, to get on with building my business and even choosing better food to eat. So some suggestions from me for getting more joy out of your nights in are ... · Identify your clothes for your evenings in – joggers and tops, jeans and jumpers. That gives them a special purpose for your valuable evenings. ·Treat these clothes with the same respect you do your work or daytime clothes – always on hangers, ironed. · Accessorize – yes you read that – you know how time you take choosing earrings for work or a night out, so think about jewellery for your night in. And remember belts for trousers ·Remember how much colours can influence how you feel e.g. green is calming, blue is good for communicating with others, red, well red…, pink for reminding yourself how lovely you ar Whatever you are doing over this 22/23 New Year period, wishing you health energy and love x Image thanks to Unsplash

It's almost that time of year (new year) where we often think about reframing things.... how we spend our time.. how we look after ourself... how we dress! It's a positive time of year, things to look forward to, old bad habits to let go of. Time for a clear out! Here is a short guide to help you sort through the gems of what you have, and the trends to consider so you are a step ahead the season. 1 Take five minutes sitting down I always suggest taking a pew (edge of the bed, chair ..wherever) for 5 minutes before you tackle anything in your wardrobe. Our lives are so busy, and we become so efficient at putting clothes in and out of our wardrobes that often we create routines and habits of choice that we don't even realise. Often leading us to wearing the same items over and over again and missing out some treasures. Having 5 minutes to take in what you have in your wardrobe, what order you have put it in, even how well you have put it there, could tell you a lot about what you think, like or even dislike about what you have in there. 2 Put to one side • Anything that no longer (or never did!) fit. • Anything you despise or wouldn't wear again. I’ll let you decide what you do with these. 3 Now, to getting next season ready Your spring wardrobe edit is a real opportunity to help you feel lighter .. I’ll explain what I mean…. Starting at one end of your wardrobe and looking at each item, consider • the weight of the item (how much warmth it gives, how heavy it feels on you) • the colour of the item (is it dark and heavy or lighter) Put to one side, your heavier items, and include clothes that you feel ‘cover you up’ – longer and baggy tops for example. If you have another wardrobe then store these away for autumn, but if not keep them at one end of your wardrobe. I use storage covers, that way the clothes are kept in good condition and I can’t seem them – so that I am not tempted to move them back either ( Wilko are a reasonably priced supplier). 4 You should now have your spring wardrobe in front of you with: • some neutrals that suit your colour tone • cream or white items (the one that suits you, according to your colour tone) • lighter or brighter colours (again, depending on your colour tone) • patterned dresses or tops – floral is a strong theme this season too Finally, shoes/boots and accessories are also for consideration here. They not only complete the outfit, but boots for example can keep you warmer on the cooler spring days with a spring outfit, along with scarfs and gloves. 5 Key trends for the spring and summer coming towards us If you are someone that likes to stay on trend, then you might also look at your wardrobe and see whether it has any of these spring summer main trends: • blue • large pockets - particularly on trousers like cargo pants - great for adding shape and width to your body to make other parts look smaller • nightwear looks for the daytime (that's not pyjamas!, more of the lace and see through look that was in this season) • denim (again, thank goodness) • 'grunge' but in a more sophisticated way I will do a spring summer forecast in my next email for everyone. If you would like a wardrobe edit I offer an online guided edit service, as well as face to face of course, just get in touch . Good luck! x (Photo by Burgess-Milner on Unsplash)

Three things to think about when buying vintage clothing

I read an article recently that said the A line Skirt, which is both in fashion now and featured in some shows for Autumn and Winter, is perfect for every woman. The author must have shares in A l ine production then because, whilst A line can be very flattering for some women, it does not do justice to all, or not without careful thought on the rest of the outfit. What is your take on this classic? It definitely reminisces from the popular 70s and is now reinvigorated in many different fabrics, from popular denim to heavily patterned Gucci print. Some must’s for this season if you are looking at buying an A line It should fall mid-calf, particularly if you are short in height. Wear with chunky heels (not flats or you’ll zoom back a couple of decades – remember Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday?) If you are pear shaped, keep it neat and cinched at the waist with shoulders that are as wide as your hips. If you are tall and slim, this is a skirt you can really take the stage with, swirly flowing fabrics too. Here are some lovely examples if you are looking to buy new, but there are plenty second hand – ebay as my fav, or your local high street charity shops. A versatile Ted Baker cream denim Standout warehouse patent sage Classic Hobbs linen skirt If you want any advice on this wondrous skirt, just pick up the phone or drop me an email.

I’ve felt a real need to get changed recently. Not sure if its inspiration from the 80’s theme that’s seeping through this season – boy pants, neon colours and oversized everything or whether it’s just about wanting to make a noise having felt muted this past year. So I’ve changed a very, very long standing hair colour (muted blonde!). If you know me, you’ll know it wasn't a rash decision, I researched very carefully and took a trusted recommendation for a new stylist who lived up to 100% of my expectations (thank you @hairbykimberlymills). Why change? Or is it indeed not about change and more about not covering up who we really are? Not entering the work wardrobe, not dressing up for people we haven’t seen or maybe want to see again. I’ve recently started a temporary marketing role in a very non-corporate, everyone works from home and in relaxed ‘wear’ team. I haven’t felt the need to fit in at all, I’ve been myself, trying on stand out different items from an 80’s esque look one day to 70’s the next. It's mde me happy. So why dress as yourself? I’ve recently read two books, Charlie Porter’s What Artists Wear, and James Clear’s ‘Atomic Habits’ (which I found potentially life changing by the way for anyone trying to kick a chocolate habit or who wants to get fitter). Charlie Porter describes tens of artists and how each are iconic because of their clothing as a feature. He’s clear from the start of the book that what the artists choose to wear isn't necessarily intended as a statement, but a way of being more true to themselves that allows them to work to the best of their ability. From Barbara Hepworth, who worked in very practical outfits – mainly boiler suits in different colours to French artist Yves Klein who could only work in suits, including tuxedos. James Clear has been successful in helping people to change their behaviour by starting with habits that can only be maintained if they reflect your identity or the identity you want to adopt. And if your clothes don’t sit comfortably with who you want to be…. Want to start? If you don't know your style personality, spend a few minutes exploring through an online test. It’s a great way of starting a conversation with yourself about what clothes make you happy and what don’t. And more importantly why you wear those that don’t float your boat. There’s lots of food for thought I can give you. Kat Deeley was interviewed on Stella live last week – she so clearly identified what clothes made her who she is and why they made her happy – vintage, stand out shoulders, bold and ‘look at me’. I also saw Yasmin LeBon who had just died her eyebrows in an 80’s wanderlust moment too, quiet and unassuming, she sat there comfortably in the muted classic clothes she clearly felt comfortable in. Two successful women who know their identities and what makes them happy. If there’s anytime to be you, it has to be now. Watch the Yasmin Le Bon here and Cat Deeley here .

You might think wearing trainers, is cool or indeed you might just think of them as comfort shoes. Right now, if you haven’t noticed already, they are the easy and coolest way to shift almost any look up a gear, providing you have the right pair. I have to admit, I haven’t been a trainers fan since I was 11 (that's back in the 70’s!) when the adidas look felt so natural and so cool. But a few decades on and I am now just the biggest fan. I have just bought the most wonderful pair from adidas which I covet with joy . If you are thinking of buying a pair, here are some things to consider it is not just about comfort! the colour – what are they going to sit in harmony with or what might they contrast magically with - see how they contrast beautifully with the pale skirt. how high up the ankle they are - maxi's and jeans can take a higher ankle, shorter dresses could work better with a lower cut. what they are made of - canvas can look more casual so bear that in mind, faux or real leather can add gravitas to the full outfit Don't be afraid, right now (maybe not next year but now) you CAN wear them with a pencil skirt a maxi, ideally pleated skirt jeans – wide leg denim – this year’s look. Velvet and velour tops (very MiuMiu ) A dress – if you suit a shift* this is a perfect combination, but flowy, maxi florals work well too. Where to buy your trainers You may already have the coolest pair but if you want to buy a pair this season I would suggest you check out some of the following Left to right for the pictures. Adidas for a full range of colours and styles. Mango for this neutral and calm pair. H&M have partnered up with English brand Good News with a gorgeous set of various coloured trainers and M&S leopard print .

I’m not sure if you check the labels on clothes before you buy them? It was instilled in me by my wonderful mum who often came shopping with me. Taking the mickey with “how much!” when looking at the price tag, she would then impress me with her knowledge and tut with “and you will have to have it dry cleaned”. Like many items of any significant spend today I wonder whether we really take the time to read the care instructions or just assume that everything will have been made easy for us. Here’s a tour of the why’s of dry cleaning, some tips on taking care of your clothes and some info on how greener this process is getting (my thanks to Johnson cleaners for this). Why do we need dry cleaning? Clothes need to be dry cleaned rather than being immersed in water as you might normally wash, because The colour might run. Silk for example is made up of strong fibres which don’t absorb all of the colour the manufacturer has used, so immersing it in water may fade, literally dilute the colour away. The shape may get distorted – wool is a prime example of this. It might lose it’s texture – maybe one of the reasons you bought it in the first place. Linen is a good example of this – the lovely crispness that comes from it’s flax origin could be lost through washing in water. It may be sensitive to water, like suede (remember what your skin likes if you sit in the bath for a while!) Rayon and expensive denim are other fabrics that will benefit shape and colour wise from dry cleaning. You’ll have noted already that it is mostly natural fabrics and fibres you need to look out for. So called man-made fibres have been designed for easy care and durability, easier to bung in the washing machine (sadly also not so easy to recycle and takes longer to break down in landfill, but I digress….) Why do you buy something that needs dry cleaning? The chances are it is made of gorgeous, natural fibres, it’s design has been thought through carefully and it’s shape and fit will be better than a cheaper alternative. You have made an investment! Like all investments (property, car, holiday home) it needs maintenance. So when you buy the £350 suit, the £250 dress, bear in mind it will need special care. It might cost £10 to clean a dress (outside London) or £15 a suit, but if that maintains the original £350 value or indeed helps you to sell it for a third of that say when you are done then it’s worth the investment, rather than the loss of the original cost. Dry cleaners work hard for your money, there is expensive equipment involved in the process, and every item needs to be treated carefully, steamed and prepared before you pick it up. Dry cleaners know every stain going and can, in my experience, save most of your treasured items if you do get a stain on them. How to keep your dry cleaning costs down with some simple ‘at home’ care • Take your ‘dry clean clothes’ off as soon as you get home from wherever you have worn them. • Hang them up outside of your wardrobe where air can get to them. • Check them for any stains before you put them back in the wardrobe (dry cleaners like to work on fresh stains!, might sound odd but it’s true). • If you do spot a fresh stain then… Dry and washing symbols Here is the which guide to symbols - it felt like taking an exam to me but... worth a look. How bad or good is dry cleaning for the environment? Dry cleaning has involved some pretty yukky chemicals in the past - perchloroethylene, or "perc,". You would probably imagine though that to do the job you are asking it to it might need some strong stuff. But dry cleaning companies are now getting greener. Johnson for example are starting to use a Wet Cleaning process instead of a solvent and because their machines are specifically designed for the job, they say they use much less water, detergents and electricity than washing machines. Interestingly the solvent they do use is a little like sand, and is very gentle and harmless. If you want to help, take the hangers and covers back to the dry cleaners next time you pop in so they can reuse them, and if they say they don’t maybe ask why not! Johnsons use a cover that you can also use as a bin bag in your home. If you are about to make a big purchase for a new job or special occasion and need some help, get in touch! XXX The views in this article are my own and I would ask you to double check any facts before choosing how to care for your clothes.

A friend told me she hadn’t opened her “work wardrobe” for a year now. Working from home, then a more sparse office team when she did go in, meant her original dress code was no longer needed. But should we just ‘switch back’ to our original way of dressing? Or is there something you’ve learnt during lockdown about your own unique way of dressing and style that could be part of a metamorphosis for the future? We live such busy lives. We build routines and create habits to give us more time. This includes outfits that work together, outfits that suit the part, and sometimes they end up becoming our own uniform for work. If being at home has shown us anything, it is to re-evaluate perhaps the ‘work wardrobe’ and what it says about us. What is most important, is that we are happy. Of course, our state of mind is driven by many factors, but if you are looking to find your ‘wardrobe calm’ then it is about feeling comfortable, balanced and healthy. The fit, shape and colour of your clothes can make a big difference to how you feel, and what others feel about you too. So, facing your wardrobe after all this time? I’ve put some suggested pointers and questions below – a sort of easy checklist to help you start to get your wardrobe together. It starts with the really easy stuff to give you momentum, and then hopefully will get you thinking and perhaps experimenting with new combinations for new ways of working in the coming months. You’ll need some quiet time and a bag. And do read the next blog/article about Vanessa’s story, a change in job and a wardrobe edit. Step one A Does it fit you? (Really). If not, put in the bag. B Is it clothing that you can wear this season (or should it go away for the autumn)? If not, store away. C Do you have other items that work with it? If not put it on the left hand side of your wardrobe D Do you feel like you at your best when you are wearing it? If not, put in the bag. Now, for everything you have put on the left of the wardrobe, ask yourself D Step 2 You now have clothes that fit you, work together or with the purchase of another item would work together, and you feel good wearing it. Just one final question to ponder, with each of these clothes, are they a good representation of you are as a person, and if not, why are you still wearing it? I hope you have found this useful in helping you tackle your wardrobe. I would love to hear how you got on and if you want a chat about creating a wardrobe that makes the absolute very best of you, email me too.