Friday 27 March 2015

Five Steps to Spring Cleaning Your Wardrobe.


FIVE STEPS TO SPRING CLEANING YOUR WARDROBE.


Ok warning..this is a long post. I get carried away with cleaning and organising so APOLS in advance.


Over-hauling your wardrobe from time to time is essential as it stops you feeling bored of your clothes and you suddenly remember how many nice ones you have that you’d forgotten about because they’d got stuffed to the back in a heap.

Obviously everyone stores their clothes differently depending on space, but as much as possible I try to hang everything. I find if you can’t see it then you don’t wear it. When you’re staring at your wardrobe first thing in the morning it’s so much easier to have it all in front of you. Also, not folding things stops everything getting creased and horrible, because who needs to tackle an iron first thing in the morning?

This way of storing means I have two and a half wardrobes (the half is out of the one that’s technically my boyfriend’s) which I don’t feel bad about because it was sitting there all empty and tempting, he stuffs everything into a chest of drawers with no logic or organisation and I think I may have to leave him because of it.

ANYWAY, sadly my bedroom is pretty small and I have to find the best way of cramming stuff in that I can. I got two of these Ikea wardrobes on the recommendation of Lizzie and they’ve been an absolute lifesaver, insanely cheap as well.



Right then, take a deep breath. I’m actually start going to give you tips now because that’s why you’re here and TBH you probably didn’t even read all the rambling above, can’t say I blame you.


STEP ONE
Take absolutely everything out of your wardrobe. I mean it. Everything. Clear the top of it. Pull the lonely socks from the back of drawers. Take out everything that hangs so you have completely empty, fresh looking wardrobes and drawers. HOW EXCITING IS THAT, it feels like a fresh start already.


STEP TWO
Either with warm soapy water or general house cleaning spray, wipe down all surfaces, including the tops, shelves and walls.

STEP THREE




While it's drying, this is the throwing away stage. Be brave, pour yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of wine if necessary, (even if you’re doing this on a Saturday morning) and get stuck in. Put everything that needs to go in the wash in the wash. Including the stuff that usually lies on your wardrobe floor because it’s probably a bit gross by now. Make a pile of anything that’s dry clean only and actually take it (later, obvs). Out of the rest of your clothes make three piles, Yes’s, No’s and Maybe’s.


Yes’s should be clothes you wear a lot, clothes you love, and it should all fit you. If there’s a t-shirt there that looks battered and old, but you wear it a lot, make a note to replace it.

The No’s pile is old, tatty, damaged and out of date clothes that just don’t make you happy, and you don’t wear. And anything that you just can't remember why you bought it. Throw them all away (unless they’re in good condition, then donate them to charity).

The Maybe’s is the hardest pile. It’s probably full of things you like but don’t wear, stuff that doesn’t quite fit, and pieces that you keep thinking that you will wear again, but never choose.

BE BRUTAL when deciding what to keep. You need to assess why you don’t wear certain pieces. Do you like it, but don’t feel you have anything that goes with it? I found I had a lot of tops that I thought “Oh that would go so perfectly with smartish black trousers” ..but I didn’t have any. So I made a note to buy some and suddenly a whole load of new options opened up. Assess the gaps in your wardrobe and make a shopping list, which is often full of basics that will bring the best out of your existing clothes. For example don’t think “I’ll only ever wear this with those Prada boots I want” and then use it as an excuse to buy them. Unless you’re rich, in which case, go right ahead.
If you like it but don’t wear it because it’s not “you”, sell or donate it. Sadly this is the same with anything that doesn’t fit. I’ve kept things for years thinking I’ll slim back into them. I never do. Stop letting them hang there making you feel sad and fat. Get rid of them.


While we’re throwing away, pair up all your socks. Any with holes, or that you can’t find the pair to, throw. If you find the other one in a week it’s not the end of the world, it’s only a sock. (This is obviously not the case if they were expensive cashmere socks or something. In that case, keep the lonely one and pray for the best). I sound like I have some real vendetta against socks, I keep bringing them up. Socks are my friends though.


STEP FOUR
Now be practical and assess what you have left and what sort of storage you need. Do you need more storage for bags or shoes? While you’re at it, throw away all your metal hangers and those horrible childish plastic ones. Get some neat, thin ones that match. I know it seems crap spending money on hangers, but when all your clothes hang neatly at the same level it’s so much nicer and you can fit so much more in. Primark do sets of thin fabric hangers for £4 for 10. I’ve probably spent about £100 on them by now but they make me happy soooo that’s that. As long as you're delicate with them because they do have a tendency to snap if you manhandle them.


Knowing what you have will help you to know what sort of storage is best. I’m a big fan of boxes as it really makes the most of space. I have a few of these from Cargo in a couple of different sizes that I put in the bottom of my wardrobes, full of clutch bags and underwear. I also keep all my shoes in shoe boxes on top of my wardrobe. This can look really messy, so try and keep the boxes as uniform as possible. Either buy some (examples here and here), or buy some paper and wrap ones you have. I recently did one with this marble contact paper and it looks so much nicer (if I say so myself). 


STEP FIVE
Now you need to find a way to hang everything. I used to hang it all together, colour coordinated. While this looked lovely and made a wonderful Instagram picture, it wasn’t the most sensible for getting dressed (I rarely had a “pink” day, whereas I do have days where I just want a long sleeved t-shirt. I now have it like this:
- All skirts and trousers together on clip hangers, 2 to a hanger, colour co-ordinated (after all it looks so nice).
- All dresses together, colour co-ordinated. You can also split them into day and evening. All my sparkly party dresses are in the ½ wardrobe as this keeps them out of the way day to day.
- I run my tops by sleeve length (which sounds mental but works quite well, weather wise, and if you haven’t shaved your armpits or anything, you know). I start with strappy vests, and hang my jackets over them. This leads to sleeveless tops, then t-shirts, then long sleeve (shirts etc), then jumpers.
- Jeans I fold and put on a shelf, as they’re bulky and take up less space this way.


And I think that’s it. I’m bloody exhausted, I feel like I’ve done the whole thing again! I realise I haven’t tackled jewellery and accessories, but I’ll do that in another, hopefully shorter post.



I hope this helped! To anyone that made it through the whole thing, was there any useful information in it? Do you have any tips for me?

Monday 16 March 2015

Black and Cream.


BLACK AND CREAM.


I went out Saturday night for an event for my boyfriend's boss's birthday so I wanted to wear something dressed up but still quite grown-up looking (don't know who I think I am).

The effect may have been ruined by how drunk I got and I consequently spent all Sunday wrapped up in my duvet like a sausage roll of sadness, wanting to be sick. My only hope is that everyone else was so drunk that I wasn't out of place. One day I'm sure I'll learn how to behave appropriately at social events.




Friday 13 March 2015

16 Things That Are Actually Ok


16 THINGS THAT ARE ACTUALLY OK IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT.



1. That if you look at Instagram, it would appear that everyone is more successful than you. Just remember that the person the step behind you is looking at your account and thinking that. And also remember that everyone photoshops themselves.

2. That you don't know what Hemp powder or Spirulina are. You've got through life without them ok so far.

3. That you don't have wild, up for anything sex all the time. Missionary is the most common for a reason, and in real life Anastasia Steele would almost definitely have Cystitis constantly.

4. That people on your Facebook might be getting pregnant, but you can't imagine a day when you don't have a full blown panic attack if you're a day late or slightly bloated. 

5. If your friends/that girl from work have more Twitter followers than you. They're invisible followers, not friends.

6. To sometimes eat a whole packet of biscuits in one go. As long as it's not an every night thing, you're probably fine.

7. That you wear most of your items of clothing regularly. NORMAL PEOPLE DO THIS. It may be the fashion blogger way, but if you buy something and only wear it once that's generally a stupid purchase. 

8. To not always have freshly washed hair. Who has the time? 

9. If you listen to music that's socially unacceptable for your age group. One Direction are lovely boys.

10. To start a list or letter again if you make a spelling mistake. It doesn't matter if it's just your food shop, it needs to look lovely in your pretty notepad.

11. To only use Salt, Pepper, and occasionally Paprika. Paprika is exotic, ok? It's red.

12. That if you live with someone, they only see you in pajamas. Who are these people that wear jeans at home and are they ok.

13. That most of your wages go on paying to live in London/whatever big city you live in, therefore you can't actually afford to do anything now you're there. Don't worry, you're still getting the..umm..ambience. And everyone else is at home watching Netflix too.

14. To whittle your friendship group down. Once you get out of school/uni, no one needs those girls that bring drama and that you're only friends with out of habit. Those ones that only speak to you when they want something? It's them. 

15. If you actually really enjoy those days where you clean your flat and do all your washing. You feel productive, the house feels ready for unexpected guests (not that any ever turn up) and you have first pick out of all your clothes (aka..pants. You don't have to wear those horrible lacy ones that bunch up).

16. If all of these apply to you. 

Thursday 12 March 2015

March Wishlist.


MARCH WISHLIST.



This month I want soft tones, luxe fabrics and tied up everything with military accents. This weather has got me thinking about Spring and a welcome break from black skinny jeans! It's really about time, mine have gone grey from over wear this season and I ripped them bashing my shin on a stupid unnecessary wall outside my house. Why couldn't I have smacked my knee, and then the rip would at least look intentional? #fashiongirlproblems

March Wishlist



Monday 9 March 2015

Sadly Slytherin.


SADLY SLYTHERIN.


On Saturday I went to Harry Potter World as part of my birthday present, and oh it was SO GOOOOOD. Most people have probably already gone but if you haven't I can't recommend it enough. The title of this post is purely down to the fact that APPARENTLY (according to my friends) I would be in Slytherin. Some friends hey. I'm hoping it's because I'm blonde and have a tendency to speak before I think (making me look like a bit of a dickhead) more than that people genuinely think I'm evil. Awkward. My boyfriend even forced me to get a Slytherin glass from the gift shop, while he refused to get one as he won't accept that he's a Ravenclaw rather than a Gryffindor. Honestly. We can't all be Harry's.

Anyway moving swiftly on..keen to get into the theme I wanted to wear my Hogwarts robes but the owl carrying my acceptance letter must have got lost on the way to my house. So I wore my shiny new trench and had a lovely time swishing around like Snape McGonagall. 




Wearing: French Connection trench, Mary Katrantzou x Topshop blouse (old), Topshop Jamie jeansNext boots, Michael Kors watch.

Friday 6 March 2015

BrandAlley French Connection Clearance Sale.


BRANDALLEY UK - FRENCH CONNECTION 


This is just a quick post to highlight the French Connection clearance sale that is on BrandAlley at the moment, it's absolutely amazing! I got the two coats below for £78. THAT'S RIGHT, £78 FOR THE PAIR!! They retail at nearly £400 for both..so I'd feel a bit selfish not spreading the word about the sale. 



Unfortunately (for you, tee hee) I got the last of the trench coat, but there's still some absolute bargains, so shop away kids, it ends tonight and there's up to 90% off! Find it here. You will have to sign up and become a member, but it's well worth it as they have amazing flash sales of gorgeous designer brands like Nicole Farhi, Jaegar, Whistles, and I hear on good authority that there's a huge Mango sale coming up too! 

Thursday 5 March 2015

H&M Studio AW15.


H&M STUDIO AW15


IT'S HEREE. The sneaky tidbits on Twitter have been driving me mental! 
My views..bit of a weird collection overall I'd say. Really mix of products but there were some beautiful pieces and I want absolutely everything in that green chevron print. I know maxi skirts aren't appropriate for winter but that one is top of my list..let's hope it hits stores early? Below are my favourite looks, what did you reckon about the collection?




Tuesday 3 March 2015

Style Lessons from Gossip Girl.


STYLE LESSONS FROM THE QUEENS OF THE UPPER EAST SIDE.

and..um, Brooklyn.


I recently decided to start watching Gossip Girl again as something easy to "pop on" in the evenings while I got dinner ready and stuff..and obviously I got really obsessed with it again and watched all of it back to back, much to the annoyance of my poor boyfriend. 

I mean even though it annoys me that *SPOILER ALERT* stupid Dan Humphrey is Gossip Girl and they're all instantly ok with it (and ignore the fact that he reacts to posts when he's alone) it's still just so good, and the fashion is bloody GREAT. I think I love it more every time I watch. They've made everyone have such individual style, while all the outfits tie together so well.

So in the spirit of making more of an effort (because half of the outfits they wear to bed are nicer than my best clothes) I thought I'd put together a post of lessons we can learn from them.

BLAIR WALDORF












Ohhh QUEEN B (the original, sorry Bey) Now I know this might be controversial, as Serena is generally deemed the queen of fashion, and hair, and pouting, and everything else really, but Blair was always my favourite and I'm so inspired by her wardrobe (headbands aside). The "dictator of taste" mixes colours and prints perfectly, and always hits just the right level of clashing co-ordination. When I'm wondering if a combination is a bit too "out there" I often find myself thinking WWBWD. 

And I mean..let's bow down to the Elie Saab Couture wedding dress. And don't forget that TIGHTS ARE NOT PANTS.



LILY VAN DER WOODSEN/BASS/HUMPHREY/BASS (the woman can't control herself)





This is a woman that knows how to ACCESSORISE. The rules that you shouldn't wear necklaces with earrings, or with busy tops, or any other jewellery rules you think you know? Throw them out the window. Layer like Lily.



JENNY HUMPHREY



















Now our Little J is a bit of what not to do, in my eyes. Sure, she teaches us to show off our assets (when did those legs appear?) and that you should keep your style no matter what the occasion, but she also looks like she needs a good wash, and the less said about those extensions the better. I almost have to skip the scenes where she appears because they (and her bratty attitude) make my head hurt. I was relieved she got banished to Hudson, not only because she nearly destroyed my favourite fake couple ever.



VANESSA ABRAHAMS





Couldn't really find many of her outfits that I liked to be honest..let's say she teaches us to stick to our heritage and what we know.



GEORGINA SPARKS




Not only does she let us know that it's ok to be pale, she manages to not looks boring in a wardrobe of mainly black and grey, down to some sparkle and killer accessories. And was it just me that was really pleased that she ended up with Jack Bass? Sort of happy for them even though they're both sick in the head?

*DRUMROLL PLEASE..*


SERENA VAN DER WOODSEN







HERE SHE IS. What can I even say? She knows exactly how to make the most of her figure (not hard, with a figure like that) and has the most unbelievable array of STUNNING party dresses, most of which are probably nicer than my wedding dress will be. She also knows the power a great jacket has to change an outfit, and that you can get away with most things if your hair looks great.

And then because I felt SO INSPIREDD I put together some outfits with our gals in mind, if they were still going strong today.  

Rules to live by seem to be clash your prints and textures, don't be afraid of colour, be brave and ALWAYS WEAR HEELS (because who doesn't look better in heels?)




Inspired by Gossip Girl






Toss up for my favourite outfit is between the one with the leopard print top, and the sequin midi skirt. I wish both of them were in my wardrobe!

Who was your favourite style icon when you watched it? Are there any style tips you take from them?

What I Wore Today