How to organise a wardrobe

My upcoming shopping trip to Dubai was a great excuse to do my autumn wardrobe detox the other day.  It's time to put the summer clothes away and get the winter clothes ready.  So I've managed to pick few (actually quite a few) of my favourite summer clothes that I need to take with me and the rest has been washed and ironed and put away till the next heatwave hits UK or till someone takes me on a nice exotic holiday - I wish!!

Opening up a wardrobe can be a nightmare for some. Clothes, shoes, handbags and other miscellaneous items get shoved together and it's so frustrating when you're trying to find something in a hurry. And so here are a couple of tips to get your wardrobe organized and save time in the future when going through it. Not only will a well-organized wardrobe help you find things, but it will make it a much more pleasant view when you leave the door open!

• First things first. Designate areas for specific items or categories. Organizing your clothes by colour will give the most aesthetic look to a wardrobe. I personally organize the clothes by category: skirts, trousers, jackets, jumpers and blouses - they all have their own place.

• By grouping your little categories to short and long you can take advantage of the height you create underneath your short-hanging clothes. Skirts and shorter shirts are great for adding a shoe rack underneath. It lets you see your shoes without having to pull any lower-hanging clothes out of the way. Which is exactly what I've done with my wardrobe full of shorts jackets and coats. I have about 30 plastic boxes with shoes underneath them.

• If you don't have a lot of room in your bedroom, you could always take a low chest of drawers and put it in your wardrobe for storage. I know it does sound a bit strange but this also gives you the opportunity to add more storage on top of it (hurray!) while being able to close your wardrobe for a clean and uncluttered look and hide all those sale bargains in there!

• Are you fed up with all the plastic storage containers? Decorative boxes are a great way to add storage with a stylish twist!  My personal favourite - the shabby chic boxes can be found on Ebay (if you are after a bargain). Laura Ashley, Cath Kidston or even Next and Tesco sell some great storage boxes too. 

Well I hope you find these tips helpful and if you need any help with detoxing your wardrobe, please get in touch. I also sell things on Ebay for my clients and find it very enjoyable so if you don't have the time to do it or find it quite frustrating, I'll be more than happy to help!

 

The Right Earrings For Everyone

Well girls, earrings definitely make any woman look more charming and attractive.
There are appropriate types for every occasion and any woman.

Due to the fact they are close to the face, earrings must compliment one’s face shape.
So keep on reading and find out which face shape you are and what earrings you should be wearing.  I didn't even know there were so many face shapes!

There are also several basic styles of earrings that can be worn from day to evening and are appropriate for a variety of clothing options and occasions.

How to choose the right earrings?

You should identify your face shape first to decide what style of earrings will compliment your face best. Consider what will enhance your good features. Take into consideration the cut and color of your hair, your skin tone, your body size and clothes you’re wearing.

Round Face Shape        

If your face is round like Salma Hayek's, you better choose lean, long and angular curved lines. It will elongate and add a little angle to your face. You can wear drop earrings in dangles, ovals and oblongs. Square and rectangular earrings are also good options. But make sure that you avoid small studs and hoops and chunky large earrings as well.

Oval Face Shape        

Megan Fox has a oval shape, a classic shape that will work with almost any style of earring. Be brave and experiment with different styles and decide what looks good on your face. You can wear earrings with soft shapes like studs, ovals and teardrops. Even spiraled dangly pair will look cute on you! If you have a shorter hair style go for pearl, diamond, or gemstone studs. BUT avoid wearing incredibly long and thin shapes that will just pull your face down.

Heart Face Shape 

Look for earrings that are wider at the bottom – tear drops, chandeliers, triangle shapes that begin with a point. Even circular and oval earrings will work with your face shape but steer clear of earrings that are heart shaped and very short. 

Square Face Shape

Earrings with a round and angular edge will work best because it will help in softening a square face like Paris Hilton's.  As long as you avoid square shapes, you can wear just about anything in the earring category. Hoops and curved edges will add the necessary roundness, and drop earrings, long tear drops, or multi-tiered dangling earrings will give a square shape some length.

Long or Thin Face Shape

You are advised to wear simple studs and chandelier style earrings. Three dimensional earrings will add fullness to your face. To widen this face shape wear circular, triangular  and square earrings BUT remember to avoid flat or dangling earrings.  Sarah Jessica Parker seems to get it right every time!

Diamond Face Shape

I love Nicole Kidman's earrings on this picture. A straight line and curves combination works so well. Why not to try studs and small drop earrings? Be sure to avoid long and thin earring style.

Triangular Face Shape

If you have a triangular face like Victoria Beckham you need earrings that will soften the sharp angles. Large oval or small circular earrings can work well for you. Prefer earrings with curves at the bottom and avoid ones that come to a point.

 

I hope you find these tips helpful. Go ahead and choose a nice pair!

13 Rules Of Dressing For Love Success

This is for all you Single Ladies out there!
 

As we all know, clothes make the man or the woman, and they can make or break your success in the dating game.

It’s not because the world is full of shallow fashionistas. It’s because first impressions are all-powerful, whether we like it or not.

Your clothes make a statement about you. They send a message about your mood, your body image and whether you regard washing and ironing a shirt as a priority. And they can be tribal: think of hooded tops or white stilettos.

Your outfit can also make you feel good or bad about yourself. Clothes have a huge say in your confidence and behaviour – both pretty important in a social situation.

So there’s a lot at stake, but these lucky 13 simple rules by Jane Hoskyn will help you get it right.

Rule 1: Be yourself

All our rules matter, but they can be relaxed to accommodate Rule Number One.*

When you dress in a way that clashes with your personality, you don’t feel comfortable. And when you aren’t comfortable, you aren’t confident or relaxed.

Dressing in a way that’s true to yourself will also help attract a lover who’s on your wavelength.

Once you’re seeing someone, don’t change your style just to please them. They’re your lover, not your school uniform supplier.

(* I’d advise against relaxing Rule Two, unless you’re dying to meet someone who’s driven helpless with lust by B.O.)

Rule 2: Keep it clean

Whether you’re on a first date, tenth date, at a party or meeting your future in-laws, a little washing powder goes a long way.

Turning up in a smelly, crumpled T-shirt won’t make anyone think that you’re laid back and lacking in vanity. They’ll think that you’d rather be at home, alone, eating a Pot Noodle in front of the telly.

Scruffiness is especially damaging if your companion made an effort to dress up. They may feel very embarrassed that you didn’t do the same.

It doesn’t take much to wash and iron an outfit. Your effort tells your date that you value their company, and that’s half the battle won.

Rule 3: It’s not a job interview

You can overstep the mark when making an effort. On a date, you’ll fare best if you’re both feeling relaxed, and you probably won’t feel relaxed when trussed up in pinstripes and a starched shirt.

This rule also applies to parties, where a starchy get-up will make you look and feel like a geeky outsider.

Rule 4: Think about who you’re meeting

One of the main rules of attraction is that people like people who are like themselves. So dress in a way that connects with the style of your date, or with the people you’re likely to meet at a party or other event.

Rule 5: Dress to fit the venue

You’ll also feel more confident if you fit your surroundings. Jeans and T-shirt are fine for a few drinks down the pub; a smart restaurant requires more finesse.

Remember to temper this with Rule One. It’s not about being a sheep, it’s about subtly adapting the real you to fit your surroundings.

Rule 6: Comfort equals confidence

Don’t set yourself up for hours of torture in killer heels or too-tight jeans. A grimace isn’t a good look.

Of course you want to look your best, but you’ll be at your most attractive when you’re psychologically and physically comfortable.

You may not feel comfy in either sense if you’re wearing a brand new outfit, especially if the price tag is digging into your back. Wear a trusted wardrobe staple that makes you feel confident about yourself and your body.

Rule 7: Stand up straight

Whatever you’re wearing, you’ll look more confident, slim and attentive if you improve your posture. Gently straighten your back and keep your shoulders relaxed.

Rule 8: Easy on the labels

Style is not about designer brands or bling, it’s about making the best of what you’ve got. Smothering yourself in labels will make you look desperate or intimidating, depending on whom you’re dating.

However, if your date is another fashion fiend, go for it. Good luck with the joint overdraft.

Rule 9: Easy on the slap

Lashings of lippy and enough foundation to float a yacht may do the business in certain nightclubs. Elsewhere, it’s a turn-off. You’ll also look as though you’re hiding the complexion of an old sandpit.

Rule 10: Easy on the perfume, too

Strong perfume or aftershave is another no-no. Gents, be warned: women’s sense of smell tends to be more sensitive than men’s, so your dab of aftershave may register as a choking stink.

Rule 11: Beware the hairdresser

Don’t have your hair cut just before a date. Stylists rarely leave it just how you want.

Rule 12: Keep ‘em covered

You may have the finest set of boobs, biceps or thighs within a five-mile radius, but that’s for your lover to discover when you’re alone together.

If you flash the flesh on a date, your companion won’t think you’re dressed for them, but for anyone who fancies a look. Besides, goosebumps aren’t sexy.

Apply even more wrapping when meeting your lover’s parents. To them, your cleavage, shoulders and knees are throbbing erogenous zones and they don’t want to see them. Ever.

Rule 13: Be prepared

Stick a couple of fabric plasters in your bag or pocket, in case those new shoes start to rub. If you’re wearing tights, take some clear nail varnish to stop any snags. Also take a comb and, if you wear contact lenses, your glasses.

It may sound like a hassle, but these things don’t take up much space – and they could rescue your comfort or confidence just when you need it the most. 

Good luck!

Beth Ditto - One Cool Lady

It was great to see Gossip star BETH DITTO paving the way for larger ladies at Paris Fashion Week on Saturday, 2nd October. The Gossip's lead singer both opened and closed Jean Paul Gaultier's spring/summer 2011 ready-to-wear show.

The singer, who designs a plus-size style range for British high street store Evans, flaunted her shapely figure in a variety of revealing outfits for her designer friend.

Ditto is currently preparing for the launch of her second collection for UK plus-size retailer Evans.
She is working on designing handbags, shoes, and formal and casual apparel for the brand. Her clothes are available in sizes 14 to 32, which should please all the curvy ladies out there.

Speaking about the new line, an Evans spokesperson recently said: 

"It will be Victorian mixed with 80s punk, through to 40s vintage with a noughties modern edge."

Think studded purses, colorful graphic dresses, and draped jersey tops.

Beth has previously spoken about the importance of larger women being creative with clothes in order to flatter their body shape.

She has said: 

"I don't understand all these women who say they feel betrayed by fashion. A piece of clothing can't talk - it can't tell you that you can't have it - so really, you're just telling yourself that.

"You make yourself the victim, because if you want clothes that bad, then make them yourself. You have to get creative if you're fat. I'm really good at turning a belt into a necklace, and I can always find a nice pair of earrings."

Many people have strong opinions about Gossip rocker. I think you either love her or you hate her, but one thing you have to admit, she is a total fashion darling right now!

What do you think of her shock-rocker style? 

London Fashion Week Kicks Off

Bad news: It's a Wrap! for New York Fashion Week.

Good news:  London Fashion Week has just started - hurray!

Following all the action is a must - if you, like me, cannot be there in person, go online and enjoy.

www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

There is something for everyone - you will find schedules, catwalk reports, designers and exhibition pages etc. 

Personally I think the best thing to do is to sign up to their newsletter to get the latest news.

Photograph: Alastair Grant/AP

London fashion week kicked off with Paul Costello's opening show, while later Maria Grachvogel, PPQ and Bora Aksu showed their collections at Somerset House.

As the models took to the catwalks in the UK capital, a first glimpse at next season's collections suggested designers were showing a penchant for all things colourful and adventurous.

I love this sunshine yellow dress by Maria Grachvogel!  It's so simple and elegant. 

You can accessories with different coloured handbags, belts, jewellery and shoes.

Can't wait to read about the other collections. I am especially looking forward to seeing Julian Macdonald, Vivien Westwood Red Label and Matthew Williamson shows later on today.

Wardrobe Detox

One of my assignments while studying for Diploma in Personal Styling with British College of Professional Styling (www.britishcollegeofprofessionalstyling.com)  was to find a 'client' and practise my newly-found styling skills. One of my friends, Sidika, volunteered. At the time she was desperate to get her wardrobe sorted as the whole family was soon moving to New Zealand. They sold the house, cars and other personal belongings and could not take many clothes with them so it was a great opportunity (and pleasure for me) to do the 'wardrobe detox'. 

It was a big task and took us most of one morning just to get the clothes sorted into different categories.  Some unwanted clothes were given to various charities and some I offered to sell for Sidika on eBay.  She is a very busy Mum of 3 so she welcomed the offer of me doing it for her with opened arms.  I sold all of her clothes (except one little shrug) and with the money made I bought Sidika couple of beautiful dresses on eBay.

 

I researched the local shops and organised a shopping day out. After taking into account Sidika's size, body shape, style preference, lifestyle and budget, I chose 10 'must-have' items for her new updated wardrobe.  Sidika found the whole shopping experience effortless and fun. She never even left the changing room as I brought her all the different sizes and styles to try on.

It was a huge success and not only she left UK with lots of lovely new clothes but also less stressed out! The thought of going on a shopping spree after arriving in a new country would be daunting and scary for anyone.

This stunning black and white dress from Phase Eight was my favourite purchase of the day!

Doesn't she look lovely!!?

Alice Temperley Style Day

Yes, yes, yes!!! I managed to get 2 tickets for myself and a friend of mine to attend an exclusive event hosted by Alice Temperley at her flagship store in Notting Hill.  Can't wait to actually meet her face to face and have two hours of browsing through Alice by Temperley a/w 2010 collection. 

So who is this gifted English designer?

Designed in London’s Notting Hill, ALICE by Temperley embodies British spirit and the rock n’ roll atmosphere that is London. ALICE by Temperley, the sister line to Temperley London, launched for Spring Summer 2010 and consists of four collections a year.

The affordable and easy-to-wear line offers strong separates, dresses, knitwear, leather, military inspired outerwear and accessories. Inspired by the London girl of the moment, the ALICE line already has an international following including a range of stylish ladies such as Daisy Lowe, Beyonce, Coca Rocha, Jessica Biel, Amber Le Bon and Rihanna.

In addition to www.alicebytemperley.com, the collection is stocked in the Temperley London boutiques in London, New York, East Hampton, Los Angeles and Dubai as well as in top department stores and boutiques around the world including Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Liberty, Neiman Marcus and Isetan. A standalone ALICE by Temperley flagship store in London is planned for 2011.

Here are some of the questions and answers from her interview with ES magazine back in 2008:

What is your earliest London memory? Coming to London aged 11 with my grandfather's girlfriend to buy beads from a shop in Covent Garden.

What are your favourite home comforts? I adore a huge bath and an enormous bed, as well as large fires and red wine.

What would you do if you were Mayor for a day? Get the cars out of the city and relax planning laws.

What is your life philosophy? Work hard, play hard... strive to be happy and use the day.

What have been your most memorable London meals? My husband and I had dinner at Villandry in Marylebone opposite The Portland Hospital while I was having contractions.

Which is your favourite London street for shopping? Portobello Market. I love the arcades early in the morning, with the real traders.

What's the most romantic spot in London? The walk along the Regent's Canal from Portobello Road to Primrose Hill. I love the houseboats, the painted barges, the smell of chimney smoke and the quirky sense of community between all the owners.

Do you have a favourite view of London?
I love the view from the top of Primrose Hill, and flying over the city when coming into Heathrow.

What are your favourite London discoveries? Tango in Tufnell Park where you have to wait to be asked to dance and everyone dresses up.

Browse through the latest must-haves online at:

www.temperleylondon.com/shop/must-have

One of Those Amazing Websites

While browsing the Internet looking for some free images that I can download into my new blog page, I came across this amazing website www.designersnexus.com. 

They have a great selection of backgrounds, swatches, texture templates and sketches including female, male and children's croquis template.  

Here is a bit more about the company:

As professional designers with over 20 years of combined experience in the fashion industry, we’ve received tons of questions about fashion industry careers: from where to look for job opportunities to what companies really expect on the job. It would have been great if we had a place to go for advice- so we formed Designers Nexus to be that place! We’ve paid our dues in the industry and even learned things the hard way on some occasions. We love being able to share our experiences with others so they won’t have to make the same mistakes we did!

As you explore the site, you’ll find the fashion career articles section, where we’ve broken down our experience by topic, hoping to provide some answers to the questions we are asked most often. You may also benefit from our free design downloads where you’ll find lots of industry standard flat sketches, fashion illustrations, CADs as well as swatches , croquis, free backgrounds, and other design templates. And while most of the resources on our site are completely free, we also offer additional products at very low prices that are affordable to everyone. Our easy to follow ebook tutorials target important skills used most often in the industry, and soon video training courses will be added to the site.

We hope you enjoy exploring our site and that you find our content helpful. Please visit our sister site at FashionFrog.com for more fashion fun. And of course, we want to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment or you can contact us directly with requests or suggestions!

This site is just AMAZING! It helped me to begin sketching and helped me to learn more about fashion design.

Well done to Kristin, Natalie and Logan!!  You've done a great job guys!