Written on
February 22, 2010 – 10:35 pm | by elaine
Written by Guest Blogger Veronica Crespi
Hard to believe if I look outside right now, but March is almost here again! March is a pivotal month, especially when it comes to fashion – out with the dark and cold, and in with the light sense of hopefulness that spring brings with it. That’s when all those gorgeous colours appear in store windows, and the urge for a bit of style renovation hits again. At Rewardrobe, we see this as an opportunity – to finally give your wardrobe that much needed spring clean, and to rediscover its potential.
That’s why I started Rewardrobe – to show a bright side to what is most often seen as just a chore, to make it a happy and rewarding experience, as glamorous and relaxing as a day at the spa and one out shopping all in once! That’s the result anyway: after a little rethinking and reorganising, you’ll find you feel lighter and you look better and more confident. Oh, and you can also add that you’ve done that sustainably and responsibly.
How? Here’s a few tips:
If your wardrobe looks like a dump right now, see it as a bundle of opportunity. Instead of tackling the mess, embrace the fun of rummaging through it in search of forgotten gems – you’ll be surprised at your finds!
Try everything on again: if it doesn’t fit, it goes. But maybe it only needs a small alteration?
Give everything a chance. Don’t just chuck stuff away: rethink it. Pair it with something you wouldn’t have before – unleash your inner stylist!
When it goes, where does it go to? Think of the possibilities – upcycling a cotton skirt into a strapless top, unravelling an old knit and crochet it into a warm beanie. Or, donating it to a good cause. As long as you don’t just dump it!
And all those beautiful things you own: put them back in your wardrobe, and make it look like a boutique you’ll feel like shopping in. Match colours, group up garments – create a visual order that will look as stylish as a store display. Then play with it!
That’s right, pick up garments and create outfits that will make you look back in the mirror with a smile.
Not easy? Think of some additions that would enhance your basic looks.
The first thing I find is lacking from most wardrobes is colour. If you don’t feel too daring, try with small pieces first. Like Ann Ellis’s jewellery at Pure Design, shimmering and kaleidoscopic – take one with many hues, and match it with different tops and knits. Or a bright scarf to instantly update that grey basic coat.
When you go out shopping again, think about what you buy. The first rule is to buy quality – it will last longer and will give you more wear, making you feel like you’ve spent your money smartly. Remember to read the label, and try to buy into natural fibres where possible. If you can, also read ‘behind’ the label – if it’s organically grown or ethically produced, give it a chance! You’ll find it’s the brands that produce under these guidelines that, being new and innovative, often also come up with the most interesting and stylish concepts – look at Tamasyn Gambell gorgeous silk scarfs or Elvis & Kresse surprising firehose reclaiming for inspiration.
Lastly, a sustainable wardrobe is not just made up of the garments in it. Think about how you manage it as well.
Remember natural fibres can generally be washed. Use natural detergents and cold water, and avoid dry cleaning! Remember we said your new approach to your wardrobe should make you feel like after a day at the spa… well you wouldn’t want horrible chemicals being used for your facial, would you? Just as well as you wouldn’t want to ‘clean’ your clothes with a bath of hazardous stuff that will linger in the fabrics and transfer onto your skin.
And just as much as you’re going to enjoy the outdoors in the spring, let your clothes dry outside and breathe some air, too.
Consider how you hang your clothes, too – keep them well, and they’ll look better on you. After taking so much care in washing them, what’s the point of hanging them back in the wardrobe on wire hangers, for instance. Why not instead grab yourself some sustainable and funky looking Zylka recycled hangers by amazing eco-designer Ryan Frank.
It doesn’t sound like a daunting chore after all, does it? Think of the results, and I bet you’ll be immediately inspired.
Pure Design subscriber Lyndsay, tried a Rewardrobe, and was kind enough to tell us what she thought…
1.What problem with your wardrobe did you ask Veronica to help resolve? I’ve been at home for the past 12 months on maternity leave and am returning to work in just a few weeks time. I wanted to go out and get a few new items to wear, but really didn’t know what my style should be. Not to mention I had a bunch of clothes that I hadn’t worn for almost 2 years and was trying to figure out what still fits/suits and was in fashion. When I saw Veronica’s flyer I thought it was exactly what I need.
2. Having a stylist visit sounds wonderful – but quite expensive. Do you think it was money well spent? I went for a four-hour session with Veronica, and it would be all too easy to spend that same £150 on three or four items of clothing that didn’t flatter or go with anything else in my wardrobe. Veronica helped me get my entire wardrobe re-organised. I am now wearing a whole load of things that I had completely forgotten about (easily of the same value that I spent on ReWardrobe) and I feel really confident that the few items of clothing I have bought as a result, I am going to wear loads. So great value as far as I am concerned. If I manage to sell the items we pulled out for ebay I might even make a profit!
2. What top tip did you takeaway from the day? Not so much a tip but the single most effective thing Veronica did was to divide my wardrobe into winter and summer and suddenly I am seeing all my clothes and lots of new exciting combinations when it comes to putting together outfits.
3. Were there any recommendations Veronica made that surprised you? I would never in a million years have pulled on a pair of leggings but it’s a real confidence boost when someone from a professional fashion background tells you that they will suit you. Now I am a total convert.
4. What will you be wearing on your first day back at work? Before Veronica’s intervention I would have said my very safe work dress but now I think I’ll be a little more daring/hip in a shirt and knit combo.
Visit Veronica’s website now to find out how to Rewardrobe your style. Call Veronica on 07726781198 for an initial consultation and to find out what service might help you.
Tags: declutter, EaKo firehose, eco stylist, ethica stylist, fashion advice, personal stylist, rewardrobe, spring cleaning, tamasyn gambell scarves
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