Standardby Laura3 Comments

The Summer had been great. Glorious weather, picnics, ice-creams and lazy mornings. But for me, it had also been quite a testing and trying time.  All sense of routine and structure had completely gone out the window. It felt like everything had been thrown up into the air, got muddled together and I was stood underneath it all trying to catch it as it fell. In other words – chaos.

Now the weather has changed and school is back, I can feel a sense of calm and control being regained. A huge part of this was getting my wardrobe cleared and ready for the new season. Sounds frivolous but having a clutter-free space for my clothes and having them clearly organised inspires confident dressing and increases self-esteem.

My video demonstrates how to organise your wardrobe into sections and by colour, so this is hints and tips on how to syphon out unnecessary pieces and create new space for new items.

Start with holiday wear.

Strip out bikinis and swim wear. Pair bikinis up and store them in re-sealable sandwich bags. This keeps them together in pairs and stops them getting tangled. It’s also really easy to pack them when you go away. Do this with swimming costumes too.

  Bikini storage

With pool cover-ups, summer dresses, shorts and floaty tops fold, store away and label in a box. Do the same with wedges, sandals and flip-flops.

Clear all trace of summer.

Be ruthless and realistic. I have made the mistake all too often of thinking I might wear something, for it just sit in my wardrobe for the whole season taking up precious space. Clear as much as possible. It may feel a little empty but with inevitable shopping, it will soon fill up!

Clean out.

If you have time, it’s a great opportunity to get the hoover and marigolds out and give the space a good clean.

Hangers.

Hangers are so important for making it easier to choose outfits. Aesthetically it is easier to choose your clothes when everything is at the same height. Choosing the right hangers will also prevent damaging your clothes.

I love wooden hangers but if you’re short on space, go for rubber coated hangers that are kinder on more delicate fabrics and use up less space in your wardrobe.

Wooden hangers

To hang or to fold?

As I rule I tend to hang as much as I can but will always fold chunky knit jumpers, jeans and everyday vest tops.

Have you had your Summer clear out yet?

 

(Featured image source: Pinterest, The Coveteur)
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Standardby Laura3 Comments

It’s been two months since my holiday to Italy and two months since I set my holiday resolutions. I decided to take the time on holiday to think about my existing ‘style rules’ and see if I could try something new; styles that I’d never had the confidence to try before.

It’s now fast approaching autumn, or least the sales are here and the magazines are full of AW13 ‘must-haves’, so I thought now was a good time to review my resolutions and maybe even set some new ones for the new season.

Quick recap…[styled_box title=”My resolutions.  My new style ‘rules’…” color=”pink”]Embrace brights.
This goes for lipstick too!
Accent a plain outfit with a pop of leopard – my new found love!
Be confident in your own style and wear your head high.[/styled_box]

Upon my return from holiday, I rather excitedly, had a rummage through my wardrobe to find some ‘summer brights’. Pieces that I felt I could incorporate into my existing style, without having to buy something new.

Re-energized by brights…

With a different agenda, it was refreshing to look at what I already had in a different light. I have to say, I was invigorated. Wearing things that had been in my wardrobe for years that I could pair with current pieces felt like a much better use of what I had and a little more frugal than buying new things.

My Pollyanna

Most importantly, I loved wearing brights. To be the point where I felt like I needed to tone it down a bit sometimes. Having a bit of a tan probably helped (but then there is always the trusty St.Tropez to help me out with that one!).

I really loved trying out new colours that I had traditionally steered very much clear of. It ignited a new sense of style adventure. On the occasions when I did go shopping, it opened up a whole new landscape of opportunity – a very refreshing experience!

Clowning around with Lipstick…

Definitely the most daunting. But it has been great. Really enjoyed pushing the boundaries with this and having some fun. I felt like a bit of a clown at first but soon wondered how I had gone my thirty-plus years NOT wearing it. A selection now sit firmly in my handbag so I am never without.

Personal gain…

IMG_2571

What it proved to me more than anything was the opportunities gained from moving out of your comfort zone (oh, there I go again!). Although I’d always felt comfortable in my staple neutrals, trying something new gave me a new sense of confidence.  If I hadn’t have given it a go then I would never have experienced that.
[quote]Moving out your style comfort zone…you never know, you might just like what you find.[/quote]

So how did you get on? Did you set any new style resolutions this summer?
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Standardby Laura2 Comments

In the current edition of Red Magazine, I read about Bea Johnson and her Zero Waste Life. It was so enlightening and just reading it gave me a sense of calm and tranquility. She owns just five items of clothing and five items of footwear. Perhaps she is at one end of the scale but it inspired me strip back my wardrobe and think about what my bare minimums would be (well, for the summer anyway!).

Over the past few years I have taken on a new philosophy when it comes to clothes. Buy fewer. Buy better. I can be quite ruthless when it comes to clear outs too, I will periodically go through my wardrobe and de-clutter. It’s a really refreshing thing to do. Reminds me what I have and makes shopping a lot more focussed.

This is my conclusion…

[frame_center src=”http://www.mypollyanna.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/IMG_3533.jpg” href=””][/frame_center]

1. Tailored shorts in a neutral shade. Easily worn with brights or white for a clean look. (French Connection)
2. Silk cami. I’ve gone for a bright shade here but navy would also be good for versatility. (French Connection)
3. Tan leather sandals. I bought these because they quite literally go with anything. I can dress them up or just throw them on with shorts. (Sam Edelman)
4. Scarf. I chose leopard because it’s great for lifting a plain outfit and looks lovely with brights and neutrals. (Warehouse)
[frame_center src=”http://www.mypollyanna.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/IMG_3537.jpg” href=””][/frame_center]

5. Floral dress. (Emily & Fin)
[frame_center src=”http://www.mypollyanna.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/IMG_3534.jpg” href=””][/frame_center]

6. Wedges and clutch. MUST have wedges. Summer must-have, wedges are so easy to wear and versatile. (Stuart Weitzman, Russell & Bromley). Anya Hindmarch clutch that, with no exaggeration, goes with EVERYTHING!

[frame_center src=”http://www.mypollyanna.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/IMG_3538.jpg” href=””][/frame_center]
7. Cropped jeans and pumps. This is my staple outfit for cooler days and a typical ‘school-run’ style. I think cropped jeans at the ankle are really flattering and I find I can throw on a t-shirt, cami or shirt and they always look great (Koral, from Mimi Noor). My well-loved and well-worn Superga pumps in white add a touch of preppy style.
So that’s me. What items could you strip back to?

Laura x

 

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Standardby Laura

Embracing my new style rules, I was going to venture out of my navy and greige comfort zone and take on ‘summer brights’. As I live in skinny jeans, it seemed only right that I should start there.

[quote]”Buy the best you can afford and you’ll only buy once“[/quote]

My philosophy with jeans is, “Buy the best you can afford and you’ll only buy once“. I’m a big believer in having fewer, good quality items that wear and wash well that you will value more. So, with trepidation, I go forth on the hunt for my bright jeans. I head straight to Mimi Noor, my favourite denim boutique in Bath (yes I travel that far!) and dive on in….

Immediately, I am united with the jbrand 811, mid-rise skinny in Kumquat. A soft, coral colour that I knew would work well with neutrals and block colours. Sold.

[frame_center src=”http://www.mypollyanna.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/IMG_2872.jpg” href=””]Floral pumps: French Sole by Jane Winkworth[/frame_center]I wear them at every opportunity, they’re great dressed up for a summer party or with my beloved navy and pumps for everyday casual.[frame_center src=”http://www.mypollyanna.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/IMG_2866.jpg” href=””]Bag: Anya Hindmarch. Probably the most universal bag I own. Goes with everything! Shoes: Jimmy Choo. Classic neutral wedge bought on sale 3 years ago. These come out time after time due to their versatility. I’d always rather have one ‘special’ pair that I treasure.[/frame_center]

I didn’t think I could do it, but I’ve proved myself wrong and they seem to have created somewhat (or should I say kumquat??! – sorry that’s terrible!) of an addiction to brights. So have the confidence and just GO BRIGHT!

Laura x 

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