What do I do with clothes I don’t wear (and can’t let go)

Each month on the blogs I try and address some common questions I get asked.

A challenge which many people experience is having clothes they don’t wear, which they can’t bring themselves to get rid of.

Whilst there isn’t just one solution, here’s some ideas which may help.

A new life

Firstly, if you’ve got a lot of clothes you don’t wear, it’s worth seeing if you can identify any reasons for not wearing them.

Perhaps you’ve out-grown them, or they are no longer appropriate for your lifestyle. Maybe you don’t feel like ‘you’ when you wear them. Whatever your specific reasons, it’s worth asking yourself if this is likely to change and if you will re-wear them again.

Can you give a new lease of life to any of the items? With clothes I’m not wearing because of the colour, I’ve dyed them! Refreshing the colour in an old pair of jeans or completely changing the colour of other garments has helped me to wear things again.

Are any of them the wrong length or fit? It may take more effort or skill, but these can be altered so you do wear them again – even if it means taking it to a seamstress. Re-purpose clothes into other things, like a cushion cover, a bag or make a top or skirt from a dress instead.

If you’re not likely to re-wear them or change them to make them work for you, why is it that you keep them? Let the guilt go, thank it for it’s time and let someone else get joy from them.

Having a constant reminder each time you open the wardrobe doors does you no good. It’s a shame to let them gather dust at the back of your wardrobe when others would love them. Donating them will keep the item in circulation, avoid landfill and lighten your emotional load too.

Swap and swish

When I was younger, my friends at school would regularly have a clothing swishing party. Everyone would bring items along they don’t wear anymore and swap for something new! These events still happen today encouraging you to bring along your unworn items in exchange for a ticket to swap for another garment. They’re a great way of obtaining ‘new’ items, refreshing your wardrobe and culling things you don’t wear. You could even organise your own event too!

Sell

I like my money where I can see it; hanging in my closet! Carrie Bradshaw

A famous saying in the original series of Sex and The City. This is the reason that many people can’t let things go. The truth is that you’re unlikely to get the same money back that you spent in the first place (unless it’s vintage of course, then who knows!). But, this isn’t always the best reason to keep hold of things. Especially if you’re not wearing them.

Selling clothes you don’t wear (and unlikely to wear again) will help to lighten the load you feel emotionally and put some money in your pocket. Think of it as a reward for keeping them safe! There’s a huge pre-loved clothing market which I can’t see disappearing any time soon. Sure, it means competition, but everyone loves a bargain and your lovely clothes can be enjoyed by someone else whilst you earn a little cash.

Use the money you earn to treat yourself to something new (which you will wear), pay off some debts or treat yourself to a night out or a takeaway!

Ebay, Vinted and Facebook marketplace are the common places to sell and there are pre-loved groups on Facebook for certain brands too.

Rent

Whilst it won’t solve a bulging wardrobe, if you’ve got good quality, high end clothing and accessories you can’t bring yourself to part with, consider renting them out. Hurr, ByRotation and MyWardrobeHQ will facilitate the rental of your items to people for days or weeks at a time. It’s another way to give life to your unworn garments, make some money on the side and doesn’t mean getting rid of things.

The three F’s

Opening your wardrobe and feeling fed up that you can’t wear them will not help you to feel good getting dressed. There’s nothing worse than having a wardrobe filled with clothes that don’t fit you.

My advice? Get those clothes out of there!

If you can’t bring yourself to undertake any of the previous suggestions, store them away for now. Removing them from view will improve your mindset and how you feel each day. You can always revisit the items at a later date when you won’t feel quite so emotionally influenced by them.

Your wardrobe should be filled with clothes that fit you right now. They will be appropriate for you, right now. This way, you’ll have clothes you can wear now, even if it does make your wardrobe look sparse.

Clothes which fit you, flatter your figure and which make you feel good (the three f’s) should be in your wardrobe right now! Everything else is taking up space in your wardrobe (and your head).

Having help from someone who can be more objective and who isn’t emotionally attached to your clothes can also be helpful. This could be a friend, relative or a professional so don’t be afraid to seek assistance if you need it.

Use my guides here if you feel up for tackling your wardrobe on your own or get in touch: toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk

Capsule wardrobe workshop – 13 May 2023

Do you love the idea of having a capsule wardrobe but have no idea where to start?

Back by popular demand is this Capsule Wardrobe Workshop which takes place on Saturday 13 May at 1pm.

Join from the comfort of your own home and be guided through the stages involved in creating your own capsule wardrobe. The event lasts 2 hours and takes place via zoom so you’ll need a laptop, smart phone or tablet with an internet connection.

Each participants will each receive a capsule wardrobe workbook via email prior two the event so you can work through it during the session, or in your own time.

By joining this live group workshop, you’ll learn:

✅ The benefits of having a capsule wardrobe.

✅ How to work out the true cost of your garments.

✅ Tips to help you audit your wardrobe successfully.

✅ Guidance to help you analyse and plan your perfect wardrobe.

✅ An example of what’s inside a capsule wardrobe.

✅ Steps to create a capsules wardrobe that works for you.

✅ Checklists to help you assess what you have and identify what you need.

Here’s what some of the previous attendees had to say:

This event has now closed

Why not check out the Capsule Wardrobe On-demand Masterclass instead?

Four tips to make your wardrobe work better for you

Most people have too many clothes they don’t wear. The solution isn’t to get rid of everything or add more! Instead, make the most out of what you have, rework garments and do get rid of what doesn’t work/fit/suit you.

You may not feel creative enough or that you have the confidence to carry some looks off. But, it isn’t about becoming someone you’re not, it’s learning tips to adapt what you have to make them work for you.

Organise your wardrobe appropriately

Does your wardrobe work for you? All my clothes are in one wardrobe and I don’t swap or separate summer and winter clothes. This allows me to wear a ‘summer’ dress with thick tights and boots, or layer my vests and t-shirts with jumpers in the colder months to get more £s per wear. 

Be aware if you split your clothes into working and non working, your ‘rules’ can restrict your range of outfit choices. My wardrobe is organised by clothing type and colour. Tops are on a rail above my bottoms and dresses in a long hanging section. Vests and T-shirts are folded on shelves to maximise space and clothes are organised by colour groups allowing me to visually see and create outfits from matching tops to bottoms.

These trousers are old but not worn in ages as I’d earmarked them for going out. They still fit, love the colour and the style and fit is relaxed and uncluttered. Looking for a way to wear them, I realised I could pick four tops from what I already had. One of the benefits of a colour coordinated wardrobe and knowing your colours!

 

Assess the contents

Being able to objectively assess what you have against how you spend your time can help identify why your wardrobe isn’t working. For example, if you spend 40% of your time working and only 20% of your clothes are for work; you don’t have enough work clothes.

Wardrobe charts

Wardrobe charts document

Equally, having 20% party wear when you only go out 5% of the time means you don’t need any new going out gear!

Without this match, you’ll constantly feel like you’ve got nothing to wear. The reality is that the clothes you have aren’t appropriate for the occasion you’re dressing for. Focus on rebalancing the contents in your wardrobe.

These charts will help you. Download them here.

Then, revisit your clothes to try and wear them a different way or for a different occasion.

Identify and fill the gaps

The charts above help you identify the gaps based upon how you spend your time. You may not have enough ‘weekend’ jumpers, work tops or lack a lightweight jacket. Put these items on your shopping list. Buying another navy jacket or pair of jeans when you already have enough won’t solve the problem or gaps you identified!

Use the new season as an opportunity to check the latest trends and work out what you can add to your wardrobe to create some new looks. Whilst the latest trend might not be for you and, if it doesn’t ‘go’ with what you have, or you don’t have an occasion to wear it then it will stay hung up in your wardrobe with the tags still on!

The latest trends

Trends do come and go so, if something appeals, check your wardrobe first! It’s not what you buy but what you do with it and knowing what suits you. One benefit of knowing what colours suit me, how to dress my shape and style personality means I make very few shopping mistakes and my wardrobe is more coordinated.

You can learn about the latest colours and trends, where to find them and how to make them work through my seasonal updates. These are updated twice every year to coincide with Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. The colour and style update guide is updated from 1st April and 1st October. Watch my pre-recorded video and seasonal presentation of the colour and style trends which you can watch in your own time. Or, you can join the live group workshop which takes place online on the first Saturdays of April and October. They’re a great opportunity to stay up to date with the latest colours and trends as I do the hard work for you in pulling it together! Sign up for updates and join the wait list here.

Avoid temptation

Ask yourself if you have three things you can wear it with. Especially if it’s not on your list. Or, can you think of three occasions when you’ll be able to wear it?

When it’s not on your list and you can’t think of three things then it’s likely to become another thing unworn in your wardrobe.

Need help?

My colour and style consultations are the perfect way to gain the right knowledge on what suits you and why. Get in touch to find out more and book your appointment: toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk

Do you feel dread when you open your wardrobe doors?

Do you ever feel disheartened or frustrated when you open your wardrobe doors?

It’s something I hear a lot and it can be changed.

When you have a wardrobe full of clothes you don’t wear, you can also feel embarrassed or ashamed. If these clothes haven’t been worn, you can feel like you’ve wasted a lot of money too.

Here’s some common things I hear:

They don’t fit you (sometimes they never did…)

You can’t remember why you even bought them!

They don’t go with anything you’ve got in your wardrobe

They just don’t look right or feel right when you put them on and you don’t know why

Rest assured, these are all things that you can get better at!

The simple way to create a wardrobe of your dreams is to learn what clothes do suit you so you know what to shop for.

Don’t beat yourself up though – it happens to so many people. But you do need to stop, take a break and perhaps get some help.

That’s where I come in. As a colour consultant and personal stylist, I can help you learn what clothes flatter you so that you can look and feel fabulous!

Watch my video here

Get in touch now to book your session

Sessions are available virtually and in person at the studio in Wakefield. Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk

What does your wardrobe say about you?

Do you feel like the contents in your wardrobe don’t actually resemble how you currently spend your life now?

Feeling like your wardrobe is filled with clothes from a life in the past? Pre-covid, you wore proper shoes, dresses or tailoring. Now; your world and life doesn’t require you to dress the same way you once did. Plus, if it does, it’s perhaps once a week or even once a month.

Dress for the life you have now, not the one you had before.

My new motto feels so relevant right now based upon a number of conversations I’ve been having.

If you’ve got to rifle through clothes you’re not wearing, frankly it adds time to your day. It makes it hard work and a little demoralising too.

It reminded me of this article from the Daily Mail a few years ago reporting that women spend 17 minutes every day deciding what to wear and your past wardrobe won’t help.

Time to change things around and take some control. Let me share my own example.

Old ways of dressing

I used to work in the corporate world and had plenty of tailored suits and dresses which I loved. When I stopped working in that industry, these tailored suits didn’t feel appropriate anymore. I felt too formally dressed to meet clients for colour and style. Over time, I gradually got rid of them. The occasional dress I kept which I felt worked for speaking events and corporate clients. But the rest; I sold on eBay!

Clothes audit

If this all sounds rather familiar then it’s time to review what you’ve got and how you spend your time. I’ve made it easy to do this using my free wardrobe charts which you can download here.

Take a look at your clothes and ask yourself if you’re really likely to wear them again. Target the ones you’re not wearing or you used to wear all the time, but not lately. If you’re not, remove them and store them away for a few months to see if you miss them.

Should you find yourself longing for certain pieces, then perhaps it’s not the time to let these specific ones go.

But, if you find that they don’t fit, flatter or suit you anymore (think colour, style and shape) and they don’t work for how you spend your time now, then maybe it’s time to pass them on to someone who can enjoy them. Give them to a charity shop or a friend. Put them on eBay or vinted if they’re still in good condition. If they’re high end, consider the rental marketplace to lend them to others.

Can’t let them go?

The challenge in keeping items ‘just in case’ is that they take up space even when they aren’t being worn. Plus, how long do you hold onto them for? If you buy new things, you’re just expanding your wardrobe further and making it harder to get dressed wasting more time looking for what to wear!

That’s why the charts will help. You can assess what you have and how you spend your time. You can probably do it over a brew too as they don’t take long.

Mind the gap!

In my experience, when you skip this step, you’ll tend to have gaps in your wardrobe that you don’t seem to fill because you’ve not identified the garments you need. You’ll buy more of the same things you already have (probably what you’re not wearing) and continue to feel that you have nothing to wear.

Of course, you do have clothes to wear, but you’re just not feeling they’re appropriate for how you’re spending your time. That’s where the charts come in!

Use them to identify the garments that don’t work for your life right now that you can store away. (Use a suitcase, vacuum packed bag or spare drawer if you have one).

For the items you have left – are they really working? Are you actually wearing them? If you’re not then ask why not? Are they the right colour for you? Work for your style personality (it may have changed if your life has changed)? Do they fit and flatter your shape and proportions?

When you’ve done the charts and the assessment, hopefully you’ve been able to identify some immediate gaps you have. Write these items down or put them in your phone notes so that you can look for them on your next shopping trip. Try and be as specific as possible. So if it’s a jacket, ideally what colour(s) would you want? Is it long or short? Buttoned or zipped? Being specific will help you focus on getting something that you need rather than wandering aimlessly around.

Give it a go – it’ll help you get your wardrobe to be more YOU!

Should you feel you need more help with any aspect, don’t be afraid to get in touch for some professional help. I’ll be happy to help you with your colour, style, shape and overall image!

toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk

Need help with a wardrobe refresh?

It’s that time of year again when we have the urge to purge our wardrobe.

Did you tackle the job over Christmas? Or is it on the ever growing to-do list?

One thing is for sure, there’s a bit more joy when you open the wardrobe doors to neat and orderly rails and tidy drawers isn’t there??

A cluttered space affects how we feel but it can actually mean less outfit choices, as you can’t see the wood for the trees. When your space is more organised, you can actually see what you have. Things you can’t see, you won’t wear. With this ‘space’ it can also help to inspire new outfit combinations. I like to have my tops above my bottoms (in colour and type order) so that I can visually identify items to match up with bottoms.

But I totally get it. Any form of decluttering is a time consuming task. Not to mention how exhausting it can be to tackle your wardrobes and drawers in one go.

Here’s a few tips to help you with your ‘new year wardrobe refresh’:

  1. Start by turning your coat hangers so they all face the same direction. (Revisit my hanger trick).
  2. Next, remove any garments which don’t fit you, don’t make you feel good or don’t flatter you.
  3. Feeling overwhelmed? Too much or don’t have enough time? Break it into manageable chunks and focus on one drawer or shelf at a time. Read and watch my previous videos here.
  4. Got time but not sure where to start? Download my five step guide.
  5. Identify your staple items and must-have pieces. Staple items are the ones that you wear time and time again. Must-have pieces are the ones in the right colour, right style, right shape, fit your lifestyle and feel comfortable so you love wearing them! To help you identify what you have and how you spend your time, you can use my wardrobe charts.
  6. Do attack your smalls! Get rid of old and worn items. Donate any bras in good condition and check tights and socks for ladders and holes.
  7. Jewellery and accessories are often overlooked but these items can transform ANY outfit. Tidy out and organise these so you know what you’ve got! Take pics with your clothes if it helps you create outfits.
  8. Women love shoes and bags which means we tend to hang onto them, long after we ‘need’ them. I’m betting there’s a pair of shoes or a bag which you bought for a wedding six years ago to go with an outfit that you now no longer have or doesn’t fit?! Get them all out and give ’em a good clean and tidy. Assess what might need repairing and what may need a new home.
  9. Not strictly wardrobes but your makeup and toiletries need a regular clean and declutter. Multiple bottles of shampoo, moisturiser or lipstick? If they’re years old (and been opened) they’re no doubt out of date. If you tried them and they don’t work for you or suit you then why keep them? It’s hard to let things go when you’ve paid a lot of money but you’ll never use them! There are now recycling boxes at some stores so check locally. Don’t forget to look for the little ‘open pot’ sign on your toiletries as this number represents the months each item is good for once opened. Clean your brushes and sponges too.
  10. Learn how to create a capsule wardrobe that works for you! It’s the number one thing people tell me they want to achieve from their wardrobe but just have no idea where to start or how to achieve it. Now you’ve done your refresh, book a ticket to my capsule wardrobe workshop on Saturday 22 January at 2pm! Tickets are available here..

Items you might need:

  1. Bin bags – ideally four: one for rubbish, one for the ones you’re not sure of and will review again, one for the ones you want to sell or donate and another for the ones that need repairing.
  2. New hangers – thin velvet ones are ideal as they take up less room.
  3. Boxes or organisers to help with storage of scarves, tops, vests and jewellery
  4. A laptop, smart phone or tablet to join the capsule wardrobe workshop mentioned above!

 

I hope this helps you to make a start on your wardrobe and the small changes you feel empowered to make gives you the motivation to keep going as you will feel lighter and clearer by doing this.

But, if it leaves you feeling overwhelmed- ask yourself why…what is feeling too difficult and do you need some professional help?

Do you know what colours actually work for you or is this stumping you from starting the edit as you have no idea?

Do you know what styles suit you or has your body shape changed (regardless of Christmas indulgence!)…so now you have “settled for clothes that cover but do little else to make you feel good?

An edit can be great for helping you see what the problem is and if you can identify this then I can help to solve them! Just drop me a line and get in touch to see what session would work for you.

Nine ways to add colour to your wardrobe

Wearing colour is so easy!

So, in this video, I’m going to show you how easy it is to add colour to what you wear.

I’ll show you nine simple ways that you can try out for yourself.

Which one will you try and wear??

Watch it here.

  1. Choose a top or a dress (in one of your best shades of course)
  2. Choose a pair of shoes or some boots
  3. Wear jewellery such as a necklace or even earrings
  4. How about a corsage or a colourful brooch (you could even wear it in your hair)
  5. Choose a handbag
  6. A colourful pair of gloves
  7. Wear a lipstick or lip gloss (in your best shade of course)
  8. Choose a scarf
  9. How about a hat?!

Three tips when you get stuck in a rut

We all get stuck in a bit of a rut from time to time.

Clothing especially so and it’s something I hear of a lot.

Here’s a few simple tips so you can ensure that you’re dressed to impress every day and to help you feel a little better.

Add colour!

Come on, you knew I’d add this in at some point! Trust me, it really will help boost your mood. During the cold dark winter months in the UK, there is nothing better to lift the mood. Just imagine yourself in a lovely warm teal jumper or a pair of pink comfy joggers! It’s simple – think of your favourite colour and wear it!

A client recently bought the purple super soft scarf (see online shop) so she could “add colour and brighten up her dark winter coat”. Obviously I nodded in agreement as there’s no better, or easier way to transform your look or elevate an outfit. Simply wrap a colourful scarf around your neck to feel stylish, warm and toasty!

Try a new bag in a statement shade. I remember a client who came for a colour analysis some years ago now and the first item on her shopping list was a new bag in one of the shades from her new swatches!

If you’re the outdoorsy type, try a pair of colourful wellies for your walk! They really will up the style factor and make you feel great too!

Embellish!

All too often accessories get forgotten, but they’re actually an essential part of completing your look.

If you’re a natural like me or prefer an unfussy or minimal look, it’s easy to forget but trust me; try adding a simple necklace to your outfit and you’ll instantly see how it elevates your look.

Layer some necklaces over your favourite everyday top, cinch your waist in with a belt on your usual work dress or just switch out your stud earrings for something a little bolder.

Pamper

Hands especially have had a rough ride with more hand washing (essential) and sanitiser. Treat your hands and feet to a little extra care. You can do it yourself or pop to your local salon. I love having a manicure and pedicure (even though no-one can see my feet!). You can choose a shade which is subtle like a nude or go bold to up the glam factor! If I doubt on the colour, check your swatches!

Try a face mask too as just a few minutes relaxing can make all the difference. I love the avocado face mask (available from the online shop). It smells so amazing and makes my skin feel so much smoother when I use it too.

With just a few small tweaks, you can instantly switch up your mood and how you feel in what you wear.

If you’re looking for a little more in depth assistance then you can always book a makeup lesson, colour or style session to really get the star treatment!

Book now to get yourself sorted for 2022.

DIY wardrobe planning tips

How many times have you uttered the words: I have nothing to wear??

We’ve all done it! However, clicking the fingers and imagining it’s different doesn’t tend to happen so what have you done to actually change it?

Here’s a few of my do-it-yourself pointers.

1. Assess your contents

Firstly, you need to know what you’ve got and if things are suitable. All too often we have clothes that just aren’t appropriate for the occasion we are dressing for and that’s when we feel like we’ve got nothing to wear. So, use these wardrobe charts to help you assess the contents along with how you spend your time. You can read this blog about what to do when your wardrobe doesn’t work and download the charts here.

2. Take the hanger challenge

This really does work! It’s as simple as turning all your hangers round so they face the same way. Then, as you wear things, switch them round to face the opposite way. You’ll soon begin to easily notice what you are and aren’t wearing! Plus, it’s a quick little tip to help you snap out of the wearing the same thing habit you might be stuck in. You might even spot some obvious things you’re not getting your use out of too. Read more here.

3. Declutter your wardrobe

This can be challenging for people and it’s often why I’m called in. But, if you’re up for the challenge to do it yourself, then here is my declutter guide which will help you spring clean your wardrobe in five easy steps. You’ll need to give yourself time to embark on this one but it will be worth it. Download it here.

4. Declutter in chunks

If a total declutter is too overwhelming, then simply try it in manageable chunks. One drawer at a time, one area at a time. It will take you longer overall but you can squeeze bits in as and when you feel you have time. Read the blog and view the videos I’ve made previously on this here: Five areas to declutter in manageable chunks!

5. Create a capsule wardrobe

You’ve read the articles and seen the programs saying you need just 23/35/70/insert number of items you need to create the perfect capsule wardrobe! But, rarely is there any advice over how to do so, or indeed making it relevant to you or your lifestyle.

So, if you want to shoot straight to creating a capsule wardrobe that works for you, then this workbook will take you through every step to creating one. Get it here.

Let me know how you get on and if you find you need some professional help, don’t be afraid to get in touch with me.

Good luck and let me know how you get on!

Toni x

What to do when your wardrobe doesn’t work for you

How many times have you opened your wardrobe doors and felt uninspired by what’s staring back at you?

Despite having clothes to wear, you still feel like you have nothing appropriate to wear for the occasion you’re dressing for.

This is something I find time and time again with clients. It could be that your lifestyle has changed and let’s be honest; lockdown has had that effect for many of us!

If the contents of your wardrobe no longer match your lifestyle or how you spend your time, then you’ll constantly feel like you’ve got nothing to wear.

The solution isn’t to get rid of all your clothes and start again (and nor would I advise to!). Instead, it’s worth looking at how you spend your time and what clothes you can wear which you own.

These charts have been created to help you do just that. First, map out how you spend your time. Things like walking the dog, working (from home or out), looking after kids or parents, exercising and so on. Next, review your clothes and if they fit in with your lifestyle.

You see, when your charts don’t match in equal proportion, you’ll need to focus on adjusting the balance. Seeing this will probably confirm why you feel the way you do.  And, you’ll be able to identify where the gaps are in your wardrobe. If you don’t adjust the balance then you’ll constantly feel like you have nothing to wear.

If the clothes you own do match how you spend your time, then congratulations: you have the right balance!

You can open and download the wardrobe charts below and if you need professional help, reach out and get in touch.

Download your wardrobe charts here

These charts will help you achieve the right balance in your wardrobe so you can stop feeling like you’ve got nothing to wear!

Wardrobe charts

Capsule wardrobe workshop 22 January

Are you still lusting after the elusive capsule wardrobe??

Do you love the idea of having a carefully curated wardrobe that works for you?

During this practical workshop, Toni will go through the key stages involved in creating your own capsule wardrobe. One that works for you. Those attending will receive a copy of her capsule wardrobe workbook ahead of the session to allow you to follow it during the session.

This workshop has been popular in the past. It takes place virtually from the comfort of your own home so you’ll need a laptop, smart phone or tablet to join the session.

You will learn:

✅ Benefits of having a capsule wardrobe
✅ The true cost of your garments
✅ How to audit your wardrobe
✅ Guidance to help you analyse and plan your perfect wardrobe
✅ What’s inside a capsule wardrobe and how to create it
✅ Checklists of what you have and what you need

“That was absolutely valuable and a fabulous way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

The workshop was great, relaxed, informative, organised and helped so much being talked through the workbook.

I’ll be performing a wardrobe audit, doing some planning and using the capsule wardrobe checklists to get everything set up and organised.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”

Book now!

Tickets cost £29.99 including the capsule wardrobe workbook available here.

Capsule wardrobe workshop 20 March

Lusting after the elusive capsule wardrobe?

Have you got a wardrobe full of clothes but still feel like you have nothing to wear?

In this workshop, Toni will go through the stages involved in creating a capsule wardrobe that works for you. Each attendee will receive a workbook which they can follow during the event, or use in their own time.

This session will take place virtually from the comfort of your own home so you’ll need a laptop, smart phone or tablet to be able to join the session.

You will learn:

✅ Benefits of having a capsule wardrobe
✅ The true cost of items
✅ How to audit your wardrobe
✅ Analysing and planning your perfect wardrobe
✅ What’s in a capsule wardrobe and how to create it
✅ Checklists of what you have and what you need

Each ticket costs £29 and includes a workbook.

Here’s what a previous attendee said:
“That was absolutely valuable and a fabulous way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

The workshop was great, relaxed, informative, organised and helped so much being talked through the workbook.

I’ll be performing a wardrobe audit, doing some planning and using the capsule wardrobe checklists to get everything set up and organised.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”

Buy your tickets here.

How to stop wearing the same things every day

You’ve heard the stat; we only wear 20% of the clothes in our wardrobe 80% of the time.

So, how do you stop reaching for the same thing every day? Here is my nifty little trick for you to try out!

Step one

First up, I’d recommend a quick assessment of any obvious items hanging in your wardrobe which need to go.

Clothes you never wear because:

– they’re scruffy
– falling apart
– unflattering
– totally wrong for you
– don’t feel good in
– wrong colour, style, fit and shape.

If you don’t feel good wearing something, why bother to wear it? And please, don’t ‘save’ these clothes for the chores and jobs such as cleaning, gardening or exercising! It won’t help your mindset, so as tough as it sounds; get rid!

Step two

Next up, turn all the hangers round so they are facing the same direction.

Why? Well, each time you wear an item and hang it back up (whether worn once or after washing); turn the hanger round to face the opposite way.

This way it’s a visual reminder of what items of clothes you are wearing and also, which ones you aren’t.

You’ll begin to see a pattern emerge.

I’ve done this exercise many times myself and recommended it to my clients and always recommend it to attendees my capsule wardrobe workshops.

The result

It’s a really simple way to challenge yourself to stop reaching for the same thing every day. Think about it as a way of identifying what you’re not wearing – that’s those hangers facing the opposite way.

Be creative – I’m not talking pink tutu, striped shirt, pair of trousers and a fascinator (unless that’s really your style). You’re still you and they are still your clothes. Just try to reach for the items you’re not wearing and see if you can wear it with something else in your wardrobe.

Visibly seeing the hangers a different way makes you consciously more aware of what you pick out without any thought. We can all get lazy, bored and complacent. You might find that you’re not wearing things because you don’t like them or they don’t suit you, by which point at least you know and you can remove them!

Choose something different to wear tomorrow and the day after! You’ll soon be wearing more of your clothes and have stop wearing the same things every day.

Try it, you might surprise yourself by what you find.

If you would prefer to watch a short video, check this one out which I created on Youtube. 

If you do need any help, get in touch about my wardrobe audit services.

Capsule wardrobe workshop

Lusting after the elusive capsule wardrobe?

Have you got a wardrobe full of clothes but still feel like you have nothing to wear?

In this workshop, Toni will go through the stages involved in creating a capsule wardrobe that works for you. Each attendee will receive a workbook which they can use to follow during the event, or in their own time.

This session will take place virtually from the comfort of your own home so you’ll need a laptop, smart phone or tablet to be able to join the session.

By joining this 90 minute workshop, you will learn:

✅ Benefits of having a capsule wardrobe
✅ The true cost of items
✅ How to audit your wardrobe
✅ Analysing and planning your perfect wardrobe
✅ How to create and what’s in a capsule wardrobe
✅ Checklists of what you have and what you need

The event will take place online on Saturday 7 November at 2pm. You’ll receive a link to access the event when you book.

Each ticket costs £29 and includes a workbook.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Five areas to declutter

Does the thought of a declutter fill you with dread or enthusiasm? No time to do it? Or is it just too overwhelming?

Perhaps with lockdown, it seems to have been an area of focus for many people. In May 2020, I worked with a professional declutterer to bring you our first virtual wardrobe workshop. We recorded a tutorial which you can watch if you missed it which comes with our top ten tips, simply drop me an email if you’re interested.

There’s also been a surge in the number of people who have been downloading the free five step guide too so they can declutter following my simple advice.

I’ve helped numerous people as well: this is what Helen had to say after our declutter session:

Wardrobe testimonial

Not everyone has gained time during lockdown to dedicate to the task. Some people tell me they simply feel like it’s a job too big to tackle and they aren’t quite ready to let go and let me help.

Introducing the new video series – how to declutter in manageable chunks

I decided to record a series of videos covering just five areas to focus on and declutter. You can watch the video series on social media and YouTube here:

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube – Part 1 /Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5

Splitting things down into manageable chunks makes it easier to tackle and takes less time so it doesn’t feel as overwhelming. Typically, these areas are often left untouched making them ideal to focus on for my declutter series.

Here’s a summary of each video in the series:

Part 1 – Sort your smalls!

Given how frequent we open and close these drawers, you’d think that we’d clear them out more frequently. This drawer is often neglected the most.

Throw away any old, worn or items with holes. Remember, bras in good condition can be donated to charity.

Tighten your bra straps as they ‘give’ with time. A well fitted bra can give you a much better posture and shave inches off of your figure! Try stacking them with the cups one behind the other to save room.

Why not colour code your pants or sort them into everyday and going out piles? Just remember that if it’s organised then it’ll be easy in a morning. There’s lots of organisers and folding techniques online.

Now move on to hosiery and socks. I was surprised by how many tights I had and yet did not wear (it even happens to me!). Throw away any that are snagged or have holes. Sort into colours and again dividers can help to organise depending upon your drawer. Give the drawers a wipe or vac before putting everything back in.

Part 2 – Jewellery declutter

Thanks suzanne jewellery
Rather embarrassingly, I’d let my jewellery boxes become somewhat untidy and taking a bit of time to look through each box can uncover a potential treasure trove!

For now, you may not be going out or dressing up as much, but you’d be surprised at the joy sparked when you uncover an item you’ve not worn in a while and forgotten about. That’s what can happen when everything is tucked away. If you have room to display your necklaces and you like it that way, then do. Or, for a tidier approach, keep them safe and use jewellery boxes. The ‘stackers’ system allows me to store everything away to keep it tidy.

With your sentimental pieces which you can’t bear to rid of them, simply clean them and store them. For everything else, just like your clothes, ask yourself if you’ll wear it again? What with? Try and play dress up if it’s something you love so that you can find a way to wear it.

Part 3 – Handbag Declutter

 

When was the last time you checked or emptied your handbags before putting them away? Upon undertaking the task myself early into lockdown, I discovered a lipgloss, lipstick and hand sanitiser; so it was a worthwhile task!

No matter the size of your collection, get them out and empty each one in turn. Vacuum the insides if they need it and wipe them down before putting them back where you store them.

Remember that just like clothes; what you can’t see you won’t use, so don’t tuck them and hide them away. Check for any repairs as if you have any high end or designer bags, there are services available to repair them.

Finally, don’t hang onto bags you won’t use or don’t ‘match’ any more. They just clutter up space. Donate or sell them if they’re in good condition.

Part 4 – Make-up and toiletries

If you tend to store things in multiple locations, it’s easy to lose track of what you have and what’s being used. Be realistic about how much you have – there isn’t any point keeping 20 lipsticks if you forget to wear it or that cleanser or moisturiser if it doesn’t agree with your skin. Equally, anything you don’t use or doesn’t flatter you, is worth getting rid of too.

It can be tempting to keep things if you’ve spent a lot of money, which I totally understand. But, just like clothes, if it’s not flattering for you/you don’t like it/it doesn’t like you, then why keep it if you’ll never wear it?

Clean and wipe down any containers or makeup bags, using anti-bacterial spray or wipes if you prefer. Note the little picture of a pot with a number underneath or on the label of your toiletries and cosmetics. This refers to the number of months an item is at it’s best once it has been opened and can vary between manufacturers and products.

Has it got a funny smell? Ages since you first opened and used it? I’m afraid my advice is to bin it – you don’t want an infection and it certainly won’t be at its best anymore. This is where I tend to see the most waste; usually because the shade isn’t right – everything from lipsticks, foundations, mascaras, blusher and face creams.

Contact me for advice on the shades which suit your colouring if you find this is an area that you spend and waste money on.

Micellar water

Regularly wash your brushes and sponges too with a makeup brush cleanser. I use a brush egg to really get into the bristles too which are available on the high street for £1. My Rose Micellar water (see my video last year) also does the job. Sponges (again cheap to buy) can be popped into a mesh net bag and washed in the washing machine but when they begin to break, put them in the bin.

Use trays or organisers rather than have your cosmetics loose in a drawer to keep them tidy and stop them getting damaged. My magnetic compact is perfect for this and allows me to keep my eyeshadows, blushers and highlighters in one handy box and using less space too.


Part 5 – shoes

We do love shoes don’t we. I’d say this is the area that can totally show your personality type as well as being in need of a declutter and sort out.

Some people tend to keep things for certain occasions: that wedding 4 years ago that you’ve never worn them again. Another pair of black boots, more worn than the current pair you’re going to start wearing. Or, the shoes you simply can’t walk in/kill your feet but you love them so much, you can’t possibly let them go!

Be realistic and honest with yourself. If you’ve got 5 pairs of black shoes or boots which are pretty much the same, do you need to keep them all?

Prefer matching your footwear to your handbags or outfits? Maybe you’ve still got the items you matched the shoes with (ie the wedding from 4 years ago). If not, can you wear them with something else? If you can’t or you won’t, then is it worth keeping them? Again, you can donate any or sell any if good condition.

 

These are areas you just don’t get to aren’t they? When life is a bit hectic or you weren’t as tidy as you’d like to be. It certainly does take less time to declutter this way and is still equally as rewarding!

Virtual wardrobe workshop – Saturday 23 May

Have you got a wardrobe bursting at the seams and yet have nothing to wear?  Fear not!
We are collaborating with A Tidy Mind West Yorkshire to bring you the ultimate virtual workshop to make your wardrobe work for you.
If you want your wardrobe to make you smile this is the workshop for you.
Join us at 2pm on Saturday 23 May from the comfort of your own home and we’ll inspire you with our super advice on decluttering, storage, colour and style. You’ll also receive ten top tips from us following the event too.
This is a ticketed event which must be purchased in advance of the session.
The price of your ticket is just £10 and get ready to feel fabulous in your clothes!
To obtain a ticket, please email: Toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk

Is it time to detox those wardrobes?

Every so often, it’s worth opening those wardrobe doors and having a clear out!

This type of detox can be a time consuming task and one which usually fills people with dread! Make sure you give yourself enough time to do this!

Often clients ask if I can help them and of course I am more than happy to do so. In my experience, people find it easier if someone else helps as it can be quite an overwhelming task. Click here for more details.

If you’ve heard me at a talk or had a consultation with me then you may have heard me mention the 80/20 rule. This is that most women only wear 20% of the clothes in their wardrobe 80% of the time. Plus, I have found that there are many women who have more than one wardrobe full of clothes!!

The key thing here is about ensuring that what you have in your wardrobe is right for you. If you’ve got five identical items and nothing to wear them with, then they won’t get worn.

It’s the same with sale shopping. We all love a bargain! But it’s only ever a real bargain if you actually wear it!

If you have clothes languishing in the back of your wardrobe and *shock* still with labels on…then something has gone wrong!

Here’s some tips on detoxing those wardrobes:

  1. Is it in the right colour for you which compliments your features and characteristics such as your skin tone?
  2. Does it fit? And I mean properly!
  3. Is it in good condition? If a button has fallen off or the hem stitching has come undone, can it easily be repaired? If it can, make sure you do or you won’t wear it!
  4. How do you feel when you wear it? This is key as if you don’t feel good wearing something, you won’t even leave the house.
  5. Have you got at least three other items in your wardrobe that you can wear it with?

If the answer is no then I’m afraid it’s time to say good bye.

If you need some help, please get in touch with me and I come and help you to detox those wardrobes with pleasure!