Prepare to Spring Clean your Wardrobe!

Spring has sprung! Excitement – and sadly for me – hay fever is in the air! But whilst I sneeze in exhilaration, I am also aware that it’s time to spring clean your wardrobe. I’ve been running weekly challenges on my Facebook page this month www.facebook.com/wardrobeflair.

The first challenge was about visual clarity in your wardrobe. Can you see what you ACTUALLY have? I mean this quite literally. How many of you hang multiple items on one hanger? I’m sure many of you do. So this is the first thing you need to do, take off all items and allocate one piece per hanger. Simple right? This might mean that you either need to do a mini cull of clothing you don’t actually wear first so that you have enough hangers OR it might be that you need to head to the shops and buy more hangers. Either way, at least each piece can be seen or you will no longer have to declare ‘oh THAT’S where that went’.

I really like wooden hangers best if you are going to replace or buy new hangers. They not only look really nice, they are the kindest things possible for your clothes. Many a piece of clothing have I seen that has been damaged in some way by nasty wire hangers. Plastic is second best, but if you can ‘spring’ for some nice hangers, wooden are the way to go.

Second and very importantly on the list “TO DO’ this spring, is a good underwear cleanout. Now whether you are a matching top & bottoms sort of a girl or someone who doesn't care/notice what state your smalls draw is in, the focus is on checking out what you have and what needs replacing. Your checklist includes - does it fit? Is it comfortable? (no scratchy lace allowed) Can I see my hand through it? Is my bra the right size? Have I been and had a free bra fitting? (Bendon stores do these & advise it should be done yearly).

With summer coming and T-shirts to be worn, we don't want to add bulges due to ill-fitted underwear. So I’d like you to dump your whole underwear draw on the bed and go through it piece by piece. While you are at it, rearrange it to look pretty – two jobs in one! It’s a great excuse to again see what you have and what needs replacing.



In next month’s column I will go through a detailed list of what a really good summer capsule wardrobe needs to include and hints and tips on what style or shape these pieces need to include. Spring and summer can be tricky for many people for multiple reasons. One being that we are exposing more skin and for many people that seems super scary. Never fear! I’m here to make sure you have a fun, colourful, comfortable summer wardrobe that fits you well, suits your shape and generates lots of compliments so you can enjoy spring and summer to the full. Stay tuned!

Regards Trudi

www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair

Trelise Cooper Summer 2015 Collection in Association with Breast Cancer Cure

I’m really excited about an event on Wednesday night (6 August 2014) that will not only be a vibrant and exciting mix of 2015 fashion and fashionistas, it is in support of a hugely important cause. Breast Cancer Cure, a not-for-profit organisation established solely to support research into breast cancer are teaming up with one of its many high profile patrons, the divine Dame Trelise Cooper.

Come one, come all to the Coutts Newmarket, Mercedes-Benz showrooms in Auckland to see, I have no doubt, a beautiful Spring Summer 2015 collection which we can look forward to wearing during our favourite seasons. As with all Dame Trelise’s collections, I always look forward to hearing the story of where her inspiration has come from and how she manages to adapt that to beautiful, wearable pieces of clothing.

As well as the excitement of fashion there will be wonderful raffles, including a $250 gift voucher from Trelise, a L’Oreal Gift basket worth $250, Tickets to the Coop Show at Fashion Week, Gold Samsung S5 mobile phone courtesy of Vodafone and my fingers crossed winning it fav a Bottle of Moet. The event is from 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.

Tickets are $75 entry only or $85 for entry plus a Raffle ticket. Do a good deed – all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Cure – and come along to enjoy this wonderful event. I look forward to seeing you there and hope you will find me to say hi!

http://www.breastcancercure.org.nz/trelise-cooper-summer-2015-collection.html

Regards Trudi

www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair

Breaking up the BLACK

Anyone who knows me knows how much I despair over how many people wear black. Having just returned from a presentation in Christchurch, I can confirm it’s not just a Wellington & Auckland ‘thing’ it is in fact a NZ thing. It is also a ‘winter’ thing and for me, a depressing ‘thing’. Harsh, I know, but my opinion.

Don’t get me wrong, I know why people are wearing black. Or at least I know at LEAST half a dozen excuses why people do. Let me see if I can cover all the bases. There is LOTS of it in the shops – true. It goes with everything – not true. It’s safe, true. I don’t want to stand out – personal preference. Its slimming – not always true. It’s corporate, true but there are many other better corporate colours as well. Everyone else is wearing it – true. I don’t know what other colours suit me – I understand that scary concept. Its classic – well, maybe in NZ!

Ok, so if you have ticked one, two or all of the above reasons and you are not to be swayed out of wearing black, at least do one thing for me. Wear SOME colour to lift the effects of black on skin that it does suit (which by the way is making people look older and tired). Those that do suit black, great, go for it. But know that compliments will be few and far between if you also have a whole wardrobe of it.

My best tip, is to find a really nice sleeveless vest or top with which you can wear a coloured top or shirt underneath. This at least gives a pop of colour nearer your face and down your arms, whilst still encasing your body in black to achieve any slimming capabilities you may be searching for.



Accessories! They are your best friend with black. A gorgeous coloured scarf or necklace in a beautiful colour will gain you many things. A lift and lots of compliments being the main two. It also says to people ‘hey, I know I’m wearing boring old black but at least I’m adding something a little more interesting.’

How about instead of wearing a black dress with a black cardigan or blazer, you make that outer layer colourful? That way again, the body is encased but the arms and side have great, beneficial colour. I know its winter and people feel more inclined to wear black during this dark and cold time. To me this seems crazy. What I believe we need is much more colour during the bleak season.

Another request from me. I want you to notice people who DO wear colour during winter. I want you to smile at them and tell them they look nice. Then once you have added a splash of colour to your black wardrobe, the same will happen for you. Let’s pay compliments forward when people are brave enough to step out of their comfort zone and try a bit of colour.

P.S. If you have a coloured winter coat, then you already get extra points from me!

Stay warm, stay colourful,!
Trudi
www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair

Are you hiding out in your Winter clothes?

Many people say they find Winter dressing much easier. Much easier to hide certain body parts they giggle. Whenever I hear the word 'hide' I have to grimace. The reason is that 9/10 times, the body part you are trying to hide is actually made to look much bigger. The right styles for your body shape is the way to go if you want to successfully disguise certain areas.

So other than inappropriate volume, usually in areas that don't need that volume, what other ways to people 'hide' during Winter? They hide with a lack of colour. I can't tell you the number of times someone says to me "oh my summer wardrobe is full of colour, but I only wear black and grey in Winter."

Call me crazy, but don't you think Winter is the perfect time to inject some colour when it's cold, wet and dark outside? I realise some people do seem to associate colour with sun and happiness and Winter with dreary darkness, but I'm here to try and change that. Colour during the colder months makes us look better. It perks up other people too! I am ALWAYS going on about people needing to buy a coloured Winter coat and sure enough, the people that do report back to me to say people smile at them in the street.

You suit the colours you suit rain or shine. If you need a tan to wear a colour, this probably means that colour isn't right for you. Find one that you don't feel washed out in or need to do extra's with (need to add a scarf, more lippy etc.) There are plenty of your own colours to choose from.

Another way people try to hide in their Winter clothing is by adding bulky knits in the hope that with the bulk, they will get superior warmth. Nowadays with all the fine merino around, you can layer for both superb warmth and looks. There really isn't any need for big bulky sweaters if you don't suit or like them.

Don't get me wrong, texture is a wonderful thing and in full abundance this season. Velvet, lace, wool, leather or fur, choose your texture and enjoy it. There has to be other major benefits to Winter other than crockpots and roaring fires. For fashion this season, it is about wearing and enjoying textures but also making sure they suit your shape.



Stay warm, stay colourful, don't hide. Enjoy the benefits of Winter clothing and swim against the stream of dull and bulky clothing. You can do it and trust me when the compliments come streaming in you with be rather pleased you did. !
Trudi
www.wardrobeflair.com
www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair
www.twitter.com/WardrobeFlair

Q&A with a Personal Stylist - what the heck do you actually do?

As a personal stylist who has been in business for over 9 years, I find people are quite interested in this job I do and love. I thought you might find it amusing and interesting to learn about some of the usual questions I am faced with on a daily/weekly basis from my clients and the people I meet. So grab a coffee, get the baby settled (yeah right) and I hope this makes you smile.

Is there a market for that? I mean WHO uses you?

I was recently asked this for an online fashion magazine and here is what I told them. People use a personal stylist when they realise that when you invest some money in learning how to buy and wear clothing that suits you, you end up saving money. You end up enjoying what you have and feeling confident you are doing the best you can with what you have. I’ve seen ages 2-78, Sizes 4-36, mums to musicians, priests (yes it’s true quite a few!) to professionals. A call is often triggered by a life event, or reasons like weight loss and gains, bodies changing after babies, a step up the corporate ladder, returning to the workforce or a significant birthday.

Which season do people find more difficult to dress in?

Hands down, Summer. It’s because loads of people feel they can ‘hide’ in winter clothes. When skin is on show (arms & knee in particular) people feel quite nervous.

What do people find the hardest to buy?

Good ole Jeans. Always hits No.1. Keep an eye on my Facebook page as I’m going to be giving a lot more helpful hints on how to buy jeans and what to look for. You will even find a video instruction from me. People really want a great pair of jeans and really struggle to find ones that fit them. https://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair

Do you throw away loads of people’s clothes?

Yes and no. We don’t personally do it, we don’t fill a bag and leave with it, but we do put it in a pile and it has been explained by either us or the client has seen it for themselves WHY it isn’t right. Often people tell me then and there “I’m going to sneak that back in you know!” which makes me smile. Because guaranteed 6 mths later, they say “I tried to wear it again and it just didn’t work so I threw it away”. When you understand the principals of why something isn’t right, it’s much easier to let it go rather than use the normal excuses of ‘I’ll fit it one day, it might become trendy again, I spent SO much money on it, I was given it, it reminds me of a lovely memory”.



Do you see clients’ who love shopping and have loads of money to spend?

Not often on both counts. Our job is not about wandering around town buying the latest fashions for wealthy clients. It’s helping everyday people to spend wisely on clothes they actually need for their lifestyle and within a budget. Most of our client’s really dislike shopping. We do lots of Op-shopping with clients who need a decent amount of clothing within a small budget. It’s a great idea if you are fluctuating in weight after having had a baby. You are sick and tired of your maternity clothes, but not willing to go the whole hog and spend too much in case your weight/shape changes!

Do you ever get tired of shopping?

No. Never. Ever.

Have you ever not been able to help anyone?

Nope. Because each person takes different things from a session. For some it’s about the de-clutter of the wardrobe. For others learning about colours. Some people have a great instinct for colours but struggle with their body shape and what suits it. Many just feel like they have lost their mojo with clothing due to life circumstances – age and childbirth being a couple of major ones.

Do you see many male clients?

Yes, loads. They actually really like the process because it’s logical and problem solving. When you can tell a man this suits you, this is why, here buy this. They go “oh, ok”. I’m also sure they quite enjoy being bossed around a bit by someone else other than their wife.

For more details visit the website or making a booking with Trudi (Auckland) or Sarah (Wellington) on trudi@wardrobeflair.com

Regards Trudi

http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ http://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair - follow the fashion!! https://twitter.com/WardrobeFlair Blogger http://www.mymag.co.nz/index.php/mypages/mystyle MyStyle Fashion blogger for MyMag.co.nz

It's going to be an action packed week! Trudi has already had a profile done in Online Fashion Magazine Thread - see here to link up and read all about it.

http://threadnz.com/fashion/chat-trudi-bennett-wardrobe-flair/



Later this week keep an eye out on the Facebook page as Trudi is going to run a video about what to look for when buying a pair of jeans!

https://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair

Something to also bear in mind if you are thinking about hiring a personal stylist. In order to get the full benefit of this experience, most people need to know their colours, what shapes and styles suit them for their body shape and have their wardrobe checked over to see what can be used and what needs to go. Many consultants do this in separate sessions AND charge for each separate session.

Here at http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ that is not the case. In a two hour session, we cover COLOURS, SHAPE and the WARDROBE. Which means this session is action packed, totally comprehensive and such value for money.



For more details visit the website or making a booking with Trudi (Auckland) or Sarah (Wellington) on trudi@wardrobeflair.com

Regards Trudi

http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ http://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair - follow the fashion!! https://twitter.com/WardrobeFlair Blogger http://www.mymag.co.nz/index.php/mypages/mystyle MyStyle Fashion blogger for MyMag.co.nz

Trudi Bennett launches Auckland Branch of Wardrobe Flair!

I’m finally ready to launch the Auckland Branch of www.wardrobeflair.com. I’m telling people to ‘release the hounds’ and get my phone line running red hot. With over 9 years’ experience in the personal styling business, I’m confident the Auckland market is now ready for me!

In the past the main crux of the business has been about seeing one-on-one clients, men and women. Having said that the corporate market has been growing fast with many firms wanting me as a speaker for conferences, seminars, workshops, in-house presentations to staff or to have me present an event for their clients.

Whist the business encompasses everything from what colours suit you to the ideal shapes for your body, personal shopping, wardrobe rearranging, corporate seminars, workshops, conferences and fundraisers, the main aim is creating confidence and giving practical advice.

I’m passionate about this, which is why I’ve kept my prices reasonable to be able to stay affordable. As well as one-on-one services, TV & Radio, plus presenting work, I’m a fashion blogger for online magazines and shopping malls. I’m always happy to contribute articles to give helpful, practical advice on how to make getting dressed in the morning that little bit easier.

All my details are below

I look forward to hearing from you all!

Regards Trudi Bennett http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ http://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair - follow the fashion!! https://twitter.com/WardrobeFlair Blogger http://www.mymag.co.nz/index.php/mypages/mystyle MyStyle Fashion blogger for MyMag.co.nz