| |
 |
|
VALE STYLE
YOUR WARDROBE
The Style Counsel with Suzanne Jaya
I’ve read that women have passionate flings with Fashion but given a choice they would marry Style, because like a good partner, it won’t let you down. Fashion seduces, but the affair usually fizzles out before the next season.
Wise words from an author, who over the years, has inspired me with her tales of living simply and abundantly through the 1990’s recession. Nothing changes – when money’s tight, common sense needs to prevail.
As summer leaves a scent of a memory in our wake, we step tentatively into the aura of the autumn season ahead. At the time of writing this, there’s a perceptible nip in the air – the kind that has you throwing on an extra knit and furry boots for warmth but at the same time refusing stubbornly to remove your shorts or cover up a glimpse of fading suntan. It’s an attempt to embrace rather than give-in to the inevitable seasonal change; that is until we hit the shops, then quicker than you can say “moths to a candle”, a shameful majority of us become seduced by the latest in High Street fashion.
Talking of moths, if that all too familiar image on the front cover of Silence of Lambs isn’t enough to have you heading for the hills then what lurks within your wardrobe should put you on red alert. Wet mild summers provide a breeding ground for increasing numbers of moths and your closet is begging for a call to action. Imagine if the little blighters start weaving their dark magic among your silk smalls, never mind your cashmere scarf.
Joking apart, now is the time to review and revamp your dusty wardrobe and give it a good old workout. Assess whether last winter’s clothes tick any of this season’s boxes and whether you can make or save money.
No doubt you’ve already afforded yourself a glimpse at the fashion magazines. It goes without saying that you might have an eye on a new pair of winter boots or the latest oversize coat, because clearly the stuff you’ve already got just won’t do.
Every season, I see women of all ages discard unworn clothes that amass anywhere in the region of £200 - £2000. They get chucked into bin bags, sold on ebay for a fraction of their true value, deposited at a charity shop or ripped up for dusters. So why does it continue to happen? Because dear readers, in general we refuse to accept the obvious.
We refuse to buy colours and shapes that flatter, opting instead for the latest hot shade or hem length whether or not it suits us. We refuse to admit that whilst tweed may be the fabric del jour, it probably makes us look three times our normal size. There is no need to buy a new top for every night out. Shall I go on – best not!
This is the time to separate the chaff from the wheat when it comes to savvy seasonal clothes shopping. If you don’t get it done now, like a magpie you’ll be drawn to partywear with not a hope in hell of getting the basics right until this time in a year! And guess what – more money down the drain.
If last year’s stuff has been unworn, ask yourself why. Did it make you feel fat, frumpy or don’t you have a clue? Would the money wasted have been put to better use if you’d sought the help of a style professional?
Be honest and ruthless. That garment you had a fling with because it made your friend look fab, was never going to look the same on you, which leads me nicely onto the marriage part of style. Thou shalt not covet your friends’ wardrobe. Affairs are giddy emotional phases that leave us flat and flat broke! In my book there should be an eighth sin... ‘not knowing what suits you!’
Believe me, I’ve seen how one fabulous frock looked different on two equally beautiful women. The fault didn’t lie with either the frock or the women. It was just a mismatch – one looked understated and stylish and yet the other looked like a lady of the night, so to speak. The total sum of the parts was a disaster for one of the girls.
It’s the same as when couples are mismatched. To be blunt, if that little black dress, hat or bag is destined for another, then walk on by; something great will be around the corner much in the same way as finding the perfect partner. The question is how will you know it when you see it? Simple – you’ll have the money, you won’t have to try too hard, it’ll come easily and you’ll look amazing.
In the meantime, learn as much as you can about your shape, colouring and style. It’s a synergistic blend understood all too well by stylish people – they KNOW that the overall effect is greater than the component parts. It’s a partnership – a marriage – it’s about sticking around for the long-haul.
The bottom line is confident people will look good in the same clothes, even if they have worn them three times that week, because they chose wisely. Be honest, does anyone really care whether you wear the same frock at two events – quite frankly you’ll be much admired for your sensible purchasing decisions.
Style is steadfast. Might sound dull to some but when purse strings are tight, invest in good quality basics and inject some spice with cheaper items such as belts, scarves and jewellery.
With a well managed wardrobe you’ll be able to make do and mend, buy some key new pieces, save money, evict the moths and flirt a little! Trust me – it’ll be worth it in the long run.
|
|
