Wardrobe DIY Guides

Posted on by Toni Carver

How many times do you keep opening your wardrobe doors feeling like you have nothing to wear?

Not everyone feels comfortable inviting a stranger into their homes to help them declutter and organise their wardrobe. Women especially, have an emotional attachment to their clothes. Especially where their is weight loss and weight gain concerned. (Which I’ve talked about before here)

If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person, then how about some expert guidance to help you tackle the bulging wardrobe instead?

You’ll find a number of guides here on my website aimed at helping you create a wardrobe that works for you, plus others.

I’ve created them based upon my expertise as an award-winning colour and style consultant after years of working with clients.

Wardrobe charts

These are simple charts, designed to help you identify what you have in your wardrobe and what gaps you have.

I encourage my clients to assess how they spend their time, because when you have clothes which you feel work for these scenarios, you’ll feel more at ease with what to wear.

Some clients need to visually see and think about what they do, which is where these charts help.

Next, it’s about assessing which categories the clothes you have fit how you spend your time. This helps you see that you have gaps to fill, or that you’re over-subscribed in an area (and therefore, don’t need to buy any more clothes!)

The Wardrobe charts are free to download here.

Declutter Guide

My ‘How to spring clean your wardrobe in five easy steps’ was one of the first guides I created. Inspired by the simple fact that sometimes, you just need a little guidance to follow.

In this guide, I’m sharing the five simple steps I use with clients on their wardrobes so that you can review and declutter your own wardrobe with ease.

Instead, learn how to build a wardrobe of clothes that you DO wear with these simple tips.

Download this guide for free here.

Capsule Wardrobe Workbook

Capsule Wardrobe WorkbookEveryone needs a Breton top, camel trench coat, wide leg trousers and a white shirt right? WRONG!

Unlike the magazine articles you read, a capsule wardrobe isn’t the same for everyone. At least, that’s what I believe! It’s a limited collection of clothes which suit you to help you create more outfits from less items. (They suit your colouring, your shape, your lifestyle, your proportions and your style!)

So, if you’ve been lusting after a capsule wardrobe but get stuck because you don’t know where to start or how to create one – this workbook is for you.

Simply follow the stages I’ve laid out. Design the wardrobe that works for you!

This is a digital workbook which costs £15 which you can work through on your own. Get it here.

Holiday Capsule Wardrobe Workbook

Knowing what to pack and why you need to leave those ‘just-in’case’ pieces behind when you go on holiday is all in the planning.

It isn’t a list of items you need to pack (as that’s the sort of thing you can get online -you don’t need a colour and style expert for that!).

But, it will help you pack successfully for your next and future trips.

So, if you frequently overpack or get stuck because you don’t know where to start, this workbook will help you create your own travel capsule wardrobe!

This is a digital workbook which costs £10 which you can work through on your own. Get it here.

Capsule Wardrobe Masterclass

This is a suite of material I’ve designed to support and guide you through the stages involved in creating a capsule wardrobe.

It includes:
– A 44 minute pre-recorded video to guide you as I talk you through each stage involved.
– A 32 page Capsule Wardrobe Workbook (mentioned above) to complete which includes tasks and checklists to support and guide you through the process involved. You can download, print or save this and work through it alongside the video or on it’s own.
– A Bonus 18 page Holiday Capsule Wardrobe (mentioned above) digital Workbook to complete with tasks and checklists to guide you on packing successfully for your next and future trips.
– A series of prompts and tips to help keep you on track so you don’t give up on your dream. These will be delivered via email which you can save and revisit whenever you need.

This is an ‘on-demand’ masterclass, which means you can work through it at your own pace as it’s yours to keep.

It means you can pick it up, stop and start as many times as you like. The video is yours to watch and listen to it as frequently as you prefer and there’s no timescale on completing the masterclass or the workbooks. Get yours here.

All wardrobe guides are available for you to do-it-yourself, with my expert guidance. But, if a more hands-on approach is needed, do get in touch!

Simple way to identify clothes you’re not wearing

Posted on by Toni Carver

How many times have you discovered something in your wardrobe that you forgot you had?

Chances are, if you’ve got lots of clothes, it won’t be easy for you to identify garments you’re not wearing.

So, before you buy more clothes, I recommend this task. It’s something that I undertake every year with my own clothes, but if you’ve never done it yourself, you may find you need to repeat the task a few times during the year.

A full wardrobe audit takes time and fills many with dread, which is why this task is a little smarter and much less daunting. (But, if you do need help with a full wardrobe audit, let me help!)

The task

Undertaking the task this year, I found around 12 items I’ve not worn in the previous 12 months and 9 of these, I’ve removed to sell on or gift to charity. It took me less than 10 minutes!

It was easy for me to identify these quickly simply because I simply turn the hanger round the opposite way when I’ve worn an item! (Plus, I understand what colours, styles, fabric and shapes suit me!).

At the start of January, I turn all my hangers in the wardrobe so they face the same direction. Then, as I wear something and hang it back up, I switch the hanger to face the opposite direction. Over time, this helps me identify clothes I’m enjoying wearing, and those I’m just not reaching for.

Visually, you’ll begin to see patterns emerge in your own wardrobe and the split of clothes you do and don’t wear. I’ve recorded a quick video to illustrate the task which you can also watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S2L8KN193lU

Try it for 30 days and see how you get on, or for for 3 months which will help you prepare for the next season (yes, I’ll be offering my seasonal updates guides again).

What to do with clothes you’re not wearing

As you identify garments you’re not wearing, question yourself for any reasons why this has been. Here’s a few that arise frequently:

  1. Not the weather
  2. The colour washes you out
  3. It doesn’t fit you (too big/too small)
  4. The fabric is scratchy
  5. No longer flattering
  6. Nothing to wear it with
  7. Other similar items you wear more
  8. Fallen out of love with it
  9. Looks dated
  10. Doesn’t work for you
  11. Not been an occasion to wear it
  12. Don’t feel like ‘you’
  13. Changed job/retired
  14. Don’t like how you feel when you wear it
  15. Sentimentally, you can’t let it go

Some of these are good reasons to keep hold of them a bit longer, but do try and wear them! For others, it might be time for you to remove them and let someone else enjoy wearing them instead.

Here’s my advice.

Not the weather

Keep hold of it so you can wear it when you feel it’s more appropriate weather-wise. Unless, you can layer it and wear it with other items you have.

The colour washes you out

Can you wear it away from your face so that it’s little more forgiving? If it’s a top, try wearing another top underneath to break up the colour or try a scarf. Change the colour by dying it or move it on. Or, seek clarity on the colours that do suit you by booking a colour analysis consultation. 

It doesn’t fit you (too big/too small)

These clothes take up room in your wardrobe and you won’t wear them if they don’t fit you! Retaining clothes that don’t fit you can make it harder and take you longer to get ready. For items which affect your mindset and how you feel, I recommend removing them. Even if that means storing them away for now and reviewing in three months or six months time.

The fabric is scratchy

If you hate the feel of something when you wear it, or you have static each time you wear it, you will not be happy when you wear it! Chances are, you’re likely to not wear it again. Move it on.

No longer flattering

Everyone wants to feel good in what they wear, so if something doesn’t flatter you and you don’t feel good when you wear it, why keep it?

Nothing to wear it with

Until you find something that you feel you can wear it with, it will remain unworn and unloved. Challenge yourself to wear it with something you already have, or make it a priority for your shopping list.

Other similar items you wear more

Duplicate pieces can replace older, worn out versions, but if you’re finding that you still prefer the older version and saving this, it means it’s taking up space. Chances are, you don’t need 5 jackets in the same colour, so try and move at least one on.

Fallen out of love with it

Put simply, you won’t wear it so it’s time to say goodbye.

Looks dated

Some items are more timeless than others. Trends come and go, so be honest with yourself if you can see yourself wearing it again, even in a different way? If you can’t then move it on.

Doesn’t work for you

Can you alter it so that you feel it does work for you? What are the reasons that you feel it doesn’t because if you can’t overcome them, you won’t wear it! Change it (tailor/sewer) so it does work for you, or bite the bullet and get rid. If you’re finding it difficult to identify things which do work for you, consider booking a consultation with me to learn them.

Not been an occasion to wear it

What occasion are you looking for? If it’s afternoon tea with The King, you’re better trying to wear it for a different occasion! Don’t put barriers in your mind and try not to save things for best.

Don’t feel like ‘you’

Trying something new to switch up your look is something I encourage you to do. But, if you’ve tried it and feel like ET in the little girl’s clothes (played by Drew Barrymore), then I’d be tempted to move it on as you won’t wear it again.

Changed job/retired

Be honest about how likely you are to wear those clothes again. If it’s suit, you might find you can still wear the jacket and bottoms separately. Give yourself some time to adjust – I often find clients struggle with their image as a piece of their identity has gone. Keep hold until you’re certain or if you’re not sure yet.

Don’t like how you feel when you wear it

Honestly? Let it go. Sure you can tweak it and how you wear it and style it. But, if you don’t like yourself in something, you won’t wear it!

Sentimentally, you can’t let it go

There will always be some things you can’t part with. My advice is to clean the garment and then store it safely away.

 

Finally, you deserve a wardrobe that works for you which is filled with clothes you love to wear! Undertaking this task regularly will help you to keep on top of it and means you’ll be able to quickly identify clothes you love and the ones you’re holding on to ‘just in case’!

Let me know how you get on! And, if you need any help, do get in touch to discuss the package which is right for you.

LEARN WHAT SUITS YOU AND YOU'RE HALF WAY TO ACHIEVING A WARDROBE THAT WORKS FOR YOU!

If you don’t know, get in touch so I can help you find the right package for you so you can feel good in what you wear.

stop feeling dread

Do you feel dread when you open your wardrobe doors?

Posted on by Toni Carver

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

What does your wardrobe say about you?

Posted on by Toni Carver

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

wardrobe hanging trick

The wardrobe hanging trick you must try

Posted on by Toni Carver

If you’ve got a bulging wardrobe, it can feel difficult to let things go, right?

You’ve got lots of reasons to keep them – they’re new, you’ve not had chance to wear them yet, they don’t fit, it’s for a special occasion etc. Yet, you hold onto them ‘just in case’.

Something I’ve found more and more is how much people’s lifestyles have changed. This can mean the clothes you reach for now, aren’t the same as the ones you used to reach for 2 years ago, let alone 5 or 8 years ago. This is something I talked about in this recent blog.

There’s often an emotional connection with our clothes which is why I’m often invited to help declutter and audit people’s wardrobes.

Try this

One thing which is so easy and effective is this wardrobe hanging trick.

It’s so simple to do and is a must if you find yourself wearing the same things on repeat.

The idea being that it’s a visual exercise. You’ll see patterns emerging and see the split of the clothes you do wear as well as the ones you don’t.

Once you’ve identified the items you aren’t wearing, question why not and if it’s time to let them go. As you go along, try challenging yourself to reach for another hanger that hasn’t been turned!

It’s worth doing for 30 days to get a really good idea, but you can try it for longer. I tend to reset my own hangers at the start of every year and declutter as I go along.

Watch this video explaining the hanger trick on my Youtube channel

IF YOU'RE READY TO DECLUTTER YOUR WARDROBE, DOWNLOAD MY FIVE STEPS HERE