The time has come to reign-in my sports luxe look. Mat leave is officially over and I’m well and truly #backtowork. And, aside from the heart-tug of leaving Little Miss M’s side, it feels good to be back. It’s also great to be getting dressed for the office…Nadine Style, of course.
About a month before I was due back, I started thinking about sorting my wardrobe. I opened the doors and then closed them again. It felt like a huge task and part of me just wanted to start over.
But then something – or rather, someone – amazing happened. My friend Debra Hogan – Personal Stylist and founder of One Velvet Morning offered to give me a wardrobe makeover. ‘I’ll help you clear-out, revive and refresh’, she promised.
Well, how could one fashionista possibly refuse the help of another?! So, we booked three diary dates.
1. Assess. First up, the wardrobe assessment. Debra rocked-up to my boudoir looking like she meant business (she also looked gorgeously awesome). Her macbook was fired up and ready to go…in no time.
‘So, tell me what you want to get out of this session?’ Wow, part of me felt like I should be lying down on the sofa ready to reveal all. This, I thought, could be like, the best back to work therapy ever….
It didn’t take me long to figure it out. I explained that I was happy with my personal style so we didn’t need to mix things up there (obvs). But, my wardrobe definitely needed sorting. What was driving me mad was the amount of clothes I have that I hardly ever wear.
Apparently this is the most common wardrobe issue for women…and I was assured we’d turn this around.
We then chatted more about things like my clothes shopping patterns, likes and dislikes, body shape (and insecurities) etc. to give Debra a clear picture of what was required for session two.
2. The makeover. Debra arrived (looking amazing once again) and wasted no time getting to work. She went through my wardrobe to see exactly what I had and questioned me on each piece. We then worked on reorganising my clothes so that I would think about my outfits more readily and, importantly mix things up. Before I knew it we were uncovering lots of wee gems that I’d forgotten about and getting seriously excited about wearing them again. We made separate piles of ‘keeps’, ‘lose for good’ and ‘reinvents’. The latter were the items we agreed could be revitalised with a little help from either my own fine hands or Debra’s tailor Barbara, including these crazy 80s style culottes to bring them up to date.
Other fab finds were this coat to re-rock the 70s trend, a bo-ho leather bag and an ol’ favourite Marc Jacobs skirt (which now looks amazing btw with frilly socks and boots).
We also made a list of my ‘wants’ for shopping to update my looks. This included a new leather jacket, denim flares, statement shoes, new tops that weren’t navy or black (my wardrobe is bustin’ with these) and a new bag.
3. Shopping. Finally we had session three when Debra and I went shopping. This was great too. Debra had booked the styling room in House of Fraser and had picked out lots for me to try on.
We then hit-up my favourite shops and more. I got the most amazing leather jacket from Kakao by K, fab Zara flares (which are off to Babs to be taking up slightly) and these shoes along with some much-needed basic tops.
Overall, it was such a great experience. Utterly therapeutic and lots of fun. A good clear out is, as they say, good for the soul. It also really helped me get back in the zone for work. Debra is the ultimate style pro too – completely ruthless when she needs to be and inspiring and creative when bringing out the best in you and your wardrobe.
Oh, and one of the best organising tricks from this lovely lady was what she did with my scarves – check it out. #GreatIdea.
Thanks Debra – you’re awesome x
If you’re in need of a wardrobe revive, some styling advice or even some wellbeing support then I’d highly recommend giving Debra a shout. The wardrobe makeover and styling sessions also make a great gift. I loved it and keep feeling stylishly inspired.
You can connect with Debra on facebook and twitter too.
Have you got a wardrobe full of clothes you forget to wear? I’d love to hear about it.
nadinestyle.wordpress.com 