Wisdom from the Wardrobe
Organization
Summertime Crown by Kayla Ocampo, 21-year-old guest blogger from Manila.
Kayla Ocampo is a 21-year-old fashion designer in the Phillipines and my assistant. This week, she's writing the blog (and she found the hats).
Check out her Instagram Store KelsCloset. She's one to watch. Take it away Kayla... (no edits have been made).
The best thing about summertime is being able to lay on a tanning chair, read a relaxing book, and bask in the sun. It’s all about finding peace and being in tune with yourself. Speaking of which, finding your true inner self also …
It's OK to buy new clothes & still care about the planet
One of the exercises I do with my clients is to establish their values.
Many of my clients care about the environment, diversity, fair trade and the ethical creation of clothing.
For some, this means wearing previously worn clothing, which can include up-cycled, recycled, or second-hand, either from thrift stores, consignment stores, clothes swapping or as gifts from other friends’ wardrobes.
This is absolutely wonderful!
I help them choose, curate, source and create combinations.
However…
I have wardrobe malfunctions, too
I was on my way to a co-working space to meet a group of women that I adore. I was planning on wearing a particular outfit and I forgot to take my own advice. I was running a bit behind, was meeting someone at a particular time and I don’t like being late. I’d been trying to walk the dog before I changed, so that she would go to the bathroom before I left for a few hours, but she was more interested in talking to the people who are fixing our road. We ende…
Guide to alterations
I'm interviewed by the Ready Pause Go podcast!
"This podcast is for the millions of women who take a career pause to raise their family - whether you are contemplating a pause, in the trenches at home with your kids, or ready to relaunch the next phase of your life. …
Tips for thrift store (and other shopping)
"I wear your granddad's clothes
I look incredible
I'm in this big a** coat
From that thrift shop down the road."
Musician Macklemore (from Kent, WA, the state I live in) said it all - you can look incredible in thrift store clothes. Here's some tips to help:
What I think of Marie Kondo
Try a 10 day clothing diary to see what you REALLY wear!
There's a common expression that we only wear 20% of our closet 80% of the time. The 80/20 rule was named after an Italian man called Vilfredo Pareto, who created it based on 1896 Italian landownership, but it can be applied to almost anything.
I have a client who uses it with her clothing - 80% is made up of clothing that has longevity, 20% is fun items that she'll wear a ton this season, then they are donated.
Back to your closet. Let's find your 80/20 shall we?
Take a photo for 10 days of …
Set your wardrobe up for success.
Set your wardrobe up for success.
What do I mean by this?
Curate a wardrobe of clothes that you love, that flatter you, fit you, make you feel great and are easy to mix and match.
Have enough that you can do laundry on your schedule, not in a rush because your only pair of decent jeans are dirty. Have the right clothes for the activities that make up your life…and have at least one inspirational outfit for when amazing opportunities come your way.
Easier said than done, right?
Here’s some t…
What is "cost per wear?"
Cost per wear.
Divide the cost by the amount of times you plan on wearing the item. This also helps with impulse purchases and when you are wavering over an expensive piece that you love.
For example - I bought a VERY expensive coat in 2004. It was $800 NZ, a ton of money to me back then. It's a classic winter coat, black and of high quality. I've had the lining repaired once in that time. Fifteen years of wearing …