A Kiwi In Kona

Create your own boutique - the way you like it.

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For many years, my clothes were kept in multiple locations around the house.

We were (kind of still are) constantly in renovation. I moved into a house that already had my husband’s furniture in it and all his possessions. He'd been married before and had decanted a very large house into our new dwelling, I'd moved to the US with two bulging and overweight suitcases, several boxes and a couple of 70's paintings. 

Since he's not psychic, he bought the house before we were engaged, so he natural…

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The Art of Wearing Sweatpants: 5 Tips on How to Style Sweatpants for Work From Home. 

So...even I’m getting tired of my pajama bottoms. I’ve never been a fan of sweatpants, per se, though I do cling to my 80’s Adidas drawstring fake-rapper-track suit.The good news is, they can actually be stylish - here’s how:

#1 Fitted Looks More Formal

Choose sweatpants with slimmer legs. They’re easier to style and look more polished. Leggings count in this category, and so do joggers as long as they’re fitted and you’re comfortable in them. Throw on a long-sleeved, button-down shirt then tu…

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Why I have Thrift Stores in my Entertainment $$$ Category.

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I don’t like the word budget. It sounds...restrictive. Which in my experience can lead to binge shopping or deprivation. Neither are good things.

I much prefer spending plan. I choose all the categories, which includes singing lessons, vacations, petrol (sorry, gas) etc.

I was told that every dollar should have a purpose and to allocate every dollar in alignment with my values, my dreams, and my goals. I like that a lot. 

Regarding my spending on entertainment, what I don’t like going out to …

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Yes, you can replace it and still feel the love (I'm talking about possessions).

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I don't want to replace my comforter.

That's what you call them here, right? A duvet where the inner part is already inside it? And you can't take off the cover? 

It's white with navy swirls and navy polka dots. It’s Kate Spade. I bought it, oh, maybe four or five years ago, I don’t remember, from Bed Bath & Beyond. They don't have it any more, I think it was a limited edition. And it was pre-tragedy. 

I adore it. It clashes beautifully with the navy-and-forest-green geometric sheets.  Yes, i…

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The Sunken Cost Fallacy and Your Wardrobe

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I often bring up the sunken cost fallacy (gently) with clients. It’s when when you continue with something which is clearly a disaster, or a mistake or unhelpful just because you've invested time, money, or energy into it. 

One of my downfalls is  buffets (remember them?) I’d overeat simply to get my “money’s worth.” I’d feel lousy after, but it didn’t stop me doing it for years. Meanwhile, my more sensible and sane sister (how’s that for alliteration, Jo?) would eat normally then stop. Or bare…

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Before you give in to winter scarves....here's some ways to use your current ones.

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As I write this, there is a lot going on in the US, where I am based. What's happening is important.

Sometimes, I need to think about other things....so here's this.

Since I’m still in denial about having to pull out my winter scarves, here’s some ways you can wear them which don’t require cold weather. 

I'm all about scarves - great table décor, look good on the wall, frame them, drape the dog in them. I've used them to hide bandages, tattoos (thankfully they are not such a big deal these …

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Can you get dressed in 10 minutes?

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If there were Olympics in assembling outfits, I'd be in the running.

I can get dressed in 10 minutes in an outfit that I feel I look great in.

I sound like I'm boasting, right? Well, yes, but I'm also proud of myself AND it's possible because I have practiced.

Style is like any skill. We need to find someone who can teach us, learn, practice and then Voila!

(Hopefully I spelt that right, remind me to ask my Parisian neighbor. Do you know even she asks what I think of her clothing? Now that's…

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If you can't wear the clothes you love to work, get a new career.

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If you can't wear what you love to work, you're in the wrong career.

About fifteen years ago, I was helping a beautiful young woman (one of my semi-nieces) apply for an apartment. She was very young and people often make snap judgments about age, so we decided she needed to look trustworthy, respectable, tidy, a suitable applicant. Seems reasonable, right?

We went to a thrift store and found her an ensemble which made her look like an extremely trustworthy young woman. i.e. business casual. Sh…

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What if my dog ate all of your clothes?

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This does relate to clothing, so bear with me. There’s a blue pottery French bulldog on my kitchen bench (thank you Tarjay). It’s one of those jars you’re supposed to keep cookies in. I don’t eat cookies or biscuits (as they are called in New Zealand). So I keep it full of dog treats instead. My French bulldog knows that after dinner, she gets her Greenie. She will sit there, look at the treat jar, look at me, look at the treat jar, look at me. She knows that I know what to do. Sure enough, I re…

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Summertime Crown by Kayla Ocampo, 21-year-old guest blogger from Manila.

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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 …

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