A Kiwi In Kona
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…
Why self doubt got between me and my love of leopard skin.
Why self-doubt got between me and my love of leopard skin.
I have always loved leopard skin. I can’t exactly tell you why (though I could definitely tell you why you like certain things), but I’ve always been drawn to it.
The first time I bought anything made of leopard skin, I think I was about 13 and it was a one piece leopard skin bathing suit. I remember arguing with my mother about it because leopard skin is a polarizing subject.
I loved that bathing suit. In hindsight, it wasn’t the mos…
Why I disappeared...and why I came back
Kia Ora,
I haven't been able to blog for the last year. Then the world changed and it woke me up.
There were a few months last year when I didn't want to do anything at all.
Depression, malaise, a slump, marinating, pondering, avoiding - there's a whole thesis in there. Ironically, in June 2020 in the USA, many, many people are traumatized, isolated, depression, anxious, scared - maybe I was just a year ahead.
I can't claim trauma (or anything really, apart from white privilege) but I "…
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:
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…
Do you have a decent head shot?
Do you have a decent head shot?
I know I usually write about inner and outer style for the whole person, but this is one thing all women should have.
Whether a dating site, LinkedIn, your FB profile, Instagram, Pinterest or any other digital use, a simple but flattering head shot is a must.
What to wear?
Look for a top that draws attention to your face, not away from it.
No busy patterns that steal the show. Wear colors that highlight your skin and eyes – if in doubt, take selfies and expe…