A Wardrobe for a New You... (a new series)

If you are a regular reader of High Heeled Life, you already know Coco Chanel is one of my favourite women of inspiration. Mademoiselle Chanel was not only a brilliant designer and pioneer of women's fashion, she was a graduate of the "University of Life" and lived life much like a chameleon, adapting to the detours life threw at her ~ reinventing herself and creating a new life as required.

Her creations are still relevant in fashion today and will continue to be for decades to come. Style is more than just the clothes that meet today's "fashion (trends)", it is the sum of classic, timeless pieces, quality fabrics, well made garments which create one's personal Style and will continuously  feel in "fashion (trends)" year after year regardless of what is paraded on run ways or seen in magazines as the fashion du jour.

In Mademoiselle's time consumers thrived for quality not quantity and were willing to wait weeks for their coveted wardrobe pieces.The anticipation created by the time it took for a piece to be completed, made the garment that much more special and personal for the consumer. They also knew, with proper care their prized garments would last a life time. Well worth the investment of both time and money.

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In today's world of Instant Gratification, waiting for and investing in well made wardrobe pieces has almost become instinct. People are willing to pay for pieces that are constructed of lesser quality fabrics and often poor workmanship (made by computerized machines) to satisfy their "must have now" thinking.  This mentality contributes to a closet filled with pieces that are not only poor workmanship, the quality and longevity of the piece's fabric give the garment limited life span. These closets become over stuffed with a potpourri of pieces that do not relate to each other; leaving the closet owner screaming the famous phrase "I have nothing to wear" as they scurry to get to work or a social function or to little legal practice on time.

Another challenge that many face today is the their ever changing role in life; single gal, wife, mother, grandmother, career gal, stay at home mom, divorcee, widow, and the wardrobe requirements that change with each role.

Perhaps like me, once a career driven, fashionista ~ I found myself house bound and with my wardrobe consisting of mainly pieces required for a corporate career, not very practical for the physical therapy that now was my life. Maybe you have been a stay at home mom who is going back to work in an office - your husband's sweat shirts and fuzzy slippers you have been living in just won't cut it. Or you find yourself now single (single parent) after years of marriage and for the first time in a long time you are able to wear high heels ~ without worrying about towering over your ex.

No matter the change, or whether it was planned/anticipated or not ... we are all at a cross road. We know things are changing, we are changing ... but have no idea what this new life, or us is going to look like. Well let's start with our closets!

Over the next few weeks I'll be writing a post series called A Wardrobe for a New You, where I will share with you the strategies that I used to get a handle on the contents of my closet, making it easier to get dressed and letting the world think I had confidence (even when inside I am as lost as a person can be, at times).

Your life isn't pleasing you?

Let's take our cue from Mademoiselle Chanel...  

Let's create our New Self and Life one step and hanger at a time!

Join me next time for discovering your STYLE at this time in your life.

Sharing this post with: My Friday's Fancies * Fashion Friday * What Inspires Me Friday

How is Your Panty Drawer ?

After a quick content inventory of my closet it became painfully clear that my clothes and I were not speaking the same language. To read last Tuesday's post see ~ "Style Statement Make-over~ Are your clothes speaking your language?" So, whats a gal to do? Since I'm on the road to re-inventing myself and my life,this is as good a time as any to work on my wardrobe. After several phone discussions with one of my fashionista besties we agreed that foundation garments (fg) would be a good start.

My task was to go through each (yes try it all on) foundation item and determine if it was a) a keeper b) required repair c) donate item d) time to meet its final destination the garbage. Once the keepers were determined it was organizing them in a way that made sense for me and determine if any basic items were required. I'm happy to say last weeks goal was accomplished:

The Cabinet

It was decided that the shorter cabinet with a pull out shelf would be better suited to function as a foundations drawer, rather than its tall boy partner whose drawers are much narrower and thus difficult for me to access with ease. The pull out shelf can be used to lay out your fg choices the night before ~ so it will be ready for you in the morning.

Scented Drawer Liner

Before organizing could commense, the drawers were dusted and lined with lavender scented drawer liners. This adds a romantic element when opening the cabinet drawers and enevelopes the fg a light fresh scent.

Drawer One

This drawer was assigned the basic essentials. These would include your gym/yoga bras and undies; running errands; those days that you just don't feel like bothering much with fg. Essentials you should have 2-nude, 2-black, 2-white and a couple of coloured bras ~ by having at least 2 of each the thought is while you are wearing one the other is either in the wash or drawer (of course you can have as many as you would like). For panties, choose styles that function well with your clothes ~ it is recommended that you assign at least 8 pairs for specific use the week when your aunt Ruby is visiting.

  

Drawer Two

This drawer was assigned for sexy fg, those panties and bras that make you feel like a million the moment you out them on. I know many women who invest in these items and only wear them for "special occassions". I say make everyday special for yourself!

Drawer Three

 These are those fg that help smooth everything out; your Spanx, slips, camies etc. are located here. The basics should consist of at least 1 each - long, short, top in nude and black.

Drawer Four

This drawer will store your panty hose, knee highs, tights, and stockings along with garter belts.

Cabinet Top

 The top of the cabinet can be used to hold a tray with your favourite fragrances and body lotions. By having these items close together you will be reminded to spritz before putting on fg. It also provides a place to put your everyday accessories such as a watch, wedding/engagement ring and earrings.

You can further personalize your space by adding an item that has a special meaning.

This bag of foundation garments will be donated to a local charity. All items are in fantastic shape ~ but for unknown reasons have seemed to of shrunk. There were no repair items and decided to spare you the discard pile. I hope that these tips for organizing have been helpful and inspired you to take a look at updating your panties and bras.

Wardrobe Over Haul - What is Smart Casual ?

As I try to navigate my way to creating my new life it became apparent that my current wardrobe required a slight over-hauled … Ok major over-haul. Usually this would be a welcomed opportunity for any fashion loving gal, to have an excuse reason to shop and re-stock. The challenge I faced was I no longer really knew what my style was. With help from some friends we determined “Smart Casual” was my new look – as suits and formal wear were no longer a required staple in my wardrobe.

Since shopping was the one thing I seemed to be able to do independently, I would venture out to purchase “Smart Casual”. It quickly became clear to Hubby that, yes I was buying, but what I was buying was for my “old life”. So, independent shopping was not working as well as I thought. Still I was not prepared to admit defeat! (note: even Eva Longoria - above does not due tracksuits well...good to know I'm not alone..lol)


This morning I looked in my closet (months later – from original observation by Hubby) and realized he had been right. Now, I'm faced with yet another closet purge! But I’m not ready to give up my “old” look completely, so my question my dear friends is how do you define” Smart Casual”?