Hidden wardrobe wonders

I’ve blogged before about how therapeutic I find it when I have a clean and tidy home and recently I’ve found an even better feeling – sorting out your wardrobe!

I was on a shopping trip with my Mum on the weekend to help her build a new wardrobe of outfits and I ended up coming home with more (2 pairs of heels, 3 pairs of boots, fake fur gilet, 1 top, 1 dress, 1 cardigan and 1 jumper)! As a result my boyfriend helpfully reminded me of the fact that the clothes and footwear I currently have don’t fit in my wardrobes, let alone adding more to them…

As I looked at my bedroom floor covered in clothes, bag and shoes that had been discarded after giving up on trying to squash them into the cupboards, I had to agree. I genuinely had needed some boots as the ones I had were scuffed and letting in water when it rained, so I promised I would throw out the old to make room for the new.

This is where it all started on Sunday afternoon aiming to throw out some old boots and 5 hours, 6 large bags and 1 bin liner later I’d cleared out my whole wardrobe! I sorted through bags, nightwear, jumpers, tops, cardigans, coats, dresses, trousers, shoes, boots and sandals and found lots of it I haven’t worn in months, maybe years, or they were in such a sorry state there was no sense in keeping them.

I’d woken up on Sunday feeling guilty as I’d gotten up late and skipped spinning and I was worrying I was going to waste the day. Granted I was exhausted by the evening but I’d managed to get so much done – a few sets of washing, cleaning my flat and doing this huge wardrobe sort out. I felt great.

Last week I kept feeling fed up and down and couldn’t snap out of this mood, but since organising all my clothes, shoes and accessories (and being in clean flat) I’ve felt so much calmer and more upbeat. May make me sound sad and a little odd, but it’s true.

The best bit through all this though? Acquiring a new wardrobe – no not just from my purchases on Saturday at the Essex retail heaven that is Lakeside, but from rediscovered items found in the dark depths of my cupboards and long forgotten.

I’ve found perfectly good black knee high, kitten heel boots that I’d forgotten about (I’ve had them for years now and for whatever reason didn’t wear them much), I’ve found two really cute dresses for work (still with the tags on) and some ‘city shorts’ again still sporting their store tag. My gym gear is no longer stuffed down the side of my bed between the frame and the bedside table – it fits on a shelf all of its own. I don’t have to carefully pull items from a pile stuffed into the wardrobe and hurriedly slam the door shut before everything falls out.

No, I’ve spent every morning so far this week carefully selecting outfits to wear to work, knowing exactly where said items will be. I’ve picked out which coat looks best, now my hall cupboard isn’t crammed full of too many old and unworn jackets and I’ve received numerous compliments!

At my office we’re pretty much allowed to wear what we want (obviously smarter when meeting clients) and when I first joined I missed wearing my ‘office’ wear I’d accumulated over the years. However I soon got used to the more relaxed approach, but unfortunately this also involved me wearing similar outfits each day (usually consisting of jeans and whatever top I could get out the cupboard the easiest). Now I feel like I’m making an effort again and actually wearing nice things regardless of whether I am seeing a client or not.

It’s odd how a new outfit or a bit of organisation at home can influence other areas of your life, but what I’ve really loved is finding these hidden gems in my wardrobe.

The only problem now is trying to stick to this setup now and keeping everything neat and tidy, particularly when you’re someone like me who loves a bit of retail therapy. However, discovering that I have enough ‘work dresses’ for well over 2 weeks straight, without wearing the same thing twice, I think I’ll be alright for now…

The horror of hats

I have a problem.

It leaves me feeling foolish, insecure and confused.

Sometimes it feels like I’m the only one with this issue, nobody else seems to struggle so much!

My problem? It’s with hats!

Some people can put any sort of headwear on and immediately ooze an air of being cool and trendy. Even if you’d be a bit unsure when seeing said hat on a shelf in a shop for example, once it rests comfortably on their barnet it becomes fashionable.

I do not possess this quality.

I remember our niece and nephew when they were really young, they both hated anything on their heads. Anything that got even near their head got knocked away or thrown off. I can relate to this, unfortunately my feelings are still with me.

There’s something about a hat on my head that immediately makes me feel stupid and a bit nerdy if I’m honest. You know the way when people put on sunglasses it seems to make them look and feel cool? My feeling with hats is the exact opposite of that.

Even those fascinator things at weddings - I braved my first one this year and I spent the whole time conscious of this big thing sticking out of my head. Yet looking at other females around with similar pieces on I thought they looked great!

Where this has come from I have no idea. I just seem to have a inferiority complex associated with hats.

The problem is when I need to wear a hat. Don’t get me wrong for things like horse riding I obviously wear my riding hat without fail or question (regardless of how silly I might look).

When it comes to the sun and going on holiday though I struggle. I have over the years invested in a few straw/cowboy hat type things for festivals and let’s face it by the time I’m out the tent I’m probably already a tad tipsy so I don’t care how good or bad I appear!

I’ve also had a white floppy number for protecting me from the heat whilst sunbathing. When I bought it a friend at the time had a similar one, so that was all I needed to reassure me it was okay. However on having to wear it on holiday I felt stupid.

Hats just seem to attract so much attention. I feel like I'm saying look at me and that I'm trying to make some sort of statement.

Over the years I've gotten better, in that I manage to convince myself in the shop the hat actually looks quite good. When it comes to wearing in 'real life' though, it's a whole different story.

With only two days until I go to Thailand I've had to purchase a sun hat. Everybody has warned me about the heat and humidity. In the past I have suffered with random fainting spells (not just heat related), so I'm a little paranoid now.

Off I went to get a hat. I bravely decided one of those big floppy straw sun hats would be best. I must have tried it on at least ten times in the shop, I still wasn't sure if I looked okay.

In the end I just bought the damn thing. Well, I need something to protect me after all.

Ever since I keep seeing it on the pile of my other holiday gear, waiting to be packed, and I am filled with doubt.

Am I going to look stupid, does it make my head look big, my face too fat?

Believe me this will continue to go on until I get to Thailand, where on some days I'll convince myself it looks okay.

Then we'll get home and I'll look back over photos and it'll start all over again...

Is the only way Essex?

I'm off for a night out tonight with the girls TOWIE style. We're off to my local area of Hornchurch and starting off at a venue called The Brickyard. This place has in our opinion gone for the TOWIE crowd appeal. Apologies for those of you who haven't been witness to the circus that is TOWIE, I am referring to a show on ITV2 called The Only Way Is Essex, focussing on young 20 somethings and their lives in Brentwood. However if you've ever seen the show or been to Essex, you will know it is far from reality.

Yes if you go on a night out in Brentwood you will see lots of very tanned girls dressed up, but not many of them will be sipping champagne. There are often lots of people that love themselves, but I don't know anyone that gets 'vajazzled' or has a pet pig! Now off the back of this programme there are an increasing number of girls going for this look around Essex and men sporting their version of the 'Joey Essex' look.

So as I used to do whenever I went out in Brentwood I am now worrying should I slap on a few coats of my tinted body lotion. What sort of outfit should I wear? How shall I do my makeup?... On the other hand though it does make nights out more interesting, watching people who try to mimic stars from the show, or who think they are better than everyone in their OTT clobber does help create some more giggles for us girls when we're out. And of course it gives you an excuse to get dressed up, the casual look is over, and what girl doesn't like getting glammed up.

I'm pleased Essex is so much in the spotlight, Stacey Solomon, Olly Murs, 2 Shoes, the lady who won the Great British Bake Off, I could go on. There is TOWIE and Educating Essex on TV and I'm sure there are plans for many more after all the success existing shows have already had. Okay, we might not be getting the best picture created of where we live, but to be honest since when has Essex had a good reputation?

So I shall do my hair, sort my nails, pick a nice outfit, put some tinted lotion on, slap on the makeup and join them tonight. And you know what I will enjoy every minute of it!

If I'm not too hungover perhaps I'll let you know how it really goes tomorrow...

Tattoos - body art or trashy tat?

I was asked recently what my thoughts are on tattoos. My honest answer? I really am divided.

A key thing for me with tattoos is the individual who has chosen to have them. And of course, what the actual tattoo is. I always remember a big muscular guy who lived in halls with us at University, he came back one day having had a tattoo done – no word of a lie, a big heart on his bicep with ‘Mum’ inscribed in it. Not what we were expecting at all. This student was rather scary and very butch and to see such a permanent mark on his arm like this, well it kind of make us laugh to be honest. Or what about the new contestant on X Factor, Frankie? Having girls names tattooed onto your bum cheeks, hm classy!

People who choose to cover their whole bodies in tattoos is not something I really get. For some people, perhaps those who are very creative, tattoos are an artform and a way to express themselves. For me, I think it’s too much.

Tattoos are like cool clothes/individual looks, there are those who can pull them off and those that can’t. Those that aren’t so successful with their tattoos end up often making themselves look rough, cheap or chavvy.

I may sound like an old woman, but what about when you’re old and wrinkly? When that design you picked when young and fun, looks totally inappropriate for a pensioner!

So, when do I like them? Certain designs on a muscular man’s arm can be very attractive. Well positioned, discreet designs can be sexy on a girl. On the other hand, a proud father having a well designed and not too showy tattoo as a gesture towards his child or children, I find this really touching. Perhaps David Beckham may have gone a bit far with his, but something a bit lower key is acceptable.

There are those tattoos you have to look cool, those to show support – perhaps for your favourite band or football team. Showing your commitment to a loved one, but best to wait until you’re married than getting somebody’s name permanently inked on your body… Chinese symbols seem a hit, but how do you know what they really say?

Of course, we were given the chance to remove those accident tattoos. This costs a lot of money though and can still leave scarring or some marks.

Dodgy or dirty images aren’t the best choice either, do people not think of the impact overall? It sounds dull, but if it’s noticeable then you need to think about how people will react – potential employers, future partners – people will judge. Or even in your future, your children or grandchildren – how would you explain that inappropriate wording or picture on your arm?

Still, as I blogged previously, I opted for a temporary tattoo when I went to the Isle of Wight festival this year. I laughed as the original ‘drawing on’ of the design scratched a bit and where we had to peel off the initial layer it actually hurt quite a lot! What a wuss, how would I cope with a real tattoo?

However, once I had it done I became a bit obsessed with the design and loved how it looked on my shoulder and back. Although, on starting my new job I soon realised in that position it was in quite a noticeable spot. This also highlighted to me just how important it is to get it right. After all, a tattoo is for life and not just for that drunken night out or those carefree teenage years…

Bloggers Block

Whether it’s down to my head being crammed full of facts, names and processes from my new role, or that my creative juices have temporarily stopped flowing, I can’t seem to write my blog.

I feel a bit like I’ve neglected it lately and it was only conversations at work this week that reminded me of its presence and my lack of contributions. So I’m afraid this post is going to be rather random and filled with a bit of a mix.

So I guess I should start by updating you on my new job. I’ve now done 8 days at my new company and I am genuinely really enjoying it – much to my relief. After all it would have been a bit of a slap in the face to go somewhere new and find you enjoy it less than the previous job you left. It’s also highlighted how little things in life really can make a big difference – things like ‘proper’ mugs to drink out of, not cardboard cups; a sense of general trust in employees and a friendly, approachable nature from management (on all levels).

My boyfriend has found it quite comical – and a reflection of my previous company – how impressed I am by what some people will argue is behaviour almost to be expected by employers. I guess perhaps still being in the new person and learning stage my view may also be somewhat skewed too!

In other areas of my life, I will find myself in the last year of my 20s after this Saturday. A very scary thought indeed. To be honest I have been so caught up in starting my new job and issues with my boyfriend’s career that I’ve not built my birthday up as much as I normally would.

I am a bit of a nightmare when it comes to birthdays, I believe this is down to having such a small family, when one of us has a birthday we like to make a big fuss. I have been known to celebrate my birthdays over a number of days and in fact when I was 25 I had 5 consecutive days of various celebrations. Tip – don’t have your work birthday drinks as the final night of birthday events if you choose to do this, it gets very messy and you will be extremely hungover the next day.

This year I’ve made no arrangements, partly because I’ve not had time and also because my boyfriend has something planned for Saturday – this is all a complete surprise though, so I don’t know what he has in store… I only arranged to go out for a meal and drinks tomorrow night with a close friend a few days ago and that was after my poor friend had to nudge me on it numerous times. I do wonder is this also possibly my way of denying my age and that this is the last year of my 20s, it just doesn’t feel real.

When I think back to being young, back then if I saw someone 30 years of age they seemed so grown up and pretty much sorted – good job, married, own a nice big house, have kids. I didn’t know what, but I was fairly confident in the fact that they had achieved something with their lives. When you get to this age you can’t help but question are you where you should be and have you done and seen enough? I will worry about that after my birthday, else I fear I will spend the day moping about the things I could have done and not what I have done with my life.
I’ve also thought about life and being young with the recent violence and looting in London and across the UK. It saddens me to think this is our future society and although I know this is not necessarily a reflection of the majority of young people today, I’ve seen enough evidence of how teens and schoolchildren feel they can act to know things are different now.

Who knows perhaps again this is further evidence of me getting older. I know for a fact I’ve started doing the whole ‘when I was young…’ phrasing and labelling young girls and boys wearing hoodies or in big groups as ‘yobs’. I just really do feel that things have changed and just general respect and accountability of actions is lacking somewhat nowadays.

I am ‘friends’ on Facebook with some young people – generally distant family members linked to me or my boyfriend, and I find I don’t like looking at their profiles. The girls look too made up and too grown up, the boys have ridiculous levels of bad language on their walls or are using terminology which I’d associate with ‘chavs’.

Even the things our 6 year old nephew is aware of shocks me sometimes, just the general information or terms they pick up simply being around other children at school is insane. I just remember being in more of a bubble when I was young and enjoying the magic of childhood, rather than rushing to become an adult – well at least until I was about 13+ anyway.

The other concern I’ve had of late is my weight (yes, yet again). My whole healthy eating, exercise regime has gone well and truly out the window and I need to quickly establish a routine so I can get myself sorted again. I am actually going to see if I can use my gym membership in the same chain near my office – talks of early morning or lunchtime workouts have been heard, now it’s just a case of making them happen…

It’s just the area I’m based in now – around Spitalfields, near Shoreditch etc, everyone is so skinny and trendy. Seriously, this whole area is not doing anything for my confidence, I feel like an old granny and that I can’t quite work out what to wear – something I’ve never felt before to be honest. I thought how great it was that in this company we could wear what we want (within reason obviously) in the office, but it does add another factor to worry about each week.

So there you have it, I’ve turned into an ageing, judgemental, plump, frumpily-dressed woman on the speedy downward slope to 30. Happy days. I tell you something though, if you need me to talk about work orders, outlines, corporate websites or the best train to get from Romford to Liverpool Street then I’m your lady!