10 Tips for De-Cluttering Your Home

New Year usually brings the desire for a better life, for change, for less-chaotic environment. No wonder that many of us start thinking – at this time of the year - about paring down our possessions and de-cluttering.

Here are my tried and tested tips on how to achieve an effective clear-out:

1.       Just start – anywhere, at any time. Don`t wait to make plans… draw up diagrams of `what/when/how`. Starting, even on a small box that contains old bank statements, will set you up on a way to bigger achievements

2.       Give yourself realistic deadlines. No need to try to complete the task in 2 days when you are genuinely busy. Even 15 minute `tidying slots` per day will add up eventually

3.       Be decisive. Don`t just push things from one place to another. The point is to free yourself from unnecessary stuff. Make sure you are clear on what you need to have and what doesn`t add any value to your existence

4.       Beware of `just in case` mentality. If you have not used something in the last six months, the likelihood of using it tomorrow is extremely small. The only exception is Christmas decorations

5.       Assess your storage situation. Are you making the most of your current arrangements?

6.       Create three piles: `To Keep`, `Give to Charity/ or Friends`, and `Discard`. Be ruthless. No point holding onto things just for sentimental reasons. If needed, take a photo of the sentimental object so you have it when you want to remind yourself, but don`t keep a tapestry just because you`ve made it while still at school

7.       Likewise, don`t hold onto something which is not pretty. A badly fitted dress has to go, even if it was a present from your mother. You know you won’t wear it. As per above – take a photo and let the dress go

8.       Remind yourself often why you are culling. It is not easy to function in a messy environment. Freeing your personal space will free your mind

9.       Organise yourself – call in a removal team if you are going to discard larger pieces. There are plenty of people who would take your rubbish away and their service is not expensive

10.   Reward yourself for doing well. If you sold some of unwanted  goods, treat yourself to something you will remember, and not necessary another physical object. A lovely massage would be more beneficial than yet another book, or a pair of shoes.

Happy New Year!

 

Steven Meisel`s Fashion Photography Exhibition (London)

Steven Meisel`s Role Play is undoubtedly the most evocative fashion photography exhibition in London right now. It is at the Phillips Gallery, at Berkeley Square, in Mayfair, showcasing 25 images.

Steven Meisel, the man behind the camera is one of the greatest living photographers, and is understood to have discovered the supers like Naomi and Christy.

 

Their images grace the walls of the gallery, which benefits from a number of floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in plenty of natural light to enhance the beauty of the subjects even further.

 

 

You will find black and white images…

….as well as colour photographs, this one of Hannelore Knuts, photographed in Los Angeles in 2000.

Some images are somewhat haunting – this depicts Anouck Lepere and Raquel Zimmermann in Los Angeles in 2000.

Other exhibits are easy on the eye. I am wearing a dress by Matthew Williamson.

 

The acclaimed international fashion photographer has a gift for storytelling, which is clearly evident in this traveling selling exhibition.

It is open until 11 January 2015, and then will move from Phillips Gallery in London to New York.  

 

Sales Guide – 10 Tried and Tested Tips

Sales galore! Wherever you look, someone is discounting their stock. Tempted to splash your cash? Here are my 10 tried and tested tips on how to get value for money, and avoid costly mistakes.

 

 

1.       Upgrade your Wardrobe – buy above your usual entry level. If you normally shop at Zara, check out Michael Kors. If your wardrobe consists of Michael Kors tops and skirts, go to Gucci. This is a perfect opportunity to get your hands on something you couldn`t afford to buy normally

2.       Dress for it – don`t turn up in a blouse that requires opening multitude of minuscule buttons. Don`t wear several layers. A dress that unzips easily is your perfect sales companion - it will let you get in and out of it in seconds

3.       Ditch your husband/boyfriend/partner/best friend/auntie Doris – others will slow you down or – worst – would want to go to shops you don`t have any interest in. Shop alone, and then bring your haul back to your loved ones to admire. Or if you want to share your excitement instantaneously, send them a photo of your treasure

4.       Look out for bulky items that usually cost a substantial amount - coats, bags, and boots can be easily snapped up in a sale

5.       Ideally, remind yourself what you already own – important step before you head out of the door. There is really no point bringing in yet another pair of black skinnies, no matter how well they fit, or how cheap they were

6.       Have a budget in mind – you don`t want to be borrowing money after your shopping spree to pay for essentials or important bills. Shopping feels good but if you overspend, you won`t enjoy your purchases. Don`t put yourself in a situation where you would regret your decisions later

7.       Size matters – it is risky to buy a dress hoping you would slim into it, but totally unrealistic to buy a pair of shoes that are a size too small. Don`t, simply don`t!

8.       Go for luxurious materials – cashmere, silk, buttermilk-soft leather, exotic skins like python etc. will look good even if worn regularly, provided you look after your garments

9.       Stock up on essentials – for example mascara can last for months if not opened.  And some cosmetics, like Perricone MD cosmeceuticals, carry a `best before date` so you can decide if it is worth buying in bulk

10.   You can make 100% saving - yes, 100%! if you don`t buy anything. Something to be considered seriously, especially if your wardrobe is bulging already

Happy shopping!

 

 

Christmas Trees - Unusual and Unforgettable

Some Christmas trees are very ornamental and traditional, others are sleek and modern. It takes a certain skill and imagination to present the tree in a way that would elicit the desired `wow` from the viewers. Here are my top choices – unusual and unforgettable:

 

I came across this one in the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore. Full of cuddly and cute teddies – what not to like?

This has been made out of 900 recycled plastic bottles – green and innovative.

And of course, I couldn`t omit the current favourite – this upside-down tree resides in Victoria Beckham store in London`s Mayfair. It is watered (someone sprays it every day) to keep it in good condition. What a novel and simple idea! Its simplicity makes it sophisticated, and so in line with the brand`s vision.

5 Books Every Fashionista Should Read

With only a few days before Christmas, here are my suggestions for books every fashionista should have:

Not only Hermès aficionados, but everyone who appreciates high quality products and fast-paced action would be delighted to find this novel under their Christmas tree. Michael Tonello chronicles his adventures that take him from country to country and from one to another continent, in order to avoid the dreaded waiting list for the most iconic bag on earth. He manages to buy Birkin bags on the spot. How? He reveals all in this witty and humorous account.

Diane Von Furstenberg`s new book is packed with great advise, like how to have the best legs in business even if you are not a model. Climbing stairs is the answer here, but you would also find many more learnings from the woman whose mother was a concentration camp survivor, and whose own life had so many twists and turns, you will be eager to turn those pages, to find out more.

There are many paragraphs in this thriller that describe pretty dresses, but the main focus is on a mysterious world of club dancers in Japanese Roppongi district. The author has a talent for plotting and you may find yourself staying late or even into the small hours, to find out what happened next to a missing hostess. The stories are well-researched and bring us closer to the murky and fascinating world of Japanese hostess bars, where every girl has her price.

Back in the world of Hermès, Nadine Coleno penned a coffee book called `The Hermès Scarf – History and Mystique` in which she eloquently presents the case for wearing one of the most desired accessories – a Hermès scarf. Worn by royals and celebrities, as much as well-dressed taste-makers, the subject matter is photographed and illustrated in 292 different images and analysed in great detail. This book will increase your expertise, and enable you to buy (if you choose so) with confidence.

Nicky Haslam is the undisputed king of glamorous interiors and here he shares his tips on `faking it` and creating the most desired designs inside and outside of the home. His clients include royals and rock stars and he generously discusses many projects that generated fantastic results, sometimes with a lot, often with not so much cash. You will find real gems of wisdom here, and be equipped with great understanding of Nicky Haslam`s diverse inspirations. Watch out for original plans, scrapbooks, photographs and images.  You may not become a world-renown interior designer, but you will feel confident enough to start on your own project.

 

Bobbi Brown`s Smokey Eye Mascara

I ventured to Fenwick, located on London`s Bond Street, in search of a mascara that would deliver high drama.  There was champagne and mince pies at Bobbi Brown cosmetics counter so I stopped by.

I met Hannah, Bobbi Brown`s makeup guru, who introduced me to kohl-pigmented mascara, called Smokey Eye Mascara .  

 

It creates super-dark, bold lashes, and allows you to build volume. I like its brush, which is small and tapered so it can easily grab hard-to reach lashes at the inner corner of the eye. The pigment is so intense that it results in dramatically dark lashes, which complete a perfect,  `Smokey Eye` look.

Hannah dabbed a matt colour called Slopes on my lips, and it complemented my new look. It gave me full coverage with a lightweight feel. She said dabbing it rather than painting, made it more natural, and therefore modern.  

 

London College of Fashion’s Pop-Up Shop

London College of Fashion’s (LCF) pop-up retail space called COLLEGE SHOP, returned for a fourth year to a brand new location, close to the iconic Carnaby Street, to offer one-off designs just before Christmas.

 

It was opened from 11 until 16 December and stocked ground-breaking designs produced by LCF students and alumni, like these heels…..

clutch bags……

jewellery…….

skirts, tops, dresses, and accessories.

 

How about these `message- engraved` flats? Certainly a perfect gift for discerning fashionista.

Kudos to the up-and-coming designers, and the organisers. Thank you for giving us a chance to purchase truly unique and exciting pieces.

The Savoy Hotel (London) Celebrates 125th Anniversary

It was in 1246 that Count Peter of Savoy built the Savoy Palace on land by the side of the river Thames, given to him by Henry III, whose wife was Count Peter’s niece.  The Savoy Palace later become the home of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and was burned to the ground during the Peasant’s Revolt of 1381. Its history is fascinating and reflects the social and economic changes experienced by Londoners, over the centuries.

In 1889 Richard D’Oyly Carte built the Savoy hotel on land adjacent to his Savoy Theatre. It catered to tourists, especially Americans, who have travelled to London to see the Savoy Operas.  My girlfriend and I raised a glass of champagne to the hotel`s past, on our recent visit to Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill, at the Savoy.

I vividly remember the excitement and a number of press articles when the Savoy reopened again to the public on 10th October 2010 (“10-10-10”), after an eagerly awaited £220 million restoration. Here, my friend and I are fooling around in the hotel.

Today, the iconic Savoy offers the comforts of a high-quality establishment of the 21st century, together with the glamour of its 125-years of history.

 

The rooms offer butler`s service and the food in its restaurants  - some of the most renowned restaurants and bars in London - is as varied as it is delicious. Have a look at what we`ve had to eat.

The Savoy provides a stylish setting to enjoy the festive season, and many say the hotel epitomises the true spirit of London.

http://www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/

Nicky Haslam`s Decorating Tips

Last night`s event wasn`t calling for a laid-back style. It was one of those occasions when dolling up was on order. I am wearing a bespoke dress designed by Central Saint Martins` student, made of neoprene and rabbit fur, and shoes from Topshop. Why? Because I was meeting the acclaimed visionary - Nicky Haslam.

He was a guest of Daunt Bookstore, and delivered an hour-long lecture on interior design, as part of a series of Marylebone Talks. A great speaker and a flamboyant entertainer, this much-admired social arbiter recounted a diverse range of inspirations that shaped his unique, super-chic, opulent but equally liveable design style. Nicky Haslam generously shared sketches, photographs, and scrapbooks to illustrate which design principles worked and disclosed amusing anecdotes from his work as a sought after designer to rock stars, and royalty.

 

I learnt that holding on to well-made pieces will pay dividends, and that it was ok to use outdoor furniture (i.e. garden chairs) indoors. I discovered that room corners were often tricky to decorate and that increasing the height of the doors could impact dramatically on how the room could be perceived. But my favourite lesson was about `faking it` - from putting fireplaces where there was no chimney, to creating false columns or using plaster to achieve impressive wall panels.

The designer signed his new book `A Designer`s Life: An Archive of Inspired Design and Décor` and I already started referencing his ideas as I plan to redecorate my apartment in London.

J. W. Anderson and Other Designers` Sample Sale

It was Roksanda Ilinčić, a Serbian fashion designer based in London, who used Twitter to tell us  about her forthcoming sample sale in the Music Room in London`s South Molton Lane. And yes, this Central Saint Martins` student have not disappointed on the day, offering a rainbow of dresses at discounted prices.

J.W. Anderson also went on Twitter and talked about joining forces with a number of designers to present to the general public, a multitude of edgy, and chic clothes and accessories at keen prices.

I bought this leather-collared shirt-dress from Richard Nicoll for….£20 – happy customer!

House of Holland were selling embellished knits for £30

And this original clutch bag for £20

I was able to experience the labels I wouldn`t normally have a chance to see.

Great prints, innovative cut, and novel ideas were clearly the strongest points of these collections.

It was a great pre-Christmas gift from a new generation of fashion gurus.