The Great British Clearout

Summer. The time when we live in our favourite pair of shorts and an incessant amount of vests. The time when most of us take a minimalist approach to dressing (cooler and fuss free - v important given the recent heat wave).

For me, it's also that time of the year when I finally accept that I really *must* sort out my wardrobe.

That top I bought three years ago and wore once to my cousin's christening? It must go. That 12-13 year old vest that used to be my favourite thing ever but no longer fits my boobs? It must go. Also added to the list - a dress too short and a green dressing gown that I wouldn't even let the postman see.

But that's the thing, isn't it? We love hoarding! Even when we know we should move on! To throw out something - even to sell it, or give it to a friend - feels like letting go of a treasure in a treasure chest. 'Oh you never know', becomes the default attitude. I can't count the number of times I have tried to justify keeping an item of clothing even though it hasn't been worn in 5 years.

Image:solopractice

Well, time to put things to an end. This summer, it's time to get ruthless. Here's a checklist of criteria for things that must go. For those of you with similar problems, maybe it will help. (No excuses, right?)

CHUCK:

1. Shorts that are just too revealing. Or skirts for that matter. There's short and then there's too short.
2. One of your many garments that look identical. Not even the queen needs 4 navy jumpers. 
3.  Any item of clothing over 2 inches too big or 2 inches too small. Unless it's intended to be oversized/baggy.
4. Any item of clothing only worn once and that you promise you will wear again, but still haven't.
5. That itchy top/trousers/underwear which makes you squirm just by the thought of wearing it.
6. Stubbon stained clothes. No thanks.
7. Out of date clothes that make you look like you've travelled back to the 60s (and not in a good way).
8. Anything that was bought on an impulse buy and you have forever regretted since.
9. Anything with missing buttons. 
10. Clothes that just don't suit you. Adorable though they look on the hanger, they do actually need to be worn...

Sigh. Let the clearout begin!

Image: media.licdn

Why I love London style

Recently, I've been spending a lot of time in London - the buzzing capital of England and the home of politics, banking and, of course, fashion. 

From Covent Garden to Vauxhall, Oxford Street to Pimlico, I have been travelling around a fair bit. And, in doing so, have been amazed at just the number of creative people there are when it comes to what to wear.

Image: racreation

Now, of course, that's not everyone. It's excluding the people who simply wear suits on the way to work, or those who aren't interested in fashion/dressing well (guy on the tube wearing last week's trousers and a Star Wars t-shirt, I'm talking to you).

But for the good percentage of people who are - typically in the demographic of 18-30 - fashion is clearly something important.

My favourite outfits spotted so far have been one girl who wore block heels, printed culottes (like the ones below) and a white crop top . Another stole the show at Picadilly Circus, if you don't mind the pun, wearing a yellow wide-leg jump suit.

Printed Culottes, Mango £59.99

But there have also been those who depart from current trends, wearing clashing colours/prints or night wear during the day. And good on them! Sometimes, we need to break boundaries and so called fashion 'conventions'. We need to dress how we want to dress, not how we should. And that's why I love London.

People don't judge - it's become 'normal' to dress a bit crazy in the city. Wearing neon leggings is perfectly fine. Black lipstick is the new red.

Image: favim

And you know what? People seem perfectly happy wearing what they want. Forget feeling insecure - London is the home of  not only fashion but confidence too.