7 Wardrobe Hacks

Let's face it. Storing your clothes isn't always easy. Unless you have a magnificent A-list walk-in-wardrobe (and a personal stylist to match), then hanging, folding and making your wardrobe look all round pretty - whilst also being functional - can be hard. A mess of jumpers? Socks missing a pair? We've all been there. But over the years I've collected a few tricks that make storing clothes much easier. Queue my best wardrobe hacks.

• Roll, don't fold. Not only does rolling clothes save space when packing a suitcase, it's also great for your cupboard drawers. It makes seeing your clothes easier AND helps them stay crease free. Winning.

• Colour code. Yes, it's a pain but it will revolutionize your wardrobe. Be sure to separate whites and pale colours from those that are darker for an aesthetically pleasing look.

Image: Stylist

• Use missing socks as scented balls. Can't find the other pair? Rather than throwing the sock away, fill it with rice and dried lavender, before tieing securely into a ball shape. Pop it in the corner of your draw for permanently fresh-scented clothes.

• Use old shoe boxes as containers. Stuck for space? This will instantly act as a makeshift 'open' draw that can be placed at the bottom of your wardrobe or on a shelf inside. Stick wallpaper or cute wrapping paper on for a pretty look.

• Place light-weight bags on hangers and fill them with things, such as your favorite underwear or satin slips. Also a great storage hack.

• Buy a wall hanger for your necklaces and hang it on the inside of your wardrobe door. Having your jewellery and clothes in the same space will make coordinating your outfit both easier and faster.

• Let go of old clothing. I say this often (see my post The Great British Clearout) but nothing hinders top wardrobe organisation than clothes you just don't wear! Redundant space? Ain't nobody got time for that. Two words: Chuck. It.

My favourites: the sequined dress

Tis the season to be....sparkly. Yes. Christmas is rapidly approaching and with a season that spells party after party after party, there's no better time to invest in some sparkles for the festive season than now. A sequined dress is a great point of call, guaranteeing you'll shine - quite literally - on your night out. And with so much variety in style out there, you'll be spoilt for choice! Here are my top five.

1. The Green One

Motel Gabby Dress, Topshop £48

2. The Floor Length One

All Over Sequined Dress, Jane Norman £100

3. The Flapper One

20s Inspired Flapper Embellished Dress, Gatsbylady London £85 (Available from Notonthehighstreet.com)

4. The Colourful One

Morgan Open Backed Sequin Dress, House of Fraser £75

5. The Princess One

  Sequinned Midi Dress, Chi Chi London £79.99

Female politicians and the power suit

  

It's been a whirlwind of a political year. England voted to leave the EU and Trump won president of the US. Amidst both these surprising results, there have been two women at the forefront of the political scene. Theresa May and Hillary Clinton. Two women of formidable intelligence, determination, and strength.

But from a stylist view, two women who have also aced the game of power dressing. Whether it was May's Vivienne Westwood checkered suit (the same one which was also worn by supermodel Cara Develigne) or Hilton's Ralph Lauren red suit, the trouser suit has become an icon of female strength. #pantsuitnation even became a hashtag used by Clinton's supporters, proving that fashion and politics are not so far apart as one might think.

What's also great about this look generally is the message it sends out. Women don't have to dress in a way that is gender stereotypical - restricted to pretty dresses and skirts, with men only in the suits. As said in my last post, the gap between 'male' and 'female' dress is rapidly closing.

Fall/ Winter 2016-2017 trends sporting the pantsuit look. Image: Fashionisers.

Trouser suits are also freaking comfy. No need to awkwardly worry about maintaining elegance whilst getting out a car, for example. Since it's nearing winter, no need to have to wear tights in the knowledge that your legs will still inevitably freeze the minute you step out the door. Blazers are also an effortless way of dressing up.

Given there are so many fabulous retailers out there selling matching trouser suits, it's never been easier to purchase one. Go with block colour to play safe, or florals and checks if you're feeling more adventurous. It's a great look for the workplace or indeed for an event or dinner, perhaps teamed with heels if you fancy it. This gorgeous green one from ASOS is one of my favourites because of the simple tailoring and colour.

ASOS Premium Tailored Suit in Forest Green

May and Clinton have set the tune for strong women who mean business. Trouser suits have become a way to power dress - let's follow it.

Cross dressing - kinda

So one of my birthday gifts was a beautiful watch from nylondon - brown leather strap, large dial, simple design. I had been looking for a watch for quite some time but had always been disappointed by the glaring silver glitter that many of the female varieties had (no disrespect, just not to my taste).

I ended up finding the answer by choosing this watch which was part of the men's selection. In fact, I way preferred the men's watches - the larger dial and heavier feel they had - but maybe that's also because I'm a bit of a tomboy at heart.

Either way, it got me thinking that now, more than ever, incorporating clothes or items of the opposite sex is hardly something to bat an eyelid at.

Many of my shirts - at least the oversized ones, which I tuck into denim shorts or jeans - used to belong to my brother. One Ralph Lauren polo shirt I wore a few weeks back was also my brothers. No one even noticed.

Once upon a time, it was a taboo for women to wear trousers. Can you believe that? And yes, colour/gender associations are also being broken down. I owe way more navy and blue shades (traditionally 'male' colours) in my wardrobe than I do pink. In fact, I quite dislike pink.

And then take jackets - there are some gorgeous black overcoats designed for men out there that could also be worn by women, resulting in a sleek look similar to this:

The point being, there's never been so much overlap between male and female clothes. The androgynous look continues to filter onto our catwalks. This is written from a female viewpoint and it would be interesting to see if any men felt the same (feel free to comment below).

In an age of experimentation, who says we must only shop in the 'ladies' OR 'mens' areas. Okay yes, obviously not everything is going to work. Steer clear of jeans for one. But an over-sized, cosy, maroon jumper that just so happens to part of the M&S menswear selection? Don't mind if I do.

Autumn means - a blogger's snapshot

Autumn is well and truly here. The leaves have fallen, the days are shorter and the evenings colder.
In terms of fashion, Autumn means to me layers. Wool and cotton, knits and crochet. Not quite yet the season of thermals, but a top, jumper and jacket does the trick. Cardigans become a must have during this season. Autumn means to me the return of scarfs. Big, square ones that you can wrap all around you and which double up as a blanket - or a face cover for when it's too early in the morning. One is always on the look out for new scarfs. Never too many scarfs. Autumn means to me boots. Thick boots that feel cosy inside because of the wool lining. Boots that you can run in the leaves with, kicking up a flurry of browns, yellows and oranges. No shame. Autumn means to me trench coats - the classic cut ones, beige in colour and with a belt around the waist. Feeling a bit detective but why not. Autumn means to me lip salve. Nivea Vanilla and Macadamia is a personal favourite. Chapped lips no more. And finally, Autumn means to me fluffly dressing gowns. The silk ones can go back in the wardrobe, these are the ones you wear when you want some TLC in the form of fabric.

Happy Autumn x

My favourites: the block heel

Despite being 5'8 and a bit, I love a good heel. Having a heel often has the effect of enhancing an outfit and encouraging good posture. But then, we must also consider the comfort factor. No one wants to feel like they are walking a tightrope. That's why I just love block heels. They give you height, confidence, and comfort. They can also be worn day or night, depending on the occasion. Here are five of my favourites.

1. The Strappy One

Montana Platform Block Heels, Office £48 

2. The Boot One

White Mountain Cayden Block Heel Booties, Macys £72.79

3. The Pretty One

Yasmin Scalloped Block Heel Pumps, Kate Spade £187

4. The Patent One

 White Patent Strap Block Heel Shoes, Quiz £24.99

5. The Glam One

Megan Pointed Blook Heel Sling Back, Boohoo £25

Fitspo fashion

Recently, we have seen a new trend that is a little bit different to normal. Rather than some form of clothing that is now 'in', having graced the catwalks of high fashion (think the pink coat trend a few years ago) this one is about when you wear your clothes. A number of celebrities and models have been channelling a look that more and more women are following: gym wear as outerwear.

Supermodel Gigi Hadid

Whereas once upon a time, leggings, trainers and a Nike vest were a symbol of going to or indeed returning from the gym (depending on the levels of sweat and the degree of face redness), now, the look is frequently being used as a go-to outfit for other occasions. Fitspo fashion is becoming a thing. Grabbing a coffee with friends? This look is totally suitable.

Perhaps it's because of the launch of extra cool gym wear by the likes of Fabletics and Sweaty Betty. Often costing a fair amount, to limit this to just one hour on the cross-trainer where your next door neighbour and (if lucky) a hot guy might see it, seems, well, a bit of a waste. And with the likes of Gigi Hadid, the Kardashians and Joan Smalls frequently seen out and about in sportswear, why not?

Sweaty Betty, Shanti Padded Yoga Bra, £40

And another thing. Is it me or is there something quite empowering about this look? It shouts active and confident. Indeed, the first outfit we saw Taylor Swift in, following her break up with Tom Hiddleston, was a sports one - albeit she was actually going to workout. It's also typically flattering. The companies design these lycra bid gear with the female shape in mind, offering some essential support built into their sports bras. (Which, by the way, are *so* much comfier than normal bras...)

Fashion (fitspo) goals

Is this something I'll be doing all the time? Goodness no. Sacrificing 95% of my wardrobe for a sporty look is not going to happen anytime soon. But popping out to the shops? Maybe next time I'll grab my running leggings and trainers, over my jeans and boots.