Fashion Fix

Smelly Trainers!

My trainers always end up smelling even when I buy an expensive leather brand - is there some way of getting rid of the odour? Thanks, Mel

Hi Mel,

This can be a real problem for a lot of trainer wearers. You could put them in an old pillowslip or towel and pop them in the washing machine on a low temperature but please check the washing instructions inside prior to doing this as you don’t want to wreck your trainers.

After washing them it is then a good idea to put your trainers outdoors to dry in the air as this will help to rid them of odors - do ensure they are completely dry before wearing them.

I have also heard that you can pop your trainers in a plastic bag and put in the freezer for an hour as this will help to kill the germs that contribute to the smell. Finally always ensure you wear cotton socks as they also help to minimize odours.

Is a Halter Neck Top suitable for me?

When I was out partying over Christmas I noticed a lot of girls wearing halter neck tops and dresses. I would love to wear a halter neck top to an event I am going to in a few weeks time but I am unsure if it would suit me as I am tall with a small bust. I was also wondering about the correct bra to wear with a halter neck. Thanks, Sue.

Hi Sue,

Yes this is the time of year when you see a lot of halter neck style tops and dresses on the dance floor. Your shape sounds just right for this style as smaller busted ladies really look good in halter necks and there are bras specially designed to wear with them which will give the support you need without showing bra straps.

They are also a nice way to show off your shoulders. Make sure your skin is in good condition and add a little fake tan if needed which will give you a nice golden glow.

Long skirts and footwear

I like to wear long skirts but I tend to wear flats with them despite my friends saying I should wear heels. I find high heels uncomfortable, any suggestions for me? Many thanks, Molly.

Hi Molly,

I think flat shoes work very well on tall women with the long length skirts but you don’t have to wear stilettos through. A good alternative is the wedge heel as it gives good even support. The wedge has been around for a while and I certainly hope they are around for even longer as this style of shoe/boot will give you a sexier sophisticated look without the awful discomfort that a very high stiletto heel can cause.

The same goes for the kitten heel which will give a little height and won’t kill your feet. Finally look out for a nicely styled long boot in the shops at the moment – they come with wedge heels and kitten heels.

Funky without freezing?

How can I dress up and still manage to look funky without freezing to death when I go out at night? Thanks, Breda.

Hi Breda,

I think you need to add a nice funky coat to your wardrobe which you can throw on over your outfit and still look stylish. Another option is a classic trench coat or a bomber jacket. Both are popular this season and the bomber jacket will give your outfit a real street cred look. Finally you could try a nice faux fur jacket – it will keep the winter chills at bay and still have you looking very elegant.

Top Handy Tips

·    Avoid wearing the same suit for two days running and always let suits and jackets air for some time after wearing.

·    If you stain a favourite garment - act fast! Rinse egg, alcohol, fruit, tomato and grass stains in cold water only to avoid setting them.

·    If you need a shirt or blouse in a hurry hang one in the bathroom or put it in the drier with a damp towel. Then just iron the sleeves cuffs and the middle - the rest wont be seen as it will be tucked in!  The lazy way to iron but great if in a hurry!

Wardrobe Decluttering

I have been thinking recently about sorting my wardrobe out and having a good declutter.  However I keep putting it off as I think I need some advice when doing so - I have a lot of expensive pieces that I am unsure about. I never know if I will wear them again. I have lost all confidence in dressing and shopping as I have been unwell recently. I would love to get your help and advice - do you offer wardrobe decluttering as part of your service? Many thanks, Molly.

Hi Molly,

This is a great time of year to have a wardrobe weeding session, New Year and all that and with some great bargains in the shops during the next few weeks.

It would give you a real boost when you open your wardrobe and you will see rails of coordinated outfits – it sounds like it would mean a lot to you especially after being sick.  Yes this is a service I offer, I will come to your home and assess your wardrobe with you and together we can see what stays and what goes based on the following:
·    Whether you have worn a particular item in the last twelve months
·    Does it go with anything in my wardrobe?
·    Does it go with my lifestyle?

Then we will coordinate the various pieces and see if you need to add some basic pieces which might help to update your existing wardrobe and pull together some of your outfits.

I will help you make the most of your wardrobe and give you that little bit of confidence in dressing and shopping again and some fresh ideas As I say clothes won’t change our lives but they will definitely make a difference. I look forward to hearing from you.