Fashion Fix

SO, SO VERY SPECIAL

Some outfits are just too special to throw away, but they take up valuable space in your wardrobe. If you think they have a  social history or historical fashion value pass them on to a museum or theatre wardrobe department. Someone will love them as much as you do and they will get some use.

Hangers

I want to start spring cleaning my wardrobe and sorting my clothes out. I need to buy some new hangers - can you give me an idea of the different hangers I should have in my wardrobe? Thanks for your help, Marie.

Hi Marie,

Well done on sorting your wardrobe out! This is a great time of year to do this and I know it's a task we tend to put off but we always feel great when its done. Invest in

• Good wooden hangers for jackets and coats
• Hangers with clips for skirts and trousers,
• Padded ones are great for your lightweight fabrics such as silk
• Basic plastic hangers for blouses, shirts and your lightweight summer dresses

Hope this is off some help to you Marie.

Special shoe box?

I have a very special pair of shoes and I would love to buy a nice shoebox to keep them clean and out of my six-year-old daughters reach! I have seen in magazines such boxes but could you tell me if there is any available in Kilkenny? Thanks Karyn.

Hi Karyn,

I recently called into Aqua on High Street and I spotted a lovely range of very girlie fun products from the Boudoir Belle range. The range included shoe boxes which would be ideal for that special pair of shoes - these boxes are covered in a silk silver fabric with a gorgeous shoe motif on the lid and the inside is a vibrant pink. Any shoe lover would be very happy to store their Jimmy Choos in one of these little boxes.

Also in the same range is a cotton draw string bag to wash your special tights and stockings in and they could also double up as a storage bag. You will also see red silk eye masks for uninterrupted beauty sleep, matching silk pillows and cosmetic bags.

As I said all very feminine and very cute - I thought I would mention this range as they would make an ideal Valentines Day or Mothers day pressie.

That’s why its always worth checking out these smaller little boutiques that we are so lucky to have here in Kilkenny.  It is not always about the great clothes they sell as you will sometimes comes across truly individual little bits and pieces such as the Boudoir Belle range. Happy shopping.

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.

Storing Bags

Over the Christmas break I sorted my wardrobe out a little. I have a lot of handbags as I love bags but noticed some of them were looking a bit shabby and dusty as they are stored in boxes on my wardrobe. Have you any ideas how I can keep them in good condition while being stored?
Thanks Ellie.

Hi Ellie,

Well done for sorting your wardrobe out a task we all dread doing! Firstly to keep your leather bags in top condition you should regularly apply a neutral polish and then stuff them with newspaper to help them keep their shape. Avoid over stuffing as this might stretch your bag out
of shape.

Use a suede brush to clean your suede bags and give them a lift and for patent bags apply white vinegar on a soft cloth to clean them and then wipe the vinegar off. For your silk or cloth bags don’t clean these yourself have them professionally cleaned. Store them in old
pillowcases or old cotton tee-shirts, avoid putting them in plastic bags as plastic can cause mold. Good luck.

Dress exchange shop?

I saw your column a few weeks ago when you wrote about cast-off parties, which is a good way to clear your wardrobe of the clothes you no longer wear. I have a lot of clothes I bought for special occasions and items that don’t fit me anymore due to gaining weight. Is there a dress exchange shop in Kilkenny where I can bring my clothes and they can be sold on so I might make some extra cash? Thanks Sharon.

Hi Sharon,
There is a shop in Thomastown called Dressence, its located on Logan Street. Its one of those little shops where you could find anything as you look through the rails. Theresa, the owner told me she takes a commission on each item when it sells. She usually holds on to clothes for a few weeks and if there is no interest she will give you a call to collect your unsold items. She will only accept fashionable clothes in good condition but she likes the odd classically styled piece also. She sells accessories as well. There is a small selection of evening wear in stock and now is the time to buy your party wear!

You can give Dressence a call on 056 77 93246 - opening hours are Tuesday to Friday 12.30-6pm and Saturday 11.30-5pm. And while you are in Thomastown call into “Casa Bella”, on Market Street, a lovely gift shop that sells some nice velvet and tapestry handbags, and fashion jewellery. A great place to pick up some Christmas presents. Martina

Wardrobe Clearout

I have a lot of fashionable clothes in good condition and that I don’t wear anymore. Would you have any suggestions as to how I can tackle the problem of my unworn clothes so I can make room for some new purchases without feeling guilty? Aisling

Hi Aisling,
One suggestion I have for you is to hold a cast-off party. It’s a great excuse for a girly night in.  Invite some friends around and ask everyone who is attending to bring over the clothes and accessories that they no longer wear – and a bottle of wine!

When your guests have relaxed a little and every one is chatting away put all of the clothing into the centre of the room - it’s a good idea to do this as no one will know what clothes belong to whom. Make sure you have a full length mirror and let the rummaging begin. Hopefully everyone goes home armed with some new clothes in exchange for their old. And anything that’s left can be brought to the charity shop, which means even more people, will benefit from your evening.

It’s a great way of adding a few new items of clothing to your wardrobe - and good fun too. Happy rummaging! Martina