Organizing Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe

Does your wardrobe look like this?
This wardrobe if you have not recognized it by now is the wardrobe of Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. Carrie as you may remember was not the most orderly person when it came to housekeeping as you can see from her wardrobe. But then I'm no Martha Stewart either though I can share a few tips in organizing your wardrobe that have worked for me.

Seasonal Cleanout
If like most people you do not have enough space to keep your entire wardrobe out at the same time then you must do a seasonal cleanout at least twice a year and store your out of season clothes in suitcases, vacuum pack bags, boxes etc. A wardrobe cleanout is also a good time to give unwanted clothes to charity, friends or siblings. Items of clothing that may be horribly wrong for your body shape or was just a bad buy may be ideal for someone else. Not to mention one woman's rubbish may be another woman's treasure.

Year round essentials by Munique featuring J Crew sweaters

Pick out year round wardrobe essentials
The first step is to select your year round wardrobe essentials like jeans, crisp white shirt, tee shirts, vests, tops, blouses, dresses and this list could go on and on depending on the style, make and fabric of these must haves.

A good guideline to use in determining your year round wardrobe essentials is to bear in mind that there are some clothes which you can layer up or layer down depending on the season. These are thus your essentials for your year round wardrobe which you can keep in your wardrobe at all times. To this you can then add your seasonal must haves. Other clothing that is winter or summer wear only can be stored away.

As summer approaches you can put away all your heavy winter coats, thick woollen jumpers, boots etc. It is a good idea to first clean clothes for storage so that they do not retain bad odours and are ready for use next winter.


Carrie's approach to layering is a little more ecletic. No doubt her year round wardrobe essentials may look more like this.

Carrie's Eclectic Wardrobe by Munique featuring Stella McCartney t-shirts

Select clothes for hanging and folding
If you have the space it is nice to have all your clothes on hangers so you can see exactly what you have. In the interest of space, fold wrinkle free clothes and store them on shelving in your wardrobe. You can either shelve them according to colour or garment for instance all browns together or all skirts together.

Do the same for the clothes with the privilege of hanging space in your wardrobe. In my view it is better to hang your clothes according to colour and patterns as this visual is invaluable when it comes to teaming up colours and patterns and coordinating outfits. I like to open my wardrobe and just stand back and look at it when determining what to wear. You will suddenly see matches of clothes that you had not thought of wearing together before. It is also a good idea to rearrange your colours from time to time putting different colour clothing and patterns next to each other. This again helps you to visualize new outfit combinations.

Shoe storage
If you are a designer shoe lover like Carrie then shoe boxes are a must to preserve them and keep them in prestine condition. Pack your shoes in individual shoe boxes so that they retain their shape and most importantly they can be stacked one on top of the other especially if you are cramped for space. If you are using under your bed as shoe storage then you do not want to be storing them unboxed as it can get quite dusty under there.



These are Carrie's brand new Manolos costing US$485 which is stolen when she is asked to leave them at the door when attending a Baby Shower. Check out the episode A Woman's Right to Shoes if you wish to refresh your memory.

Clear Shoe Boxes
Better yet go for clear boxes so that you can see exactly which shoe is in your shoe boxes. Have you ever had to search through all your boxes before finding that elusive pair you are looking for in the very last box? Well clear shoe boxes will save you that trouble. Plus when you stack them at the bottom of your wardrobe in clear shoe boxes then you can easily visualize them with your outfits. Ensure that you go for sturdy clear shoe boxes that can stack as some of them depending on the make can bend permanently out of shape when stacked.


Here are a pair of my shoes in a clear box. These transparent boxes really stack well and look almost as precious as Cinderella's glass slipper.

As it is now spring/summer stack your winter shoes/boots at the bottom or furthest to reach places since you would not be needing them in a hurry. Remember to invest in some boot boxes for easy storage.

Mens Tips on Grooming and Looking Good

Grooming habits and what is considered "good grooming" have varied greatly over time. Around 10,000 B.C., scented oils were a popular method of cleaning and softening skin and masking body odor. In ancient Egypt, kohl and red ochre featured prominently in the grooming arsenal of most men, as did a variety of skin care creams. Additionally, tribes around the world frequently used makeup in the form of dyes and paints for medicinal and cosmetic purposes as well as to psychologically prepare for battle.

So here are some great tips on grooming and looking good.



Before you leave the house:

Take a shower every morning

There's just no excuse for missing a shower when you wake up, before you go out for the night or after a workout. Water, soap, towel. Simple.

Check your face

You don't necessarily have to shave, but at least ensure that your face is clean and free of "debris." A quick look in the mirror to check for nose hair, stuff in your beard or crust in your eyes doesn't take more than a few seconds, and is well worth the effort.

Groom your hair (ear, nose, chest, head, etc.)

Hair growth happens with regularity, so make trimming and upkeep part of your routine. Wash and condition your hair every day (or every other day, depending on your hair type and length). Set aside one day a week (preferably a Saturday or Sunday, when you have more time) to tend to ear, nose and chest hair.

Clean your hands

In the business world, handshakes can make or break you; in the dating world, a woman expects to see nice hands. So all you have to do is cut your nails regularly, scrape away the dirt with a "nail cleaner" or a nailbrush (which you can keep in the shower to save time), wash your hands frequently (to avoid sweaty, sticky hands), and use lotion on occasion (to keep them smooth).

Apply lip balm

There is nothing worse than looking at chapped lips, and trust me, no girl will want to kiss them. Find a good lip balm and use it regularly. Just don't put too much on, or it will end up looking like lip gloss. And if you don't like applying it in public because of the unmanly look it portrays, then do it in private when you go to the bathroom.

Dress well

You don't need a suit (unless the occasion calls for it), but you should always wear clean clothes that are wrinkle-free and smell good. In other words, wear clothes that were just in your drawer or closet, not your hamper.

On a related note, select clothes that fit. After you put on your clothes, take a look in the mirror for a few seconds to make sure they fit properly. Yes, their preferred fit will vary over time as styles change (along with your body and taste), but the key here is to pay attention to what you're putting on.

Use some sort of scent

Many guys go to town wearing some sort of fragrance, using everything from scented soap and deodorant to aftershave and cologne. Other guys prefer not to use anything. Like most things in life, the answer is moderation. Pick one scent (otherwise you'll combine fragrances, which will result in a weird smell) and go with it. Just make sure it isn't too strong and make sure not to bathe in it. A sample scent most love by men is Polo Sport from Ralph Laruen. One final note: Don't skimp on cost here; cheap cologne will act like repellant.

Shine your shoes

People tend to look at your shoes right away. If dress shoes are appropriate, make sure they're shined. If you're wearing casual shoes, make sure they look clean and new. Tattered shoes tell the world that you either don't have money or don't care -- neither option is attractive.

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Once you're out:

Have proper posture

Good posture is important for you and your appearance. Focus on sitting and standing up straight. If you need a little extra help, do some posture exercises to strengthen your core muscles.

Scan your attire

Throughout a long day at the office, your clothes are likely to shift and get stained. After lunch and maybe again before you leave the office, check yourself in the mirror or look down to see if any adjustments are in order. As a side note, an untied tie is not a good look -- either keep it on or take it off.

Check your smell

Sweat happens, but it's also the enemy. Take a whiff of yourself every few hours and keep some fragrance (cologne, deodorant or body spray) on hand to freshen up. Also, if you sweat a lot, consider wearing an undershirt to prevent getting sweat stains on your shirts. To make sure you smell good from head to toe, apply talc powder on your feet to stay dry, especially if you're not wearing socks with your shoes.

Perform a quick facial check after you eat

Take a few minutes and use the bathroom mirror after you eat. Scan your teeth, nose and facial hair for any evidence of your meal or beverage. Ideally, you'd also brush your teeth, but if that isn't an option, then use a toothpick, mouthwash, gum, or mints.

You'll be judged by your cover:
If you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you give off those vibes that tell the world that you feel great. Make your impressions count by letting your appearance show off what you have going on inside. And make frequent use of those mirrors. You don't have to be a woman about it, but you should check them as often as you can.

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Victoria's Secret Short Summer Dresses

Sexy yellow summer dress by Victoria's Secret Summer Dresses

Sexy short brown summer dress by Victoria's Secret Summer Dresses

Sweet white - black summer dress by Victoria's Secret Summer Dresses

Sustainable fashion design

Summer Rayne Oakes' book entitled - Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty -has proven to be quite the Eco fashion and beauty resource. One of my latest finds in this book is Bird Textiles.

Bird Textiles produces exquisitely designed hand painted fabric using water based dyes. Designs are created by Textile Designer, Rachel Bending whose inspiration comes from the fruit, flavours and sunny surrounds of Byron Bay in Australia where she now resides. I say reside because Rachel is originally from the UK having studied textile design at the infamous Glasgow School of Art. Some of you may be familiar with Rachel’s work from the Slingfings brand.

From Fabric to Fashion
Bird Textiles' creativity is transformed from fabric to fashion. Rachel's'uniquely designed hand painted fabrics which comes in linen, organic cotton, cotton voile etc is used to create timeless fashion that can be customized to suit all preferences. From the choice of fabrics you can create these trans seasonal fashion originals.

These classic low slung hipster pants are beautifully shaped over the bottom, and tapered into a subtle flare. Extremely flattering as they lengthen through the leg.

This glamorous dress is made from a cotton stretch poplin so it will figure hug without restricting. Available in plain or print fabric.

The Pinafore is a favourite and a definite best seller. It suits nearly every body shape and is a good transeasonal. It can be worn with a vest top or tee shirt in summer and a roll neck jumper in winter.

A Gift to remember

Is there such a thing as the perfect gift? Well it depends on the individual and the occasion. Trained textile designer Carolynn Aitken can help you create the perfect personalized gift for that special person in your life. Carolynn runs a company called Red Shoes Memories which designs and makes beautiful leather handbags with bespoke interiors.


This bespoke ladies handbag shows "A memorable trip to London"

Bagfuls of memories
Carolynn uses high quality UK made leather handbags and prints an image (chosen by you) inside to create a unique lining. Imagine receiving a handbag as a gift and thinking that it is just another handbag. When you open it and see a picture from your honeymoon or a romantic vacation or a picture of a special moment with your kids then suddenly it takes your breath away.


This handbag is the perfect wedding or anniversary gift.

A picture they say paints a thousand words and the conceptual creativity behind Red Shoes handbags which transforms your precious memories into a usable keepsake can only bring tears of joy and appreciation to your eyes. You can't get cuter than capturing your Children's Drawings in a handbag.



A gift for all occasions
These bespoke ladies handbags are a gift for all occasions and the perfect opportunity to create that elusive perfect wedding anniversary gift, birthday gift, valentine’s day gift, mother’s day gift, graduation gift. Whatever the occasion a Red Shoes handbag is a gift to be treasured and remembered.

So the next time you receive the gift of a handbag it may be a bag full of memories from Red Shoes Memories. But what an intriguing name -‘Why is the company called Red Shoes when it designs handbags’? Read Carolynn’s explanation here.

Top 5 Bridal Gown Trends for 2009 Wedding Season

Wedding season is almost at full bloom. Wedding dress is going through a hot fashion trend this season, take a look at this hot designer bridal gowns for this year.

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5. April Showers Bring May Flowers

Floral accents on the wedding gown runway, the dress on the left is from Carolina Herrera's 2009 collection and on the right is from Vera Wang's collection.
Could you see yourself walking down the aisle wearing a wedding gown with floral accents?.

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4. Show a little Shoulder

The one shoulder wedding dress is very sexy and romantic. If you’re having a summer wedding keep this trend in mind. The one from the left is from Romona Keveza and the gown on the right is from Atelier Aimee.

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3. Romantic Ruffles

Ruffles are very romantic and yet very dreamy, you can find this gown showing a little/more drama flowing with ruffles from your head all the way down to your toes. This gown from Oscar de la Renta is exquisitely beautiful.

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2. Black and White All Over

Like a formal wedding, black and white wedding gown shows your personality and creative side. This gown created by Madeline Gardner is very sophisticated and something you'd consider trying on.

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1. The Little Short Dress is so Hot

Wedding dresses of full, flowing, and fluffy fabric can be considered “so yesterday” by fans of the short wedding gown trend. All you brides with hot, long legs say hello to these short dress from Rivini, Anne Barge, and Romona Keveza.

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Eco Fashion

What is eco-fashion? Eco-fashion is about making clothes and accessories in a way that is kind to the envrionment taking into account the health of consumers and the working conditions of people in the fashion industry. For instance eco-fashion boosts of using organic raw materials for instance cotton grown without the use of pesticides and processed into fabrics and clothing without the use of harmful chemicals to colour fabrics. Eco clothing is also about longevity in that they are made to last so that they are kept longer. Most importantly eco fashion need not be boring. Here are some hot eco favorites.

This Shell Ruffle Top below reminds me of a Mario Pinto design worn by Michelle Obama seen below on the right. This Shell Ruffle Top is also available in Green polka dots or black polka dots. Accessorize with polkadot rings from Munique fashions.




This Stripey Waterfall Top is also a favorite. Made from 100% organic Fair trade certified cotton, this soft striped sleeveless top has an interesting cascading ruffle detail at the front. Stripes and polkadots are always timeless favorites for any wardrobe.

You can start doing your part for the environment by becoming fashion conscience as opposed to fashion conscious. As I have always said a wardrobe is not built in a day. So start by purchasing one eco garment at a time until your wardrobe has a large mix of eco favorites to choose from.

Remember eco fashion is not only about clothes but shoes as well. This Off white print canvas sandal from Terraplana is an absolute treat. It is a Roman style Sandal style made with recycled memory foam, vegetable tanned leathers and recycled rubber for superior comfort with superior style. Oh! That's another aspect of Eco fashion, using recycled material. You can also find a unique range of eco recyled jewellery at Munique fashions like this Spatial Necklace made from recycled plastic.


A striking feature of this necklace is its clear iridescent colour which changes depending on the lighting. Who said eco fashion is boring?