Nicky's Rag Tales

The weather is finally getting warmer and we can at last start thinking about Summer. For the last few days I have been Spring Cleaning my wardrobe. This is a really difficult job but over the years I think I have it mastered. So here is my fail safe way of doing a job that will ensure you have everything you need to hand in pristine condition.

Be warned though this is not for the faint hearted, it’s a ruthless pruning job but the results will be worth it.

Begin by grouping everything by Season. I put all my Spring clothes in storage because I don’t have room for them but if yours are all together start here.

Within each season group by item and then by colour. Now put all your Winter clothes aside and deal with those later.

Now comes the difficult bit. You need a full length mirror for this and some time. Try everything on and ask yourself why the item should stay. Have you worn it several times and it’s now looking worn out? If so OUT IT GOES. Have you worn it at all? If not OUT IT GOES. Is it something you bought but don’t like OUT IT GOES.

Start editing now. The tired and horrible bits for recycling. Clothes in the wrong size or out of date go to the Charity Pile. Good pieces that need taking in or repair work go to the Tailoring Pile.

If you are not sure, try it on and ask yourself if it suits you and if it doesn’t OUT IT GOES.

You need to repeat the same exercise for all your Winter Clothes and then put the edited keepers aside. By the end of this exercise you should have a realistic wardrobe. Not an overstuffed one and nothing to wear, you know the feeling when there’s lots there but you have nothing to wear??!! Now classify the clothes into items and then colour. You should have all trousers and Jeans together, all tops day and evening, all outerwear, coats and Jackets, all day and evening dresses and all skirts. Then you should be able to get a much clearer picture of what you truly have in your wardrobe.

Do the same exercise with accessories and shoes and you will be much clearer and more organised. You should now be able to see where the gaps are but don’t buy new Summer clothes without editing your wardrobe. Before I did this I used to keep buying the same items so I ended up with far too many skirts and not enough tops. Far too many high heeled shoes and not enough flats. Do this job and you will save money and end up with a really well balanced selection of clothes and accessories.

Just a couple of words to add. I know this goes without saying but always put clean clothes back on the rail and use garment bags for any light coloured items. They will stay fresh for longer. Wash white shirts, don’t dry clean and use a whitener in the wash. They will last longer.

At the begining of each season I hang a couple of complete outfits together (including accessories and shoes) so you can just access them at a minutes notice. Very useful if you are busy.

And While I’m on the subject of Spring Cleaning a great offer just arrived in my Inbox from one of the best Urban Day medi-Spa’s in Dublin. Urbana in Wicklow St, Dublin have just reduced their prices. This is not a special offer but an all over price reduction.

Here is a sample of the price reductions so why go to a cheaper salon when you can go to the best at Recession Busting prices….?

California Wax 20 euro

Brazilian 26 euro

Microdermabrasion 60 euro

Urbana 9 Wicklow St Dublin