Spring clean

It's time to detox that life and soul of yours, new year, new start and all. If you're anything like me, it's a big task, so where better to start than your wardrobe?

Clean up your habits and get those drawers neatly folded, and the hanging goods all neatened up. If that means unleashing the inner OCD and having everything in colour order, by length of hem, by category, or by all of the above at once, then so be it. Knock yourself out.

Be realistic about what to keep, what to throw, and what to sell. Is it a classic or on trend this season? Have you worn it in the last two years? Has it ever been worn? If the answer is no to any of the above, get it out of your closet, and out of your life. Don't kid yourself, you won't be losing any extra weight just to fit into those trousers. Even if you do, chances are you'll be so happy with your new bod, you'll just go out and buy another two pairs of trousers just to reward yourself, anyway.

I was never a seller. Too much hassle, too many friends vying over the cast-offs, might aswell donate to a charity shop that won't realise what's landed on their doorstep and price up your pieces scarily low, but nevermind it's all for a good cause, right? I'm out of breath already. WHAT ARE YOU DOING? SELL IT. I can't even begin to describe the high you get from watching people get excited about the prospect of buying that dress you never really liked but bought for the hell of it. Do it. Just once. It's like opening up a tube of Pringles crisps, I promise.

You know the saying: out with the old...

ph: HBO

Shoe know-how

There are certain things you must always consider when trying out a shoe.

Do they actually fit you?

We always press down on the front to find our toes, but why do we actually do this? The positioning of my big toe has not been beneficial to me since my feet stopped growing past the age of 11 years old. What I mean by 'fit' includes everything we never consider checking: instep, width, narrowness of the heel, the placement of our ankles... the list goes on. When you are telling yourself the shoe will stretch to accommodate those lovely bunions caused by years of high heel-induced abuse, you are lying to yourself- and the shoes. Don't buy a pair of shoes thinking all you need is a heel grip or an insole. It's all lies, I tell you. Get the fit right, and your feet will love you back. What's more, your shoes will last longer as you will be walking in them correctly (think of this like a well inflated tyre on your car... get it right, and your fuel consumption will take you the extra mile).

Are they too high?

Do you need a platform beyond 90mm? Whatever height you can walk on COMFORTABLY, stick to it. If you need to go higher than your natural 'set' heel height, wear it in a wedge or platform capacity. Nobody enjoys watching a girl strutting like a duck in a shoe she can't move in. Don't waste your money on shoes that make you break out into a sweat with every step.

Are they appropriate?

Do they scream streetwalker? If so, in a good, or a bad way? Are they good for office, bar, or pavement pounding? Or all of the above? None of the above?
Take stock of your lifestyle. If you've recently moved from the city to a more refined country living, cease buying those stilettos, and start considering the ankle boot. Nothing depresses you more than being unable to wear your favourite shoes. Instead, take the money you would have spent on them, and buy yourself a weekend away with the girls/your other half/the one you've been dating/your family. Make memories.

Don't be a fool, buy the right tool.



ph: Hogger & Co