February can be a trying month for your style when you have long, cold or grey Winters. Your skin feels terribly dry, you’re recovering from a cold or the flu, negative body image sets in, and you generally feel down about your look. Chin up! Here are some strategies for beating the Winter blues that I’ve used myself or suggested to clients. 

1. Closet Edit and Review

Forget Spring cleaning — edit and review your closet in Winter. Pass on items that you’re done with, and identify wardrobe holes. You might have many wardrobe items, but do you have enough of what you need at this time of year? If you keep wearing the same items over and over again, get variations of exactly those items to counter outfit boredom. Grab what you can on sale, and inject some newness.

2. Outfit Creation Session

Set aside some time to try new combinations with the items in your wardrobe. Invite a fashion-savvy friend or family member along and have a ball. Document the outfits by taking a quick photo of them, and plan what you’re going to wear for the following week. Lather, rinse, repeat.

3. Refresh With Some Quick Fixes

I believe in a slow approach to style, but the occasional quick-fix purchase can add just enough excitement to your style for a while. Items like a new coat, pair of boots, bag or scarf can make quite the difference as you wait for Spring to dawn.

4. Wear Spring & Summer Colours

If you crave colour, wearing brights, pastels, rich jewel tones, and shades of white in the middle of Winter goes a long way to creating a happy mood. This isn’t usually something you can fix in the middle of Winter unless you already have the items. But you can plan ahead for next season and make sure your happy colours are reflected in your Winter wardrobe.

5. Plan Your Spring and Summer Wardrobe

It can be therapeutic to plan how you’ll refresh your style for Spring and Summer when there’s ice and snow on the ground. It gives you something to look forward to, plus you’ll be sorted on that first warm Spring day. That’s why a closet edit and review is essential. You’ll know exactly what you have before you plan how you’ll add that next layer of fabness to your style.

6. Change Your Hair and Make-Up

Do something drastic to your hair, or make a more subtle change. Cut it shorter, grow it out, add some colour, go grey, leave it curly, or fire up the flat iron. Or change up your make-up routine. Treat yourself to an hour at the make-up counter and see what happens. Whatever it takes to create a happy change — go for it.

7. Arrange a Clothing Swap

Arranging a clothing swap with friends is one way to pass on and repurpose wardrobe items. It’s a fun, sustainable and affordable way to inject newness into your wardrobe and the wardrobes of others. Turn up the music, add some snacks, and get styling.

8. Get Great Underwear

Do not underestimate the power of good and new underwear. It feels great on the body and positively affects the silhouette and drape of your clothing. It can also boost your body image and make you feel more desirable.

9. Move Your Body

Creating endorphins is one of the most positive effects of exercise. Move your body to create those endorphins and experience a mental and physical change. Your mood is lifted, stress is relieved, you’re energized and motivated to get on with the tasks at hand. There’s nothing like a workout to get your mind, body and spirit in a healthy place.

10. Create Something

Creating something from scratch is very satisfying, therapeutic, and clears your head. Find something creative to do daily or a few times a week. Perhaps it’s trying a new craft, restoring an old piece of furniture, painting, playing a musical instrument, re-decorating, sewing, designing a website, knitting, creative writing, DIY home projects, or cooking up a storm at home.

I use many of these strategies. I edit and review my closet monthly. I just bought a pair of gold boots that make my Winter outfits feel fresh and futuristic. I wear brights and shades of white throughout Winter because they create sunshine on our awfully grey days. I’ve been planning my Spring and Summer style refresh since January, and have completed purchasing my Modern Retro beach capsule. I bought red bra, knickers and camisole to celebrate the Lunar New Year (it’s the year of the dog, which is my sign in the Chinese zodiac.) I go to a heated Vinyasa yoga class four times a week, which feels like a bit of heavenly Summer in the middle of Winter and creates loads of endorphins. I walk our Yorkie Sam daily, and cook from scratch most evenings as a creative outlet.

Over to you. Feel free to add how you beat the Winter style blues in the comments section.

All performance footwear will start to smell eventually, regardless of the anti-microbial materials used in them, or how many mesh layers are there in your sneaker. You will need these tips on keeping your shoe right, unless of course you are a pro athlete who gets a new pair for every game. Don’t be the smelliest guy on the bus. Here are some great ways to keep your sneakers looking good and smelling their best.

Sneaker Balls

Remember them? There were good reasons why your mom used to keep them in your gym back. These are mini deodorizers, and they are strong too. They can help your shoes when you keep them in the cramped gym locker or they are in transit.

Spray It Down

Essential oils such as rosemary, lemon, tee tree, lavender and even peppermint can be put to good use. For even better results, combine the oil with distilled water and vodka. This will eat up the odors between uses. White vinegar is good too. For desperate cases, soak your shoes in a sink of water and white vinegar to clean out the bacteria that is causing that stench.

Store Shoes with a Cedar Block

The old cedar trick where you keep a block of wood in your underwear drawer to keep moths away can help you fight odor as well.

Mr. Clean

Mr. Clean can do the trick. While the Magic Eraser may not be able to banish bad smells, the sponge is sure to take away any scruff marks or dirt stains that make you feel less shiny out on the field.

Clean Immediately After Using

Your shoes are going to be smellier, if you let the bacteria sit in its fibers. It gets worse the longer you allow this. It’s true for the scruff marks and stains too. It’s going to be easier for you the sooner buff the abrasions. Keep a sponge in your gym bag. This way, it will be easier for you to clean the shoe before putting it back in your bag.

Let Them Breathe

Stacking up shoes might make your room look neater, but even the best room freshener cannot help you. For better results, store sneakers in an open air environment to let them breathe before the next big game.

Use the Washing Machine

Yes, most footwear brands advice against using the washing machine for a thorough washing, however, sometime a spin in a whirlpool is all a shoe needs. But before doing so, remove the insoles and the laces. Add a neutral detergent. Wash with bulky items such as towels or sheets to make it gentler.

Pull Out the Tongues

This seems simple, but if you are putting mean miles on your shoes be sure to unlaces and pull open uppers as much as possible after use. This extra air flow will let your sneakers breathe and keep odors from being trapped.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is very powerful. Sprinkle into your basketball shoes, runners, cleats, or trainers after the workout to deodorize sweaty shoes and keep them smelling clean. If there are any mesh layers in your shoes, then shake the powder loose before wearing again to avoid puffs of white clouds with each step.

I turn 49 in July. To my 86-year-old Dad, I’m a spring chicken. To my 19-year old-nephew, I’m ancient. To me, I’m middle-aged. I hope to have many more working years, exciting adventures, happy days, and fabulous style moments ahead of me. 

Like most people in this stage of life, I’ve done some soul searching about the physical aging process. I used to think that it was all about looking younger. After all, we live in a world that favours youth and young beauty. These days I think about it differently. I want to age without the pressure of wanting to look younger than my age. I want to age naturally. I want to feel good about my age, and grateful for what it has given me.

Nineteen years ago my Mum unexpectedly died at 59. She wasn’t able to enjoy a long life. That tragic family event puts things into perspective. It is not about looking a certain age. It is about enjoying the life we are given, at every age.

I want to rise above the thought that looking older is the enemy. I want to ignore the anti-aging messages that I’m bombarded with daily in the fashion, beauty and entertainment world. I want to relax into and embrace the physical effects of aging with peace in my heart.

I have been guilty of sometimes saying she or he “looks good for their age”. I want to stop saying that and thinking that way. The signs of age are signs of experience, wisdom and rites of passage. They represent a different kind of beauty.

I will continue to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and moisturize my dry skin. I will wear make-up and style my hair. I will indulge in the occasional facials, manicures and pedicures. I will work out in my own way, as long as I can, with lots of walking and vinyasa yoga classes. These things are about being relaxed, healthy, confident and polished, at whatever age I am. 

I will continue to have fun with fashion and style, because I enjoy it! It’s a hobby, and an unstressful component of my life. I have the power to pick and choose from the buffet of trends every season, and wear them my way. Individualism is the strongest trend of all, and I’ll continue sporting my signature looks until I’m bored with them, and not because they are no longer on-trend or I’m “too old” to wear them.

My Mum, who would have turned 78 this year, isn’t here to inspire me with her thoughts on the physical aging process. But I am surrounded by inspirational clients, friends and family members who are older than me. They are confident, unaffected, at peace with how they look, don’t compare and despair, and continue to have fun with fashion. Above all, they are getting on with what life has to offer, together with the people and pets that mean most to them. That’s empowering.

Whether you’re having a photo shoot at a local diner or just wanting to dress up like you’re from the 50s, here are some super awesome retro-inspired outfit ideas you need to wear.

A polka dot dress in black and white and a pair of bright red heels. Having a headband adds to the whole retro thing.

An all-black halter top romper paired with black bow high heels and a red bow on your head as well. Curl you hair with curlers to achieve the 50s look.

It’s great to improvise sometimes. We’re pretty sure you have a long-sleeved top inside your wardrobe. Easily pair it with any printed midi skirt. In this case, a polka dot dress and high heeled Mary Jane.

Find a super vintage dress from thrift shops then add a modern twist to it with a denim jacket.

If Emma Watson can pull it off, you can as well.

Polka dot top and striped pencil mini skirt. How cute.

Red and white striped shirt and a 50s style swing skirt – which you can all find at vintage stores. You’re going to be in love with this outfit.

Try a Marilyn Monroe-esque white dress like this one. She started the whole mini white dress trend.

Some editorial campaigns are very convincing – just like this one. Big fashion brand names have vintage-inspired dresses and if you have some extra money, splurge on these. They’re very high quality and you can easily style it so many times.

Checkers, milkshakes and red lips – what do you think of this?

If you’re a redhead, I hope you’re wearing metallic rose gold because the combination is stunning. The same goes for strawberry blondes, and gals with ginger highlights. The coppery colour of rose gold complements the orange hues of red hair absolutely perfectly. It’s a match made in heaven. 

Some rose gold goodies to whet your appetite:

Of course, rose gold is fab for non-redheads too. Much like pewter, it seems to strike an interesting balance between a warm and cool metal. My complexion favours warm colours, making yellow gold my choice of metal. Yet my holiday complement at the moment is rose gold clutch and pumps because I find it sufficiently warm. Conversely, clients who much prefer silver and platinum over yellow gold, will wear rose gold because it’s sufficiently cool for them. 

Sale

If you’re taking the day off, we hope you’re having a good one. We also wish our Canadian Fabbers a happy Thanksgiving. Go Team Redheads and Rose Gold. 

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New season comes new bag as well. If you’re revamping your wardrobe for new purchases, why not invest in a classy and fall-appropriate stand out bag? We’ve narrowed down ten of the best handbags, shoulder bags and clutches to grab today that’s totally worth your money.

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A pretty boxy satchel made with handsome pebbled leather. Its line interior has 1 zip pocket and a middle zip compartment. What’s great about this is that it has a handle strap and a shoulder strap. Wear this whenever and wherever.

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A camel and black satchel that will look great will all of your outfits. It’s like a real elegant lady’s bag. Not only do you find your things easily and effortlessly but you can also see and feel how luxurious it is on the inside.

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When you’re looking for a bag that’s casual yet fancy-looking, this one’s for you. A cross body strap with top zip closure, the drop length is about 21 inches. We love the gold tone hardware details and with so many different colors available, you’ll surely find one that will suit you. It is the perfect size for everyday use.

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For parties or dinners, get yourself a beautiful clutch with exposed zipper trim for an industrial edge, made of sturdy saffiano leather. When all you need to bring for the event is your phone, a lipstick and ID, then this is all you need.

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Travel in style and stay on trend with fringe this season with this travel tote bag that will add personality to any of your outfit.

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For more special events, this 5 dangling tassels cross body bag will add an edgy look to your outfit.

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If you’re a massive fan of tassels and bucket bags, this trendy hot little item is the one for you.

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A very inexpensive yet classy woven cross-body bag perfect for everyday use. You’ll definitely be able to fit your daily essentials in this bag.

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Be sure to make a statement with this minimalist bucket bag made of smooth leather and styled with tapered sides. The interior is leather-lined with one pocket.

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A round cross-body bag with fringe tassels and antiqued button studs, perfect for those who want to sport a vintage or retro-inspired look. It’s 7” wide and 7” high with a 24” shoulder drop.

Number 19 of my top 25 style tips goes like this: “Never say never in fashion and style because you’ll be surprised at how your feelings about a look, colour or item can change over time.” 

Never say never to a vibe, colour, fabric, or silhouette, because you might have to eat your words later. Rather say, no thank you for now, but maybe later. Over time your feelings about a look can change because the factors that affect our style can change. Our eyes also adjust to new looks over time. Sometimes you can’t imagine wearing something right up to the point that you fall in love with it.

Here are some of the times I said no or never, and then had to eat my words.

1. Skinny Jeans

Back in 2006, I said I couldn’t go back to wearing skinny jeans because they weren’t as elegant or flattering as bootcuts. But my ‘80s gene went ahead and bought an inexpensive pair of skinnies from Mango a couple of months later to see if I could get used to them. Hubby Greg loved them right away and that was that. It took me a whole five minutes to get used to them, and I’ve been wearing skinnies ever since. I especially love them tucked into boots, equestrian style. Here are some old outfit pics from 2011.

2. Harem Pants

When harem pants began surfacing in 2008, I thought they were awful and said no way to the dropped crotch. In 2009 I went to Israel where I saw women of all ages wear them with panache, and it promptly changed my mind. I came back from that trip and bought a dressy black pair that tickled my fancy right away. I love wearing my harem pants, which are too avant-garde to date. They are still going strong nine years later. Here’s a harem pants outfit from 2015 that I wore to a cocktail party.

3. Earth Tones

I said I would never wear earth tones, but boy was I wrong. In 2013, I saw a toffee pullover at J.Crew that reminded me of my late Mum who wore earth tones with the best of them. Feeling adventurous, I tried it on. Because it was very sentimental, it followed me home. I loved that jumper until it pilled a few years later. I’ve subsequently bought a toffee trench coat, turtleneck, cinnamon items, cognac booties and belt, and have substantial olive and burgundy capsules. The earth tone joke’s on me. Here’s a classic equestrian look from 2014 in a toffee turtleneck.

4. Boho

I used to say I was as boho as Karl Lagerfeld. Well, that was codswallop because there’s a romantic, soft and flouncy integrity about a boho blouse that really appeals to me. Although my preference is more for boho-lite than hardcore boho, I will absolutely wear a boho blouse in the Summer because it’s pretty, breezy and comfortable. Here are flashbacks from 2015 and 2016 with my first few boho-lite blouses.

This collection shows my current assortment of boho blouses.

Over to you. I bet you’ve said you wouldn’t wear a colour, silhouette, look or vibe, until you did just that. You’re in good company. Time to own up!

These are designed to protect you from the elements. When temperature drops, it’s time to put away linen. Instead, swap it for heavyweight fabric options that can pack a chill-beating punch, ensuring that you will never be caught off guard.

Corduroy
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Corduroy will give your tailoring some texture. It’s a heavy fabric that traps more heat. It’s every man’s favorite fabric since it’s now fashion-forward.

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Find a corduroy jacket with lining for maximum warmth. You can get your hands on quality corduroy jackets without denting your pocket.

Flannel
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Flannel is a soft fabric that traps air and heat, making it ideal for cold weather.

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It’s the staple winter suit fabric because it’s incredibly cold. But when there’s central heating and public transport that you have to go through every day, choose a lighter fabric for your winter suit.

Cashmere
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Cashmere is sort off expensive but your investment pays off. It’s more insulating than wool, which means you don’t need a lot of layer to keep yourself warm.

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It also feels nice against your skin since cashmere fibers are super-fine. A scarf is cashmere or a wool-cashmere blend scarf, when you’re budget is tight, will protect your from winter’s worst.

Gabardine
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Gabardine is durable. Suits that are made of gabardine are hard-wearing and hold their shape which is idea for damp commutes when you want to arrive to the office wrinkle-free.

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You can find blends that are machine washable for days when you can’t avoid puddles.

Merino Wool
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The next best thing to cashmere is merino. It’s made from the eponymous sheep. The fabric is breathable and absorbent, making it the perfect base layer.

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To regulate your body heat on transitional days, get yourself a merino roll neck. It’s going to be a flattering look on you, as well as on your wallet.