Well this is all very surreal isn't it? Last week I just wasn't able to focus on anything other than getting the children through some kind of home-schooling! This week, I'm in a better frame of mind and have started to tackle some of the things on my very long to do list. So, if you're ready to start using this time positively, here's 7 clothes related ideas for you, all of which can be done in 30 minutes or less.
1/ De-pill your pullovers
A lot of women tell me that when their clothes start to pill, they either stop wearing it as they feel a bit scruffy, or it gets demoted to 'home clothes'. However, it's a problem that is easily fixed. All you need is either a debobbler (I have a Remington Fuzz Away that's as old as the hills) or a simple razor. Both will do the job of removing all the little bobbles from your clothes, and breathe new life into your items. My top tip would be to go gently though as vigorous de-fuzzing or shaving can lead to holes. With the debobbler, I work in small circles and with the razor I make short, downward movements. It's surprisingly satisfying…
2/ Straighten up your scarves
I admit I have way too many scarves but can't bring myself to thin out the collection. Therefore, I need a storage solution which can take lots of scarves, but is also easy to access. This towel rail from Ikea does the job perfectly as well as adding colour and texture to my room. You can sort them in colour order if you like, or maybe just enjoy a colour clash. I tie them over the rail by folding each scarf in half, looping the folded end over the rail and then pulling the loose ends through the loop. I also love this simple clothes peg idea from Pinterest.
3/ Rectify those repair jobs
I know you have a pile of clothes hidden somewhere that needs attention, be it a missing button, a little rip or a hem that needs restitching. Now is the time to crack on with it. Just do one little job at a time and then revel in the feel good factor of loving your clothes so that they last longer. If you feel you don't have the right skills, there are so many great tutorials online, including some great ideas here
4/ Sort your sock drawer
If the thought of decluttering your entire wardrobe is overwhelming, just take one little area at a time. ‘Start with your sock drawer’ is in fact is the title of a great little book on decluttering by Vicky Silverthorn and is a very sensible place to begin your decluttering journey. If you do one little section every day, it's much easier and more enjoyable than thinking you have to do everything in one almighty session.
5/ Shine your shoes (and boots)
I put my hands up here and say I'm not really the best at regularly cleaning my footwear. But, it is so important to look after what we have so dig out the polish, cloths and protector sprays. Give everything a good clean or brush down and then treat appropriately for the material. As we're now moving into our spring wardrobes, it may be time to put the boots away and dig out your lighter weight footwear.
6/ Enhance your earrings
It can be tricky rummaging around in jewellery boxes trying to find the perfect pair, so why not display your earrings, or your other jewellery so you can easily see what you have. I use various display stands but you can also make your own out of cork boards, lace and even oven racks!
7/ Buff your bags
In the same way that our footwear needs a little TLC, so do our bags. Empty them of all the old receipts and used tissues that are lurking at the bottom and then wipe down the outside. If the bag is leather, you can always use a nourishing cream to keep it nice and supple too.
So there you have it. 7 quick and relatively easy ideas to take back a bit of control, feel more organised and help you look put together every day.