...all things Fab about all things Irish!
Yesterday we expelled the importance of trimming the fat on your wardrobe, really knowing what you already own and why it works for you. But, clothing isn't the only area in which we over indulge and over buy. How many times have you bought a pair of killer heels that literally kill your feet and therefore never wear? Maybe you've just never been able to find the right outfit to go with them? Or perhaps that really cute purse covered in fringe that in reality you cannot even fit your mobile phone into?
Fashion clutter builds up everywhere and it is really important to have every area spic and span so you know exactly what you've got in your style arsenal.
But, no other place can over-run with the unused like our make up bags can!
Dump every piece you have on to an empty flat surface so you can really see what is there, rather than just poke around in the bag. Anything that you've had since secondary school. in fact anything you've had for the past year and have barely used - dump! We've talked in the past about the importance of cleaning your brushes and tools, but bacteria builds up in the make up itself and if it is sitting around not being used, why keep it? Think about it though, when are you really going to reuse that heavily-glittered purple cream-eyeshadow you bought for a fancy dress?
These aren't the only items you should have or keep, just suggestions of staples to hang out to and mix with other FAV pieces and tools. Now, give that make up bag a shake or a wipe and pile all your keepers back in!
Feeling kinda wasteful tossing all this seemingly good stuff in the trash during a critical financial period? Then don't! OK, the old make up has to go, that would be icky, but the clothing, especially piece in good condition don't have to be rubbished. Maybe you have a few pieces that don't fit your style or body type but you have a girlfriend that they would? Organise a swap. Encourage your BFFs to sort through their own things, meet in a group and see if anyone has castoffs you feel are worth nabbing. One woman's trash is another girly's treasure! Mix up some cocktails and put some Sex & the City DVDs on in the background and make it a party!
No friends that share the same size? There are thousands of woman in need of clothing for work and day to day use all over this country. Check out Enable Ireland to find out how your old frocks can be put to truly good use!
We've already preached the merits of shopping locally with a global approach, meaning find the latest trends and strong investment pieces in local shops rather than scouring the Internet or running to a cheap high-street chain - more to come on that front as well - but now it is time to start thinking a lot more locally - your wardrobe!
As the days get shorter and the air gets colder now is the perfect time to put away your summery glad rags and pull out your more substantial winter frocks. BUT- don't be too hasty in getting this chore done. Take a good long look at your collection. If the wardrobe in your bedroom looks like a version of either above or below, now is the time to streamline. Set aside a hangover-free Sunday and really sift through what is there.
Take a few minutes to come up with all the necessary categories and subcategories your clothing should fit in to; Dresses -Summer Dress/ Winter Dresses. Pants - Work/Casual/Jeans etc. and create piles consisting of every scrap you own -nothing gets left behind.
After that, knowing what you have and why you have it will now help you to be that smarter spender. No longer will you stroll willy-nilly though Brown Thomas picking up pieces for no real reason other than they seem to be 'in' and you 'want' them. Now you know what works for you, you know what you will be happy to put on , make you look and feel fab and fill you with confidence.
NAME: Chloe Arnold
Which products do you use to keep your face clear? (Rachel, 14, Tullamore)

Monday: The Conrad hotel hosted the annual Marie Curie Fashion Show.
Tuesday: Zuku by KSO Launch and Fashion show organised by stylist, Roxanne Parker at the Attic on Henry Street. 
Lucky for us this gem has traveled to our shores, and features a bang up cast! Along with Leigh Arnold, Keith Duffy, Claire 'the Tulls' Tully and Alan Shortt, all climb into the roles of various real life people and share the funny and only slightly humiliating stories of their 'First Time'.
Starting on October 14th at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, the production will then tour around the country, showing in the Theatre Royal in Waterford and the Cork Opera House.
Under the direction of Michael Scott, who has previously brought us our Leigh in both Trojan Women and The Vagina Monologues, the show is bound to be a hit - between the hysterical content and the eclectic and totally hott talent it features how could it miss?