Skirt Issues for a Pear - Pleat or Jersey, Pleat or Plain, Maxi or Midi

Maxi Skirt has been around for a while now.

Tried&Tested: Asos 7/8 midi skirt, ends just above
ankles, the smallest part of the leg, very flattering with
flats or ankle boots. Cap sleeve fitted top widens the
shoulders visually, giving a long slim sillouette.
If tummy is a problem cinch a belt.

It started with the body conscious (bodycon, as the magazines like to call it) straight jersey plain maxi, then comes the flare, then the pleated then the full and then there comes the midi, which I find most flattering.

If you have read my old blogs, I am not one to follow trends. So I am not the quickest person to dash to the shops for latest togs, I am conscious of what is going on in the scene but I like to take my time to take it all in, then jump in when I think something suits me.

I am a busty Pear woman with strong legs (my hips are 2 inches wider than my shoulders). I don't like my legs at all so I tend to choose bottoms that end just below the knees or cover me all the way to ankles. With the maxi dresses covering from top to bottom, what could be better?

I chose Bodycon maxi styles that skims the body, as it hugs the bust and hips and falls straight from there. The Bodycon Maxi Dress look rubbish on skinny frames. The next time you look at women on the runway if you don't believe me. 

If you are a Pear shaped woman like me, you should try it as it can be very flattering because Pears has a waist and ample hips; wear a push up bra, cinch a belt at the smallest part of the waist; visually we become an Hourglass. For colder months, wear a jacket with shoulder details and immediately achieve perfect proportion, visually. 

Tried&Tested: Oasis Maxi Skirt - cuts straight
to ankles. Works with flat shoes or boots.
Works in the same way as the 7/8 Asos skirt;
for cold months, wear a light padded shoulder
jacket to bring proportion.

I love the fact that I can wear flat shoes in my maxis. Much as I love how my heels lengthen my legs visually but it makes my ankles scream  and I must admit it makes me tower over my husband (I am 5'8, with my usual 5" heels I would be 6'3), which makes him grimace every time we step out.

Last season, the pleated maxi skirts were everywhere. It started with the Whistles Carrie skirt, then it's everywhere: magazines, the fashion blogs and on the high street; hailing as the skirt that will suit all body types. Really? As usual, I took my time. Once in a while when I am in town I would try them on at the shops just so to see how it looks and makes me feel.

I experimented with different maxi styles since the skirts are still available in stores; thought I share my experience with you and perhaps help to bring some facts on the table.

If you have not bought yourself the right skirt yet, maybe I can be of reference; that is if you have the same body type as myself: the Pear.

First, is the Jersey Skirt.

It comes in different fabrics, some comes with a elastic waist band and others with zips. I favour the stretch skirt. I bought mine in black and navy from ASOS; keeping in mind to play down the problem area in dark colours. Machine washable and left to dry, hung over the radiator; it still looks as new after months. In Summer, I wear them with cap sleeve fitted t-shirts and flat shoes. Now that it is getting colder, I wear the same with leggings underneath and a cardigan or boyfriend jacket over. The colours goes well with almost every other colour so coordinating is a breeze.

My Jade Green Pleated Midi Skirt bought on ebay.

I recommend midi an maxi for Pears. The knee length is good but with thick calves, it is not flattering if I choose to wear flat shoes. I love jersey for versatility. You can layer over leggings in colder months or just worn alone in summer. New Look, BooHoo and ASOS do great jersey skirts so it's worth checking them out.

Second, the Pleated Skirt.

I love the look, how the softness of the fabric falls on the body makes me feel like a girl again. There is gazillion colours available out there, and they come in different pleats and fabrics; Pears must choose this carefully as the wrong pleated skirt in the wrong length can make us look even wider at the hip.

Knee Length Pleated Skirts will fall A-line, which is a plus for us Pears. I bought my first on ebay at a bargain. in Jade Green (not sure of make as tags were removed). I fell in love with the colour and had to have it. Not only is it an unusual colour but it flatters my skin (yellow undertone). I wore it multiple times with a simple t-shirt and a pair of patent leather flats from Marks and Spencer. I get compliments every time that I look perky and fresh and I felt good in it as it is comfortable and light

Midi pleated Skirt from American Apparel

What makes this skirt works is the cut and fit. The waistband cinch at slimmest part of the waist, just above the belly button, then drapes over the hips and ends at the knee. I can get away with flat shoes wearing it as it is an A-line.

A-line means that the skirt is shaped like a capital A; smallest at the top and a wide hem. It is good to keep in mind that A-line skirts are really versatile, it helps remove emphasis from the width of your hips. A-line skirts that fall just below the knee make the most of calves and ankles; giving an illusion of slimness in that area. The effect will be even more obvious if the legs are lengthened with heels.

I tried on the Pleated Maxi, and I must it is a real no-no for pears. Visually the bottom widens and looks heavy, no matter what top I wore it with. So let's leave the Pleated Maxi to the small hip ladies.

Chloe runway

I was tempted to buy the midi pleated skirt from American Apparel but decided against it, as the sheen on the fabric can bring unwanted attention to the bottom. Plus I don't like elastic waistband, for reasons as mentioned above. I do like the length of the skirt though, but I am sure I can find it in a matte fabric; just as seen on Chloe, if I look around. 

I have since bought a couple more Pleated Midi skirts from BooHoo and New Look in black and navy. If you want to buy them online, I suggest going by waist measurement. Careful with the choice of waistbands. Pleated Skirts comes in elastic waistband or zip. If you choose one with elastic waistband, go one size smaller and the elasticity wears out after a while. Personally I prefer the zip. Not only the shape will hold up well for longer, it is also more slimming on the hip. I hope my experience has helped you decide which type of skirt you will be shopping for when you are out in the shops. If you happen to see a Pleated Midi in the style seen on Chloe, do let me know! 

Let's talk Jeans. Are you a Pear too?

Just as many women, I am constantly looking for a perfect pair of jeans. Since I was in them most of the time, I had to find one that works, without me having to go hunt for another lest I bought the wrong one.
Took me a while before I finally accept my body type. Not that I was in denial, but the body changes. Be it lifestyle or age, the body reacts to how we eat and what we do.
I knew I could never be a size zero.
I am 5'8 for crying out loud, any size smaller than a UK10 would be anorexic. And I love my food too much to be one. Though I was at one point bulimic, but being conscious of what you are doing wrong can help to take you out of that situation, with commendable effort of course (by that I meant almost 7 years struggle). Anything that is psychological cannot be dealt with easily. Just keep in mind acknowledging the truth can be liberating.

Armani Jeans-
highwaist, slim long boot leg
Great for hiding tummies &
find the waist that you never
thought you had.

It does not help that I was involved in martial arts, liked sprinting and went to gym to make sure my legs are kept strong in my younger years. Building muscles was flattering when it was at its best, but as time goes, when I stop going to the gym the muscles just become mass.

Possibly the perfect pair for pears.
Dark indigo blue with minimal details.
Lee Jeans

With my muscles, I was more of an hourglass with strong legs.
And in the 80s, the in thing to own for jeans was the Levi's 501s. When they fit my legs they are loose on the hips, vice versa. And there was no stretch to Levi's then. So I wore my jeans loose and low on the hips, even though the rise (crotch to waistband) was high. So there was lots of fabric and unsightly ruching which makes me look like I have got extra something in front lol Not to mention I felt rather clumsy, much less sexy.


22 years after, I try to keep active to keep the tone but walking the dog or doing chores around the house is not going to bring my old physique back and I have to come to terms that now, I am a proper pear. Through trial and error I have attained denim nirvana and I would like to share that experience with you.

Lightwash at the hip area takes the eyes
to the problem area. AVOID.

Generally, pears have a smaller than average bust size, a well-defined waist, exaggerated hips, and a full rounded bottom. It is often difficult to purchase an outfit straight off the rack to fit this body type. If the bottom piece fits, the top is often way too big. On the flip side, if the top fits properly then the bottoms are generally far too tight. The only difference between me and a generic pear is I am a busty pear, so to take the attention off the hips I wear top in a lighter colour or wear a pair of oversized sunglasses (yes it works!); and get a pair of jeans for my body type in a dark shade.

Stretch denim is indeed a life-changing. With that extra pull, you can cinch in the extra bits and tuck it all in without having to catch your breath every few seconds. I tried jeans from all brands. The first was 7 for All Mankind, bought some 8 years ago.

Lee Rinse Jeans - Indigo dark blue
with washed knees; thins & lengthens
legs visually. Good option for
fashionable ladies

They were bootcut; mid rise, which means they fall between the belly button and crotch; and were in mid wash, darker from under the bum and lighter wash at the hip. The picture is the closest I can find to show you what I bought and how it looks when worn.

EVERYTING a Pear
should avoid. This by
Destroy.

Those in the know will tell you that 7 for All Mankind is designer jeans as they are worn by many well known actors and artistes. I was never one who bought into hype so I did not buy them because the brand was endorsed by celebs but more for the promise that it will make the derriere look perky. Good news for all pears really, I thought. At the time I bought them, they did cost me an arm I must say but it did a lot for my confidence. I did not just walk in those jeans, I literally swagger.

It fitted me in the area that I felt need 'holding in' and it felt so good. Of course there were people who see the red label on my rear pocket and cooed about them, but nothing beat that feeling I felt inside. But truth (came from an acquaintance in a party, who became a dear social friend after. I appreciate how upfront she was with what she saw, our friendship begun) was, people noticed that I have wide hips but never told me. 

Fancy. But a no for  Pear.

Light denim - a Pear no no.
This by South.

Pear Ladies should steer well away from light denim, or denim with details around the hips; be it studs or wash, it brings unwanted attention to the exact problem area. So, much as the 7 for All Mankind jeans did alot for my confidence, at the same time it made me realise my mistake. But because it cost so much I kept it for another 3 years more while I went on hunting for another pair of jeans to take it's place.

I am not partial to buying cheap jeans. But I wanted to invest in something I can use for years to come. I had the impression that cheap jeans may wear out and I would have to hunt for another. So I wanted something that has a label on them. However, as I was experimenting, I decided that the jeans from high street may be the answer to finding out what exactly suits me. So I went on a denim rampage and bought over 20 pairs of jeans in just a month; in different wash and different cuts.

Horizontal details are not for Pears.

Through over more than 30 pairs of jeans after, I came to realise there are 2 cuts that suit me, and remain so in my denim bible till now. I have included some pictures so you know what to look for visually. But always try them on if you are in the shops. Different brands boast different cuts so we will never really know till it is on our bodies. Bear in mind, I am not promoting any particular brand, but using them as reference.

The first is softly flared or boot cut jeans for a long, lean look. Look for the words 'slim' or opt for longer leg lengths. Leg hem that end at ankles can make you appear shorter, especially for bootcut.

If you favour low rise, make sure it fits properly and it can give a longer torso when worn with plain tshirt or white shirt, tucked in.

I tend to look for mid rise, which is especially useful during 'fat' days, when I feel bloated and heavy. Everything is held in from the belly button and I also don't need to keep pull the jeans up every time I get up from a chair or bend over to pick something up on the floor.

Avoid anything that is too tight as they will likely result in an ugly muffin top effect.

Avoid extra pockets or accents on the rear pockets, they will only highlight the negative. 

Avoid pleating of any kind.

Avoid horizontal detailing, particularly in the hip area, front nor back. 

Avoid embellishment on the whole.

Choose dark shades of denim in stretch fabrics that fit well.

Personally I got many of my jeans from NEXT, opting for XL (which means extra long, for tall women) which really flatters when worn with boots or heels.

Straight jeans on a curvy body.

The other cut that is great for Pears is Straight.
I got a fabulous pair from Gap. They skims through high to knee and falls straight to ankle, my chunky thighs is well hidden and because it goes straight, it gives illusion of long slim legs. I like that I can cuff the hems and wear with shoe or ankle boots and flat shoes, or leave the hems down with boots. With bootcuts, you cannot cuff the hems in a neat fashion. I would suggest getting them long leg to achieve the look. Anything that ends at the ankles, limits the kind of shoes you can wear (see Lee Straight Jeans).

Lee Straight Jeans

Gap Straight Jeans, cuffed. Perfect pair for me.

My Gap straight jeans comes mid rise; dark wash with minimal detail. I also bought a pair from Sainsbury's TU (super cheap but what a great find!), in the same wash and detail, but the rise goes high, which is great when my tummy is bloated and need tucking in. As the look is more streamlined, it looks best with slim top, and broad shoulder detailing to balance up. I wear my straight with fitted t-shirts with jackets and waist coats.

True Religion Straight Jeans

 The key words to look for on the tag is again, slim. Loose straight, as in Boyfriend jeans can makes us look shorter and even more bottom heavy. I would avoid at all costs, in fact I do not even own a pair as I know I would not wear them even on fat days.

I have a few favourite sites for jeans; check them out if you are too hunting for the right pair for your Pear. Personally I love GAP and Next, but I found a great pair of Vila Jeans on Asos site (great service and fab variety for all sorts). New Look sometimes has a good collection in her Tall range. But if you have yet to find the right fit, I strongly suggest going to the shops to try them out.

I am happy to say that I have hung on to the same pairs of jeans since I bought them and has not since felt the need to shop for more; till perhaps I wear them out which will be couple of years more.
Once you come to terms about your body type and get your size sorted, you realise the less need to shop. Nothing beats the satisfaction and contentment of knowing that you are spending wisely.

Frida Giannini - made me think.

Have you read Elle October?
Frida guest-edit and I must say I enjoyed her story.
What made me think and reflect was her mention of her mother as her inspiration, and whom she turns to for support and guidance.
And I DO so envy.

Simply because I never had a mother.
I did have a adoptive mother.
But she was not the nurturing kind who left behind so much emotional scars (not to mention physical ones which I have tried to camouflage with tattoo) that it still haunts me.

Indeed I agree mothers have a lifelong impact on their children. It is only a matter of time before we realise most of the things we (try to) achieve and decisions we made, has something to do with our childhood.
When something or someone around me upsets me, I had vivid flashbacks of violent beatings and verbal abuse that will make me lapse into despair. I have to consistently keep a close check on emotions and not let it take me over, knowing that it gets me into this cold dark place that will only be detrimental to those around me.

I do not whinge about the past as much as I used to.
Not because I have forgotten or let go but because I made the decision to be live Life.
End of the day, my (adoptive) mother is gone now and I am still here.
And I am not about to let what happened destroy (what can be potentially) a good life ahead.

Every heart needs an anchor. No matter where you are and how far you go, you know someone, somewhere is waiting for you to embrace you and welcome you home. The article on Frida and her mother made me wonder what would I have become if I had a strong nurturing figure in my growing years. I envy that close relationship more than her achievement in Gucci (not to diminish the impact she has on the brand. The injection of creative energy is awesome. But I am not talking about fashion right now).
With a strong support as hers, one can only imagine how much further she can go from where she is right now. I like how Rebecca Lowthorpe ends the article with Frida's words, 'Sure. Inner happiness, good energy - I think when you feel so positive everything is easier to manage. You look at your life in a different light'.
So, so true.
Oh. Someone must tell her that she look MUCH prettier with a light lippy.

I love - The Sartorialist.

No. I am not a fashion blogger.
I may used to sit on the front row of fashion shows where I came from, but it never made me feel more important. I don't like name-dropping, throwing unsolicited advice, set rumours ablaze or brag to the world the items in my wardrobe which bears a brand name; and I am a safe dresser (what suits and flatters me best in colours that go with every other item already in the wardrobe).
Which, altogether makes me a terribly boring fashion blogger. Non?
Just as any homemaker, I happen to have alot of time on my hands.
So I am on the internet. Alot more than I should be.
Oh. And I read.
When words wear my eyes out, thank God for fashion magazines.

I am not obsessed about fashion.
Trends does not excite me.
People who I know, knows that nothing captures my attention more than interesting personality, people with real style and substance, and a intelligent mind. Though sadly those qualities may not work hand in hand.

Perhaps that is why I love the Sartorialist.
I love the fact that he captures interesting people with individualistic style; not paying particular attention to brand names or playing up to commercialism and trends. (I could be wrong, but that is how I feel about his work) He makes fashion interesting for me again.
Scott Schuman, if you happen to be reading this, you ARE the best.
God forbid you ever stop doing what you are doing.
http://www.thesartorialist.com/

Anna Dello Russo - mad or just pure brilliance?

I would like to keep memorable images of the few women who inspire, shock and rock my world (fashion/imagination); either be sheer madness or absolute brilliance, these women makes reading fashion magazines pure delight.
The first lady I would like to pay tribute to, Ms Anna Dello Russo.

I cannot remember where and when I first read about her, but I DO remember my jaw dropped in awe when I saw her picture. She wore a oversized red cherry fascinator, so surprising it was that the rest of her outfit is a blur now. She reappeared in the same fascinator (and a gold version as well) with other outfits after; and I cannot help but admire how she managed to put something crazy and yet look so right every single time.

What took my breath away is also her attitude - the bold 'devil-may-care' air about her; how she pull a look together that possibly exist only in one's imagination; (someone mentioned Lady Gaga. Horrors!) and carry it with ease and class (something Gaga would never be associated with. Sorry.). She stun the crap out of me. I am hooked ever since.

From Wikipedia, Anna is the editor-at-large and creative consultant for Vogue Nippon. She was born in 1962 in Bari, a city in the south of Italy. She has a bachelors degree in Italian Literature and Art History taken at the University of Bari and attended the Domus Academy in Milan. Before assuming her current position of Fashion Director and Editor-at-large at Vogue Nippon, Anna spent 18 years at Condé Nast Italia, as fashion editor at Vogue Italia and as editor of L'Uomo Vogue from 2000-2006. Often featured in my favourite blog, The Sartorialist; and claimed to own 4,000 pairs of shoes (stifling a scream here).

She mentioned, "I’ve got a big wardrobe and all my clothes are very well displayed...I LOVE jewelry because it makes the look personal."
Surely there are moments just as many of us, even with our humble wardrobes we still struggle to find the right outfit everyday. I wonder how long she takes to get ready for the day, and how she puts things together when she has so much around her.
Does she ever dress down? I come to my own conclusion that this lady will add an element of surprise just for effect (or entertainment), no outfit is complete without something that makes you stop and gawk. In a alarming but good way. She makes fashion fun all over again.
I know icons come and go, muses change every season but unpredictability brings endless interest.And this is what makes her special to me.

Do I envy her wardrobe?
Honestly even if a large bank account, I would not dare to wear most of the things she wears. Not because I don't want to, but I am never one who likes to stand out in the crowd. I am 5'8, and I love my heels. When people glance my way I would quietly check if my fly is open. Get what I mean?
It is possible I admire Anna because she is just the total opposite of who I am; bold and fearless. And wearing rainbow colours or the monochrome in such gusto that it just takes my breath away.
Why not read her story at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/dec/12/anna-della-russo-interview-fashion ? A delightful read which made me chuckle as I went along.
I have pulled my favourite pictures of Anna from the net to share the awe and fun (no less). Enjoy.

For the love of (my) dog ^_^

I got big feet. Well - at least I think I got big feet.
When I was in asia,  I could never find a proper pair of shoes that would fit. EU42 or UK9 was predominantly unheard of. Either too narrow or too short that it cuts into my heel, causing massive blisters that would burst even before I get to my destination. OUCH.
Not to mention the bunion that develop over time. Grrr...
That did not stop my passion for shoes. I relished every visit to the shoe shops, buying every pair in the biggest possible size, hoping the next pair would fit better than the last. So I had a enviable cupboard full of shoes that I love to hate.
Living in England means I could finally get shoes that fit length and breadth of my 'hooves'.
And boy did I indulge!

I never really like flats since I got strong calves and knobbly knees (lousy combination really), oh not to forget wobbly thighs. If I sound like I don't like my legs much, well - I don't. In fact I hate them.
Not one to go under the knife I just learnt to work around them by wearing shoes that lengthens my 'trunks' visually. Which is why I never really like flats. Looks wrong with my jeans (be it skinny, straight or bootcut), accentuating me in all the wrong way.

Then came Bagel. My collie-alsatian-crossbred.

Found him abandoned, just had to bring him home.
Which meant taking him on walks and running around with him in the garden becomes part of my daily routine. Not one to risk falling flat on my face wearing my platform heels with the bowwow, I started to hunt around for flat shoes.
Which then led to the hunt for a pair of jeans that would flatter my lush bottom half with flats on.
My roving eyes fell on a pair od light blue Suzy Radcliffes Hamptons.
It is exactly the jean type missing in my wardrobe - the boyfriend.Slouch fitting, straight leg; it is what magazines warn us pear shapes about.
I remember reading that they best fit boyish hips; which proves untrue in my case.
With a shirt tucked in loosely at the front, letting the back and sides drape nonchalantly over the top of the jeans with the hems turned up, showing the slimmest part of my legs - the ankles; the flats finish off the look quite nicely. Hooray!
I can now walk Bagel without having to worry about falling over and looking like a fat cow.

Tigger with my worn in black pumps with horsebit detail.

Just £8. These pair from Primark, a store known for cheap fashion. I find most stuff either to tacky or badly made; but occasionally you will find some real gems, like these pair of Gold Brogues. They really perk up a neutral outfit. Will be tad much when worn with colour outfits. I wear these lots when I wear my whites and beiges.

At first glance I thought these Bow Tartans from New Look are not my style but they won me over when I tried them on in my usual white tee and blue jeans. Feminine and rather chic without being overly girly.

George Black white zebra with bring pink edges and bows. I like the quirky combo. Just £6.

Qube studded Red Brogues - great when walking Bagel in town. Looks similar to a pair Sienna Miller wore in London I much covet. Just £25. Would have gotten the black pair but was sold out dammit.

Sneakers in Silver and Red. Great in parks or short walks; especially useful when Bagel decides to sprint I can easily catch up in these. The Silver pair looks like my oven mitt lol

Hunter / Jimmy Choo Croc Shiny Wellington boots with wellie socks - a must when walking in mud with Bagel (yuck) but at least I look stylish at it! Cost me bloody £250 ((I get a mini seizure every time when it gets mucky) but comfy and soft compared to most wellingtons in the market . I swear Wellies socks a must in Winter, really keep the toes toasty.

Then of course a pair of animal wellington boots for a touch of glam! Snapped these up at Trago Mills at just £20. The make is very good, rather heavy too which is helpful when waddling on mud grounds with the dog.

Make It Absolutely Personal

Honestly. I no longer wardrobe envy.
I don't covet anything out there in the shops.
I know so because I breezed through racks in shops with such ease I impress me.
My husband no longer dread shopping as I am in and I am out in a snap.
"Nothing interesting?" he asked, eyeing my empty arm.
"Nope. Just a browse. Things that caught my eye, nothing I don't have already. And other things, I just can't be bothered." And I admit I look smug saying that.

Considering the number of magazines I buy each month, I am proud to say I have finally rised above all the hype, frenzy and trends to conclude that fashion is mere recycling the old. By adding a new touch or colour, the shops and magazines attempt to make us believe that we need to be in those togs or own a certain IT bag ro shoes to be acceptable.
At least for that season.

And if you are among ones who bought into that frenzy, trust me I have been there.
There was a time that we are young and clueless which make us gullible and vulnerable as we are still seeking to be accepted in that certain group we would like to be associated with; OR that we are not aware of our body type, shape and what suits us.

And how liberating it feels to finally come to my own!
And I want to share my journey with you and let's stop wasting good money!
Shall we start?

On your next shopping trip, think of it as a day out with mates and you are just going to have a good time. And a good time does not mean that you need to buy something to be happy. Hanging out, spending time catching up or sharing thoughts is time well spent.
It is important to start every trip to town with a proper mindset.
So you saunter into a shop and your eyes are drawn by so many things around you that you feel that you need to grab something. Before you pounce on that new bag (or dress, or shirt, or skirt...whatever) you saw in the shop, stop and think:
-DO YOU REALLY LIKE IT?
-WHY DO YOU LIKE IT?
-WOULD YOU USE IT?
-HOW OFTEN WILL YOU USE IT?
-DOES IT GO WITH THE THINGS ALREADY IN YOUR WARDROBE?
-DOES IT FIT INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE (are you student? working? housewife? be realistic and practical, chasing after a Hermes birkin if you are a student; unless you are uber wealthy with bucket-loads of money to spill on anything you want, is not only extravagant but who are you trying to impress?)?

Ever shop around with a picture of a celebrity or a model in mind?
Please stop and revisit the questions above.
Reason is simple: you will NOT look like them. Period.
You are you.
You should look just as you, with the things you adorn yourself with; look a BETTER you.
Make sense?
And bear in mind those people you admire, develop their own style. Not mimicking anyone else's.
Which makes them individual and desirable.
Mind you, I do admire Victoria Beckham, Jane Birkin and Kate Middleton for their dress style and how they carry themselves. I am well aware that I will look frightful if I get into any one their outfits. But I refer to them for inspiration and I am proud to say that my wardrobe has come together nicely in time. Everything goes with every other item in there, dressing up for an event or day out is a breeze.
Muses should be an inspiration for us to develop our own, based on things that suit us and being contented with what we got and be comfortable and happy with how we look.

Many people I met, especially the younger set (teenagers to mid 20s), makes the same mistake of wanting and buying things that simply does not suit them. And when asked why did they get that skirt (for example), they would say their friends bought it and they liked it. Be it they are clueless whether it suits them or not, they just NEED to have it.
 To me, it is a choice they made so they fit into their group, so they would feel accepted or that they would look just as good as their friends or celebrities or models.

Ever chance upon your parent's old pictures to see their fashion faux pas?
Bet you had a good laugh, didn't you?
"It was the IN thing to do back then, everyone was doing it.", your embarassed parent explained.
If they can make that mistake, so can we.

If you know you are clueless or have a vast wardrobe but still cannot find something to wear; try this process:
-WHO do I want to be accepted by?
-WHY bother?
WHAT matters: do you know your body (tall, short, thin, chubby), do you know what is your body type (pear, apple, straight, triangle), what is your favourite colour (if you have been buying all sorts, but end up wearing that same colour time over time, that IS your favourite colour; at least at that moment. It change with time and age though); does it work with your skin colour (pale, olive, dark)?
Do you find yourself wearing a certain type of clothes from your wardrobe most of the time?
It would be a shirt or skirt or a dress, find out the best cut for your body type and build on it, coordinating with things that goes with the item; in the colour that works for you.
(That is how I built my capsule wardrobe, anyway)

Do not be persuaded by magazines to get the new bag or hair colour or the new black biker jacket.
Those people working in there has to satisfy their clients (advertisers) or social friends (designers) and try to sell their products as much as possible. BE SMART while you turn the pages.
You do not need another pair of skinnies just because it has zips down the sides or the new black biker jacket should have spikes to be in. You are not on the catwalk, you do not have a limitless budget and most importantly...YOU HAVE those things already.  And you still wear them, and you look great in them.
Enough is ENOUGH.

Once you sort yourself out, accept yourself AS IS; you would realise that shopping is really a stroll in the park. You will browse without the need to own, you will come home happy empty handed, knowing that you do not have something to contend with in time to come.
*as you read this, I have a sack of white tshirts I need to send to the charity shops. Not that they don't fit me, but it is so hard keeping them white since I have many pets. White still works for me though, just need to get a good bleach for my existing (undamaged) white tops.