barkingCLOSET

Thursday, 18 April 2013

Room for a view.

Scary, no??

Hopefully it doesn't reflect your bedroom!! If it does, Please keep reading...

A room to be desired can be the room that will make getting dressed a joy. Beside the obvious uses to the bedroom, sleep and intimate happenings, consider it the relaxing inspirational room for easing yourself into your clothes and defining yourself. If you have a bedroom which you love to spend time in, it is obviously going to add to the pleasures of getting to your clothes, going through your closet and drawers. A beautiful room with good soft or bright lighting, great furniture and accessories and painted in a shade which together entices the need for lazy lounging, will be a great asset in your life. Truly.

I was browsing through one of my favourite blogs, been a fan for years, Emma's Design Blog (http://emmas.blogg.se/), and decided to look through her images logged under her 'Design Hotels' section. Emma has a fantastic perception of and perspective on Scandinavian design, in particular the pure sublime beauty of black and white. Lots of incredibly awe-inspiring images. I am a fan.

Interior design is unbelievable today, design in general I would say, so much to choose from, endless resources on the net, heavenly inspirations for sure. Get yourself inspired to take a solid look at your own personal space. Does it create an inviting place to spend some surplus time indulging within your wardrobe? If not, make a few changes. it could be how you have arranged the room. Remember it costs nothing to move furniture around and you might be surprised how the layout affects you (might even improve your sleep!). Or paint it, again an inexpensive option to update your room. Neutral shades are a good choice because they are flattering on your skin and let you see the colour and patterns of your clothes more objectively, which will lead to a better coordinated look.

Of course hotels have it down to an art form when it comes to designing a bedroom for utter relaxation. Check some of my fav picks from Emma's Blog:

http://networkedblogs.com/Km2cX

I love them all, hard to choose between the pale vs the darker shades, but I must say below is vonderful!

To see more images of the 'scary bedroom' photo at top:
http://www.katewithacamera.com/2010/03/10/master-bedroom-scary-before-photos/

Saturday, 13 April 2013

Runners up!

Runners, trainers, tennies, sneakers, sneaks, call them what you will, they are as staple in everybody's wardrobe as much as a pair of black shoes. But how do you wear them? And how many do you actually own? They have so many possibilities, take them to the gym or pair them with a suit to go the office. I do so admire those who manage to bring excitement into their look when they pull it off with non-gym clothing. From plain black Nikes to pop color sneaks that add a punch to your look.

Unfortunately it's not a look I have mastered myself, but it definitely is a fabulous option for all to try if you are keen. I would definitely invest in a good pair if you want to wear them to the office or heading to an event (leave the smelly gym ones at home!), it will make all the difference.

http://www.gq.com/style/blogs/the-gq-eye/2012/10/the-gq-guide-to-sneakers.html

Age is not relevant.

http://www.thesartorialist.com/?s=sneakers

http://mypreciousconfessions.blogspot.ca/2012/01/top-10-fashion-blogger-sneakers.html

Khaki sensation.

I've talked about them before, the next best thing after denim: khakis.

They are all age appropriate (seriously, from babies to a mature gentleman), they kind of fade in & out of fashion, but always remain on the sidelines for men, always coming back to surprise us with their simple practicality. And they could look cool, as 'The Sartorialist' captures so well in these photos. Love them!

I guess I will have to get my husband a navy shirt...

http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/if-youre-thinking-about-the-perfect-summer-outfit-for-a-man/

Need more convincing reasons to wear them? See the Hudson Bay's link:
b-insider.com/2013/mens-essentials/

Thursday, 14 March 2013

everyone is doing it.

It has become quite the concept: organizing your closet. You could do it alone, do it with a friend or do it through a valet service (ahemmmm...). Whatever suits your fancy. I just got a email update from Gwynith Paltrow's blog, GOOP. It's spring time and it is obviously a natural activity to get into as the season's change, sort of like shedding your winter skin.

I see Gwynith also likes the wallpaper in the closet concept, maybe she read my posting..(see "Make an impression" post).

http://www.goop.com/journal/do/216/the-edited-closet

Tuesday, 12 March 2013

for heavens sake, where DO they go??!...

Is there a sock heaven? Are you suffering from 'sock-osis?'

Sock-osis: an abnormal condition or derangement, refers to an abnormal condition of the mind, and is a term for a mental state often described as a "severe one sock loss state". People suffering from sockosis are described as sockotic. Uber-Sockosis is given to the more severe forms of this psychiatric disorder, during which frustration, manic drawer raiding and where repeated disastrous dressing habits may occur.

I am be quite confidant in stating that everybody has lost a sock in their life. It's a universal phenomenon. I guess their small size comes into play, often falling behind a chair or bag or left behind at the gym or in the dryer at the laundromat, only to be found when you finally threw out the other single one that you were holding onto 'just in case'...huh.

The lonely sock is a necessity, yet at the same time, a thorn in our life. Personally I would love to go through life without ever having to wear them. I live mostly in flip flops when I can, but winters do make that challenging. Socks with flip flops, yeah done that. But since I need to have some I take a very practical approach.

1. **RULE #1: After you do your laundry, match up your socks immediately! A fundamental rule. Throwing them into a drawer in single format is asking for senseless trouble, and frustration which you will face in the morning as you are rushing to get to work or getting your kids dressed. Though it might be more comical when a 5 year old is wearing mismatched socks :), adults?...not so cute.

How to fold basics: http://www.wikihow.com/Fold-Socks

Options for storing in drawers:

For those who are very organized and somewhat obsessive...:
a. Roll socks together. Separate socks by color, purpose & length using separators. Nice no?
b. Simply fold in half to keep socks in best store bought shape.

For the more average person:

c. Pair up & fold the open ends over & toss them in the 'sock drawer' !

2. I buy the most basic styles, multiple of the same style so that if ever one goes missing I keep it anyways because another might go missing and I have a 'back-up'. I also stick to basic colors such as black and grey as well as basic mensy type stripes so that it's easy to match up with clothes. That makes getting dressed a little simpler too, less thought process. Of course there is room for fun socks for casual days, great with jeans & khakis.

Buy essential basics at larger retailers such, they offer selection and quality. (J.Crew)

3. Edit your socks. Change of season means bringing out the socks after a warm summer or heavier ones for winter days. Good time to throw out the solo ones or those that are plainly embarrassing with the worn heels and holes in the big toe area. I know it's painful sometimes to go and spend money on such menial items, but they do add to the complete look of your outfit.

http://grungetogoddess.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/these-boots-were-made-for-talking/

How to wear socks? Ok, sounds like a dumb question but it's not. What's your style? What are you wearing & where are you going? Just remember it completes the look, so take some time to understand your dressing style and buy accordingly. If you absolutely love socks & are quirky, then go for it & be daring. And for those who just hate wearing socks, try going without, weather permitting. Just make sure you have the right shoes. And there are some 'faux pas' out there, check out the rules, especially for the gentlemen.

http://ca.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_300/345_fashion_advice.html

http://artofmanliness.com/2010/12/15/guide-to-socks/

J.Crew has colors solutions!

No sock look. I like.

http://www.maurilioamorim.com/2011/03/are-you-ready-for-cuffs-high-waters-and-no-socks/

http://offthecuffdc.com/musings-sockless

Thursday, 24 January 2013

coldacity...

This weather legally permits the creation of new adjectives to describe how cold it is out there.

Such as: COLDACITY.

The positive side to it all? You could stay home & not bother to change out of your pj's. Give your closet a break.

Tuesday, 22 January 2013

cold out there....eh???

All that I could say for a day like today is take out all your warmest clothes, dress in layers & don't forget the kleenex...

Think about what your mom used to say when you were heading off to school:

"Zip up your coat. Don't forget your gloves. Put on the hat!..blah, blah.."

Funny how it seems more reasonable as you get older.

Tuesday, 1 January 2013

she maid up her mind.

Happy New Year!!
New year, new stuff, new projects.

Not spring yet, but a cold winter day after all the celebrations could be the best time for you to organize your closet....honestly... You were blessed with generous friends & siblings (& truly understand your clothing needs & taste) & they got you some great clothes or perhaps you've bought a bunch of awesome stuff yourself during those laborious, but joyful shopping moments that come about on boxing day. :)

And now you need to make appropriate space for it all.

Out with the old.

Push over the good stuff.

And slip in the new, lovely, crisp edged, non-pilled, unstained & impressionable items.

http://californiaclosetsblog.com

Start with either the closet or the chest of drawers, all at the same time might be too much. Get the garbage bags out & decide what to donate & what must be just put on the curb.

We all know the drill.

Getting started is always the tough part.

Do it alone, do it with a true friend or call the maid & have her do it!

Not that I endorse using printed garbage bags, lets try to be green please, but found this image which made me smile & had to share:

http://www.stylehive.com/blog/quick-pick-designer-garbage-bags

Saturday, 15 December 2012

they are so snood-y!

A snood.

It's an odd word no? For many it probably doesn't mean anything, maybe it'll just make you chuckle since it is kind of a funny word. It's actually a fantastic item, a tubular type scarf (for those who are not familiar with it). And if you don't have one, get one!! Especially if you live in the great white north for super coziness. It's such a popular accessory right now, comes in a variety of weights and qualities you could pretty much wear them all year long. A definite must for the winter and great for both sexes, though adorned more readily by women.

I really like the chunky ones that gather around your head so you don't need a hat and are perfect for a long winter walk. Actually with some of the styles you could pull them over your head as well if it gets windy or snows. Functional. A 2 in 1.

They could be found everywhere in a range of prices. Of course the cashmere ones are super mushy soft, but there are a variety available, try a few so see which one suits your style. Some wrap around 2-3 times, other snoods are like oversize turtlenecks and just pull over and let it sit loosely around your neck. Definitely a hot accessory. Love them.

http://lovetrish.blog.cz/1102/snood-scarf

http://www.designermenswear.biz/designer-clothes-online/snood/

http://www.kitmeout.com/2009/10/burberry-snood-aw-2009/

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703740004574514061253793806.html

http://indulgy.com/post/p099llryb1/chunky-cowl-snood-in-purple-hand-knitted

http://www.collectivehabit.com/minkpink-salt-peppersnood.html

http://www.dorothyperkins.com

http://www.asos.com

And for some trivia. A snood used to be a term used for the nets women wore on their heads to keep their hair in place. I think today's version is is a nice update and a definite better option for men :)

Photo: Wikipedia.

Tuesday, 4 December 2012

take two: in the hood.

Gustave Bloom Hicks loves his hoodies :)

There are a few key pieces of clothing which are consistently present in my life, lived in and loved and in a constant need to acquire the new coveted version.

I am talking about the hoodie.

Personally I am a pure cotton lover, specifically the denser quality ones with the inside brushed for extra lush coziness. Of course cherished by students of all ages, they are worn by a great part of the population. Have you looked at the construction workers lately, especially as winter settles in? They wear hoodies. Pair it with a blazer or leather jacket and you're good to go to the office or for meet up at a bar with friends. And they are synonymous with the active look, from hikers, gym rats to yogis. And of course, hoodies are just as popular as umbrellas when it's raining. Sure, they have a bad rap, linked with hoodlums and such, but lets face it, they are a fantastic staple right up there with denim, tees and flip-flops.

Not sure if it's your thing? Surprisingly I have met a few people who aren't fans of hoodies....hard to believe. It's got something to do with hood being annoying... (?) no, ok, I do somewhat understand, but there are so many versions out there in different qualities, that surely if you took the time to try a few, you would be swayed to buy into them. Stick to heather greys, they will go with everything and of course black as a second option gets that modern edge, even more versatile.