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gailpainter January 8, 2024

What To Wear When Working From Home

Time has moved on from the mandate to work from home. However, many people still do, and I’m often asked by clients how to avoid feeling scruffy when they don’t have to get dressed for the office.

New ways of working, whether it’s fully remote or hybrid (splitting your time between the office and home) have involved an adjustment. The classic workwear wardrobe has changed. And while many are enjoying the less formal way of dressing at a desk, it has resulted in a few challenges.

I’m often quizzed: “How do I avoid wearing sweatshirts and leggings daily?” Another common question is: “How do I go from feeling comfy to looking smart when I need to go out?”

So here are some of the key items I would suggest wearing.

Key Items for a working from home wardrobe

A knitted co-ord jogger set – soft to the touch, it still offers a relaxed approach to working from home, but will be way smarter than opting for a grey marl sweatshirt and pair or joggers.
Relaxed tailored trousers – these can be straight, wide leg trousers or tapered, but look for styles that have some stretch and/or an elasticated waist, for more comfort. Easily the comfiest to work in with a T-shirt, blouse, or jumper. Simply add a blazer when you want to head out.
Dark blue wash or black denim jeans – if you’re splitting time between the office and home and can wear jeans to work these are the colours to choose. Giving you a smarter appearance.
Classic blazer – in black, navy or beige is the quickest way to smarten any outfit. Perfect for a smart-casual dress code and chic with jeans.
Choose layers – versatile pieces you’ll wear again and again include T-Shirts, white blouses, striped or patterned shirts, and longline cardigans.
Wear colour – nothing lifts the spirits like adding a pop of colour to an outfit. Whatever your favourites are, or, if you’ve had your colours analysed and know which suits you best, wear them.
Key accessories – include plain white trainers (they go with everything) and statement jewellery. Have a great necklace or pair of earrings in your desk drawer. Putting them on will quickly elevate your look and complete your outfit.

My pick from the high street below:

Hope you like the ideas. Meanwhile, if your wardrobe isn’t working for you why not try a personal consultation with me. I offer a free call and we can have a chat about the challenges you want to overcome. To set this up you can drop me a line at info@notgivinin.com or complete a contact me form here.

For more ideas on how to dress visit my Instagram page here.

Speak soon.

Gail x

gailpainter September 23, 2023

How to: Weed Your Wardrobe

How to weed your wardrobe

Rain has stopped play today. Autumn is surely here, so I’m preparing for a little post-summer wardrobe weeding.

The heatwave earlier this month might have delayed my seasonal wardrobe switchover, but I’m starting to layer up. Wearing my jeans again, with light knits and shackets.

The washing basket is, of course, laden with the last remnants of my summer wardrobe. They’re ready to wash and store away. However, before I do, I always find this a good time to do a little weeding.

If, like me, your storage space is tight, you’ll store and unpack your hanging clothes, a top drawer and shoes, twice a year. In hiding for half the time, it feels like a whole new wardrobe when I switch the rails up. There’s always a lovely piece I’ve forgotten I own. Winner winner chicken dinner!

Keeping my home uncluttered and organised is important to me, so before I pack summer stuff away I detox. Because a) I’ll get rid of the stuff I didn’t wear, there’s a reason so why keep it; b) it saves on storage space; c) I can sell it on Vinted and make some cash to buy new autumn/winter pieces that I need. Read. want.

If you want to join along, here’s how to do it.

Weed Your Wardrobe: step-by-step guide

Split your spring/summer clothes into two piles. What you wore and what you didn’t.
Put all the pieces you enjoyed to one side ready to go into storage.
Do check the condition of these clothes at the same time. Damaged pieces can be mended and clothes too worn can be taken to a clothes recycling bin.
With items you haven’t worn, it’s time to get up close and personal with them and consider why not.
Try on each piece and give it an honest appraisal.
Does it suit the look/vibe you want to achieve? Peoples’ style evolves over time.
Are the clothes no longer fitting you? Are they too loose or tight? Holding on to any that don’t work for you anymore can have a negative effect.
Does each piece suit your current lifestyle? For example, corporate summer dresses may no longer be needed if you work in a more casual environment.
Similarly, are pieces too loud or subdued to suit your personality? Perhaps the pattern doesn’t really match your vibe, or the colour drains the life from your face. In either case, let them go.
By the end you should have a clearer understanding of what’s working and what’s not. Don’t feel guilty about the pieces you need to let go of. You’ve had your fun with them and they no longer work. It’s over. Let them go. There are plenty of charities who can make good use of them.
With everything else. All the good stuff. Use vacuum storage bags that suck the air out to reduce space. The bags can then go under the bed or in your suitcases.

Et voila. Summer is over for another year.

I promise that taking the time to do this now will serve you well. You don’t want to get to next year and unpack a bunch of things which you’re still not going to wear.

Like some more help from me? Check out my Wardrobe Reboot service here.

gailpainter June 7, 2023

Nine Ways to Pack Lighter

Packing for a holiday must be the least favourite part of the trip. What to pack causes so much angst for many and now there’s a bunch of decisions over luggage weight.

Since lockdown the options of which type of luggage to take seems ten-fold. Do you choose to book space for large suitcases in the hold, or take a small and/or large cabin bag to stuff under your feel or lift to an overhead locker?

The latter also comes with the issue of finding tiny bottles of toiletries that get you through security.

With differing sizes and weights dependent on your choice of air carrier and budget it makes sense to pack as light and efficient as you can.

Overpacking Isn’t Fun

I’ll admit it, I’ve been known to take too much. Cue lugging 22kgs around a Greek island in a giant suitcase, only to bring much of it home, unworn.

Generally, it’s because I’ve left it to the last minute. Some people plan and start to pack up to a week ahead of departure. Not me, I like to do it as near as possible to my flight time.

So, what I’ve done in recent years is draw up a list of what to pack. I have an excel sheet for long haul, a separate one for a Mediterranean week away, and even one for city breaks. These lists have saved me time and time again, from the “what if” moments that have previously had me stuffing a bunch of clothes and shoes that I may need, but really don’t.

Next week we are heading to Croatia to celebrate our 15^th wedding anniversary. We’re going island hopping and I really don’t fancy pulling a large suitcase around. So, I’ve ordered a new medium size suitcase. I’m looking forward to travelling lighter.

Nine Ways to Pack Light

I’ll have my trusty list that I’ll use for packing and here’s a bunch of other ways that can help me, and you, pack a whole lot lighter.

Based on the activities you’ll be doing rather than how many days you are going away make a list. It helps you identify exactly what you need.
Reduce the number of items you need by choosing a simple colour scheme, e.g., neutrals to mix and match.
Most people use more tops than bottoms. Try packing seven tops and a single pair of trousers/skirt/shorts in neutral colours to go with them.
Pack more in tight spaces by rolling clothes. It saves on space and lessens creasing. If you have pieces like cotton shirts that wrinkle easily, fold and lie them on top.
Multiple use clothes are the best. Take shirts and dresses for evenings, which can also be worn as beach cover ups or for sight-seeing.
Swimming costumes can be worn as the light layer underneath a shirt or worn as a body prior to swimming pool or beach days.
Layer up on the plane. Don’t put a knitted cardigan in the suitcase, wear or tie it over your shoulders for the journey.
Taking a hat? Pack upside down and fill with small soft items, like underwear to make better use of space. Do the same with handbags, or use them to tuck away chargers, etc.
Shoes are heavy. Consider packing just three pairs – flip flops/slides, neutral flats, and a pair of heels. Wear trainers for comfort on your journey and walking while on holiday.

I hope these ideas help, but if you would like a more bespoke styling session please check out my services here and drop me a line at info@notgivinin.com.

Happy holidays.

Gail x

gailpainter March 10, 2023

Three Straight Leg Jean Outfits for Spring 23

This week in my Style With Gail Facebook group I talked to my members about the latest jean styles and how to wear them. In a group poll, straight leg jeans came out as the most worn style. So I thought I would share three straight leg jean outfits for spring 23 that everyone might like.

I can totally see why, after a lot of us have worn skinny jeans for so long, that this looser fitting classic jean is so popular. It suits all body types, with a few adjustments to suit proportions, but hourglass, apple and strawberry (inverted triangle) wear it very well.

Ideally, you’re looking for a fit that ends on your ankle, or about one inch above, for a contemporary look. Great with boots and trainers for every day wear, I’m really looking forward to getting rid of socks and choosing loafers and heels this spring.

Of course, the weather isn’t playing ball at the moment and its sleeting while I write this, so my first outfit choice below includes a leather look long coat and boots. Right now, you’ll need it. There are lovely layers here and items that you’ll either have already, or if bought, will make great staples in your year-round wardrobe. I’ve added in a silk scarf and my intention is for it to be tied around the handbag strap for some added colour and a polished look.

Three Looks for Spring 23

Straight leg Jeans, Zara

Ecru Turtleneck Long Sleeve Top, Mango

Oversize Leather Effect Trench Coat, Mango

Black Curved Leather Bag, H&M

Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses, H&M

Printed Silk Scarf, H&M

Cotton Shirt, Boden

Black Cowboy Boots, Mango

For the next outfit look I’ve picked up on the French trend that is everywhere this spring. Adding a pop of much needed spring time colour with a simple T. Shirt, I’ve paired with a boucle Chanel-style jacket. A pair of kitten heels and metallic shoulder bag give a polished finish and silver jewellery are the icing on the cake.

Black Leather Kitten Heel, Zara

Shoulder Bag, Zara

Braided Necklace, Mango

Double Hoop Earrings, Mango

Straight leg Jeans, Zara

Maxi Floral Tweed Jacket, Mango

White Oval Sunglasses, Mango

Pink T Shirt, COS

My last look offers a touch more glitz and I’d love to have this for when I go out for drinks with the girls, or my husband takes me out! It’s all about the texture here and the cream, tonal look gives a sense of luxury. I love the mix of wool, sequin and gold, which feels elevated, yet easy to wear. Ballet pumps are very much in vogue this spring and I love the armband which will show off otherwise naked arms.

Leather Ballerinas, Zara

Straight leg Jeans, Zara

Sequin Bomber, Zara

Turtleneck Knitted Gillet, Mango

Hoop Knot Earrings, Mango

Textured Wide Armband, Zara

Mini City Bag, Zara

Hope you like these three straight leg jean outfits for spring 23. Keep your eyes peeled for more jean style outfits to come.

There is a link above if you would like to join my Facebook group, and if you’re interested in a more bespoke personal shop do check out my 1-2-1 shopping service here.

Gail x

gailpainter May 22, 2022

What to Pack For a Summer City Break

What to pack for a summer city break? The answer is here.

I love a city break, whether its summer or not, but it does require a little consideration when it comes to packing. The baggage weight limit and an aim to not spend precious hours in the airport, when I could be sipping cocktails on a rooftop bar, means I’m lean when it comes to packing.

I used to take far too much stuff, taking lots of pieces ‘just in case’. Well, those items never get worn, just lugged around, resulting in a sore shoulder. Not the lasting memory of a longed-for trip that I wanted. So, less is definitely more.

First things first, to help narrow your holiday wardrobe pick a colour theme. The one I’ve chosen below focuses on blues with some neutrals thrown in. This means you’re more likely to be able to mix and match what you take. For example, I can wear the cream wide strap top, jeans and blue blazer effortlessly together, as easily as I can wear the printed dress with the blazer (there’s a little blue in the dress).

When it comes to shoes, I would take trainers for lots of walking in the cooler months, but a pair of flat/sturdy sandals that allow my feet to breathe in the summer are perfect. It goes without say, but don’t take new shoes as I’ve done before, because the chemist is often not as near as you think. One pair of flats and one pair of heels will suffice.

You might wonder why I’ve included a jumpsuit, and I’ve opted for a short option here as this is definitely a summer wardrobe idea, but I think short or long they’re a good option because you can wear them casually or with lots of jewellery in the evening. Go for a printed design to add some fun to your holiday options.

The swimsuit has been included for cities with beaches (e.g., Barcelona, Lisbon, Copenhagen) and for those who are staying somewhere with a pool. Don’t forget, brilliantly, a swimsuit can also be worn as a body. This design will look just as good under the blazer as it will pool-side.

What else could I have included? I’ve kept this suitcase lean, but if you’re staying longer than two nights, you can include tailored shorts, a skirt in your choice of length, and a pair of wide leg linen trousers. I would also suggest packing a white and/or black T-shirt and maybe a blue cotton or linen oversized shirt that can also be worn over the other pieces and tied at the waist if the weather cools.

Lastly, I haven’t added one, but there’s always space for a foldaway raincoat! Just in case.

Happy holidays.

Gail xx