Do you have to contortion yourself in to a corner squashed up against a bed to get the best view on the back of a wardrobe door, or do you have to stand on a toilet seat to see your feet, is the mirror about 18 inches wide and you fill all of the mirror.

How many times do you go into a boutique try something on and think, this is a trick mirror and makes me look slim. When I meet with my clients they say the same, what’s the secret, why are your mirrors so flattering, where do you get them from?

Answer – they are BIG ! You get to see yourself in relation to your surroundings, and in relation to other people, this is how you appear to others. Think about it. Is your mirror, 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide , well lit with natural day light and can you stand back 4-6 feet and get a good look at yourself in relation to the room?

Answer NO

Do you have to contortion yourself in to a corner squashed up against a bed to get the best view on the back of a wardrobe door, or do you have to stand on a toilet seat to see your feet, is the mirror about 18 inches wide and you fill all of the mirror.

I have been into houses of the rich fab and famous all over London and I have had the privilege to go into mere mortals homes as well and it’s always the same. It’s got nothing to do with money but everything to do with space. I just don’t understand why interior decorators and architects repeatedly get it wrong, I understand everyone else but not those who are paid to design the best use of space.

So please treat yourselves. It will cost the best part of £200, depending on how extravagantly you want the frame to be. Buy it 6 feet tall and four feet wide. Try to find a wall where you can stand back to get a good look. Make sure you can see your feet. Also its ideal to have natural daylight behind you. Or good electric light.

Key to hanging a mirror. If it lays flat against the wall it slightly foreshortens your image and you look as though you are falling into the mirror. The solution is to bring the bottom of the mirror out by 1 -2 cms at the bottom , you can do this with a wooden batton. I have been known to stuff tissues behind as this is a pet hate!

Back view- This is very important and a small hand mirror is just not big enough. If there is space, get a cheval mirror on wheels, Morplan.com have a good chrome one for £170.00. This you can position for a good back view. If space is a problem get a hairdressers back view mirror, these can be bought from hairdressing suppliers for about £10.00

 Have fun!

The winter season is coming to an end, your favourite winter sports/ski resorts are closing and your wardrobes, draws and cupboards are crowded with excessive chunky garments and bulky equipment. 

Total Wardrobe Storage can provide the perfect out of season storage solution. 

Total Wardrobe Storage is a luxury storage service for those who need more space, ideal when moving, renting or travelling abroad. The expert care of your garments is our top priority, our services include.

·         Delivery and collection from your home

·         Photographing and Cataloguing for your personal Web Wardrobe

·         Dry Cleaning Service

·         Repairs and Alterations by our expert tailors

Find our more at: www.totalwardrobestorage.com 

1.    Guard against moth damage by making sure only clean clothes are returned to your wardrobe.  Moth larvae feed upon fabrics stained by food, perspiration and urine.  They also feed upon skin particles and keratin.

2.    Moths don’t like the taste of dry-cleaning fluid therefore when storing out of season garments, dry-clean them first.

3.    For seasonal storage, use our breathable garment covers that are available in a variety of sizes in cotton and also non-woven breathable fabric. The covers are moth and dust proof.  SHOP

4.    Use our non-biological laundry liquid suitable for hand washing delicates and machine washing.  Free from parabens, phosphates, bleach, artificial colours and fragrances, it is kind to your skin and to the environment. SHOP

5.    Use our pot pourri cones between folded clothes in drawers and on shelves to keep garments wonderfully fragrant and moth free. Perfect for everyday use around the home too. SHOP

A client recently made contact with me asking how to care for her gloves!

Here is the definitive answer

Easy way

Step 1, buy some baby wipes or gentle hand wipes, the more expensive the better. Put some tissue inside the glove under the marks and very gently use the wipe to melt away the dirt or mark! Don’t rub….. Its magic, I know this works as I have used this on white leather shoes.

More difficult way.

Step 2, If the dirt is very stubborn. Get two buckets with warm water and spread out a small white towel on a table. Buy some very gentle hand wash. I have a lovely cashmere wash. Put some into bucket.

1. Immerse the gloves and gently swish around don’t rub too hard on any mark. Leave to soak a little. Then when the dirt has gone, shake off the soapy water and transfer to the clean bucket of water to rinse.

Again DO NOT SQUEEZE. Then remove and put onto the towel, dab at the excess water and leave to dry flat and away from direct heat.

The gloves will have lost some natural oils. Buy some clear leather conditioner, either for shoes or furniture and ideally put the gloves on and gently massage in the conditioner. Hey Presto.. clean gloves!