When we pack for a holiday there are a few pieces of information that help.

•  Is the destination warm, cool or wet?
•  Will it be a casual, energetic holiday?
•  Will I need formal clothes?
•  How many days will I be away?
•  Who will I meet?

When we pack for our life our wardrobe is our suitcase!  Some of the questions that need to be asked are:

• Do I have enough clothes for work?
• Do I have the appropriate clothes for the activities I do every day?
• What have I got in my wardrobe that I never wear and why not?
• What are the gaps in my wardrobe that are stopping me from wearing some outfits?
• What alterations do I need to do?
• What can I throw out now?
• How fast can I install a full length mirror in my dressing area?

A list needs to be made.  Decisions need to be made.  Every one has a different story.  

Finally if I am not happy with what is in my wardrobe, and I am not happy with how I feel in my previously selected outfits...what can I do to change this situation?  Shopping at the right stores that cater to your body size, style preferences and wallet make sense.  Solutions for you could be shopping smart, with a list,  whether that be retail,  swapping clothes with friends or getting a truthful appraisal of your clothing situation from an expert.  The first step is to start.

A simple example is the top in the photos below.  The first two show what the top looked like last year.  The last three photos show how I have sewed some fold over elastic on top of the seams that were already there.  Sometimes a hem needs to be shortened especially if you are under 165 cm tall.  Sometimes it can just be a case of tapering side seams or sleeve seams.  A good alteration by you or an expert can give new life to an existing piece.  

I believe in moving forward, one step at a time.  Future posts will be a step by step process to encourage you with a practical a bit of action each week to move you down this road.  

I am so happy with my little alteration and will wear this top more.  What have you got in your wardrobe that you love, but for some reason you don't wear it?