Monday, October 22, 2012

In the Wardrobe with --- Tracey Habron


Tracey Habron is a classy, smart and sexy lady with a confidence that comes to a woman when she is on the glorious side of 40.  She is an IT Professional, Entrepreneur who works with women over 45 who want to look HOT for men and she is an amazingly talented Burlesque Performer.



But right now, let’s get into her wardrobe and find out what’s really going on in there!


How would you define your style?

I’m a Relaxed Classic.  My garments must be comfortable or I won’t wear them.  I love classic styles, quality fabric and perfect fit.   I tend not to follow fashion or trends.  

Due to my height challenge (I am 5’2”” or 159cm), I will wear one statement piece only and more often that not, it’s in the form of a shoe.   

I love shoes!  My wardrobe has 69 pairs of them (21 of these are Burlesque shoes).


How do you decide if an item makes it into your collection?

1950's Body Shape
Colour is the first thing that will catch my eye.  Proportions need to be right, fabric quality must be good and then I factor in the cost of alterations because absolutely everything I buy must be altered to fit.  Bust 10, Waist 8, Hip 12 and then factor in an F cup for my bust and you can see why shopping for garments is no mean feat!

The garment MUST be unique but not weird.  I don’t want to look like everyone else.  I recently stopped using a handbag I had purchased in Paris because it became poplar in Melbourne and it seemed every third person was carrying it.

When I bring a new item into my collection, my policy is that I move one on.  This policy is not yet enforced in the coat department as I am still building up my collection although when I purchased a beautiful new black trench coat, I did move a not as stunning black trench coat out of my wardrobe.

I love wearing dresses.  It’s effortless.  Pop it on, top it with a coat and a shoe and I’m done!  The dress must be a good quality and the fabric needs to have some movement in it.


Favorite Dress!
Tell us about your favorite item?

A little black dress which is actually navy blue.  It’s incredibly versatile in that I can use it for the office, lunch, cocktail party, office to evening dinner.    

I love it so much I have replaced it.  I team it with a navy suede shoe and it looks and feels stunning!   

Every woman has a black dress – mine is navy.  I have had it for 3 years now, paid $200 for it and wear it at least 3 times per month.  This brings the cost per wear down to $2.


Where do you shop?

I’m not addicted to any one fashion designer.  I’m incredibly loyal to my own style direction and what serves me for who I am and my lifestyle.  I do love Vintage markets and will buy online at Nordstrom’s in USA to replace items that are tried and tested and I like to see what’s happening in Europe at the Style by Wesson events.  I am loving vintage markets lately and finding 1950’s party dresses are great because they fit.  I have the perfect 1950’s body!  I found this fabulous leather vintage bag for $35.  The workmanship is perfect.  I love it!


How do you organize your wardrobe?

By category of evening clothes, dresses, jackets, coats, even suits are separated.  This allows me to create new combinations and easily find what I need very quickly.  I use flock lined coat hangers so my garments don’t slip.  Basket storage drawers allow me to keep all items neatly stored so I can access them quickly. 

Tracey is a power shopper.  What I mean by this is that she can walk into a store and quickly work out what will work and what won’t.  She knows her own style and is very clear on what she will and won’t compromise on.  Smart lady! 

Well, I have to confess I was amazed at Tracey’s admission of her favorite wardrobe item being that navy dress when I could not take my eyes off some of the amazing vintage pieces and absolutely divine coats.  I could lose myself for hours  ……  This lady’s wardrobe is truly a treasure trove – a very special and beautiful place to be.  In Oprah’s words “Every woman deserves to have a wardrobe like that, every woman!”

Tracey, thank you for allowing us into your wardrobe.  It’s been a joy!  If you would like to know more about Tracey’s amazing work with women, connect with her here on Facebook

If you would like Image Quest's guidelines on how to organise your wardrobe, email info@imagequest.com.au to request it.  Love to hear YOUR fab wardrobe tips now.  Don't keep me hanging ......  Post a comment!


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Is Your Wardrobe Ready For Spring/Summer 2012?


Spring has well and truly arrived in the Southern states of Australia and it's almost time to archive the winter gear.  Unless you live in Melbourne, then you really don't ever archive winter .....  

Spring/Summer 2012 Trends
If the vast array of Spring window displays has you tempted to pull out your credit card and take home some goodies, let me tell you that your timing instincts are right: for even if the weather isn't cooperating where you're at, the selection in the stores will never be better than it is right now.

So if you live in a small town and/or if you wear an average size, grab while the getting's good. Otherwise, when you're ready to shop, you'll have to settle for what's left.

But how do you know what you need?
By knowing what you already have.

If you haven't inventoried your seasonal wardrobe recently, take time to do it now. If you wait until the season is in full swing, you'll pay more and have less to choose from if you find that you need to make some purchases. So take advantage of pre-season sales and selection by prepping from the new season now.

How do you do it?
By going through your wardrobe, piece by piece.
If the very thought of such an exercise sends your blood pressure soaring, don't let it. The stress comes from disorganization and will only continue until you do something about it. Once you get your closet in order, updating your wardrobe each season and getting dressed each morning literally becomes a snap.

Here's how you tackle this task: 

1. Make Time To Do It
If you've been putting off cleaning your wardrobe because you can't find a chunk of time to do it, do it in stages. There's no rule that says you have to do it all at once.
Start by doing ten pieces at a time or a foot-long section at a time, or all of one type of garment at a time, like tops, pants, skirts, etc.
Instead of sitting in bed and watching the nightly news, for example, watch the news as you also go through your closet. Or take a few minutes as you change out of your work clothes each evening to go through a few more pieces.
Before you know it, you'll have gone through everything.

2. Sort As You Go
So what do you do with each piece? Make a decision to do one of five things:
·       Keep
Keep everything that fits and flatters and that works well with other pieces in your wardrobe.
·       Toss
Toss any piece that is worn, stained, frayed, or ripped beyond repair.
·       Repair
If you have pieces that need new buttons, hems, or other small repairs, set them aside and tend to them when you're done.
·       Donate
Donate any clothes that don't fit, flatter, or that you've stopped wearing that are in good repair. Don't send anything to a donation center that should be tossed instead.
·       Consign
Want to recoup some of the cost of your most expensive pieces? Consign them. Some consignment shops will pay you when the pieces sell; others will pay you cash on the spot when you bring them in. Want to add to your wardrobe without adding to your debt? Sell some of your old clothes to pay for your new purchases.

3. Put Like Pieces Together
Once you've gone through every last blouse, skirt, and pair of shoes, put everything back in your closet with like pieces together: all shirts together, all skirts, all pants, etc. This will enable you to mix and match easily, as well as let you see what you have and what you don't.

4. Make A List
So now that you know what you have, make a list of the items you need to round out your wardrobe. Replace your basics and inject a couple of new seasonal pieces for interest.
Yes, it's really as simple as that.

5. Go Shopping
What's the best way to shop? With a list. Not only will you be sure to get what you need, you'll be much less inclined to buy impulsively.
Want to make sure you stay within your budget? Take cash and leave the credit cards at home. That way, you'll weigh each purchase VERY carefully.
Getting your wardrobe in order for the new season isn't difficult once you get organized. If you take the time to do it - even if you have to stretch it over a couple of sessions - you'll be able to gain control over your wardrobe and have one less thing to worry about.  Need help?  Contact us for the best Image Stylist to suit you - info@imagequest.com.au