| They wouldn't build a house without a blueprint, hit | | | | that would allow her to introduce new pieces on a |
| the road to a new ski resort without a map, make | | | | monthly basis. Since Liz and her partner are saving |
| their first visit to Barcelona without a guidebook or | | | | for a house, it was imperative that her foundation |
| even, in these days of H&G TV, move furniture | | | | pieces be: |
| without a floor plan. And yet, again and again, the | | | | Versatile - appropriate for varied situations |
| number of people, both men and women, who | | | | Easy to mix and match |
| overlook the importance of a wardrobe plan, | | | | Simple, understated - so she could use |
| surprises me. | | | | accessories to change their looks and moods. |
| These are the same folks who would mark the map | | | | The actual plan would be quite compact, but before |
| to Mount-Magical-Skiing with gas stations and highlight | | | | committing it to paper we discussed a few basic |
| the best tapas bars in Barcelona - but off they go on | | | | guidelines: |
| a shopping spree, minus a plan. | | | | Discipline - and the importance of sticking to the |
| Wardrobe planning is done systematically and | | | | plan |
| strategically. Before beginning to build a client's | | | | Focus - find key pieces, accept no substitutes |
| wardrobe plan, there needs to be a strong | | | | Impulse purchases - strictly off-limits |
| foundation in place. The starting point is the client's | | | | Trend management - avoiding fads |
| body proportions, personal style and colour palette. | | | | Splurging - when it makes sense |
| Liz had reached this stage on her journey and was | | | | Last minute shopping - past history |
| ready to move forward. In preparation for our third | | | | Bargains - are they or aren't they? |
| meeting, I gave Liz a copy of my comprehensive | | | | Soon, it would be time to put the plan to work, but |
| Wardrobe Planning Guide. Although some client's | | | | before we hit the stores, Liz had a few words: |
| prefer that I make a "house-call" for this part of the | | | | "I really didn't want to show DC my wardrobe. After |
| consultation, Liz expressed a newfound confidence | | | | going through my closet I was embarrassed - most |
| about what worked for her; she was ready to tackle | | | | items didn't look like they belonged to a young |
| her closet. | | | | professional. Once I got past my initial feelings, I |
| The following week, she arrived back at the office | | | | buckled down and concentrated on understanding |
| with her suitcase and my editing process began: | | | | how to select the essential building blocks that would |
| Group 1: Keepers | | | | form the core, or as DC calls it my 'survival |
| Group 2: Alterations Department | | | | wardrobe.' The best part is, I'm enjoying the process |
| Group 3: Pass-alongs for her sister | | | | - it really is a journey." |
| Group 4: Goodwill donations | | | | Stay tuned! |
| Liz's wardrobe was minimal, so we had to build a plan | | | | |