COUNTDOWN TO MATERNITY: A day in my working life

OK so admittedly I picked quite a fun day as shoots are definitely one of my favourite part of the job, but the reality is that at Wardrobe ICONS, no other day is the same as the other. Petro and I work from our shared London office two to three days a week and when we are not at our desks producing the pages you see in your weekly magazine The ICONS Update, or researching the net for the best wardrobe staples to upload on the site, we spend our time out and about on press days, meetings, breakfasts and shoots - and this is the day I'm going to take you through today: the making of a Wardrobe ICONS 'Perfect Wardrobe' shoot.

My 'Call Sheet' today lists all the information I need to have in terms of where I need to be, at what time and who is the talent we are shooting. This is sent to everyone involved on the day so we are all looped in. Today, I am shooting Roberta Benteler, the incredibly stylish founder and CEO of Avenue32 in her London wardrobe.

For once, I don't have to trek the other side of London, as it so happens that Roberta lives literally around the corner from me. I'm almost 8 months pregnant at this point so being able to drive is a real luxury! It's 9.30 and I'm at my desk ready to get going.

I get to Roberta's house and we walk to the top the property where she opens the door to her attic and... LOOK AT THIS!

There are rows and rows of immaculately organised clothes under the eaves...

... and in front of each section there are opened-shelved cabinets with rows and rows of some of the coolest shoes I have ever seen!

 

I can't resist the temptation of doing a little selfie and posting it on my Instagram, and you love this post just as much as me!

Eva K. Salvi, our in house photographer, is a real pro and photographs all of our beautiful shoots giving you the opportunity to get a real sense of the subject's wardrobes with lots of details.

Shooting our 'Perfect Wardrobe' pages is like doing a jigsaw puzzle, you have to think about every photo you take and how it's going to look in our layouts. I have a long list of shots I have to get done and keep a detailed list of each one of them.

We get shooting straight away as we don't like to take too much time out of our busy ladies life and like to get in and out within a couple of hours. Here we were shooting Roberta's hands with her favourite sunglasses...

... and this is the final shot you will see in The ICONS Update!

Eva checks with Roberta that she is happy with the next shot - doesn't she look gorgeous in the final thing and how much did I have to resist the temptation to buy her top straight after the shoot?!?!

This top...  Ellery Cyril off-the-shoulder cutout cotton-poplin top £470

We take a little break and I tell Roberta how much I love her Instagram and the "Roberta pose" that first got me hooked to her feed and where I first cought a glimpse of her amazing wardrobes...

So she gives me a little tutorial on how to achieve the pose...

... but with an 8 months bump it's quite hard and I don't feel I quite succeed!

Back to work! Final shot is the cover - I sit in the back to art directing the shot to make sure that we have enough space on the shot for our title and cover lines. Roberta is posing by her wardrobe in a super cool yet laid back look of broderie top and wide leg trousers. She looks amazing and I am so pleased with the final shot! 

See the full feature in this week's issue of The ICONS Update live on Wardrobe ICONS

And if you want to catch up with some of our other features take a look at our archive section - here are some of my all-time favourite shoots with Martha Ward, Lucy Williams, Tash Sefton and Pandora Sykes.

I hope you enjoyed this little behind the scenes post - remember that you free, weekly copy of The ICONS Update goes live every Tuesday on www.wardrobeicons.com and that you can subscribe, for free by adding your email to our mailing list from the home page!

 WWW.WARDROBEICONS.COM

COUNTDOWN TO MATERNITY: Wardrobe Oganisation rules I live by

When I was thinking about the posts I should leave you with before going on maternity leave, I thought a classic wardrobe-organisation one should definitely be included - after all, us WIT girls love a good wardrobe! Luckily last summer, once I finished my new fitted wardrobes, we did a shoot for Wardrobe ICONS that looked at all the aspects and rules I live by to have the perfectly organised wardrobe. Here are some of my top tips - if you would like to see the full feature head to The ICONS Update here to also shop some of my must-have wardrobe organisation essentials like baskets, hangers and jewellery dividers.

1) TO SEE IS TO WEAR

My wardrobes are built behind closed doors, but once I open them everything is organised by section and all accessories have a label so that I know wha't inside shoe boxes and dust bags. To see really is to wear more - make sure that however you decide to organise your wardrobe, everything is in plain sight so you don't forget what you own.

2) CHOOSE THE RIGHT HANGERS

Not all your items of clothing need the same type of hanger, so don't waist precious space with the wrong type. I use 4 different styles: clip on for skirts, thin velvet-effect non slip ones for blouses, men's fold ones for trousers and shoulder padded ones for coats.

3) KEEP YOUR SHOES SEPARATE

Shoes can stink, you walk in them on pavement and they are generally non hygienic, so try not to store them together with your clothes. I have a separate wardrobe for my high heels (that live in boxes) and pull out drawers for my flats. Find a place in your wardrobe/house that doesn't see them living with your fabrics and knitwear that can absorb odors and get stained.

4) PROTECT

Protect your wardrobe from moths with all your powers - I'm obsessed with the concept and place moth repellent sheets in-between all my jumpers and hang moth killer in each one of my wardrobes (even the ones that have no wool - you never know). At the end of the season I wash all my knitwear and take all my coats to the dry cleaners; yes at a price, but better that than a munched up Max Mara camel coat is how I see it!.

 

5) DE-CLUTTER AND STORE AWAY

At the beginning and at the end of the season try to get rid of at least five things - it will make you feel better about your wardrobe and also create space for new buys. Put away clothes that are not season-appropriate, it will be a joy to rediscover them all a few month later.

6) GO BEYOND CLOTHES

Be organised about all items that live in and around your wardrobes that serve to create the perfect outfit. Think about your belts, sunglasses and jewellery too. Once again, it's all about having them in one place so you don't waist time looking for this and that and then organising them appropriately.

Read all my tips and see the full feature of my 'Perfect Wardrobe' shoot in The ICONS Update here + shop some of my must-have wardrobe organisation essentials like baskets, hangers and jewellery dividers.

The ICONS Update

COUNTDOWN TO MATERNITY: WIT'S TOP 10 LOOKS OF 2015/2016 (as liked by you)

The time has come to go on maternity leave and put my feet up for a few weeks before my second baby arrives. To celebrate these last two weeks together I've come up with a few posts looking back at WIT and some of your favourite content. First up is "WIT'S TOP 10 LOOKS OF 2015/2016 (as liked by you)". I recently downloaded an App on my iPhone that allows me to see which posts are most popular on Instagram, and this is the Top 10 chart of your all time favourite looks of the past twelve months. 

It was so interesting to see, because as I was going through them I noticed that the things you love, are the ones I love too: a statement skirt, fab accessories and a glitter shoe, but also all of those wardrobe staples like a stripe top, a grey sweater and a white shirt - those key staples that made me want to start the concept of Wardrobe ICONS as an extension to WIT. So whilst I'm gone, and if you think you might miss me a little (I'm sure I will miss you!), don't worry because Wardrobe ICONS and The ICONS Update will continue to provide you with a little form WIT fix on a weekly basis.

So, without further a due... here are the looks you liked the most:

 NUMBER 10

The statement skirt 
 

I remember this day - I was rushing around and had a work dinner with Kate Spade in the evening and I opted for a fun skirt and plain top. I've always loved statement skirts - I love their versatility, the fact that you can dress them up and down and that you can choose from so many different styles. I have everything from dramatic neon pink maxi skirts to sequin ones and raffia fringed pencil skirts and never tire of them. They have become such a thing, that Net-a-Porter now has a whole section just dedicated to Statement Skirts (that I love!).

Whistles skirt and top, J.Crew shoes, Mango bag

 NUMBER 9

The grey sweater 

A grey sweater is a WIT must-buy, I couldn't live without mine. Despite having a shelf packed with them I wear each one of them on a regularly basis. Jenna Lyons gave me a little tip that has served me so well - when you find something you love buy it in different sizes, maybe one up or down, that way you can style it differently depending on the fit and look you are trying to achieve. I have fitted ones I like to wear with baggier bottoms and vice versa, but also different necklines and thicknesses for different seasons. My favourite grey sweater will always be a Tippi sweater from J.Crew though...

Gap jumpers, Lorenzo Serafini for Philosophy skirt, Jimmy Choo shoes

 NUMBER 8

The bold colour move 

Despite loving a basic and having started a business revolving around it, I couldn't live without a Transformer in my wardrobe. Be it a statement accessory, a fun clutch or a bright pink jumpsuits, I love fashion too much not to be tempted by seasonal trends and making a few wild buys. This Topshop Made in Britain blindingly bright pink jumpsuit was one of those buys and I absolutely love it! I wore it on the cover of The ICONS Update and somehow I think it really sums me up: 'classic, but with a twist!". 

Topshop jumpsuit, Accessorize clutch, Gianvito Rossi sandals

 NUMBER 7

The stripe T-shirt
 

I'm so glad one of my maternity looks made it into your Top 10, and even more glad to see that involves a stripe top. This is another WIT favourite and something I often go-to when I don't know what to wear. I would actually go as far as calling it a wardrobe saviour. My favourite is the Saint James® for J.Crew slouchy T-shirt - I love the long sleeves and slouchy fit. One heads up, get the white and navy (not the ecru). 

J.Crew T-shirt, Stella McCartney cape, Topshop maternity jeans Chanel shoes and bags

 NUMBER 6

The jumpsuit 
 

You obviously love a jumpsuit! After the success of the pink one, I bought the same exact style but in a more wearable colour and wore it so much, both day and evening with a smart clutch and heels - this was me wearing it to work. There is something so incredibly comfortable about a jumpsuit and I think it adapts well to any age. I prefer something with a sleeve and would always go a size up to get that effortless fit.

Topshop jumpsuit, KG shoes, Antonello bag

 NUMBER 5

The leather skirt 

I think what you probably loved about this look was the thigh high boots, but what I picked up on in terms of wardrobe staples is the leather skirt, or leather bottom. I have everything from culottes, trousers, leggings to three different style skirts (full, mini and pencil) and wear them all the time. The great thing about leather is that you buy it once (clean lines and of good quality) and never ever have to buy it again. So think well and hard before purchasing a style, as real leather tends to be expensive and you want to opt for something that will last a really long time in your wardrobe. Whistles always has a good leather staple - and so do we in our ICONS section.

Isabel Marant Etoile jumper and boots, Whistles leather skirt, Bally bag

 NUMBER 4

The trench

At number 4 is the trench. How could it not be? Easily also at number 4 in my own hit parade of wardrobe must-haves, the trench coat is an item every woman in her late twenties early thirties should save to buy and will wear for the rest of her life. Fact. So if you don;t have one yet, you should! It's the perfect in-between season jacket, so chic, so timeless and will never ever fail to make you feel stylish and put together even on the days where you are wearing the equivalent of your pajama underneath. The one and only to buy - Burberry!

Burberry trench, J.Crew top, Day Birger jeans, Miu Miu shoes

 NUMBER 3

The boho dress 
 

I love a little boho touch here and there and I remember falling in love with this Monsoon dress which I wore on a night out to celebrate my wedding anniversary. I like to do boho the dressed-up way, so would always pair my blouses with a designer bag or like in this case, a dress with fringed sandals and super slick clutch (the shoes were a fab Chloe buy and the clutch a another great wardrobe investment from Jil Sander). My rule is not to do hippy, I like a slick final effect. I'm glad it's a high-street look that made it at number three!

Monsoon dress, Jil Sander clutch, Chloe shoes

 NUMBER 2

The white shirt  

At number two is the white shirt, obviously! Crisp, white, cotton the white shirt is most definitely an item that every woman should own. Find the style that works for you be it fitted, loose or boyfriend style and wear it with everything from your jeans, layered under jumpers, tucked into a pretty skirt and even as a beach cover up! My ultimate favourite styles of all time are the MiH Oversize Shirt (great with leggings and at the beach) and the Equipment Signature washed-silk shirt (perfect for smartening up just about anything and such a universally fabulous fit).

Gant shirt, MiH jeans, Valentino bag, Chanel shoes

 NUMBER 1

The designer coat 

Ah! To think of the stick I got for this coat on Instagram ;-)

Well, it goes to show that a quality designer coat is at the top of your list too. Coats (and tailoring in general) is where to spend your money. You will never truly love a cheap coat, it can be a seasonal indulgence, but building a long lasting, quality winter coats closet has always been one of my absolute rules. This was the year I invested in a cape - it was something missing entirely from my wardrobe and I have, somewhat to my surprise, worn so much. I was pregnant and couldn't say at the time of this pic, so this coat served as a perfect maternity coat but it also works equally well in the day and as a smart evening coat.

Stella McCartney cape, J.Crew top and shoes, Gap jeans

The ICONS Christmas gift guide and WIN £500 spend + an in store shopping session with me in Whistles

When I was a shopping editor compiling the Christmas gift guide was always one of my favourite times of the year. Since starting Wardrobe ICONS the fun hasn't stopped and this week Petro and I have prepared our annual ICONS Christmas guide with the same enthusiasm and love. We are both ridiculously obsessed with anything Christmassy and couldn't wait to reveal an guide filled to the brim with fabulous gifts for you, for friends, for kids, for him and also icons, stocking fillers and the best wrapping too!

http://wardrobeicons.com/

On top of this we thought we would celebrate the beginning of December with a surprise for YOU! With the help of Whistles advent calendar, one lucky reader gets to spend £500 in Whistles in store with styling advise from me and Petro on the day. The prize is only valid for today so enter sharpish. 

Check the page or http://adventcalendar.whistles.co.uk/  for further details!

The making of my wardrobes

Days before leaving for Italy we shot my 'Perfect Wardrobe' feature at my London home. It was a really fund day with our resident photographer Eva K. Salvi and our wonderful art director Polly Chamier that made everything look photograph worthy.

 I say this because what may look like a perfect shoot today was actually quite a hectic day and definitely  log project in the making, so I thought it would be fun to share some of the photos of the before and after. 

Some of you may know that in the past six months my flat has gone through a total refurb, and creating the next-to-prefect closet space was one of the most fun things I've had to do. I didn't have space for a walk in closet or for something particularly fancy, so I decided to opt for something more practical and utilise every single cm of space in the most effective way possible.

My bedroom was an empty shell with a 4mt long and 3mt high wall and I opted for fitted wardrobes throughout. I enlisted the help of budget friendly Martin West Interiors and, with a very specific idea in mind, handed it over a design that I made with my husband of my future wardrobes.

I measured and counted every item in my closet and subsequently allocated each category of clothing and accessories to a specific space. I counted in hanging clothes, folded items, shoe boxes and bags and even space for change of season boxes and storage.  I had to do a huge clear out, the biggest I have ever done so far, but today I really feel like I've got a perfectly edited wardrobe where I can see and wear everything I own.

The day they wardrobes were fitted I stayed in to decide the height of each shelf (this was crucial for my shoe cupboard) and made sure that everything was just prefect. I had the doors made in simple wood and then had them painted in my favourite shade of Farrow and Ball grey called Pavilion Gray.

The day of the shoot we decided to focus less on my clothes and accessories the way we've done so far with our 'Perfect Wardrobes' series, and more on how to store and maintain  tidy and well organised wardrobe. Here are some behind pics form the day, to see the end result go to this week's issue of The ICONS Update and read my 20 tips on how to create the perfect storage.

Having my hair and make up done in the sitting room

With our Contributing Editor Polly Chamier

Polly preparing lunch for everyone in the kitchen

Polly making everything look super pretty

The mess on my bed at the end of the day!

My GZ engraved Jimmy Choo shoes

 The cover of this week's bumper issue live on www.wardrobeicons.com