1) Choose the right location for reselling
Higher value pieces, things like leather bags, wool coats, special event dresses, designer pieces, anything that's worth more we recommend you try and have a store resell on your behalf. A good consignment store can ensure you get the most for the item. They also can help to ensure the pricing is fair and reasonable.
For lower value pieces a great place to sell is on Facebook Marketplace, or in New Zealand another option is TradeMe.
Some brands have their own preloved/buy sell pages on Facebook Groups and this is a great option to ensure your pieces get shown to an audience of people who might like them and you can also use this location to see what prices people are asking.
2) Make sure the piece is cleaned and mended
The goal is to make the item look as new and unworn as possible so definitely wash and steam/iron and hang. If it's something more delicate or would be best drycleaned then that option is a great way to ensure the piece looks super attractive to potential buyers.
3) Take attractive and accurate pictures
If you are selling online, then photos are super important. Try a few different spots to make sure you have the best lighting. Get a few different angles (front, side, back and any details) Also check that the colour of the garment in person looks similar to how the photos are coming up. You want the images to be both attractive but also accurate. Consider if wearing an item might be a better option that hanging it on a hanger. Sometimes garments look better on a figure compared to hanging or laying flat.
4) Describe the piece in detail
Write a detailed description of the item and include any faults or wear and tear that the new owner may want to know. Consider including the age of the item and the original purchase price as this helps others understand the value and decide if it's a good deal for them.
5) Price it reasonably
Do some research online and see what similar items are getting in terms of pricing. This will give you an idea of what is fair and reasonable. Do this with pieces you are taking to a consignment or second hand store too so you are informed and can compare what you found with what the store is saying they would price it for. The store takes a percentage of the sale price so keep this in mind when comparing your options.
6) Try and try again
If you try the store option and one store doesn't sell the piece consider trying another one, different stores have different clientele and you may have more success at a different location. If you're selling online sometimes things take time to sell too so try things a few times (update photos and pricing) and be patient. Reselling is an art and it might take a little bit of tinkering to get a feel for it.
Happy Re-Selling!
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We are kicking off the festive season here, and wanted to share one of our favourite (and the simplest!) cocktail recipe that we like to make in December - a mimosa with a slight twist!
It is so simple, but looks fantastic, and all you need is
The day before, finely slice your oranges and pop them into an ice cube tray. Fill the ice cube tray up with orange juice and freeze overnight.
On the day, put an orange ice cube into your glass of choice (Robyn’s pick a coupe glass!), and top with your choice of sparking. We love a cava, but prosecco or any sparkling wine of your choice will work too!
]]>1. Avoid "pressure spending" situations
Waiting until the last minute is a great example of a "pressure spending" situation. Don't get into these and you'll avoid a lot of accidental overspending! Do as Santa says and MAKE A LIST -- this will save you many headaches and overspending. Don't feel like you have to "keep up" with others expectations when it comes to gifts. It's not about the money, it's about the thought. Be creative instead of cliche and you'll save money + get a better response from the gift-receiver.
2. Plan your drink limit
There are many events to get to some you may want to get extra "jolly" and others you attend out of duty. Choose which ones you're going to indulge and for the others, give yourself a limit. Even better, if you know it's a particularly rowdy crowd, show up late and skip a round or two. This will both save you the hangover.
3. Avoid holiday "outfits"
These are a big minimalist no-no. Don't feel the need for a new dress "just because" if you have something you can re-wear then do it! Same goes for "holiday pajamas" while they make cute photos, they're just another thing that can be cut from the long list of purchases at this time of year.
4. Chew slowly & enjoy
Don't worry too much about the diet. This is a time to indulge -- at least a little! Don't rush it and enjoy every bite. You might find you actually don't overdo it as much. Most of all, avoid mindless eating it's very easy to do but if you can avoid it then you'll feel much better in January.
5. Focus on what IS important
Whether you're big into gifting or not, the most important thing is to know what is important. If you must splash out then choose to do it on the things you love, for example; if you're a foodie then enjoy and indulge. If you're big into gifting then spend time on that. But most of all enjoy the time off with family and friends. If you're stressing about presents and what to feed guests, then you're missing the point. Remember: no one is judging you, they're thinking about themselves -- so that means you can RELAX!
Thank you for a wonderful year! We are looking forward to a relaxing break ourselves and wish you and yours a wonderful and safe Christmas season.
NOTE: We will be closing our office from Dec 22 through until January 8th. All orders placed in that time will be fulfilled starting January 8th.
XX
Hannah & Robyn
]]>A bit of background
We are a small business and since our inception in 2016 the world has changed a lot. We believe in evolving and want our business to serve our customers the best that it possibly can. So when we learn lessons we try to enact changes that align with our values and enable us to evolve in a smart way. We adjust things and learn, and that process cycles. One thing we were originally doing as a brand was releasing seasonal capsule collections. In recent years we have found this has become rather arbitrary (sometimes winter is early, sometimes it's late -- hello climate change! Some people are traveling to the northern hemisphere and want wool coats in January!)
Following this traditional fashion calendar pushes the creation of product and trends for the sake of filling catalog gaps and marketing calendars, instead of to meet a real customer need. We feel strongly that this old way of operating, which is pretty standard for the fashion industry, is outdated and no longer appropriate. This is especially so for us as a brand and our customers who are looking for timeless styles not a seasonal "fad" style. With all this said we are no longer releasing our "seasonal capsules" and will instead place greater focus on releasing our timeless styles in various fabrics and colours knowing these are styles that are tried and true. You may see us style the same pieces for Spring and Autumn in various ways and we will of course introduce new styles over time, however it won't be all new pieces every single season. We will continue to package styles together as "capsules" where it works but less tied to a season as we have done in the past.
Pre-ordering
Another way we have evolved is the introduction of pre-ordering. This came out of the COVID years as a result of shortages in fabrics and delays in shipping getting fabric here to NZ for our production. We have kept this as a component of our business today to ensure we are continuing to meet the demand for our most popular styles. Instead of only making one run of a style and then it being gone for good we are continuing to make styles that customers are loving.
If you're not familiar with pre-ordering it is simply placing an order with us before we have made the style. We open preorders when a style is just underway in the production process and endeavor to fulfill all preorders within 4-6 weeks of the order being placed. At any stage along the way, if you say changed your mind or found something else and no longer wanted the order, you can cancel a preorder.
Alterations
We have had an AMAZING response to offering multiple lengths in our various pant styles. In case you've missed it we now offer three lengths petite, standard and tall. The success of this has lead us to now offer an alterations service so you can get your pants in a custom length and save yourself a trip to your local tailor. Interested? Check it out, here.
Photography & Creative
One final change you may have noticed is to our photography and creative. We felt that studio images although beautiful do not always capture how product looks in real life. We are working to photograph our product in more of a variety of ways. Over the coming months you will see more images of our team and customers (if you want to share we LOVE to see you in your Issue pieces!) instead of just using models in a photo studio. There is definitely a time and place for both but as we evolve we believe more diversity and natural photography is more authentic for us.
As always we are so grateful to you our amazing customers for your support. We are grateful for every order you make and love to get your feedback so please don't hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas with us. We are here for you!
XX
Hannah & Robyn
]]>Here at Issue Clothing Co we want to help you, our goal is to provide you a guilt-free, easy way to keep you work look fresh and clean. We only want you to purchase pieces you'll love and wear for a long time. Some of you may have The Capsule Wardrobe Guide - this was our first downloadable and it's available here - this is a great option for those who want to make a clean start on their wardrobe. However, we know not all of you are ready, or maybe don't have the time, so we've created the No Regrets Shopping Planner. Think of this planner as our quick digest version of the Capsule Wardrobe Guide. If you're short on time but want to take a conscious and intentional approach to the way you shop, then this is a great way to go.
Download the No Regrets Shopping Planner here and commit to taking a half hour of your weekend, or anytime before you next go shopping, to go through the planner. It will help you identify; what you like, where you go wrong, and where to invest next in your wardrobe. It's a positive step for you, your wallet, and the world.
To continue reading check out the blog, here.
]]>Consider those pieces in your wardrobe that you love but don't find easy to wear, the question is why are they not something you grab on a regular basis? Maybe it's because you don't have those "power player" multiplier pieces that make outfitting easy?
Another way to think about it is "unlocking" outfit potential in your existing wardrobe by investing in pieces that are classic, suit your body shape and work with the rest of your wardrobe. When you buy these pieces you are essentially "buying" multiple new outfits because of all the ways they can work with what you already own and love. It's not only more cost-effective but also more sustainable.
One of the best ways we can save on waste in our wardrobes is simply by wearing what we have for longer. What better way is there to extend the life of your wardrobe than finding new ways to wear things you already own! When we are bored or feel our look is a bit tired it's tempting to start from scratch but really there might be some hidden gems in there that just need a fresh look.
Some great examples of Multiplier Pieces are:
If you struggle to wear your whole wardrobe, consider investing in some of these pieces and find joy in unlocking new potential in your existing wardrobe.
As always, we love to help, so if you have something in your wardrobe that you want to wear more of but can't find things to go with it then, please don't hesitate to reach out to us either via email or chat.
]]>1. Simplicity
Streamlining your wardrobe to a few versatile pieces makes getting dressed easier and saves time.
2. Cost-effective
Investing in high-quality, timeless items reduces the need for constant shopping and saves money in the long run.
3. Sustainability
Having a smaller wardrobe reduces clothing waste and the impact on the environment.
4. Clarity of personal style
Focusing on a limited number of items allows you to develop a clear personal style.
5. Versatility
Versatile pieces can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, maximizing the wardrobe.
6. Minimalism
A capsule wardrobe embraces the minimalist lifestyle, reducing clutter and simplifying life.
7. Stress reduction
Having a manageable number of options eliminates the stress of decision making when getting dressed.
8. Improved quality
Having a capsule wardrobe means you're able to invest in higher quality items that will last longer.
9. Increased creativity
With a limited number of items, one can be more creative in mixing and matching to create unique outfits.
10. Confidence boost
Having a clear personal style and knowing you look good in what you wear can boost your personal confidence.
So there you have it! A Capsule Wardrobe could be a great way to improve your daily life and enable you to focus on other important things!
For more Capsule Wardrobe resources check out the rest of our blog.
]]>Happy New Year, friends! It's the season of change, beginnings, and renewal. Hopefully you're ready for it and well rested from some form of holiday or break! We're kicking things off this year with some tips on making positive changes. Most of the time these "resolutions" don't stick so we thought it might be helpful to share our tips on making changes... maybe it's wardrobe related or maybe it's elsewhere in your life. Read on and get our tips on how to make a positive change in your life!
1. Get specific and small is good!
What is the area you really want to change? Is it your health, finances, self-confidence? Focus in on just one thing in that arena that you can change. I'm a terrible sloucher so last years resolution was to work on improving posture with a few exercises focused on that goal - that's what we mean by specific! It's a very small, actionable change that's focused on an area of life you want to change. Nothing else. It makes it MUCH MORE LIKELY that you can actually achieve change if you don't overload yourself with unrealistic overhauls.
2. Be positive!
Don't give yourself lots of "do not's." Not only is it demoralising and negative but also human beings love to break rules! Give yourself things to do that will bring positive changes and push out negative things in your life. This is where something like a Capsule Wardrobe fits in (if that's something you've considered). Instead of telling yourself you can't shop for new clothes because you're saving, consider giving yourself a spending or piece limit and then making it a positive challenge to see how efficient you can be with that amount. When we give ourselves the right structure we can be extremely successful. Or maybe you're looking to be more healthy, try giving yourself a number of workouts to complete per week, instead of saying every day. It's certainly more positive than telling yourself you've failed because you missed one day! Build in realistic parameters so you don't get down on yourself.
3. Don't let others drag you down!
We're social beings and "fitting in" or being "part of the team" is important to most people. Because of this we often let other peoples bad behaviour justify our own. We can tell ourselves "Sarah is getting a new dress for the party... so I can too...". This is some faulty logic. We choose to do this when we want to cheat ourselves and we're looking for a reason. It's a trap!! Don't do it!!! When you're trying to make a positive change in your life it may seem like everything and everyone around you is trying to bring you down so you need to learn to ignore them. If you want to have the enjoyment of achieving your goals you're going to have to give some things up. This tip is the toughest of them all! Just ignore the crowds and continue towards your best life!
We hope you're making some amazing plans for the new year and that you're as excited as we are about it!
If your resolution is shopping related and you're ready to give up regrettable purchasing, check out our No Regrets Shopping Guide (free download) here.
]]>1. Remove season inappropriate attire from your current wardrobe
Pack it up in an old suitcase, pop it in the spare room wardrobe, or in a box under the stairs. Where ever it goes removing these items from the visual space will help you see what you have, reduce clutter and make your current wardrobe more usable.
2. Tidy up "The Chair"
You know the one we mean! Fold, wash, mend, or whatever you are supposed to be doing with this pile, go ahead and sort it out and clear the way for that chair to be a chair.... OR better yet remove it from the room so you don't get tempted to pile things there again!
3. Go do that drycleaner trip
It's time to get those clothes back into rotation and let's be honest they have been in the drycleaning bag long enough.
4. Donate
Seriously, it's time for that bag to be donated. Your boot space will be better used, and bonus: no more guilt each time you open the boot and see it!
5. Tidy your sock drawer
Small acts can be really impactful and honestly this one is such a goodie. Once this drawer is tidy you'll find you might have a whole lot more socks than you thought you did. Chuck the holy ones and you'll find all kinds of space making it much easier to close!
6. Line up your shoes
Another small but powerful move. Tidy shoes just feel good. Try it and you'll see what we mean.
7. Do a hand wash
Ok this might take a little longer than 10 mins but it is a good one to get done so you can use those pieces again! Or if you can't stand the idea then just include in your drycleaner drop off (if the garment care allows) the whole point here is getting these pieces back into the rotation in your wardrobe again instead of on their current hand washing hiatus.
8. Do wardrobe skim through
This is a quick review of your hanging items to see if any should be retired, need ironing, mending or for some reason aren't being used. Skim and remove anything that you've not worn in a year or more and remove it from your current wardrobe space. If you're coming into the next season and you know some of these items are now looking tired and needing an update, then pull those into one section of the wardrobe and make a note of them so you can know to keep an eye out for these if you are going to be doing some shopping.
9. Scout the house
Does your wardrobe manage to spread itself all over the house? That's ok, there's a quick fix. Take 10 mins and scout your house to consolidate these pieces back into your wardrobe. Socks are often the culprit pieces in this instance (they do end up in the oddest of places!) just chuck them in the laundry and you're done with this easy job.
10. Sort the coat rack/front room
This area can get a little cluttered and often becomes a dumping zone. Let's sort it! Get the season inappropriate coats and boots into storage and make sure only seasonally relevant and usable items are here. If you've got a big family, or just lots of people in your house, you may need to limit how much each person stores in this area to ensure it's not complete chaos.
Hopefully you find some of these ideas helpful and you can make a little headway on simplifying your wardrobe and keeping clothing spread to a minimum.
Happy sorting!
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We share a lot of tips and tricks... so just in case you've missed any, need a reminder, OR maybe you're just stumbling upon us now, here are our top 5 resources (as voted by you!) This will help simplify and get you closer to building the Capsule Wardrobe that's perfect for you.
1. Our Capsule Wardrobe Guide
Starting from scratch? This is a downloadable resource you can use to develop the perfect capsule wardrobe for you and your life! If you're ready to hit the ground running, then download it now, here.
2. Uniform Dressing
We have a couple of resources related to the concept of "Uniform Dressing" it's the core to a simple, minimalist (but still stylish) wardrobe. Check out What is Uniform Dressing? and Uncovering your Personal Style to learn more.
3. 5 Signs it's Time to Overhaul your Look?
Wondering if you need to make some more significant personal style edits? If there has been big changes in your life (new job, babies, etc.) then this is often the time when we struggle the most. Maybe your wardrobe just isn't working anymore? Sound like you? Read on...
4. What is Capsule Dressing?
Are you confused? New to all this? Start from the beginning with What is Capsule Dressing?
5. Our No Regrets Shopping Planner
If you are keen to make a few investments this season check out our downloadable No Regrets Shopping Planner -- this will help guide your purchases and make sure they're all solid investments.
Enjoy! And, as always, we love to hear from you! If you've got a question, concern or suggestion we'd love to hear from you! Email us at info@issueclothing.com
]]>1. Doing some exercise
Sunday is a great day to sneak in a walk or a workout (whatever your preference) before the week gets too manic. it's a great time to get outside and clear your head. Then, you can attack the week refreshed and rejuvenated. These days we often spend our weekends busy taking care of others, attending to chores and errands and catching up on work, so make sure you steal some time to take care of yourself.
2. Meal planning and preparing
Get ahead and make your dinner plans for the week so you're not running to the grocery store every second day. Better yet make a double serving of dinner on Sunday night. That way you have a leftover dinner option for Monday night, or whichever day turns out more chaotic than planned. There's nothing better than coming home and knowing you don't have to fuss around making dinner.
3. Reading something motivating
Relax with a good book, preferably something that'll get you motivated for the week ahead. Think about an inspiring biography or self help book, anything to put you in the mood for taking positive steps towards your goals.
4. Creating a weekly goals & to-do list
Do you lose track of time and get caught up in the chaos of the week? If so, we recommend getting organized by looking at your big goals for the week, and carving out some planned time to work on them. There's always going to be the urgent requests and last minute meetings so it's important to prioritize time for work on your long term goals -- the things that will pay off in the future.
5. Organizing weekday evening activities
Are you dreading work this week? Consider organizing some fun weekday evening activities. Maybe a massage, or happy hour with friends, choose something that you'll look forward to in the week. We recommend mixing it up each week to keep things interesting.
Happy Sunday, everyone!
]]>1. Consider what you have already!
Start, by taking some time with your existing wardrobe... what's in that dry cleaning pile? When you take stock you might realize there are pieces you forgot you had or styles that are too big, or too small. There is a lot you can do once you know what you have. Get organized and then visit your local consignment shop to offload anything that needs to be retired. For the pieces you forgot about...
2. Refresh, mend and recreate...
Consider how you might be able to tidy up or recreate something you already have or maybe even reuse for another purpose. If something is too big but you like it then maybe you can have it tailored. Old t-shirts can become something completely new -- this is a great option for gym gear! Just do a quick Google or Youtube search such as "what to do with an old t-shirt" or "how to repurpose a dress"... you'll get some ideas for how to rework something you already have. There are SO many options.
3. Shop second-hand & consignment
There is a treasure trove of goodies at your local consignment store. If you're in a pinch this is a great place to start. Gently loved pieces can easily be cleaned up and it's amazing what you can find. Take a friend, set a budget, and go exploring! This is especially great for denim/jeans. Often you can get really lightly worn jeans for a fraction of the price of retail and you can feel good about saving them from a landfill too!
4. Know your weakness
Shopaholic in recovery? One quick scan of your wardrobe should tell you what your weakness is... for example it may be florals. Once you know your weakness you can avoid it! Write it down and make it a rule. This is important especially going into a new season to avoid falling into old habits and getting more of what you already have. Pause and then be intentional about your investments.
5. Clarify your wardrobe gaps
Here's where we can help! Make sure you've gone through the process of understanding where your real wardrobe gaps are. Maybe you're short on work-appropriate shirts, maybe you wear one pair of pants WAY too often. If you need help with this check out our Capsule Wardrobe Guide and go through this process yourself. Once you know your gaps you can focus your budget on filling those and not waste any money on impulse purchases!
Hopefully, you're inspired to stick to your budget without giving up your wardrobe goals. In the end, it's all about focus and it's important that you're going after what's important to you! Really, you should only need to do a BIG wardrobe overhaul once, and then with big life changes (such as going back to work after having a baby, or starting a new job) You don't have to start with a HUGE overall if you're not ready for that. Whether you are ready to do a complete overhaul OR you just want a little assistance in your Capsule Wardrobe building process, we're always here to help! Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@issueclothing.com or message us via Chat or Facebook. We love to help!
]]>1) Be wary of the SALE trap
Just because it's on sale, doesn't mean it's a good deal! The real value in your wardrobe is in pieces with the lowest "cost per wear" if you can wear something a thousand times then you are getting good value from it. Compare that to a piece you bought on a whim that doesn't go with anything you own, that you have only worn once or twice... It's often better to say no to sale pieces no matter the price. Read on about cost-per-wear and how this way of thinking will help save you so much money in the long term.
2) Avoid emotional shopping
Sure there are times to "treat yourself" but when it's every second day it's not really a treat is it? If you gravitate to shopping as a "pick me up" or celebrate with shopping then you might be just kidding yourself. Be wary of letting your emotions carry you away. We often buy impulsively when we are on a high or a low so steer clear of shopping when you're in any extreme mood and you'll be a lot safer.
3) Avoid eye catching pieces
Sometimes we just see something and think "ooooh that's lovely" -- in and of itself this isn't a bad thing but if it leads to impulse shopping it can leave you with a closet full of clothes that don't make up many actual outfits. Choose to wait and think about what that lovely piece might go with and if you can make up lots of outfits with it then great, go for it! But, if it's just a nice looking thing that's going to gather dust in the wardrobe, then think again.
It's not easy to change habits that our society has us hardwired towards but it's well worth breaking these patterns of behavior not only for your wallet, but also for your peace of mind. Knowing you are making wise wardrobe choices is a great feeling, almost as good as having lots of great outfit options in your wardrobe.
If you can steer clear of these three traps then you're going to be in great shape!
]]>Starting with your base layers build a triangle with your overall silhouette, either fitted on top or fitted on bottom. You don't want to overwhelm your figure with bulk on top and bottom. Although this can be a look into itself when layering it is best to avoid relaxed fit on top and bottom. Use fitted layers to create balance in the overall silhouette. For example a loose / boxy top or jacket over a slim pant or skinny jean or alternatively a full pant, or wide leg with a fitted top. This will create shape and overall balance. Then, add your layers over the top of this for example bulkier jackets work great with figure fitting top or slim pant underneath.
ALSO check out where the body is cut in half horizontally. That line needs to be tactfully chosen. Use belts to assist with this if you want to highlight shape. Cutting the body at a wide point emphasizes that width and usually we want to avoid this. Belt or "cut" at a narrower point. If you'd like to look taller dress in one colour, avoid the horizontal lines on your outfit, go for vertically striped fabrics or open coats/blazers to create one vertical line down the front of your body. If you're on the tall side and looking to reduce the illusion of height then wearing contrast top and bottom colours can help with this, or layering to create horizontal lines, use of a belt or even a shirt hem coming out from the bottom of a sweater.
2. Use Colour
There are many ways to use colour (this is a big subject which we can't get into in one post!) In the case of layering and to make things simple we suggest one of two routes. Either go with all one shade (or similar shades say blacks and greys, or tans and browns) and add interest with accessories OR contrast throughout the outfit by choosing two colours and matching top and shoes with a contrast pant. Example black tee with white jeans and black loafer. A really easy option is all one colour with base layers (say black or navy top and pant) and then a contrast coat or blazer layer (see image below). Have a play and see what suits you best. This is a creative activity but once you have some formulas in your mind it's simple.
3. Consider Textures
Use texture to create interest. Consider how fur is used on coats, adding garments of a similar colour but of varying textures is a great layering formula. Here is an example: Leather jacket, dark denim and a wool base layer such as a merino -- so easy, all black but the various textures make it far from boring. This is an excellent way to fool proof your layering and outfit combinations in general.
4. Accessorize
Use accessories to add personality to your overall look and help with the proportions and balance throughout the day. Long necklaces or scarves that follow the neckline of a jacket or blazer are like a "layer" unto themselves and they maintain the outfit balance if the jacket or blazer layer is removed in the day. Use these sparingly but wisely!
5. Know Yourself
At the end of the day it's all about confidence so if you're not feeling it, then ditch it. It's got to be in alignment with you and if you're self conscious or uncomfortable that's going to shine through. So, at the risk of sounding very cheesy, be true to yourself.
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Let's take a moment to explore the value you get from investing wisely in your wardrobe. When you choose the right foundation (highly versatile, quality pieces) you know you're going to get lots of wear! When you consider the life these pieces give your wardrobe it's much higher than your typical fashion purchase. This means choosing wisely will actually save you money!
Here's the CPW (Cost Per Wear) analysis comparing one of our blazers and a typical fashion purchase:
Issue Blazer = averages 300 wears (2 times per week, for three years)
Total price $295-$395 divide by 300 wears = $0.98-$1.96 per wear
Lower quality, less versatile alternative = average 24 wears (2x a month, for one year)
Total price $129 divide by 24 wears = $5.38 per wear
This is just an example but you'll already see that choosing the right piece (no matter if it costs more or not) is a better investment. Cost Per Wear is a much more productive framework for understanding your wardrobe than looking purely at the ticket price. Plan your wardrobe foundation the right way and you get more wear per piece. This means you can (and should) justify investing in high quality pieces because they truly can be an investment.
It's not to say you can't find great quality pieces at great prices but it does mean thinking beyond just the price before making your purchases.
Shop wisely, friends!
]]>1. Avoid over-washing
This is a common error that's easy to make if you're not paying attention at the end of a busy day. It is so much easier to pop items into the clothing hamper than it is to hang them and put them back into the wardrobe for a second, or third wear before they go in the wash, but there's a cost in the life of the garment. Washing does break fabric down over time so while you won't notice it day-to-day making sure clothing isn't over washed can give garments extra years of wear.
2. Follow care instructions
It's tempting to let the washing machine tell us that it can be "delicate" and manage wool and silk but these settings are not always as gentle as we might like to think. For delicate fabrics, particularly wool and silk, hand washing (gently and separately with the appropriate detergent!) is the safest option AND while it is more time consuming it will give your garments the best chance at a long life.
3. Store garments correctly and ready to wear
Some clothing pieces are best suited to folding and others are better suited to hanging. Make sure you have your clothes stored carefully and appropriately for the piece. Knitwear for example is best folded v.s hanging as the delicate nature of most knits means that hanging risks the shoulders stretching out. Most items enjoy a cool, dry place, out of the sun and be sure to watch for dust accumulation over time too (yes, that means vacuuming your wardrobe and wiping out your drawers when you do your closet clean out.
If clothes are stored correctly and they're steamed or ironed ready for the next wear you'll find getting ready in the morning much easier. Think of it like you're doing your future-self a favor!
4. Transition garments for a second "life"
Where possible some garments can transition to a different use in your wardrobe. Some garments can go from day wear to active wear or lounge wear. Think of old tees and tanks, these can sometimes become sleepwear too! There may be a second life for your clothes which will save them from the donation bin for another year. Basic mending and sewing skills can help with this one too; patch knitwear, hem jeans to a new length for a fresh look, turning old dresses into skirts... one youtube search will give you thousands of ideas for ways to do this with pieces you might have been ready to retire.
Every additional wear is a saving so get creative and you can save money AND reduce your environmental footprint.
5. Purchase wisely
Last but not least make sure you're making wise purchases to start with. Choose quality over quantity and you'll be on the best footing for a wardrobe with a long life.
Hopefully you can use one or more of these tips to keep your garments in usable condition for a nice long life!
]]>1. When you dress well others perceive you as more successful, authoritative, trustworthy and intelligent.
A study by the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) found that your appearance strongly influences other people’s perception and in turn their behavior. What you wear communicates both your current standing and your future potential to others, and as a result can directly feed into your career advancement. This research also found the power combination was appearance + communication skills. This combo had a significant impact on access to decision makers, salaries, hiring decisions, and sales.
2. When you dress well you perform better
A study from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University found that dressing a certain way can actually make us "feel" smarter. For one experiment, the researchers dressed half of the participants in lab coats and the other half in their usual clothing. They then asked them to perform a series of tests. Those who wore the “doctor’s coats” made significantly less mistakes than those wearing their normal clothes. In a similar experiment, researchers gave all participants lab coats to wear during the test. However, they told half of them the lab coats were painter’s coats, and told the others they were doctor’s coats. Interestingly, those who thought they were wearing painter’s coats made a lot more mistakes.
3. Dressing like your boss could help you get promoted
It's not a perfect world. People are still people and they make judgements and decisions with all kinds of bias. Whether right or wrong people do tend to hire and promote people who are similar to them. We assume if they're "like us" they must be good. In a fairer world these would be unbiased assessments based on performance alone. Unfortunately that's not the world we live in. If you're trying to advance your career then conforming in your attire might help with your career progression.
See what we mean by "complicated"... It can be heavy stuff, morally and ethically. Know that we don't have to agree with "the way that it is" to benefit from knowing. You always have to consider what's right for you. Ultimately, we believe that your attitude, work ethic and confidence is what will help your career, so if updating your clothing will help with any of these, what have you got to lose!
So you're ready for a new winter coat? How do you ensure you're making a good choice? What are the best tips and tricks to make sure you're happy with your choice for years to come? We have packaged them up right here for you!
1. Consider what's best for your body shape
When it comes to a winter coat you want something flattering, something that suits your body shape. If you like a style on someone else, it doesn't mean it's going to work for you. Be sure to try different styles and figure out what works best for your shape and day to day style. Consider: does it need to be belted? More boxy (not fitted in the waist); do you wear it open? Or do you like to button or zip it up?
In terms of a process, if you don't know what suits you, try a few on to get the right idea on length, shape and colors that suit you. Once you've got this idea clear you can shop around for something that will work for your budget. When buying online, make sure you can return it if it's not right.
2. Consider the material
In different climates there will be different materials that are best. If it's cold, look for wool, or feather down etc. Or, if it's wet and windy look for water resistant and windproof fabrics. Don't purchase coats that won't work for your climate -- they might be lovely, but you'll never get the wear out of them and you'll likely regret it.
3. Take the time to consider
A coat should be an investment, so make sure you take the time to consider your purchase. If you're shopping in a store, walk away (have a coffee if you must!) and then come back and try the coat again. Just this simple practice of stepping away will ensure you really are making a good choice. This tactic can be applied to any major purchase and will, more often than not, improve your decision making. It's all about removing the emotion from the choice and thinking clearly.
4. If in doubt choose a neutral colour
Black, grey, navy, camel, they might be considered a "bit boring" but the fact is there is a reason they're the most common coat colours. They go with everything. They don't date. They look good. Unless you are someone with a few different coat options already, don't take too big of a gamble on a bright colour, particularly if you don't tend to wear bright colours. Choosing something bold becomes a statement. This is awesome but can be a limiting factor. Consider if you would want to be able to wear it almost every day, or if you are adding to a collection of coats.
If coats are big part of your winter capsule wardrobe style, then you will want to add colour, patterns and boldness. In this case you probably have a closet full of coats and the thing to avoid in this instance is choosing styles that are too similar!
5. Get a second opinion & then shop around
If you're starting from scratch, ask a trusted friend or family member to help you figure out the style and colour you should go for. Once you know what you're looking for, you'll be able to safely make a good choice without distraction.
Hopefully, you have found our tips and tricks helpful! If you need more assistance we're always happy to help, check out our Capsule Concierge Service.
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1. Carry a coat
Mornings can be a nightmare... so don't expect you'll always have time to dress perfectly. Just have a work appropriate warm coat handy for any surprises. Keep it in your car, or by your desk so it's an easy grab when the occasion requires it. We recommend something like our Essential Winter Coat or Cocoon Coat, both are practical, stylish, and timeless.
2. Consider your footwear
Boots are always a good choice this time of the year. Make sure they're waterproofed and kept clean and tidy. Polish and/or a damp rag should be kept handy so you can keep them looking good. There are many styles that work for the office but it's important to have a good go-to pair. Consider a black or grey in a matte-finish leather. On the shoulder of the season and in warmer climates closed ballet flats and loafers are also great options.
3. Layer on your tops
Office temperatures can be about as varied as the outside weather, so if you know your office can be stuffy in the morning and somehow freezing cold after lunch, dress in layers. Consider a shirt and wool layer when it's really cold then a light blazer, or outer coat, that way you have options to remove and add as the office weather changes. For a few ideas check out our tops and shirts,
4. Just add tights
Wear your favourite skirts and dresses all year long by adding tights! This tip is not rocket science but many (including us!) forget this is a really good option. Embrace the retro look and add these to your shopping list (choose black and skin toned options for maximum versatility). That $15 expense might give you double the work options! Now that's a GOOD investment!
5. Check your weather app & plan ahead
It's not always possible but if you can check the weather and plan accordingly, you'll always be better off. We are big proponents of planning your outfit the night before, just so you don't have to think about it in the morning, but we know that's not always a realistic option. Having a coat and an umbrella on hand provide good insurance in changeable climates!
Choosing to build a Capsule Wardrobe makes it simpler to dress each morning regardless of the season (or other limitations in your life.) If you're yet to start the Capsule Wardrobe journey be sure to check out our Capsule Wardrobe Planning Guide or explore our blog for more style ideas and capsule wardrobe tips.
Enjoy XX
Hannah & Robyn
]]>1. A Classic Wool Coat
2. Boots
3. Wool Sweaters
4. Against the skin layers (blouses, merinos, tees (long and short sleeve) - A few of these will serve you well!
5. Denim (without holes)
6. Scarves
7. Gloves
8. Down/Puffer Jacket
9. Dress Pants
10. Sneakers
Hopefully that's a good starting point!
XX
Hannah & Robyn
]]>First and foremost you should have a well-audited wardrobe. This means you know what you wear and you know what you need. Maybe you're saving up for a new investment piece (like a coat) OR maybe you know you need a new pair of jeans (when the old favs have worn through) but you haven't found something that's a perfect substitute. You need to make sure you're clear and honest with yourself about how you're investing in your wardrobe. Don't rush into anything and check out our "No Regrets Shopping Planner" for more specifics on this!
Generally, people fall into two categories; those who are recovering shopaholics, who need to detox and be more selective about purchases, and those who don't really like shopping and don't have enough staple items to get them through the week (dressing is often stressful for this second group).
If you're in the "recovering shopaholic" group, it's often easier to cut yourself off for a period to "detox" like some of our friends who set themselves the goal of say 30 days of no shopping, or something similar. If you fall into this group, whatever you need to do to get out of the habit of impulse buying, you should start now.
If you're in the other group and you tend to not have enough outfit options, dressing is stressful and shopping is not something you particularly enjoy, then you need to check out our blog and start building out your capsule wardrobe. Make sure you're purchasing styles you wear, that are based on what will work in your life. Use your current "go-to" outfits as a guide and create more variations of that "go-to." In this case, you don't need to be afraid of overdoing it, you need to be looking for variations on your daily uniform (for more on uniform dressing, check out this blog post).
Once you've ditched the addiction AND you have that base wardrobe working for you, there are two groups of purchases that are "approved" for a Capsule Wardrobe. The first is "investments" and second is "replacements" -- the rule is if it doesn't fall into one of these categories, it's a no go.
Then, it becomes very simple. Either you are purchasing replacement items, for pieces you already own (and know you wear A LOT) OR you're saving up for an investment piece like a suit, coat, or a classic dress.
Don't worry about too much about the total number of items in your wardrobe, as long as you're wearing everything regularly then you're fine. Some people change outfits multiple times in the day, others don't have that need. Everyone has a different version of a Capsule Wardrobe that suits their life, so just embrace the journey and make adjustments as you go along.
A note on replacements, if you're often rushing to the laundry pile OR are still struggling to put together outfits in the morning, don't be afraid to get duplicates of items you know you wear, for example, simple tees, merinos, etc. this will reduce your dressing stress!
The amazing thing about a Capsule Wardrobe is that it works for everyone. If you really enjoy beautiful clothing, you can actually buy more amazing pieces that you'll LOVE for years because you're reallocating your clothing budget to get only the best. AND If you hate shopping and just need your clothes to do their job, then a capsule enables you to spend less time and stress on this area of life.
Here at ISSUE our whole purpose is to help more women experience the bliss of having their perfect wardrobe. A small, smart wardrobe, that perfectly fits your body, your life, and your personal style. We strive to do this a couple of ways. Firstly, by creating content like this blog post to inform and inspire you on your Capsule Wardrobe Journey and we also create small runs of staple wardrobe pieces that we believe stand the test of time, both in style and in quality.
]]>A really handy way to simplify your getting ready routine is to have an "outfit formula" what does this mean you ask?! An outfit formula is essentially a go-to combination of pieces that make up a silhouette that you know works for you. Ideally, if you have a capsule wardrobe already, then you know you have loads of combinations that work together but when it comes to work not all combos are appropriate. As we start to get back into the office it might be time to think about making life easier with a work outfit formula. An example is the best way to explain this... An outfit formula might be a slim fit pant, such as a pair of jeans, oversized blouse and then tailored blazer over the top. If you have a couple of slim fit pants and different blouses you can make lots of fast combinations of outfits without much thought.
Another example would be a tailored pant and tee -- with or without a jacket this is a comfortable and easily repeatable outfit with various tees you may already have. It's all about maintaining the overall silhouette that you know works for your body shape and office dress code, and then switching out one piece to create some variation each day. As we move into a new season we will share some more examples of how to create your own Outfit Formula using key pieces from our collection, that way you can see how easy it is when you choose super versatile styles and have a plan!
If you struggle with getting an outfit together each day maybe it's time to ask yourself "what's my formula?" -- Once you have it sorted you'll find mornings are a BREEZE!
]]>1. It saves you money
If you purchase the right things you won't spend as much. It's about getting out of that reactive and emotional shopping cycle. By putting just a little thought and planning into your wardrobe you will end up with more options for much less money. If you're particularly interested in this aspect check out our post on cost-per-wear and our no-regrets shopping planner.
2. It allows you to focus on your work.
You're busy and that to-do list isn't getting any shorter. Having a Capsule Wardrobe frees up your mind so you can focus on your professional goals. Check out our posts on Uniform Dressing to get the low-down on why many high-achievers choose this approach to dressing to allow them to stay on their A-game.
3. It ensures you're putting your best foot forward.
Creating a personal brand is important when it comes to work. It's about the message that others get when they're working with you. You want to be known as someone who has it together, is focused and has priorities in order. No one is perfect but being consistent and sticking to your values is what allows for a brand. Consider what you want people to think when you leave the room, do you want them to focus on you or your outfit (there's no right answer here) but you'll know what's right for you based on your personal values. These all feed into your brand and your work wardrobe is a part of that. For more information on this aspect, check out our posts on what is work appropriate and how to look polished in 5 steps.
4. It allows you to have work and life separation.
If you wear all the same clothes from work to weekend then you might find yourself struggling when it comes to dressing for work. You want to relax over the weekend, or run around with the kids, or cut-loose with the girls, whatever it is if you're doing it in your work clothes then they're not going to be work clothes for long! It's like having a place to work, you don't want to relax and work in the same space (for those who have ever worked from home you'll 100% get this!) it makes it really difficult to switch off. Same goes for your work clothes!
5. It saves you time.
In terms of time, it's pretty simple, if you already are aware of the styles and silhouettes that work for you then getting ready every morning is a breeze. You might even find that the morning routine you once loathed can actually be enjoyable!
We hope you have seen how creating a Capsule Wardrobe can have real benefits for you, both professionally and personally. If you're ready to get started check out our Capsule Wardrobe Guide. We can't wait to be a part of your journey to a more sustainable and intentional wardrobe.
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1. Follow the 2+ rule
When you go shopping it's a great idea to limit yourself to buying pieces you can wear in at least 2, but ideally more, combinations. If you can't make two or more outfits then the piece isn't versatile. Versatility is a key Capsule Wardrobe concept that makes a wardrobe wearable. When you have lots of versatile pieces you have options, and options makes for a much easier morning routine.
2. Shop your wardrobe
Look at your existing wardrobe and see what pieces you're not getting much wear out of. Then, ask yourself why that might be? Are you missing key things that will make those items more wearable. Lots of times we hear this from clients who have big gaps, and really it's a simple as adding some essential tops, or a few more shoe options. If you have these gaps then you can have a really hard time getting an outfit together. Take the time to shop your wardrobe and see what you're not getting the most out of. Then, make strategic investments so that you can wear your entire wardrobe with ease.
3. Ponder your mistakes
You know what they say about mistakes. Although painful they often contain the best lessons, and help us learn about ourselves. So when it comes to your wardrobe, look at your mistakes and make note of them. For example, maybe you're really into polkadots and you have more than enough OR you gravitate to big bold prints and then don't wear them.... whatever the case, look at what you might be over investing in and make the conscious decision to STOP when you're gravitating to these pieces in a store.
And there ya go, just a few ways to apply Capsule Wardrobe thinking to improve your wardrobe usability. We hope you give them go & find them useful!
Have a great day!
Hannah & Robyn
]]>1. Buy well the first time
The most effective way to reduce waste in your wardrobe is to extend the life of the garments you purchase. This is key to a sustainable wardrobe as you can't extend the life of pieces that were a poor choice, or low quality to begin with. You can look at the pieces in your existing wardrobe and check out which brands are the ones that make the pieces you wear for years and years, and look at styles that you wear a lot to get a feel for how to buy intentionally to ensure you can maximise your use out of the pieces you get.
2. Take care seriously
Look at the care instructions on your clothes and make sure you are able to look after them the way you need to. If you are not going to hand wash delicate items then we suggest not purchasing them to begin with. There is a balance to be made when it comes to care and fabric choices. On one hand your polyester and synthetic fabrics are much easier to care for and therefore might last longer, however they are less likely to break down and return to the environment easily. On the other hand natural fibres (cotton, silk, bamboo, hemp, wool etc.) require more careful care to maintain a quality appearance but will breakdown much more easily. Looking after clothing correctly will help extend the life of your pieces.
3. Mend & Tailor
If you have pieces you like, or have been given and they're not quite right, for example maybe they are too big, small, old fashioned etc., consider finding yourself a tailor (or just someone who can sew!) and explore ideas for making some adjustments so you can wear them again. This is a fun creative activity and it's awesome to be able to give a garment a new lease on life!
4. Giveaway, Consign or Donate
When you are doing a clean out make sure you look to find new homes for pieces that are still in good shape but are just no longer for you. There is a huge resurgence in consigning and it is well worth getting connected to a store that will sell things your behalf. If pieces are not able to be sold on then you can always look to give them away to friends or family, or donate. One note on donating, make sure the pieces are clean, tidy and of course there are things that they won't accept such as undergarments. Best thing to do is follow any guidelines provided by the organisation to make sure you're not giving them things they can't use.
5. Explore Sustainable & Other Options...
The Clothing and Apparel Industry is notorious for waste and many of the big brand names create huge excess volumes of clothes that either live very short lives OR end up incinerated! It's not a good situation for the environment, for your wallet, for too many reasons to list here. One thing is clear, it's time to start exploring more sustainable options for our wardrobes.
We do know that it's not always possible to choose the most perfectly sustainable, ethical options as these can be more expensive (and budget constraints are a real thing!) so we encourage you to look at first purchasing pieces you know you will wear more than a couple of times, and choosing the highest quality you can afford, it all comes back to 1. Choosing well and extending the life of what we already have.
We hope you have a few ideas to get you going!
]]>It doesn't have to be this way! We have compiled a list of tips for making it through this transition to Spring, in comfort AND style...
1. Layers are your friend!
Include short sleeve layers under wool and coat layers to ensure you have options throughout the day. Choose a wool coat or blazer and layer with a shorter sleeve or lighter weight fabric underneath. If your climate is particularly variable include a back up "middle layer" that you can add between shirts and coats. Consider one of our Join The Crew Pullovers for this job. These can be layered or worn with just a cami underneath.
2. Choose Natural Fibres
Make Wool, Cotton and Silk your go-to fabrics for this time of the year. The natural fibres are your best bet as they work with your body to enable temperature regulation both keeping your warmer when it's cold, and cooler when it's warm!
3. Explore Colour & Prints
It's very normal to feel a bit blah as we get through the depths of Winter. Improve your mood by choosing some colour or a print. Play with some of your Spring favs like dresses and skirts. Just add tights and boots, plus a coat so you're not caught out!
4. Start sorting!
Start thinking about sorting your wardrobe for the next season. Dressing can end up being a bit of a habit thing. It's much easier to choose your outfits when you can see what you have. Pack away things that are no longer season appropriate so you can move into the new season with a clean wardrobe.
5. Start thinking about gaps
Once you can see what you have it's time to thinking about what you might need to add. This is also a great time to get some inspiration for new looks to try especially if you're feeling a bit bored with your current look. Explore Instagram or Pinterest to see if there are styles that might freshen up your look. Maybe it's a new pant silhouette -- for example the Wide Leg has really shown up over the last year and maybe Spring is the time try it out! Check out our Essentials Collection for a few ideas...
Enjoy!
]]>With that in mind we are moving into 2021 with some new focuses for Issue Clothing and we want to share those with you all so you understand how we’re evolving (with and for you) -- firstly we are launching a new site and logo -- this is a natural evolution that we believe strongly in and it reflects our intention to provide a quality, luxurious product for you our customer, at an accessible price and in a way that works with your year. We hope you like it!
You also may have noticed we have moved away from 4 capsules per year and that’s for a good reason -- we felt that it was too much product, too much newness and this was not in full alignment with our values of creating investment pieces for your wardrobe. We have moved to a two season year (Spring-Summer and Autumn-Winter) and this will reflect the intuitive shift from a cold weather wardrobe to a warm weather wardrobe. In addition to this we have had a lot of feedback about our essential styles and customers wanting more of those pieces that are really essential to a work wardrobe, think blazers, suiting, classic black pants, solid shirting -- we are going to aim to have these in stock as much as we can and on pre-order if not available. This is a new way of operating which will ensure we are creating the product that you want and need. If we are out of stock in your size, always email us and we will do what we can to get you the piece you’re looking for.
We are here to help you. We know not everyone has the time or energy to put together a capsule wardrobe, or seek out the assistance of a stylist. We want you to know that we are so happy to help you with this side of things. Consider us a resource. Reach out to us for help with sizing, styling and body shape advice.
We are always working hard to improve all our styles and love to get your input and feedback on our product -- so please keep this up. We are here to create amazing clothing for YOU -- we believe that no other brand is focused on the busy working woman quite like we are, making it easy and stress-free to keep her in comfortable and stylish clothing that she loves and feels amazing in. We are so pleased when we hear we are achieving this goal for you. We might not always get it perfect though so we need your input to make improvements over the long term.
From the start we were and continue to be committed to providing ethically made clothing for you. The majority of our range continues to be made right here in New Zealand with the exception of the jeans which we source ethically from Melbourne. We will be sharing our Autumn-Winter Capsule Collection with you within the month. Keep watch on our socials or sign up to our emails to be notified.
To our current customers, thank you for your ongoing support through what continues to be a challenging time. For those of you we’re yet to know we look forward to connecting soon!
All our thanks,
Hannah & Robyn
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