REFINED. tv: 16 outfits

Wendy Woods from THE REFINERY shows you how to create 16 amazing outfits from only 7 items of clothing. 

All you need:

2 bottoms that match...

4 shirts that match...

1 layer piece (cardigan, blazer, vest, etc.)

Wendy's Words: Cleanout Jitters

Opening any part of your home to someone can be a nerve-wracking thing to do, especially when you're asking that person to help you clean things out! I recently had my kitchen cupboards cleaned out by a nutritionist. She rid me of all the unhealthy foods I had in my cupboards - knowingly or not.  

I was QUITE nervous before she came to the house.  What was she going to say about the past choices I made?  Was I going to have any food left after she was done?  How would I let go of some of my most favourite food choices however terrible they were for my health?

It was a great exercise for me, as I realized that this must be what some of my clients are thinking before I come over!  Here are a few things I learned from being on the other side of a cleanup consultation, and what I know my clients realize after their experiences:

1. A professional consultation is designed to help you, which means a good consultant creates an open and accepting environment.  There is no need to worry about judgement!

2. It is likely that you've made quite a few great choices along the way!  If, by chance, you need to replace a few items that are not the best for you, a great consultant will give you the tools you need to find those replacements.

3. A good consultant will let you make the final decisions.  She can give you as much reasoning and knowledge as possible, but in the end if you really want to keep something it's your choice.

My kitchen closet cleanup was a few months ago.  For me, the end results were well worth the bit of nerves I felt before the consultation.  I've taken everything I've learned and applied it to my daily life.  I feel happier, healthier, and a few pounds lighter - sweet! 

*** THE REFINERY Spring Cleaning Special ***

Spring 2010: Trends for your Personality

The Spring magazines have hit the newsstands with all the new must-have pieces for 2010!  The fashion world encourages us to pick up all the new trends seen on the runways.  This is what the fashion business is all about!   

This year, show off your REFINED. sense of style by choosing one or two new looks that go with your individual personality.

Classic Personality Style:  You love simplicity. The clean lines available this spring will resonate positively you.  Get the pulled together look you love so much with a high quality white collared shirt, crisp white pants, or a simple white dress. 

Alluring Personality Style: Pieces that are body-conscious are the most comfortable for you.  You will love the sheer fabrics available this spring in a wide array of blouse styles.  Pair your new sheer blouse with slim black pants or pencil skirt.

Romantic Personality Style: Feminine pieces are right up your alley – flowers, lace, frills to name a few. The spring season always has a wide array of floral printed pieces, but this year you can mix things up by adding a floral purse into your accessory mix.

Natural Personality Style: You love down-to-earth fabrics and colours, which means you will be drawn to the canvas safari pieces this Spring 2010.  One such piece that will add depth to your wardrobe is a canvas jacket that’s easy to pair with all the jeans you have in your closet.

Dramatic Personality Style: You love high contrast pieces, so the bold geometric pieces out this season are perfect for you.  A boldly printed dress is an easy way to add this trend into your wardrobe, and you can wear it all summer!

Sporty Personality Style: You are drawn to clothes that are highly functional.  With the winter Olympics so close to home, designers focused more than usual on this style.  Look for sports apparel inspired skirts, pants, and accessories like sweatbands.  

Creative Personality Style: Colour is everywhere!  Get your creative juices flowing by mixing and matching multiple bright colours.  Whether you have some of these brightly coloured pieces already, or you buy some new ones being playful is key!