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44<br />
Wanstead Village Directory<br />
WANSTEAD'S STYLE<br />
As we emerge from our woolly jumpers into the warmer days of spring,<br />
we need look no further than our High Street to grab everything we<br />
need for a seasonal wardrobe refresh, says local stylist Catherine Grout<br />
I’m a personal stylist living locally and I<br />
regularly find some wonderful clothing<br />
and accessories for myself and my<br />
clients right here on our doorstep. My<br />
job is not about helping fabulous people<br />
to look even more fabulous in highend<br />
fashion. It’s actually about helping<br />
everyday Wansteadians to look, and more<br />
importantly, to feel their best, and that<br />
can definitely mean starting with our local<br />
fashion gems.<br />
So, where in Wanstead can we find stylish<br />
options that won’t break the bank? Well, of<br />
course, there are our three charity shops. I<br />
find some great things – and donate – there<br />
regularly. However, there is an art to finding<br />
a bargain you will love, so don’t be tempted<br />
to buy something just because it’s cheap if<br />
it doesn’t fit or flatter you. Keep an eye out<br />
for outerwear, footwear, bags and belts, as<br />
these items tend to show fewer signs of wear,<br />
so are often better bargains than trousers<br />
or knitwear, for example. And try to opt for<br />
neutral colours (like navy, camel or ivory) and<br />
simple patterns (like polka dots and stripes),<br />
which will give your wardrobe longevity.<br />
If you are looking to refresh your wardrobe,<br />
you need look no further than Azzurra<br />
(119B High Street) with its rainbow of stylish<br />
clothing and accessories. I rarely leave Azzurra<br />
empty-handed! And The Art Shop (117C High<br />
Street) has some great jewellery, scarves and<br />
bags. I must also give a shout-out to Wright<br />
Jewellery. Sometimes featuring as a pop-up<br />
on the High Street or at our monthly market,<br />
Carin Wright has some wonderful pieces.<br />
Whether you shop online, on the High Street<br />
or second-hand, there is an awful lot of choice<br />
out there. So, it’s not surprising if you feel<br />
overwhelmed and end up buying something<br />
very similar to what you already own. Or if<br />
you do strike out in a new direction, you may<br />
end up with those items that just sit in your<br />
wardrobe while you question whether they<br />
suit you or decide what to wear them with.<br />
Perhaps that’s why most people wear less<br />
than 20% of their wardrobes. It can also be<br />
very challenging to break out of your comfort<br />
zone, particularly as life presents us with new<br />
challenges.<br />
Many of my clients are stuck in a style rut or<br />
are going through a life transition that means<br />
their current wardrobe is not right for them<br />
anymore. All of this changes not just how we<br />
feel on the inside but how we want to look on<br />
the outside.<br />
There is also an important ethical element to<br />
our fashion choices, and if you are thinking<br />
about a wardrobe refresh this spring, then<br />
definitely consider going local first. You will be<br />
helping our community thrive. And shopping<br />
in the charity sector enables us all to donate<br />
direct to good causes whilst supporting the<br />
move to more sustainable clothing choices.<br />
Catherine Grout is a personal stylist, colour<br />
analyst and fashion blogger. For more<br />
information, visit whatiamwearing.com<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 6645 or visit wnstd.com
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