17 minute read
Clean sweep
CLOSET detox
BREATHE FRESH AIR INTO YOUR STYLE
By Jill Ellis-WorthingtonWRidding ourselves of winter weight does not mean divesting We’re shedding winter’s weight, dark colours and heavy fabrics as we move into spring and summer. We want to up our SQ (style quotient) while maintaining the budget. ourselves of pounds put on over the past year while we have been isolating, it means losing the extra weight of the stress that having a messy, disorganized or clogged closet gives us. We need to lose the weight of the guilt we have as a result of keeping pieces that still have the tags on them because we’ve never worn them or items we’re hanging on to that are much too big or too small. All sorts of ghosts live in our closets, but Victoria Baird encourages us to rid of ourselves of all this dead weight, so our wardrobes can reflect our present realities. Realizing that the pandemic has wrought many changes to both our bodies and our perspectives, she adds, “What you keep is holding you back if you’re holding on to a person, place or size you once were. Letting go is very freeing because it lets you be the best version of who you are today,” says the image consultant. In her business as an image and style consultant, Baird works with clients to clear their clutter, ensuring that they have head space and closet space to organize the remaining items into unexpected combinations and add select pieces. Baird starts her client’s closet detox process with an assessment form. You can replicate this experience at home by asking yourself some revealing questions: What do you like most about your body? What do you like least? What three words describe the style to which you aspire? Who are your fashion icons? Do you impulse shop? If yes, what are the results? What are your personal and professional goals? Do you accessorize? Are you comfortable with and good at putting outfits together or do you wear the same items in the same combinations? Do your present pieces of clothing fit the way you work and live now? Answering these questions honestly will point you in the right direction but then you need to dig in and try on each piece. Start by feeling confident with hair and makeup in place. Stand in front of a full-length mirror or have a friend take photos of you. Use your cell phone to look at pictures side by side for a more objective assessment, advises Baird. Seeing
“Make sure your closet people primarily on Zoom has reflects who you are rendered it a waist-up world, but if you are not using a now, not the person full-length mirror, Baird says you’re only getting half the you were a year ago. picture. You won’t see if your look is balanced. VICTORIA BAIRD
Work in a space with Work in a space with good lighting to see if because pandemic guide-because pandemic guide fabrics are faded or lines mean local retailers lines mean local retailers tattered. We often are limiting the number dress quickly and of customers in the don’t notice. store, so you’ll get
When you’re extra attention from wearing each sales staff. When you piece or outfit, de- are shopping “having cide how it makes a list and a plan will you feel. Does it help you avoid one-hit help you avoid one-hit still fit well? Are wonders,” says Baird. She wonders,” says Baird. She the colours flattering? discourages falling for sale discourages falling for sale Does it reflect the three Does it reflect the three items that can be only worn one items that can be only worn one style words you chose? Does it way or for one season. make you feel like a person who is on the She also encourages clients to ask road to meeting her goals? Do you have about return policies before purchasing accessories that will make it pop? Are as pandemic rules have changed return there other pieces that will work with it policies. “If possible, you want to be able to make a new combination? Baird says, to take it back if you get it home and it “If you’re doubting it, get rid of it.” doesn’t work.” This will avoid having
Kim Ariesen, of Studio Style, echoes to pitch regret purchases in future closet this. “Clear out pieces you haven’t been detox sessions. You have the power to able to incorporate or haven’t used, end the cycle. whether it’s a trend piece or a staple. Smaller boutiques, offering unique It’s time to move along older piece you pieces, are the perfect places to check haven’t worn; you can let go of them.” items off your shopping list. “Pairing your
Use three garbage bags to sort the basics - like ankle pants or capris in navy, discard pile: garbage, donate, consign. white, beige and black – with floral tops “Once you have the bags ready to go, get in bright colours makes your wardrobe them out of the house right away so you versatile,” says Trish Wiggell, of Bijou don’t second guess,” says Baird. Boutique. “There are so many colours this
Now that the closet contains only summer and florals are really big.” pieces you love and make you feel great, Adding “magic pieces” will update the write a list of items to purchase that will staples in your wardrobe, according to fill in the gaps. Will a brightly coloured Ariesen. Those magic pieces add interest to pair of trousers breathe new life into that your outfit in the form of a deeply hued or blazer? Does your LBD need to be updat- pastel top, a brightly coloured bead bracelet ed with a new belt? What new jewelry or a luxurious, long scarf in rich colours.” pieces do you need to add sparkle to a Her five years as an image consultant favourite blouse? and 30 years working in the beauty
List in hand, decide on your budget. industry have taught Baird that looking You’re not trying to fill the closet again at things with a critical eye gives a new but rather fill out your wardrobe so you perspective. “By mixing and matching feel like one of the fashion icons you pieces, we were able to find 26 new admire. Allowing more space between outfits in a client’s closet,” she gives as clothing items is a good thing. an example.
Time to go shopping and Baird says It is time to detox and rock this sumthere has never been a better time mer as your own fashion icon. n
Updated from original version that ran in the May/June 2017 issue.
BIJOU BOUTIQUE 1289 Commissioners Road West 519-472-0123 www.mybijouboutique.com STUDIO STYLE 215 Main Street, Port Stanley 519-782-7467 www.studiostyle.ca VICTORIA BAIRD Image and Style Consultant 519-282-6319 www.victoriabaird.com
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We have hundreds of beautiful designs to choose from for engagements, anniversaries, and general expressions of love. • Canadian Diamonds • Quality Craftsmanship • Superior Service
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ONE OF 10 RENOS ON THE LHBA PARADE OF RENOVATIONS. TO VIEW:
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Lofty
VISION
RENOVATION BRINGS NEW LIFE TO AN OLD ATTIC
By Ellen Ashton-Haiste
Third floor attics in older homes often have character that makes them ideal for creating new and unique living spaces. “In the older houses it’s a bonus space that adds to their mystique,” says Greg Hassall, owner of Riverside Construction. “We always like working in heritage homes. It can be more challenging, with a few more bumps in the road than with newer houses, but you get a chance to do things that are a little different and enhance the properties.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Reconfiguring the space revealed two columns of Ontario’s famous heritage yellow brick that now serve as charming decorative accents.
• The room at the top of the stairs was restricted, necessitating building a dormer and raising the ceiling. • A barnboard accent wall along the stairway emphasizes the rustic beauty of this new space.
• Oak flooring was laid throughout the bedroom area as part of the renovation.
OPPOSITE PAGE The renovation of this partially finished attic space resulted in the homeowners having a dream primary bedroom and ensuite which occupies what was once a closet. This was his experience with a recent renovation in an Old South London home that transformed a partially finished attic into a deluxe master suite, complete with an ensuite bathroom. Hassall says it was a “rudimentary space, conceptually and structurally in need of a little TLC.”
Riverside designers developed a layout that allowed them to maximize the space, adding a large bathroom, as well as some unique cosmetic elements. The new bathroom was fitted into a former large closet area with sloping ceilings, which Hassall says worked well for the oversize tile shower where a bench seat was positioned beneath the slope. The ensuite also features a double basin vanity and heated ceramic tile floors.
One of the initial challenges was a beam across a dormer window at the top of the stairs that restricted headroom. This necessitated constructing a new dormer and raising the ceiling, which required structural wall
• Whole Home • Additions • Exterior • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basements
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SERVICE work on the home’s lower levels, as posts were extended down to the foundation. All the attic windows were replaced and James Hardie siding was added to upgrade the surrounding exterior walls.
Like many older attics, this one had been freezing cold in winter and sweltering in the summer heat, so insulating the new space proved to be a challenge. When the walls and ceiling come down, with them came a storm of sawdust, the original insulating material. The sawdust was a first for Hassall but he says that, regardless of the material, proper insulation is an integral part of any attic conversion.
Taking down the walls revealed another heritage accent in a couple of yellow brick columns, one adjacent to the bathroom shower and the other between the bedroom windows. Hassall is uncertain of their original purpose, speculating that they may have been interior chimneys since they do not match the red brick exterior of the house. But he says they create an attractive juxtaposition of the old with the new. They are also complemented by a barn board accent wall, along the stairway. It was an element the homeowners were intent on incorporating into the new space.
Other features of the new master suite include a walk-in closet, plus two bonus his-and-her’s closets. New oak hardwood flooring was laid throughout the bedroom area. n
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RIVERSIDE CONSTRUCTION 440 Victoria Street 519-614-9044 • www.rsclondon.com
outdoor guide SPRING HOME &
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HELPFUL TIPS
SPRING INTO ACTION checklistWITH THIS HOME MAINTENANCE
By Ellen Ashton-Haiste
The arrival of spring heralds an inclination to get your home ready for the arrival of the leisurely days of summer. From inspecting the exterior of the house for signs of winter damage and doing necessary repairs to sprucing up outdoor living spaces, homeowners are going through their spring maintenance checklists.
Here are some helpful tips to aid those efforts.
1. ROOF
As the first line of defence against weather, it is crucial to ensure the roof is in good condition and has not suffered from the ravages of winter. Carefully inspect for signs of damage, such as missing, lifting, curling or cracked shingles and wear. Look for wear and tear around vents. Major problems should be repaired by a qualified roofer. (www.cooperators.ca) 2. GUTTERS
Spring is typically the wettest time of year, with melting snow and rain, so it is time to clear eavestroughs and downspouts. Winter ice and snow can cause damage that may lead to improper drainage. Repair leaks to ensure that water flows off the roof and away from the foundation and basement windows. (www.cooperators.ca) 3. CHIMNEY
Inspect the material that waterproofs the edges where the chimney meets the roof – also known as flashing – for gaps, bends or cracks where water might penetrate. Look for signs of damage at the top of the chimney. This may be the perfect time to replace the flue cap, that helps with the airflow to the fireplace or stove and prevents precipitation entering the flue. Caps also keep creatures, such as squirrels or birds, out of the flue. (www.cooperators.ca) 4. AIR CONDITIONER
This is also the time to service the air conditioner and replace filters. Shut off power to the outdoor unit and clean the grill and fan of debris. Rake around the unit and cut back branches to allow for proper airflow. Inside the home don’t forget to change the furnace air filter. (www.cooperators.ca)
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5. FOUNDATION
Spring is a good time to check the exposed foundation around the exterior of the home for damage, like cracks and spalling. Openings through the wall, like furnace and dryer vents, should be checked to make sure that they are clear of debris. (www.cooperators.ca)
6. REPAIR WINDOWS
Caulking and repairing windows is also important to ensure a safe and dry home for the summer. Take a closer look at the caulking around windows as well as doors and vents. Deteriorated caulking should be scraped out and replaced. (www.cooperators.ca)
7. WASH WINDOWS
Once the repairs are complete, it’s time for washing. A crucial step here is an exterior hose-down. Close the windows and use a garden hose to spray the outside. This will remove the first layer of dirt and make the work easier. Then, pick a cloudy day. The absence of sunlight will help minimize streaks. And heat makes window-cleaning solution evaporate faster than you can wipe it off, also causing streaks. Touch the window glass. If it’s hot to the touch, wait for a cooler day. (www.bhg.com)
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8. GARDENS
To get the garden growing and beautiful, clear out weeds, old mulch and debris. Work the soil to loosen it for the first wave of planting. Apply a thick layer of new mulch wherever possible. It’s much more effective at keeping weeds at bay if it is in place before they start sprouting. Trees and shrubs can use a good pruning at this time of year. Early spring is the perfect time to cut back.
(www.waysidegardens.com)
9. OUTDOOR CUSHIONS
To freshen cushions stored through the winter, lay them on a deck or sidewalk and spray with water to dampen. With a brush, apply a solution of two tablespoons dish detergent and a half-cup of Borax in a bucket of water. Allow to sit five minutes. Hose down to rinse. Press the moisture from the cushions and lean them against a sunny wall to dry.
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10. DECKS AND OUTDOOR FURNITURE
To ready outdoor furniture and decks for summer lounging, wipe down chairs and tables with a mixture of warm water and a squirt of Dawn liquid dish soap. Then hose off and let air dry. Use a mixture of one cup white vinegar in a gallon of water to scrub the deck and rinse with a hose.
(www.goodhousekeeping.com)
11. BARBEQUE
All you need for a clean barbeque is warm water, grease-cutting dish soap and a poultice of white vinegar and baking soda. Start by firing up the grill and letting it rise to full heat for 30 minutes to singe stuck-on food or grease. With a wire brush, scrub the grates with the soap solution. Let the grill cool, remove the grates and soak them in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes then scrub with the wire brush and rinse.
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(www.popularmechanics.com)
12. DRYER VENTS
Over months and years, lint can accumulate in these ducts. Add hot air and it can ignite, creating a fire hazard. These can be professionally cleaned or do-it-yourself using a vacuum crevice tool or dryer vent brush. Dryer vent cleaning kits are available at hardware stores or online.
(bungalow.com)
13. SHOWER HEADS
To clean up shower heads, fill a plastic bag partway with white vinegar and place the bag over the shower head to immerse the entire fixture. Fasten the bag with string or twist ties and let soak for several hours. Then wipe with a wet cloth.
(www.waterpik.com)
14. SMOKE ALARMS
Check installation and batteries for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that can help save lives by providing critical early warning. Install detectors on each level of the home, including the basement. Change the batteries as often as recommended by the manufacturer or when you hear the warning chirp.
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(www.cooperators.ca)
15. FRESH FLOWERS
The garden isn’t the only spot to enjoy colourful blooms. Fresh flower arrangements can brighten up the home’s interior as well. Springtime brings a wealth of possibilities. Sweet-smelling lilacs pair well with vivid tulips. Seasonal staples like poppies, daffodils and grape hyacinths provide an eclectic arrangement. Or mix and match a bouquet of lively roadside wildflowers.
(www.housebeautiful.com)
