You may not love organising but you have to agree that a well-organised space gives you a euphoric sense of joy and relief. However, if your wardrobe is the one thing that gets messy within two days of cleaning up and organising, then you are doing it wrong. 

Read on to find out the correct way to organise.

Buy Hangers

The first most important tool is a hanger. Buy loads of coordinated hangers for a clean look. Coordinated hangers ensure that all the clothes are on the same level and are, hence, easier to find. If you don’t have too much space in your closet, go for thin hangers. Get special skirt hangers for all your skirts. Try to hang up as many clothes as you can.

Sort according to Occasion

Now organise the clothes in a way so that they are easier to find. Arrange your clothes according to the occasion. Work clothes, gym clothes, casual wear and your party wear must all have a distinct space in your wardrobe.

Sort based on colour 

It becomes easier to locate clothes when they are colour coordinated. Start with light shades and stack the darker shades towards the end. Do this for all your clothes, be it work, gym or casual. Separate the tank tops, dresses, shirts and pants.

Use shelf dividers.

There will be some clothes that you cannot hang. For those clothes, use shelf dividers on the racks. This will keep them neat. Store your most-used items at eye level, less-used items below, and least-used items up high on the shelf. Have separate sections for t-shirts and tops. Do the same for shorts, pants, trousers and jeans.

Get gold plates to name each section.

Use overhead space.

If you have overhead space, make the most of it. Use it to store bulky sweaters, sweats, and other items that are thick and easy to spot. Do not forget to sort your clothes by season. Put the out-of-season clothes on the top racks and you can switch them with the clothes on the hangers when the appropriate season arrives.

Use hooks in the wardrobe.

Hooks can create extra storage space when you hang them in the closet. Use them to hang your sling bags and coats. 

Mount a pegboard.

Mount a pegboard inside your wardrobe and hang your most-used accessories on it. This way you can just pick them up on your way out. Your accessories will no longer be forgotten and will compliment your outfits.

Invest in shoe racks.

Your shoes may take up a lot of space in your closet, so it’s important to make the most of your space by storing them in the most organised and efficient manner. Try to organise them by occasion and how often you wear them. If you have a shoe rack in the front hall, try to keep the most used shoes, like flip-flops, loafers and work shoes on that rack. What will be left in your closet will mostly consist of your party wear heels, winter boots and occasional-wear flats. Assign a shelf for the different types of shoes. Consider getting a hanging shoe rack for your flats and sneakers.

Lights.

Lastly, just like accessories compliment a good outfit, a well-organised closet has to be accompanied with good lighting. Lighting is the key to finding anything in a closet though so often there’s not enough of it. Getting an electrician to add shelf lighting would be optimal, but it isn’t cheap; hence, it’s a momentum killer. Instead, use stick-on or screw-in battery-operated LED lights on each shelf to achieve the same results for a fraction of the cost.

A well-organised closet definitely gives you the peace of mind. You won’t have to shuffle around looking for a missing blouse anymore. Just remember to put all your clothes on their designated shelves and save yourself from having to redo your wardrobe every week.

By Rashida Kapadia, Image Makeover Expert

While most know what business dressing is, there are times when the confusion arises regarding the don’ts. Haven’t you ever looked into your wardrobe and wondered, “Can I wear this to work?” Here, we give you tips on how to look your dapper best by avoiding these fashion flaws in the workplace.

As Zig Ziglar says, “You cannot climb the ladder of success in the costume of failure.”

1. Large, noisy, chunky jewellery are best worn at parties and casual events. Avoid chandelier earrings, long hoops, leather bracelets and noisy jewellery.

 

2. While it is a must to have well manicured hands, nail art is a no-no. Although nail art is trending these days, it is considered unprofessional, especially for senior level executives in banking and finance sectors. Chipped nail polish indicates that the person is not very meticulous.

3. Sheer blouses, spaghetti tops, revealing necklines look tacky and can be distracting. While dealing with clients, one should ensure that their attention is on the face and the words being said.

4. Never wear socks with open shoes or with sandals. It is a fashion faux pas. Flip flops are considered very casual even if they are heeled or embellished.

5. Handbags that are printed, colourful , metallic, studded should be avoided. Accessories add oomph and speak volumes about the person.  Leather bags in neutral colours are appropriate in corporate settings.

 

From bus drivers to boxing champions and from astronauts to soldiers, women have made a mark in every possible field. Alongside playing various roles of a mother, wife and daughter, here are a few women who have broken stereotypes, proven their individuality, and shown the world that even the sky is not the limit for their ambition and determination.

Malala Yousufzai’s defiance of the Taliban and demand that girls should receive an education led to her being shot in the head by a gunman on her way to school when she was 13. Her fight for girls’ education since an early age pushed the UN to launch a worldwide campaign and led to Pakistan’s first Right to Education Bill. Malala is the youngest Nobel Prize winner in the history and regarded as one of Time’s Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the year 2013.

The first Indo-American woman in space, Kalpana was a part of the international crew aboard the US space shuttle in Columbia. Her second mission ended in tragedy when the space shuttle broke apart in flames on its way to landing on earth, killing all seven on board. Called “India’s pride,” she was instrumental in putting India in the space.

An icon of heroism, Kiran was the first Indian woman to join the Indian Police force and is remembered for serving the society wholeheartedly. She has donned various hats in the police force – the traffic commissioner of Delhi, DIG of Police in the Insurgency prone area of Mizoram, Lieutenant Governor of Chandigarh and more, and she is also well known for dragging the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s car for violating traffic rules.

Born in Bangladesh, Talisma Nazreen is an award winning writer, physician, secular humanist and human rights activist. She is known for her influential writings on women oppression and unflinching criticism of religion despite her forced exile and multiple fatwas calling for her death.

Former wife of novelist Salman Rushdie and a single mother, Padma has played multiple roles of an actress, model, TV host and executive producer. She has penned a cookbook “Easy Exotic” that won the Gourmand World Cookbook award in 1999. She also achieved fame for her nomination for outstanding host for the reality competition “Top Chef”.

Not only did she clinch one of the most coveted titles of all times of ‘Miss Universe’ and the first one for an Indian, but Sushmita Sen has also been an inspiration for single, unmarried mothers across the nation. Sushmita made a bold statement when she adopted two girl children without being married. This Miss Universe 2004 and Bollywood starlet didn’t let her lifestyle or lack of a marital status hinder her from enjoying motherhood.  

For those who are wondering who these women are, let us tell you - these three women will take to the skies in June 2016, being the first women to find their way to combat roles that was primarily reserved for men until October 2015.

Kiran is recognized as a global thought leader for biotechnology. This Indian entrepreneur is the chairman and MD of Biocon Limited and has been awarded for her contributions to the progress of science and chemistry. 

British-Lebanese lawyer, activist and author, Amal is a barrister specializing in international law and human rights. She has represented Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, Canadian-European Journalist Mohamed Fahmy and Former Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko in their legal battles. She constantly gets death threats, but continues working unfazed.

Also called the Dragon Lady, she is the President of the National League for Democracy, a Burmese social democratic stateswoman and politician. One of the world’s most prominent political prisoners, she was placed under house arrest for a total of 15 years to prevent her from meeting her supporters. She is the recipient of the Nobel Peace prize in 1991, Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, Jawaharlal Nehru Prize for International Understanding among many others.

For all those lovely women here are 10 things you can indulge on this International Women’s Day to make it more special:

1. Enrol in an adventure trip: Who says only men are adventure freaks? Women love adventures just as much. Enrol in adventure workshops like surfing, scuba diving, white water rafting, paragliding, and so on. Feel the rush of adrenaline flowing in your veins and talk to the elements of the nature that made you ‘You’.

   Image Credits: Smartertravel.com

2. Go on an all-girls trip: Women’s Day is all about you and your wonderful sorority; so pull out all the stops and go on an all-girls trip to the places you have had always wanted to visit. Courageous Indian women have driven all the way to London, take inspiration from them and do the unthinkable.

   Image Credits: Surfgirlmag.com

3. Buy gadgets: It might have been men’s territory, once upon a time, but now no more. As women are stepping out and breaking the proverbial glass ceiling, they have realized that gadgets can be both useful and fun in their life. Buy yourself an e-book reader, Fitbit charge, a body massager, power bank or a bluetooth.

   Image Credits: Wired.com

4. Gift yourself diamonds: The love affair of women and diamonds has been a long standing one, and it’s going to continue till eternity. So, what better way to feel precious than gifting yourself some unique diamond jewellery? But, wait. What if we tell you that you can pamper yourself with diamonds round the year and wear them as a daily accessory as well on special occasions without burning a big hole in your purse? Sounds unbelievable? Not any more, if you avail Eves24 Club Membership. Click here to indulge in diamonds like never before or simply call +91 84509 50608.
   
5. Take pleasure in giving: An important day like this can only get better when you choose to contribute to the less fortunate. Empower by taking up societal causes and donating towards education, health care, sanitation, safety and financial security. After all, nothing beats the joy of giving.

   Image Credits: Metalpotato.com

6. Promise yourself health: This Women’s Day, gift yourself of a healthier lifestyle. Make a note of fitness goals and start working towards them. Eat healthy food, exercise regularly, stop smoking & drinking and take adequate sleep. If you are a lazy lass or need motivation, enrol yourself in a fitness programme, either solo or with a friend!

   Image Credits: Alphacoders.com

7. Surprise the women in your life: Give a surprise visit to your mother, granny or your favourite school teacher. Take flowers, cake or a memento they would cherish forever. Believe us, your day will turn out to be extra special with the ladies who made you what you are.

   Image Credits: theoneromance.com

8. Enjoy a gala time with your BFF: No celebration in your life can be complete without your girl gang. Book yourself a date with your girl friends; go for a mani-pedi or just a simple coffee date and laugh and giggle for no reason at all.

   Image Credits: wichdn.com

9. Adopt a pet: You can shop all that you want to, however, shopping can only give you momentary pleasure. Adopt a pup or a kitten, and shower yourself with undiluted fun and love that will stay with you long after the Women’s Day is gone.

   Image Credits: lautre07.tumblr.com

10. Rejoice in the unusual: If you are one of those women who are always surrounded by people and work, and hardly get some alone time, this is the day you can cut yourself loose. Buy a day all to yourself; check in a hotel in your town, if you are not inclined to travel, and give into the rare pleasure of being pampered. Switch off your phone, have your meals in bed, watch all your favourite sappy rom-coms and keep the remote control too. A blissful day!
    

At the end, whether you choose to shop, travel or do nothing, just remember, it’s you who makes the Women’s Day, and not the other way round.