One of the reasons why I was not really into fashion (aside from being boyish and lazy back then) is that I don't have the luxury to splurge on every new trend that hits the town. I was always under the impression that fashion requires a lot of money (blame that to magazines and fashion writers who only feature designer brands, as if frugality has no place in fashion).

I was doing okay with my casual style until one day, I got into a job position that requires meeting and interacting with some of the big names in the industry. From then on, I set all my life bars higher, including my style.


Don't get me wrong though. I am still the same old Sarah who's a rugged urban chic, sporting a messy hair on normal days. I am never really that crazy about clothes and fashion but it's good to dress up once in a while because I feel like I am Khaleesi, Kate Middleton, and Audrey Hepburn all put together. And yes, it does feel like I can conquer the world even if at times I'm just doing it for fun (read: Instagram).

I wouldn't call myself a fashionista, not even close. But for the ladies out there who, like me, are just starting to explore the frustrating but fun and fabulous world of fashion, I'd like to share with you some of my own timeless looks that — no matter what season and trend is in — would never be out of style.

MY TIMELESS PIECES
1.) White tops can essentially be paired with any bottom. I pair it with a plain, printed, or patterned jeans, skirt, square pants, name it. It basically works with anything.

 2.) A black top and a little black dress should be in everyone's closet. Black looks elegant and chic. No matter what occasion and how simple my outfit is, black gives me that powerful and sophisticated vibe effortlessly.

3.) Grey skirt, like the white top, can be paired with anything. Subtle or bold colors? Plain or patterned prints? Body-fitting or over-sized tops? Anything will look good on a neutral-colored bottom. I wear sneakers with it if I want to look sporty or step on my heels or flats for that girly look.

4.) A plain day dress will always save the day. I have one that I use on almost any occasion. Depending on the shoes and accessories I wear, I can go from smart to sporty chic real quick.

5.) A cardigan, blazer, or a light jacket can give my outfit an upgrade. I love how it adds appeal and goes well with all the pieces I already own.

My style is not exactly lookbook worthy. It's nothing like Khaleesi nor Kate Middleton nor Audrey Hepburn. It remains simple but at least, I expressed myself more than I could do in my usual jeans, shirt, and sneakers.
I honestly do not have a lot of clothes. I have downsized my closet dramatically, tossed the unused ones to the donation box, and left the basics behind. These are the wardrobe staples that will remain constant in life despite the ever changing, sometimes ridiculous, fashion trends. But of course, alongside having less clothes is the challenge in making them last longer.

CLOTHING CARE TIPS
Being a notorious outfit repeater, I make sure I properly maintain my clothes to its finest condition as possible. Clothes that look old and faded don't look flattering — unless you are going for a rugged vintage look. I protect my clothes from getting worn out quickly and it has significantly reduced my clothing budget (perfect for stingy people like me). And here's how I kept my clothes in tip-top shape that you might also find helpful:

1. Use a lint remover to ensure your clothes will always look crisp and clean. Lint balls and fluff (himulmol) can make clothes look older than they really are.

2. Wash less often. Actually, there are clothes that need not be washed after every wear. Bottoms and outer clothing, for example.

3. Read the labels. The washing instructions are there for a reason. Read and know how to wash your clothes because not everything should be washed the same way.
4. Avoid using bleach unless absolutely necessary. Bleach contain strong ingredients that can weaken fabric easily.

5. Hand wash if you must. There are clothes too delicate to be tossed inside a washing machine.

But if your busy lives made it certain that hand washing is not an option, luckily, there are washing machines that were created to go the extra mile and make our lives easier.

So lastly,

6. Use only washing machines that will not only help preserve your garments but do better in preserving the environment as well. The new washing machines nowadays could save more energy than the old ones we've had for years.

I am talking about the Electrolux washing machines. With their new technology, clothes can look as good as new as it delivers deeper clean and better color protection even after many washes.

And it doesn't end there. What comes after laundry is another chore we dread the most. Ironing. But! There's no need to worry. Electrolux got you covered. There's nothing these washing machines cannot smooth out. Your clothes will be gently washed to reduce wrinkles while at the same time ensuring they are spotless clean — which could also mean, a lower electricity bill and more bonding time for the family!

Seriously, we got better things to do than ironing clothes.

If you think your clothes deserve the kind of care only Electrolux washing machines can give, take advantage of these amazing holideals! (Click  here for more info)


GOING MINIMAL IS THE NEXT BIG THING
It's almost 2019. People are going minimal . It's about time we make smarter shopping decisions. Admit it, we have more clothes in our closet that we do not know what to do with. Why don't we just focus on fewer, higher quality pieces instead?

Avoid this situation. Declutter.

Honestly, we do not need a lot of clothes to become fashionable. Don't let the fear of repeating clothes get the best of your style. Fashion is supposed to be fun. Just mix, match, and rework what you already have, and you'll never have to find yourself saying, "I don't have anything to wear".

If done right, you will be slaying that OOTD no matter what the new trend pieces will tell you. And with proper care and the right washing machine to boot (read: Electrolux), your clothes will look new for longer; and you, sharper than you already are.

#ElectroluxFashionCare #TimelessStyle