ask stylebook: mirror, mirror on the wall
Sophie: I have a closet full of beautiful clothes, but I spend way too much time and effort pulling together an outfit each day, whether it’s for daytime at work or for a dressier evening affair. Can you recommend anything to make this task of dressing easier for me?
Elisabeth: In a perfect world, getting dressed each morning would be an easy task. We would know exactly which pieces would perfectly complement each other, and we would feel 100% confident in our decision every time. But let’s face it, on an average day it usually requires a few outfit changes before we’re satisfied and can head out the door. Either our shoes are off, the sweater we tried on looks weird with the new skirt we just bought, or we are having one of those days when nothing seems to work. And while having the right pieces in your wardrobe helps to solve this problem, having the right mirror in your closet is key!
A great mirror can make all the difference in the way you look. A bad one can leave you feeling somewhat depressed and frustrated. The right full length mirror inside your closet will help you look fabulous when it comes to putting together an ensemble from head to toe. Before choosing the right mirror for you, it is important to know the different types that are available as there is a wide selection of mirrors created from different materials and for different purposes.
DON’Ts:
Don’t waste your time on those inexpensive bendable wall mirrors that you can pick up at Target for $9.99.
Don’t opt for a spherical concave mirror in your closet as this type features inward curved glass creating an enlarged reflection. No need to look fat! Save this type for your man’s shaving mirror.
Don’t choose a spherical convex mirror as this type features outward bulging glass, reflecting at a wider angle so that your image is reflected more on the edges than in the middle. Since this type of mirror will make you look smaller and distorted, save this one for your car’s side view mirror.
DOs:
Choose a mirror with a reflective surface that produces a virtual image that is about the same size of the object being reflected in it.
Choose a “Plane” mirror which is any mirror with a flat or planar reflective surface and usually has a thin piece of plate glass
Choose a mirror with a high quality reflective surface such as a “silvered” mirror, which is a type of mirror that involves depositing a thin layer of metallic silver on glass. And since silver has the highest degree of reflectivity, your image will reflect back at you with a flattering bright likeness.
Decorating a dressing room/closet with mirrors is a great way to make the space seem larger as well as adding visual interest and help ease your daily task of getting dressed and looking your best. Confidence is everything, and if you haven’t given yourself the once over (ok, more like three times over) in the mirror before you run out the door, you’re more than likely to doubt yourself or your outfit throughout the day. Leave your home with a confident attitude, knowing you look sensational, and return home with a smile because surely you made someone’s best dressed list!
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Mirrors in slideshow are all available at Coco Blanca.
- About the boutique
Using the soothing color palette of a coconut by the sea—whites, neutrals and splashes of turquoise—Coco Blanca has created a trademark look. Her lifestyle boutique offers expert solutions for home design and women’s fashion—blending a clean, fresh, sophisticated, feel-good style.
210 South Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.535.8002
