{Nothing to Wear, Part 2: Wardrobe Rehab}

Nothing to Wear, Part 2:  Wardrobe Rehab

This could be painful girls, but it will be liberating at the same time!  It is time to align the closet to your defined style and organize it to make it accessible to your everyday needs.  Like any rehab program…this is going to take a bit of time.  So block off a day, turn on your favorite music and grab some caffeine (no wine girls, drunk shopping – even if in your own closet – never, never yields good results).

Here are the steps that I recently used to overhaul my closet.  Hopefully they will help you on your journey.

·         I defined four separate areas (Yes, No, Alterations, Maybe) in my bedroom to sort each item of clothing from my closet

·         I started on the left side of my closet and worked around

·         With each item, I tried it on and asked myself three questions (and yes, I did answer myself)

o   Do I LOVE it?

o   Is it flattering?

o   Does it match my style and my style statement?

·         Then the piece was sorted to the appropriate area

·         For all the items from the “Yes” pile, back to the closet but in a very structured manner

o   I used identical, clear hangers so that they do not distract from the clothes and create a visually pleasing look.  Using like hangers also allows the clothes to hang more uniformly.  Or maybe I’m just OCD.

o    I created sections starting with robes, scarves, dresses, pants/jeans, blouses, jackets and workout apparel.

o   Each section is sorted by color.  For my blouses/tops, each section started with tanks then progressed to short sleeve and lastly long sleeve.

o   Sweaters are folded and organized on a shelf (by color of course)

o   Belts are organized into a basket for easy viewing.

o   My current rotations of shoes are organized on a shoe rack on the floor.  Out of season and special occasion shoes are organized on shoe rack on the upper shelf. 

Safe for a glass of wine now?  I think YES!

{Wu Hoo!}

Love, Love, Love the Jason Wu Spring 2011 collection!!  It is the epitome of chic and all things feminine with just a dash of masculinity...perfection. The collection exudes color yet still grounds with timeless neutrals and delivers power with bold statement pieces.  Obviously Mr. Wu decided to save time and money by forgoing the under pinnings....I'll splurge. 

{Nothing to Wear, Part1: Define YOUR Style}

Do the words “I have nothing to wear” venture from your mouth on one too many occasion?  For the most part, could you simply record the phrase and hit the play button upon each entry into your closet to save some time?   Is anyone answering “yes”…..aah, there you are, good, I’m not alone. 

How do we vanquish these harmless five words that once joined together create more angst to women everywhere?  So glad you asked, we begin with defining our style…….

Nothing to Wear, Part 1:  Define YOUR Style

Anyone can be “in fashion”, just follow the leads from the current fashion magazines and rules of the season.  But style is personal – no rules, no seasons – it comes from within.  Every time you dress you assert some aspect of yourself and your identity.  Our identity is who we are – our soul, our spirit, our personality.  Our image is what we project.  With style, you tell the world who you are on any given day by aligning your identify and the image…you exude confidence.   BUT, this is where fashion frustration begins when we are not sure of one or both.

So own your look by first identifying your style type.  You may be one dominant type or a combination:

·         Classic

·         Chic

·         Whimsical

·         Bohemian

·         Avant-garde

Next, how do you want to be perceived by others at this time in your life?  Don’t be scared or back away from the first words that pop into your mind, what did you come up with – “put together”, “sexy”, “beautiful”, “creative”.

And lastly, think of people in your life or a celebrity whose personal style you admire because they dress in a way that is appropriate to their age, body type, and lifestyle.  Now, this is for inspiration only, remember, style is personal…got it?!

So now, what do we have?  A style statement.  A statement that we can use to select the pieces that will build our wardrobe.

Up next-  Nothing to Wear, Part 2:  Wardrobe Rehab

Would love to hear your thoughts and any ideas you have to share on personal style!!

“Fashion fades; style is eternal.”-    Yves Saint Laurent

{Spring has Sprung}

Well, spring has not really sprung and I know this because well, um.....it's February and freezing outside.  I'm actually referring to my spring wish list that I posted here.  My fabulous hubby saw the post and insisted that I order the watch and sandals....so spring came early!!  Can't wait for him to see my next post on the Louis Vuitton Spring 2011 collection.  <wink, wink>




(Sunnies - Gucci, Shirt - James Perse, Jeans - IT!, Purse - Coach, Watch - Fossil, Boots - Life Stride, Fur Vest - BB Dakota, Belt - Vintage)

 I had a day full of errands which calls for clothes that are the utmost in comfort yet still polished and pulled together. Nothing fits the bill better than some of my go-to-basics like my favorite James Perse pullover, IT! skinny jeans and vintage belt. 





Photography by Karli Alexandra

{The Tortoise and the Leopard}

I must say that this cold, dreary weather has me longing just a bit for spring and here are two items at the top of my shopping list.   Now, I'm not much of a watch person but this torti shell watch from Fossil is pure perfection in my eyes.  I think it's the perfect accessory to any spring and summer outfit.  Next, I love all things Tory Burch and I love leopard accents...ta daaaa...Tory Burch's new leopard sandal, the perfect combination!




{In the Beginning}

What a delicious little find these shoes were....the beginning inspiration for a totally vintage vibe outfit.

 



(Jacket - Anthropologie, Blouse & Pants - ASOS)




(Ring - Urban Outfitters, Necklace - Vintage)



       



A vintage outfit just beckoned for a walk back in time to capture it's essence.  How perfect is the old library with a towering, moss draped oak tree?!

Photography by Karli Alexandra

{Five Things}

There are five things that every girl should have to keep her outfit looking fresh and crisp.

 

1. Deodorant stains are no problem to remove with this handy little sponge from the Hollywood product line. 
2. Keep any part of your blouse/top in place or temporarily fix a ripped hem with fashion tape also from the Hollywood product line.
3. A fabric shaver can make a worn piece of clothing look brand new by removing pills and fuzz.
4. Lint brush.  No explanation needed here I'm sure.   I also like to keep a travel size in my purse and car.
5. I feel so Martha Stewart with this one!  I have a little vintage tin that I use to store buttons, stones, threads, etc from all my purchases.  I label the package with the brand and type of clothing (blouse, pants, jacket).  Nothing worse than popping a button last minute and having no replacement. 

{Feathery Find}

I must say there is nothing more fabulous than that moment in a shopping excursion when you find that special piece that will make the outfit.  Voila! Meet my most recent "moment".  This lovely feathered belt was peaking out (almost positive that it called my name) from a new shipment box behind the checkout register at Urban Outfitters.  I knew it must immediately be a part of my daughter's fall accessory collection.



(Love the draping detail of the cardi)

Styling Tips: 

Start with a a light weight base piece such as I did here with the dress from Urban Outfitters.

• For mild weather, like the day we shot these pics, I styled with a cotton cardi and booties
• For colder days, throw on a boyfriend jacket and add tights along with riding boots
• For warmer summer days, add a skinny belt to accessorize the dress and a pair of sandals