So, You Finally Cleaned Out Your Closet. Now What?
Shopping After Spring Cleaning.
Things to consider before you go shopping after you’ve cleaned out your closet.
Spring cleaning is here and you’ve just finished cleaning out your closet, ridding yourself of all the items that don’t fit, are damaged or aren’t the style you’re looking for. Hopefully, you’ve already taken the time to know what direction you want to go in for your personal style before cleaning out your closet so you have a clearer idea of why you kept things or threw things away. But now that the closet is cleaned out, it’s time to start building it back up with items you know you can love and wear over and over again.
Step 1. Take Inventory
The first step after your successful closet spring cleaning is to make note of the things you currently have. Be specific about this. Be aware of how many going out, casual, and transitional pieces you have within each category i.e. shoes, bottoms, shirts, dresses, etc. Deeply consider your lifestyle and make a note of gaps or abundance in your wardrobe for each area of your life.
Step 2. Make A List of items to buy
Are you missing that perfect evening dress you can wear to any occasion? Do you own a well-fitting suit? Do you have leather belts to match your dress shoes? Is there a go-to reliable heel that you can count on? Be specific about crucial items you may be missing in your closet. Write them down, and make a mood board for these things so you can remain specific and in line with your personal style. Find those gaps in your wardrobe and make a plan to fill them in.
Step 3. Create A Budget
Know how much you want to spend. If you only want to buy $500 worth of clothes in one day, then only shopping at Bloomingdale’s is not going to leave you with many items. You can either do this by creating a “scary number,” which is the max you want to spend, or you can think of how much you want to spend for each type of item. The max amount you prefer to spend on shirts may not be the same amount you prefer to spend on shoes. And DO NOT buy something just because it’s on sale. This will not benefit you in the long run. What will benefit you is spending and allocating your funds accordingly for items you’ll actually wear.
Step 4. Make A List of Stores
Now that you have a budget – and, hopefully, understand your personal style – it should be easier to make a list of appropriate stores to shop at. Why are you making Zara your first stop if you know you prefer more classic styles? If you aren’t looking for shoes, then why did you make a detour into Aldo? If you don’t have a good bra, then a store like Victoria’s Secret needs to be your first stop. Be intentional about the stores and brands you’re browsing through. This is your time in your day. So, use it wisely. And after a few successful shopping trips, go somewhere outside your comfort zone as a wildcard.
Step 5. Shop ‘Till You Drop…
… by yourself. Don’t bring an entourage or even your closest friend. Take the time to make these shopping trips all about what you think, what you like, and how you feel. No one’s opinions but yours matter. Or if you really feel like you can’t trust your fashion intuition, then bring a personal stylist who can help guide you in discovering your personal style. And remember to take your time in this process. You don’t have to create your dream closet in one weekend. In fact, it’s impossible. So, enjoy the process as much as you can because Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are wardrobes.
One of the hardest parts about creating your style is getting up and getting rid of the things that don’t serve you anymore. The next step after that is simply taking inventory of what you have, and becoming familiar with what’s in your closet. Doing that will naturally make you realize the things you don’t have but would like to possess in your wardrobe. Creating a budget is easy because you know what you can afford and what you can’t afford, especially with all the tools available today to help manage your funds. Knowing your budget and style lets you be specific about the stores that will serve your needs the most. Make a list of these places and brands so you can do the fun part: shopping. And if it’s not fun now, the more you practice going alone, listening to your inner voice, and taking your time to enjoy the process, you will eventually learn to fall in love with shopping and create the closet you’ve always dreamed of.
Mini Skirts Are In, But So Is The Midi and Maxi
During spring, we saw a lot of mini skirts on the runway. And if you don’t follow the high-end brands, then you probably saw the trend in the streets and all over your timeline. However, with action, there must be an equal and opposite reaction.
The midi skirt has been around for a few years now, and some might argue that’s why the mini skirt decided to make such a strong appearance. However, the mini’s recognition was so extreme in the fashion industry that it could not be ignored. The reaction: a resurgence of the maxi.
Want to clap back to the mini skirt craze? Here are a few ways you can rock the midi and maxi lengths.
Many of us have fallen in love with the satin skirt trend. It’s effortless, yet classy. It looks like you put in the effort, but the skirt’s silky, chic texture is actually doing all the work for you. If you haven’t hopped on the bandwagon, it’s not too late. The style is still in for fall. Pair it with your favorite chunky sweater or form-fitting long-sleeve for those cooler fall evenings. Or you can wear it with a blazer or jacket to add structure back to the outfit to complement the skirt’s loose form.
Another great way to participate in this style is to rock a patterned midi or maxi. This is one of the easiest ways to look put together with minimal effort. Polka dots ad animal print are not always a fan favorite, but there are plenty of other patterns to choose from. Maybe you’re interested in stripes or geometric shapes. Whatever your style is, there’s a way to make this trend right for you.
A less common, yet extremely flattering style for the midi-maxi trend is the wrap skirt. The tie to the side draws the eye to the waist while also cinching you in. You can take a boho approach by choosing a natural fabric like linen or dressing up your outfit with a more classic style.
Something else not seen often, but is super wearable is a long denim skirt. These went out of style years ago, but are finally making a big comeback in a modern way. Like a good pair of jeans, this style can work with virtually everything in your closet. The key is to choose a denim skirt with a cool design like in the top photo. The wrap style accentuates the waist and the denim keeps everything in the mid-section looking smooth. Or make sure to choose a skirt with a slit in the front or on the side. It will not only make it easier to walk, but it will also help show off your legs.
There’s a time and a place for a mini skirt. However, midis and maxis are appropriate for every occasion. So, don’t throw out those satin skirts for fall and invest in alternative styles. Play around with a fun print, wrap style, or denim fabric. The long skirts are a closet staple that is here to stay.
How To Wear A Bright Colored Suit or Bright Colored Blazer
You were probably advised to purchase a suit in a blue, black or grey- which to be fair is still absolutely SOLID advice. But if you are someone like me who loves the look of a suit and wears them more often than not you may get bored with the idea of wearing muted and neutral tones over and over. Fashion has found a few solutions for you and today we are going to focus on a style absolutely taking over the workplace and even after hour scenes by storm the bright & bold colored blazers and suits.
If you’ve been on at least one job interview in your life you own a suit. You were probably advised to purchase a suit in a blue, black or grey- which to be fair is still absolutely SOLID advice. But if you are someone like me who loves the look of a suit and wears them more often than not you may get bored with the idea of wearing muted and neutral tones over and over. Fashion has found a few solutions for you and today we are going to focus on a style absolutely taking over the workplace and even after hour scenes by storm the bright & bold colored blazers and suits.
Play with color-No color is off limits! Bold and bright suits are meant to be just that! These suits are bold enough to catch someones eye while still being dapper. If daring is your speed these suits are just that, a matching top and bottom of a gorgeous hue is sure to fit the scenario for several occasions. But if you love the color but perhaps feel it is a bit too loud no problem! Switch out your jacket or pant for a neutral to tone the suited look down a bit. Still dapper but a bit more muted.
2. You CAN mix and match separates! In this case the name kind of gives it away huh? Separates can be separated, who knew?!! LOL But in all seriousness purchasing a suit even a bright white suit and pairing it with a blazer can create a new look entirely. Treating your suit separates as such gives you a super power of an instantly doubled wardrobe! But tread lightly and be sure to distribute the love fairly or else risk over using one item and having to wash it more than expected which may lead to it no longer matching it’s proper pair’s color. This doesn't happen often but if you find yourself leaning this way try to purchase a duplicate to prolong the lifetime of the pieces.
3. Warm up to bold prints & suits by pairing them simply and letting the suit steal the show. Maybe the idea of mixing a loud blazer with loud colors feels a bit scary for you. Warm up to this bold style statement by pairing it simply, with an understated shoe choice or shirt choice. Over time you may decide to go bigger OR not. Maybe your style is more simple and clean, there’s no one way. Our goal is to show you that you have options make fashion work for you!
Making Leather Pants WORK APPROPRIATE
Leather can be classy, polished and put together if you have a timeless leather item paired with the appropriate pieces. So I’ll show you how you can pull off a sexy leather trouser in the office, and still have executive respect.
Ok you might have clicked on this because you’re like “who’s about to wear leather pants to work?” But I promise, leather isn’t always motorcycles, edge and sex appeal. Leather can be classy, polished and put together if you have a timeless leather item paired with the appropriate pieces. So I’ll show you how you can pull off a sexy leather trouser in the office, and still have executive respect.
1. It’s the fashionable lady in the office, everyone knows it and we all respect that she likes to turn heads.
While these trousers are bold, the wide leg gives an extra pizzaz! Paired with a more subtle material with a neutral color at the top and a neutral conservative shoe, these pants are a perfect office staple.
2. Peek a boo, made you look!
These are subtle, but will definitely make them double take. Paired with outer wear and an office blouse will be perfect for a tighter fit leather trouser. The office will barely even notice, but when they do they’ll be looking at your outfit all day.
3. Is she wearing leather trousers and making it corporate?!?!
Why yes, yes she is. These are simple and an essential, because these are an a straight leg looser fit, they’re easily very conservative while still being very fashionable.
Dress To Manifest: Clearing Out Your Closet for The New Year
Dress to Manifest: Closet Clear-Out
New year, new me, new goals, new resolutions! So let’s start with the first one to kick off our new year into the right direction. Ask yourself, how can I show up into 2022 being the newest version of myself? I can answer that. Start with a refurbished wardrobe, not necessarily new, but less old. It’t time to clean out the old, and bring in the consciousness. What do you truly want to look like? What piece of clothing in your closet goes against that?
The process may seem overwhelming at first but here’s a 6 step guide to help you pre plan.
1. Prep: Get a trash bag for the clothes your throwing away, a box for the things you’d like to donate and a hamper for the clothes you’ll keep.
2. Downsize: The goal is to let it go, so let it go! You haven’t worn it in a year and can’t think of anything to wear with it so we have to do what’s right. Let’s begin to only have things in our wardrobe that we love, and will use.
3. Remember the goal: Remember we want to be able to create outfits out of what we have, so its important that we keep our basics or things that can be layered and styled different ways.
4. Organization: After we’ve sorted through our keep and deletes, we need to organize out space so that we can clearly see what we have to work with. To be able to pick out an outfit faster I like to organize by color. If you have additional space, try storing some clothes that aren’t in season.
5. Mindfulness: After analyzing what you’ve kept and what you’ve gotten rid of take a look at what you need, make a list. When its time to shop, shop intentionally to get exactly what you’re looking for.
This should result in having a peaceful start to your new year, with a more clean and refreshed look that didn’t take too much effort.
Written by: Chantel Reed
Staying Fashionable at the Airport
What do you wear to the airport? A dirty, old, stained tee shirt with crusty old sweat pants? Why would you wear drab clothes if you want to always look and feel your best? Even while traveling it’s important to look presentable. And no this does not mean in an uncomfortable suit, you can be comfy and still look stylish.
What do you wear to the airport? A dirty, old, stained tee shirt with crusty old sweat pants? Why would you wear drab clothes if you want to always look and feel your best? Even while traveling it’s important to look presentable. And no this does not mean in an uncomfortable suit, you can be comfy and still look stylish.
You never know what could happen at the airport. What if you run into someone from work? What if you meet someone that could help you advance your career? You never know what kind of opportunities you could have at the airport where you can meet so many different people from different places. You don’t want to be wearing that old and crusty sweat suit, you at least want to be wearing a fashionable one! What if you have plans once you land, or an opportunity arises where you have to be ready when you land? You want to at least look presentable.
So you may be wondering, how do you look fashionable and comfortable at the airport? Start with a matching loungewear set. These are everywhere now, everyone is wearing loungewear sets. They’re effortless, comfy, and stylish. This makes them perfect for traveling, especially at the airport. But don’t just stop at a loungewear set, we can make this even more fashionable. Layer pieces on the set, this is the cheat code for looking stylish at the airport. Throw on a blazer or denim jacket, and you instantly look way more put-together.
Another fashionable and effortless airport look is styling a maxi or midi dress with a cropped denim jacket. Dresses are the easiest go-to because it’s just one piece. You don’t have to think long and hard about what to pair it with or if it looks cute together. The cropped denim jacket is a stylish touch that will bring together the whole look. Pair this outfit with a cute wedge to complete the look!
For the third outfit idea, break out your comfiest jeans, the jeans you’ve already stretched out and broken in. Pair them with a cool band tee and a blazer for a more chill, but still stylish and chic look. Finish off the look with a cute pair of white fashion sneakers. This outfit is still comfy because you’re wearing your comfy jeans and band tee, but look instantly polished with the blazer.
It’s summertime, and that means summer vacation. The perfect summer airport look is jean shorts and a button down. But how we make this instantly more fashionable, is by doing a cute side tuck moment. Finish this look with some fashion sneakers, and you’re ready to show up to your vacation destination looking amazing!
It’s more than just looking cute at the airport, you never know who you might see or what opportunities you might have. You always want to be prepared and ready for anything. If you want to be comfortable, you don't have to look crazy. There are plenty of ways to be fashionable, comfortable, and ready for anything. But don’t worry, if you feel like you can’t achieve this by yourself, or that you can’t find the right pieces, you can always go to a stylist!
Click Here To Book Your Consultation with Personal Stylist Carla Nelson:
How To Dress After A Pandemic
This year has been a whirlwind for everyone. The pandemic shook up our society, and things are finally starting to get back to normal. Restaurants are opening, people are leaving their houses and gathering, and people are beginning to travel. We know you’re so excited to finally get out there, but if you’re feeling nervous or insecure about yourself or feel you have nothing to wear, you’re not alone. The world changed, and so did we. We’re finally going outside for the first time in a year and we’ve only been wearing sweatpants. Do those jeans even fit anymore? Here are some tips to get you started and back into the swing of things.
This year has been a whirlwind for everyone. The pandemic shook up our society, and things are finally starting to get back to normal. Restaurants are opening, people are leaving their houses and gathering, and people are beginning to travel. We know you’re so excited to finally get out there, but if you’re feeling nervous or insecure about yourself or feel you have nothing to wear, you’re not alone. The world changed, and so did we. We’re finally going outside for the first time in a year and we’ve only been wearing sweatpants. Do those jeans even fit anymore? Here are some tips to get you started and back into the swing of things.
#1 Learn About Your Body... Again
We not only changed mentally in quarantine, but our bodies did too. Some people gained weight, and some people lost it. But since you never had to wear anything other than sweatpants for the past year, you didn’t have to worry about getting new clothes. Assess your body, and find out what is different and what about your wardrobe should change.
#2 Assess Your Wardrobe & Make A List
After you have figured out your sizes and your body, what do you need in your closet ?he best way to go about this is to think of everything you need and make a list. Do you need new jeans, or a new blazer? Maybe you want to spice things up. The easiest way to keep your thoughts together is to list everything you need and check it off as you go.
#3 Don’t Be Scared To Take Risks
This is the perfect time to experiment and try new things and experiment with your style. If you haven’t changed your style in 10 years, maybe it’s time to try something new and experience life now. This is all about your mindset, have fun and be excited!
Fashion is all about having fun and trying new things. Coming out of a pandemic is the perfect time to try new things. We’re getting back to normal, but you want your physical appearance to show that you are happy and excited to experience the world and the adventures that you haven’t been able to in the past year. Let’s have fun with experimenting with fashion and experiencing life again!
Spring 2021 Fashion Trends
We are finally beginning to see the light at the end of the covid tunnel, people are starting to leave their houses and things are slowly returning to normal. And this means we can finally start dressing fashionably again since we can actually leave our houses! So donate those sweatpants you’ve been wearing for the past year, and get on these new Spring 2021 trends!
We are finally beginning to see the light at the end of the covid tunnel, people are starting to leave their houses and things are slowly returning to normal. And this means we can finally start dressing fashionably again since we can actually leave our houses! So donate those sweatpants you’ve been wearing for the past year, and get on these new Spring 2021 trends!
The first trend we are seeing is kicking it all the way back to the 80s: shoulder pads. You heard it here, shoulder pads are making a come back! We are seeing them in blazers, muscle tees, and tee shirt dresses. This style helps since your waist and elongate your legs.
By now, everyone knows about the Gen-Z and Millennial war over jeans and how to part your hair… but it’s true, skinny jeans are out and baggy straight leg jeans are in! We are seeing more baggy, over-sized, and volume when it comes to denim. Plus, baggy straight leg jeans are way more comfortable and forgiving than skinny!
Another trend we are starting to see is screen-prints. We are coming out of the minimalist trend for this one. Quarantine was boring, so we need to spice up our clothes. Screen-printing brings an interesting flare, and feels as if you’re wearing a piece of art.
We are seeing so much more fashion pieces with pipping or seam details on them. This gives an inside-out feel, but is so chic. We are seeing it on basic tops and dresses to give it an interesting detail. This design can give your outfit more of an edge while still being minimal.
Any type of leather is very on trend right now. Leather blazers and leather pants being the most popular items. These bring a lot of edge to your look, but still so chic and on trend. And this can be any color of leather, black leather and brown leather are being seen everywhere.
What colors scream spring? Pastels are always the go-to colors for the spring time, and it’s no different this year. After the year we had, we need some color in our wardrobe. We have been seeing pastel colors everywhere! It’s the colors we need after a year in a pandemic…
While we’re talking about how much we need color, we should also talk about tie dye. This trend was huge last summer, and it’s not going anywhere… Tie dye is a fun way to incorporate color into your wardrobe while staying on trend this season. It takes only one minute to create a fashionable and effortless look with tie dye.
If you follow these trends, you will be coming out of quarantine in style and on trend! While there are many trends rising since we basically took a year off from fashion… but these are the most prominent trends you should know. Don’t forget to have fun with your fashion, and wear what makes you feel the most confident.