Did you ever buy a CD and listen to it over and over again until you were sick of it? I do this all the time. I do it with clothes too. I find a style that really works for me, alter it slightly and redo it with different pieces and colors over and over again. Looking back at my habits, I'd say I'm momentarily obsessed with each new "thing" that comes into my life (but hey, that's another story).
Recently I have been really into buying short cotton, woven and knit skirts and pairing it with a tucked in basic tee or tank top. I go for mixing two solid colors (usually a bright top and darker skirt) or a funky designed skirt and a casual soild top. I finish it off with a necklace, basic cardigan, and some strappy sandals or flip-flops. Not only is this a totally cute, put together look, but it is extremely comfortable.
The top is pretty easy. Anything basic and solid works best, but I'm not against being a bit daring and mixing 2 different patterns together for a completely "you" look every once in a while. I think the trick here is just to tie in similar colors from each piece. I have this one interesting white tank top I got at H&M with a huge beaded necklace sketch onto the shirt. I love pairing it with one of my stripped skirts. My mom loves to joke with me about how I never really match. She's right, but I love wearing two completely opposite colors together and pairing them with accessories that pull the whole look off. And as for those basic tops; Forever 21 and Gap has loads that I love. One bit of advice though. Go with a tee or tank that is either oversize (to puff out a bit) or a perfect fit (for a sleeker look). Anything in between doesn't look right. If it is a bit chilly or you just want an extra piece for your outfit, I always go with a cardigan. I'm kind of a grand-mom with my cardigans. I have one in every color and 4 or 5 different styles in the basic colors. I find really nice fitting ones at Target and Urban Outfitters. They both have great light weight 3/4 ones right now for the summer too.
The skirt? You can pretty much pair the basic top with any skirt. I'd try to stick with very simple material, but I bet a casual white tee would look just as good with a leather or dazzled mini as it would with a cotton skirt, but be sure to save that kind of look for a night on the town and not for daytime wear.
And now we've reached the bottom...the footwear. Well all you heal loving ladies out there are going to hate me, but I stay far away from heals unless I absolutely have to wear them. They are painful and I am an absolute klutz. Lucky for me, they have fabulous choices for us heal impaired girls. For this look, match the footwear with your skirt. Cotton, knit or woven skirts, try flip flops or simple strappy sandals (these are really in right now so they are very easy to find). I love Old Navy for flip flops and Payless for sandals (heck...all shoes!). If the skirt is a little less sporty and little more dressy, I would nix the flip flops and try a simple pair of flats or sandals.
What else? Accessories can be endless here. Dress it up and make it your own. Here my rules....
-If you can see your belt loops, wear a belt
-If you are wearing a wild or detailed necklace, only wear stud earrings (there is such a thing as too much)
-Only wear a small bracelet if you have any type of necklace on. Save the bigger ones for when your neck is naked
-1-2 ankle bracelets in the summer dresses up any outfit
-Stick with silk or very light scarves in the summer if scarves are your thing. It's hot out there!
-And though I don't love any dressy hats, if it looks good on you, rock it
-Always throw in something unique or personal to make every outfit yours
I'm really all about the unique/personal rule. I think it is my middle child syndrome, but I'm very into "this is mine, you can't have it". I recently came across these amazing 100% recycled key necklaces at a small flea mart. The designer takes old keys and other recycled pieces and turns them into charm type necklaces. They are all one of a kind. I found one there with an elephant (I collect them!) and snagged it. Unique and personal. It was a great find for me. She makes tons of other items, so be sure to check her out under "designer".
until next time...
Listening to: Forever the Sickest Kids
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
out with the old
I spent the better part of my Sunday morning reorganizing my closet. Okay, maybe more like removing the old, to make room for the new purchases I made this week.
I use to be the type of person who would keep clothes for years on end and every time I attempted to get rid of an item here and there I would make up some stupid excuse as to why I had to keep it. Not anymore. I make it a habit to go through my closet and drawers at least twice a year and get rid of anything I have not worn within a year. It's like this...if you have a sweater in your closet than you bought last winter, but you didn't wear it at all this winter, get rid of it. You aren't going to wear it. And stop saving those jeans or skirts you love that no longer fit you because you keep telling yourself that you are going to loose those 10lbs. In fact if you do happen to loose that pesky weight that you have been dying to get rid of, you will probably want to go out and buy new clothes to celebrate your new body, so stop hanging on to the old pieces. If there are still a few items that you just can't bear to let go, here is some advice. If it is a sentimental reason, pack it up in a storage container so it is at least out of the way. I have to say I am guilty of this with all my band T's. And hey there is nothing wrong with wanting to save something for the next generation, just don't let it take up space now. Occasionally some of my favorite dresses end up shrinking and become to short for work, so instead of getting rid of pieces I actually want to wear, but I can't, I save them for weekends only. Shorter is usually a bit more acceptable in a nightlife atmosphere. And hey, even if you're not going anywhere, if they are made out of comfortable material, wearing them around the house or to do some errands makes them worth keeping.
What happens if you don't have the time or patience to go through your closet? Well then go through each section of your closet on different days. Skirts and bottoms on a Sunday morning, bags and accessories one week night for an hour or two and save all your tops for the following Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. Once you do this a few times you will develop your own system. Sometimes it takes me a month to find time to go through everything and except for the fact that the corner of my room is a mess piled up with clothes, I'm okay with it because I know it will get done..eventually.
So what's the best way to organize your closet? In my case, I do not have the closet space I'd like, so if you have a walk in closet with lots of room, you have a step up on the organization Do not use this extra space to hoard clothes you do not wear just because you have room for them though. The best advice I can give if you are like me and are stuck with an average size closet and some drawers is to break everything in sections. I keep my dresses and nicer skirts hung on one side, short sleeve shirts on the other side and long sleeve shirts above. I use shelves and drawers for everything else, keeping pieces with its proper "family". I recently also just bought Wonder Hangers. They are pretty great at saving space for me for skirts and shorter dresses. I wanted them specifically for these pieces, since that is where my overload usually comes from, but if yours is with tops, I imagine they will work just as well for that too.
And most importantly, what do I do with my "get rid of" pile once I am done? I give it all away. For pieces that are still in great condition, I offer to friends first. Everything else I give to VVA.
So not only do feel better because you are finally organized again, but you are making a donation that is appreciated. If that does not entice you, well most donations can be written off on your taxes too.
until next time...
Listening to: Paramore
I use to be the type of person who would keep clothes for years on end and every time I attempted to get rid of an item here and there I would make up some stupid excuse as to why I had to keep it. Not anymore. I make it a habit to go through my closet and drawers at least twice a year and get rid of anything I have not worn within a year. It's like this...if you have a sweater in your closet than you bought last winter, but you didn't wear it at all this winter, get rid of it. You aren't going to wear it. And stop saving those jeans or skirts you love that no longer fit you because you keep telling yourself that you are going to loose those 10lbs. In fact if you do happen to loose that pesky weight that you have been dying to get rid of, you will probably want to go out and buy new clothes to celebrate your new body, so stop hanging on to the old pieces. If there are still a few items that you just can't bear to let go, here is some advice. If it is a sentimental reason, pack it up in a storage container so it is at least out of the way. I have to say I am guilty of this with all my band T's. And hey there is nothing wrong with wanting to save something for the next generation, just don't let it take up space now. Occasionally some of my favorite dresses end up shrinking and become to short for work, so instead of getting rid of pieces I actually want to wear, but I can't, I save them for weekends only. Shorter is usually a bit more acceptable in a nightlife atmosphere. And hey, even if you're not going anywhere, if they are made out of comfortable material, wearing them around the house or to do some errands makes them worth keeping.
What happens if you don't have the time or patience to go through your closet? Well then go through each section of your closet on different days. Skirts and bottoms on a Sunday morning, bags and accessories one week night for an hour or two and save all your tops for the following Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. Once you do this a few times you will develop your own system. Sometimes it takes me a month to find time to go through everything and except for the fact that the corner of my room is a mess piled up with clothes, I'm okay with it because I know it will get done..eventually.
So what's the best way to organize your closet? In my case, I do not have the closet space I'd like, so if you have a walk in closet with lots of room, you have a step up on the organization Do not use this extra space to hoard clothes you do not wear just because you have room for them though. The best advice I can give if you are like me and are stuck with an average size closet and some drawers is to break everything in sections. I keep my dresses and nicer skirts hung on one side, short sleeve shirts on the other side and long sleeve shirts above. I use shelves and drawers for everything else, keeping pieces with its proper "family". I recently also just bought Wonder Hangers. They are pretty great at saving space for me for skirts and shorter dresses. I wanted them specifically for these pieces, since that is where my overload usually comes from, but if yours is with tops, I imagine they will work just as well for that too.
And most importantly, what do I do with my "get rid of" pile once I am done? I give it all away. For pieces that are still in great condition, I offer to friends first. Everything else I give to VVA.
So not only do feel better because you are finally organized again, but you are making a donation that is appreciated. If that does not entice you, well most donations can be written off on your taxes too.
until next time...
Listening to: Paramore
Saturday, June 26, 2010
how the times have changed (me)
When I was very young fashion meant what my Mom put me in. As I got a little older fashion was whatever hand me downs my older sister gave me. Being a middle child (for me anyways) meant finding me own style and standing out. In junior high I got really into alternative and rock music and my clothes usually reflected this. In high school, my music taste slowly changed to a more punk rock influence and so did my outfits. There was a lot of plaid, safety pins, thrift store shirts and pink and black hair. Well, as I grew up, I finally learned liking any music doesn't mean you have to dress bad. So that's what brings us here, today. I still have punk/alternative style influences, but it is unique to the look I want to portray. I try to combine rocker items with pretty pieces for a unique style. I buy what I like, what fits best on my body (and on my budget) regardless of trends. I make my own rules.
So what stores do I frequent? Well I'll basically shop anywhere. If a store has something I like, I'll buy it, regardless of where it is from, BUT, like anyone else I have some staples that I always turn to first....
Forever 21: for everything! I've purchased anything from dresses, skirts, jeans, shirts to make up, jewelery and shoes here and I love the prices.
Urban Outfitters: for really pretty and unique dresses and shirts.
H&M: for shirts, dresses, skirts and accessories.
Payless: for very comfortable flats and cute sandals (and as an added bonus they have great prices too).
Gap: for basic T's, skirts and tights.
Ruelala.com: for my designer splurges. This invitation only online boutique carries exclusive designer discounts. It is truly amazing.
And well that was just to list a few. Yet, I've learned over the years that it's not just the stores that you buy from it is the patience you have to find the best pieces in those stores that you call your favorites. I can't tell you how many times someone has said to me, "where did you get that dress....oh I can never find anything in there".
Most women love to shop, but I am better at "digging" than most people. I have the patience to go through those thrift store or sale racks for hours to find the quality pieces worth buying for the style and price and not just the price. Because unfortunately, just because something is on clearance for $5 does not mean it looks good or is actually even worth the five bucks.
Most people hate trying something on before they buy it. Tough. If you're actually going to spend money to drive to your favorite shop and then pay however much for an outfit, you should make sure it looks good on first. Otherwise, you will be disappointed and out money (by either having to drive all the way back to the shop to return or out the money completely because you swear you will return it next week and you never do...ever). So try everything on and make more than one trip. It's worth it to have pieces in your closet that you actually like.
So how do you get this patience? Shop by yourself and bring your mp3 player. I know that sounds weird, but think about it. What do you do at work to draw out unwanted noise and focus? You put on your headphones (assuming your company allows this, otherwise gee I'm sorry you have to listen to that idiot next to you). And yes I know all you girls want to shop with your friends. It's fun, I get it, but think about it. If you're like me, you have friends with all different styles. Your friend might not want to go to your favorite store (and vice versa). You will either cave and go to the stores she (or he) wants to go into and if you even get to your favorite store you probably will have someone follow you around the whole time. Now if that isn't pressure, well it sure is annoying. And ladies stop dragging your boyfriends and husbands into your stores. I'm tired of feeling bad for them. They don't want to be there! If you have to shop with your significant other, then go to a mall that has stores he likes too, so he has something to do while you try on clothes.
until next time...
Listening to: Mayday Parade
So what stores do I frequent? Well I'll basically shop anywhere. If a store has something I like, I'll buy it, regardless of where it is from, BUT, like anyone else I have some staples that I always turn to first....
Forever 21: for everything! I've purchased anything from dresses, skirts, jeans, shirts to make up, jewelery and shoes here and I love the prices.
Urban Outfitters: for really pretty and unique dresses and shirts.
H&M: for shirts, dresses, skirts and accessories.
Payless: for very comfortable flats and cute sandals (and as an added bonus they have great prices too).
Gap: for basic T's, skirts and tights.
Ruelala.com: for my designer splurges. This invitation only online boutique carries exclusive designer discounts. It is truly amazing.
And well that was just to list a few. Yet, I've learned over the years that it's not just the stores that you buy from it is the patience you have to find the best pieces in those stores that you call your favorites. I can't tell you how many times someone has said to me, "where did you get that dress....oh I can never find anything in there".
Most women love to shop, but I am better at "digging" than most people. I have the patience to go through those thrift store or sale racks for hours to find the quality pieces worth buying for the style and price and not just the price. Because unfortunately, just because something is on clearance for $5 does not mean it looks good or is actually even worth the five bucks.
Most people hate trying something on before they buy it. Tough. If you're actually going to spend money to drive to your favorite shop and then pay however much for an outfit, you should make sure it looks good on first. Otherwise, you will be disappointed and out money (by either having to drive all the way back to the shop to return or out the money completely because you swear you will return it next week and you never do...ever). So try everything on and make more than one trip. It's worth it to have pieces in your closet that you actually like.
So how do you get this patience? Shop by yourself and bring your mp3 player. I know that sounds weird, but think about it. What do you do at work to draw out unwanted noise and focus? You put on your headphones (assuming your company allows this, otherwise gee I'm sorry you have to listen to that idiot next to you). And yes I know all you girls want to shop with your friends. It's fun, I get it, but think about it. If you're like me, you have friends with all different styles. Your friend might not want to go to your favorite store (and vice versa). You will either cave and go to the stores she (or he) wants to go into and if you even get to your favorite store you probably will have someone follow you around the whole time. Now if that isn't pressure, well it sure is annoying. And ladies stop dragging your boyfriends and husbands into your stores. I'm tired of feeling bad for them. They don't want to be there! If you have to shop with your significant other, then go to a mall that has stores he likes too, so he has something to do while you try on clothes.
until next time...
Listening to: Mayday Parade
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