Organizing your clothing can be a daunting task. Let me first say… I love clothing and shoes and accessories and makeup and everything fashion/beauty related. I love to read about fashions. I love to see and feel and check fashions and styles and trends out. And I love to see them on other people.
Throughout the years I have “collected” lots of clothing and shoes and makeup… mostly because of the jobs I have had. I love to be able to score some fashionable and awesome items and also purchase some classic and trendy finds. This truly has left my closets full… so full where I have spilled into my sons’ closets (sad, but true). Let me say right here too, I’m definitely not a shopaholic. I only buy if I need something, I don’t buy for the sake of buying. Anyone can be a shopaholic… come on, you’ve all seen the movie (right?).
Recently I was asked by one of my readers – “I was cleaning out my closet this weekend and I have a few things in my closet that I like and they still fit, but I’m concerned they’re out of style. I feel like the older I get the less sure I am about what’s ‘in.’ I thought you might have some advice on this very issue. How do you decide to part with articles of clothing that may be out of style?”
I love this question because it is such a common thing for us moms… we almost have 2 kinds of wardrobes in our closets and dressers – one “pre” kids, one “post” kids. I highly doubt that camo printed mini skirt will ever find its way out my front door (sorry, honey!).
My best advice is to look at your closet like this (and keep this motto in mind) – DON’T COLLECT. WEAR.
I say this because… after years and years of shopping for ourselves and then… the kids and our husbands (and/or whomever else!)… we stop “editing” our own closets. It’s ironic because I go through my sons clothing every season and edit down what’s worn, what’s not, what’s really used… and make decisions to donate or toss that way. I even do that for my husband (shhh… don’t tell him!).
When you look at your closet like this – “What am I collecting?” Chances are… it’s the stuff you haven’t worn in over a year. And that’s usually the rule of thumb to donate/toss out.
In regard to the question above, if there are items in your closet you truly don’t want to get rid of because you think you may wear them again… you’re just not sure about the style/trend. Here’s my advice – if the items are “timeless” pieces, keep them. If you haven’t worn a black cardigan for 2 years, but really like it… keep it. That’s a timeless piece. It won’t matter if ruffles are in… tight leather pants (please GOD… NO!)… or waistlines up to your neck, the black cardigan will go with everything. The point it, it’s timeless pieces that can and should be treasured.
I’m not kidding… the Tervis Tumbler was a “key” accessory this past weekend at Blissdom Conference in Nashville, TN. My friend Rachel “wore” hers well… very, very well.
The American Heart Association is something that is very near and dear to my heart. My mom’s father (maternal grandfather) passed away from a heart attack at age 47. My mom was 21 years old she lost her dad. He didn’t get to walk her down the aisle. He didn’t get to see her welcome her to 2 daughters into the world. And he didn’t get to see her turn into the woman that she became.
I have always embraced and truly love to support anything that involves the American Heart Association.
When I saw that eDressMe.com was doing something to spread the word and the wealth… I was so excited to share this news. Giving from the heart for the heart is what I say…
Foster Grant is celebrating their 80th Anniversary in style… in true Foster Grant style.
Do you remember the campaign that put them truly on the map – “Who’s that behind those Foster Grants?” – in the 1960’s? If you’re a mom in your 30’s (like me) – we weren’t born yet – but, the campaign went on and on… and just truly was a huge success. I remember growing up listening to my parents joke around with each other when they put their sunglasses on, “Honey… who’s that behind those Foster Grants?”
I remember Cindy Crawford sporting a pair of Foster Grants. She was the “it” model of my time… and I just thought she was the absolute coolest (I’m totally aging myself right now, aren’t I?). In all seriousness, it’s one of those “memories” I have in my mind. Actually… her and Raquel Welch. I loved the sunglasses they sported… and (not to mention) the campaign was true genius!
As a matter of fact…
Well, in celebrating their 80th Anniversary – Foster Grant has designed a limited edition collection to represent styles from the decades of the last 80 years. Each pair (priced $35) is named after the celeb who made them famous! The best part is… $25 of the sale goes to two organizations to help underprivileged American children, – Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services Organization and The Hoop-A-Paluza Foundation.
My son Benjamin seems to be in love with the Raquel’s… he literally wears them ALL the time!
White House Black Market has become one of my havens. I love it there. I even wore a Little Black Dress from White House Black Market to the PeoplesChoice.com Fashion Recap. There’s something about the cuts and the styles… very classic, elegant, trendy and feminine all at the same time.
White House Black Market sent me a video lookbook of their Spring Collection… I am in awe! I would wear anything from this Collection. (Seriously – ANYTHING.)
Mystic Pizza was the first movie I remember seeing Julia Roberts in. She played a girl that I loved – tough, romantic and sweet – all at the same time. From there… she went on to star in Pretty Woman, The Pelican Brief, The Mexican, Ocean Eleven, Erin Brockovich… to name just a few. She is true – Hollywood elite. Hard-working. Dedicated. And really GOOD at what she does.
But now… that’s just her “day job.” Her full-time job is as “MOM.”
Her oldest children – her twins – were born a couple months after I had William. So I remember being pregnant at the same time as her. I saw her interviewed numerous times throughout her pregnancy… and something completely changed in me about her… she seemed “real.” She was this incredible open and honest “mom-to-be” talking about her pregnancy, her dreams, her goals… for these babies.
Obviously we both went on to have more kids…
So… I thought it was very cool to read this past week that Julia Roberts has been named the Global Ambassador to Lancome. I thought it was cool because here she is – a working mom of 3 – being honored to be there Ambassador. I loved this quote by her, It’s “quite exciting without having to invest all of myself in how I look because they did come to me as me, which is a pretty casual mom.”
Lancome… BRAVO at choosing a MOM (nonetheless in her 40s!) for this campaign. It’s refreshing!
I use a lot of Lancome eye makeup because it’s the only one that really stays on… plus, I need to make it “appear” I’m never tired!
I went to Old Navy this morning… and even though there isn’t a TON of stuff left – it’s still 30% additional savings!
Shoppers get 30% off on every single item in stores – except gift cards – even items already on sale!
Seriously…shoppers can shop ‘til they drop for what THEY want and save. If they want new jeans, tops, accessories, workout gear – presto, bingo – they save 30%! Love that new floral spring top – get it for 30% less, no coupons required. Just shop and save!
