Aug 22, 2013
Next week we’ll be working on getting your fall wardrobe essentials in place. So right now, let’s talk about your closet.
Question: Do you swap out your wardrobe seasonally? Or do you keep everything in your closet year-round?
I rotate the clothing in my closet each season. Let me tell you why, it forces me to clean it once a quarter and it makes getting dressed easier by reducing the clutter of items that aren’t weather appropriate. I can also more accurately gauge where any “holes” are in my wardrobe needs and what needs to be replaced or filled in.
A few years back, I started the quarterly closet cleanse, not just in my closet but all three of our kids’ too. It’s become such a valuable exercise that I even devoted a whole chapter to it in my book Get Pretty, Kick Butt!
With cooler days on the horizon, now’s the time to start thinking about how you’d like to organize your closet for fall. Today, I’m going to share some tips from chapter four of my book, The Closet Cleanse.
The Closet Cleanse Method
STEP 1: Find three medium to large boxes and label them CASH, STASH and TRASH. If you don’t have boxes on hand, trash bags will do.
In each box, you will categorize the following:
CASH – These are items that can be sold or donated. They are in good condition, but you haven’t worn them in a year or more and will probably never wear them again.
TRASH – Anything stained, worn out or damaged beyond repair.
STASH – This is the stuff you want to keep. Put items in here for now and we’ll organize them later.
STEP 2: Pull every item out of your closet one by one, including shoes, handbags and scarves or other accessories. Find a category for each item and place it in its respective box.
But how do I know what to STASH?
That’s entirely up to you, but here’s a good litmus test of questions:
- Have I worn it in the past year?
- Is it a classic piece that will stay in style?
- Is it still in good condition?
- Can I pair it up in more than one way?
- Do I feel good when I wear this?
- Does it fit?
If you answered “no” to one or more of the questions above, it’s probably not a keeper. However, you can create a fourth box of items for storage if there are things you just can’t bear to part with yet.
STEP 3: Once you’re done categorizing what you have, it’s time to organize what’s left in your STASH box.
Most people have a preferred method of organizing their clothing. Mine is hanging it in groups of like items (short-sleeved shirts, cardigans, blouses, denim, dress pants, skirts, dresses, etc.) Others prefer to sort by color. It really doesn’t matter as long as it makes sense to you and you know where to find everything.
It’s Your Turn: Carve out an afternoon for your own closet cleanse this week. Report back and let me know how it goes!
For more organization, time management, self-care, fashion and beauty tips, check out my book Get Pretty, Kick Butt! The Moms’ Guide to Looking Your Best and Getting More Done.
Available now on Kindle.
Aug 14, 2013
There are so many reasons I’m feeling really blessed lately. But first and foremost today I’m celebrating 14 years of marriage to this guy.
We met 21 years ago on a blind date and I knew that he was the one from that moment. I can’t think of a better person to share my life with and the awesome responsibility of raising our three children. God created the perfect man for me.
GET PRETTY, KICK BUTT!
If you missed my announcement yesterday, I’m feeling really blessed to have my book Get Pretty, Kick Butt! now available on Kindle! For those of you who asked, there will also be a print version coming soon.
ROSE ROYCE JEANS
I’ve been asked to participate in a contest to be the new brand ambassador for Rose Royce Jeans. I’m not going to go crazy and drive you all nuts asking for votes (you’re welcome) but if you would like to cast one, you can HERE. 🙂
I am in love with these Rose Royce jeans. The fit is perfect and so is the length – they can be worn with flats or heels. They have really great details too (see pics below). Yes, there’s a pic of my butt. I can honestly say I never thought I would get that brave and it’s making me cringe a little. But the back pockets are just too cute with their rosette buttons and stitching.
Add a scarf and blazer and this outfit instantly transforms for fall.
[Blazer: Kenar (TJ Maxx)/Scarf: c/o Golden Tote/T-shirt: Express/Shoes: Jessica Simpson/Watch: Michael Kors/Jeans: c/o Rose Royce]
BLAZER + SCARF COMBOS
Blazers and scarves are one of my favorite combos for fall. They instantly transform a t-shirt and jeans into a put together outfit. The possibilities are endless and they work for so many things. I especially love them paired up with some boyfriend jeans. Here are some outfit options using this winning combination.
EMERALD + BOLD FLORAL
[Blazer: ModCloth/Scarf: Gap/Jeans: Kut from the Kloth]
CORAL + TURQUOISE
[Blazer: Wallis/Scarf: Fab/Jeans: Shopbop]
COBALT + FLORAL
[Blazer: Wallis/Scarf: Loft/Jeans: Loft]
J.CREW $300 GIFT CARD
Have you entered the J. Crew $300 gift card giveaway yet? What a great way to jump start your fall wardrobe. Click HERE to enter!
I Feel Pretty
It’s the day of the week at GYPO where we celebrate what makes us feel pretty. Whether it’s a new outfit, hairstyle, or makeup, the I Feel Pretty link up is about anything and everything that makes your life prettier. Even if you’re not a blogger, you can still play along. Just tell me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments!
Link up your outfits or anything else that makes you feel pretty. There are just a few simple rules:
1. Follow GYPO. (Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin‘)
2. Link up your pretty post.
3. Link back to my blog (using the button above or your own link).
4. Visit other pretty peeps.
That’s it! Let the fun begin.
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Getting my pretty on with Summer Style, Shanna, The Pleated Poppy, Real Girl Style, Style Sessions and Sarah.
Jul 5, 2013
Look at them girls with the Daisy Dukes on.
Sorry but I can’t help but think of this song every time I see denim cut-offs. If you’re not old enough to remember this classic from 1994 by 69 Boyz and Duice then take a listen, if you dare…
Or allow me to take you in the way back machine a little further to the original Daisy Duke (and show my true age).
Catherine Bach as Daisy Duke, circa early 80’s.
So, why all this talk of Daisy Dukes? I bought a pair of denim shorts this week. My first pair since 1995 to be exact. The last time I wore them was in my junior year of college. As I recall, those were high-waisted cut-offs, not a flattering look. I also think they were Guess, the kind made famous by Anna Nicole Smith. They looked an awful lot like this (and I do mean awful).
Sorry, but that’s just not a good look on anyone. I think those would qualify as mom jeans (or mom jorts) if they were worn today.
Today’s cut-offs are SO much better. My friend Sheaffer over at Pinterest Told Me To has been rocking some really cute ones this summer, like these white ones HERE. She makes everything cute.
I’ve had fun working my new denim boyfriend shorts into my wardrobe this week and trying them out with different looks. I’d forgotten just how versatile they are. They’ll be getting a lot of wear this summer!
Here’s one way I plan to pair them up.
[Shirt: Gap/Shorts: Old Navy/Wedges: Gap/Bag: Marc Jacobs/Earrings: Jewellery World/Torque Bangle: Jewellery World]
GET THE LOOK
REAL GIRL STYLE CHALLENGE: DENIM CUT OFFS
Image credits 1/2/3
Alright glam girls, go to your closets and pull out your favorite pair of worn in denim cutoffs because…
Amber of Real Girl Glam, Jessica of Bows & Sequins, Kaitlin of Secretive Style, Marissa of Style Cusp, Shelby of Glitter & Gingham and myself are here to issue you a new style challenge (check out the first one – White Tee Challenge)!!
There’s just something about wearing denim cutoffs that means summer has arrived! They’re the ultimate laid back, relaxed, and easy to wear summer short and today’s styles have come a long way from the old-school Daisy Dukes.
So, we thought it would be fun to get see how each of us ‘real girls’ (you included!) puts together a look based around this summer staple.
Maybe you wear your cutoffs completely laid-back with a worn in tee and panama hat, dress them up with a blazer and ankle boots, or throw them on with a summer sweater for an afternoon at the beach.
But no matter how you style them, we want you to come share your denim cutoff outfit post here and on Real Girl Glam on Friday, July 12th!
Can’t wait to see how you “kick them daisies”!
It’s Your Turn: What memories do you have of wearing denim cut offs? Tell me in the comments!
Getting my pretty on with Friday’s Five
Jul 3, 2013
Lately I’ve been playing the comparison game and that never ends well. Sometimes when I visit other blogs and see the impossibly cute outfits they put together, I wonder why anyone wants to see what I wear.
At the heart of it, I’m a t-shirt and jeans (or tank top and shorts) kind of girl. I’m mostly unadorned, I don’t accessorize much, I’m a minimalist. I don’t own clutches to match every outfit and I have a few pairs of shoes that I love and wear with almost every outfit. I rarely dress up, although I love to once in awhile.
I’m a mom and I dress like one. I dress for my daily activities and schedule. Some days the highlight of my day is a trip to Target, if I’m lucky.
And this is a real outfit that I wear on those days.
[T-shirt: Old Navy/Jeans: Kut from the Kloth/Sandals: Target]
It’s Your Turn: What does your daily uniform consist of? Tell me in the comments.
I Feel Pretty
It’s the day of the week at GYPO where we celebrate what makes us feel pretty. Whether it’s a new outfit, hairstyle, or makeup, the I Feel Pretty link up is about anything and everything that makes your life prettier. Even if you’re not a blogger, you can still play along. Just tell me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments!
Link up your outfits or anything else that makes you feel pretty. There are just a few simple rules:
1. Follow GYPO. (Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin‘)
2. Link up your pretty post.
3. Link back to my blog (using the button above or your own link).
4. Visit other pretty peeps.
That’s it! Let the fun begin.
‘);
// ]]>
Getting my pretty on with Tori, Monday Mingle, Funday Monday, Visible Monday, Monday Bloom, Monday Morning Gossip, Tara, Shanna, Sarah, Lauren, Lindsay,Kelly and Amy.
Oct 14, 2012
The Red Denim Diaries – Part One
This is the first post in my four-part series “The Red Denim Diaries”. I love these jeans so much that they get a whole series of posts paying homage to their greatness. My hubby got them for me as a birthday present. He has great taste. When I first saw them, I wasn’t 100% in love with them or sure that I would even wear them. Now they’re a wardrobe staple that get put into rotation at least twice a week. I’m surprised at just how versatile they are. The red/burgandy color is perfect for fall.
[Beige Cardigan: Target, Orange T-Shirt: Old Navy, Red Denim: Joe’s Jeans at Nordstrom, Floral Scarf: Old Navy, Heels: Zappos, Belt: Target, Earrings: Target, Watch: New York & Co.]
This is the first time I’ve worn heels in a very long time! I decided to get a little gussied up for church. Couldn’t wait to get home and get those puppies off and my flats back on.
Definitely one of my favorite scarves I’ve ever owned. I picked this up at Old Navy last year. The colors scream fall! Read Part Two of The Red Denim Diaries to see how I paired them with a chambray shirt and scarf.
It’s Your Turn: Does your hubby ever buy clothes for you? If so, do you usually love them or hate them?
Check out these links for more outfit inspiration.
