Back to School, Back to Pretty | Organizing Your Closet

Back to School, Back to Pretty | Organizing Your Closet

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.

I Feel Pretty | Ready

I Feel Pretty | Ready

Pumpkin scented candles, chili in the crock pot, cornbread in the oven and FOOTBALL!

Hurry up fall, I’m ready.

Striped Top Black Jeans 34

Striped Top Black Jeans H

Striped Top Leopard Flats

Striped Top Scarf Close[T-shirt:  Express/Scarf: c/o Wallis/Jeans: c/o Rose Royce/Leopard Flats:  Sole Society/Glasses:  Warby Parker]

It’s Your Turn:  What are you looking forward to most about autumn?  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!

I Feel PrettyLink 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 Fashion Informant, Summer StyleShanna, The Pleated Poppy, Real Girl Style, Style Sessions and Sarah.

Oxford Obsession

Oxford Obsession

It all started with this adorable outfit I found on Pinterest and now I’m full out obsessed with oxfords for fall.  I already have the navy blazer, boyfriend jeans and t-shirt.  All I need is the shoes to complete the look.

Here are a few options that I’m considering.  Which pair is your favorite?

[Restricted “Roosevelt”]

[Crown Vintage “Alice”]

[ModCloth “Trips of the Trade”]

[Hinge “Fraser”]

[Report “Harvey”]

It’s Your Turn:  Will you be buying oxfords this fall?

NORDSTROM GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget today is the last day to enter to win a $365 Nordstrom gift card over at Pinterest Told Me To.  Click on the graphic below to enter!

Pinterest Told Me To Birthday Week-2

You could buy the whole Pinterest inspiration outfit (plus some) with that much Nordstrom dough!

The navy blazer…

[Navy Linen Blazer]

The boyfriend jeans…

[Kut from the Kloth “Catherine”]

And a cute pair of oxfords too!

[Miz Mooz “Monaco”]

Be sure to stop by to enter and wish Sheaffer a happy blog birthday too!

Back to School, Back to Pretty | Organizing Your Closet

Back to School, Back to Pretty | Goal Setting

Our family doesn’t do New Year’s resolutions but instead we do Back to School goals.  For some reason, I just feel more motivated at this time of the year.  Maybe it’s the leisurely pace of summer that leads to the craving of getting back into a routine.  Or it could be the fall weather that gives me more energy and enthusiasm.  Whatever it is, I know that I’m way more successful with achieving goals in the fall.

Our kids also set goals for the school year.  A few weeks before school starts, we have a family meeting.  I hand out slips of paper to the kids and ask each of them to write down three goals for the school year – one related to academics, one for sports or activities and one of their choice.

Here’s what our middle daughter’s looked like last year.

Academics

1.  Get all A’s all year.

Sports

2.  Get all of my level 6 skills before gymnastics competition season.

Free Choice

3.  Make new friends.

At mid-year, over Christmas break, we have a check-in to revisit their goals.  The kids then have the option of adding more goals or changing existing ones, especially if they’ve already accomplished them.

MOM’S BACK TO SCHOOL GOALS

At the same time, I start working on my list of goals.  I try to focus on key areas in my life – Organization, Fitness, Fashion/Beauty, Food and Family Time.  Each category gets a manageable amount of goals, usually 1-3.  Here’s what my goal list might look like:

Organization

1.  Clean out the pantry and buy new baskets/organizers.

2.  Transition closet over to fall clothes.

Fitness

1.  Walk the dog in the morning at least four days a week.

2.  Sign up for a new yoga class, two days a week.

Food

1.  Find new crock pot recipes to try.

Fashion

1.  Create a fall shopping list of needs/wants.

Beauty

1.  Add low lights to hair.

2.  Try berry lip and nail colors.

Family Time

1.  Come up with a list of activities for family fun night.

I try to keep my list manageable so I don’t feel overwhelmed by it.  It’s also full of things that I love and enjoy, it’s not meant to be something that I dread.  At mid-year, I also do a check-in and add/remove items as needed.

It’s Your Turn:  What goals do you have for the coming school year?  Try to carve out 15 to 30 minutes today to write them down.

Get even more tips on time management, organization, fashion and beauty in my new book, Get Pretty, Kick Butt!

Available now on Kindle.

I Feel Pretty | Blessed

I Feel Pretty | Blessed

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.

Book Cover

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.

Now and Later

Mint Tshirt Jeans HeelsAdd a scarf and blazer and this outfit instantly transforms for fall.

Mint Tshirt Navy Blazer

Navy Blazer Scarf

Navy Blazer Scarf Jeans

Rose Royce Jeans Side

Rose Royce Jeans Back

Navy Blazer Close[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

Green Blazer, Floral Scarf, Boyfriend Jeans[Blazer:  ModCloth/Scarf:  Gap/Jeans:  Kut from the Kloth]

CORAL + TURQUOISE

Coral Blazer, Turquoise Scarf, Boyfriend Jeans[Blazer:  Wallis/Scarf:  Fab/Jeans:  Shopbop]

COBALT + FLORAL

Cobalt Blazer, Floral Scarf, Boyfriend Jeans[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!

I Feel PrettyLink 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 Summer StyleShanna, The Pleated Poppy, Real Girl Style, Style Sessions and Sarah.