STYLEnosh

CLOSET ORGANIZATION: SWITCHING YOUR WARDROBE FROM WINTER TO SPRING

When I was in college, my friend CT would swap her winter wardrobe with her spring wardrobe every March or April. I thought this concept was odd because I could only afford one wardrobe and the notion of taking home my winter stuff to make room for my spring/summer stuff was mind boggling to me. I thought CT must be rich.

Now I realize that a lot people have two different closets, one for cold weather and another for the warmer seasons. And most of them are not rich. And while the two-wardrobe system works for most people, I've never really subscribed to it. I believe in having one wardrobe. Of course I don't wear my heavy sweaters in July, but I do keep those sweaters in my closet all year round. Working with one closet through all four seasons allows me to always be aware of what I have while challenging myself to find new ways to wear it.

If you participate in the spring closet switch each year, consider these tips to help streamline the process and your wardrobe:

• Eliminate – Since you’re storing your winter items and not planning on wearing them for a while, donate or discard any items that don’t fit properly or you haven’t worn in the last two years.
• Repair – Changing your closet is a great time to get that button fixed on your favorite shirt or replacing the zipper on that cute pair of pants.
• Reorganize – Take the time to neatly fold t-shirts and sweaters that will remain in your closet. Hang any items that may have accidentally found themselves on the floor.

For more tips on updating your closet, see my previous posts, “Where to Begin” and “Parting with Your Clothes".

IN AN EFFORT TO HELP PEOPLE...

Boy, I must have really stepped on some toes with my previous post on surfing the internet on company time. The follow up dialogue has been plentiful and entertaining. And one of my kind, knowledgeable friends pointed out that most companies do regularly monitor employee internet use. Yes, big brother is definitely watching. Not all web browsing is viewed as a problem. Here's a quick list of the types of sites that are typically okay to view at work:

Good - news sites, your bank, search engines (with a work related search history)

Questionable - eBay, search engines (with non-related search histories)

You may want to update your resume - Porn (I am continuously amazed at the number of people who look at porn on their work computer.) Don't do it!!! EVER! Unless you don't mind the risk of losing your job.

So please familiarize yourself with your company's internet/computer use policy. This information should be housed wherever your company keeps employee policy or employee conduct information.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

In a previous post, I talked about incorporating the new, trendy swing jacket into your wardrobe. And to my delight, some of you didn’t pass on the opportunity to let me know that you didn’t like trend or my version of it. Let me say that I sincerely appreciate all of your comments, emails, criticisms, and critiques. STYLEnosh is all about introducing new trends and encouraging you to wander out of the comfort of your closet. And with your feedback, we just might create our own version of what's in style.

NOSH ON THIS...

I had an interesting conversation the other day with one of my friends about how he likes to do all of his internet business at work as opposed to utilizing the hi-speed internet service he pays for at home. I can relate because as I explained to him, I believe that web surfing at work is the equivalent of taking a smoke break without the health risk. And I’m not the only one thinking about the impact the internet has had on workplace productivity. So all this talk about using the internet at work for non-work purposes made me wonder how much time do people waste at work?

Here’s what I discovered: (This information is taken from an AOL/Salary.com survey.)

Top Time-Wasting Activities (% of people out 10,000 surveyed)

1 Surfing Internet (personal use) 44.7%

2 Socializing with co-workers 23.4%

3 Conducting personal business 6.8%

4 Spacing out 3.9%

5 Running errands off-premises 3.1%

6 Making personal phone calls 2.3%

7 Applying for other jobs 1.3%

8 Planning personal events 1.0%

9 Arriving late / Leaving early 1.0%

10 Other 12.5%

I’m not condoning shopping on the internet or researching your next vacation on company time. I thought the topic was interesting and I figured you might find it interesting too. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to write more blog posts so you’ll have something to do at work.

STYLE TIPS: WHAT’S YOUR FOOLPROOF OUTFIT?

I’m sure you’ve been in this position before. You have your day all planned. As you settle into a relaxing day full of nothing, you get a call from your friends inviting you to brunch. Or out for a drink, or any other social activity that requires you to put on pants. You only have 30 minutes to dash out the door and you haven’t even showered yet (Don’t even pretend like I’m the only one.) And more importantly, what are you going to wear???

Whenever I’m in this predicament, I have a couple of safe choices to consider. I will usually select a tank/t-shirt, blazer, and jeans. Or if I want to do as little thinking as possible, I’ll opt for a dress. I’m showered, dressed (stylish of course), and out the door in record time. Think this feat is impossible for you? It doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to consider when creating your foolproof outfit:

• Fit – Pick items that look good on your body type. I reference the importance of body type often because it really is the foundation of creating a great wardrobe.
• Buy what you like – It sounds simplistic but I’m always amazed that after people purchase things they comment later that, “It was okay” or “It will do”. Trust me, you can’t build your foolproof outfit around, “it will do”. The point is this; buy clothing that you actually find appealing cause you'll be more likely to wear it and you'll feel better in it.
• Diversify – As it turns out, this word can be applied to more than just your retirement portfolio. When it comes to your wardrobe, it helps to try multiple variations of the same outfit. For instance, I have a black blazer and a pair of jeans that I love, love, love. I have endless possibilities with these two pieces of clothing because I can wear various blouses, shirts, and sweaters with my favorite jeans/blazer combo. And it works for all seasons because I can pair it with every shoe imaginable from sandals to boots. It’s the closet thing I ever gotten to the adult version of garanimals.

And consider this, if you do the legwork upfront and create a foolproof look that works for you, you’ll be ready to roll when your friends call and coax you off the sofa.

FASHION TIPS: CONSIDER A SWING JACKET

One my favorite items to wear is a jacket or a blazer. I have so many jackets that I really shouldn't even look at another one let alone purchase one. But that logic didn't stop me from buying a new swing jacket (see below) from Forever 21. I think this trendy, throwback style is the epitome of chic. Check out Frugal Fashionista for more affordable versions of this jacket. Invent your own creative ways to make this look work for you!

I'm going to wear this black and white piece with dark wash jeans and green, mini wedge shoes. It can also be paired with a pencil skirt or sleek pants for an updated work look.

SOMETIMES YOU WANT A FATTY SNACK

During a conversation with my friend Sat last night, she said something like, “The other day I was reading your blog AND I wanted a fatty snack too.” (She was referencing my tag line "Skip fatty snacks. Nibble on fashion.) I think we all can relate to wanting things that we really don’t need. A new watch, a designer handbag, a big hank of cake.

Here’s a compilation of all the lovely things I want but know I don’t need:
• Sigerson Morrison open-toe pumps in toffee (so pretty, so the equivalent of two months worth of food)
• A big bowl of macaroni & cheese
• BC Footwear “Don’t Panic” sneakers (spotted in the April issue of People Style Watch but I can't find them on the internet!)
• An ample sized, plush area rug for my living room

Normally I’d offer a witty solution to this minor dilemma. However, I’m beginning to realize that sometimes you just want a fatty snack. (Just don’t overdo it.)

SHOPPING TIPS: CAN YOU REALLY AFFORD TO SHOP

Okay, it appears that we spend a lot of money on looking good. One of my guy friends even thought that the average amount spent on clothes for men was too low! (Sounds like an undercover metrosexual to me ☺) Anyhoo, I’m all for spending money, if you have it to spend. But if you can’t afford to eat dinner you may want to pass on those new shoes. So how do you know if you can afford all those pretty, shiny things you’re coveting? One way to check is to call the Suze Orman show.

I was watching Suze on Saturday and she has a segment on her show called, “Can you afford it?”. Basically people call in and tell the financial expert what they would like to buy i.e. a Rolex, a speedboat, etc. Suze tells them whether or not they can afford the item given their income, savings, and monthly expenses. The things that people “think” they can afford stupefy me. We have truly convinced ourselves that our purchasing power is extended exponentially through the magic of credit cards. And while plastic money can aid you in your next shopping spree, they don’t have the same effect when you're funding your retirement plan.

I have made similar financial mistakes in the past. And now I am committed to discovering new ways to look fabulous using less money. Here are some shopping tips that take into consideration your true money situation:
• Know your money – understand how you really spend your money on a daily basis. If you bring in $2,000 in take home pay but you have $2,300 going out every month, you can’t afford to spend any money on clothes. Look good with the stuff you already own!
• Minimize random purchases – remember you created a plan of the things you wanted to enhance your wardrobe.
• It’s okay to be a regular person – regular people have to watch the amount of money leaving their hands. Closely. And regular people don’t spend thousands of dollars on a single shopping trip. Remember, we spend about $1,000 for the entire year. And that’s okay. Part of the reason we’re surviving on the plastic diet is because many of us are ashamed to say we stalk clearance racks and look for new trends at Target. Trust me, it’s okay. Say it a few times and you’ll start to believe it. Start to believe it and you’ll stop buying things that you really can’t afford.

NOSH ON THIS...

I’m always fascinated by the statistics on what the average American spends on clothing and shoes. Do these numbers resemble your spending habits?

In 2005:
• The average U.S. household spent $1,178 per year on women’s apparel
• The average U.S. household spent $849 per year on men’s apparel
• $131 billion was spent on women’s apparel
• $94 billion was spent on men’s apparel

I’m certain I’ve spent more than that the past couple of years. But I don’t plan on spending half of that in 2007. (This year I am mastering the art of looking good for a lot less money.)

STYLEnosh: THE RESOURCE

While talking with my friend J, who incidentally is the person who taught me that the color red is a neutral, she mentioned that she was no longer purchasing leather goods and wares because of her discontent with animal cruelty for the sake of cute shoes. Immediately my brain started churning and I told her that she should check out Stella McCartney’s line because she’s committed to vegan accessories too. I went on to comment on the extremely cute (and pricey) pair of Stella McCartney straw sandals that I saw in one of the magazines. I think it was Oprah. Then, in less than 60 seconds, still chatting without missing a beat, I located the shoes in question and pronounced, “Yep, they’re in the March Oprah on page 120.” Then J says, “It’s like you’re the internet.” I don’t think I’ve ever received a higher compliment.

I love the internet. To me, it’s like food. So if someone says that I’m like the internet I think, “my work is done.” Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself because I’m definitely not done. The whole purpose of this blog is to promote style and provide you with information about the affordable, fashion choices available. And as they say, “I’m just getting started.”

So if there’s something you’re looking for but you’re not quite sure where to find it, send me an email and I’ll put my knowledge and resources to work for you.

STYLE TIPS: DON'T BE A FASHION VICTIM

This week on ANTM, model guru, Tyra Banks chastised several of her budding models for looking like, well how should I say, not like a model! Some of the girls did portray a lack fashion sense, i.e. Dionne and her drab look. And some of the girls just tried too hard, i.e. Cassandra and the shoe straps over the jeans. I understand how a person can stumble across the line from stylish to style-less. It is a very small line. So how do you avoid becoming America’s next fashion victim?

Unfortunately, there really is no way to guarantee fashion perfection. But there are ways to minimize making poor choices. Here are a few tricks to try:

Ask a friend – We’ve all seen them at work, parties, or other occasions. She typically has something hanging out that most of us would prefer to see pushed back into hiding. And you look at your friends and say, “She really needs a friend.” In other words, get a second opinion. And if you’re home alone and you’re just not sure, please pick up the phone.

Use common sense – Now I’m not one for a whole lot of fashion rules, but a few basic ones can save you from a clothing catastrophe. I’m talking about not wearing shirts that stop before the top of your pants, leaving unnecessary amounts of skin hanging out. The same rule applies to high-water pants and shoes with your feet hanging off of the back. These faux pas should be “common sense”, but apparently they’re not because I see this kind of craziness all the time. Just don’t do it. Please, please, please, don’t do it. Don’t make me beg.

Watch and learn – It’s okay to not be an expert in a particular area. It’s just not necessary when you can flip through magazines, read blogs, or just watch stylish women in your life or on television for ideas and tips. I know most of you don’t have a lot of time but you have to be willing to do a little work. You have to be willing to learn and apply your newfound knowledge.

SPRING 2007 SHOPPING LIST

Every season I make a list of the things that I would like to buy to enhance my wardrobe. I use this tactic because it helps me pinpoint what I want while minimizing the likelihood of random purchases.

Here’s what’s on my list for Spring 2007:
• White, strapless eyelet dress at Old Navy $34.50. This dress looks better in person. It's versatile because it can be worn casually with flip-flops or you can dress it up heels.
• Crocs ballet flats $25 at crocs.com – These waterproof slip-ons are featured in the April issue of Lucky magazine. I think they are so cute. They come in several colors. (I’m still trying to decide on a color. I'm vacillating between cotton candy or gold.)
• Flowy tops - These cute, little shirts are everywhere now. I love them because in addition to being super chic, there's room for you to eat a sandwich without worrying about your stomach pouching out. Sweet! Check out this BCBG top at Nordstrom's.
• Tie-neck blouses – I’ve seen this style at several stores too. I especially like this version at Kohl’s for $22.80. It will look perfect with fitted jeans and mini-wedge peep-toe shoes.

What are you buying this spring?