STYLEnosh

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU WANT TO SET YOUR CLOSET ON FIRE

My wardrobe has officially become a pain in the be-hind. The consternation began when I started packing to move. For as much talk I give about purging your wardrobe and streamlining your closet, I sure do have a bunch of unnecessary crap hidden in the crevices of my lovely walk-in.

It wouldn't be so annoying if I could fit the stuff I have. But a good portion of my clothes need to be altered, which means if I try to wear them now they'll be hanging on me like a potato sack. And what's left after several clothing donations (I'm on my 4th trip to Goodwill this year, is one sorry looking collection of garments? I knew I was in trouble when I tossed undies that I've had for at least 7 years but haven't any considered wearing in the last 5 years. So now what?

What we know- packing sucks. No disagreements there. Luckily, I just found a fantastic video on how to pack your clothes for a move.

How To Pack Clothing For a Move on Howcast

Now, packing sucks less. Maybe I won't torch my wardrobe afterall.

If you're still reaching for the matches, slow down there firestarter. (Remember that movie? Shout out to Drew Barrymore.)  If the disdain for your closet is mounting, you may be struggling with one of these wardrobe challenges:

• Boredom - We often get bored eating the same meals or doing the same activities. So it's only natural to get bored wearing the same clothes. One easy, free thing to do to reduce wardrobe apathy is to switch up the way you normally wear things. If you always pair your gray trousers with a button-down shirt and flats, try a blouse and heels instead. Or a quick flip a fashion magazine can give you plenty of fresh ideas and push you past the clothing blahs to clothing aah ha's. (My go to magazine for fashion inspiration is Lucky. But I think you already knew that.)
  
• Improper fit - Lossing or gaining weight can greatly impact your love or hate for your clothes. Pick one or two key pieces like a great pair of pants or the perfect jacket to get altered immediately. Sometimes just fixing your favorite piece of clothing can totally change your outlook on your closet's potential.
  
• Wear your best stuff - When you get in a slump you usually have a tendency to dress like you're in slump. (Yes, you're not fooling anyone.) Why not wear that dress that makes you look and feel awesome? Or what about those beautiful shoes that you only wear on special occasions? I think the desire to light a fire to your wardrobe is a pretty special enough. 

See, it's starting to look better already. Now back away from the lighter fluid.

NEED AN ONLINE SALE TO BREAK UP THE DAY: VISIT LORD & TAYLOR TODAY

Image: Lordandtaylor.com

There's a One Day Sale today on select items. But there's also a fantastic sale on shoes. Buy one pair and receive 20%. You'll get 25% off two pairs and 30% off three pairs. No promo code needed. Just drop your items in the shopping bag and the discount is automatically deducted for you. There is a great selection of booties and flats. (I'm actually really impressed with the choices because there are a ton of fun, non-boring basic options to choose from. Yay for creative footwear!)

And let's not forget the men. The men's sale includes 50% off sportcoats, trousers, suits, and suit separates. And who doesn't want to see their man in a new suit? (Note: Prices shown reflect the discount.)

MORE FINDS FOR THE FASHIONABLE ON A BUDGET

You can never get too much good fashion on the cheap. This video covers some of the inexpensive lines I've talked about recently like Tucker for Target. (I saw the collection at the store and wanted to buy almost every piece. Very fashionable while being extremely wearable.)  Also featured here is Rachel Rachel Roy. This line is carried at Macy's and I always forget to check it out regularly but it's so awesome. I'm seriusly eying this ruched pencil skirt. Too cute. Here's a link to the full article on Yahoo! Shine.

On a side note, I'm not advocating the bars featured in the article/video. My food choices are centered around fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. And after a quick check of the ingredients list, these bars get the side eye from me.

PROCRASTINATORS, GRAB THAT BAG OF CLOTHING REPAIRS TODAY...

AND FINALLY FIX THEM!

Last month I did a series of posts on easy steps to a better wardrobe. And step four in the series was the dreaded make necessary repairs to your clothes.

Well today I grabbed a stack of shirts with missing buttons and sweaters with holes in the armpit, and I broke out the needle and thread. It took more time for me to find the correct button than it did to actually sew the thing on the shirt.(Notice my extensive button collection above. The shirt I mended was from like 2001 and I still had the extra button that came with the shirt! And yes, that is a button from Casual Corner. Seriously?)

So what's stopping you from expanding your wardrobe by making a few repairs? Are you lazy (like me), lacking skill (you don't have to be a seamstress to fix a button), or just indifferent (you have bigger fish to fry than sewing holey shirts)?

Why not take 30 minutes to add two new pieces back into your wardrobe. For free! It only requires a little sew equity.

TACKLE THE TREND: WEARING LACE WITHOUT THE TARTINESS

My focus this fall is on easy ways to implement the latest trends into the wardrobe you currently own. I mean who really whats to buy four new pieces just to wear one. And I think often, most people think these fashion trends aren't very wearable off the runway. So let's tackle one of big trends for fall- lace.

No, not the kind of lace that involves lingerie and intimate evenings. I'm talking about wearing lace to work. Without having that uncomfortable conversation with human resources. The trick is to think of adding the texture of lace and not the skin.

What: Lace Cardigan from Charlotte Russe $20

Wear: For work, keep the color theme going by pairing the cardigan with a cream shirt and a khaki or camel colored skirt. (Which actually incorporates another fall trend- the neutral color palette). On the weekend, try it with a pair of casual shorts. Add a belt give the topper more stucture or to highlight your waist.

Image: charlotterusse.com

Want a deal? Click below.

THIS WEEK'S SALES - CLOTHES YOU CAN WEAR TO WORK

If you ever wonder who clicks on the ads that pop up on web searches, I'm waving my hand because I'm in that club. And this link to Talbot's is one of the things that caught my eye. Read on for the deals on awesome things to wear to work.

 
Images above: Talbot's cardigan, pencil skirt, ruffled shirt, and sateen pants all on sale.

TALBOT'S  As I clicked through the sale section, I was pleasantly surprised with all the great finds. The discount is an extra 30% off sale prices. Note the prices shown reflect the discount. The pictures above are only a sample of the goods to be uncovered. The only downside is some items are pared down to only a few sizes left.

Craving more savings? Click below.

READER REQUEST: SOLVING THE STYLISH PREGNANCY CONUNDRUM

A few weeks ago one of my faithful readers, hey Mo, lamented about the sorry options in maternity clothing.  I know a lot of people shop at Old Navy and Gap for affordable maternity wear that's actually stylish too. There has to more available for mommys to be. But since I've never had the pleasure of stuffing a super round belly into my favorite pair of jeans, I had to research more viable, detailed solutions.

HELP IS ON THE WAY

I know you probably don't have an inordinate amount of time to wade through Google looking for answers. So I did the wading for you. (No thanks necessary.)

The first site that I found to be extremely helpful is All Things G&D. This blog is written by Dusty and it contains all aspects of her life with her husband (Greg) and now baby girl, Kate. Dusty (what a cool name for a girl!) did a post earlier this year on maternity fashion. It is a must read on pregnancy style because it covers a lot of information on where to buy, brands to buy, and most importantly, how to tackle pregnancy sizing.

But wait! That's not it.

DON'T MISS GREAT FASHION ON THE CHEAP/CHEAPER!

The other day someone asked me what I thought about NY & Company because I never mention it on my blog. I actually used to acknowledge them all the time, particularly when they had sales. Lately I haven't seen anything from NY&Co that really stood out and made me take notice. I'm looking for excitement. Fashion nirvana. Oh, and on a budget of course. If you're looking for the same, here are some lower priced lines from high end designers. Think smaller price tag but still big on style.

Tucker for Target  I wasn't too familar with the Tucker line but I got familiar real quick. These prints scream "I am happily fashionable", thank you very much. If you don't want to venture into a sea of prints, consider buying one of the beautiful dresses and wearing it open like a jacket over a pair of pants. Easy. Simple. Chic. I think Gaby Basora (Tucker designer) may be my new fashion crush.

My Pick: This gorgegous diamond print dress (shown here) is only $39.99.

Also, don't miss the hot british accessory line, Mulberry, who is launching a limited edition collection for Target on October 10th. Don't worry. I'll keep you posted.

MNG by Mango for JC Penney  Mango is trendy clothing company from Spain. In the last few years, they've been expanding their brand recognition in the US. The MNG line designed for JCP is freakin' awesome! I am thoroughly impressed. This line is only featured in a few stores around the US with a bigger launch planned for 2011. So for now, be prepared to browse and buy online. Added bonus: JC Penney is always having a sale, which means you'll rarely pay full price for anything.

My Pick: The stripe woven dress is fun for work or play.

For more fashionable lines on a budget, click below.

OH THE TRICKERY: VANITY SIZING AT A STORE NEAR YOU!

This trend is nothing new. The idea of marking clothing smaller than their actual size has been going on for years. The video pictured here is focused on men. But ladies please know this phenomenom definitely applies to you too. Earlier this year, Huffington Post wrote an article on vanity sizing specifically targeting us.

Why is it important?

THIS WEEK'S SALES - FASHION'S NIGHT OUT & MORE!

Today marks the calendar for Fashion's Night Out, the fabulous NYC event that pairs shopping with doing good. Not in the Big Apple? Don't fret, my dear. Here's a link for FNO events/sales in your city and/or country. I'm loving that! Check out the PSA below.

Want more sales? Click below.

HOW TO EASILY WEAR FALL 2010 TRENDS TODAY

Fall fashion can either be an exciting time for a fresh perspective in your wardrobe or a complete nightmare of wardrobe anxiety.

Guess what? It doesn't have to be that way. Let's move you from your eyes rolling when fall trends are introduced to eagerly anticipating your new wardrobe possibilies.

If You Only Buy 1 Thing...Get something in a leopard print. This animal skin is everywhere this fall, which means that you can find it in high-end stores and budget bargains alike. Adding a wild, fun print is one of the quickest ways to update your wardrobe. You can go subtle or spunky. A great leopard print cardigan can be worn with every major piece in your closet. With Jeans? Of course. Paired with a pencil skirt? Hot office look. Layered under your old black suit? Ah, yeah. You've just improved your wardrobe with one article of clothing. Congratulations. You look great and it didn't cost you half a paycheck or an entire Saturday scurrying through mall.

UPDATE: WHAT I'M WEARING - HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

I'm back from trip and my one piece of luggage proved to be all I needed for a fashionable yet functional weekend. Here are a few of the outfits I actually wore.

Hanging out with high school chums.