FASHION....

The word fashion makes me excited to type. I big poufy heart love clothes. I have loved them since working at Gap back in high school. My parents called it Gap Crap. I had every dress, denim shirt, and tee you could imagine.

I loved clothes in college so much that I took on a job waiting tables to pay for them all, and the love has continued well through adulthood and still continues today. I am so glad that I have a job that allows me to dress up!

With all that said, I feel that women become overwhelmed with what to wear, what to buy, and how do you make it all look great? For most people, dressing well is an extracurricular activity. They (WE) spend countless hours online shopping, ebaying, at the mall, etc. Once I saw a sign that said, "I feel like such a failure. I have been shopping for 15 years and I still have nothing to wear." Ha!

Now I realize for some of you, fashion is not important. My mother falls into this category. She has massive jewelry (lots of diamonds and bling) but absolutely no interest in fashion or trends, whatsoever. It truly is not important to her. One day, she tried on my Chanel glasses and said she liked them. I was thrilled!! My mama was gonna wear Chanel. When she asked me how much they were, she nearly fell out and immediately slapped my arm! "I can't believe you would spend that on sunglasses...have you lost your mind???" But she has no problem spending it on a diamond cross necklace...ha!! Different strokes for different folks...

BUT, for those of you who ARE into fashion, here are some of my thoughts and opinions. And they are just that! I am no stylist, but I have a black belt in shopping!

My list:

1) The Closet- HANG UP YOUR CLOTHES!! This is a place that can easily become a disaster zone. You all know what I am talking about! You have great intentions to hang your clothes up, but it never happens. And pretty soon, you have a giant pile of wrinkled clothes. And a mess.

2)BINGE and PURGE!

Start with 3 bins or garbage bags

Bin #1 I have not worn this in 6 months. (BUT Katieeee, I will eventually fit back into this. But I love these maternity jeans. I paid so much for this!!) NO NO NO.....throw it alllll out. If you have not worn it in 6 months, it is GONE. The End. (PS-Goodwill is a tax donation. Or sell it on Ebay!)

Bin #2 Trash I know you girls have wrappers, candy, juice boxes, water bottles in your purse. Clean all this juink out and keep it clean! I keep a waste basket in my closet for paper.

Bin #3 Alterations. If something does not fit, a button is missing, a hem is ripped out....Take all these items to your dry cleaners, and get them fixed. ASAP. You will be so glad you did!

3) Organization Time!
Get rid of all metal, dry cleaner, or torn hangers. Invest in some decent hangers. You can find these anywhere....even the dollar store!

Hang all your clothes correctly and facing the same way. This makes it very easy to find what you are looking for....

Organize by item types (dresses, jeans, pants, skirts, fold sweaters,etc)

Then, organize by color....

DON'T YOU ALREADY FEEL BETTER???

4) Your closet should be your woman cave....your sanctuary...a place you love to hang out. It does not have to be a large space, but keep things there that you love. I purchased a bulletin board from Wal-Mart, covered it in fabric, and then keep cards from my husband or friends/family that are meaningful. I even had the cards laminated. You could also keep inspirations of things you see, dresses, colors, etc. I am constantly ripping pictures out of magazines! Another touch is keep your favorite candy in a pretty bowl. It can be your hidden stash of Hershey's Kisses.

5) Start mixing and and matching your outfits. Take pictures on your digital camera and print them. You could even post them on your door or in a photo album in your closet. Or on your memo board....

6) One book I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend is The One Hundred by Nina Garcia. These are the 100 essential items you should have in your closet. Items that should last you 10-15 years.

7) When you go shopping, ask yourself these questions??

Will my life be over if I don't buy this?

Will this be cool next year?

Where can I wear this to?

What do I already have that goes with this?

Is it going on sale any time soon?

8) I tend to spend my money on handbags, some shoes, and jewelry. I also spent more on a camel coat, a trench coat, basic trousers, swimwear, bras, and Wofford tights. These are all things that I will keep for 3 seasons or more..

9) I am big believer in a great pair of sunglasses. Again, you should have these for 10 years or more...

10) GO SHOPPING! WOOP WOOP! Buy me something (I kid, I kid)

XOXO-

KJ

PS- Any comments on this post will qualify for a copy of Nina Garcia's book! :)