Hey Guys

Guess what? I made it over 200 posts. (let's be nit-picky here, this is post # 201)

Anyway, I can't believe that I actually stuck with it this long since I started on a bit of a whim.
Pretty much how I start everything.

But the comments and the community have definitely made me want to stick with it. 
I think that deserves a big shout out to Sal of Already Pretty, Rebecca of The Clotheshorse, Marta of With Love..., and Erika of Cafe Fashionista, and to everyone else who has commented and decided I'm awesome enough to follow (thanks guys!).
And to all you lurkers (I love you too!)

Thanks for the support.

photo thanks to Paaage

It's Not You, It's Me

Statement necklaces, I know we've been tight for a few years now. In fact, you save my ass every day at work when a customer asks "what can I wear with this shirt?" or "what kind of accessory do you recommend?"
Answer is always: "Just throw a necklace on!"
However, you know, I think we've just grown apart. Too much time together and all that.

So while you might still be fabulous for some other gal this spring, cuff bracelets have really stolen my heart.
I mean, just look at them:

 

Trina Turk Pierced Cuff

Blu Bijoux White Techno Bangle

Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Snake Bracelet

CC Skye Double Mac Link Leather Cuff

Give Me a Sec....

I'm almost tempted. Almost. Except that I've sworn off bootcut (makes my legs look awkward for some reason.)
But if you haven't, and you have tastes like mine... check out this deal on Ebay:

Yup. Those are Hugo Boss leather pants, size 2 currently at $0.01.

Thanks Sis

Thank my sister for this little musical bite. She introduced me to the band The White Tie Affair, which reminds me a little of the punkish teen bopper music that I used to listen to a while back.
But you know, in a good way.
Apparently my sister just has better musical tastes than me : )



Scene Change by The White Tie Affair

Fill It In

So after the clean out, a trip to the tailors, and a drop off at Buffalo Exchange, I'm realizing a few gaping holes in my wardrobe.
The most important thing to take note of are the things that are literally falling apart, which either means I need to
a) upgrade
b) get more because I'm obviously loving them to death.

List of Things my Closet Actually Needs (aka remorse free shopping) 

ballet flats
pencil or full aline skirts (high-waisted, of course)
a pair of slim jeans
a pair of slim chinos
T-shirt and shirt dresses
white blouses/button downs
black opaque tights/leggings
interesting/chunky jewelery
cardigans
anything leather

So I'm saying perhaps I took a peek on Ebay after I got my paycheck, and perhaps I picked up a few basics that were lacking in my wardrobe.

Basic black t-shirt dress and button down, nothing special except that my old ones were pilling and falling apart. Time for an upgrade.

 

Banana Republic t-shirt dress: $19.99

Gap black button down: $2.99

These however are a bit more fun. I somehow managed to gather a bunch of very eclectic skirts, which now because of the bright colors and crazy patterns just really don't fit. So off to the Exchange they went. These are some nice basic with a twist ones to set me off on the right path.

This is hands down my favorite. It almost feels like a worn in, thin suede with a nice quilted pattern. Very stretchy and body con, it's pretty sexy if I do say so myself.

Ralph Lauren pencil skirt: $19.99

This one is just cute and flirty, also with a slight corduroy texture and beautiful creamy color.

Gap skirt: $8.00

I also got a chambray shirt, but it was faded on one side. So annoying when you get a dud, but I figure you just one of the risks of Ebay.

Anyway, I think I'm off on the right track again. Don't you just love it when you have a functional closet?

Something Sweet

Just as I'm browsing through ASOS for my jeggings and grey dress (aren't they perfect?) I stumble on this code from Chicintuition....

For 20% off all merchandise at ASOS use the code ASOSINSTYLE at checkout.

You're welcome.

Clean Sweep

* Editor's note: Yup, this is the article that started all of this wardrobe rehaul nonsense. After my editor got at it you don't hear as much of my bitching about my own closet :) but believe me, it was there.


New Year, new semester, new classes, and new books. With so much new clutter coming into our lives, who doesn’t like a clean slate? While there are some things we just have to deal with (parents, homework and dating anyone?) our closet is one area where we can all get a fresh start.

It’s a good idea to clean out your closet and take stock of your wardrobe at least twice a year, and what better time to revamp your wardrobe than at the start of a new semester?

If you spend most of your time thinking “I have absolutely nothing to wear!”, if you find yourself in a uniform of jeans, t-shirt, and tennis shoes, or if your roommates have taken to calling your closet “The Pit”, then this guide is for you.

1. Purge
You’re going to need an hour or two. Put on your favorite music and go through your closet, and yes, you must try everything on.
Divide everything into two piles: things you wear and things you don’t.
Be ruthless.
If it’s damaged, unflattering, too big, too small, or just strange it goes in the “don’t wear” pile.
If you can’t remember the last time you wore it, it goes in the “don’t wear” pile.
If you don’t absolutely love it, it also goes in the “don’t wear” pile.


2. Take Note
Now go through the “don’t wear” pile and ask yourself these questions:

Is it damaged beyond repair? Throw it out
Can a tailor or I fix it, hem it, or resize it? Put it in a pile to take to the tailors. A great, reasonably priced tailor is Laura & Melinda’s (137 Rivington street, (212) 228-4500).

Now for the stuff you never wear. Look at them closely; is it a certain color or cut that doesn’t flatter you? Are you just not a boho-chick? Do you have twenty pairs of sky high heels and can’t walk in any of them?
Note what’s wrong with them, put them in bags to donate, and next time you go shopping make sure to stay far away from these types of items.

3. Organize
Put everything you wear back in your closet, but don’t just shove it back in there!
You’re much more likely to wear something if it’s not lurking on the floor with the dust bunnies.
Invest in hangers, a shoe rack, and jewelry trees to organize and present your wardrobe. Great places for organizers on a budget are Bed, Bath & Beyond (1932 Broadway, (917) 441-9391) and The Container Store (629 Sixth Avenue, (212) 366-4200).

A general guideline for organizing:
Always hang wovens, it will keep them from wrinkling.
Fold knits. Hanging will cause the weave to stretch.
Never pile shoes on top of each other, it will scuff the leather.

Having everything organized not only allows you to see your full range of possibilities, but the better you take care of your clothes, the longer they’ll last.

4. Go Shopping
Now that you can actually see what you have, it’s time to fill out your wardrobe. Over the next couple days, compile a list of what your closet needs.
Needs are those things that will make it easier for you to get dressed in the morning or add to your style. (and let’s be honest, while a few dozen pairs of Louboutins would add to anybody’s style, it is certainly not a need.)
Make sure to consider your lifestyle, climate, personal style and budget.

Ten basics that every girl should own:

Versatile little black dress
Pair of flattering dress pants
Classic white shirt
Perfect pair of jeans
Tailored jacket or blazer
Basic cashmere/merino wool sweater
Great pair of party heels
A bring everywhere handbag
Classic trench coat
Great fitting bra
Lazy day flats

Now that you have a functioning and clean closet, let’s make sure to keep it that way. Do a closet clean out every once in a while and those “nothing to wear” days will be a thing of the past.

Places to Donate Clothing:

Operation Fairy Dust (formal dresses)
http://www.operationfairydust.org
Drop off donations at:
Jeeves of Belgravia
39 East 65th Street
(212) 570-9130

Dress for Success (professional attire)
http://www.dressforsuccess.org/
Mail donations to:
68 35th Street
Building 4, 6th Floor
(718) 832-6201

Goodwill
http://www.goodwill.org/
217 W 79th Street
(212) 874-5050

Salvation Army
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org
536 W 46th Street
(212) 757-2311

Places to Sell clothing:

Buffalo Exchange
http://www.buffaloexchange.com/
332 E. 11th Street
(212) 260-9340

Ebay
www.ebay.com