Closet Re-Vamp

As you've all probably gathered, I love to donate and to organize.

So after reading lovely Sarah's blog, I (again) wanted to go through my closet and drawers to sort, try on, and organize!

On the plus side: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (remember when I wrote about it last year?) so all of what I am tossing will be donated LOCALLY to the people in the DV and homeless shelters right here in town! I just love it!

On the OTHER plus side: it lets me see what I'm lacking in my wardrobe, what else I need/want, and what does and does not fit!  I was pretty scrupulous when going through everything to look for holes, stains, rips, etc. and deemed if it was worthy of donation, trash, or needed to go in my sew pile for fixing (or as fabric for later projects).

I went through e.v.e.r.y. piece of clothing (meaning all panties, socks, jackets, scarves, shirts, skirts, etc.) and tried them all on.  Everything that did not fit me was put in the donation pile (with the exception of panties...those that didn't fit were trashed).  Everything that was still in good shape but I didn't want also went in the donation pile.  And what did I donate you ask?  A great pile of stuff!  There are bras, tanks, shoes, tights, dresses, dress pants, t-shirts, and more!

This is the pile before I bagged it, grouped into categories.  Below are (bad) shots of my closet and shoe rack after off-loading these goods (and all reorganized for the fall/winter months ahead).

Well that's it!  I urge you to attempt to donate locally if possible as it REALLY makes a difference plus what have you got to lose?  

Plus now that I have made room in both my dresser drawers and closet, I know what I need to fill in gaps and find stuff that fits better. 

Cheers to donating, purging, and finding new things to wear!

XOX,
J

Style Inspiration

I've never really had a certain style.  I like all genres of clothing.  I have no particular preference of any either.  So naturally my closet and drawers are a mix/match of various designs, lines, colors, and trends.

But I've been trying to hone in on a few more professional pieces and looks for future employment.  And I've found women who I just ADORE in their style choices.  They are some of my inspiration!  Check out 4 of my favorite style inspirations.

1. Sarah Jessica Parker-not only do I love her confidence as both a mother and an actress but I L-O-V-E her style.  SJP and her most popular character, Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, are closely tied with style and fashion.  What was also pretty cool was that SJP was able to help in shaping Carrie's personal style and SJP was able to keep the entirety of the SATC Carrie closet after production!  Whether or not you love the show or the women, you've got to admit that the fashion was fierce.  But one awesome thing about SJP is her unique way in which she blends the classic with the modern.

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Just look at this Alexander McQueen dress from 2010.  Simple elegant shape but with a wonderful funky color and pattern.  I LOVE it.

Below are some Carrie style choices that are also pretty amazing and SJP pulls them off flawlessly.

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I just love the awesome textures, pops of pattern, and boldness of these 3 looks.  Very unique but pretty wonderful.  Although SJP has shown a lot of Carrie flare post SATC, she is also known for a more laid back style and line. 

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The versatility and simplistic looks she has are impeccable and I want to draw more inspiration from her in her confidence in style choices and colors.  

How does one get looks like SJP/Carrie? ACCESSORIZE!  Flair for accessories is what both SJP and Carrie are known for.  Quirky hair pieces, bold detailing, and sassy shoes are what make a SJP outfit.

2-Kate Middleton-the Duchess of England has definitely evolved into some amazingly classic and understated pieces making her looks timeless and elegant.  Known for her dresses Kate purposefully seems to blend colors that match her to a T and lines that work with her toned and slim physique.

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Notice the simple shape and the muted gray/blue tones in both the jacket and shoes.  Classic and chic.

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Here we have subtle detail and elegance.  Again she goes with a muted tone seemingly both proper and respectful for the benefit she is attending.  I ADORE this dress for its line and strap/bead-work detail.

These 2 looks below show the chic and casual Kate that is not often focused on although they both still pull together grace and modernity.

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She gets bold with patterns here and pops of color making these looks modern and a bit more playful.

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This last look shows again muted tones but a flirty shape and pattern while Kate attends a Polo match.

How do you dress like Kate?  DRESSES, DRESSES, AND MORE DRESSES!  Once you find a line that works with your shape (Kate's seems to be mid to quarter length sleeve jacket layered over a cinched waist in knee length) in toned down colors, find accessories that match and bring simplicity and class to each look.  Set with a basic curl to the ends of your hair and you've got a Kate-inspired look.  If you really want to make the look perfect, find a hat that is a bit bold in shape but matches the tone of your colors.

3. Nicole Richie-having come from a famous family and a wild background the mother of 2 and fashion designer has a style with a bohemian flair and relaxed chic look.  She brings this casualness into the spotlight although she's not afraid to bring some glam and sparkle either.

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Known for the maxi dress Nicole brings a great drapery line that is both comfortable and flattering to her petite physique.  A maxi dress automatically provokes thoughts of whimsical summers and walks on the beach.  Matches with a great gladiator sandal and simple hand-bands easily complete this look.

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The dress above shows Richie's glam rocker side.  A great silhouette along with some edgy coloring and cuts definitely add a touch of pizzazz to the more known boho-chic lady.

Below we see the characteristic layering technique Richie is iconic for.

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These looks demonstrate a great way to layer pieces, mix textures, and combine colors that work for a laid-back and pulled together look for any women.

How do you achieve these Nicole Richie looks?  Think beach + Dylan + Hepburn.  Utilize Headbands, loose braids, and subtle vintage eyeliner to complete your boho look.

4. Marilyn Monroe-last but certainly not least, MM has always held a special place in my heart for her brazenness and her beauty.  Her curves have helped a multitude of women embrace their shape and opt out of the pencil thin ideal of style and beauty.  Marilyn used her curves to her advantage both in her professional and personal life although that life was short-lived with her unexpected death.  Her legacy lives on through revamps in fashion and trends in today's style.  One unfortunate thing about MM's style is that most seem to think of her style in the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes get up or the Seven Year Itch dress.  One of the most tragic things about MM is that people equated her to her roles instead of separating the two, an unfortunate mishap that sometimes happens with actors.  So here, I want to discuss her owns style, not her characters.

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This dress embodies everything MM. Curves, a soft glow, and sparkle.  This dress was worn when she sang "Happy Birthday Mr. President" to JFK.  Iconic as it is it also envelopes sex appeal and luxury.

Below we see the classic black-and-white casual outfit.  These colors are classics which can be paired with anything to make it more modern or toned down to keep the vintage flair MM had.  It's a simple three quarter length sweater with some white pedal pushers.  Both comfy enough to lounge around in or run some errands in.

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This last look shown above is from an award show.  She brings about her sexiness in this strapless gown along with a touch of class with her fur drape and silk gloves.

So how do you dress like Marilyn Monroe? You use your femininity and confidence as a women.  No MM look is complete without platinum blonde curls, figure hugging pieces, and a knockout smile.  Also make sure you bring some confidence and red lips and you've got it made!

So that's it! My inspirations, my fashion muses.  I've got more but these are probably my favorites right now.

Do you have anyone who inspires your fashion sense or personal style?

I have a {clothes} mission

Who would have thought that the 90s movie "Clueless" would inspire me....

Seriously.  It's bizarre.

Here's the deal:  I'm not that great with clothes.  I have a laid back/comfortable style but there are times when I need to be more polished and professional for my job and for my future career in research/academia.  And I've got (some) pieces that assist in the polishing...but my biggest issue is putting the damn pieces together!

Am I alone in this?
Is it just my OCD flaring up?
Is Pinterest to blame for their awesome clothes and great pieced outfits that I am becoming obsessed with?

*Le sigh*

I tried looking for an virtual closet online.  I mean you would think that if Cher (from Clueless) had this awesome computer wardrobe sorter back in the 90s (and yes, I know it's a movie) you would think something would be available online for this sort of thing in 2012 with all of the technology that's around...but I have found nothing really with the exception of one website which is entirely awkward to navigate and laid out wrong.  Plus the hubs lets me know that this type of un-user friendly site is a great place to attract virus'....

So what will I do you ask?  I am making it a mission to have a virtual closet so I can view all of my options and get opinions on outfits I want to piece together while keeping track of when I wore things last (which will be VERY helpful in my donation binges) and where I got them. Tedious? Yes.  A bit cumbersome to upkeep? Absolutely.  Worth it? I'd like to think so.  I really think this could be beneficial.  Hell-maybe if I find that it works very well I'll create a website that will be user friendly and virus free, ha ha!

You see-I find that when I'm not sure what to wear because I don't have time to really spend sorting and matching different pieces together or am too overwhelmed by my choices (overwhelmed not because I have that many pieces but because I'm not that great at it) I tend to wear the same. old. things. And that's just boring!

Do you ever find yourself looking through pictures and noticing you're wearing the same shirt or same accessories or same dress to dressier occasions?  I do and I'm bored with it. 

I want to know that I have versatile pieces that can work with a multitude of things in my wardrobe.  I want to know what I'm lacking (both piece and color wise).  I want to know that I don't have to go spend a ton of money on new clothes because there are so many ways to re-invent what I've got...I just need a way to sort it out!

I am lucky to have a few great fashion goddesses as friends/family who are fortunate enough to just know how to pull these things together constantly...and I will be using them constantly in helping me with this project.

So what do you think-do you think this is a colossal waste of time?  Do you think this is a neat idea?  Do you think it won't work?  If so, why?  Would you do this?  Do you have a way to mix/match things together for awesome wardrobe changes?  Do you know of a site that already exists and works well?

I NEED YOUR FEEDBACK!  HELP!

Must Haves

Every person is different when it comes to personal style.  Each individual displays a certain persona or image when s/he goes out (even when we say we don't) and usually there are a few "must haves" that make their way into our image.

I find that I count my wedding rings as must haves not only because of the romantic/intimate significance but also because they make my otherwise stumpy hobbit hands looks half-way decent.  I also prefer to wear earrings (outside of when I shower or sleep).  Sometimes I forget but when I remember-they are a must have.  I think it's because any outfit, regardless of the image you're trying to portray looks a bit more subtle (think pearl or diamond studs) or glammed out (chandelier or feathers) with a pair of earrings-I think they complete an outfit.

My husband for the longest time wore high-top Chucks for his must have.  I literally don't ever remember him wearing any other type of shoe (unless he was in character) for like the first 2 years we were together, ha ha!  I don't know the full reason but I think it had part to do with the fact that he was into basketball in high school and in part due to the "renegade" look they portray (he thinking he was a rebal for a while).

I know a few people who count their undergarments as a must have-not just wearing them (ha ha!) but the specific kind/brands they wear!  A bit personal but still a must have for some!

So my question to you dear readers is this:

What are your style must haves?

Must you always have closed toed shoes?  Must you always wear a hair accessory?  Must you always use a certain eyeshadow regardless of the outfit?  Or are there certain must haves in your closet such as: must have a LBD (little black dress), must have a trench coat, must have only Victoria Secret undergarments?

I am curious.  I want to know what YOUR must haves are for either your own personal style or what YOU think everyone should have in their style.  And when you list, think about why these things are must haves for you.  Do you always wear a certain charm bracelet because it's a gift from your grandmother?  Do you always wear eyeliner because you think it makes your eyes look smaller?

I want to know!

My 2012 style-part 2

Alright ladies and gents: here's the big reveal!  Check out my great purchases and help me come up with further outfit ideas!  

Now remember-I was hoping to get: 1 pair of good fitting jeans, 1 top that works for school/work/casual hanging out. and 1 pair of shoes I can walk in that also look cute for approximately $100.

How do you think I did?

First-this morning I purchased the hat below from Target.com.

I am absolutely in love with hats and I really think this is a good one! Online price $9.98 (on sale) before taxes and shipping.  After: $16.43.  About the same price as it would be in store before the sale but my local store didn't have it and I adore it.

Second is a great black ANA "cocoon" sweater/cardigan from JCPenney.  On sale for $19.99 marked down from $50.00!.  I own absolutely no black cardigans of any kind so I think this is a great investment for the fall/winter months.

Third-I found a great pair of jeans also from JCPenney! The funny thing is: just yesterday when I was going through clothes that didn't fit, I got rid of a gray denim pair just like this.  I was really bummed about it because I loved them but was like "Well, if I can't wear them at least someone else can."  And lo-and-behold! I got some great gray skinny jeans from ANA for $24.99 marked down from $48.00!  A great steal and they look and feel great!

(They look like shorts here but I folded them so they'd fit in the picture.)

 Fourth-I got this wonderful pair of gray/brown moccasins from JCPenney.  Also on sale: $19.99 marked down from $39.99.  I fell in love with these the moment I laid eyes on them and they feel great! They were the last pair (in the store, not just my size!) so I nabbed them up before someone else could take them.  Definitely an awesome steal.

Grand total at JCPenney (after taxes): $71.30

Before we went to JCPenneys Derrick and I went to Ross to look for shirts.  I think Ross is a great place to get inexpensive tops for work (business casual/business) but you've really got to dig around for them.  Half the time I come out with nothing other times (like today!) I hit a jackpot.  I don't know what these pieces original prices were (since it's Ross and they're kind of like an overstock place) so I'll just list the purchased price.

This great cobalt/navy shirt has an adorable neckline (sorry you can't really see it here). Only $7.99 and fits really well! Also I thought the color works with any season and is pretty simple so can count as a basic if need be.

 Next I found this great gray top-it fits a tad loose but because of the lines and the scrunched sides (which you can't see in the picture) it looks great and now will match my gray denim AND gray shoes! I didn't plan on finding a gray outfit but it works great for basics and especially the winter months!  Purchased for: $9.99

And last and probably my favorite piece is this great patterned navy and cream top.  It fits like a luxurious glove and looks so great with my (newly) colored hair!  I also have a thing for navy and copper so that may lend itself to my love for this shirt.  Purchased price: $9.99.

Grand total at Ross (after taxes): $30.70

And the grand total for my shopping spree is: $16.43+$71.30+$30.70=$118.43.  Not bad at ALL considering I came away with 3 tops, 1 cardigan, 1 pair of jeans, 1 great hat and 1 pair of shoes.  BOTH goals accomplished!!

YAY ME!  Now I've got to find other things in my closet (and maybe do some more shopping with my next paycheck) to work with these items.

So I am asking you blog friends: got any fashion advice on how I should work these items into my everyday?  Or what I should purchase next to help complete these looks?  I am asking for YOUR help!  Remember: my fashion sense is very broad so crossing any "fashion lines" is totally acceptable and I am willing to try almost anything at least once!

Help me come up with ideas and once I get the outfit together I'll blog about it naming YOU as my inspiration!

Sound fun?

I am really looking forward to this and hope I'll get some participation!  Now get to thinking-I've got to dress for work tomorrow, lol!

XOXO,

J

My 2012 style-part 1

My clothing style is very broad. I like clothes in all areas-punk, glam, boho, hipster, preppy, etc. I find that I usually dress based on my mood when I can get away with it but I've also realized that there come certain situations where my mood doesn't/shouldn't matter in my attire.  So, for 2012 and hopefully forever I am hoping to re-vamp my wardrobe piece by piece and really wear what I've got in my closet and drawers.  I have a few good basics to start and that are easy transitions from work to casual hangout clothes.  But I need more. **NOTE: I use the term need very loosely-I am a pretty good minimalist when it comes to stuff (at least in comparison to others I know) so I use the term need to refer to what I am lacking in my wardrobe.

So today marks a good day-shopping day! I have a pretty small budget (~$100) but I plan on getting at least 1 entire outfit today.  This means (my hopes for my shopping): 1 pair of good fitting jeans, 1 top that works for school/work/casual hang-outage and shoes I can walk in that also look cute.  At least. I plan on hitting up Ross' for tops and flats so I may come out even better than expected!

I already bought this today online-on sale, versatile AND adorable!  (I have a thing for hats and plan on bringing them more into my wardrobe for 2012.) $15 after shipping and tax-I know it seems silly to ship it when there's a Target in the Boro but I already checked and our store was sold out =P  Any chance I can save moola I'll do it!

Expect part 2 later today when I show you my purchased duds and seek YOUR advice on what to pair them with!

Happy Monday and check back today for my part 2!

"These are a few of my favorite things..."

It's true.  Sing it from the rooftops like the VonTrap children! 

I am in love with the following things:

1) Navy or Ink colored anything. Whether it's nails, clothes, or accessories I am in love with this color right now.  I haven't found one person that's wearing it and not found them a tad classy.  It's just so chic!

Navy/Ink colored nails

(photo courtesy of Vogue.com)

Navy/Ink colored apparel *droooooooooooooool*  I want this tunic SO bad.

(photo courtesy of Mod Retro Indie Clothing & Vintage Clothes)

2) Copper colored eyes/shadows.  I have been told that my actual iris' are the shade of "honey", "tigers eye" and "copper"-all of which I find very flattering.  [Unfortunately the DMV and other governmental agencies only have options for brown, green, blue, and hazel so I'm legally a hazel eyed person.] So, with my Scotts-Irish/Cherokee skin tones and my "copper" eyes I adore copper shadow-on myself as well as on others.  I don't think specifics really affect this shadow either because I've seen different ethnicities, hair colors, and skin tones wear it (trust me-just Google it and you'll know what I mean) and it always looks fierce.  See what I mean:

3 different shades of copper eyeshadow/bronzer-perfect for different skin tones.  This specific brand is from Stila.

(photo courtesy of My Makeup Reviews Blog)

God I love this photo! Simplistic surrounding makeup and this fierce shade! Tell me you don't love the copper trend and I'll buy you a drink.

(photo courtesy of Marie Claire.com)

So naturally-since I am so in love with these two things...

This is my navy purse-purchased from Target-that I ADORE! It matches with everything (for the fall/winter), is big enough to hold everything I need it to AND looks stunning on its own accord.  [Special thanks to my sister for the Target gift card which pushed me to go check things out in the first place!]

And here is my M.A.C. copper eyeshadow that I rocked yesterday to work!  My sister bought this for me when I was 17 and I still haven't scratched the bottom of the pot yet! Granted-I don't wear it every day but I could and it would still last forever! One (of many) things I love about M.A.C. cosmetics is that they use high pigments (meaning more concentrated colors/elements) so the you don't have to use as much when applying-therefore it lasts longer and isn't too heavy!  I know the rule of throwing makeup out when it gets too old but I refuse to toss this until it's bone dry.

This love is pretty strong.  I love these colors separate but throw them together and you've got an amazing combo of chic/fierce-which in my opinion is a perfect balance for a girl who's got a rounded personality. 

(photo courtesy of Google search)

[This is more gold than copper but you get the gist of how awesome they look together.]

Check these pairings and tell me you're not in love too...it's okay: I don't mind the affair as long as the love is real, LOL.

(photo courtesy of Smarter Blogs)

(photo courtesy of Omiru.com - C. Ronson "Annabelle" Shoes | $146 at Active Endeavors)

OR

(photo courtesy of 25 park)

Perfect slim Navy clutch

(Photo courtesy of Google search)

(photo courtesy of albanysalsashoes.com)

(photo courtesy of la-sheboutique.com)

*This second outfit is my favorite! There are so many textures that work so well together and the colors are so smooth together...*droooooooooools* one day...one day, LOL.

Well-I'm sure you all get the idea...I'm in love with copper and navy.  If any of you decide to try this fierce combo together PLEASE show me so I can add it to this blog!  I'm going shopping today so if I can find something that works-I'm doing it!

**Love and Kisses from the Mrs.**

Fashion Tips

I, by no stretch of the imagination, consider myself a fashion guru or even an attempted expert. But-I do observe things (it's the Sociologist in me) and fashion and the like tend to be something I both enjoy and like to take notes on.  The following tips are things I find to work well for me and have later found to be true for others. I won't claim magazine or internet sites as my sources (though I wish I could!) because again, it's mostly based on my observations.
1) How to pick your color

**Have you ever noticed that when you wear that certain shirt how you always get compliments? Or awkward glances? Well-this is a great and easy way to determine what your color is. Pick out a shirt you haven't worn in a while or be so bold and buy a new blouse in a color you never would. If you're getting a lot of compliments or stares ask yourself (or even those so kind to give you the compliment) what makes this shirt complementary-is it how the color works so well with your skin tone and hair color? Is it the neck line? Is it the fit or line? Color is the quickest thing people are usually attracted towards when looking at clothes-details seem to swiftly follow suit. So if you notice that every time you wear a red blouse (regardless of cut and neckline) and that cute guy in marketing smiles at you or you get envious glances from your co-workers, think that red may be your color. Obviously, compliments are not the way we want to run our lives but they help in making us stand out even when we know we're fabulous.
**Also check out pictures of celebrities-it sounds kind of high school but with the fashion experts and the oh-so-ever-changing style of the famous, colors that are complimentary to certain hair colors, skin tones, and eye color are key in making their look and trends spot on.
**With how the texture and shade of both our hair and skin wax and wane, make sure you alter a little or you'll be just plain boring. If you're already changing your hair color-why not change into a hue that you've never worn before? Magenta? Or Navy? Olive Green? You'll be surprised at how well you can rock these colors with the simple tweak of your own person (think hair and skin) if you so choose. You don't want to be plain; our fashion is an outward expression of the story we're telling within ourselves. What better way to shout your inward story outwards than with a new color?! (I did this when the mustard color trend was in and I now own a fabulous sweater making my outward self a bit (more!) unique and funky).

(I have found that depending on what the season is and (now) what color my hair-this effects what my color is. But after many trial and errors (along with pasty white skin and a few changes in hair) I have found that my color is purple; NOT lavender but purple. Regardless of the line, details, or make-up I am wearing I always feel confident, pretty and classy in a shade of purple and continue to receive compliments when I wear it.)

2) How to choose your line for your size

**This may sound a little creepy but I found that the best way to find what is a good line or shape on you is to try on wedding dresses. NO-you probably don't wear such fabulous and whimsical outfits on the daily basis but the basics of lines are the same throughout and if you can pull of a wedding dress with a certain line I personally feel that you should be able to pull off the same line in a simple sun dress or tunic top. If it weird’s you out to go to a wedding boutique just to find out a good line for your shape, research it! Wedding magazines and design classes (at particular schools/campus') are amazing and cheap ways to do the same thing without the awkward "No ma'am-I am not getting married anytime soon...just trying to see if this princess style is really me" convo.

(The wedding dress I chose was something I hadn't thought about but ended up being a.m.a.z.i.n.g! It was an empire/sheath style dress-this hides my belly and makes my boobs look big, lol (2 things I like to hide/bring out when I am feeling sassy). I have found that my prom dresses from the past and other styles of dresses and tops I go for are also similar in this aspect-I've found my line!)

 

3) How to choose the right "IT" dress

**Okay-so if you (like me) are in the search for a newer (and smaller! YIPEE!) dress to bring in 2011 you may feel like you have no where to start. Well, these simple tricks are a great way to determine what makes something "IT" for you.

             ~Are you comfortable showing leg? This sounds silly but most dresses, especially in our day and age, are not the ball gown length. So, if you think your legs are "hideous" or "too white" then maybe rethink the dress idea or if you're still so gung-ho on the idea, get a pair of sparkly leggings to hide them. (And girls, I DOUBT your legs are hideous or white).
            ~What's your line? (See 2) for helping with this) Most dresses (unless you're spending a hefty chunk) aren't stylized to stern lines and shapes but they are still loosely made from the basic line of whatever the designer was looking for. If you know you always look fierce in empire, go for it BUT remember: the new year is to try new things so maybe get a completely unexpected line! Totally up to you.
           ~Are you going for the LBD (little black dress) or are you looking for something a bit more flashy? This girl loves the traditional lbd but if I'm going for it I make sure to jazz it up something crazy with a metallic clutch or sparkly headband and cocktail ring because I find just black a bit too drab for my personality. Make sure you're taking the occasion, the company, and location in to account so you don't feel out of place (don't read that as in "feel too different"-read that as in "maybe this micro-mini wasn't a good idea for my work function")

(I have yet to find my "IT" dress to bring in the new year...but once I do it'll be posted here-don't fret chickens!)

4) How to make it all work

**Say it with me now: C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.C.E! A girl can't work any top, skirt, shoe, lip liner without confidence-I refuse to believe it. If you want to go GaGa (meaning like Lady-not a baby) the go GaGa! But remember why she's so memorable and intense: she owns it. I'm not trying to sound like Tyra but what's the point of perusing for 2 hours, trying on 15 different things, and paying a buttload of cash-all for it to sit in your closet and for you to "find the right time to wear it"?! Clothes & accessories are for wearing. Say it out loud and often. If you had the metaphorical balls to buy it (i.e. spend the dough/time/effort) then you damn well should wear it. If you feel like you're lacking in the confidence department remind yourself the entire time you're getting ready of good traits you carry (not even related to fashion/style) and why you are who you are. Simple as that. You'll walk out of the house in a potato sack feeling like a million bucks and you'll look great!
**If you have all of these fabulous clothes and accessories and have no idea how to make them all work together-check out mannequins at the mall. The associates/managers are hired to design them and if you walk by an outfit you absolutely love in the window display-go home and see what/how you can make it work with what you've got in the drawers. If mannequins creep you out, check out ads and other people. There are many fashion forward people in the world so use their awesome talents and make them your own!

(I have kind of set a goal to wear at least 1 piece of jewelry (besides the wedding rings) a day when I remember-this adds a little sparkle or personality or even simplicity to an outfit I am claiming as my own. De-cluttering my closet to the things I know I'll never wear again has also helped bring old pieces in to new light for me-it's like shopping all over again because I'm finding these pieces I haven't seen in so long!!)

I know this was a bit long but I felt a "fashion flare" and wanted to share with my fellow readers!  Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and let me know if you completely disagree or have something else to add!

*For awesome sites to check, view:
http://glamourist.blogspot.com/
http://lefashionimage.blogspot.com/

Love and kisses.