It’s the start of a brand New Year and you know what that means…time to revisit your closet and do a little detox aka closet organizing and yearly clean out!

First, start by going into your closet and reviewing each and every item. Yes,  you are reading that right- I said  I want you to review each and EVERY item.  Here’s a list of quick questions to ask yourself  if you’re on the fence of  whether to keep, toss or donate:

If  any item doesn’t make you feel you’re  BEST…ditch it ! Same goes for items that are beyond repair,don’t quite fit, or are a bit dated.  I know it’s tough love but you’ll thank me the next time you look into your closet and  every item in there makes you more confident and beautiful. Closet space comes at a premium, and by getting rid of the old,unused or unflattering styles, it allows for the new & improved item(s) to enter  your wardrobe rotation.

Lastly, in order to optimize your closet space to the absolute maximum, all you need do is hang all items back using the same type of hanger. Uniformity is key when you’re looking for extra space, and BONUS…it makes your whole closet look so much more organized.

Zober Non Slip Velvet Hangers (Amazon.com $15.99 -pack of 30)

Zober Premium Velvet Skirt Hangers (Amazon.com $23.99 box 20)

Zober Wood Hangers ( Amazon.com $22.90 pack of 20)

The Tuxedo Jacket is a closet staple. It’s oh so chic, sleek and versatile. Trust me when I say that this is one wardrobe piece that you will wear for years to come.  You can dress it up or down and it can be  paired with a multitude of items depending on the occasion and your preference.

If you have a black tie event, than by all means go GLAM and wear the jacket with a slim fitting tuxedo pant. You can also pair your tuxedo jacket with a long or short skirt,  a pair of sleek leather pants or  even your basic jeans (preferably  in black) .

Tuxedo jackets are available at every price point and can be made to look even more expensive  by having it tailored to fit. Pay special attention  before you purchase to jacket details with special consideration on the lining of the jacket. A fully lined tuxedo jacket creates a more steam lined  silhouette and  isn’t that the whole point of wearing a tuxedo jacket -to look as sleek and chic as possible!

Dolce &; Gabbana Tuxedo Jacket @ Italist.com $1,821.00 Sale:$1375.75

Ralph Lauren Resort 2019 $1,990.00 Available at Ralph Lauren.com

Zara Tuxedo Jacket $89.90

DKNY Satin Trim Tuxedo Jacket Net-a-porter.com $245.00

Tuesday’s tip is all about the red plaid pump andddd if I do say so myself … it’s the perfect item to have on hand for the holidays ahead. I know there are oodles of plaid pump options out there but I have sourced the offerings below to give you a range of heel heights and fabrications. I’m also mindful that the first pump  featured is basically  a Winter white pump with  a red stripe in the weave BUT it has a rhinestone detail and in my mind anything with SPARKLE  is a “must have” for the holidays.

Colette Pump (@J.Crew.com $268.00)

Erika Bow Mules (@ Talbot’s.com $139.00 SALE $97.30)

GX By Gwen Stefani Trio (@Lulu’s FINAL SALE $93.00) 5 Star rating

Jessica Simpson Pump ( @Dillards.com $89.00 SALE $53.40)

Fact. Did you know that 89% of  all women are wearing the wrong size bra.  89%?! That’s frightening on so many levels .

Bra’s are the “foundation” of our wardrobe. A well fitted bra can lift you up-LITERALLY and give the appearance of a smoother and more streamlined shape.

The good news is…. that this is a very easy problem to fix.

Major department stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s, have a bra specialist in store- trained to measure,fit  and recommend the best bra size for your shape.

In addition, there are a number of  specialty lingerie stores (as in LaPerla &, Soma Intimates) where sales consultants are usually highly trained and can offer personalized experience to insure the absolute best bra fit.

In my opinion..I feel it is highly advisable to spend the money and go to a specialty lingerie shop at the onset to ensure that your fit is perfected and then you can shop as time goes forward with the knowledge you attained from a specialist. The number one reason that celebrities always look flawless is due in large part to the proper undergarments,starting with wearing the right bra.

I hope this little post  lifts your spirits and your appearance.

Today’s Tuesday Tip has everything to do with plaid and checked prints because quite frankly there’s a whole lot of this pattern at play for Fall.

If you’re searching for the perfect plaid or checked  blazer/jacket, I have a few tips that I hope will help in guiding you to the perfect purchase.

1. Make sure that the plaids and/or checks match  on the garment both vertically and horizontally.

Observe below the difference between the first  jacket in red and second and third jackets. It goes without saying that when the plaids match and the lines of the plaid or check are continuous in the garment..it looks much more luxe and gives a uniform look.  Design elements that are continuous and uniform aid in helping your silhouette appear taller and slimmer.  

2. Jackets/Blazers…skim the body better and give a more fluid appearance when they are lined.   

3. Detailing is “Key” when it comes to checks and plaids,look for beautiful contrasting button details, piping, binding  to add contrast and some much needed interest. 

Lioness The Palermo Blazer (Shopbop.com $89.00)

Smythe Taped Peak Lapel Blazer (Shopbop.com $795.00)

Generation Love Alexa Tweed Blazer (Shopbop.com) $348.00

All Images Courtesy of Shopbop.com

Trend Alert.. Attention must be paid to the Snake “effect” boot and booties.

Have you noticed that there seem to be allot of snake “effect”boots  and booties pounding the pavement this Fall? After a bit of “style sleuthing” I deciphered that this new description of snake “effect” is just another term for “faux.”  Although, I’m not a fan of snakes..when it comes to animals and the environment…FAUX is the only way to go .

You can find a bevy of style options- in terms of  boot height, heel width and snake “effect” print,available in a wide range of price points.

The snake effect boot hue can be paired with everything  from jeans to pants to skirts and dresses. It’s a great neutral to add to your wardrobe.

Here are a number of stylish and affordable options-just click on image to go directly to site(s):

Marc Fisher Retire Bootie @ Macy’s $129.00

Cute Snakeskin Print Booties @ Lulu’s.com $39.00

Vegan Going West Boot @ Free People.com $88.00

Stradivarius Heeled Ankle Boot @ASOS $32.00

Image Courtesy of WhoWhatWearblog

Snake effect high leg boots from Mango $99.99

I cannot believe that we’re already celebrating Labor Day! Seriously??? Where did the Summer go?

Bearing in mind we are at the end of another season, I thought now might be the perfect time to review our Summer wardrobe before we pack it away and take note of any items we might be needing to replace or replenish for next Summer.

Items of note to review in your closet before the last hurrah of Summer sale shopping ceases might include:

• Figure flattering Summer Dress (A simple white dress is always a good choice)
• Floral Skirt
• Shorts
• Great fitting white pants
• Swimsuit// Chlorine and salt water create havoc on a swimsuits.
• Beach cover up
• Summer handbag
• Sandals
• Sneakers

Labor Day Sales are the perfect time to review and replenish your Summer wardrobe for next year… Note to self when shopping at any time of year… only purchase item in the size you are now..not the size you hope to be.

*Here’s the short list” of Labor Day Sales & codes for deep discounts.

J.CREW:
40% off full-priced styles with code SUNSET
J.CREW FACTORY:
Extra 60% off clearance with code FALLFUN
L.L.Bean
20% off your order with code GREAT20
ONEKINGSLANE:
20% off sitewide, no code needed
ANN TAYLOR:
40% off your purchase with code LASTHURRAH + 50% off all sale items
LOFT:
50% off summer styles + 40% off everything else w/code LONGWEEKEND
MARK & GRAHAM
30% off sale styles + free shipping on everything using code LABORDAY
GAP:
40% off everything with code DAYOFF
BANANA REPUBLIC:
40% off purchase, no code needed
SERENA & LILY
Up to 30% off dining
My picks: this / this / this

WILLIAMS-SONOMA:
Buy more, save more, up to 30% off with code SAVEMORE
My picks: this / this / this

WEST ELM:
Buy more, save more, up to 30% off with code SAVEMORE
WILLIAMS-SONOMA HOME:
Buy more, save more, up to 30% off with code SAVENOW
POTTERYBARN:
Buy more, save more, up to 30% off with code SAVEMORE
MADEWELL:
20% off summer must-haves with code SEEYA
CRATE & BARREL:
All upholstery 15-20% off
ANTHROPOLOGIE:
20% off home + 50% off sale items
HORCHOW:
25% off sitewide, no code needed

Christmas in July is officially a thing. A very big thing! In the past 5 days we have had two MAJOR sales open to it’s “Members Only.”

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has Early Access entry for it’s cardholders and an assorted number of selected influencers / fashion bloggers that promote Nordstrom with their list of “favorite items from the sale posted on their blogs and you tube channels.

Then there’s “Prime Day” on Amazon. Originally designed as a “holiday” to celebrate the birthday of Amazon, Prime Day has morphed into a 2 day extravaganza . This year the sale boosts over a million deals to their Prime “Members Only.”

All this sale shopping with limited access and a set amount of sale days to shop, bring about a “buying frenzy” where people can be glued to their devices sourcing and stressing to find the best deals possible.

If you’re looking to shop any sale and not feel deluged by the wide assortment of offerings available, I would like to suggest a little Sale Shopping 101.

Here’s a short list of things to consider in shopping and sorting through any sale to find the best deals for you.

1. Make a list of things that you actually need. As we all know,needs are far different than wants. You “need” an item when it is essential or important to your way of living.
2. Break down your list into categories: Technology, Home, Fashion, Garden….this will allow you to shop more quickly and efficiently.
3. Compare BRAND item pricing on other websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
4. Set a budget for what you can afford to spend on each item.
5. Before the sale opens, put items that you are considering in your cart. This will allow you to edit down your selections and check out before the items are sold out in record time and keep you focused on what you really want to purchase.

If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your outfit and at the same time actually wear all those colorful scarves you’ve collected (but fail to wear),here’s a sweet Summertime solution.

It’s as easy as tying a colorful scarf and knotting it ever so nicely at your wrist. Feel free to get one of those beautiful scarves out of your drawer or check out this lovely site that I just came across called Silk Philosophy.com The site is filled with oodles of beautiful scarves and some major scarf inspiration.

I hope this motivates you to add a pop of interest to your outfit and be on wrist watch!

Once upon a time (long,long ago) wearing a white suit was only deemed as “appropriate” between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Anytime thereafter, it was considered an absolute fashion fax paus to wear a white suit. Well, that was wayyy back then and this is now. We seem to have loosened our style rules and women are wearing and pairing white year round. This “loosening of the dress code” for wearing white suiting brings about a few tips that will ensure that your white (suiting) looks right whatever time of year you decide to wear it! Here are a few favorites:

1. Fit is KEY to making making you look your best. You can buy a less expensive suit but make it look Designer quality with the aid of an expert tailor.

2. Mindful Monochromatic Dressing: Nothing will make you look taller and thinner than wearing all one color and this is especially true when it comes to wearing white. You can add a POP of color when it comes to your accessories. It will complete your look and keep the slim line of your silhouette intact.

3. Style Staple: A good white suite can last for years so “buy well buy once.”

4. A white suit looks best and skims your body better when it’s lined.