Get Organized

According to the National Association of Professional Organizers, January is National Get Organized (GO) Month.  Is organizing your home, your office or any other space where you spend a lot of time on your New Year’s Resolution list?  If so, let me offer a few tips for organizing your closet, which I consider one of the most important rooms of your house (it is, after all, the place where your ‘look’ comes together each day).

First, purge.  Yes, you knew this was coming.  Of course before you start organizing your closet, you must first get rid of the things you are not wearing, as well as toss the things that no longer fit and/or flatter you.  Do you remember my F.L.R.?  Ask yourself these three questions when you come to a piece you are not sure whether to keep or to toss: (1) Does it flatter me?, (2) Do I love it? and (3) Does it represent me?  If you can’t say yes to all three questions, toss it and move on.  Let someone else get some use out of it.

Second, streamline your hangers.  Yes, it is a small investment to change every hanger in your closet, but it is worth it.  I adore the Real Simple Slimline Hangers from Bed Bath & Beyond.  They are $29.99 for a pack of 50. But don’t take my word for it.  Look at the before and after in a client’s closet:

Can you believe it?  Her closet looks like a boutique with just a simple change of hangers.

Third, get your accessories out of their boxes and pouches.  I always say, if you can’t see it, you won’t use it.  The Container Store makes these wonderful hanging pocket organizers that are perfect for necklaces, bracelets and earrings.  Of course, being the jewelry addict that I am, I have the large size, as shown here:

Fourth, do this with the rest of your “stuff.”  Your shoes need to go on a shelf or in a hanging shoe organizer, your scarves need to go on a special hanger of their own like this one from The Container Store, your belts need their own hanger, as well, etc.

Finally, organize things in a way that makes sense to you.  Most people find it easiest to group their pants, skirts, tops, etc. and then organize each group by color. 

Bottom line, you need to see everything that you have in one place so you can assemble interesting, complete outfits each day.

If all of this is a little overwhelming, never fear, Bethany is here!  I am here to help.  There’s no better treat for yourself at the start of the new year than to get your closet in tip top shape.  Give me a call.  I would love to help you feel more organized.  Most of all, I want you to love your wardrobe and your closet.

You Might Be Too Old For That

Remember Jeff Foxworthy ‘s redneck jokes?  Well, his jokes popped in my mind when I spotted a walking fashion disaster at Forever 21 this fall.  Instead of “You Might be a Redneck“, this piece is lovingly titled “You Might be Too Old for That.”

You may think I train my eye to spot walking fashion disasters all the time.  On the contrary, I try to keep a positive mindset most of the time and turn a blind eye when necessary.  When I see a fashion misstep, I think to myself “How could I improve that?”  However, the head-to-toe disaster in Forever 21 was more than I had observed in a very long time, and I felt compelled to share it with you.

I realize I must admit I was shopping in Forever 21, a store whose merchandise is often geared towards young women half my age.  Please cut the pregnant lady some slack.  I was desperately seeking a few stretchy skirts or pants that would fit my expanding waistline and wouldn’t break my piggybank.  Success!  But that’s a piece for another day.

In no particular order are the fashion breakdowns occurring at the Forever 21 checkout counter by a woman well past middle-aged.

If the majority of your personal clothing shopping is done at the same store where your granddaughter spends her allowance… YOU MIGHT BE TOO OLD FOR THAT.

If your socks involve a fold-down option and remind you of the ones you wore in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant when you were five years old… YOU MIGHT BE TOO OLD FOR THAT.

If your short multi-tiered black lace skirt is reminiscent of the ones Madonna wore in her Borderline days, and you owned (or could have owned) her first album… YOU MIGHT BE TOO OLD FOR THAT.

If your legs can’t carry off the skirt and you decide it is best to pair it with black biking shorts because they remind you of a Jane Fonda workout video circa 1982… YOU MIGHT BE TOO OLD FOR THAT.

If your shoes are the same ones used in jazz class at your local dance studio, and the last time you actually took a jazz class was 30 years ago… YOU MIGHT BE TOO OLD FOR THAT.

And finally…

If your accompanying hair and makeup pay homage to Dee Snider, lead singer of Twisted Sister, and you were in the prime of your youth (or older) during Twister Sister’s heyday… YOU MIGHT BE TOO OLD FOR THAT.

Joking aside, the poor lady I spotted must have felt great about her style at one time in her life, a very long time ago.  Sometimes we make the mistake of holding onto a style that worked for us 10, 20, or 30+ years ago because we think that is the best way to remain looking youthful.  WRONG.  Holding onto a dated style is actually the quickest way to point out just how old you really are!  To look your best, dress in a way that flatters your current body shape and is in step with your age bracket (or thereabouts) and modern fashions.  When you do, heads will turn your way for all the right reasons!

Carson Kressley’s Nuggets of Wisdom

Last month I had the pleasure of attending a luncheon at Union Station benefitting the Child Abuse Prevention Center.  You might not expect the fashion stylist and TV personality Carson Kressley to be keynote speaker at such an event, but that’s exactly what was dished up along with tasty food catered by Wolfgang Puck.

Carson, who looked dapper in a navy window pane plaid blazer, flat front trousers, a purple and white gingham shirt, tie and colorful pocket square, got the crowd laughing early.  He dished up several nuggets of wisdom I feel are worth passing along.  Achieving and maintaining great style is not just about clothes.  Great style is also rooted in practices like these.

Go to the spa.- In other words, do not forget about yourself and take care of yourself.  You cannot take care of others properly if you aren’t well cared for.

Be grateful.  Think about all you do have rather than what you do not.  That little act will create an attitude of gratitude and take your mind off the negative around you.

Learn to take a compliment gracefully.  When someone compliments something about your appearance or an item you are wearing, say thank you, and don’t look for an ulterior motive.

Learn to give a compliment.  When you compliment others, it puts you in a positive mindset, not to mention the person who is on the receiving end of your compliment.

Focus on giving.  It could be your time, talents or money. All of us have been abundantly blessed with all three, and we are expected to give back a portion of everything we receive.  Giving takes the attention off of you for a while and gives you a sense of perspective.

Find your best side.  Do you have a photo of yourself that you LOVE?  Put a copy of it on your bathroom mirror or in your closet to remind yourself how fabulous and beautiful you are.

Raise your self esteem.  Next time you attend an event, position yourself in the front.  Don’t worry, you won’t be called on or asked to speak.  Being front and center will show others you aren’t afraid to be in the spotlight.  Ultimately, little actions like this will raise your confidence.

Create a 30-second commercial.  Think of all the great things you have going on and all of your attributes. Then create a commercial you can repeat to yourself on an as-needed basis.

Stand up straight.  Even if you aren’t extremely confident, if you stand and walk with purpose, no one will be the wiser.

Be a role model.  Find a child to mentor.  Spend more time one-on-one with your kids.  Do the right thing even when no one is watching.  You are a role model to others even when you least expect it.  You never know who is watching you and modeling their behavior after yours.

Bravo to Carson for giving us these important reminders which point us back to the things in life that are truly important.  Who knew he had it in him?

Worth the Investment: A Gucci Handbag

As you’ve learned by now, hopefully by what I’ve been saying, great style can be achieved at any price point.  It only takes a bit of discernment and education to know what is best for you and how to pull it all together.  However, if you would like to add a special piece to your wardrobe that could be with you the rest of your life, I highly recommend a Gucci handbag.  In fact, I’ll go so far as to say there are two designer things every woman should own, if possible: a handbag and a piece of luggage.  Choose wisely.  Don’t purchase a trendy piece you won’t love it in a year or two.  Go with a classic and your grandchildren will be fighting over it.

If you are ready to take the plunge now, did you know you can save 20% at Gucci now through November 7? Purchase a Partner’s Card in the store for $60, which supports The Family Place programs, and start saving at Gucci and hundreds of other stores in the Dallas area.

Special Event:  the brand spanking new Gucci boutique at Dallas’ NorthPark Center is hosting a special event on Wed, Nov 3 from 6 – 8 p.m.  Sample savories and sips whilst perusing handbags, ready-to-wear, fine jewelry, luggage and accessories. Oooo-la-laaaaa!  Take this opportunity to save while helping a worthy non-profit.  Send me a photo of your purchase!

When:
Wednesday, November 3rd, 6-8 pm.

Where:
GUCCI

NorthPark Center

8687 North Central Expressway, Suite # 1408, Dallas

To RSVP, please contact:

Rhonda Sargent Chambers:
214.707.7724
rschambers@sbcglobal.net

or
Tiffany Griffin Hall:
214.705.0610
tgriffinhall.guccidallas@gmail.com

Mixing Classics with Trends

I may have been a ‘classic’ girl in my youth when I was still searching for my personal style, but try as I may, I was not meant for it.  It certainly did not suit my personality in the least.  However, I do love classic pieces.  The only way they work into my personal style, though, is to find ways of giving it an unexpected twist.  Have you thought of layering pearls with a link necklace as I did here?  I hadn’t either until I tried it a few weeks ago.  And what do you know?  I liked it.  I was giving a presentation on accessorizing to a group of retired women the day I wore this, and I was told by an inside source that a number of ladies showed up at the next gathering layering their necklaces and trying things with their accessories they had not previously considered.  I love that!

The next time you reach for a classic piece in your wardrobe, try to think of a way to make it unexpected: pair it with something you normally would not, a trendier piece perhaps.  Mix the color palette, as well.  These pearls are gray, while the link necklace is gold.  One might not normally think of blending a cool color (gray) with a warm one (gold). Since gray is not one of my best colors, when I wear it I always find a way to bring one or more of my colors into the palette so it is not so obvious.  Both wine and gold (worn in the outfit above) are in my palette. 

Another way of approaching the classic mix is to purchase pieces that are classic in theory but have something in their design or details that give them an edge, removing some of its classic vibe.  Consider what I created on Polyvore as an example: Little Black Dress with a Twist. The next time you buy a classic piece, find one that veres slightly away from classic.  The dress I chose for this layout is not a traditional little black dress in its design, although a LBD is considered a wardrobe classic.  Note that none of the companion pieces are totally classic either.  Each has an element of classic to it, yet none would be considered a complete classic.

I’m not saying classic dressing is boring, but if you are a classic guy or gal who is interested in inserting some umph into your style, first bring a few non-classic items into your wardrobe.  Then start mixing them with your classics to see what happens.  Your look and style might take a turn for the wilder side!

Fixes for Your All-black Wardrobe

Many of you know I love to get on my soapbox about wearing black. If you read my July newsletter “My Beef With Black” you understand why. Don’t get me wrong. It isn’t that I am completely against wearing black. On the contrary, black can be quite chic. In fact, it would be remiss of me not to tell you I own quite a bit of black in my own wardrobe and several little black dresses (aka LBD). It’s just that in order to wear black well, you first need the right body coloring (dark hair is a good start), and black also requires some spicing up to communicate your style statement.

Since I know many of you wear a lot of black, I thought I would share with you a few things I generally do to add life to an all-black ensemble.

(1) Add color! Here I am wearing a black and gray ensemble. In order to stand out in a sea of black-clad fashionistas, I enjoy throwing on a statement necklace, often a colorful one. This way my style comes through and you can pick me out in the crowd. If black isn’t your best neutral, add a colorful accessory near your face in one of your colors to neutralize the stark effect of black. Not sure if black is a good neutral for you and want to know your best colors? See me for that! A custom color analysis will answer those questions and more.

(2) Add a metallic topper. To bring life to your LBD, add either a silver, gold or bronze jacket or sweater. Gold and bronze generally work best on most people, but if you really like to sparkle and stand out give silver a shot.

(3) Wear a fabulous shoe. If you prefer the clean, chic look of an all-black ensemble, why not throw on a drop dead shoe to snazz it up? I think a LBD with minimal accessories and a killer shoe is effortlessly chic. Wear a deep red lip color, as well, if you dare!

As you can see, this isn’t rocket science. Bottom line:  fabulous accessories separate you from the next black-clad gal.  As Clinton Kelly once said on an episode of “What Not To Wear”: Accessories explain who you are as a person. So true, Clinton. I could not have said it better myself. Before you step out in all black, add a bit of your personality to it. You’ll add intrigue and interest to an otherwise forgettable outfit.

95%

In a perfect world no one would judge us based on how we look, what we wear, or the color of our skin, eyes and hair.  But we know this is not a perfect world and humans are visual creatures, innately designed to make judgments based on external appearance.  I think some of this instinct was given to us with good intentions.  We can visually size up a situation and know whether or not it is wise to step in, participate, or walk away.  Certain people could harm us physically or emotionally, and we are sometimes able to identify those persons based solely on our visual instincts.

Unfortunately, there is no on and off switch for this instinct and we judge everyone we encounter based on their visual appearance.  Within seconds we determine whether we want to get to know the new person in the room, whether we are conscious of it or not.

95% of what people see when observing your physical appearance was bought in a store.  Very little of you is visible.  Your head, your hands, and perhaps a bit of your arms and legs are showing.  Otherwise, everything else has been carefully (or sometimes haphazardly) purchased to adorn your body.  I realize most of us wish we could be seen for who we are on the inside, but doesn’t it make sense that it is difficult for someone to see us for who we are when most of what they see are things you’ve purchased and placed on your body?

For that reason, it is paramount that you know HOW TO look like who you are.  Your goal is to mirror your inside with the image on the outside.  The first step is understanding your style statement.  You must identify the words that best describe you on a personal level and formulate a plan for bringing those words to life through your wardrobe choices.  Another important piece of the puzzle is knowing your most impactful and attractive colors.  Color is the first thing people notice about you.  When the colors you wear are in harmony with your body colors (hair, skin and eyes), you appear approachable, attractive and relatable.

Working with an image consultant to understand how to bring your inside to the outside is not vain nor is it exclusively reserved for the fashion set.  Working on your image simply demonstrates that you care about making the right impression every time every day.  Call or e-mail me if you would like to work on your 95%!

I Spy Niven Morgan

Last night Tootsie’s in Dallas was the setting for the launch party for Niven Morgan’s Mustique Collection.  The pretty people were out in abundance nibbling on tasty treats generously provided by Central Market of Dallas and cooling their palates with liberally-poured cocktails by Belvedere Vodka.  The evening was not just about rubbing elbows and sampling Niven’s latest creation, however.  Tootsie’s contributed 15% of the evening’s proceeds to the Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids with Cancer.  I know of no better reason to satisfy  your urge for a new pair of fall boots than when part of your purchase goes towards a worthy cause.

Niven, a Louisiana native, has built quite a name for himself in these parts through his luxury bath, body and home products. I have wanted to meet him, being a Louisiana gal myself and a fan of his sexy “Gold” perfume for years.  Finally I met the man himself yesterday evening, and he was kind enough to pause briefly for a photo with me.  The night would not have been complete without taking home my very own Niven Morgan “Silver” bubble bath – sudsy luxury in a bottle.  So much for Calgon!  This girl is sold on Niven Morgan bath products.

My hat is off to everyone who made the party a smashing success, including Courtney Edwards of Where Wear in the City and the evening’s hostesses: Brooke Hortenstine, Kristie Ramirez, Capera Ryan.  Have you chosen a signature scent for fall?  If not, consider one by Niven Morgan.  Hope to see you out and about next time!

With Thanks and Appreciation…

I hosted an appreciation party for family, friends and clients Wednesday night at the elegant and beautiful Tootsie’s in Dallas.  Tootsie’s graciously provided delectable bites, cheeses and sweets along with delightful white wines.  Everyone gathered from 6 – 8 p.m. to mix and mingle and to see the recently-arrived fall fashions.  I briefly covered fall trends using many of the fabulous offerings within the store for demonstration.

Tootsie’s generously offered a 15% discount to my guests for the evening, and my trends presentation seemed to whet my guests’ appetites for a new fall goodie.  I noted several guests departing the store with a new item to add to their closets.

Thanks, of course, to Tootsie’s store manager Julie and her staff for the delicious food and drink and highly professional service.  Thanks also to Courtney Edwards of Where Wear in the City for being my liaison with Tootsie’s and assuring the evening went off without a hitch.

The party goodie bags were to die for and I owe my thanks to several people for helping make that possible.  Thanks to Gary Walden of Neinast Salon who donated numerous hair care products and brushes, as well as thanks to Shea Boothe of True Beauty RX for her donation of deeply discounted microdermabrasion certificates for each bag.  Thanks, also, to M Salon owner Toni Malippa and her associate Kelly Hobbs for their donation of 20% off coupons for each goodie bag.  And thank you to Tootsie’s for supplying the bags as well as the water, a $25 gift card, mints and a note pad for each bag.

This party was not about me and it was not about fall trends.  This party was about my guests.  It was my thanks to them for supporting me over these last three years in my new career.  Without their encouragement, it would have been very difficult to make the leap from finance to fashion.  So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to those who have made me feel like what I do is important and valid.  Your belief in me has given me confidence and strength.  You are, quite simply, THE BEST.

Pregnancy Chic

Readers, please welcome my dear friend Deborah Hill to the blog.  Deborah is one of the most fashionable persons you’ll meet.  To top it off, she also manages to look chic even while pregnant.  I asked her how she does it?  Here’s what she had to say.

Dressing chic during pregnancy is very easy, actually.  The key is to NOT dress like you’re pregnant.  In other words, dress your normal style in an accommodating size.  If you do not normally wear mumu dresses or baby doll tops, pregnancy is not the time to experiment with those looks.  They may result in a much frumpier look than you intended.  If your casual style is t-shirt and jeans, then look for the same, in larger or maternity sizes that will fit your growing belly. Preferably, look for a t-shirt that is generous in the belly but close fitting everywhere else rather than one that has elastic or tie strings in the back with a swing hem. That could result in a tent like silhouette, shortening and widening your frame.

For a dressier look, black is very flattering.  A simple black top and black pants/leggings/skirt can be the base of many outfits by alternating jackets that you already own.  Wear your jackets over the basic black column you have created, although the jacket may no longer button or zip.  Wear it open as a great statement piece and it will slenderize your frame.  If you worry about being cold because the jacket doesn’t close in the front, wrap yourself in a pretty, colorful scarf to fill the open area.  This look will be much more flattering than a maternity coat, which could make your frame look bigger all around.

Although it sounds logical to think that you “could” wear some of your maternity clothes after the pregnancy, it’s not likely that you will.  So, don’t invest too much in a maternity wardrobe.  High heels are generally not recommended for pregnant women (although some women continue to wear them) because your growing belly alters your center of gravity, and it could be dangerous if you become off balance.  Therefore, a really great pair of comfortable flats with a feminine flair that can be dressed down or up will be well worth the investment!

Choose your maternity pieces wisely.  Comfort is key!  If you can attain comfort AND look chic by following these simple guidelines, you will feel confident in your style.  That feeling is priceless.