Changing over my wardrobe from “it’s still chilly Spring” to “okay it’s now officially smoldering Summer” is one of my favorite times of year.

Warmer weather always puts me in the mood to “lighten up” so I look to this yearly ritual as a great opportunity for me to mercilessly clean out my closet, drawers, vanity, make-up bag, jewelery boxes etc. And by cleaning out- I don’t just mean weeding through and throwing things away- I mean literally scrubbing, vacuuming and polishing every pretty little inch of storage space.

Little extra touches make the time spent more special and your space more luxurious- like using scented cleaning supplies ( Mrs. Meyer’s lavender line is extra yummy! ), re-lining drawers ( cool wrapping paper is a cheap and easy solution) , buying uniform hangers and pretty storage containers ( Target, The Container Store and West Elm all have great choices), and finding a spot to place inspirational pictures and styling ideas I’ve torn out of magazines ( mine go on the back of my wardrobe door ).

Once everything is in order I always add a small vase with fresh flowers on top of my vanity- as a treat, then I sit back- take in the beauty of my for-once clean, orderly space and rejoice that Summer is finally here!   

Leave a comment (One comment so far) · Bookmark this post

If you are lucky enough this year to be going on a winter escape vacation to a warmer climate, it’s best to start planning for it a few weeks early. Chances are your bikini and favorite flip-flops have been stored away since the end of summer, your bottle of SPF 30 is nearing empty, and your tootsies are less than beach perfect. So save yourself last minute travel stress and think ahead.
Make a plan of what you will pack, what you need to buy and what you need to schedule to have done before you leave.

If you are going to a new destination, familiarize yourself with the dress code of the resort and it’s clients. A concierge can typically help in this department. Even in the most casual of settings- i.e. living in your swimsuit all day, it’s best to plan on being properly dressed for dinner. So pack accordingly.

Which shoes to pack should also be taken into consideration, as much as you don’t want to give up valuable luggage real estate to your sneakers or comfy walking shoes… bring them. Most activities ( tennis, horseback riding, hiking, boating) at vacation spots require the right footwear, and you would hate to be left out of any vacation adventure. I learned this lesson when I was the only one in my party left out of a deep sea fishing adventure in the Bahamas a few years back… the boat’s captain didn’t seem to agree with my choice of platform sandals as proper boating shoes!

Get double use out of your vacation- by using your upcoming trip as a motivation for a healthier you. If you live in a cold winter climate, like me… your body has probably been hiding itself behind plenty of layers for the last few months. Make changes in diet, exercise, and skin care now… then when it’s time to walk out on the beach for the first time- you’ll be ready to relax and take advantage of your time away from the stresses of everyday life.

As far as clothing budget goes, buy yourself at least one new piece to bring on vacation just for fun then set some cash aside to buy yourself something once you’re away. A local sarong or beach bag can be used right away and will bring back warm memories once you return home to colder weather.   

Leave a comment (One comment so far) · Bookmark this post

Hitting sales racks at the end of each season is a great way to pick up classic pieces for the next year. But before you swipe that card, take time to understand the stores return policy on sales items. Many boutiques and online vendors offer sale items as “final sale only” deals and while larger department stores may have a more lenient policy about returns, often times there is a time constraint on when the items can be returned. Keep this in mind and make sure the piece perfectly fits on you and into your wardrobe before you buy.   

Leave a comment (No comments yet) · Bookmark this post

A personalized “style budget” can keep your shopping habits on track. First estimate the amount you can honestly spend each season, then take some time to think and write out a shopping list. On a sheet of paper, make separate list of Wants, Needs and Essentials for each season. Examples of what to include are beauty-grooming habits- including all salon and spa visits, as well as updated seasonal products on your essential lists. Any items that have top priority to buy, such as a new winter coat, swimsuit for an upcoming vacation, formal wear for a black tie event should be placed on the needs list. Then the want list is simply a fantasy list of things you would love to buy, but don’t necessarily need. Once you get a clear overview, you can budget each category accordingly. Once you get used to doing this each season you will begin to think before you buy…. Saving money here so that you have more money to spend there. It’s a great habit - because shopping debt is never in fashion!   

Leave a comment (No comments yet) · Bookmark this post

Don’t get overwhelmed when the temperature begins to change - organize your closet seasonally. Who wants to be digging through flip-flops in January or knocking over piles of sweaters in July! Give your closet and wardrobe a quick run through each season; twice a year is fine, four times is even better!

Store away items whose style, color, and fabrics are not appropriate for the given time of year and then weed and organize the items that are. Once you have a clear view of what you already own, you can create a shopping list of what you truly need each season.

Time, money, and sanity saved!   

Leave a comment (No comments yet) · Bookmark this post

A full length mirror is every stylish being’s best friend. It may sound simple, but if you do not own one - get one, quick. Why? Well if you’ve ever uttered the words “she must not own a full length mirror,” then you know why!

A full length mirror lets you check every angle before leaving the house. Make sure your mirror is placed in a position that allows a clear, full view of yourself…and incorporate a smaller, hand-held mirror in order to check out that much-forgotten-about back view!   

Leave a comment (No comments yet) · Bookmark this post