10 Helpful Closet Renovation Tips

Not so long ago, my closet was filled to capacity. Probably over-filled, if I'm being honest. Because of its odd triangular shape, things were hard to get to and I couldn't keep all my clothes in it, no matter how many organizational strategies I tried. Shoes were still in boxes, undergarments and jewelry were in dressers in my bedroom, and it was just generally not an ideal situation for getting dressed comfortably or confidently. 

I knew I was long overdue for a closet renovation. 

Having just gone through the process, I want to share some tips and other things I learned along the way. Whether you're planning to embark on your own closet reno soon or you just need a more simple refresh, these tips can help you rework your closet so that you feel more at ease getting dressed.

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Enlist the help of a professional

Even if you feel totally comfortable planning out your closet from top to bottom, it's important to seek advice from a professional. They have access to all the latest and truly greatest organizational tools, items, and strategies to help you fully map out your closet. And the best pros take the time to sit down with you and learn about your lifestyle, then cater your closet to it! Even with my background, I got so many tips that hadn't even crossed my mind when I started this project. Leave it to the pros. 

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Don't overstuff your closet

This starts with a major closet cleanout. You don't want to build an all-new closet around clothes you aren't even sure about keeping, right? The more you see, the more you'll wear, and getting the most out of your closet is what this is all about. 

Having said that, I highly recommend taking your time purging your closet if possible. To put it mildly, it can be overwhelming. I had to empty mine completely prior to my closet renovation and it took me over a week to get through everything! It's also really helpful in terms of decision-making to step away occasionally, so I do not suggest trying to do a closet purge in one day. 

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Leave space for a full-length mirror

This tip seems so simple, but it's actually really easy to overlook when you're so focused on the bigger details. Even if the only available space is hanging on the back of a door, make sure you leave room in your closet (or very close to it) for a full-length mirror. It's a good idea to give yourself a once-over in the mirror before you leave the house!

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Try to keep all your like items together in the closet

If space allows, it's so helpful to organize your items by likeness. For example, hanging up all your blouses together means you'll know exactly where to look when you need one. This may mean switching out your closet in different seasons if space is limited. In the winter, store tanks and shorts in under-bed boxes and when it warms up, put sweaters away for the season.

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Hang up as much clothing as possible

To be honest, I hate folding things like tee shirts. Aside from being a nightmare to keep up with, I can't see all the details like graphics or sleeves. So, I hang just about everything except denim, sweaters, lounge wear, and leggings—those are folded. I find that my closet also stays a lot neater this way! In my closet renovation, I opted for more hanging space and fewer drawers, since I only keep bathing suits, pajamas, underwear, socks and bras in them.

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Keep shoes together and out of boxes

I fought this idea for a long time, thinking my shoes would get dusty if they weren't in a box and that I should "protect" them. However, I've come to realize that you save a ton of space by getting them out of their boxes or clear containers. If you have space, store your shoes on shelves in one area of your closet. Having them organized out in the open also allows you to try them on faster with an outfit. 

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Consider adding a small ottoman

This is another tip that seems so insignificant but can go a very long way in optimizing your closet. Functionally, adding a small ottoman, bench, or other similar piece of furniture gives you a place to sit when putting on shoes. It also adds a bit more of a homey vibe and makes your closet feel more like a retreat. 

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Get a small steamer

Clothing sometimes looks better steamed instead of ironed. Steamers are also quick and easy to use, and they work on every type of fabric! A good steamer doesn’t have to be large or industrial strength and in fact, there are several excellent portable options. I love my Rowenta steamer (I also have a heavy-duty iron from them that I love!). Just don’t let too many people know you have one…they’ll come over all the time to borrow it!

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Have a strategic flat surface

I mentioned earlier that I dislike folding most of my clothing.  However, sometimes there's no way around it. Having a flat surface available, like a pull-out shelf gives you an area (and a reason!) to refold things when you're done trying them on or when they come back from the cleaner. That simple flat surface will also encourage you to keep your closet less cluttered, which is a huge benefit!

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Consider a valet rod

Do you tend to hang clothes from doorknobs and the tops of open doors when you're deciding on an outfit or packing? I have — until I learned about valet rods, that is. A valet rod comes in many styles, shapes, and sizes, but is essentially a rod or pole designed specifically for hanging clothes. It's a super simple item that prevents your clothes from dragging on the floor or getting dusty, and it helps keep things nicely organized.  

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So there you have it — my top tips for a closet renovation or refresh! Remember, the whole point of this project is that your closet is meant to be your own little space, not something that stresses you out the moment you step into it trying to decide what to wear. I've always thought of my closet as my little sanctuary, a place that reflects my personality and style. I like to keep personal touches such as diffusers (but never candles!) and a couple of special items from family members, like my dad's old tie and a hat from my grandma.

My closet had become so unorganized and messy that it was no longer any of those things. Now, I've been wearing so much more of my clothing because my closet is visible and organized, and there isn't a single thing I'm the least bit hesitant about keeping. I can honestly say I feel great and love everything in there, and I'd love to help you feel the same about your closet!

Fashionably yours,

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I. Feel. Pretty.

How often do you say “I feel pretty” to yourself? There is more negative talk running through my head sometimes than I care to admit. We all know why we shouldn’t say things to ourselves that we wouldn’t say to our best friends. The more we say it the more we believe it and what a vicious cycle it becomes.

I really struggled with writing this particular post because I truly believe that I am the last person to give advice on this topic. I was recently inspired by a movie that we watched as a family.  “I Feel Pretty” is a movie about a young woman, Renee, who wrestles with major insecurity issues. She believes that she is judged solely by her physical appearance. She looks at herself in the mirror and she doesn’t even have to speak for you to know the amount of self loathing going on in her head.  She thinks tall, gorgeous models don’t grapple with the same insecurities. Sound familiar? Renee has a bad fall in her Soul Cycle class and comes to with an incredible new confidence. It is amazing the power it gave her over her career and love life. WOWZA! I thought it was great and maybe not in the way of an Oscar nomination but because it could resonate with so many women.

So, what does it take to silence those negative voices in our heads?

Wouldn’t it be nice if  all it took was a little knock in the head  to come to with this new found confidence? Were we all born with massive self confidence and somewhere along the way lost it? Do many women have a great deal of it and Renee and I are not the norm? Either way, this movie got me thinking...I tried to pay attention to the times that “I felt pretty”. Quite honestly because I like “liking myself” much more than “loathing myself” and I want to feel that way more often. I would like to clarify here what “I feel pretty” means to me. “I feel pretty” doesn’t just mean that I feel like I look good.  It means I feel strong, I feel confident, I have my act together and I’m doing a good job raising my kids. It means I don’t have trouble speaking up and I can be taken seriously because I’ve taken time to care for myself and I am important.

Fashion excites me...it’s how I express myself. When I make an effort “I feel pretty.”

Soon after this movie, I began the painful process of packing for a trip to Italy with my husband. We would be with 150 of his colleagues and their spouses on an exclusive cruise starting in Rome. We would have private tours, fine onshore dinners, wine tastings and lots of special events. So what’s so terrible about that? Full disclosure...I stress about being with people outside of my element. I guess it means that I stress about being with people who are working and are “successful.” I realized how important it is to me to feel “put together” when on these sabbaticals. I feel my best and most confident when I love what I’m wearing and don’t have any hesitation about how it looks or if it makes me comfortable! Out came the rolling rack, itinerary, suitcase, accessories and shoes. I really took the time to think through what I was bringing and it didn’t matter if I had a suitcase that was a little heavier or if I wasn’t going to wear the item with more than one outfit. Fashion is how I express myself. It excites me! And, when I’m dressed, “I feel pretty.” When I make an effort…“I feel pretty.” Even on excursions when we were hiking or doing meditative yoga on the ship I was careful to pack clothes that I felt really good in. This planning was so worth the time. And now I remind myself of this daily!

Fashion affects us

So, of course there comes the argument that beauty and confidence should come from within. What would I want to teach my daughter? Do I want her to believe that her worth comes from her “style”?  NO, but what I do want her to know is that fashion can affect your self confidence. It actually has been studied and is called “enclothed cognition”. Adams and Galinsky, the researches, basically found “clothes can have profound and systematic psychological and behavioral consequences for their wearers.”  They also stated “although the saying goes that clothes do not make the man our results suggest they do hold a strange power over their wearers.”

Every day we are faced with the decision of what to wear, right?!

Why not make the most of it?

Don’t dread the process...pick the items that make you feel fabulous. We all have certain items in our closet that make us feel at ease when we wear them.  Certainly don’t pick the things that make you question yourself or make you uncomfortable! Life’s too short for that!

Don’t wait for the trip or the movie to make you think of what makes you feel pretty. You don’t have to be going to a special place or event. Just know that what you have on has an impact on your self confidence.

Fashionably yours,

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How to Wear Spring and Summer 2021 Fashion Trends (and a Few I'll Pass on!)

Every year at the beginning of spring and fall, I love looking at all the new fashion trends in magazines and online. It's one of my favorite ways to find outfit inspiration! 

I don't like to buy into fads or of-the-moment trends, but I do enjoy seeing what's on the runway and figuring out how to transfer those looks to real life. It's fun to see if I have any of those items in my closet already and if there are some I simply can't replicate...and therefore can't live without. I especially like finding new looks that are truly unique but not too over-the-top. The goal is to look just different enough to stand out without looking dated. 

With that in mind, here are the top 12 spring and summer 2021 fashion trends I'm seeing everywhere. As always, I'm sharing my honest opinions, tips, and tricks. I also curated my favorite shoppable picks for the upcoming season in LIKEtoKNOW.it, so you can see exactly how I plan to incorporate these trends into my own wardrobe!

Black and white

I've always been a huge fan of the contrasting classic black and white look. It's sharp but not stuffy, appropriate in literally any setting and season, and ultra-flattering on everyone. You can pull it off effortlessly in so many ways — and probably with several things you already own.

Bra tops

I won't even sugarcoat it; I'm not a fan of this trend. I don't mind a lacy bra top showing through a sheer blouse, but that's the only way I would wear this look. It's hard to imagine actually going anywhere or doing anything productive in just a bra!

Midriff "Flossing"

This is another trend I just can't get on board with. If you're unfamiliar with midriff flossing, the term refers to skirts with several ties that wrap around the stomach. It seems like far too much work and personally, I don't need anything pinching my sides more than my waistband already does!

Floaty maxi dresses

Now here's a fashion trend I can (and do!) totally get into. It's amazing how perfectly put-together a maxi dress makes you look, isn't it? Almost without fail, I get several compliments when I'm out wearing one. Floaty maxi dresses have a distinct air of glamour, yet no outfit could be easier — just throw one on and go! I find maxis so cool (literally figuratively) and breezy, especially in the hot and humid Florida climate. 

Baggy trousers and statement pants

This trend may be difficult to embrace if you're a devoted skinny pants lover, but consider giving it a chance. I actually love a great pair of statement pants (or shoes or top or piece of jewelry for that matter...), but they're not entirely effortless. My caution with baggy or wide-leg pants is to not overdo it. Make sure the bagginess isn't too much and balance the look with a feminine, fitted top to make it more flattering.

Cape details

This look provides a lot of drama and I could take it or leave it at this point. I can certainly appreciate the whimsical escapism the designers are going for and it's always nice to have a bit of extra arm coverage, especially in chilly air conditioning. I love the look, I'm just not sure what event I'd need a cape for!

Sequins

I really believe this is designers' way of offering fashionistas a much-needed mood boost. After all, what's more fun than a daytime disco?! I'm all about adding some shine to daytime looks, but be careful not to overdo it. I'd suggest wearing a sequin tee or blazer with staple pieces like jeans. 

Cutouts

I love the open backs I'm seeing in a lot of items right now, and the smaller peekaboo details are also fun. Cutout dresses seem to be a bit too fussy and in my opinion, they're a "one-and-done" look, but I'm much more open to seeing this trend in bodysuits. Pare the drama down a bit with jeans or trousers and you have a winning look.

Corsets

Admittedly, I was quick to dismiss this trend until I looked at several variations. Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of wearing undergarments as clothing — but hey, that's what makes us all unique. I did, however, find a few corset looks that I thought were relevant and could translate to everyday life.

Fishnet clothing

Much like sequins and corsets, I think fishnet anything should be worn sparingly. There are so many variations now, so if you love the look of fishnet, purchase one versatile item you can wear in many ways. Think a lightweight cardigan or top that can be layered over other pieces.

Stripes

I love all the stripes popping up for spring and summer! Stick with the classics and find lines and color combinations (like black and white — two birds, one stone!) that flatter your frame. I don't believe horizontal stripes always make you look larger, but some are so exaggerated that they look like prison uniforms, and that look isn't flattering on anyone!

Hoodies and skirts

Maybe I'll come around in a season or two, but hopefully I don't have to, because I don't find this trend attractive at all. The idea is to make traditional ladylike looks more modern, but to me, it falls a bit flat. 

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These are just some of the trends in my Like To Know It Picks. See them all at https://www.liketoknow.it/Chacha-Olivia

So there you have it — the hottest fashion trends for spring and summer 2021. Which ones are you most excited about? Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook and tag me in your outfit photos so I can see what you come up with!

Fashionably Yours,

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My Top Recommended Closet Essentials

A closet revamp doesn't necessarily have to mean "out with the old, in with the new." In fact, the last time I revamped mine, I kept almost everything in terms of clothing but added a handful of new, super useful non-clothing items. I'm calling them closet essentials. 

The idea behind this is to optimize your closet. I'm sharing several items I've discovered that I consider absolutely essential to helping you get the most out of your closet and wardrobe, as well as some things you should ditch ASAP. The best part is, I've linked each product I recommend at the bottom of this post so everything is easily and conveniently shoppable.

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01. NO more wire hangers!

Wire and plastic hangers are one of my biggest closet pet peeves — and not just because they look horrible. These types of hangers are absolutely ruthless on your clothes. No matter what type of fabric, everything stretches on wire hangers! It may sound like I'm being a bit dramatic, but it’s truly almost impossible to get your clothes back to normal after those torture devices have abused them!

So, what should you use instead? The velvet hangers that you can find almost anywhere, including big-box stores like Target, Costco, and Amazon. Not only are they much kinder to your clothing, but they also take up far less closet space. In the past I recommended the velvet skirt hangers but I have gone back to the plastic clipped shorts/skirts hangers pictured above. I love these because you can save even more space by "piggybacking" them for shorter items.

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02. Invest in quilted purse shapers

Handbags are a bit of an investment for most of us. Like any other type of investment, we should protect them and properly care for them. I used to put plastic in my own to help them keep their shape, but after doing some research, I learned that's actually the worst thing to put inside your purses.

I found these quilted fabric purse shapers and I love them. No more creases and wrinkles in your bags! They come in three sizes, so they're great for everything from clutches to tote bags.

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03. Get dust covers for your handbags

Along the same lines as the purse shapers, it's worthwhile to protect your prized bags with dust covers. This is especially true if you put them away for a season or two. Many handbags come with their own dust covers, but you often can't see the bags! Again, after much research, I found these great fabric covers! They have a sheer strip so you can easily see the bag inside, and they come in three sizes.

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04. Use shoulder covers for items you only wear occasionally

Items like evening dresses and winter coats that aren't worn very often can easily collect dust, particularly on the shoulders. Shoulder covers protect them and keep the clothes looking their best. While the ones I recommend are plastic, they cover just a small external area of the clothes, so it's nothing to be concerned about. 

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05. Boot trees are a must

Like purses, boots are often an investment (and sometimes, a not-so-small investment!). Boot trees are like the quilted purse shapers in that they keep your boots standing tall, preventing wrinkles and permanent creases.

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06. Get a shoe stretcher

We all know that shoes are not created equal. Your "regular" size may be three different numbers with three different brands! Especially with all the online shopping we do, no one wants to go to a cobbler once you finally get the shoes in hand. 

A good shoe stretcher is well worth the investment, so don't skimp on this purchase. Make sure to get a wood one that stretches the length and width or both left and right shoes. Everyone in your family will want to borrow this!

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07. Keep foot petals on hand

I always keep a few packs of these in my closet! The heel savers are great for shoes where the leather rubs your heel or if you find yourself sliding. The toe petal adds a little cushion to the ball of your foot and keeps it in place, especially in heels. 

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08. Invest in a quality steamer

Clothing sometimes looks better steamed instead of ironed. Steamers are also quick and easy to use, and they work on every type of fabric! A good steamer doesn’t have to be large or industrial strength and in fact, there are several excellent portable options. I love my Rowenta steamer (I also have a heavy-duty iron from them that I love!). Just don’t let too many people know you have one…they’ll come over all the time to borrow it!

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09. Use a small collapsible rack

This is one of my most frequently used closet essentials! I find this one to be particularly handy because it collapses and stores easily. I use it frequently when I'm pulling items for traveling, sorting, and outfit planning. Funny enough, I have quite a few friends who thought I was crazy until they got their own racks!

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10. Smaller must-have closet essentials

These little items are the definition of "tiny but mighty." I use lint removal tape and Downy Wrinkle Releaser frequently, especially when I'm in a hurry. Looking rumpled or being covered in lint is never a good look! Similarly, a battery-operated fabric shaver/de-fuzzer quickly makes sweaters and other "fuzzy" items look new again. Double-sided tape has saved me from embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions more times than I can count!

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Bonus: The Hanger Valet

Finally, The Hanger Valet works wonders for planning outfits ahead of time. This innovative product allows you to put complete outfits together and even includes small zippered pockets for accessories and intimates. 

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Enjoy checking out my closet essentials below, and just a quick heads up: some of my suggestions contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, you won't pay a penny more, but I may earn a small commission, which helps me keep the lights on! Thank you!! And remember — NO wire hangers!!

Fashionably yours,

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10 Reasons to Plan Your Outfit the Night Before

At the beginning of the year, I issued a friendly challenge to shop your own closet and join me in what I call the “gas and groceries diet” for the month of January. In a private Facebook group I created, I began sharing tips on how to get more wear out of clothes you already own and thin out the items that don't serve you.

The women who joined the group are having such great success (yay!), so I decided to expand on it and offer more suggestions on how to “dress without stress.” Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite strategies for stress-free fashion: planning your outfit at night! It's such a simple concept requiring very little effort, but it has a tremendous impact. Picking out your outfit at night is so much easier and less stressful than doing it in the morning when you're trying to rush out the door. I find it to be very similar to a to-do list in that it helps things run a little more smoothly and makes me feel better prepared. 

Read on for my tips to save time (and sanity!) by choosing your outfit at night. And if you're interested in joining the "shop your closet" challenge group, we'd love to have you! There's still plenty of room, and we continue to share stress-free dressing and fashion tips like these.

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There are some obvious benefits to having more time in the morning: you can enjoy your coffee or tea more peacefully and generally take your time without feeling pressure to rush around. Beyond that, evidence shows that starting your morning a bit more intentionally boosts productivity and sharpens focus.

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Along the same lines, slower mornings directly correlate to reduced stress levels. Even making minor decisions — i.e., what to wear — adds an element of stress, even if we don't necessarily realize it. Something as simple as picking out your outfit the night before goes a long way in eliminating this!

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This one doesn't need any explanation. If you have even just a few spare minutes in the morning, it means more sleep!

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By giving yourself more time to plan your outfit, you have the ability to think more about the next day. For example, you can check the weather or consider whether you want to go straight from work to somewhere else. 

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We've all been there: you're halfway through your workday and realize there's a noticeable stain on your shirt. How long has that been there? Avoid this scenario (or other equally mortifying situations, like a missing button) when you take the time to check your outfit over the night before

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Do you ever feel like you have bursts of creative flows in the evening? There may be a scientific reason for that! Melatonin, which is directly linked to “more flexible thinking” (i.e., creativity), is naturally higher at night. The mind shifts from primarily black-and-white thinking, focusing on the day's responsibilities, to more creative thought processes. So not only are you more likely to want to plan your outfits in the evening, you're also more likely to make more colorful, bolder choices. 

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By taking the time at night you have more of a chance to change around your looks because you utilize everything we would learn in the shop your closet challenge and pick things that you normally don't pull out. 

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Putting more effort in always results in a confidence boost — and who among us couldn't use more of that?!

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If you have plenty of time to put your outfit together in the evening, chances are good that you'll also think about accessorizing. This little luxury is easy to completely overlook when you're rushing around in the morning, but it goes a long way in tying your outfit together and making it feel more complete. 

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I don't know about you, but some of my favorite clothing items require ironing or steaming. It drives me crazy! However, if I think ahead at night about what I plan to wear the following day, I have sufficient time to get that steaming or ironing done. Along those same lines, planning your outfit at night gives you time to sew that button back onto your favorite blouse or quickly fix the hem on your go-to pants. 

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Remember, fashion should be fun! Implementing some of these tips can get you some of your time and energy back, help you have calmer mornings, and may even result in bolder, more fashionable outfits. Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram @therealchachaolivia and let me know which of these tips works for you, and be sure to check out the Facebook challenge group as well!

Happy styling, friends!

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