Top 10 Items to Purge From Your Closet This Winter

Almost everyone I know participates in some form of spring cleaning, whether it's organizing the medicine cabinet or overhauling the garage. In my opinion, however, winter is an even better time of year for cleaning and getting organized. Think about it: most people spend more time inside and have more "downtime" during the winter (especially this year!). Why not turn that idle time into something productive? 

My personal favorite "winter cleaning" project is purging my closet. Maybe it's just in my head, but something about the new year just beginning helps bring into focus that saying, "out with old, in with the new." I just love the look and feel of a closet that's been freshly-organized! It may seem like going through your closet is fairly straightforward, but I've picked up some tips and tricks that will make the process much easier. 

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Believe me, I've been there – you have every intention of purging your closet, but quickly find yourself justifying why you shouldn't get rid of anything. I wore this to so-and-so's wedding. Blue is my color. Oh, I love this dress! Truthfully, regardless of how much you love something, it isn't benefitting you at all shoved in the a drawer or hanging in a crammed closet where you can't even see it.

In order to properly purge your closet, you're going to have to be brutally honest with yourself. If you've only worn something once or can't remember the last time you wore it (or IF you ever wore it!), it's time for it to go. Along the same lines, if you rarely reach for a certain piece and can't picture the next time it will be worn, you should probably get rid of it. You may have heard a rule that if it's been more than a couple of years since you wore something, you should part with it. Personally, I don't totally agree with that – if it's a timeless, unique piece that you genuinely love and you honestly believe you'll wear it again, hang onto it. But that's the key question: will you realistically wear it again? 

I know it can be difficult, but on the bright side, purging several items from your closet means you're making room for one or two more that you really love!

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Or coats that aren’t very warm. Winter fashion has come a long way in recent years. Even puffer coats are much more compact than they used to be! Consider getting rid of any that are noticeably bulky, as well as any that simply don't keep you warm. 

The term "fashion hurts" is a thing of the past. I no longer keep shoes that require grabbing someone nearby to steady myself! If a pair of shoes hurts or causes discomfort, say goodbye.

If you wouldn't leave the house in it and you only wear it to “bum around”, it's gotta go. There's no need to keep any clothes just for "bumming around!"

Items kept out of guilt. We all have them. They aren't our style, but we hold onto them because they're from someone we respect. However, someone else may get lots of use out of that new-with-tags sweater you'll realistically never wear.

Graphic tees have a lot of wonderful uses in fashion, but it simply doesn't make sense to wear your "Single and Ready to Mingle" shirt years after you got married or walk around in a tee for a band you no longer listen to.

This one is along the same lines as "bumming around" sweaters. Just because something is specifically for exercise, doesn't mean it has to be plain, worn out, or in poor condition. Plus, cute new workout clothes can be extra motivating!

Delicates aren't made to last for years and years. Treat yourself to new intimates at least once a year, and get rid of any that are stretched out.

Accessories fall into that category of things most people accumulate without even realizing it. Keep one or two good winter hats and gloves, and get rid of any that look dated or worn out.

Some items simply can't be tailored and sometimes, we mistakenly try to get them to work. If you're still not wearing it, just let that mistake go.

Although I'm a huge advocate of timeless styles like a great denim shirt, even I can't resist hot, on-trend items from time to time. Their lifespan is short, though, so get rid of a few pieces each time you purge your closet. Bell-sleeve tops and cold-shoulder sweaters are great examples.

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Now that you've successfully purged your closet of clothes you no longer wear (yay!), the next step is deciding what to do with them. Items that are obviously worn out or damaged should simply be thrown away, but everything else should be donated or recycled. This is an easy thing you can do to be more sustainable, as it helps keep clothes – which are generally not biodegradable – out of landfills. Plus, other people may be able to give your items new life!

Churches and homeless shelters in your local community are probably always accepting donations. If you need more ideas, I found this one from Good Housekeeping to be very thorough and helpful. 

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I hope these tips have helped inspire you to purge your closet this winter. I know I'll be doing my own! I'd love to see which tips you use, plus hear about your own tricks of the trade, so please tag me and let me know on Instagram @therealchachaolivia! Happy purging, friends!

Happy purging, friends!

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"I Can't Wear That Again. I Already Wore It To_____." The Power of the Re-Wear."

Here is is….The dress. Don’t be surprised if you see me in it again!

A common statement I hear from women is, “I can’t wear that again, I already wore it to___" or “I already wore it with those people.” This has me thinking.

So what?!

There are so many special events happening, especially during the holidays. There are office parties, house parties and the actual holiday itself. What do you wear to those events? I’m not talking about the clothes we wear on a daily basis. I’m talking about all the events that require some type of attire that is “a little dressier or festive.” These items are clothes we may only get to wear a handful of times per year.

We recently hosted a party, in our home, and I wore an Alice and Olivia dress that I purchased at the end of last season. I finally had an occasion to wear it! It was perfect. I was comfortable, looked chic and, most importantly, felt great. A few weeks later, I had another event and I was trying to decide what to wear. I enjoyed my Alice and Olivia dress so much I decided to wear it again.

You know I love clothing and enjoy dressing up. I love to get use out of the clothing I own. I love to feel good in what I’m wearing and I want my clients to feel the same way. What if I am with people who had seen this dress prior? Why wasn’t I compelled to wear something different? I had other choices and I have to admit, it’s not like I didn’t stop to think about it. In fact, with so many sales happening at this time of year it was also tempting to look for something “new.” Yet, at the same time, I am so overwhelmed by all of the “bargains” that they have become a turn off. I don’t want to purchase anything…even if it’s the “deal of the century.”

How did I get here?

While I was thinking about the upcoming events, I began to ask myself a few questions. I think they are important things to think about.

This was pretty cool!

With Stacey Bendet-CEO and Creative Director of Alice and Olivia!

Q: If I were at an event and I saw someone in a “re-wear,” what would I think?

A: I honestly wouldn’t think anything of it. What would you think? Would you even think twice about it? I asked a few people this question and they had the same reply!

Q: Why would I only wear want to wear my new dress once? A: I purchased this dress because I loved it. I enjoyed wearing it and I truly wanted to wear it again.

Q: Would I care if someone has seen me in it? A: It was empowering to answer “no.”

Finally, I want to be able to pass this idea on to my to my clients. I know most of us think the same way about our clothing options for these special events. We tell ourselves…“I can’t wear that again,” but I’m training myself to question it. Why do we put that pressure on ourselves? each other? and our wallets? This week I am hosting a holiday party for my husbands office. When I came home tonight he said the ladies in the office were chatting about what they were wearing. He couldn’t believe the topic was “Is it ok to wear something I’ve already worn?!” I hope they get to read this before Thursday…I think it’s a great idea to “re-wear!”

The items we purchase for occasions like the holidays, are a little more special. We invest in them and we don’t get to wear them often. I decided this holiday season if I feel good in something, and I love it, I’m going to get the use out of it!

Please let me know if you decide to “re-wear” an outfit. I hope you do!

Fashionably yours,

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Taking Runway to Everyday...Fall 2019

How will you wear your skin and animal prints this Fall?

Spring and Fall are my favorite times to watch the upcoming Fashion. The runway shows and extra large editions of my “go to” fashion magazines are packed with the newest designs. I love seeing the artistic expressions from so many designers. I’m not a “trend chaser.” I look to new seasonal “trends” for inspiration. I think it’s important to change up a wardrobe seasonally and find different ways to wear basics. If there happens to be a new look I’m attracted to, I like to find ways to incorporate it into every day life.

A couple of weeks ago I talked about some of the Fall 2019 trends that caught my eye. (I also talked about the ones I’m staying away from!) This week I will be sharing my way of translating these looks to every day life.

The items below are pieces I found that work well going from casual to work and then out to dinner. They are all takes on Runway looks that are showing up everywhere. With a few tweaks, like changing from denim to trousers or kicks to pumps these items can be so versatile. You’ll also find that some of the pieces I share overlap on more than one trend!

Suit Up And Strong Shoulders.

This is one of my favorite looks. I absolutely love using a topper on any outfit. It always makes me feel so complete. The navy blazer comes in a variety of colors and is a knit fabric. It is super comfortable and is under $100!

Checks and Plaids.

Checks and plaids when done right are timeless. I love how each of these has a unique point of interest. The kelly green in the pant would be beautiful during the holiday. The patchwork trench will do more over any outfit than just your average camel colored basic! The window pane cardigan will go miles…literally. On the plane and then mixed with skirts and denim for different looks when you’re off the plane

Dark Florals.

Why keep florals for Spring and Summer? When using darker prints or backgrounds, florals can add just enough color to bring some fun to your Fall and Winter wardrobe.

Showing Your Spots.

Every Fall Season animal and skin prints make their way back onto the runway. I am especially impressed this Fall with the added colors to the traditional prints. Check out the zebra print maxi dress below! The blouse below from CAbi mixes florals with skins. This is an example of overlapping trends.

Trench Coats.

I love how unique these two trench coats are. Anyone can show you a basic khaki trench. Why not have your topper say more about you than I need some protection from the rain!?

Lovely In Lace.

When adding lace to your outfit, keep everything else simple.

Maxi Skirts.

Maxi skirts and dresses are almost always for the warmer months. Not these! I love the weight of the knit ones. Paired with boots and turtlenecks they will go well into Winter.

It’s Not Easy Being Green.

I love green as an accent color. This Tory Burch Cross Body Bag doubles as a wallet if you ever tire of it as a bag!

Camel and White Combo.

Probably one of the richest trends right now. I love how classy this combo looks. I can’t wait to try it out!

And, finally Knits.

Knit pieces can last a lifetime when cared for properly. This turtleneck dress is timeless. There’s that navy blazer again! Wait until you see all the colors it comes in. Don’t miss it!

If you’d like the links to the catalogs above, sign up for my weekly emails below and I will be in touch. I’d be happy to share them with you and show you how my new virtual closet works. We share your personal items in an app and I help you create outfits from your existing pieces. I can also suggest new pieces to change your looks around! I am so excited to share this with you!

Fashionably yours,

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Do you have "Winter Clothes Fatigue?" 10 tips to help you get out of the Winter Doldrums.

“Winter clothes fatigue,” according to Chacha Olivia, is the frustration brought on by the short Winter days, lack of sun and freezing temps that have one wearing the same items over and over. One is dressing to stay warm and not dressing for joy. “WCF” can bring on feelings of boredom and sometimes “meh.”

Having been in Florida for almost 4 years now, I often forget the feeling of dread I would have waking up in the morning. I remember not wanting to get out from under the covers. The chill when your feet hit the floor goes right through you! Your outfits revolve around what will keep you warmest as opposed to what makes you feel alive and bright! I guess I could equate it with how I feel in Florida in October? Maybe not.

So, my friends living in cold climates, what are you to do?!?!

Here are some of my tips to make you feel a little lighter and cheerier. And, if you don’t experience “Winter Clothes Fatigue,” you might want to try them anyway! A midseason refresher is always a good idea! And, some of these don’t even involve clothing!!

1 Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. There is nothing like feeling moisturized in the dry heat of our homes. If your salon offers a paraffin treatment…go for it! Choose a light color or even a bright one.

2 Go for a facial! Choose one that will offer extra hydration. Pampering ourselves is great any time of year!

3a and 3b Take all your salt stained boots and shoes to the cobbler for a freshening up! This one is pretty simple. I always feel better when I have repaired or refreshed items that were in desperate need of some TLC! Clean your Winter Outerwear. Dry clean your winter coats and wash your fleece pullovers and jackets. Over the course of Winter, outerwear can really take a beating. You will feel a lot fresher when things are clean.

4 Try wearing some scarves as an accessory to your outfit and not just a way to keep warm. Look for different ways to tie them to freshen things up. I love this video from Wendy's Lookbook and it’s quick! 25 Ways to tie a Scarf! In under 5 minutes :) (I would also suggest following her…she’s amazing!) The important thing to remember is to use different scarves! Don’t be an outfit repeater…go dig out another scarf in your closet…I bet you have one!

Shopping at Vagabond Apparel in North Palm Beach, FL. Love this great little Valentine cashmere sweater from Minnie Rose. Perfect pick me up, even in Fl!

5 Purchase a “pick me up!” Find a good sale at one of your favorite stores and purchase a new sweater or matching hat/gloves and scarf set. Choose a bright color or something that makes you smile.

6 Start looking at new Spring trends. January is the best time to start checking out Spring fashion trends in magazines. What is the new Pantone color of the season? Are prints going to be small or large? What are the heels and toes like in the new shoe trends? Keep a list of things you may want to add to your wardrobe. Spring lines hit the stores in February…the best bags and shoes come out early and they sell out quickly! Act fast!

7 Try layering different items of clothing in your wardrobe. Tired of wearing the same old sweaters? Don’t really want to purchase any more “cold weather attire”? Try layering a short sleeve tee (maybe a fun graphic) over a solid long sleeve tee. Pair it with your favorite denim. Thinner items can offer a lot of warmth too. You can also check out my post "Are You An Outfit Repeater?"…and see different ways to “shop your closet” and get more use out of the items in there!

8 Try out a new fitness routine. Have you tried spinning or Pilates or how about Lagree? Try out a free intro class and wear some fun athletic wear-NOT BLACK! 

9 Plan a Winter getaway. Start packing or creating a list of what you’ll bring. See my "Not your Average Pack Like a Pro" Post. This will brighten your spirits and give you some warm weather to look forward to. Nothing like getting off a plane and feeling the sun on your face and looking up at the palm trees!!

10 Not traveling? Host a party! Serve some signature summer cocktails (with umbrellas), offer up a great summer music playlist and a fun game of limbo! Encourage Summer attire…even if it’s a hat or Hawaiian shirt. Maybe you can plan it around that new Spring outfit you just picked up!!! (wink wink)

Whatever you do, hang in there, Spring is around the corner!!

January is the best time to look at magazines for Spring Fashion Trends.

Start thinking about what you’d like to add to your wardrobe this Spring.

What needs to be replaced? What needs to be updated?

Theo-Chacha Olivia

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