25 Style Tips To Take Your Everyday Look From "Meh" to "Chic"

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I'm Going On A Clothes-Shopping Diet. Do You Want To Join Me on the "Shop Your Closet Challenge?"

It’s that time of year. Truth be told it happened a lot earlier this year than any other year. I’m shopped out. I’m spent out. I feel overwhelmed with the offers, deals and bargains in my inbox. I am craving simplicity and calm. The New Year almost always starts with resolutions and I’d like to start mine with my closet. Do you feel the same way? Would you like to join me?

I have to credit my good friend Kimmy Lipka for this “dietetic approach” to shopping. Kim and I managed a store together in Massachusetts for over 10 years. Not only were we good friends but “thicker than thieves” shopping partners. We often ended our work days with a “Want to make a Bloomingdale’s run?” We also had a “shopping hotline.”  We would call each other when we were out shopping…”I found this fabulous tote and it’s all about the airport… do you want me to get you one too?” And then one day, I called Kim about an item… I don’t remember what it was now, but I was disappointed and confused when she said…”I can’t - I’m on gas and groceries.”

How I’m feeling at the moment. Overwhelmed by what’s in my closet.

She went on to explain that she was only going to buy “gas and groceries” (just the necessities) for the month. As much as I was disappointed in losing my shopping buddy to this new “diet” I thought it was brilliant! I hopped on the “gas and groceries” diet! I have shared this with clients and friends throughout the years. They love it too. Sometimes it happens twice a year but ALWAYS in January. 

Are you with me? 

All month long on social media, I will be offering tips on how to make the most of what is in your closet. You’ll hear tips on how to style what is in your closet and how to get more out of things you don’t wear often. I’ll offer advice on what to keep and what to toss when it comes to weeding through your clothes. I’ll even offer ideas on how to stick to the budget when it comes to filling in items that you need to round out your wardrobe.

Now, I have been on enough “diets” to know that if I deprive myself of too much I’m setting myself up for failure. So, here’s “my clothes-shopping diet goal” for the month of January.

My goal is to buy only what I need. I will look away from all those tempting items I tend to buy because they stop me in my tracks! I also want to wear the things in my closet that I don’t wear often.

What is your goal?

Keep it simple. Try not to give yourself too many things to do. Perusing through your closet and not shopping might be exactly what you need. Maybe your closet is already paired down and you would like to wear the things in your wardrobe in different ways?

Whatever it is I’m here to help! All month long, I will have tips to help you get the most out of your wardrobe you already own. I’ll also be there to help keep you on track by offering a private facebook group to those who want more support than I can give on posting on social media.

If you are up for the challenge, join me! It’s easy:

1. Follow me on https://www.facebook.com/chachaolivias/.

2. I’ll invite you to join the private Facebook group, Shop Your Closet Challenge.

3. Watch for an email from me with an invitation to join.

4. If you have any questions about joining the challenge, feel free to email me.

I hope you enjoy the next couple of weeks with family and friends!

Fashionably yours,

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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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10 Essentials I Highly Suggest You Keep In Your Closet and You'll Never Guess What They Are!

Last week I told you about some things I learned from cleaning out my closet. I spent a lot of time in that room over the past month! While I was in there I was thinking of some of the items that help keep me organized and I’d like to share them with you. Yup, this isn’t about staple wardrobe pieces. It’s all about my favorite items that I use almost every day!

NO More Wire Hangers!

Wire and plastic hangers are one of my biggest pet peeves and not just because they look horrible. They are absolutely ruthless on your clothes. Everything stretches on them! It’s almost impossible to get to your clothes back to normal after they have been abused by those torture devices!

So, what should you use?

The velvet ones that you can find almost anywhere. I’m so happy the velvet hanger company started making skirt hangers too. Not only are they kind to your clothing but they take up much less space.

Invest in quilted purse shapers.

After doing some researchI found out that plastic is the worst thing to put in your handbags. I love these quilted fabric purse shapers. No more creases and wrinkles in any of your bags. They come in three sizes so they are great for everything from clutches to tote bags.

Invest in Dust Covers For Your Handbags.

Many handbags come with their own dust covers. It is important to keep bags protected especially if you put them away for a season or two. The only trouble with these covers is you can’t see the bags! Again, after much research, I found these great fabric ones! They actually have a sheer strip so you can see the bag. They also come in three sizes.

Keep these shoulder covers on hand for the items you don’t wear very often.

Evening dresses and winter coats are examples of items that aren’t worn year round or very often. It’s a good idea to keep the shoulders from collecting dust. Yes, they are plastic but they don’t cover the entire garment so no worries here.

Boot trees are a must.

Think of these like the quilted purse shapers. They will keep your boots standing tall without wrinkles and permanent creases.

A Shoe stretcher!

With all the online shopping we do who wants to go to a cobbler once you finally have the shoes at home? Don’t skimp on stretchers. Make sure to purchase wood ones that can stretch left or right shoes and both length and width. Everyone in your family will be borrowing this!

I always keep “foot petals” on hand.

The heel savers are great for the heels of your shoe if you find yourself sliding or if the leather rubs your heel. The tip toe petal keeps your foot in place, especially in heels, while adding a little cushion to the ball of your foot. I always keep a couple of packs of these in my closet.

A good steamer.

Sometimes clothing looks better when steamed instead of ironed. A good steamer doesn’t have to be large or industrial strength. Steamers are quick and easy to use and work on everything! I have a heavy duty iron from Rowenta and love their steamer too. Don’t let too many people know you have one…they’ll be over all the time to borrow it!

Finally, a small rack.

This item is something I use often and it comes in handy! I like this one in particular because it collapses and stores easily. I use it when pulling items for traveling, sorting and outfit planning. I have quite a few friends who thought I was crazy until they got their own!

Enjoy checking out My Closet Essentials below…

Little heads up...some of my suggestions may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of those 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,

My Closet Essentials

My Closet Essentials.

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10 Things I Learned From Cleaning Out My Closet.

Yes, it’s true. It has taken me a month to go through my closet. I’m not a big proponent of cleaning out a closet in one day. I know that works for many people, however, it doesn’t work for me. It’s an overwhelming task even if you aren’t a clothes collector. I like to take section by section and toss what is worn or damaged. I like to take time to mull over what is left. Today I’m not going to go through a closet cleanse with you…today I want to talk to you about what I learned over the past month!

10 Things I learned...

Don’t take other peoples “hand me downs” if you don’t think you’ll wear them.

My mother-in-law has unbelievable taste! I love going to visit her and we inevitably wind up cleaning her closets! (Right, Mimi?) She will often pass things along to me and most of them I wear and love. Some things, I have never worn and feel terrible that I haven’t. I know when I give someone something from my closet I hope they will get use out of it. I think we all want our items to be worn and appreciated. Before you take someone’s “hand-me-downs,” ask yourself if you will use it. If you don’t think you will, let the donor pass it along to someone who will get wear out of it.

Don’t just assume people want your “hand me downs.”

Sometimes I think passing down my “in good condition, almost like new” clothing is such a nice thing to do. However, this may just overwhelm people and put them into a closet overload. Ask them first…is this something they really think they could use?

Learn from your mistakes.

When you decide to toss or donate an item, ask yourself why you are you letting that particular item go? If you made a mistake and put money towards something that you aren’t wearing, you don’t want to make that mistake again! Download my "Stylist In Your Pocket."
Carry it in your wallet and ask yourself the 10 questions before you purchase another item of clothing. I still keep this in my wallet and it helps!

Don’t let your closet get out of hand.

If you go through your wardrobe often, your closet will never get out of hand. Keep on top of it and take a few minutes to go through sections to help you from becoming overwhelmed. Start with an easy section, like bathing suits or pj’s, to help keep you motivated.

If you haven’t worn something in over a year it really might be time to let it go.

There are certain things I can’t let go of and these aren’t the things I’m talking about. I’m talking about items that you pass over time and time again. If you pass by an item without giving it a second glance and you continue to choose something else to wear, it may just be time to let that item go.

Life is too short for uncomfortable shoes.

Period. They hurt when you wear them so you inevitably pass on wearing the outfit that goes with them. Don’t hang onto uncomfortable shoes. Find a replacement.

Stay on top of caring for your shoes.

Think of caring for your shoes like brushing your hair. Take the time to polish and resole/reheel them. Leaving the house with tired looking shoes is like leaving the house without combing your hair.

Don’t save “clothes that are too tight” or “clothes that are too big.”

Clothes that are too big or too loose don’t serve a purpose. They only take up space in your closet and more importantly, in your head.

Keep a running list of what you “need” and what you “want” because there is a difference!

Filling in the “needs” should trump filling in the “wants” especially if you’re working on a tight budget.

Sometimes altering an item isn’t the answer.

I have purchased things in the past that needed too many alterations. I never wore the item once it was altered because it still didn’t fit well. Finding a good tailor is key. He/She will tell you if an item can or can’t be tailored to your liking. I learned this the hard way. Not everything can be altered. If something is too large or too snug it is probably a good idea to pass on it.

There is such a feeling of accomplishment to cleaning out our closets. I only recently thought about why I was letting things go. It has saved me from making similar mistakes and therefore money. I hope it does the same for you! I’d love to hear what are some of the reasons why you’ve donated clothes!

Fashionably yours,

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