2nd step to getting that closet clean! 

Okay-- now you are motivated! After you get rid of your unwanted items, it is time to get organized. This can be as simple as separating work clothes from play clothes to as crazy as "black tee-shirts, brown tee shirts, blue..." you get the idea. This will give you a better idea of what you have to work with. If you work in a professional setting, you can see if you have 15 white button down shirts or none at all.

You can also see if you have all of the same colors in your wardrobe. You might be an all-black kind of person-- and I know who you are! Or, you might have more tee-shirts than any store in the mall but nothing nice to wear to a special event.

The best is yet to come! Calling all best friends, girl friends, sisters, mothers-- it is time for your personal fashion show and you might need someone to help you decide what works and what doesn't. Yes- even you men out there! Don't worry, we won't tell your boys. Try on everything. If it doesn't fit, get rid of it. Put things together that you might not think of. For example, for the gentlemen: pick your darkest jeans, your favorite tee shirt, now layer it under a dark button down shirt or a blazer. Not a suit blazer but something more casual, maybe corduroy. For you ladies: add a pop of color to your favorite outfit. Maybe purple tights with a black dress, or a yellow cami under a brown sweater and jeans.

Once you have played around and gotten an idea of areas that need improvement you might want to go online to do some research before you hit the mall. Check your favorite stores for promotions and sales. You can even follow famous people that you consider fashion icons to see what they are wearing. Don't worry about spending a fortune on the boots that you love that cost $200. I bet you can find them for a lot cheaper!

Now you are ready to shop! Scary, right? Your closet is clean and organized, you have finally thrown out that tee shirt you only wear to bed (okay, so you might want to keep that) and are interested in adding new items to your closet that have never been there before! Holy crap!

Tune in next time and we will go shopping together!

Time to clean out that closet!!!

Cleaning out your closet

I understand that this can be an overwhelming task. Believe me, there have been many days after too many coffees that I tried to take this on and failed. Basically, you have to set a goal for yourself. Is it a change in season? Are you up a size or down a size? Is your wardrobe the only thing you can control in your life? Well, these are all great times to get going. First we will talk about sorting. This is the first and most important step. Personally, I don't throw anything away. You want 3 piles: throw away (usually old socks and such), keep, and give away. With the give-away pile you might even be able to make a litte money. Check online to find a local consignment shop and see what you can get for your unwanted items. Now there are sources like Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up, and even online town "yard" sales that you can post your unused goods. Those few extra bucks can go towards your new purchases!!!!

Look at the item. Is it stained, ripped, really old? If not, the next question is: how long has it been since you have worn this item? A good friend of my mine taught me a great trick. Turn all your hangers the wrong way. After 6 months if the item is still in the wrong direction, it is time to move on. If it is an item you love and only wear once and a while, like that sexy black dress, it is okay to keep. But if it is those jeans you wore in high school that you KNOW you will get back into REALLY soon-- ditch them! You will feel less guilty the next time you skip the gym and go to a movie.

Feeling inspired? Well, you are off to a great start! Next time we will talk about your own personal fashion show!

Embracing My New Size

Hello to my dedicated fans!

I hope you all haven't given up on me. I have had an interesting 2 years and had to come to grips with where my life has taken me. One place is to a different department of some of my favorite clothing stores. Most of my adult life I have been a size 12. Due to some health issues, lack of energy, and love of ice cream I am now a size 16. It is taking Cleaning Out Your Closet to a whole new level! I am working on embracing my curves and finding new outfits to make myself feel good in my skin. My biggest issue is a serious lack of funds in my shopping account! I have been doing some research on places to sell my gently worn clothing to use to buy things that fit, but that doesn't seem to be going well so far, though I haven't worked really hard on it.  

The other concept I am embracing is shopping for my age... I am trying to find what it means to dress as a 30 something (flirty, thirty, and thriving, right?). I can't physically fit it anything in the junior's section any more-- I mean no one my age should be caught dead in those mini skirts.. Or were they belts? Headbands? I am also not at all ready to jump into Chico's or Talbots... I still love stores like New York & Co and TJ Maxx. I have been told I need to become familiar with Savers. That will be during my next shopping adventure. Don't worry COYC fans, I have not forgotten about my beloved clearance sections! Any store is fair game when I see 50% off!

My final fashion dilemma is a change in career. I have a wonderful new job that does not have a dress code. At first I was thrilled, dressing in cute, creative outfits everyday. Now I change from pajamas in the morning to more appropriate, to be seen in public, pajamas. I feel like Regina George in Mean Girls: "sweat pants are all that fit me right now."

Anyway, these are my fashion gripes going into fall. I will make sure to keep you all update as I come up with solutions to my issues. Feel free to send me your issues, or even better, your suggestions! Love you all! <3

Shannon Reacts to Fashion

First and foremost, it must NEVER be forgotten: Tights are not now, have never been and shall never be pants.  There are simply no exceptions to this rule.  In most cases, it is highly advisable to think critically before wearing leggings as pants.  Can I see that you’re wearing your Wednesday undies on Saturday?  Not pants.  Can I count the dimples in your butt?  NOT pants.  

Now that we have established that, there are a few recent, and blissfully dwindling, trends that must be addressed before I can move on.  I need closure.  

1.       Native American Inspired Clothing and Jewelry: Do you paint with all the colors of the wind? NO? Then stop dressing like you do.

2.       Chevron:  Gas station logo.  Not fashionable garments.

Regrettably, there are some lingering issues that do not seem to be resolving themselves at this time:

1.       Man buns: I like a pair of man buns as much as the next girl, but a man should not be wearing a bun on his head.  This is not okay, even if Colin Farrell and David Beckham are doing it.  Stop.  Please.  You’re killing my (day) dreams.

2.       Yoga pants with lettering (and rhinestones!) across the ass: I feel as though I should not have to explain why this is not okay, but here we are, living in a world full of vapid teenage girls proudly displaying “Juicy” in bling across their butt cheeks.

3.       High heeled/wedge sneakers: Awful.  Hideous.  Repulsive. Tragic.  A few adjectives that come to mind.  See also: Purposeless. Counterproductive.  Absurd.

4.       Neon colors and color blocking: Ouch my retinas.

5.       Peplum dresses, tops and skirts, oh my!  If I wanted to wear a tutu, I would be a ballerina.  Honestly, unless you are blessed (or cursed, depending on how you feel about it) with a size 00 ass and no hips.

Now, fair readers, do not despair!  There are some wonderful things happening in the fashion world:

1.       The return of (some) 90s fashion.  As previously noted, I do not approve of color blocking, or a few other choice trends that should have been left in the beautiful, musically driven decade of my adolescence, but the fact that combat boots, flower prints, military-style jackets and leather (faux, if you please – animals like to wear their own skin) are all being ENCOURAGED to be worn TOGETHER makes my Jordan Catalano-loving, angst-ridden, Alanis Morissette and Radiohead-listening teenage soul weep with joy.

2.       Boots, boots, boots! As far as the eye can see.  Short ones, tall ones, flats, heels, neutrals, colors, prints, casual, dressy … all in a wide variety of fabrics.  Amazing. I want all the boots.

3.       A nod to the classics.  Classic Jackie. Classic Audrey.  Classic BETTIE PAGE.  The clean lines.  Neutral colors with bits of flair. Everything from demur dresses and pea coats to pin-up pumps and polka dots. 

May 2014 bring us more class, more splashes of retro chic, and fewer incidents of see-through leg wear.  If attempting an outfit with leggings (and I fully encourage you to do responsibly), make sure to check out your butt in the mirror.  You’ll thank me.

And so will everyone else.

My Top Favorite Tips!

Hello my ladies! 

After reviewing my past posts and some of the latest fashion magazines, I have compiled my top ten favorite tips on keeping you trendy and saving a buck or two.

10. Be a rewards member of your favorite stores/ websites. I know it sucks when you get 25 emails a day, but that ONE day you are heading to the mall to shop, it will be a HUGE savings to download coupons, check out their social media for sales news, for having their rewards card, or filling out their surveys. I am also OBSESSED with the free app RetailMeNot! If you haven't checked this out, you must! You walk in the mall and it will tell you every sale/promo that is going on. You just show the cashier the coupon and BAM you have saved $$$! 

9. If your wallet is having a hard time keeping up with latest trends, focus on smaller ways to look fresh through your accessories and hairstyles. Using Pinterest, for example, could give you DIY ideas for making your own jewelry or how to make that awesome top bun! You all know how obsessed I am with scarves and great earrings! 

8. On the trendy topic, don't feel like you need to take part in EVERY trend that is popular. I am actually horrified by some of the things that are popular right now, especially if they are styles reoccurring from the 80's or 90's. Don't get me wrong: I love the My So-Called Life Style, but no one needs shoulder pads or a body suit! Stay true to your own style. Maybe incorporate that gorgeous purple handbag that you love with your every day tee shirt and jeans. Adding a statement bag takes some of the pressure off your wardrobe. 

7. Use your statement piece to create your whole look! This could be anything from the bag above to a great pair of boots, a sexy LBD, even a jewel toned eye shadow. My statement pieces make my whole outfit feel likes it comes together. For example, my favorite statement piece would be my Nine West suede boots. I LOVE THEM! They make me feel sexy whenever I get to wear them! 

6. Your makeup can really add a theme to your look for the day. Whether it is for work, a special occasion, or even if you just need to FEEL better! Most days, I start getting ready by doing my makeup and hair before I even decide what I am going to wear. It might dictate my whole look if I decide to wear a dark lipstick or just a light, shimmery eye shadow. Even if you aren't good at makeup, adding gloss and mascara can really make you look refreshed. 

5. Shop for those DEALS! Sometimes shopping can be a marathon. Whether you are looking for that one special piece, or just adding to your next season's wardrobe, patience is a virtue! Check out the clearance sections of your favorite stores, discount stores like TJ Maxx, or even the Goodwill. I found a great pair of name brand jean capris for my FL vacation for $2.50!!! 

 

4. I love to layer. There are so many good reasons to do so. Don't forget to accent your figure, you don't want to look frumpy-- but layering can save you money by allowing you to incorporate different seasons together, for hiding that one troubled spot, STAYING WARM, adding a creative style, adding a pop of color! SO MANY REASONS!!!! For example, my favorite thing to do right now is layer a summer dress under a great cardigan with bright tights and my BOOTS. :) Add a scarf or a statement necklace and you are bound to feel amazing when you walk out the door. 

3. Know the inventory of your closet! Once a season you want to go through your clothes, shoes, and accessories to not only get rid of the things YOU NEVER WEAR (I am sorry honey, but those 6 inch heels will NEVER be comfortable!) but to also remind yourself of what you do have, and what you love! I just reorganized my jewelery box and realized how many great pairs of earrings I have. You can display things differently to not only add character to a room, but remind you everyday to add that new scarf or your favorite necklace. This will keep you in check before you go shopping: "No I don't need a 6th PAIR OF BLACK DRESS PANTS! But this grey pair might be a nice addition." 

2. Re-purpose, reuse, recycle! If the bottom of your favorite jeans are torn up, turn them into your favorite pair of capris! Dig out that sewing machine or needle and thread to add some detail or color to that old blazer. You have a bracelet that you love and never wear? Wrap it around your pony tail or bun!

1.  Don't forget your friends! Having an exchange party is not only a great excuse to get together, it is a really inexpensive way to add or take away from your closet! Invite a few of your girlfriends over to your house and ask them to bring any unwanted accessories, handbags, or clothes. Have some great snacks and drinks while you all shop through each others stuff! New-To-You is just as good as brand new, and your wallet will thank you!!! 

Thanks for tuning in ladies! Come back for SHANNON REACTS TO BAD FASHION!!!! 

 

Who needs a little retail therapy?

Did you miss me? :) 

Sorry I have been M.I.A. for so long COYC followers! I am back now, and with a beautiful co-host! Shannon is going to bring a fresh perspective on accessories, plus size style tips, and many rants and raves about this season's styles. Shannon has been my best friend and my favorite FASHIONISTA for the last 22 years. 

As many of you know who follow me on Facebook and Instagram, I attempted to do 365 of fashion without success. The original premise of the project was to look different for 365 days. I was not allowed to wear the exact same outfit with the same hair and accessories. The hardest part was documenting my outfits on a daily basis. I got really sick of taking all those SELFIES. Who has time for that? The worst days were when I was sick. There were photos of my blanket, my pajamas, of my messy hair. I did come up with some great ideas for new outfits though. I hope it was inspiring to my followers that there are so many things you can do with a small wardrobe. Here are some of my favorite outfits:

 These were my Christmas jammies. I love them! We have pajama day every Thanksgiving at my house with yummy food and endless hours of Christmas movies.

This is my FAVORITE dress! Totally reminds me of I Love Lucy! I paired it with black pumps, silver hoop earrings, and my mother's pearls. You can't see the red and black flowers around my pony tail.

This outfit is a pair of dress pants from The Limited that came with a suit, a tank from old navy, and a cotton jersey blazer from DOTS. I love the necklace too! It is hand-made bought at a little shop in Stowe, VT. I am also wearing a black belt and my favorite black pumps.

I look forward to future entries and hopefully even more followers to help us with our fashion quest! 

LOVE YOU! 

Clearance Shopping at its Best! 

Today I went to the Steeple Gate Mall in Concord, NH with my Mom to do some "window" shopping. Window shopping turned into "Oh My God SO MANY CLEARANCE SALES!" I kind of lost my mind, but luckily, I didn't lose my wallet.

In total, I bought 16 items that were originally priced $317.68. Because I bought things on sale, I spent $174.78, saving over 45%. Each item averaged $10.94 a piece. SO EXCITED! The great thing is that they are mostly all interchangeable with each other and with the clothes I already have. 

Tonight I am going to "clean out my closet" (hee hee hee) and put things in order, bringing back my Fall and Winter wardrobe. This should be interesting, but my new closet is not that big.... I wonder if I can turn my second bedroom into a closet... No, that would come with a divorce. This should make my 365 days of fashion so much easier! I will have SO MANY THINGS TO CHOOSE FROM!

Here is what I bought, where I bought it, and the cost:

Black flats  original price 24.98 sale price 9.99 bought @ The Shoe Dept

Blue flats (same info) 

Pink wrap sweater original price 18.00 sale price 5.00 bought @ JC Penney

Blue silk tee shirt original price 12.00 bought @ JC Penney

Off white crochet sweater original price 18.00 sale price 5.00 bought @ JC Penney

Khaki & White party dress original price 35.00 sale price 10.00 bought @ JC Penney

Peach Silk tank original price 12.00 bought at JC Penney

Brown trouser dress pants original price 17.00 bought @ JC Penney

Grey trouser dress pants(same info) 

Pink bangle bracelets original price 16.95 sale price 4.99 bought @ New York & Co

Turquoise off-the-shoulder tee shirt original price 26.95 sale price 12.88 bought @ NY & Co

Purple V Neck Sweater original price 19.94 sale price 15.00 bought @ Old Navy

Pink embroidered skirt original price 29.94 sale price 14.99 bought @ Old Navy

Camel colored cord skirt original price 24.94 bought @ Old Navy

Olive drab tank original price 10.00 sale price 8.00 bought @ Old Navy

Charcoal grey tank (same info) 

Happy shopping! :)