GIVE YOUR CLOSET A MAKEOVER

Spring is just about over but that should not stop you from doing some closet "spring cleaning." Do yourself a favour and give your closet a make-over for summer. Because I live in Canada, a seasonal wardrobe is a must. So when the seasons change, I find myself going through my closet to retrieve stuff from the previous year. I eagerly put away the winter things and welcome my summer pieces. Because it is my favourite season, summer fashions get me so excited. Thankfully! Time to be gone with the sweaters, coats, and itchy wool!  Summer is here!

So how about taking a fashion break from the shopping for just one weekend and clean out your closet? Maybe it is an incentive to do a little more shopping. I know it is not the most exciting task, but it helps to do a little wardrobe auditing, at least annually.

Here are 4 tips to help you on clean up your closet....... so you can really enjoy your summer 


1. Remove all items of clothing if you have already created your seasonal categories. Place everything (all categories of clothing) on the floor/bed. Depending on the volume, make space in an area that can accommodate all.

2. Now create 2 categories A - Keep B- Donate. 
Create the appropriate amount of space for sorting and piling for category "A".Grab a bin or a  garbage bag (s) for the "B" pile. Now get to work.


3.Carefully go through and select the pieces. Do bear in mind a few things when deciding what to do. If there's anything you have not worn in a few seasons, then that sounds like category B. Remember, donating is great for the earth - it allows others to recycle and find some use for your gems. If you know you will absolutely wear in the current season or let's say the one ahead, then category A it is.

4. Organize the pieces according to classification. Try as best as you can to colour code and organize them according to the occasion., i.e. casual/dressy/formal). This makes it easier to coordinate your clothing  when you are ready to wear them. Place them on hangers or if you prefer drawers for some in the following categories:

Tops: All your tank tops, blouses, and anything you wear on top
Pants: Include jeans, shorts (most of us fold our shorts and jeans)
Skirts
Dresses
Accessories (scarves, gloves, costume jewelry)  - These should also be considered when clearing out your closet... They can also be considered obsolete after several years of use.

So head to your closet, do some organizing, and take out the old. Then you can justify doing some shopping.

IT'S SUMMER! TIME TO COLOUR YOUR WARDROBE!

Summer is still the best time of the year, no matter your geographic location. It is such a great season for dressing up and having fun with colours, especially the ones we avoid during other seasons of the year. 

Well how about giving your summer wardrobe a little kick with some bright hues. Sure, white is nice, cool, and neutral and we look forward to wearing it. So why not throw in a little colour?

Here are 5 COLOUR tips for making your summer clothing come alive:

1. Add some multi-coloured accessories on plain coloured outfit. For example, try a coloured or multicoloured necklace on a plain white maxi dress. Incorporate multi-coloured or plain coloured sandals (The colour of the necklace does not have to match with the colour in the sandals).

2. A coloured purse/hand bag will pop anytime - don't shy away from oranges, hot pinks and of course bright yellow...They work for popping some colour in your attire.

3. Try a coloured pair of pants/jeans (red, royal, blue, or salmon are some trendy colours) they are the hottest looks in trousers this summer. To really rock those pants try contrasting with an equally brightly coloured top. If you can't be so bold and daring, try a neutral top.

4. Colour blocking is actually quite trendy and a good way to perk up your closet. Don't try to overdo it though - it can look a little "clown-like" if too much is worn. Minimize the look by adding plain pieces as your coordinates.

5. FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T STAY AWAY FROM BLACK!! (Okay! I am guilty too! )

 Because black is safe and easy to wear, we all fall prey to its pull. For sure it can be worn forever without being spotted as a repeat offender. I will say though, black is also the easiest to add any colour as a complement. There is a come back of neon ...It's trending in colours so you can add it with your black. You can go with all black or with a little black. Minimalism is key, or neon colours can take you back to the 80's, therefore, proceed with caution.  Whether it is at the top, bottom, or a full black outfit - colour enhances anything black.

So now that you know, or at least recall that colour is fun, GO get into yours!

Are you THRIFTY? Here is how to make the most of a clearance SALE!

Clearance sales are great places for finding bargains. Most stores really do have authentic "mark downs" Retail shops are constantly receiving new inventory and therefore must move their stock around and out.

Here are 5 thrifty ways to do a CLEARANCE SALE 

1.  Items that say "slightly imperfect" - The best place to find some "diamonds in the rough." 
2. Significant reductions 50-75%  
3.  Off season items - much cheaper than when they are current
4.  Pieces that can coordinate with other pieces in your wardrobe -Many times you have an item sitting there waiting for a coordinating piece. At a sale you suddenly notice- OOPS,THERE IT IS!
5.  Stuff you can use as gifts...hmmmm! (Christmas, birthdays, just because....etc..)

TRY A LITTLE LEATHER (FAUX OR REAL)

Have you ever thought of leather? I don't mean purses, shoes, jackets or sofas. I mean leather apparel. Most of us who wear leather, limit it to accessories or outerwear. But leather can have a nice appeal, whether it is faux or real.It gives that edgy feel and does give a particular look to an outfit. For women, wearing leather can be a little daring and sexy. A leather mini skirt or a clingy pair of leather pants is not the conservative woman's look. But she can certainly try to add a little attitude to her wardrobe.Leather has its own personality and it says a little abut the personality style of the wearer.

Lately, I have been researching various leather looks and found it dating way back. From the "Cowboys" to the Dominatrix; it has never left the fashion world. Leather can convey sexy, sultry, easy, funky, rock star, and of course it can look fabulous. Current trends are leaning towards colour, as leather apparel now comes in a variety of hues. No longer are you limited to wearing just black.

Step out of your wardrobe comfort zone and try a little leather with your outfit. If you don't want to go all the way, how about some mixing and matching. For example, a black (or coloured) leather vest and a white shirt can spunk  up a pair of skinny jeans with some fabulous boots. Go for a different look, try a little leather!                                                                                                        

YES! THAT'S THE DRESS!

How easy is it to find that ideal wedding dress? The one you have been dreaming of all your life? How do you know when it is the one? Is it when there are goose bumps all over your body, your mother is tearing up, and your best girlfriend hugs you so tightly that you can hardly breathe? Or maybe it is the dress when you burst out in an uncontrollable shout saying, "Yes! This is the dress!"

That depends entirely on the bride to be. Because we come with our own make up of personalities, idiosyncrasies, and of course, personal taste and style, finding a wedding dress can be just as complex. For some brides to be, it is as simple as selecting the first one she tries on...The one that looks good and feels good. For others, it is as crazy as some of the dramatic displays we witness on "Say Yes to the Dress" 

Personally, as a bridal store owner, I have found many of the ladies do come with an idea of what they are looking for. While some do, others think they do. Eventually, they will know what works best for them.

The silhouette is the first thing to decide. It is the key to finding the right dress for the right girl. Although many times a young lady will come wanting a particular look or fit, she may end up trying on some styles and fit that are different from what she originally thought she liked. Invariably, she chooses something completely different.

Bridal dress shopping is not as easy as it may seem. With so many choices out there, the selection is huge. No wonder brides get "Bridezilla Syndrome" (BS); Symptoms: Crankiness, mood swings, pouting, shouting at higher than normal decibel. How often does a lady shop for a bridal gown? Think about it... Okay, so Elizabeth Taylor may have gone more than five times. Most women are not her. She also had assistants, and a limitless budget, I am sure. Don't get overly stressed in your quest for the ideal dress. Try and make the decision as effortless as possible... Remember to enjoy the experience- after all, it's your day!

Here are a few tips for finding that dress:

•  Do some research; bridal magazines, websites, and local bridal shops are a good start.
• Take only the people, your entourage, the ones whose opinions you value; forget that "girlfriend" who never gets excited about anything. This is the one who has never been married and has been a bridesmaid too often...She probably suffers from  "Tired of Being a Bridesmaid Syndrome" (TBBMS)
• Know your budget; don't shop for a $3000 dress with a $600 budget. No store will give you that huge a discount.
• Choose a dress based on your personality style and your taste.
• Keep it real, know what you want to look like; try being yourself.
• Try on a variety of silhouettes that compliment your body type.
• STOP! If you have found the dress, LOOK NO MORE! It is the most frustrating thing for a bride to keep on looking. I get them all the time wanting to change their minds. EXCEPTION:  If you were pressured to buy it by your rich aunt who is paying for your wedding and you really don't like it....hmmmm - Think before you take that risk!
• Enjoy the experience- HAVE FUN!!

Get festive and fascinated!

It is that time again when we all get into the holiday spirit. Yes! Parties, shopping, and the spirit that makes the holidays come alive. I am a big fan of the festive season, so much so that I feel like a kid all over again. My kids still do not get as excited as I do.

Dressing up is one of my greatest passions. I have been playing "dress up" since I have known myself. From my dolls to myself, it was the "funnest" time of my life- it still is. So now that I have no excuse to take out my "pretty dan dan" (A phrase we used in Jamaica back when I was a kid which means all my pretty little outfits) I am ready!.

What is topping the fashion list this holiday season? Of course cute little black dresses are never out of style. Cocktail and full length are always hits of the season. How about shoes? Platforms , pumps, high boots and of course strappy shoes, (though a bit impractical for the cold) are always the accessories for finishing those cute little outfits.

From feathers to furs, tulles and bows, fascinators are HUGE this season! While they were a big hit in the 60's, they have a made a comeback into the fashionista's world. I LOVE THEM! They are not for the conservative, although there are styles that a woman who does not necessarily want to be seen can wear. Yes 'mam! How then do you wear a fascinator without looking too much? That is the question. Okay I decided to make a little list of how to wear a fascinator and HOW.

A fascinator can be worn just about anywhere. It all depends on you and of course the occasion determines how fascinating your fascinator should be. Below is a list of tips on how to wear your fascinators:

With a simple dress: (Knee length, A-Line, or a nice shift)

• Wear a fancy fascinator that is more like a hat (pillbox is a good choice)
• Feathers can adorn your fascinator and to top it off, you can add some tulle
• A bird cage veil can be a nice look with any dress (simple or fancy)
• A big flower- for the creative funky woman. Make it as big as your head can handle Remember, we need to be able to see your face.

With a Fancy dress: (Full length, sequinned, ballgown, or a maxi , with lots of blings.
Keep it simple; A bow that may or may not pick up the colour in your dress (not necessarily matching, coordinating is the key to adding accessories)

• A little flower
• A Fancy hair pin with minimal blings
• A Birdcage type of furniture works as long as it does not compete with the dress (simplicity is the key)
• A fancy hat that goes with the theme of your dress

So now that you are preparing for all those soirees, shindigs, and parties for the holiday, try something new. Go Try a fascinator and you will be fascinated!

CHARLENE'S CLOSET AND BRIDAL BOUTIQUE - The Best that Charlene has to give: "A BIG Thing" Green Wedding Dresses

CHARLENE'S CLOSET AND BRIDAL BOUTIQUE - The Best that Charlene has to give: "A BIG Thing" Green Wedding Dresses