If you’re following the plan, you now know what is missing from your wardrobe and you have tossed those things you will never wear again. You have probably unearthed some treasures too. During this process, take the time to evaluate what phase you are in in your life, remembering that clothes can elevate your image or not. Our fashions are a reflection of where we are in our life’s journey. Your closet should contain outfits that you feel good wearing and clothes that suit your figure type. THE MUST HAVE SHORT LIST or your workhorse items are: One pair of great black pants One pair of great fitting jeans (choose a dark wash) One white shirt One pair of nude pumps One pair of black pumps One clutch purse One black, large handbag One pair of ballet flats One winter coat in gray, black or a bright color such as red One black thin belt One brown or tan medium width belt One “cozy” in color such as teal, red or gray One fitted longer length cardigan sweater that covers your bum One blazer that you can wear with jeans or a dress One black straight pencil skirt One pantsuit that can be broken up in different ways Tanks in brown, black, navy and white (I love the tanks by Theory, they never fade) Trench coat One short leather jacket in tan ,black or brown One pair of ankle boots One pair of tall boots One sheath dress One little black dress [LBD] MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT YOU HAVE Now get excited about looking in your closet and finding how easy it will be to assemble your outfits. Try on different combinations until you find complete outfits that work. Do not settle for a second rate look. If you are missing items then add them to your shopping list. Look for things that need tailoring to update them, for example turning a boot cut pant into a straight leg pant . Make sure the outfits are age appropriate. Remember, as hard as it may be, you have to let go of things that don’t work for you.
Top Style Guides
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Looking your best
YOUR PERSONAL BEST Making the biggest impact you can on a daily basis may seem impossible, but it’s not! It just takes common sense and a bit of time AND going back to the basics. Take a look at yourself. Are you doing everything you can to put your best “fashion foot” forward? For most of us the answer is no. It could be time for a fresh start. If you are feeling out of control, making small changes can bring big results! BACK TO THE BASICS Accentuate your positives. Learn to downplay your flaws – everyone has them. Concentrate on creating a vertical, fluid line from head to toe. Focus on the fit of the garments and not the size in the label. Shoes and handbags should be polished and in good condition. Your handbag should not be over stuffed. Clothing should be pressed and free of lint (and animal hair!) Blouse buttons should not gap or pull. Accessories can create an impact and update a look. Dress in the classics and add only one trendy piece. Avoid plunging necklines, skirts that are too short and see-through fabrics. You should smell clean and not “over perfumed”. Make sure your makeup is current and not overly done. Don’t be trendy. (No dark lipsticks) Make sure your hair is clean. Your hair color and cut should reflect the current style (again, don’t go with the trend) Make sure your smile is the best it can be. White teeth and fresh breath are important. Your nails should look cared for with no chipped polish on them. Keep them on the shorter side for low maintenance. WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE Where should we spend our hard earned dollars to look great and have lots of versatile looks? Here’s a great “go to” outfit. It’s a no-fail look and you can wear it 14 different ways. It’s the simplest way to look chic every time. One piece can honestly make a wardrobe. Make this simple dress your all occasion staple. The sheath dress is a must have. Spend your money on this piece it’s an investment piece you will never regret. It can easily go from day to night with the rights accessories.
For example… Wear it alone Wear it with a jacket over it. Leather, suede or wool Wear a cardigan Add a pashmina or a cozy Add a trench coat Wear a statement necklace with it Wear a sheer tee under it or a sheer wool sweater Wear leggings under it Add a belt and cinch the waist Wear an ankle boot with it and patterned tights Wear opaque tights under it and a ballet flat Wear tall boots Add a scarf Add a vest GO THROUGH YOUR CLOSET AND MAKE A LIST OF WHAT IS MISSING Amid some mistakes you will find you have some reliable pieces…. fingers crossed. Cleaning out the closet, organizing the chaos and taking inventory of what you have will help you to be more creative in choosing your outfits. You have to be able to see what’s in there to make it work. NEXT TIME; For my …Next installment I’ll tell you what your workhorse items should be?? Your must have short list..
Packing Part Three
Packing Part Three Don’t be a chronic “over packer.’ Take what you need and leave the rest at home! And don’t forget to leave some room in your suitcase for the souvenirs you’ll bring home. Think about the weight of your suitcase and use soft pouch organizers to pack those extra items. Here’s how to assemble the contents of your soft pouch packing organizers and your handbag: What to put in your handheld bag
- Travel documents
- Passport
- Books or magazines
- Drivers license
- Medical emergency information card
- Medications, vitamins, asprin, etc.
- Wallet and credit cards
- iPod
- Jewelry
Tip: To avoid those annoying tangles and dents in your jewelry either purchase a soft jewelry roll or pouch or pack your jewelry in small sandwich bags. Remember, the right piece of jewelry can absolutely make any outfit spectacular. The right arsenal of statement jewelry is an instant way to update your most basic outfit. What to put in your jewelry bag
- Silver or gold hoop earrings
- A cuff or a few bangles in wood, silver, mixed stones, turquoise or lucite
- A long necklace
- A pair of standout evening earrings
- Colored stone earrings and necklace
What to put inside your suitcase Lingerie bag:
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-
- Panties (nude, white and black)
- Bras (nude, white and black)
- Pajamas or nightgown
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Toiletries bag:
- Shower gel or soap
- Eye drops
- Night cream
- Sun block
- Makeup remover
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Cotton swabs
- Toothpaste /tooth brush
- Dental floss
- Hair ties
- Band aids
- Hand/body lotion
- Tampons or other hygiene products
- Razor and shaving cream
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Emery board / clear nail polish
- Brush cleaner for your makeup brushes
- Deodorant
- Mouthwash
- Hair Dryer
- Hairbrush/comb
Makeup bag:
- Foundation
- Brushes
- Pressed powder
- Concealer
- Lip balm
- Lipstick/ gloss
- Eyeliner pencil
- Mascara
- Blush
- Eyelash curler
- Eye shadows
- Pencil sharpener
- Perfume
Extras you might need:
- Ziploc bags
- Safety pins
- Sewing kit
- Camera or camcorder
- Electrical adapter (if you are traveling abroad)
- Umbrella
Next week’s entry: Being your personal best everyday Making the biggest impact that you can and doing it on a daily basis can seem unobtainable. The truth is, it just takes common sense and a bit of time. It’s about getting back to the basics.
Summer Style Essentials: Perfect Packing Plan Part 2
Arrive in style and totally prepared with an array of chic outfits for your holiday. A well packed suitcase means packing items that are not too complicated and items that can be worn more than once. It’s all about packing double duty clothing and using a color scheme. Remember, the best vacations are supposed to be stress free! What to Pack for your Getaway
Beach or Pool –
Tote [in Canvas or Straw] – Sunglasses – Hat –
Swimsuit / Bikini or both –
Sarong /Wrap cover up [Tip get one that works as a evening wrap] –
Flat sandals/Espadrilles/Thong Sandals [Tip Silver and Gold goes with everything] –
Beach Towel or matt
Workout –
Warm up/Cotton Hoody – Tennis Shoes – Socks – Workout top and Running Shorts
Lunch or Site-seeing (Day one) – Sundress – Cardigan [Repeat] – Tote [Repeat] – Sandals [Repeat] – Jewelry: Bangle, Beaded Chunky Necklace, Hoop Earrings [Repeat]
Site Seeing (Day Two) – Sandals [Repeat] – Sunglasses [Repeat] – Tunic or other top – Belt worn low on the hips gives shape to a tunic – Walking Short / Casual Pant /Cropped Pant/Skirt [Repeat] – Tote [Repeat] – Cardigan/Jacket/Hoody [Repeat] – Jewelry: Hoop Earrings, Bangle turquoise and coral always work in the summer Evening Dinner Out – Dress – Sandals [Repeat] – Jewelry: Earrings, Bangle [Repeat] –
Evening Clutch Handbag – Wrap [Repeat]
Lingerie Bag – Pajamas or Nightie – Panties/Nude, Black and White – Bras Nude Black and White
Travel Outfit – Jeans or Khakis Cotton Chinos [Repeat] – White Tee / White Tank – White Blouse – Belt [Repeat] – Jacket [Repeat] – Sandals [Repeat] – Cozy scarf or a shawl
Wardrobe Color Scheme Example – Brown – White – Yellow – Beige – Wheat – Khakis – Navy – Red – Tourquoise – Pistachio – Silver – Gold
For information on cosmetics and other bagged items check in for “Organizing Your Travel Essentials & Extras: Audrey Mansfield’s Perfect Packing Plan Part 3.”
DON’T STUFF IT
If you haven’t booked your summer escape yet, do it now. And remember traveling is no excuse to compromise on fashion. Here are some great packing tips which will help you maximize space and make sure that you arrive at your destination with everything you need for the perfect stylish holiday. The added bonus is you won’t have to pay extra baggage fees. Steps for Packing:
- Lay out all of your pieces
- Try on all your outfits
- Collect all your toiletries and pack them carefully in sealed bags
- Put your shoes in bags or wrap them in tissue paper
- Put all your swimwear in one bag
- Put all your underwear in a bag
- Put all your jewelry together in one bag or jewelry container
- Put your travel outfit to one side
- Collect your clutch and tote
- Start by assembling one side of your suitcase
- Place your heavy items on the bottom. Then place your bags of shoes, swimwear, toiletries underwear, lingerie, and swimwear near the top. Place your tote and clutch on top creating a flat surface
- Place your fragile or easily-wrinkled items in a garment bag or a plastic bag.
- Line sweaters and blouses with tissue paper
- Roll t-shirts to prevent wrinkles
- Start folding and stacking the remaining outfits using the interlock method
Folding the correct way will give you more room in your suitcase and keep your clothes out of the case wrinkle-free.
The Interlock Method: Video…KGO TV
Wrinkle-free packing
- Button every garment
- Start with your largest piece on the bottom north. The next large piece should lie facing south. Leave the sleeves hanging over. Don’t fold them in yet.
- Place smaller items going west, altering directions east until you have packed everything except your shorts and sleepwear in the center, creating a middle pillow.
- Start folding in making an envelope shape.
- Place it in the other side of the suitcase and place your rolled items around the envelope.
Now, are you wondering what clothes, accessories or products to bring on your trip? Check back in for “Summer Style Essentials: Audrey Mansfield’s Perfect Packing Plan Part 2.” In the meantime, if you have any travel stories that you’d like to share let me know. Cheers!
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