10 Ways to UpStyle Your Closet

I love a beautiful closet and think it’s one of the easiest ways to enhance your life.  A beautiful closet makes your clothes and accessories look better and I believe it can also make you feel your best each and every day.

Many of the design clients I work with struggle with making the most of their closet, from organizing it to making it a design statement like the rest of their bedroom.  No matter how big or small your closet is, there are some design tricks you can use to make it a beautiful, functional and inspiring space.

1.  CREATE A POWERFUL FIRST IMPRESSION

If you don’t have a walk-in closet, don’t let that stop you from creating a dynamic first impression with your closet.  Painting your closet doors, adding trim work or using wall paper to add a graphic punch is a great way to up-style your closet.

2.  ADD PAINT OR PAPER

Adding a little pizazz to the inside of your closet will not only energize the space but your clothes will look more glamorous surrounded by pretty paper or paint.

 

I love the idea of wall-papering the inside of a closet door.  It creates such a pretty backdrop to display outfits against.

Paint your closet walls your favorite color which is sure to lift your spirits.

3.  ORGANIZE BY COLOR

 

Organizing your clothes by style first (shirts, pants, skirts etc.) and then by color will give your closet a stylized feel and make getting dressed easier.

And don’t forget that the hangers are part of your style statement so use all one style of hanger to give your closet a streamlined and  cohesive look.

4.  KEEP IT ORGANIZED

I can’t stress how important an organized closet is to starting your day on a good foot.  Keep like items together and use shelf dividers to keep things tidy.

 

5.  USE STORAGE BOXES AS A STYLE ELEMENT

Storage boxes are another great organizing tool.  Invest in study boxes with stylish details.  Storage boxes can become part of your closet style!  If you come across plain boxes at the thrift store, an inexpensive roll of wrapping paper and double-sided tape  can transform them into decorative boxes in a flash.

6.  PUT THINGS ON DISPLAY

I love to incorporate decorative accents into a closet space.  Hanging a piece of art or displaying accessories or personal care items on decorative risers can transform your closet into a special space.

7.  MAKE IT PERSONAL

If space allows, why not incorporate a small vanity desk or chaise into your closet space.  It my not seem like you’d hang out in your closet but I promise this will become a special retreat for you.

8.  ADD A TOUCH OF GLAMOUR

One of the easiest ways to up-style your closet is by hanging a chic chandelier or pendant light.  This change alone will make your closet feel special and personal.

9.  ADD SEATING

Ok, who wouldn’t want this gorgeous ottoman in their closet.  Seating, whether a chair, stool or ottoman will give you a place to put on your shoes and turn your closet into a salon.

10.  ADD A RUG

Adding a decorative rug as a style layer in your closest is a quick and easy up-style tip.  Go bold or stay classic but layer a rug to give your closet a sense of warmth and coziness.

If you’re looking for ways to make your closet a more inspiring space, try one or more of these Closet UpStyle Tips!

Happy Decorating!

If you’d like help creating a home your absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services!

all images can be found on MY DREAM CLOSET pinterest board.

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Fashion Focus: Overalls

TGIF!

Just dropping in to end the week with a little fashion advice!

Having worked in the fashion industry for years, I’ve seen fashion trends come and go and then come again.  One of the fashion statements that has come back into the fold for spring is DENIM OVERALLS.  Just the other day I was at the mall and within 20 minutes I spotted three young women wearing overalls.  What caught my attention most was not the fact that seeing overalls took me back to my high school days but that there is obviously a right and wrong way to wear this look. Two of the three women I saw got it right and looked super chic, comfortable and fashion forward, the third woman got it wrong and looked like she just stepped off the farm and came to the big city for the day.

With that said, I know many of you will be sporting this look for spring so I thought I’d give you my take on the RIGHT and WRONG ways to look stylish is denim overalls.

oh so WRONG way…

Overalls that are too oversized and slouchy just look dumpy.  She looks like she has on her dad’s overalls and is not happy about it!

Again, too slouchy and the length is way to long.

Never ever wear overalls with just one strap fastened. The last time I saw someone with this look I was in the back woods of Oklahoma, his name was Bubba and he was in the process of skinning a raccoon so it could be BBQ’d (no lie)!

 This look is only for females ages 8 or younger.  Stay away from patterns and go with solid denim only!

the RIGHT way…

Slim fit overalls with a cuffed leg look super  chic.  Pair your overalls with a simple tee and wedge sandals or flats for spring.

Overalls are the one place where I think the faded look works and pairing them with a soft blouse will keep the look feminine without being too cutesy!

I love the look of striped tee with overalls. Black and white stripes are always classic and will allow you to accessorize with punch of color. {A little more conservative shoe would be my suggestion}

A win, win look is to pair your overalls with a heel.  Heels add style and a touch of glam.  And again, cuffed bottoms are the way to go.

 

And for the men that read my blog, the fashion advice I have for you is…..NEVER, EVER WEAR OVERALLS!   

 

source

photo Celebuzz

photo Celebuzz

Need I say more!

Have a great weekend and stay fashionable!

Image source:/1/2/3/4/5/6/7/ 8

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Fashion Focus: Transitioning from Winter to Spring

While I love the arrival of spring, I also hate this time of year because the weather is just plain wacky!  One day it’s warm and the next I’m back in my UGG’s or wearing my rain boots.

When the weather is so unpredictable, there is one piece of clothing I rely on.  This piece allows me to layer without feeling bulky on cooler days and when the day is warmer, this piece is lightweight enough to keep me comfortable while giving me a little coverage.  I also like that my g0-to winter to spring transition piece can be worn with jean and a tee or dressed up a bit with a maxi skirt and jewels.  So, do you want to know what my favorite transition piece of clothing is?  It’s the………….

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When it comes to fashion I love a piece of clothing that can carry me from one season to the next and allows me to wear it in multiple ways. 

In my book that is a true wardrobe staple!

What’s your go to spring fashion piece?

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Fashion Essential: The Little Black Cardigan

Just like a classic white shirt or simple black dress, every girl needs the Little Black Cardigan in her wardrobe!

Wear it with a Tee!  I love pairing a black cardigan with a striped or floral tee to give it a little edge.  Add pearls or wear a bold fashion necklace and this look can go from day to night.

Wear it with a Dress!  The little black cardigan is the perfect layer for a short and flirty dress or a long and lean maxi dress.  Opt for a shorter style cardigan so the overall proportions are balanced.

Wear it with a Blouse!  Nothing looks more chic than a crisp white shirt and a simple black cardigan.  Pile on the pearls for added glamour and sophistication.

Wear it alone with Denim!  This is my go-to weekend look and nothing is easier to pull together than a black cardigan and jeans!

Wear it with a Skirt!  A cardigan with a full skirt is flirty and fashionable and when paired with a pencil skirt the look is refined and business like.   Add a heel to keep the look sophisticated and polished.

Wear it with Color!  Color will be a big statement again this spring so pull out that cardigan and pair it with a bold and vibrant pair of cropped pants.  And don’t forget to add polka dots which will also a big trend for spring.

To make shopping for a Little Black Cardigan easy, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites.  It’s a good idea to add a few styles to your wardrobe so look for one that is short and classic, one that is long and lean and one with a bit of embellishment!

No. 1 Luxlight V-neck Cardigan  $44.95  Gap

No. 2  Jackie Cardigan $45.00 JCrew

No. 3  Silk & Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan  $168.00 Nordstrom

No. 4 Crew Neck Cardigan $49.99 Ann Taylor

No. 5  Tiered Cardi Jacket $59.99 White House Black Market

No. 6 Sequin Cardigan $39.00 Jones New York

 

Happy Shopping!

 

Other post you might enjoy:

Spring Trend:  Floral Footwear

Inspiration from a Design and Fashion Idol

My Fashion Style Revisited

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Spring Fashion Trend–Floral Footwear

The start of spring is only 52 days away and I for one am looking forward to warmer days and all the new spring fashion trends coming our way.  While we all expect to see florals during spring, it’s been a long time since we’ve last seen floral patterned footwear as a major fashion statement.

Seems that 2013 is the year for FLORALS for the feet!

I’m kind of excited about this floral trend and am really loving the multi colored patterns that I’m beginning to see on-line and in stores.   While this look isn’t for me…

I am liking these more traditional styles all done up in florals.

C Wonder–Park Avenue Rose Pointed Toe Pump

Nordstrom–Viara Pump

Neiman Marcus–Carron Digital Floral-Print Satin Pump

Nine West–Quetu Floral Sandal

Nine West–Shockmode Floral Wedge

Asos–Dollybird Yandel Floral Wedges

 To see lots of Floral footwear options, head over to the ShopStyle Floral Boutique.  You can sort by style,  brand or price to find the perfect floral footwear for you!

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How to Achieve a Stylish Wardrobe in the Dead of Winter!

Despite that we are having 60 and 70 degree weather here in Atlanta, IT IS WINTER.  I know many of my friends in Washington State are battling cold temps, snow and the gloomy grey skies.  If your winter weather is a little on the dreary side and you want to inject a little style and cheer into your wardrobe, here are a few fashion tips to follow:

• Forgo the bulky winter coat and opt for a faux fur vest instead.  I’m loving the fact that fur vest are on trend at the moment and I can’t think of a better way to sport winter outerwear than this.  Add layers underneath to make sure you keep warm but let the vest be the star.

• Instead of always wearing pants, change it up a bit with a stylish winter skirt.  Plaid is always a great option and long and full is the style choice for a chic winter wardrobe.

• So many people tend to gravitate to an all black wardrobe when the winter skies turn dark.  Toss out the black and give the ‘winter white’ look a try.  Dressing head to toe in one color family is not only flattering but the pinnacle of chic!

• Want to really make a winter style statement, try dressing in eclectic layers.  It takes confidence with fashion to pull this look off, but the result is fabulous.  Plaids and stripes are always a winning combination and as long as one or two similar colors can be found in each pattern they will work together.

• Wear a Hat not only because it’s warm but also because it adds another layer of ‘cute’ to your style!

So, what’s are you doing to shake up your winter wardrobe?  

All images via Pinterest

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It’s Not Summer without Gingham

Summer is mere days away and when the weather starts to heat up I love to pull out my Gingham pieces.  Gingham to me is a summer essential, just like ice cream and picnics.

To get you ready for Summer, I’ve scouted the web and found a few gingham pieces you just may want to add to your summer wardrobe!

ASOS CURVE Exclusive Sundress In Gingham–$60.88

Gingham Linen Dress–GAP  $59.95

Multi-color Gingham Dress–Zappos  $70.00

Mini Gingham Shirt–JCrew  $75.00

Gingham Clutch–Anthropologie  $78.00

Khaki Gingham Wedge Sandal–Lands End  $39.99

 

Free printable Picnic Invite via

Happy (early) Summer!

 

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My Spring Fashion “It” List

I am so loving the warm spring weather and all the great fashions I’m seeing in stores.  This spring, fashion in all about relaxed silhouettes, pretty florals, nautical stripes and bold colors.  Dresses are a wardrobe staple and wedge sandals and colorful flats are the footwear of choice.  Neon is also making a big impact and despite the fact that I can wear just about any color,  I’m not likely to jump on the NEON color trend.

With spring in full force, you can bet that  I am certainly going to be sporting some of these hot spring looks….

Miz Mooz ‘Yona’ Wedge Sandal   Nordstrom 

Wedge Sandals are my favorite sandal style. They give me height and I love the support they give under foot.  

What I love most about this darling wedge is the ankle wrap styling, leather wrapped wedge and flower detail.  What a great pair of shoes to pair with a simple maxi skirt and tee!

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans® Twill Ankle Pants  Nordstrom 

I’m loving the idea of colorful cropped pants for spring and summer. 

Going out to dinner I’d wear them with heels and a feminine blouse,  but for shopping on the weekend, it would be a pair of classic Ked sneakers and a striped tee.

p.s.  this is the type of pant you should own in several colors, including white!

 

Calvin Klein Tye Die Maxi Dress–Nordstrom

 I’ve always loved long dresses and I’m so happy that this is the season for maxis. 

I love the causal, relaxed feel of this tank maxi and would pair it with a white denim jacket or classic cardigan to dress it up a tad.

 

California Floral Shirt  Nordstrom

Nothing says “girlie” like a pretty floral print.

I love this abstract floral print in a classic shirt styling.  This piece is easy to dress up or down…jeans or slacks.

 

Ralph Lauren Bateau Neck Stripe Top–Nordstrom 

Classic and timeless and two things I think of when I see a striped tee.

I’m loving the sleeve length and neckline of this black and white tee.  This would be my go to top paired with a denim skirt, walking shorts or jeans. 

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans® ‘Emma’ Stretch Twill Skirt–Nordstrom 

Ever have one of those occasions when shorts are too casual but a dress is a bit too much? 

Well, this twill skirt will solve that problem.  Love the color, jean detailing and just above the knee-length.  I’m envisioning a crisp white shirt, untucked and a navy cardigan thrown over my shoulders.

C & C California Plaid Pleated Pocket Shirt–Nordstrom

 I Love me some gingham plaid. 

I think I need this shirt in multiple colors to wear with denim and a fun pair of sandals. 

The bottom options are endless which makes this shirt even more appealing.

 

Striped Jersey Skirt  Old Navy

Fun, flirty and so easy to wear!

I adore this skirt and can see it dressed up or down. 

For casual wear I’d pair it with a tank and ss cardigan and for a dressier and more eclectic look, how about a polka dot blouse like this and a chic pair of flats.

 Karen Kane Bow Tie Shirt  Zappos

 

 

Franco Sarto Jesse Flats  Nordstrom

 

What I love most about the pieces above is the versatility they offer.  In my book, the versatility, classic styling, fun but classic colors and simple details make these item wardrobe basics.  Pieces like these will carry your through several spring and summer seasons ,and give your endless mix and match opportunities that will make you feel like you have tons of clothes in your closet.

Now, all that’s left to do is go shopping!

 

So, what’s on your spring wardrobe list?

 images source noted above

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