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: Sneakers for Spring and Summer

all fashion images via Pinterest

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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!   

 

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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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Inspiration + Weekend Reading

Proof positive that design is in the details!  via styleathome

If you’re on Pinterest you’ll find these tips on organizing your Pinterest boards helpful.

I think this would make for a pretty cute spring fashion statement. I just added it to my project list.

This room design is inspiring on so many levels!

If you love to DIY, you’ll want to check out the new DIY website from Censational Girl, Kate!

If the striped dressed on the cover doesn’t get you then the content inside the magazine will!

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Inspiration + Weekend Reads

I hope you weekend is off to a great start!

I created this stylish Man’s Home Office for the Olioboard Home Office Contest.  I’d really love your vote so please head here and cast one for ConfettiStyle.

Just a few things that caught my attention this week…

I’m currently loving the crisp, classic feel of navy and white and the new Oscar de la Renta Home collection has me swooning.

I found this article on Big Brand Strategies with Small Business Savvy very valuable to my business development.  If you’re a business owner I think you might too!

After seeing the stylish curtain tiebacks my friend Sarah made using this technique, I’m going to have to do a little crafting of my own with paper.

One of the most beautiful coats I’ve ever seen.

I think this DIY craft project is perfect for Easter!  Can you say adorable!

And remember this….

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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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Ideas for Styling & Accessorizing Your Kitchen

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed watching the Oscars last night.  As always, there were some stunning dresses and some that missed the mark.  I’m sharing my winners of the night at the end of this post so make sure to read through to the end.  Until then I’ve got some kitchen decorating ideas to share with you!

Designing a kitchen is like designing no other space in the home.  There are always space restrictions, function issues and flow considerations  to work with, in addition to balancing style with storage and organization.  Once a kitchen is designed and all the key elements are in place next comes accessorizing countertops, cupboards, walls and floors.  This little task comes with its own challenges but there is lots of inspiration out there and a few design tips to make decorating your kitchen a bit easier.

COUNTERS:

Kitchen counters are a sacred space in most kitchens with the act of creating storage space with work space becoming a real balancing act.

Whenever possible, it is a good idea to go vertical to maximize storage.  A wood plate rack like this one below not only look goods but offers up maximum storage in a minimum footprint and keeps everyday items close at hand.

Countertop accessories like utensils, tools and seasonings can be gathered up on a pretty tray and not left scattered around on the counter.  A tray also makes it easy to move all the items at one time when the extra counter space is needed.

Wire wall racks don’t have to be hung on the wall to function in a kitchen.  This tiered rack not only uses vertical space but keeps items super organized.

If you have the wall space, create more counter and surface space with the addition of a wall shelf.  This shelf is so beautiful and adds to the character of the kitchen.

p.s.  A super stylish touch for any kitchen counter is the addition of a small accent lamp or two.  Task lighting and ambience at its best!

CABINETS & SHELVING:

A big trend in kitchens at the moment is open shelving.  Taking the doors off of cabinets not only allows someone to showcase a beautiful collection of dinnerware or pottery but the kitchen will have the impression of feeling  larger and more open.

Open kitchen shelving requires organization but when kept organized the impact is stunning.

You’ll also notice that the way the pieces are placed on these shelves utilize vertical space and layering to make the display visually pleasing and efficient.

Open shelving in a kitchen also provides a great opportunity to display decorative items that will enhance the overall look of the kitchen.

And don’t forget the sides of cabinets as a potential display/storage area.  A simple towel bar can become an attractive spot to hang baskets or towels.

(Ikea has great handing bar accessories to create this look)

FLOORS:

When decorating your kitchen, think of your floor as you do your wall.  Add interest and color with rugs, paint or decorative flooring.

I love the look of a runner in the kitchen instead of using several smaller rugs placed in front of the sink, stove etc.  The runner enhances the size of the kitchen and draws you in to the space.

Even traditional area rugs are a great way to style a kitchen.  Larger, flat weave rugs will bring pattern and warmth to an otherwise hard surface kitchen space.

More and more people are opting for painted floor treatments in their kitchen for both the ease of care and added style.  I love this diagonal stripe pattern which adds real visual impact.

When smaller accent rugs are used in a kitchen, go for something bold and dynamic.  This more modern geometric pattern is a great contract to all the other elements in this kitchen.

Or, smaller rugs in the same color but with different patterns is another fun style option.

FLOR tiles are a great style and cost-effective option for kitchen floors.  If one tile gets ruined simple pull that one out and replace it.

WALLS:

Seems that wall space in kitchens is becoming less and less in home design these days.  Because of that it is really important to make a statement with any wall décor you do add to your kitchen.

Framed chalkboards are great not only because they give an eclectic touch but also because they are functional for writing down list, menus and recipes.

Framed “kitchen themed” prints or even tea towels is a great way to add style to your kitchen without much cost.  Keep the frames simple and use color to make the impact.

I love decorative plates as a wall décor statement in a kitchen.  Collect a variety of plates in a simple style but with varying colors and patterns.  The plates can easily be taken down when needed for entertaining too!

This fun DIY project is a great way to create wall décor for your kitchen.  Spray paint some thrift store flatware, frame it against a piece of decorative or plain scrapbook paper and you’ve got a great look.  Just imagine all the color possibilities.

How don’t forget a large wall clock as an option for your kitchen wall.  Go big and bold.

And how about considering a large round frame or embroidery hoop with a piece of decorative fabric.

The kitchen is the hub of the home so make sure to spend a little time creating a space that feels good and adds to the spirit of your home!

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And now my picks for Oscar best dressed are:

Charlize looked stunning in this white gown and her short hair made it even more chic.

This dress worn by Sandra did not have to rely on leg slits or a deep neckline to make it stand out.  The fabric and fitted shape make this dress stand out.

While I didn’t really like the little loop on the belt, the rest of the dress was amazing. The tiered color at the bottom was flirty and fun.

Whenever I have the chance to attend a super formal event, I always opt for a color instead of black because it always stands out. This royal blue color was stunning on Robin and made the simple velvet fabric come alive.  My vote for color of the year 2014!

And finally Jane Fonda.  I love anything in bright yellow and good golly doesn’t she look great for here age! WOW!

Have a great day and do it in style!

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