Closet Clean Out – Before & Afters

 

In true closet clean out fashion… This is taking MUCH longer than I initially thought. Where we were hoping to have an awesome array of images from my own closet, there are still a few finishing touches missing from the album. Not to get all “busy working mom” on you, but I think there is a great lesson to be learned in all of this.

Perfection is never reachable, and some things just take longer than you anticipate. Despite the time I DO NOT have to finish cleaning out my own closet, let me show you some of the ones I have completed and give a little insight on what happens during the process of closet clean out. Each space poses its own set of trials and tribulations, as no two closets are alike!

 

 

Small Space, Big Wardrobe 

This closet is actually a combination of two coat closets and one smaller walk-in. The goal was to maximize space and give a flow to the placement of items. We accomplished this by designating closets to specific items of clothing (i.e. shoes, coats, everyday items). This way every like minded thing lives together.

 

 

Move In And Un Pack

I love a clean slate like I love a good piece of chocolate! Being able to work with clients as they move into their new homes is a great way to make a fresh start in the space. It can be a daunting task to unload and sort all of your crap, but the results are life-giving when it’s all said and done.

 

Sophistication Is Just One Step Away

When it comes to matching your closet to your lifestyle, it’s all about the sophistication! A very easy way to accomplish this is just by turning your hangers! I have said it once and will say it a million times more, using matching felt hangers makes a world of difference. Don’t believe me… Look at the photos above! Everything lines up and the same eye level making it easier to discern what item to select each day. Added touches like displaying beautiful handbags and other treasures styles the space in boutique fashion. And look at those striped hat boxes…to die for!

 

Another Before And After

Here is another example of why turning hangers and reducing clutter is SO IMPORTANT! We got rid of a 1/4 of these clothes my client will never miss. Adding a matching hanger also gave her added space and more peace of mind!

 

 

Dry Cleaner Bag Hell

These images reveal the power of removing those dreaded plastic dry cleaner bags and letting your clothes breathe for a change. If you are concerned about something getting soiled or dusty, consider purchasing reusable clear zip up bags. Here is another quick tip: Ask your dry cleaners to turn your hangers and cover your garments with your personal zip up bags so you never bring wire or plastic bags back into your life. This practice is environmentally responsible and makes the practice of daily dressing much easier.

 

 

A Full Overhaul 

This closet was one where I got to add an extra spin. For me a space is all about looking past the clothing and finding a way to design to its full potential. I love adding in little flares to hang jewelry or store smaller items. Adding a touch of your personal style to the decor of your closet is a great way to finish the look and make your clothing stand out even more.

 

 

If you are planning to clean out your closet and need help, email me: jen@foreverstyled.com. And stay tuned for a fully finished look at my own closet this coming week!

 

 

Stylishly Yours,

 

Jen Young

Closet Clean Out – Hanger Help, Gaps, and S.T.Y.L.E.

 

If you have been keeping up with this new series, in the last blog you saw that our closet cleanout started with purging and sorting, dropping off and letting go. The closet cleanout is WELL on its way! Now you are thinking, where do we go from here? Don’t you worry ladies and gents, there is plenty more to be done in this journey to a visually pleasing new start.

Though, I would like to take a moment to point out some of the things I think are most important when it comes to rebuilding your wardrobe. Hanger Help, Identifying Gaps and a little thing I like to call my Signature S.T.Y.L.E. System!

style hangers

Hangers might just be the most important thing to upgrade your closet. I am such a stickler for matching and clean hangers. Not only does it help preserve your clothing, but visually it is pleasing, and technically it is more organized. I suggest using black or cream felt hangers. The more evenly spaced your closet is the easier it is to find what you are looking for.

Another tip is to color code your clothing. I section clothing off by type {i.e. shirts, pants, dresses, etc.}, sleeve length {sleeveless, short, long, non-collard, collard} and then color coordinate with the ROYGBIV {Red. Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet, bookended with whites and blacks} system in each section. This way your eye easily moves to the type of item you need and then to the color you want to select.

Secondly, I use this newly spaced and organized wardrobe as my guideline for what you might be missing! You MUST identify the gaps in your wardrobe. This is my favorite part of the process and where I pull out my styling hat. A wardrobe is weak if you don’t have your core pieces. The ones that go with anything, and complete all the outfits my fashionista heart can dream of! By going through and pointing out these gaps, I can decide the best way to begin styling and have a path of where to begin.

 

Here is an example of an inventory sheet for the ladies I use to identify your gaps.

 

We can also completely inventory your closet virtually with my new Virtual Styling Service. Subscribe to the blog here and receive my inventory sheets for both men and women.

 

 

The final step to part two is integrating my Signature S.T.Y.L.E System ! This refers to my stylish yet less is more philosophy. I don’t look at a wardrobe as needing to be limited to 30 things like the age old Capsule Wardrobes from the 90’s, but rather refined and made with purpose. In fact, most robust wardrobes have around 100 items including tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories and intimates.

I use the acronym “S.T.Y.L.E.” to keep on track:

treamlining your wardrobe {weeding out the unlovely and reducing your overwhelm}
aking Inventory {understanding the importance of establishing an essentials based wardrobe with current inventory and remixing what you already have}
our body type {knowing how to dress your shape; focusing on your assets not your age}
ess is more {identifying and prioritizing core pieces you need to make smarter shopping decisions; saves time and money}
mbracing your authentic visual voice {instilling confidence to maximize your peak style potential and personal goals with your first impression}

 

Now stay tuned for a little “before and after” action in next week’s conclusion of the Closet Cleanout series! If you still have any doubt of why cleaning out your crap makes all the difference you won’t after seeing these images…

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

Closet Clean Out – Purging and Sorting

 

 

Closet Cleanout

 

Sometimes practicing what you preach is one of the hardest things to do. Day after day I help women and men get a fresh start with their wardrobes–cleaning their closets, purging and sorting, filling the gaps, and transforming their image. It seems I also try hard to avoid doing the same for myself. Not that my closet is a pigsty… But I do occasionally turn my head to the side and eye-roll when I walk past the door. It’s the cobbler’s children have no shoes mentality, right?

 

This past year I moved my clothing into my dream closet, and now I need to take time to make it the picture perfect room. For the next few weeks I will bring you all through my own closet facelift, and hopefully learn some new things along the way!

 

Closet Cleanout Purging and Sorting

When it comes to going through closets {which can really be a microcosm of your life}, the key is to remember this is a very personal job. Not only do clothes tell the story of someone’s personal tastes and treasures, sometimes they also hide the pain they might be feeling. Let’s face it {me included}, inventorying your wardrobe is a cleansing experience AND a process you must stride gingerly through.

Purging and Sorting consign repair donate

First things first: I have clients make three piles. Consign, Repair/Launder and Donate. Anything that is not a for sure “keeper” ends up in one of these piles. I suggest you repair items that are realistically repairable or gussied up by a fresh press at the professional dry cleaner asap. All other garments and accessories should be sent to a donation center of your choice or consigned for a new start. You can see some of the places I consign in my PREVIOUS BLOG. 

Purging and Sorting thread up

One of my favorite ways to consign is by using ThredUp. They send a kit to place your clothing in with FREE SHIPPING, you mail it back, and they do the rest! I love making money while I sleep. Wink.

Purging and Sorting shoes

Look for rough edges on shoes or worn out toe fronts.

 

Purging and Sorting discoloring

When items start looking furry and discolored..purge them. You are better than that!

 

Purging and Sorting pilling

Frayed edges mean Bye Bye.

Look for Pilling, Frayed Edges, and Shoe Wear and Tear: When it comes to what I look for with repair items vs. donate and consign…Though this is always up for debate, some of the more apparent problems I see are scuffs and rips on shoes, discoloration on clothing, and pilling on items like sweaters or pants. We all know them and we see them often, but saying goodbye to our cherished items often times is hard to do. If you struggle to know just when to let go…here is another post to help you ask seven simple questions to declutter your wardrobe. 

 

Purging and Sorting dogs

And though I am one who truly loves furry friends, it is always nice to make sure and arrange someone to watch them, or have a pen they can stay in during the process. And that goes for non-furry little friends too. When you purge and re-org–make this a sacred time for you and your closet. These decisions can be stressful… so give your self a kid free-pet free moment to deep dive into the challenge.

 

If you want to learn more on having your own fresh start with a closet clean out, email me: jen@foreverstyled.com or call me at 678-772-9975. You are worth it. Your closet will thank you and likely spur you on to lean out other parts of your life as well.

 

 

Stylishly ((and realistically)) Yours,

 

Jen Young

How To Wear A Hem

 

When it comes to jeans most of us know the basics: Length, shade, rise and in-seam. Did you know there is something more to the fit of a jean though? Something that has nothing to do with the denim pants themselves??

 

The deciding factor of pants being a do or a don’t resides in the shoe. That’s right ladies! Shoes once again are the thing that matters most.

 

Ever put on a pant and thought to yourself, “These just don’t look right…”? You’ve worn them a million times before and never had a problem. It is the holidays and all, but you got them buttoned so it isn’t your waistline being the problem.

 

Even if the fit is just right, wearing the wrong shoe with an ill matched hem line can make all the difference in an outfit. Here are a few of my fashion do’s when it comes to hem line / shoes type matches:

 

Hem Frayed

JEAN  |  SHOE

 

Frayed Hem & Heel: The jean that started it all. I recently purchased a pair of frayed jeans like the ones in the photo above. Upon trying them on I had a long conversation with all the sales reps about why they didn’t look just right (but were still something I HAD to buy). They informed me that swapping my flats out for a higher heel would do the trick.

Sure enough, all I needed was to balance the frayed edges with a little pop of height.

 

Hem Cropped

JEAN  |  SHOE

  

Cropped Hem & A Strap: I am honestly not the biggest fan of a cropped hem. Maybe it is PTSD from my pedal pusher days, or perhaps just something I don’t think looks right. Though, if you are going to do a cropped hem jean, the way to do it is by breaking up the lines with more lines!

Pair with a strappy heel to keep the eye going in the right direction.

 

 

Hem Flare

JEAN  |  SHOE

 

Flare Legged Hem & Platform: When it comes to flare legged jeans, the whole point is to elongate. My rule of thumb is to keep the length going as long as you can. Max out on the height with a pair of platform heels or booties.

Stay away from flatter shoes or a lesser heel, it usually gives off a stumpy look.

 

 

Hem Skinny

JEAN  |  SHOE

 

Skinny Leg Hem & Flat: Not so much that it is how you have to wear them, but how you get to wear them! Skinny legged jeans are on the list of those which can be dawned with flats. Since the tailored leg allows for a slender path, it is great for making into a more casual look with a flat.

 

Hem Cuff

JEAN  | SHOE

 

Cuffed Jean & Bootie: A cuff of some sort is always in style. May the cuffs of your jeans be skinny and rolled like the ones shown above, or thick and singular how they are being worm now. The problem with a cuffed jean is that they can easily cut your height in half. The harsh stop often times becomes a distraction, and when not paired with the right shoe can be detrimental (not to be dramatic) to an outfit.

I always suggest wearing a bootie of some sort. It keeps in line with the cut of the cuff but still gives an elongated look when turned to the side.

 

 

So before the next time you slap on a pair of jeans and shoes, take a moment to think, what would your little jean angel do?

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

 

Soul Care For My Soul Sisters

Soul Care

 

We started this month talking about empowering the working woman and celebrating just how awesome she is! As the weeks have progressed {what the heck— it is already the last week of October???} I’ve noticed how empowering her also means we need to “treat” her. Much like in a plane, you are no good if you don’t put on your oxygen mask first. Without some soul care you are bound to fall flat on all the everyday demands of both work and family.

 

Here are my top ten routines/tips to keep your heart and body healthy and happy… and none of them take too long so no excuses!

 

Soul Care Massage

1. Massage: Maybe it isn’t a full hour at a nice spa for your price conscious ladies? Maybe it is just a foot rub you bribed your kids to give you? Either way, having that moment to relax and breath means more than most could know. The power of physical touch and working out all the kinks in our bodies is so important as we press onward to our goal to change history with our lives.

 

Soul Care Lip Stick

ONE  | TWO  |  THREE  |  FOUR  |  FIVE

2. New Lip Color: Ever gotten a glance in the mirror around 4 pm and thought, “Yikes! Is that me??” A very simple way to combat this situation is by adding a new lipstick to your routine. Stop into a CVS or Walgreens for a quick fix. Or stop by the lip counter at your local Nordstrom or Sephora to test out the best shades for your pout.

 

Soul Care Flowers

3. Fresh Cut Flowers: You’re already at the store at least 3 times a week… Or is that just me?? Stop to smell the roses (literally) and bring a bundle home. I am convinced fresh flowers liven up a home and warm a heart. I shop Trader Joe’s for the most cost effective beauties, and love potted orchids which last up to three months with a simple ice cube to water each week and bright, indirect sunlight!

 

Soul Care Shoes

ONE  |  TWO  | THREE  |  FOUR  |  FIVE

4. Shoes That Fit: Some days we just need to walk on clouds. Every woman should have one pair of sneakers that are the “go-to” on days when your feet just can’t take it. I adore these leopard sneakers with skinny jeans and a denim top for an easy kick around solution.

 

Soul Care Food

5. Lunch Date: Take the time to meet a life-giving friend for lunch or coffee. Your soul, heart, body, etc. will thank you. Explore a new part of town or eat Dim Sum style. Your palette needs as much stretching as your wardrobe.

 

 


Soul Care Books
SO LONG INSECURITY  |  LIONESS ARISING  |  THE SILENT WIFE

6. A Great New Book: I am face planted in two books right now that are both convicting and inspiring me to do better and be a better women. Check out So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore and Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere to spur you on to greatness. Get lost in a fiction book like The Silent Wife to escape “adulting” on a daily basis.

 

Soul Care Coffee

7. Warm Beverage: Perfect for the shift in the weather! A stop at Starbucks or your favorite local coffee/tea shop in the morning is a great way to take a second for yourself. Hold the cup between your hands and breathe in the sweet smell of a seasonal pumpkin spice latte or chai tea. The pleasant aroma might be all you need to stay inspired!

 

Soul Care Nails

ONE  |  TWO  | THREE  |  FOUR 

 

8. Mani / Pedi: This is a monthly “must do” activity if you ask me, and more importantly, one that relays the message of your first impression. Keeping up with your nails is not only a treat but necessary to suggest proper grooming is important to you—especially as a working professional.

 

Soul Care Icecream

9. Sweet Delight: Have 20 minutes between after school activities and meetings? Grab French fries or ice cream. And I dare you to not shame yourself for the treat afterwards! We are so hard on ourselves and the added pressure is just not needed. Be happy and eat those fries, ladies! Once a month won’t kill you.

 

Soul Care Running

10. Time Without the Phone: This is such a big one and maybe the most difficult. Try leaving your phone in the car during your yoga class or going on a short walk to take in nature uninterrupted. Give yourself some time to separate from the world; everything will still be there when you get back!

Finally, take a moment or two each morning to look in the mirror and remind yourself how great you truly are! Give yourself a compliment, we all know we deflect enough of them anyways. You matter. You are important. And you are created by a loving God who does not make junk!

 

Blessings and Style Peace,

Jen Young

TIME SAVING TIPS FOR THE WORKING WOMAN

 

As we continue our journey down the path of working women, let’s press pause for something I think every lady needs more of… SHOES {silent happy dance moment!}

 

#J.K.

 

Well, not kidding, but we are actually talking about something we all need more of—TIME. I wish I could tell you how Beyoncé does it, but I’ve yet to figure that out. Does she have a clone? So, until the secrets of Queen B are exposed, here are a few tips to make it feel like you actually have 48 hours in a day instead of 24 to get it all freaking done as a working professional, worker bee, mom, hat spinner,etc.:

 

Time Saving Tips - Outfits

1. Lay Out Your Outfits

It might seem like a feat to be proactive, but laying out your outfits beforehand {at night or the Sunday before your day/week begins} is always a good idea. Not only will you take away guessing each morning, but you will give yourself a little time to think of new and different ways to remix clothing in your closet.

 

Time Saving Tips - Handbag

  1. Pick One Handbag A Week

Before pre-planning outfits, pick one handbag to use all week. Make it something that works for all of your appointments. Keeping your handbag organized makes your life feel a little more tidy as well.  A weekly rotation keeps you on task to get rid of all the gum wrappers and receipts {and old banana peels or nasty junk that falls to the bottomless pit!}

 

 

3. Keep A Day To Night Kit

You should always have a day-to-night kit in your car. A change of shoes, a different jacket or shrug, and make up for touchups. This helps with going straight from appointments to dinners or events.

 

Time Saving Tips - Laundry

4. Sort Out Your Laundry Beforehand

Think twice before throwing all your dirty laundry in one basket. Have a divider for whites, darks and colors so throwing loads into the wash are easy and simple to keep up with.

 

Time Saving Tips - Kids

5. Give The Kids Responsibility

Something I started doing last year that has saved my life and a bunch of hair pulling is offloading annoying tasks to my kids. When laundry is folded, it is their job to put it up. They each have a basket that is designated for them and it goes upstairs right away! I have to let go of control when it comes to making sure it is all put away in the perfect spots. Done is better than perfect my friends. Marie Kondo has some amazing folding techniques that my son does enjoy {my daughter on the other hand is a tazmanian devil for organization… God bless her}! Who doesn’t love a sushi rolled pair of socks?

 

Time Saving Tips - Lips

6. Love Your 5 Minute Makeup 

Do you know what the 5 Minute Makeup routine is?? If you don’t, I need to fill you in. The 5 Minute Makeup {love this one from Harper’s Bazaar} is a way to look full-faced without taking the time. Always make enough time to apply powder, blush, eyeliner, mascara and lips at minimum.

 

Time Saving Tips - Cleaners

7. Let Your Dry Cleaners Help

Did you know that you can bring your own non-wire hangers to the dry cleaners and they will reuse them for your clothes?? This sounds like a very simple thing, but not having to move over your clothes to a different hangers once your clothes are home helps save time, resources, and energy. Invest in a good hanger if you don’t already have one! W.I.R.E. is a four letter word as par as I am concerned!

 

Time Saving Tips - Clutch

8. Keep A Clutch In Your Purse

Running around all day and having to lug your larger work bag from place to place is honestly a daunting feeling all its own. Carry a clutch within your bigger bag holding your cards, a little lipstick and your phone. That way you are ready for night, or even a quick stop at the store.

What is your favorite time saving tip? Comment below!!

Stylishly yours,

Jen young

Women Entrepreneurs – A Talk With Tricia Hall

Women Entrepreneurs

 

Ever gone 90 miles a minute for a full day? Or feel the stress of getting kids ready, keeping yourself hydrated and everyone happy? In preparation for her fabulous event tonight, I sat down with Tricia Hall from Hall Plastic Surgery to talk about being Women Entrepreneurs!

 

Help us continue October’s theme of empowering women in business by getting an inside look at our secrets and struggles.

 

Join us both tonight at the Hall Plastic Surgery Center for thier 10 year anniversary party!! From 4 PM to 8:30 PM everything will be 20% off.

WORKING WOMEN AND THEIR WARDROBE

Working Women's Wardrobe

 

October is a month of celebration. It’s the start of Fall, the beginning of the holiday season, and a month full of great causes like Breast Cancer Awareness. Considering all the greatness that October holds, I want to add to the fun! This month I will be focusing on working women entrepreneurs and their inspiring attitudes towards business and life!

 

I usually don’t limit my styling ideas to a capsule wardrobe… But when it comes to being a busy working woman, sometimes simple and fool-proof is necessary. So instead of saying my entrepreneur ladies need to stick to a 30-something piece wardrobe, I want to show you a few key pieces from each category I think help the working professional’s life go round!

 

OXFORD  |  TANK TOP  |  DENIM  |  TEE SHIRT

 

Talking about tops can really only lead to one thing… or in this case four! Every woman needs a white oxford in her wardrobe that she can pair with any pant or skirt. Add in a denim for a more casual look or to mix up your slack game, and end with the best two basics, a tee and a tank, for the PERFECT combination.

 

BLAZER  |  DENIM  |  LEATHER  |  CARDIGAN

 

Though I do live in Texas, I find a great need for outerwear. It is good for mixing up an outfit and ideal for going from meeting to meeting as a busy professional. Add a little spunk to your wardrobe with an embroidered leather jacket or a longer cardigan!

 

TEE SHIRT  |  PROFESSIONAL  |  CASUAL  |  COCKTAIL

 

Dresses are a great way to create an outfit without having to do too much thinking and compiling. I love a basic tee-shirt dress paired with heels or something a little more frilly like this lace number for your dinner meetings. As a working woman running her own business there is no telling where my day-to-day will start or finish. Having these classic options with such a wide range is key to your style success.

 

JEANS  |  SKINNY LEG  |  WIDE LEG  |  SKIRT

 

When it comes to pants, I always tell clients a few things. First off, don’t shy away from skirts! It is a garment I don’t feel we go to often, but is an essential that really can dress up a look when needing something fresh and being on a time crunch. Jeans are also a thoughtful option considering the audience you are working with. Being an entrepreneur means we don’t always have to stick to the work office rules! You can dress jeans up and have an approachable look for new client meetings or more casual events. Hallelujah for that. Wink.

 

HEELS  |  PURSE  |  CLUTCH  |  NECKLACE  |  STUDS

 

Accessories are of course the most important part of any outfit. They are considered the finishing touches for your daily dressing routine. First things first, find a comfortable black heel. It partners with every outfit and will save your feet! Understated jewelry like this necklace and earrings are great for keeping your look fresh yet put together. Ladies, always carry a clutch in your work bag to transition quickly from day to night!

 

 

 

To tie it all in, here are a few looks made from all the fabulous items above!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

BREAKING THE FASHION RULES

 

Sometimes we do it on purpose, and sometimes we don’t even realize it. But breaking fashion rules is now a GREAT IDEA! I don’t know about you, but taking time to follow fashion rules can get kind of tedious… And between car pool line and shuffling between clients, it is one of the last things on my mind.

 

So what better way than to kick these worries to the curb than by taking a stand and forging our own style street?!

 

 

TOP | JEANS | SHOES

This White Top and Jean combo is the perfect example of wearing white AFTER Labor Day! How fabulous will this clean slate look with brown knee high boots? I’ll tell you how fabulous… Enough to make me say yes to a long-standing fashion no-no!

 

 

BOOTS | BAG

Mixing and matching is a thing, so why can’t mixing and NOT matching be one?? Pair a Cognac Ankle Bootie with a black bucket purse for contrast. This is a great way to add flair to a simple pair of jeans and tee.

 

 

HEELS | TOP | SKIRT

DRESS | HEELS

Combining Pink and Red or Black and Blue is no longer something to turn your nose up at. These Pink and Red Heels are the perfect way to mix the two colors in a sophisticated way. It is also lovely when paired with a simple black dress for a pop of color! Or try a pink top and red skirt. Then you must try a simple black and navy dress with a black heel for your everyday work look.

 

 

JACKET | SHOES | DRESS

Eventually us Texas girls just have to come to terms with the fact that there is no such thing as winter in our neck of the woods… We also need to stand up and support suede! Instead of staring at the packed full closet of coats we will never wear, let’s start doing it anyways! Dawn a lighter colored jacket, like this Suede one, that will also work for your Spring or Summer wardrobe.

 

 

Tell me what your favorite fashion rule is to break in the comments below!

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

 

Reduce, Reuse, REPLACE!

 

TOP  ||  SANDALS  ||  HEELS  ||  PURSE  ||  YOGA PANTS

 

Ever used a tube of mascara and stopped to think, “Have I really had this for over a year?!” A good thing to know when it comes to fashion and beauty routines is how often we need to replace things {p.s.—it is every three months for mascara}!

 

There are no hard and fast rules but these are merely some tips and guidelines I use:

 

1.} I always tell clients to adopt the practice of buying the best quality you can afford and take care of the items you purchase. Consider your price per wear–the amount you spend on an item divided by the number of times you wear/use it over the life cycle it lives in your wardrobe. For example, I recently spent $195 on Tory Burch sandals which I have already worn them 3 times a week since purchasing them in June. My price per wear is considerably lower due to how often I am putting that investment piece on rotation in my wardrobe. That is the goal!

 

So besides investing in this summer’s (and every other season in Texas) top sandal, what else should be on your list?

 

Replace Bras

 

2.} Invest in classic pieces like fun oxford tops, good jeans, and a staple dress. Defining your core style will help with this. Along with basics, always consider the proper undergarments as noted in my recent blog post, When Bad Bras Happen to Good People. By adopting an essentials based wardrobe, you will be less likely to spend money on trendy things that go out of style and more on things that have staying power in your every day rotation.

 

3.} A little tip I like to share to maximize your wardrobe is to get things altered as your body and the trends evolve. When you consider reinventing hemlines and changing out buttons on older jackets,  sometimes you can salvage key pieces without breaking the bank. Don’t spend more than 20% of what the garment originally cost to make it work for you.

 

4.} When it comes to replacing shoes, like a classic pump, consider how many times you wear them? You should be wearing your shoes enough that you can see the change but not so long everyone else can too. No more walking around on missing heel caps and putting up with broken buckles. Wear shoes until they show physical wear and tear and then consider replacing them. There is also no shame in rehabbing “loved shoes.” Take them to your local Shoe Hospital and see what can be done to save a torn heel or worn out foot pad.

 

5.} We all love workout gear, but we don’t always love the price tag. While investing in Lululemon or Outdoor Voices, you will gain a better shelf life than going somewhere like Target. I like to shop places like Marshalls or T.J. Maxx for name brands at a lower price. Remember, you don’t want to look homeless when you are working out, and please COVER YOUR REAR. I ain’t got time to view your whale tail. It is hard enough to get myself to a gym, much less be greeted by your hiney.

 

6.} Last but never least… Handbags! To keep handbags fresh and extending their lifespan, change and clean them out on a weekly rotation. Know if you buy good quality bags you can always re-sell them later. Rebagg is a great resource I provide to consign high end items if you are interested! I also adore my local resource Fashion Reloved.

 

 

Don’t just stop at Rebagg, there are so many options for letting go of the things you are replacing or recycling. Here is a list of my top picks for resale, consignment and donations:

 

Resale Shops

  1. Moss Designer Consignment
  2. Buffalo Exchange
  3. Still in Style
  4. Turquoise and Pearls

 

Online Consignment

  1. Thred Up
  2. The Real Real
  3. Tradsey

 

Donation Centers

  1. Texas Reach Out Ministries
  2. South Austin Pregnancy Resource Center
  3. Dress For Success

 

For other questions on shopping smart, what to replace, or to dig even deeper with my new SHOPPING SERVICE, email me! jen@foreverstyled.com

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young