7 Simple Questions to Help You Declutter Your Wardrobe

7 Simple Questionsto Help You DeclutterYour Wardrobe

Hi Friends!

Do the contents of your bedroom closet resemble the life of a borderline-hoarder warranting the need to call 911 ForeverStyled? Or maybe you have held onto things for years and need therapy to finally dump all the junk? Well, this post is for you.

I am going to help you take baby steps to assist you in the purging process which I believe begins by asking yourself 7 simple questions to help you declutter your wardrobe.

Our goals for today include focusing on what’s really important to you in your life, haulting your indecision, and making sure that all the remaining items in your closet make you feel confident from the inside out.

Here goes…

1.} Is this item in wearable, first class condition? I encourage individuals to regularly cull through their wardrobe each season to make sure every garment on rotation is clean, pressed and in excellent shape. If an item looks worn, faded, stained, torn, pilled {i.e. fur-bally} or damaged/unrepairable to the eye, get rid of it immediately. I repeat, don’t over think it and get rid of it.

Now what about that oversized sweatshirt from college with the twenty holes that also has sentimental value?

Let me ask you this question, instead? Would you want to sleep with someone who looks like they have been mingling with moths?  Be mindful that your spouse/significant other deserves to see only your best as well. On the other hand, if the item is sentimental, fold it and put it in a keepsakes box so it doesn’t take up valuable space in your daily inventory.

2.} Have I worn this item in the last two years?  If you haven’t worn an item in the last two years, there is a reason. Most people wear only 20% of 80% of their clothes anyway. Be true to yourself and keep only the things you absolutely adore and make you feel amazing.

Perhaps your son said your butt looked big in it….so now you have a negative memory associated with the item? Purge it.

If there is 2 inches of dust on the hanger– that is another indication you need to Disney-fy it and LET IT GO.

Give yourself about 5 seconds to touch, assess and then toss it if it doesn’t “inspire joy” as Marie Kondo believes. Your heart already knows it is a goner.

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3.} Does this work for my Body Type {proper fit}? I begin every new client session with a body types assessment that includes taking three measurements of the bust/chest, waist and hips. You can measure your own shape by using the apps: Dress My Body or My Shape Stylist.

Once you identify your body type it makes the purging process much easier. You can focus on keeping items that work for your shape. Either donate or consign those that do not.

Try on all your bottoms {pants, shorts and skirts} as they are the foundation of every good outfit. Then move to tops, dresses, outerwear, shoes and finish with accessories. Check out each of these recent blog post for dressing a Pear, Apple, Stringbean, Peanut, or Carrot to help you weed out the unlovelies.

4.} Would I buy this item again if I saw it in the store today? The minute you touch your garment ask yourself, “Would I purchase this item at full price and would I still buy it again today?” When you think on these questions, you immediately determine how much value the item has to you. This is true specially for those impulse buys you got at Target or Marshall’s {I used to be so guilty of this..ugh!} that might even still have tags on them.

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5.} Would this item be better suited or repurposed for someone else? Speaking of tags… do you have garments with tags still on them hanging in your closet or items that are better suited for someone else that are in good condition? These are perfect contenders for consignment stores or your gifting to your best friend.

Or, if  you love the item enough to keep it, remove that tag and welcome it permanently into your closet. Tags make your clothes feel like you aren’t really committed to keeping them. HA!

You say, “What?” Clothes have feelings too, people.

Designer brands typically consign well especially jeans, stand alone tops, jackets and dresses. Keep in mind that most consignment stores will only take clothes for the season at hand.

6.} Is this item an accurate reflection of my personal brand {your style/visual voice}? There is usually a thread of  consistency in the types of clothing we select for ourselves that qualify our style. These are the things that ultimately make us feel amazing about ourselves and should be the only keepers.

Style themes that describe one’s personal brand can rage from Bohemian, Romantic, Edgy, Classic or sometimes a hybrid of a few listed. I personally invest in a classic base accentuated with an edge evidenced in my accessories and the details {rock studs and fringe are my friends}.

It is also important to consider the environments and people you are influencing {like your job, social life and your hobbies} and how you want to be perceived. Taking time to consider the impact of your visual voice is key to feeling authentic and at peace in your daily dressing routine.

Remember that stellar first impressions can open doors of opportunity when you are thoughtful in the way you present yourself. That doesn’t mean you should constantly obsess about what others think of you but rather work on refining the rough edges so individuals can see the diamond in the rough sparkle.

7.} Do I have multiples {in color, pattern or shape} of this item and thus a need to diversify? Let’s face it…we are all creatures of habit and often buy multiples of the same garment in different colors or even gravitate to one color palette alone. I actually used to collect black shirts and hated the thought of color. It wasn’t that I was going for the goth look, I just couldn’t resist another perfect slimming black shirt.

My humor writer, blogger friend, Wendi Aarons, even confessed her addiction to khaki pants in this hilarious post. Glad she is feeling redeemed from her addiction and enlightened to the world of designer denim. Be mindful to diversify your closet. Adding color and pattern actually gives you more multiplying efforts in your wardrobe.

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Hope these tips and trick inspire you to live a leaner, more intentional approach in your daily dressing routine. I find that closets really are like microcosms of our lives. They story tell about our truth, what we hold dear, and how we see ourselves. Cheers to a great week!

Fashionably Yours,

Jen Young

 

 

 

 

 

 

Must-Have Makeup Brushes

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Hello my Beauties!

Just two weeks ago I did a blog post on Makeup Bag Essentials, so I figured it would be helpful to supplement that post with a special feature on “Must-Have Makeup Brushes.”  Of course, you can’t successfully apply your makeup if you don’t have the right tools!

So let’s explore what brushes never leave my makeup bag–call them my holy grail of applicators. I’ve picked several basic necessities below I consider the best of the best featuring a few from the Sephora Collection, but you can find other substitutes and lookalikes brushes for a lesser cost elsewhere. I will say I NEVER skimp on brushes and consider them an investment. As long as you clean them on a regular basis with appropriate cleansing wipes or liquid cleaners, you can keep them on rotation for at least two to three years.

For all you DIY’ers, here is a recipe for making your own cleanser for your brushes as well: {Featured on Popsugar}

Step 1: Mix two parts antibacterial dish soap to one part of the extra-virgin olive oil on a clean plate (don’t use paper plate, as the oil will seep through).

Step 2: Grab your first brush and wet it slightly with lukewarm water. Make sure the brush stays bristle-side down throughout the entire process. If water gets into the ferrule (the middle tube part that holds everything together) of the brush, it can loosen the glue, causing the bristles to fall out.

Step 3: Dip the damp brush into the soap mixture and coat it thoroughly. Next, work the mixture into the bristles using the palm of your hand and fingers. Continue until the soapy residue is makeup free.

Step 4: Rinse the brushes under lukewarm water until no soap runs from the bristles.

Step 5: Roll a dish towel like you would a yoga mat, and drape a paper towel over it so that most of the paper towel hangs off. (The paper towel should look like a slide coming down from the dish towel). Next, arrange the brush so the top of the handle sits on top of the towel, pitching the rest of the brush down onto the paper towel. This will allow your brushes to dry on a slant, while keeping moisture away from the ferrule.

Repeat with remaining brushes. Some make take two washings to get completely clean, depending on the amount of residue left behind. Allow them to dry overnight, and repeat about once a month.

Here are my MUST HAVES:

Foundation Brush: To achieve that airbrushed and flawless face, you must use a foundation brush. I love the Sephora Collection but Bobbi Brown makes one that I also love. Apply a small amount of liquid foundation to the back of your hand; dip your brush into the foundation you squeezed out and then buff in circular strokes onto the face until you find the amount of coverage you want. Remember to start small and then build up gradually!

Powder Brush: To set all your foundation and concealer in place, use a fluffier brush to cover your whole face with powder. Apply the powder in broad, sweeping strokes all over the face to set coverage on the face. There are so many brands that make powder brushes so pursue your local beauty store to find one that feels good on your face. Take a look at some of the Chanel collection brushes that I adore!

Bronzer Brush: Another essential includes a Bronzer brush. Starting with the perimeter of the face, apply bronzing powder and blend inwards from the temple, the contour of the cheek, and the jawline. Bronzers can be temperamental in achieving the coverage you want so make sure you find a brush that is soft, dense, and fluffy. I love the IT Brushes from ULTA because of how soft the are!

Blush Brush: This staple brush is my favorite because it includes an angled shape making it easier to brighten and sculpt your facial features in a single gesture. Again you have to start light handed and then build your blush to your liking.

Eye Shadow Brush: If I had one brush I couldn’t live without it would be my Bobbi Brown Eye Sweep Brush. It makes putting on eyeshadow so easy and effortless and gives a beautiful result. This brush has soft bristles and a full, rounded shape to it. It’s really great for anyone looking to create a variety of eye makeup looks, from a dramatic smoky eye to subtle daytime shadow.

I trust and love everything about the Sephora Collection brushes as well as some gems from Chanel and Bobbi Brown. They make applying my makeup so easy and flawless!

What are your favorite brushes? Please share in the comments section below. Check out below some more great picks to have in your makeup bag!

Fashionably Yours,

Jen Young

Hot Pink Military Style

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DRESS // JACKET // NECKLACE // SHOES // EARRINGS // SNAKE BRACELET // WRAP BRACELET // SINGLE BRACELET // NAIL POLISH // WATCH // SUNGLASSES // COFFEE MUG// NAIL COLOR

Hey Everyone!

As summer comes to an end there are endless things to do including buying school supplies and clothes for my two amazing kiddos. I am so blessed to be a mom, but when I’m taking them to summer camps, friends houses, and soon enough– school and practice, I still want to look cute and comfortable! Enter in…HOT PINK MILITARY STYLE.

Just because you’re a mom, community influencer and/or a busy professional like me, that doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish and on trend. For example, I’m wearing a fuss free option with my daughter, Julia, when we went to the local candy and ice cream shop, The Candy Jar, in the Hill Country Galleria in Austin.

What I love most about this outfit is that it’s so versatile and easy to accessorize. You can also dress it up or down.  This hot pink A-Line dress from Gap {similar here} and a lightweight military jacket from Nordstroms Rack is an unexpected combination of trendy and fun. I’ve paired this concept with some of my favorite suede Sam Edelman sandals {similar here} and a necklace from one of my good friends Chesley House of Chesley Mae Designs {also featured in my past “Off the Shoulder” outfit blog post.}

Then I added some arm candy from Stella & Dot and Fab’rik where you can find some great steals on jewelry! But of course, I always start my day with coffee so I included my “But First Coffee” coffee travel mug for when I’m on the go.

Hope you have a fabulous rest of your summer and that you have some inspiration for your next outfit!

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Makeup Bag Essentials

BAG // CONCEALER // BLUSH PALLET // EYESHADOW // FACE PRIMER // LIPSTICK // FOUNDATION // POWDER // LIPGLOSS // MASCARA // EYELINER

Hey Beautiful!

When is the last time you gave your makeup bag a “refresh?” Just this week I was digging out a half-crumbled face powder from the bottom of my purse and it reminded me that it is just as important to have the basic makeup essentials as it is the proper wardrobe. If you are a make-up curator like my mom {who just gave me like 15 tubes of lip sticks she never wears and several other goodies…EEK!} or perhaps you never wear makeup at all…this post features the key essentials every woman should have in her makeup bag.

My morning makeup routine normally takes about 10 minutes, so here is the approach I take as I apply each core component:

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1.} Start with a dime size of Face Primer- There are many brands for all different skin types, but the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is The BEST. Using a primer sets your foundation so it won’t melt off during the day and produces a more even application.

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2.} Next, squirt a quarter size of your favorite liquid foundation into your hand and spread evenly on your face with a flat head brush.  This Nars Luminous Weightless Foundation goes on naturally yet with plenty of coverage.  I also dab a little on my upper eye area to ready my lids for eyeshadow. You can always dust your face with powder if you want more of a matte finish. Check out this post on Summer Foundations for other ideas as you explore what will work best for your skin tone and budget.

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3.} Then, apply NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer under the eyes to reduce dark circles or puffiness, and around the nose area in the folds by the mouth. You can also touch up any acne spots as well. Blend with your index finger. If you don’t have time for a full liquid foundation application, stick to concealer touch ups and then top with your favorite powder.

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4.} Set your foundation and concealer with powder...my favorite is Chanel Healthy Glow Sheer Colour. Like I mentioned earlier, it is imperative to set the liquid makeup so it won’t run off or be sticky on your face throughout the day.

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5.} Contour your cheek bones and the perimeter of your face with the perfect Bronzer/Blush/ Highlighter combo. This Smashbox Triple Pallet is easy to throw in your purse and is a space saver for your makeup bag. Weather you want to add a bronzed glow for the summer or in the dead of winter, this trio pallet has everything you need.

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6.} I adore this neutral eye shadow pallet from Chanel. These four shadows give you’re eyes a pop of color from day to night. If you are more low maintenance…you can opt out of this step and simply apply mascara and be on your way. I do a layer of the lightest shade right under my brow line followed by the next darkest shade directly on the lid. I then take a brow brush and do a windshield wiper effect with warmest tone in the crease of my eye. You can blend the black shade lightly over your liner to get the smoky eye effect.

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7.} Rim your lids with Bobbi Brown’s Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner. This will open up the eye area and make you look rested. What I love about this particular product is that NO sharpener is required and the dark brown shade goes great with every skin tone.

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8.} Chanel Le Volume Mascara is the one beauty essential I cannot walk out of the house without whether heading to the gym or for work. Check out this recent post on other fabulous mascaras to consider depending on your lifestyle, budget, or eye effect you want to accomplish.

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9/10.} Finish off your lips with a nuetral lipstick, gloss or BOTH. I adore both YSL’s Mauve Taupe shade topped with Chanel’s Wild Rose gloss. You can wear each shade together or separate depending on how you feel. I opt for gloss during the day for casual looks and the lipstick/gloss combo for evening attire.

Here are some more fun and cute makeup bags I’ve picked out as well to keep your goodies in. Take a look!

I hope this post motivated you to go through your makeup bag and make sure you have the core ingredients to make your face sparkle.

Let me know some of your favorite products!

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Professional Wardrobe Essentials Under $100

DRESS // COAT //  BLOUSE // PENCIL SKIRT // MIDI SKIRT // PANTS // TOTE // BLAZER // POINTY TOE PUMPS // LOAFERS // SANDALS // BLACK WATCH // BELT // EARRINGS

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still going on {until August 8th}, and this is a great time to stock up on professional wardrobe essentials under $100. While you might already have several core pieces for your “going out” attire and weekend loungewear, have you really considered how you want to present yourself at the office?  It is imperative that you make sure your essentials are covered first as you prioritize your shopping dollars.

I have selected a few core pieces to consider that won’t break the bank, but will also give you incredible flexility as you round our your professional wardrobe.

Being the best dressed doesn’t have to cost you an arm and leg either. Take advantage of this incredible sale featuring some of my favorite pencil skirts, blazers, staple heels, accessories, and more.

If you need a little more inspiration for additional ideas to enhance your professional wardrobe, check out Nordstrom’s advice  HERE! Filling in these prized pieces that are under $100 is the worth your shopping dollars and will ultimately enhance your personal brand and overall image.

Here are a few other goodies to consider as you build a core base for your professional wardrobe: 

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young