Spring Cleaning Tips: What to Store, Wear, or Give Away

1. If you discover items that you have forgotten that you've own, chances are that you may not even use it, or wear it.

2. If you do stumble upon long-lost items, and you have trouble letting them go, try this: If you can add it to your current wardrobe within two weeks, it's a keeper. If you don't find yourself wearing soon after, get rid of it.

3. Store away items that can be used during the summer; Keep items that can be layered, or worn for the current winter season within reach.

4. Toss out those Old Navy flip flops from last Summer. Because they are affordable (2 for $5.00ea), they can be replaced. But also, dirt and bacteria from last year's strolls on the beach could have seeped into them.

5. Try to go over your garment/shoes each season to evaluate what to wear, store, or let go. This way you will always leave room for new things, but also compel you to wear what you already have. Get as much use from your purchases as much as possible!

6. Give away useful items, as well as those in good condition, to charity (Planet Aid, Red Cross, Salvation Army). Remember, successful people are also generous people who give back to the community in some way. (Sarah Jessica Parker gives many of her fabulous clothes to consignment Boutiques in NYC)

I recently gave away six (and counting) garbage bags of good clothing away to Planet Aid. Why hang on to things that others in need can put to good use?





photos: century 21 logo: http://www.redtag.ca/; model & thinking bubble: http://www.geekygadgets.com/; check mark: http://www.environmarketing.files.wordpress.com/; salvationarmy logo: http://www.mita.org/; flip flops clip art: http://www.stockphoto.com/; storage totes: http://www.wrapables.com/; cardigan: http://www.polyvore.com/

How To Wear..SEQUINS

As an H&M employee I am privy to new items, as well as old, and sale items. The latest trend that I have grown to adore is sequins. Currently, I own a sequined beret (H&M, $12.95); Jacket (Last two photos, bottom :H&M,Black, $49.95); Multicolored Jacket (Left,2nd photo, bottom: H&M, $49.95), and recently purchased a top,#rd &4th photo, bottom: H&M, orig. $49.95, sale $10!!) However, I know that in order to successfully pull off this trend (which incidentially revived after MJ's death), there are a few rules to abide by:

1. Don't wear more than one piece at a time, unless you want to look like your grandmother when she used to party at Studio 54. You'd look costumey and therefore become a "trend victim" by OD-ing on a trend.

2. Make sure you keep whatever else you are pairing with the sequins as simple as possible, so it wouldn't compete with the sequined piece of your outfit.

3. Wear sequin pieces that are flattering. Let me say that again-get pieces that are flattering to your body type. I am sick of people buying a trend because they see it in their size, but it doesn't complement their shape. For example, I am short and busty, and I know that sequined harem pants would not work well with my shape, and I'd look like an elf. Acknowledge that a trend or style doesn't work for you and move on. Everything isn't for everybody!

4. Get a garment whose sequins have been sewn on well, and have decent quality. There are certain stores that I've visited, and the sequined items I observed had such poor stitching that all it took was one pull, and all the sequins would fall off onto the ground. This is a trend that if you want to store the garment for future usage, I suggest that you pay a bit more for better quality. Furthermore, don't wear any materials that could get snagged by the sequins.

5. If you'd like to try this trend, but are nervous because it is a very flashy and daring look, start off small with a clutch, shoes,belt, or a headband. I started out purchasing the black sequined beret from H&M, then worked my way up. It is not entirely covered in sequins but just enough for a bit of sparkle.

The Hot Mess Express-Are You Aboard? (Part I, Make Up Misdemeanors)

  
     I sure hope people are running away from this train, rather than hopping on it. However, some of you are content with looking a hot mess and won't give up your seat for anybody. I know people like to express individuality, but there is a fine line between being eccentric and looking "tore up". Also, there are some people who are just plain lazy. I asked a few people what they considered fashion "oh-hell-no's" when wearing makeup . You either have seen people commit these makeup "misdemeanors" or you probably have been guilty of them yourself.
     Misdemeanor#1. "Black" Lipliner. There is no such thing as "black" lipliner. Stop lining your lips with black eye liner. If you are unsure how to wear make up, consult a professional or pick up a fashion magazine, and read the cosmetics section. There is no excuse for this mess. It is tacky! Unless you charge your "clients" by the hour to support your drug habit, by all means, keep wearing your black (eye) lip liner. This brings me to Misdemeanor #2. Remember when we were in Junior High and we didn't really know how to apply eye make up so we drew that one line across our eyelids and called that "putting on make up"? Well, it is 2010 and the one line no longer is acceptable. If you are too lazy to make up your face the right way I suggest you don't attempt to put any on at all.
     There are some cosmetic shortcuts that have been featured in magazines to help women apply makeup "in a cinch" or "on the go", but then there are some things that indicate that some people are just plain lazy. Again, seek a professional; Go to a cosmetic counter at a department store or mall and get a free make over (be courteous to whomever served you and at least buy a lipstick or eyecolor). While getting a free make over, the make up artist will show you how to properly apply eye make up, which brings me to Misdemeanor #3. Blend, blend, blend! Don't take an intense color, like turquoise, from lid to brow-unless, you are a cast member from "Cirque Du Soleil", or Ronald MacDonald. Maybellene and Cover Girl have eye compacts with instructions on how to apply eye makeup from lid to brow-lid, crease, and highlights.
     If you are a Sephora fanatic like myself, Stila Cosmetics have great instructional palletes that "talk" you through the process of creating nice eye shadow combinations, from "Au Natural" to "smoky". Misdemeanor #4. Mismatched foundation. Please get a foundation that matches your skin tone and stop scaring people, you don't know who has heart problems, so be considerate. Seriously, please seek a professional when choosing foundation for your skin so you won't look like a powdered donut. Don't be so arrogant that you'd rather look like a pie face than admit that you need professional help. Not only that, caking on foundation can clog the pores, break outs and even cause wrinkling.
     Remember, if you are unsure of how to properly apply or wear makeup, consult a professional, be it a "Lancome Lady" or a You Tube clip. Flip around in a Vogue or Glamour Magazine, that have monthly features on make up trends and how to practice them at home. It is 2010, and there are too many resources online, in stores, and in magazines for anyone to have any excuses. As Helena Rubenstein, a famous cosmetician stated, "there are no ugly women, just lazy ones."

The "Kitchen Sink" (A Unisex Blog)

I was once told by a friend, "you have everything in there (my bag, which equates to a weekend bag nowadays) but the kitchen sink!" Damn skippy. I may carry around a figurative kitchen sink, but one thing is for sure, I am almost never in the streets and far away from home without the things I may need. I mean, everyone should carry around their own "kitchen sink" of things they may need "just in case". Things do happen that are beyond our control but I still think that there are some preventative measures we can take to ensure some damage control.

     I know someone who carries around extra pairs of shoes, because she has a tendency to break her heels, so, these things do happen to some people. But that is what works for her. There are a few basic items that I think all people should carry with them, just in case. (Please note that most of the following items I am suggesting are travel-sized containers because they are light and easier to carry, so no excuses!)

     Travel-sized toothbrush/toothpaste. And I mean BOTH of them, not one or the other. You never know who you are going to meet, or where you may end up throughout the day, or towards the end of the night! I am sorry, but there are some issues that go beyond the scope (pun intended for your sake!) of popping a mint or chewing gum. Ever notice that some of the most talkative people have the yuckiest breath? Bring a toothbrush/toothpaste to remove the film off your tongue so it won't smell like you ate shit on toast for lunch. Another thing: floss! Food gets trapped in your gums and can cause infection, and infection has a pungent smell that can affect your breath. If you don't believe me because you think I am too fashionable to be intelligent, ask your dentist or go Google it.

     Also, what if you end up crashing at a friend's house? You know it has happened or can happen. You do have to go back out in public on your way home, right? Right. Another must-have item: lip balm. I am tired of seeing adults with dry ass, flaking and crusty lips. It is unsightful and unfashionable. Don't be caught dead in a dapper Hugo Boss suit and have crusty lips, I will judge you for spending hundreds on a suit, and not $1.65 for Carmex. Yes, I will judge you and so will the rest of the world. Imagine someone belting out a Nelson-from-the-Simpsons-like, "Ha-Ha" as you walk by with your crusty lips. Cruel? No, you are too grown for that horrible sense of irony.

     Also remember, the skin on your lips need care too! Even if you don't care how you look, I do, because 9 times out of 10 you choose to sit next to me on the D-Line. Another must-have is hand lotion.  It can be a travel-sized bottle you can throw in your Coach messenger bags (gentlemen), or in your Dior Saddle Bag (ladies). Even if you do work in the salt mines I don't need to see the evidence on your hands, so lotion up, especially after you wash them, which removes some of your skin's natural oils that need to be replenished. Where ever there is skin, moisturize! Deodorant/antiperspirant. For some, this may be optional. A travel-sized container would not hurt, but would is if you knock everyone out around you with your musty arm pits, and then there is no one to talk to, because they are all spread eagle on the floor. Deodorant does wear off, use as needed.

     Brush/comb: For those fly-away hairs that need to be tamed in a cinch, a brush or comb will do the trick. There is nothing fashionable about Alfafa, from The Little Rascals, and no one is looking for his replacement, either. Cash: I am sorry to break the bad news, but there are some establishments who still have "cash only" policies. For example, I went to a banquet last Saturday, and a friend went to the bar to buy me a drink with his credit card, only to find that it was a cash bar. Another example, cabs. I have been in cabs in NYC that allow for credit card acceptance, but those services are rare. You never know when you are going to need cab fare. These are a few items that I think that people should carry in their "kitchen sinks" because one may never know what may befall them throughout the day, or even at night. Travel sized toiletries are not just for vacation travel, but also for everyday convenient use. If you have any suggestions or ideas as to what men and women should carry on their person daily, please feel free to comment below.

    

    

The DOs and DON'Ts of Women's Work Wear

(This blog is dedicated to my dearest Arlin; Thanks for the idea behind this blog and I hope it is helpful to you).



Women have come a long way as individuals and as a collective evolved, from the restricted and subservient housewife and mother of the past, to an independent powerhouse making strong career climbs in today's society. There are very successful women everywhere, who excel in various fields such as science, law, education and fashion. Not only do her work ethics speak volumes, but also how a woman presents herself in the way she dresses at work does she tell the peers and superiors alike who she is.
Although women have various careers, there are still dress codes enforced so that employees demonstrate professionalism and good taste while at work. However, there are some women out there who have difficulty assembling work wear. Here are a few tips to help those in need of help assembling a work wardrobe. First, a woman must have the following pieces as staples, that will hold her work wardrobe together: a dress jacket/blazer (the one shown above is from oldnavy.com), skirts, and slacks (image above, from gap.com). These items can be worn interchangeably so they are the most important to have when constructing a work wardrobe. Other items that are appropriate for the workplace may include blouses/shirts, cardigans/sweaters/vests, and dresses. One key factor when selecting these garments is the appropriate colors.

Color is the first element a person sees when it comes to choosing garments to wear, as well as the first thing people will notice when they see you approaching the water cooler at work. The colors you should choose for your staples should be neutral (in this case, black, gray, tan, and brown) or navy blue, because staples are meant to mix-and-match, so they must complement most of your work wardrobe, and it is also cost-effective. You don't want to be drab and boring and blend in with the wall paper at work, but you don't want to match the colors of the packaging in the snack machine, either.

Another important factor to remember when dressing for the work force is fit. Your garments should fit you well and complement your shape. For example, a skirt too tight and a shirt too low may look unflattering, unprofessional, and your coworkers may wonder what other line of business you are in, aside from your day time profession. Remember: If you look good, you will feel good, and that will translate into how others perceive you at work as well.

Another factor is pricing: you don't have to break the bank to score wonderful work clothes. There are plenty of stores that sell good suits, for example, for less. Off-price specialty stores such as Filene's Basement and Marshall's have designer suits for less. Or, if you are not really into designer labels, mass merchants such as H&M and Zara have some nice coordinates you can mix-and-match with what you already have at home; for the thick and extra curvaceous, try Ashley Stewart specialty stores that have some very stylish clothing for work.

Let's recap:

1. Get your staples you can mix-and-match with: it is cheaper and more polished to get neutrals : until you become a Kimora Lee Simmons, you must comply with the dress code at work already in place.
2. Colorful tops, sweaters and accessories can accent your staples, or even trendy prints (don't go overboard with channeling your inner "jungle goddess" and wearing too many animals at once). Unless you are a can-can dancer or you work on the Vegas strip, also keep the colors to a minimum.
3. Fit is very important-you want to look polished and tailored, not tight-and just because you don't wear tight pants..slouchy, baggy ones are also not acceptable. You're an adult now, get a belt or a tailor! Baggy pants should stay at home on the couch with your snuggie.
4. Lastly: people see what you look like first and you want to be taken seriously. We women have come too far to be set back in the work force because we want to wear "Juicy" on the back of our asses.