Time for a closet clean out?

New year, new resolutions... new wardrobe? Maybe just a new look or new style? Something more age appropriate? Something that better fits your body type? Something to wear to a new job? We all have different reasons for trying something new. Be bold and own your style this year.

No matter what the reason is for wanting to change your wardrobe, the best place to start is a closet clean out. I know that the thought of even approaching this task is exhausting. But I promise 2 things: (1) it won't be as bad as you think (2) it will make a huge difference.

Cleaning out your closet means you critique each piece. Does it fit? Is it in good condition? Anything that does not fit or has a hole or stain should be discarded. Then you start to focus on your personal style goals. Do the pieces that sit in your closet line up with those goals? Anything that might be considered a basic or one of your go to pieces should absolutely stay.

You might be wondering how to go about a closet clean out? The best way is to take everything out of your closet. Start fresh. Put back one item at a time after critiquing it. Organize your items as you place them back in your closet. How you organize your items actually depends on what is easiest for you. Do you find it easier to have all your work clothes together and then weekend clothes separate? Would you rather have shirts/sweaters/pants separated? Or perhaps you prefer to have your items organized by color. Whatever method your choose is fine - if it's going to work is has to be easy for you.

Once you have an organized closet it will be very easy for you to pair outfits and identify key pieces that will compliment what you have and fill out your style goals. If you need inspiration there are lots of places to look. One of the most popular is Pinterest. There are great style and outfit inspirations on Pinterest. Follow your favorite or brand or a site like Beacon Style on Pinterest for ideas. Under the About section of this website you can see a Pinterest page that will show you a few of the boards available to follow.  Also be sure to check this blog for new outfits ideas/trends/suggestions for 2017! 

Weekend Tip... Memorial Day Shopping!

Happy Long Weekend! I'm thrilled Memorial Day Weekend is here. I'm also in awe of how fast it came! I think part of that is related to the fact that up until just this week we had not such great weather in the Boston Area. Suddenly, it's been sunny and in the 90s! I'm absolutely not complaining... I happen to love this weather. But we didn't ease into summer.

For those of us who have been putting off changing out the winter sweaters for the t-shirts and shorts, better get to it! The good news is that with Memorial Day come the sales! Just about everything you could possibly want to buy this weekend will most likely be on sale somewhere. This is especially true of retail.

This is a great time to stock up on your basics if that's what you need. For example, did you wear out your favorite gray t-shirt last summer or end up with a tear in your boyfriend crops? Time to replenish stock... and with the sales currently in full swing, now is the time.

Be sure to take inventory of what you have before you shop! What did you have to retire at the end of last summer? What colors are most prominent in your current wardrobe? What styles do I tend to wear most often? Once you know the answers to these questions then you can start to piece together a list of what you need to compliment what you already have!

For those of you who might be looking for something a little different to add to their wardrobe, be it a new dress or fun top, I have some inspiration below. Not all of these styles are on sale but the are all worth a glance as you're planning your summer wardrobe!

J.Crew Collection Embroidered Summer Top

J.Crew Off the Shoulder Top

J. Crew Silk Smocked-Waist Dress

Madewell Lace Flutter Sleeve Dress

Bailey 44 Cupid Crochet Cold Shoulder Dress

Navy San Rafael Dress by Apiece Apart

Anticipated 2016 Fashion Trends...

I like to be aware and “in the know” of what is currently considered fashionable. I use this information to advise clients and make my own personal styling and shopping decisions. My personal style tends to be more classic and I use fashion trends to incorporate "on trend" style into my wardrobe. This makes the pieces that I buy last longer because I worry less about them being “out of style”.

One of the best parts about fashion today is that anything goes.  If you have older pieces that belonged to your mom they are considered “vintage” and “coveted”. If you have pieces from last year that aren’t exactly on trend any longer, you can still find way to incorporate them into your wardrobe and in a year or two, they’ll even be back in style! Don’t feel like you have to jump on board every new fashion trend. You can pick and choose what you think will work best for your body type, your wallet and your current wardrobe.

Let’s look at some of the latest fashion trends being talked about for 2016 as examples.

The Jetset Diaries Pompeii Off Shoulder Dress

Boohoo Cold Shoulder Side Split Top

1. Off The Shoulder Tops: This will not work for every body type. Figure out what necklines work best for you and exploit those to the fullest. Don’t buy an off the shoulder top just because the latest fashion magazine issue told you to. Keep in mind that off the shoulder tops can also have a wide variety of interpretations. This can work with a body con dress or a cropped peasant top. Figure out which version of the trend will work best for you.

DelmanScout Flat Mule

Prada Suede Espadrille Mule Flat

1. Slip on Shoes: (Otherwise known as mules) I’ve personally never been a big fan of this trend. If you choose to embrace it or incorporate it into your wardrobe, my advice is to be mindful of how you wear it. The rest of the outfit will matter just as much. Slip on shoes with joggers and a T shirt could be cute. Slip on shoes with a jumper or a sundress could work also. Slip on shoes with a pencil skirt and blouse….probably a little harder to pull off. Try to match the trend to the appropriate occasion.

Zara Pleated Top

ASOS Pleated Midi Dress in Crepe

1. Pleats:  We’re not necessarily talking about your old plaid school uniform type pleats. Pleats have been making a comeback for a few months now in a much more stylish manner. And you see them on more than just skirts. They are appearing in dresses, tops, even jackets and blazers. This is an easy trend to incorporate. Find the type that you think will work the best for you and you might be able to incorporate it into your wardrobe in more than one place.

J.Crew Lace Panel Tank Top

J.Crew Natalia Dress in Leavers Lace

1. Lace: This trend has been on for the last couple of seasons and it appears to be sticking around. Lace is currently available in a number of different styles. Whether an item is all lace or just pieces incorporate for detail, you can find multiple ways to add it to your wardrobe from casual to workwear to evening out. A simple lace tee can go a long way in your closet.

Vesper Paperbag Waist Dress with Belt

1. Paperbag Waist: This is a trend we saw a few years ago. I actually still have a skirt in this style which it looks like I’ll be pulling back out soon. You’ll be most likely to find this in skirts and dresses but it could also be available in pants or shorts. This can be a tough trend to jump on. The paperbag waist requires you to wear either a crop top or a tapered, tucked in top. These types of items are not always readily available in your current wardrobe. So for example, if you’re interested in the paperbag waist but you never jumped on the crop top wagon, you could always purchase a simple tapered tee to make your outfit. But just keep in mind this trend may require you to purchase the whole outfit as opposed to just one piece.

Here's to the future 2016 trends! Start your year out on your most fashionable foot!