How to Create Your Dream Closet

/in /by

A closet full of amazing clothes is only half the battle when trying to elevate your wardrobe. For the next step, let’s talk about how to create your dream closet.

If you haven’t seen one of the many popular home organization shows springing up in recent years, chances are, you’ve at least heard of them. There’s a reason the concept of home organization has become so popular. A clean, organized, decluttered living space can feel utterly blissful. Sometimes we don’t even realize how much of a damper it puts on our mood to live in a disorganized space until we fix it. This also applies to your closet – especially if you’re someone who already struggles getting dressed in the morning.

While we encourage you to have a wardrobe full of clothing that works well together and makes you feel great, it’s equally important to properly display your clothing and accessories in your closet. This means having your items attractively displayed, ensuring they are easily accessible, and organizing them in a way that works for your lifestyle. Otherwise, it’s easy to fall into old habits of reaching for the same hoodie and leggings every day. Don’t let your efforts on improving your wardrobe go to waste! Consider revamping your closet to make getting ready for the day stress-free and even fun.

Declutter

As you could probably guess, the first step to this closet makeover on a budget is to declutter. It’s free and ultra-satisfying but will require some hard work. This step is all about getting rid of the pieces that you don’t wear anymore, are out of fashion, don’t suit your current lifestyle, and are looking worn. Holding on to these pieces makes sorting through your clothing in the morning much more difficult because they prevent you from seeing the gems in your wardrobe. You’ll be surprised at just how much you’re able to get rid of!

Contrary to popular belief, having clothing items in every style and color for every occasion is not what will help you achieve great style; it’s about being able to see the potential in your clothing and working them to your advantage. For better or for worse, we can form serious emotional attachments to our clothing that make it hard to get rid of deadweight when the time comes. It helps to have the insight of unbiased professionals. If you’re struggling to declutter your wardrobe, reach out to us for a closet clean out! This is the most difficult step, so let us guide you through the process.

Decluttering means getting rid of anything that’s unnecessary and visually distracting. That may include more than just old clothing. To ensure your closet is inviting and frustration-free, remove any non-clothing items that are taking up space in your closet. Find new places to store cleaning supplies and kids’ toys if possible. If this is not an option, we’ll address this using some organizational strategies in the next step.

Get the Right Organizational Tools

A closet re-do doesn’t necessarily have to include expensive renovations for shelving and storage. To complete your closet makeover while on a budget, the trick is utilizing the right organizational tools. A few affordable fixes will work wonders to keep things easy to find and out of the way. Check out our before and after photos to see the difference for yourself.

Even though guests probably won’t see your closet, you still want it to look just as tidy and cohesively styled as any other space in your house. Remember, this is an essential step to giving you the frustration-free morning routine that you deserve. Start with a closet organizational system. The best solution for your closet will depend on space dimensions, numbers and types of items you have to store, and your personal preferences. Are you looking for small space solutions for your overflowing closet? Do you want clear bin storage so that you can see your items that are not in use? Be sure to measure your space before buying!

If you’re unsure, bring a few potential solutions home and play around with them until you decide which combination is best, then return the rest. Be sure that these organizational tools match or look cohesive. Some ideas to consider are additional drawer storage, shelf and drawer dividers, shoe racks or bins, and matching nested hangers.

I love using clear shelf dividers, especially if you don’t have many shelves to work with so that there are designated spaces for your handbags, belts, scarves, and hats on a single shelf. Every item should have a distinct home. A set of non-slip hangers is a great idea, too. Trust me: mismatched hangers with your dry cleaner’s logo on half of them makes your closet feel so much more chaotic. Velvet hangers are easy, cheap, space-space-friendly, and make an impact.

Still dealing with a bit of overflow from your closet? Try some under-bed storage for your off-season clothing. Not only will this add some breathing room into your closet, but it will visually eliminate off-season clothing from your options when you are getting dressed to further simplify your morning.

Merchandise & Style Your Dream Closet

Now that all your clothing and accessories have a designated place, it’s time for the final step: merchandising and styling your closet. This is a game-changer for any closet makeover on a budget. Merchandising will help you find what you’re looking for faster, provide styling ideas as you put together your outfit of the day, and even decorate your closet using its own contents. This is what your favorite boutiques do so that their clothing racks look beautiful and feel intuitive to shop. Our goals for your closet are the same.

Have fun with this step! There’s no one-size-fits-all way to do it. Instead, consider how you approach your closet when getting dressed. Do you look for pants first, then choose a top depending on the weather, then add accessories and shoes? Organize accordingly. I suggest hanging your tops by ascending sleeve length and weight, or from sleeveless to long sleeve to sweaters, jackets, and coats. Within one sleeve length, sort by color using the color wheel or use your best judgment. This will make your items visually flow. Alternatively, it may work better for you to organize your clothing by occasion, or a combination of these approaches.

Consider adding feature areas. A hat hanging from the wall might look decorative and remind you to accessorize before heading out for the day. If you like the pick out your outfit the night before, find a place to display your full outfit in your closet so it’s ready to go in the morning.

Wrap-Up

Achieving your dream closet is easier than you might think and doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Follow these tips to complete your closet makeover on a budget. Be sure to maintain your closet season-to-season, too! Over the course of the year, you should be revisiting which items are stored versus on display, getting rid of pieces you don’t wear anymore, and refreshing the organization to help you stay inspired. For more inspiration, as you implement these ideas, watch how Alli organizes her closet. Alternatively, we would love to help you with the process from start to finish! Reach out to us for an appointment to discuss your closet goals.

Splurge vs Save Fashion

/in /by

In a time when clothing from all different brands and price points is at your fingertips, how do you decide on splurge vs save fashion? You probably have some idea of what you’re comfortable spending on various types of clothing. But how do you know if your price points make sense? What you deem as an appropriate price per item is most often determined by your prior spending habits. Now, let’s take a moment to discuss when it makes sense to spend a little more on your clothing.

Before we dive into things, consider your typical spending habits. What do you usually spend on casual tops, jeans, work clothing, and shoes? Do you spend more if it is a special occasion piece? What differences in quality do you notice within your wardrobe? Have you ever regretted splurging on an item and why? Jot your answers down and let’s look at these behaviors critically. Strategic spending will make you feel more confident in your purchases and save you money in the long run.

Based on Item Type

save vs splurge fashion

The first approach you can take when deciding to splurge vs save on fashion is to consider the type of item. There are certain pieces that you want to ensure are especially good quality because they need to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The prime example here is shoes.

Shoes

Their soles touch rough surfaces, they repeatedly pound against the ground when you walk, and they’re subjected to damaging elements like rain and snow. It may feel counterintuitive to invest more money in an item that you know will get damaged in this manner. However, it’s in your best interest to pay a little more for your shoes. A poor-quality shoe will fall apart after just a few wears, leaving you to replace them constantly. You’ll end up spending more money in the long run.

Outerwear

You should also invest a little more in outerwear. The first reason for this is the same as before: jackets and coats need to hold up after being damaged by high-impact wear. Low-quality fabrics can be quickly damaged by exposure to moisture and pollution. The second reason is that outerwear is utilitarian, and high-quality options tend to be better at fulfilling your practical needs. For example, cheap puffer coats will skimp on filling and be made of less-insulating materials overall. There’s no sense in buying a coat that hardly keeps you warm; save up for a high-quality alternative that will keep you warm for years to come!

If you’re splurging on these functional items, you will need to save money somewhere else in your wardrobe. I suggest saving your money on trendy items. You may love the puff sleeve trend and make this look part of your regular outfit rotation this season, but chances are, the trend will fade off and you’ll grow tired of it over time. Then, you’ll be stuck with a bunch of items that you’re bored with and a wardrobe that needs to be overhauled once again. Instead, build a timeless wardrobe and filter in a couple of affordable trendy items each season to keep you inspired.

Costume Jewelry

Another item to save money on is costume jewelry. By nature, costume jewelry is made of affordable metals and stones that aren’t designed to last a lifetime. There is still a range of quality in costume jewelry, of course, but overall, these pieces should only be expected to stay in your wardrobe for a few years. They are not heirlooms. Costume jewelry also tends to be trendier in design to suit its shorter lifespan, which doubles your justification for saving.

Based on Occasion

Another consideration in deciding when to splurge vs save on fashion is where and when you plan to wear the pieces. Will it be an everyday piece for work, something you wear on the weekends, or part of a special occasion look? The more wear you get out of an item, the more worthy it is of investing in. Sounds reasonable, right? Still, we may scoff at the price of essential layering pieces like solid tanks, white button-downs, and the like. They don’t feel “special” enough for us to spend money on. Instead, we may be tempted to shell out more money on a cocktail dress or embellished heels that we’ll only wear a few times because they have a greater emotional pull.

Spend More on High-quality Essentials

I recommend spending more on high-quality essentials that you’ll wear several times a week. These may be timeless pieces like a great blazer if you work in an office. They might be solid tops and a classic loafer for a transitional wardrobe. Consider your lifestyle and what you see yourself wearing day to day. High-quality basics will make it easier to get dressed in the morning because they will fit you better and look more polished with any pairing. And, you won’t have to replace them as often. You probably have more important ways to spend your time than looking for replacement basics every few months, anyway! Invest a little more in these pieces once and you’ll be able to wear them for years.

By the same principle, there is no reason we need to spend a lot on pieces we will only wear a few times. The inflated cost per wear of the item would make it a bad investment. But we don’t always want to buy pieces that look cheap for these special occasions; they’re memorable events and could land in a photo album. You will want to feel your best even if you’re on a budget.

To solve this dilemma, get creative. Buy a simple little black dress that can be accessorized for a range of events in years to come. Buy used – the dress has likely only been worn a couple of times and will be significantly discounted! And finally, consider renting the item. Many people don’t know that there is a booming rental market for special occasion pieces that you will only wear once. You can find beautiful, unique designer pieces to wear for your event at upwards of 70% off. It’s the perfect compromise to ensure you have a look you love without worrying about the return on your investment.

Based on Item Quality

save vs splurge wardrobe

We’ve discussed what kinds of items you should spend your hard-earned money on. Now, let’s consider the items themselves. A price tag is not always an accurate reflection of the quality of an item. To be an informed consumer, look for these characteristics when deciding to splurge vs. save on fashion.

In general, you are looking for indications of how well the item will hold up over time and use. This will inform the cost per wear of the item. For shoes, handbags, and accessories, look for the following signs of sturdy construction: stitched leather – not glued – on soles of shoes, metal feet at the bottom of handbags to protect them from premature wear, dyed leather instead of a painted color that may chip, and metal embellishments that lay flush in the base.

For clothing, scarves, and other textiles, there are additional details you can look for. High quality is indicated by strong stitching without any loose threads, stretch recovery for jeans and other pieces containing elastic, and even dye throughout the garment. These details tell you that the manufacturer took care in constructing the item and it probably won’t fall apart in the wash. These characteristics are typical in higher price point items, but they can certainly be found in affordable pieces, too. Examine clothing before you buy it if possible! If shopping online, look at reviewer photos and comments to assess quality issues.

Wrap Up

A major part of building a wardrobe that you love is practical for your lifestyle and budget and is easy to maintain centers around making smart investments. Find quality pieces to build the foundation of your wardrobe. Don’t over invest in pieces you won’t wear often or are overly trendy. Instead, be open to spending a little more on items that need to be high quality due to frequency of use and exposure to harsh elements.

In addition to strategizing about splurge vs save fashion, it’s important to take care of your items to ensure their longevity. Read more about how to preserve your favorite pieces and check out other fashion resources on our blog. Looking for more hands-on guidance on how to wisely invest in your wardrobe? Schedule a shopping appointment with us this spring – we’d love to help you pick out the pieces that are worth your money.

Essential Handbag Styles for Any Closet

/in /by

Does it feel like your outfits are missing that “wow” factor? One of the best ways to kick your looks up a notch is by investing in a few essential handbag styles. They can make the difference between a good outfit and a great one. Besides, they’re a functional necessity! If you’re going to be carrying a bag every day anyway, you might as well find some that you love. There are thousands of options differing in shape, size, color, and hardware. How do you know which are right for you?

Finding the essential handbag styles for your wardrobe is about striking a balance between practicality and style, just like with any other part of your closet. You should make sure that you have options that work for any occasion that might come up, including options to take you from the office to errands to happy hour. However, this doesn’t mean buying dozens of bags. They can be expensive! Instead, be selective in your bag purchases so that a few options will cover all your needs.

Handbag Styles

As a rule of thumb, the most versatile handbags will be neutral colors such as black, brown, and beige. We suggest having at least one black bag and at least one bag in the brown/tan/beige color family to get the most bang for your buck. These are timeless colors and much easier to pair than colorful varieties. It’s worth mentioning that old school fashion advice dictated that your shoes, belt, and the bag should match within an outfit – note that advice is now outdated! Feel free to mix and match. This also lets you get away with owning a smaller selection of purses.

The material your purse is made from is also key to its versatility in your wardrobe. Look for all-season fabrics. Leather and suede are the most traditional options and can be worn year-round. Limit the number of seasonal purses you own, such as canvas and straw bags that will only be appropriate in warm months, and bags with shearling details that will only be appropriate in cold months. Only consider adding these to your wardrobe after you have a couple of all-purpose bags in your rotation.

Now, what styles of handbags should you look for?

The Tote

best tote bags

The first on our list of essential handbag styles is the tote. A tote is typically a large bag with top handles and few or no pockets. It’s a simple, unfussy design typically without a fastening. This makes it ideal if you’re going to be pulling items in and out of your bag all day. The size makes it your best option for carrying larger items, like laptops and notebooks. This bag is your best bet if you have a long day ahead and no time to stop at home in between.

For a day at the office or school, a roomy tote will easily hold your paperwork, electronics, a light sweater, and a lunch. It’s like the grown-up backpack, and more modern and practical than a briefcase. Beyond the office, this will be your go-to style for the beach, the gym, and carrying everything your little ones need if you have kids. It can also be your reusable shopping bag for a trip to the farmer’s market. It’s endlessly versatile!

Keep in mind which of these occasions you will be using your bag for when shopping for your perfect tote. This will help determine the size, material, and details that will work best for you. If it will primarily be your work bag, start by measuring your laptop and adding a few inches all the way around to ensure you have ample room. For an all-purpose tote, we recommend one with simple but sophisticated styling, such as this leather tote. You may want to look for an option with an interior pocket to catch smaller items like keys and pens. Go for an unstructured style for a more casual look, or a sturdy shape with feet on the bottom for a dressier look.

The Crossbody or Shoulder Bag

best crossbody bag

The tote is great for carrying larger items, but you may not need that all the time. For everyday wear, invest in a crossbody or shoulder bag. This differs from the tote because it is typically somewhat smaller, more structured, and may have additional compartments and closures to keep everything in place. This makes the list as one of our essential handbag styles for a couple of reasons. First, it will fit all your essentials, such as keys, wallet, phone, and a few extras. Second, the long strap allows you to have your hands free. This combo makes this style ideal for everyday outings. Take your crossbody with you for errands, meeting friends, and casual meals out. No matter your lifestyle, this bag needs to be in your closet.

The crossbody and shoulder bag are roughly equivalent in terms of function. The choice between the two usually just comes down to personal preference. Either way, this bag should show a bit of your personality while still being simple enough to go with every outfit. A couple of interesting hardware details should do the trick. For added versatility, choose a purse with a second strap option. Many top handle bags now come with a long crossbody strap included! Being able to convert your crossbody to a top handle style is great for slightly dressier occasions.

Crossbody and shoulder bags can range from a small wallet-on-a-chain style to large options nearly the size of your tote. When choosing the one that’s right for you, make sure it’s a realistic size to carry everything you always leave the house with. This depends on your lifestyle. You should also consider if the design of the bag is good for organizing your essentials. You want to ensure everything feels convenient because you’ll be reaching for this purse most days.

The Special Occasion Clutch

best clutches

Finally, the special occasion bag! You may not use this often, but it is still one of our must-have purses because it’s irreplaceable in your purse rotation. You won’t want to wear your everyday tote or shoulder bag with formalwear. It does a disservice to the rest of the outfit. Instead, opt for a special occasion bag. This is typically a small clutch style that won’t hold much more than your phone, keys, credit cards, and a backup lipstick. Formal occasions won’t require you to bring more than this anyway. And, because these purses don’t have to be as concerned with utility, they can pack a serious punch in terms of style. You can find great options with embellishments, sculptural shapes, and other creative details.

However, you should still ensure that it has some versatility for multiple types of formal events. You’ll bring this bag to weddings, holiday parties, certain religious occasions, and upscale dinners. Make sure the style feels appropriate for each, and that it goes with each of your special occasion dresses. A black clutch is your failsafe option. That doesn’t mean it has to be boring! I love how the ruched texture of this bag adds a little something extra without making it any less versatile.

Essential Handbag Style Wrap Up

Deciding which purses are worth adding to your wardrobe can be confusing. You want to make sure they fit all your practical needs, look good with the rest of your wardrobe, and hold up for years…they’re often expensive, after all.  How many bags does it take, anyway? To start, the tote, crossbody or shoulder bag, and special occasion clutch are the must-have purses every woman should have. Chose versatile options that make sense for your lifestyle. Consider the colors, shapes, sizes, and functional details. Need help figuring out which bags are most realistic for your needs? We would love to help you find options that are right for you. You can also check out our blog page for even more style inspiration and wardrobe tips.

What to Wear: Valentine’s Day Outfits 2021

/in /by

We’re over a week into February, which means it’s time to plan our Valentine’s Day outfits 2021! Regardless of if you’re spending the holiday with a significant other, a couple of your best girlfriends, or with a roommate, let’s take this opportunity to get a little dressed up. It’s a day of love and appreciation in every form, including self-love. Wear something that makes you feel amazing.

Just because we’re putting effort into our look doesn’t mean we have to be dressed to the nines. Realistically, most people don’t have an evening of champagne and fine dining out on the town planned this year. Maybe you have a Zoom date on the books. Maybe it will be spent eating takeout on the couch with a great movie. These plans can be just as special, and we would love to help you get dressed for the occasion! Read on for some outfit ideas that will keep you as comfy as you are stylish for Valentine’s Day at home.

And, if you’re still looking for a unique gift that is perfect for your Valentine, give the gift of style with an A Style Breeze gift card. The experience is something they will treasure for years to come.

Outfit 1: Sweater Dress and Mules

Valentines day outfits 2021

The sweater dress is the perfect base for Valentine’s Day outfits 2021. It’s nice and cozy for around the house. You are wearing a dress, which tends to make you look instantly put-together. The soft, sweet nature of a sweater dress also just feels just right for Valentine’s Day. All around, it’s the perfect piece to start with!

Knitwear has been a huge trend the last couple of seasons, which means you’ll have plenty of options in stores to choose from. My vote is to find a dress that balances comfort with a couple of flirty details. This could be a slouchy style with an off the shoulder neckline that’s perfect for showing off a little skin. Or try a midi-length sweater dress with a wrap effect. Wrap dresses are great for showing off your curves while giving you ample room to move around (unlike other sexy silhouettes, like bodycon dresses).

Footwear is next. If you’re spending the holiday in, chances are you’re not looking for a pair of stilettos. It’s unlikely they would last more than 30 minutes on your feet, anyway! Instead, opt for the mule. It brings classic sophistication to the outfit without the discomfort of a high heel. You can find mules that have a low 1-2” heel or none at all. A low kitten or block heel will look incredible, but for your most comfortable option, choose a flat mule. To keep them looking elevated with your dress, I love a pointed toe. It gives the illusion of longer legs just like a heel does. Embellishments are also a great idea to spice things up! Sculptural pleating or bows, hardware details, and cutouts will ensure that your outfit looks special-occasion-appropriate without screaming Valentine’s Day.

Now, it’s time for the finishing touches. Because it’s a fairly simple outfit, you can add a few accessories without overwhelming the look. I love letting a piece of statement jewelry shine here. Try an oblong or drop earring, a cocktail ring, or any other piece of statement jewelry you’ve been waiting for the chance to wear. The bold metallic finishes will stand out beautifully against the soft knit of your dress. If you are looking for a way to drive the Valentine’s Day idea home, try a heart pendant!

Outfit 2: Sweats, Graphic, Cardigan, Slippers

valentines night in outfits

Feeling even more casual? No problem! Again, we’re fortunate that the WFH lifestyle of the past year has brought significantly upgraded loungewear options into the market. No longer are we stuck wearing ill-fitting sweatpants and a ratty old t-shirt. There are plenty of chic options that translate well into our Valentine’s Day outfits 2021.

Start with a pair of sweatpants. Look for a pair that fits you well and is made of high-quality fabric to keep things looking polished. Jogger style sweatpants allow for effortless styling, and I’m also loving the wide leg varieties for a sleek silhouette. Choose what you feel most comfortable in! On top, add your favorite graphic tee or tank. A band tee, a tee with a cute saying on it – anything will work here. If you want to lean into the Valentine’s Day theme a little harder, a top with a heart graphic is the way to do it.

Round out this cozy look with a cardigan and slippers. For this look, I love cardigans that have a chunky knit, a relaxed fit, or a long length so you feel extra bundled while curled up on the couch with a loved one. Slippers are the last piece you’ll need to get in the mood for your Valentine’s Day in. They’re such a feel-good piece that may seem frivolous to buy at first, but you’ll find yourself reaching for them time and again for a sense of at-home luxury. Look for a pair of slippers with a rubber sole. This will let you get away with wearing them out of the house for any last-minute stops to the corner store. 

Outfit 3: Sweater, Distressed Skinny Jeans, Boots, Hair Accessory

cozy valentines day outfit

For our last outfit idea, we’re going back to basics. You can never go wrong with sweater and jeans combinations, and now is no exception! We’ll show you how to amp up your everyday sweater and jeans outfits for Valentine’s Day 2021.

Start building this look with a pair of distressed skinny jeans. The figure-hugging silhouette of a skinny jean lends itself to a flirtier vibe. The distressing adds an interesting pop of texture and makes things a bit more casual for your night in. Next, pair your jeans with a cozy sweater. You can add your go-to sweater of the moment or opt for one that’s Valentine’s-Day-ready with fun embellishments. Think pink and red hues, sequins, crystals, and any other details that make the sweater feel special.

An ankle boot is a perfect shoe to complete the look. It gives that great sleek finishing, it’s warm and comfortable, and you have the choice of whether to go for a heeled or flat variety. You can have a little fun here, too! Try a snakeskin bootie to brings things to the next level. Finally, let’s add a hair accessory. Pearls have been returning to popularity recently, and now is the perfect time to incorporate them in the form of a hair clip or decorative bobby pin. Not into clips? A headband is another great option. Try a satin or velvet headband, a padded one, or one with sparkly embellishments.

Wrap Up

Valentine’s Day is such a great excuse to get dressed up, even if you’re staying at home. But, it can be a challenge. We want to strike the right balance of being festive without looking tacky and stylish while feeling comfortable for a night in. We hope this guide provided some insight and inspiration for putting together your Valentine’s Day outfits 2021! We love to help with special-occasion looks as much as everyday wear. For your next outfit, check out our other what-to-wear guides or reach out to us to set up a styling appointment.

Quick Links

Our Mission      Meet the Team     Client Results     Policies

Virtual Services     Closet Clean Out        Contact Us

info@astylebreeze.com

© 2023 A Style Breeze | Website designed by Robben Media