Black-in; Black-out; Rock it out!

Me and all of the other millions of the ladies that reach for the black jeans, black tights, the comfy black knit top, black booties, black sneakers, a black scarf, the black hat…you know where I’m going with this! There is no other color that lacks loyalty to seasons or even occasions. It’s sexy…it’s chic…it’s timeless…it’s simple…it’s BLACK!

This post was inspired by all of the individuals that think they can diagnose psychosis because someone wears black more often than not. What would be interesting is to know your thoughts on wearing black. Share you thoughts with us by commenting on this blog post.

Maybe there are others like me that prefer a more simple, easy-going look that doesn’t include contrasting colors and floral graphics. Yes, there are many prints and textures that I love (my favorites are sequins, buckles, stripes, and polka dots), but I often opt for something simple, classic and chic. Some choose to accessorize using the actual textures and hardware on their garments by accentuating them; I, however, choose to accessorize my black with scarves, jewelry, coats and hats. Whatever way you choose to add spice to your look; it is the perfect way. We each have pieces that speak to us and make us feel like the day is going to be okay. Some pieces say “I don’t care today”, others say “I am a conqueror.” What say you? Do you have the discipline to select that conqueror piece on the day you don’t care? That’s the key. Every selection we make from our closets should feel like draping ourselves in armor with our sword and shield, slipping into a heavenly gown or sitting upon our thrown as queen for the day. If you don’t have pieces that do either of these for you…it’s time to add some fearlessness, comfort and self-esteem to your closet…NOW! Don’t wait. Why wait? Or, better yet, why waste? You have wasted your money on pieces that do nothing for you. Why? …Because they were on sale? That’s a poor excuse. You can find items that on sale that actually make a difference to you. Spending an accumulated $200 on 6 items that lack character could have landed you the same number of items at the same price point had you taken the time to find them. These items would also land you a better resale value when it’s time to purge and replace.

We must be our closet’s keeper. Hell, we sponsored it and we are responsible for its contents! In 2019, let’s promise ourselves to only spend our money on pieces that move our stylish souls. If you don’t think you have style, ask for help. Our staff at A Classy Closet Boutique would take great pleasure giving you our thoughts on your fashion sense and make suggestions to support your budget.

Follow us on social media @aclassycloset #aclassycloset. Shop with us online at aclassycloset.com!

#aclassycloset #fashionblog #myopinion #fashion #boutiqueblog #lowellnc #dresses #accessories #jumpers #onlineshop #onlineboutique #bestonlineboutique #boutique #shopsmall #black

The Re-opening of Closed Doors...

It has been quite a while since I made a blog post. I don’t even know if any of you are still here with me.

It has been a remarkable and enlightening journey to reopen the doors of A Classy Closet Boutique (ACCB). When I closed its physical doors in 2013 in Homewood, AL (a small city right outside of Birmingham, AL), and transitioned to a complete online model, I never thought I would open its doors again. I remember sitting on the outdoor wicker bench that I used for seating inside the store and crying for multiple reasons; however, failure was not one of them. I knew I had done something unimaginable with limited to no resources and created something special.

After leaving active duty in 2001 at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, I knew I was supposed to live in Charlotte, NC at some point in my life. A guy that I dated while in the Marine Corps took me to Charlotte for the first time in 2002, while on active duty, to ice skate for my birthday and something inside of me told me that Charlotte was to be my home. After multiple failed attempts to move from Birmingham to Charlotte, I decided to focus on what was in front of me and opening the boutique was one of those things. Nevertheless, my window of opportunity opened unexpectedly in the fall of 2012. Now I was faced with being in the place I know I was supposed to be and running a store that I loved like a family member. After realizing that my life as a boutique owner didn’t have to die just because I was moving, I began planning for the next phase of my life. Not having the ability to manage the day-to-day activities of ACCB and not having anyone that could take on the responsibilities for me, I had to close its doors; however, two things were certain, I was supposed to move to Charlotte at that exact time AND I was supposed to keep the heartbeat of the boutique alive, somehow.

After I physically moved to Charlotte and finished building my house, I took my time dissolving the store. I did not actually close its doors until after I had been in Charlotte nearly 3 months. One of my most devoted employees packed up the store in my absence and my brothers helped me load the U-Haul and drive it from Birmingham to Charlotte. I was heartbroken.  I knew the only way I could keep the boutique alive was to learn more about online platforms and get serious about developing a system to manage inventory at home.

I was so fortunate to be apart of a pilot program with the owner of the online platform StoreFlyy, whom I met through the marketing company I was working with at the time, Crash14. I didn’t take the time to fully integrate the online store then because my focus was on the brick and mortar and driving sales. I soon began trying to educate myself on what tools and options I needed in a platform to be successful. The owner of 7952 Craft Studios and I tested just about every platform out there (I can see her facial expression now…lol). We both eventually settled on platforms that we felt comfortable managing so thus began the new venture to relaunch AClassyCloset.com.

Almost 6 years later to the day, God said “The doors of A Classy Closet shall open again.” WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT????? I’m going to save my story about how I discovered our new location for another post, but we are off to a great start in a wonderful new community. I can’t wait to share with you my experiences and insights on being a small business owner, my opinion about fashion trends, and how to weave yourself into a community of wonderful people.

Stay motivated friends and definitely DRESS for yourself! You should look in the mirror and smile. 

#7952craftstudios #Crash14 #StoreFlyy #aclassycloset #lowellnc #fashionblog #homewoodAL