Don't You Hate Messy People? It's Time to Clean Up and Clear Out Ladies!!!!!

In January, we talked about making sure our selection of sale items didn't turn into the next delivery at your local Goodwill. We also talked briefly about those items that should remain in every girl’s closet.

This month, let’s talk about cleaning out that closet of yours and making space for newcomers! This topic really excites me because it is the second step to creating a closet that allows you to select items blindly and still walk out of the door making a statement to the world! Please don't think that I am this excited when I start pulling out the oversized shopping bags and garbage bags to fill them with clothes, shoes, and accessories that I have spent my hard-earned money on. This definitely does not fill my heart with joy, but what does put the sparkle into my eyes is the fact that I will have so much room for more STUFF! And when I say stuff, I mean fresh and affordable new items to enlighten my clothing racks and jewelry stands.

Just imagine yourself standing at the door of your closet and saying, "I know I need to get rid of some stuff but don't know to start. I WANT TO KEEP EVERYTHING!"

My sisters in shopping, let me help you get this cleaning party started. First things first, start small. Go to those jewelry boxes and chests and break out the garbage bag to throw away custom jewelry that has tarnished. It's the worst to see some one wearing a costume ring or bracelet that is now red or a rust color because they forgot to take them off a couple of times before washing their hands. I'M GUILTY, so I know what I am talking about. The cheapest thing to replace is the bejewels; however, the cheaper they are, the faster they are to turn. If you are as guilty as I am about forgetting to take off your costume jewelry before washing your hands, invest in some real jewelry. I only wear costume rings when I am going out to an event because I wash my hands too often throughout the day for them. I also stack my costume bracelets with real gold and silver bangles. I typically put a real bracelet closet to my hands and then stack my watch and costume bracelets behind it; that way they catch the water first and slow the tarnishing process for my costume bracelets.

So after we've cleaned out the jewelry, we'll keep up the pace with placing those scarves that are all stringy and those hats with all of the lent balls in those oversized shopping bags for Goodwill. These are items that others can use but we can replace at reasonable prices. If your scarves and hats are designer, take photos of them and place them on Poshmark and Thriftflip for a month to see if you can sell them for a little cash to buy new ones. Keep them in the bag; that way, if they don't sell they are prepared to be dropped off. Scarves and hats can definitely add spice to a weekend get-up. Remember my consignment hat from last weekend? That hat set my outfit off! Oh Yes! Don't be afraid to branch out if you aren't a hat wearer. This is one of the cheapest accessories to experiment with. I had a girlfriend of mine tell me that her head was too big for a hat! I love you A.B., but NO SUCH THING! Just like most clothes aren't one size fit all, neither are accessories. Take your time and find one that works for YOU! Make a day out of it with your girlfriends. Make it a day when you only shop for specific things. If I do any store shopping, I typically only come with accessories, because I truly believe that they are the hallmark to any wardrobe.

Alright, so we are ready get our game face on and tackle the clothing and outerwear. All I can say is have your bottle of wine ready, because after you lace the giveaway bag with all of the items that you've been planning to take to the seamstress to get a button replace or a hem let out, you are going to need it! Don't be like me and have a sewing machine and still go to have seams stitched and alterations done by someone else. SHAME ON YOU! LOL

YES, GIRLFRIENDS, go through that closet piece by piece. You should know exactly what you have to work with. My mom has always teased me about not selecting what I am going to wear the next day the night before. WHY, I say to myself? I know exactly what I have and I know where it is. Your closet should be organized just like the food in your kitchen pantry. For those with sloppy kitchen pantries ... clean it up ladies! LMBO ... now bake the closet purge.

If you haven't lost weight YET … put it in the bag. If you cannot comfortably flex in those tops ... put it in the bag. If you haven't worn it in two seasons (ESPECIALLY if it still has a tag on it) ... PUT IT IN THE BAG. If you have to camouflage missing buttons, busted seams, discolorations ... put it in the bag. And if you have been on your good girl and it's too big ... you should HAPPILY put it in the bag!

Now that that’s out of the way, I want you to get on your knees and say a small prayer because we are about to tackle that shoe closet. Go ahead and take a sip of that wine I asked you to break out earlier. I typically just go ahead and take a bottle into my shoe room with me along with my favorite potato chips (Lay's Plain ... GO LAYS). Yes, this is serious business if you have to be told, so let's get started.

We are going to take this in stages just as we've done with your other items. First, look at the space where you keep your shoes and decide whether you need to make room for more, do a complete overhaul, or just find a totally new space for them! I try to keep no more than 300-350 pairs at one time, so that helps me eliminate when the psychological stress of it all gets to be a bit much.

After we have surveyed our shoe canvas and know what our end goal is (for me it's all about staying under my number because I run out of shelf space), we are then ready to get started. The first ones we want to interview are those with missing taps, very noticeable scuffs, toe creases, filthy insoles (from being barefoot in the summer), discolored leather, Irish pennants (for you military girls, you know that means stray stitching), and tilted heels! Bring them front and center! Guess what? Put them in either bag you want ... the Goodwill or the trash ... BUT THEY MUST GO! You haven't taken them to the shoe repair shop in all this time, so DON'T GET MOTIVITED NOW THAT YOU KNOW THEY HAVE TO LEAVE!!!! No ma'am! Say your last words and kiss the casualties of the foot war GOODBYE! (Before I go ANY further, let me not forget to address those of you who still keep shoeboxes. Ummm, let's upgrade the shoedrobe with some nice fabric or plastic boxes from IKEA or The Container Store if you don't have the shelving to display them.)

Now that I've covered that, let’s do an inventory to determine how many boots (high-heel and flat), pumps, flats, and sandals by color and material. Depending on what region you live in, suede is out of the question in July, so the material of the shoe should have a category of its own. The purpose of this inventory is to get you a great idea of what types of shoes are missing from your shoedrobe.

Once you have taken an inventory, look a look at what you have left. I want you to bring those shoes and boots that you haven’t worn for more than three seasons front and center. Now ask yourself, how many times have you worn them this past year. If the answer is less than five, put them in those things to sell on Poshmark, eBay or Thriftflip! They are obviously of good quality if they've lasted this long, but if you haven't worn them and need the space, I suggest letting someone else take them for a stroll!

Hopefully, by now you have created some much-needed space to fill the gaps you discovered during your inventory!!!! OMG! You have just created a reason to shop!!!!!!! I am literally screaming "WOOT WOOT" right now while typing!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!

So for me, I would take a shower, load all of my bags for Goodwill in the trunk of my car, grab that bottle of wine from my shoe room and head to the couch to shop for shoes online ALL NIGHT, but I don't expect you to do that! LMBO! I do, however, expect you to give yourself a round of applause and treat yourself because you have accomplished quite a few things by doing this: (1) You have given your clothing a breathing treatment to assume its duties for the upcoming season; (2) You have donated to a worthy cause; and (3) You have given yourself a reason to SHOE SHOP UNTIL YOUR WALLET CAN'T TAKE IT ANY MORE!!! Now your shoedrobe is looking forward to spring just as much as you are!

Until next time ... keep it classy sassy!

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Proofread by Abiola Sholanke (abiolasholanke78@yahoo.com), Freelance Editor.

New Year, New You

Have you already begun taking advantage of all of the end-of-the-year sales and buying items that you wouldn’t normally get if they were regular price? No worries, I’m guilty too! 

The one thing that I warn against is buying sale items to up-style pieces you already have. Let me caveat that statement by saying all classic pieces must STAY! LOL! All girls know not to ever remove that perfect pair of jeans, the classic white blouse, the curve-cinching black dress and so on. Some pieces transition in and out of any seasonal trend. 

What I am referring to is buying the newest spring cardigan to pair with that old washed-out tank top and the linty classic black pencil skirt. Please don’t do it! After a blistery winter, everyone is looking forward to breaking out the colors, so go all out. Buy some satin tanks and a couple of printed midi skirts and see what a difference a couple of new outfits make! Thanks to midi skirts, you don’t have to go shorter to look sexy. In case you don’t want to wear the midi skirt, show off your curves instead with a fitted midi. I typically purchase mine from ASOS.com or from AClassyCloset.com, of course.

I strongly suggest not buying items just because they are on sale. Those items typically live a long, boring life in a corner somewhere or in the back of a drawer, then ending their pitiful lives in the Goodwill bag. Don’t do it to your wallet and to that article of clothing. Practice buying items that you can’t live without and you will eventually end up with a wardrobe that you get the most use out of for the least cost. 

I know you’re saying, the least cost? Yes, don’t waste money on clothes and shoes just because of a sale. Change your philosophy. I love a great sale, but if I don’t see an item that causes an “OMG” reaction, I don’t buy it. If I have to look at it for too long, I don’t buy it. You want your closet to contain items that complete your personality on any day of the week. For example, I jumped in the car today to show a new neighbor where our neighborhood park and recreation center was. I typically go through mail, wash clothes, and complete other tasks preparing for my Monday, so I had on a pair of black Torrid leggings with a floral pattern, an oversized off-shoulder sweatshirt from Old Navy and tiger-print newsboy hat that I purchased from D’Trespa Consignment in Homewood, AL. Well, I glanced at myself in the sun visor mirror and smiled. I LOVE MYSELF!!!!!!!!!! This was definitely not the outfit that I would hope to get spotted in by my non-existent future husband, but I topped off the “run out of the house” outfit with some lip gloss, grabbed my favorite Poshmark find L.A.M.B. bag and headed to the park!

Discipline yourself ladies and take advantage of the sale. Don’t let it take advantage of you! Snag the right items from the racks and RENEW YOU!

Happy New Year from A Classy Closet Boutique!

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Proofread by Abiola Sholanke (abiolasholanke78@yahoo.com), Freelance Editor.

Fashionably Insolated!

As Rickey Smiley says on Twitter, "Good Morning Saints and Ain'ts"...(I think that is so funny).

Anyway, I had to get this out before I began preparing myself for church.

Lately, I have been RANTING and RAVING about these nylon leggings that I received in the store a few weeks ago. I am always trying and testing new brands of hosiery and leggings in the boutique in order to offer my customers the best quality products for the best prices. I have to tell you that these leggings have really become my new gem! It has been so unrealistically cold lately that it has caused me to go back to my NYC way of dressing. For northerners, you know all about it...pantyhose and leggings under your pants, cami's, t-shirts, thermal underwear...all of that. Layering is nothing new; however, layering out of necessity and layering just to be fashionable give you two different results most of the time, so it is very important to make sure that ALL undergarments are cute!

I have to tell you, if this is old news to you I'm sorry, but I am STOKED about these nylon leggings. I've worn them under my jeans and cotton leggings for a couple of weeks now and they are soooo comfy. I have not seen one lent ball yet! LOL! They seem to stretch much more than the cotton ones and fit seamlessly under pants and over other leggings and tights. They also have this shine that makes them so attractive when worn by themselves. I'm just saying...if you have not tried a pair of these leggings, I strongly recommend that you do and soon! They are available on our website at www.aclassycloset.com and in-store. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

Do you have a vision?

I could rant and rave about women that are not happy no matter what they wear, but I'm not. You have different categories of women shoppers...you have those that never know what they're going to wear even if it's just to bed. You have some who know what kind of look they want to go for, but are too bashful to actually wear the outfit in public. You have those whose self-esteem doesn't allow them to look bad in anything. Then you have the woman that thinks they know what looks good on them but are so uncomfortable with themselves that they add a new piece to their closet once a year and waist everybody's time all year long.

Guess what...it's okay! Have a bad attitude because you're mad at yourself for looking the way you do or put your pride aside get some assistance. The Salesperson didn't do anything to you! Why don't you help her or your personal shopper out by sharing your vision of the look you are trying to achieve? I have a better one, why don't you go buy some GUTS to help you implement the assistance you've been given by them already! LOL!!! (I am writing this laughing and envisioning someone wearing their first body conscious dress to a party and sitting down the entire time). One of the worst things we can do as women is waste a great outfit! Why??? Don't be scared!

Let me guess, some of you are thinking that I am talking about inappropriate dress...I'm not. You would be surprised at the number of women who think its slutty to wear a red dress or red shoes. It's all about your thinking and your posture when stepping out. Red worn tastefully is a color that packs power and femininity.

Have a vision of the look you want to achieve and make strides to make it your own. This goes for your hair, nails, posture and even your way of thinking. The year 2013 is fast approaching and it's time to live your best life looking exactly the way you want to!

www.aclassycloset.com

Changing Up Access to Our Closet to Suit You...

So we've made it through our first 6 months in business...WWWHHHOOOHHOOO!!!!! (I just had to show a bit of excitement there. (lol)

I have to tell you...it's been so much fun. I do not think that I've learned so much in such a short period of time (except when I went to Marine Corps boot camp). Being a retail owner has allowed me to meet so many interesting, artistic, and fashionable people and I LOVE IT! You will never get me to say that it has been easy, but you can definitely get me to say that it has been fulfilling and fun.

The customers have made it the most interesting by entering the boutique with an open mind and with a desire to find something different. It is so great to have customers with a muted style routine come in the store and choose something a little different only because the spirit of fashion hits them at the door! I'm making reference to our jewelry table...if you haven't seen it, you are definitely missing out because you will not find two of the same pieces in our store.

You will not believe that we have reached a point that will allow us to help out local students and hire part-time workers. Yes! We are in a position to give back and that's exactly what we plan to do! 100% of the Sales Associates at A Classy Closet Boutique, beginning 1/1/2013 will either be college students or recent grads. We are also changing our hours of business at your request. Starting January 1, we will be open Thursday through Saturday from 11am - 7pm! Many of you have wanted to come on your lunch hour or earlier in the day to shop and now that opportunity is available. We are so happy to be able to offer new store hours and times that better accommodate you! SEE YOU SOON!

2805 Crescent Avenue, Ste# B
Homewood, AL 35209

Who Lied and Said Looking Good Doesn't Make You Feel Good???

It may be shallow, but your appearance has tons to do with how you feel. I think if nothing else, it's a personal ego booster.

I was telling one of my co-workers about an article I read recently in one of the magazines that I take about how good-looking people tend to make more money and are overall more successful than unattractive people. I've also seen articles and statistics discussing the same topic on Yahoo! News and other internet sites. I was really surprised that there was so much information out there about the topic.

I don't believe that it has everything to do with a person just being good-looking. A well groomed individual, regardless of their position on the scales of attractiveness can get whatever they want! The one thing that I can't stand is sloppiness! I look through tons of merchandise trying to figure out what pieces I want to add to my inventory and sometimes I find myself laughing because of what I see! Don't get me wrong, I understand that everyone's tastes in fashion differ and I appreciate that, but what I can't appreciate is a wholesale hoodie for $40 that's not even made of a fine fabric! Bwwaaahhhhhh LMBO! Who is about to pay nearly $80+ for something made out of a fabric that may scratch your skin off????? It's all good...I understand...SOMEONE,...SOMEWHERE...will say OMG...THIS IS JUST WHAT I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR!!!! (...and this when I turn and walk away).

I've heard many of my friends mention that they don't feel right when their hair isn't done the way they like or they don't have a fresh manicure. I really think our emotions are tied into our appearance. On days that start out slow for me, I really try to make sure that I look extra delicious...just for me. It almost always peps me up and gets me back in the game.

For those women who feel like they have to have an invite to a black tie event to put on a sexy dress and shoes that are comfortable for them...THE BLACK TIE EVENT IS LIFE! Celebrate EVERYDAY! There is nothing wrong with having your gratitude for life in your heart. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with glamorizing your everyday look and looking like you have a purpose!

Leave the flats at home and elevate to a wedge...(baby steps). Instead of the same boring blazer, elevate to a banded collar jacket and add a collar necklace...(baby steps)...it doesn't take much! If you wear black most of the time like I do, purchase some colorful stud earrings and a colorful or print blouse. Stop going in the store and purchasing your entire outfit in ONE STORE! Put on that fun t-shirt with your business suits in the summer. I love my sequin tees under my suits. It gives me just enough bling, but not too much.

Anyway, I hope that you have a fashionable week and try something different! In case you can't find that one piece of pop...visit us at www.aclassycloset.com or come into our store...you'll definitely find it!

Check out my fly friend who found her fashionable outfit at A Classy Closet Boutique. (The blouse is sold out and there is only one skirt left in a size Large. This item is not online so contact us at customerservice@aclassycloset.com.)

My Love for Fishnets!

So, I'll start by saying that my inspiration for this post was the new shipment of fishnet pantyhose that I received in the boutique on Friday.  I LOVE THEM!!!!! I love them so much that after I put them out on the floor, I had a talk with myself...I said SELF, you cannot have a pair each... only one, so pick your favorite out of the lot! I picked my favorite and proceeded to take them out of the pack (in the store while watching the door for customers) and putting them on behind the checkout counter (LMBO)!!! I TELL YOU...I just HAD to put a pair on to see them on my legs! I AM A LOVER OF FISHNET AND LACE PANTYHOSE!

I have a little story to share with you about about the appropriateness of such hosiery...

Outside of boutique hours, I work in corporate America. Everyone knows that there is a certain plainness that people expect to see in a professional environment, especially in the southeast. I am a lover of fashion so a nice skirt or pantsuit can be just as sexy as the classic black dress with all of the trimmings (e.g. accessories). Anyway, on this particular day, I had on the typically black suit, a colorful blouse and a pair of classic fishnets (with the very small holes). I do not wear those with large holes or my lace ones that show much leg to work, but obviously a few of the ladies had an issue and decided to tell others that my pantyhose were INAPPROPRIATE for the workplace. Unfortunately, I was never confronted, so I assumed they enjoyed looking at them as much as I did! (LOL)

There are some women that think fishnet and lace pantyhose are inappropriate for ANY occasion, and that is perfectly fine. I love that extra that they add to an otherwise plain outfit. I am a believer in being appropriately dressed for any occasion, so doing a once over before walking out of the door is a must!

What I am NOT a fan of are people who take their personal insecurities and project them on others who may take a daring approach to fashion, but always manage to look great! How you dress is an expression and celebration of who YOU are as an individual! Some people feel more liberal in their expression of dress and the world we live in allows that. So if you're one of those people looking out of the side of your eye or making crude comments about someone else, MIND YOUR BUSINESS and work on doing something to better YOURSELF.

Hosiery is an accessory just like a necklace or earrings and either be worn to accentuate an outfit or mute it. I do not wear very revealing clothing and I do not wear pants often, so hosiery allows me to give my overly worn black skirts a different look without exposing my legs.What do you think? Do you wear patterned hosiery?

I also love colorful opaques! I'll be putting some of those in the store this fall...WOOT WOOT!

I've attached a picture of my favorite currently in the store...
The others are available at www.aclassycloset.com with more to come!
...classy doesn't have to be boring!