Category Archives: organization tips

Back To Routine, But Make It Stylish

Posted in clothing, dressing for work and dressing for an interview, dressing for your age, fall fashion trends, fashion trends, how to, How to wear the trends when you are over 40, Jewelry, New Arrivals, organization tips, personal style by


How to Transition Your Wardrobe Without Losing Your Cool (Literally or Figuratively)

As August winds down and schedules ramp back up, it’s time to shift gears—from lazy summer mornings to packed planners and pumpkin-spiced everything. But just because the routine is back doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be boring. In fact, it’s the perfect excuse to refresh your closet with pieces that are equal parts functional and fabulous.

This week at Fashion Crossroads], we’re loving all the stylish new arrivals from Charlie B and Foxcroft, brands that know how to do transitional dressing right. Whether you’re heading into the office, school drop-off, or just trying to look like you didn’t get dressed in the dark, we’ve got you covered.

🍂 Let’s Talk Fall Transition

1. Flared Jeans Are Back, Baby
Yes, Gen X—you can wear flares again (and look amazing doing it)! The flared leg jean is making a comeback, and we are here for it. It’s flattering, leg-lengthening, and pairs perfectly with your favorite wedges now, or ankle boots later. Try them with one of our new lightweight sweaters for a look that’s chic but never try-hard.

2. Cropped Wide Leg Twill Pants
These pants are chef’s kiss for transitional dressing. Breezy enough for August heat when paired with sandals, and easy to pair with a 3/4 length boot as temps drop. We love them with a tucked-in tee and a layered necklace stack for now, then with a light weight sweater or structured Foxcroft blouse and loafers for fall.

3. Lightweight Sweaters = Your Secret Weapon
Not quite ready for pumpkin patches and chunky knits? Enter the lightweight sweater. It adds polish without bulk and is perfect for cool mornings and air-conditioned offices. We’ve got fresh styles in seasonless colors—great now, better later.

4. Foxcroft Blouses in Fall-Forward Colors
These beauties are made in breathable 100% cotton or cotton blends, so you’ll stay cool while looking like you’re fully embracing fall. Rich jewel tones and classic black and navy give off autumn vibes without trapping heat. Wear them now with polished capris, and later with slacks or denim. Style tip: Roll the sleeves for a relaxed early-fall look, then button them down when the breeze kicks in.

💡 Style Shortcuts for Busy Mornings

  • Pre-plan your outfit the night before—Bonus points if it includes a versatile piece like a Foxcroft blouse or cropped twill pant.
  • Embrace the “uniform” mindset: Have 3 go-to outfit combos that always work—like flare jeans + sweater + pendant necklace or blouse + cropped pants + loafers.
  • Layer with intention: Keep a neutral cardigan or blazer by the door. Instant polish.
  • Accessorize in 60 seconds: Statement earrings or a layered necklace stack can make anything look pulled together.
  • Don’t fight the weather: Think “seasonal color, summer weight.” Darker cotton blouses give you that fall feeling without the sweat.

Final Thought:
Back-to-school may be for the kids, but back-to-routine is for all of us. Let’s make it stylish. Join us tonight at 6 p.m. MST on Facebook or Instagram Live for Wednesday Wardrobing—I’ll be showing off these new arrivals and how to wear them now and next.

Closet Clean Out Challenge 2025 – Step 4

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Closet Clean Out Challenge Step 4

You’ve made it through organizing your closet by category and color, tackled those “sacred cows” with my 10 questions, and created space for a more functional wardrobe. Now, it’s time for the most rewarding step of the process: Refresh and Renew!

This week’s focus is on creating a Buying List—your personalized roadmap to smarter shopping and a closet that works for you. Join me live this Wednesday, January 29th, at 6 p.m. MST on Facebook and Instagram, where I’ll walk you through the next step of this challenge.

Why Create a Buying List?

Your Buying List ensures that every new piece you add to your wardrobe serves a purpose. It will save you time, money, and frustration, while helping you avoid buying items that don’t work with your existing wardrobe. Keep this list in your purse so it’s always handy, and refer to it during any shopping trip.

How to Create Your Buying List

Grab a piece of paper and divide it into these four categories:

1️⃣ Basics I Need

  • Take stock of core wardrobe essentials like neutral tops, jackets, slacks, skirts, and shoes in classic colors like black, white, navy, tan, and grey.
  • Are any of your basics wearing out or missing? Write them down.
  • Remember, these are investment pieces—focus on quality and durability.

2️⃣ Items That Need Matches

  • Identify printed or standout pieces in your closet that don’t have a match.
  • Think jackets missing the perfect top or skirts needing a matching blouse.
  • Pro tip: Take photos of these items or bring them shopping with you to ensure you find the perfect match.

3️⃣ Trends I Want to Buy

  • Keep your wardrobe fresh by identifying trends you love for the season.
  • Write these down so you’re prepared when you go shopping.
  • Trends don’t have to be expensive but should complement your personal style and fit seamlessly into your wardrobe.

4️⃣ My Best Colors

  • Knowing your best colors is key to creating a cohesive wardrobe. If your hair color or skin tone has changed, your color palette might need an update.
  • Unsure of your colors? Use the “Color Me Beautiful” method to determine if you’re a Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter.

Why This Step Matters

This step is about creating a wardrobe that serves you, saves you time, and makes shopping a breeze. By focusing on quality basics, strategic matches, trendy updates, and colors that flatter you, your wardrobe will become a well-oiled machine.

Tune In Live

I’ll be discussing Step 4 in detail during my Wednesday Wardrobing live video this week.

Don’t forget about our special incentive to reward your closet cleanout efforts! For every business-appropriate clothing item you donate to Dress For Success, you’ll receive $1 in in-store credit (up to a $20 maximum). Your donations will directly support women in our community who are striving to achieve economic independence.

Hurry, though—you only have two weeks left to take advantage of this offer! Gather your donations and bring them to Fashion Crossroads Inc. today. Let’s turn your cleanout into a meaningful contribution! 💖

Join me at 6 p.m. MST on Facebook and Instagram:
📲 Facebook: Fashion Crossroads Inc.
📲 Instagram: @fashioncrossroadsinc

Let’s enjoy a refreshed and renewed wardrobe! 💖

Closet Clean-Out Challenge 2025, Part II

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Closet Clean-Out Challenge 2025: Part II, Get Organized with Color

Ready to transform your closet and start your mornings stress-free? It’s time for the next step in our Closet Clean-Out Challenge 2025! 🎉 This January, we’re decluttering and organizing together, one step at a time, so your wardrobe is as efficient and inspiring as it can be. Let’s make space for new looks, fresh opportunities, and better mornings.

If you missed last week’s live Wednesday Wardrobing session, we tackled Step One: Get Organized, Part I, where we sorted clothing by type. Don’t worry—you can catch up by watching the replay on our Facebook, Instagram, our YouTube. Now, we’re diving into Step Two: Organize by Color using a foolproof system to make your closet a visual masterpiece.

Step Two: Organize by Color

Why color organization? It simplifies mixing and matching and helps you create outfits you’ve never thought of before. Plus, it makes spotting gaps in your wardrobe a breeze. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Use the ROYGBIV Acronym
Start with the rainbow—Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet—and sort your clothes accordingly. If a category doesn’t have a specific color, just skip to the next.

2️⃣ Group Neutrals Next
After violet, sort gray, black, white, cream, and brown. Keep similar shades together to maintain consistency.

3️⃣ Handle Color Variations
Got colors like pink, coral, or turquoise? Place them with their closest primary color. For example, pink goes with red, and turquoise with blue. Within each group, arrange lighter tones first and darker tones last for a gradient effect.

4️⃣ Manage Prints Thoughtfully
When sorting prints, identify the dominant color and group it accordingly. You’ll find that once your closet is organized, misplaced items will stick out—proof of this system’s simplicity and effectiveness.

Tips for Success

  • Focus Your Closet
    Only hang items you wear for work or dressed-up casual looks. Fold activewear, loungewear, and sleepwear to keep your closet clutter-free.
  • Keep the Momentum
    Break the task into manageable chunks, so you’re never overwhelmed. By the end of the challenge, you’ll be amazed at the transformation.

Join the Fun and Get Rewarded!

This year, we’ve added an exciting incentive to make your Closet Clean-Out journey even more rewarding:

🌟 Donate to Dress For Success
When you complete Step Three: Clean Out Week, we encourage you to donate business-appropriate clothing to Dress For Success. For every item you donate (up to 20 clothing items), you’ll receive $1 in-store credit. Accessories are welcome but don’t count toward the credit.

🌟 Exclusive Event Invitation
Your donation also earns you an invite to our private Fashion With A Purpose party on February 6th. Join us for an after-hours shopping experience with wine, hors d’oeuvres, and the chance to spend your in-store credit while learning more about Dress For Success.

Don’t Miss Tonight’s Live!

Join me for Wednesday Wardrobing Live Wednesday 1/15/25 at 6 p.m. MST on Facebook or Instagram, where I’ll demonstrate how to organize your closet by color. Let’s turn your wardrobe into an organized, inspiring space together!

Cheers to a New Year and a New You! 🎉
Happy organizing,
Kyleen

Shop The Sales Like A Boss Part III: Sidewalk Sales

Posted in clothing, clothing, quality, value, how to, organization tips, sales, shopping online, shopping with friends, store event, tips and tricks, women's clothing tips by

Tips for Shopping Sidewalk Sales: Gear Up for Our Pre Crazy Days Sale!

Summer is here, and so are the fantastic deals! As we gear up for our biggest sale event of the summer, our Pre Crazy Days Sale, I’m excited to share some tips on how to shop sidewalk sales like a pro. Join me tonight at 6 p.m. MST during my Wednesday Wardrobing video on Facebook and Instagram, where I’ll delve into these tips live. Plus, you can use all the savvy shopping advice I’ve shared throughout this month during tomorrow’s huge sale event.

Top Tips for Shopping Sidewalk Sales

  1. Come Prepared: Make a list of what you need and want. This helps you stay focused and ensures you don’t overlook any must-have items.
  2. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and browsing, so comfort is key.
  3. Arrive Early: The best deals often go quickly. Arriving early gives you the best chance to snag those coveted items before they’re gone.
  4. Set a Budget: It’s easy to get carried away with all the discounts. Set a budget to avoid overspending and ensure you get the most value for your money.
  5. Check for Quality: Sometimes, items on sale can be slightly damaged or irregular. Take the time to inspect each item to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
  6. Bring Cash: Some vendors might offer better deals for cash purchases. It also helps you stick to your budget.
  7. Try Things On: If possible, try on clothing and accessories to ensure they fit well and look good on you. Many sidewalk sales have fitting areas or allow returns, so take advantage of this.
  8. Layer Up: If you’re shopping for clothing, wear a tank top or camisole underneath. This makes trying on tops and jackets easier and quicker.
  9. Stay Hydrated: Shopping can be exhausting, especially in the summer heat. Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated and energized.
  10. Have Fun: Sidewalk sales are a great way to find unique items at amazing prices. Enjoy the experience and the thrill of the hunt!

Apply These Tips Tomorrow at Our Pre Crazy Days Sale!

You can put all these tips into action during our biggest sale event of the summer, happening tomorrow! Our Pre Crazy Days Sale is a ONE DAY ONLY event where you’ll get an EXTRA 30% off all merchandise that isn’t already marked down and an EXTRA 30% off our markdowns. You can save up to a whopping 86% off!

Event Details:

  • When: Tomorrow
  • Where: Fashion Crossroads and FC Outlet in downtown Casper, Wyoming, and online at fashioncrossroadsinc.com

Tune In for More Tips

Don’t miss my live video tonight at 6 p.m. MST on our Facebook and Instagram pages. I’ll be sharing even more tips for shopping sales and giving you a sneak peek of some of the incredible deals you can expect at our Pre Crazy Days Sale.

Stay Connected:

Get ready to shop smart and save big. See you tonight for my Wednesday Wardrobing video and tomorrow for the sale of the summer!

Unlock Your Perfect Pout with Senegence LipSense: The Lip Color That Lasts All Day

Posted in beauty, how to, organization tips, personal style, product review, store event by

Are you tired of constantly reapplying your lipstick throughout the day? Say hello to Senegence LipSense – the lip color that’s about to change the game. As someone who does photoshoots each week, I know the struggle of trying to keep lipstick from smudging or transferring onto clothing. That’s why I fell in love with LipSense – it’s the ultimate solution for long-lasting, smudge-proof lip color that stays put no matter what.

Why Senegence LipSense?

LipSense is not your average lipstick – it’s a revolutionary lip color system that delivers unparalleled staying power and vibrant color payoff. Formulated with advanced technology, LipSense sets to a beautiful matte finish that won’t smudge, budge, or transfer, even after hours of wear. Say goodbye to lipstick stains on your coffee cup or smudged lips – with LipSense, your pout will stay flawless from morning to night.

My Love Affair with LipSense:

As someone who’s constantly on the go, LipSense has become an essential part of my beauty routine. Whether I’m running errands, attending meetings, or posing for photoshoots, I can trust that my LipSense color will stay put and look perfect throughout the day. Plus, with over 30 different LipSense colors in stock at Fashion Crossroads, I always have plenty of options to choose from. And the best part? I never have to wait – I can grab my favorite color right off the shelf and go.

Join Us for Senegence Saturday:

If you’re as obsessed with LipSense as I am, you won’t want to miss our Senegence Saturday event on [date]. During our live makeover event, I’ll be trying a new LipSense color perfect for your summer makeup palate. Plus, every Senegence purchase during our Senegence Saturday event will automatically enter you to win a free LipSense and gloss combo – talk about a win-win!

Don’t Miss Out:

Mark your calendars and join us for our live makeover event on [date] on our Facebook and Instagram business pages. Be among the first to discover the magic of Senegence LipSense and find your perfect shade for summer. Trust me – once you try LipSense, you’ll never go back to traditional lipstick again.

Location and Contact Information:

Fashion Crossroads is located at 228 East 2nd Street in downtown Casper. Have questions or want to learn more about Senegence products? Give us a call at 307-237-9221 – our team is here to help you achieve your beauty goals.

Get ready to unleash your perfect pout with Senegence LipSense. See you on [date]!

Closet Clean Out Challenge 2024: Refresh and Renew

Posted in closet clean out, how to, organization tips, tips and tricks by

I hope you have enjoyed your newly organized closet! If you missed my Closet Clean Out Challenge Step One: Part II and Part II, you can watch the video for those on our Facebook or Instagram pages. Tonight, I will be recording Step Three: Refresh and Renew.

I performed step 1 on my own closet Sunday, and it felt good to get things organized. I totally enjoyed walking into my closet this morning and putting my outfit together. Everything looks so organized, and I am wearing a new outfit today that had gotten lost in the chaos!! ! I eliminated about 20 items that I knew I would never wear again.  They were cluttering my closet, and having the extra space feels good! Heck, now I have the room to buy more…smile!

For those of you who are ready for step 3 in our Closet Clean Out Challenge, 2024, this week’s step is called refresh and renew because we are going to take a hard look at what you kept.  I am guessing there were some items that you didn’t pull out because you just can’t bring yourself to get rid of them or because you rationalized their value in your wardrobe and the potential that you will…someday…wear them again.  I know you did this because I did the same thing.  This week, I have challenged myself to wear some of those “sacred cows,” as I call them.  If I can create an outfit that I like with them, they get to stay, but if not, they have to go.

As I have analyzed the top 10 rationalizations I used to determine which items to keep, I think they are probably some of the same ones you use too.  For me, these are the main arguments for hanging on:

  1. I might lose weight and be able to wear this again.
  2. If I would just take this to a tailor and get it altered I would wear it again.
  3. This is still fashionable, and I still love it, so how can I let it go?
  4. I wore this item for my anniversary with my husband so I should keep it for sentimental value.
  5. I might need this for a party, vacation, or special event some day.
  6. I wouldn’t be caught dead in this any more, but I could wear it around the house or when I go camping.
  7. I can’t have too many sweaters, vests and coats; I live in Wyoming!
  8. This is a classic that never goes out of style.
  9. I can’t fit in this anymore, but I will use it as “motivation” to lose weight.
  10. I just bought this item last year, so it is a waste of money to get rid of it.

Do any of these excuses seem familiar? Building from this, I think we can create a list of corresponding questions that will help you determine if the items you kept really do need to stay in your closet another year.  So, here is what I want you to do: go through your closet and gather up all your “sacred cows” (the items that you have probably considered letting loose before now but always talk yourself out of) and every other item you did not wear in 2023.  Take them out of your closet into another room and then, one by one, answer the following questions for each item:

  1. I might lose weight and be able to wear this again. Is this item either my current size, ONE size bigger,  or ONE size smaller than I wear today? If the answer is “no,” it goes.
  2. If I would just take this to a tailor and get it altered, I would wear it again. Can I take this item to a tailor in the next 10 days? If the answer is “yes,” put this date on your calendar and keep it.  If the answer is “no,” it goes.
  3. This is still fashionable, and I still love it, so how can I let it go?  If the item is still in fashion and you still love it but haven’t worn it in a year, you need to evaluate why.  Take a minute now and try it on.  Maybe there is just a fit issue that you don’t like.  Perhaps it clings too much in the wrong places.  Maybe it is itchy.  Maybe it drains the color out of your face.  If you discover any issue with the item that has been keeping you from wearing it, it goes.
  4. I wore this item for my anniversary with my husband so I should keep it for sentimental value. This one is tough.  We tend to attach sentimental value to items we wore for special events, and we hold on to them for that reason.  For me, the decision to keep these items is really about space.  Do you have the space to hold onto items that you will probably never wear again? If the answer is no, it goes.  Is there another place that you could store them, say perhaps a cedar chest? If the answer is yes, move it.
  5. I might need this for a party, vacation, or special event some day. So I am particularly bad about number 5.  I had dresses I hadn’t worn in more than a year (and that I didn’t wear on my last beach vacation) that I was saving for my next beach vacation.  I had a hard talk with myself and they ended up in the “donate” pile.  After all, part of the fun of a vacation is buying something new for it.  Do you know for sure that you are taking a vacation or having a special event in 2020 that you would wear the item to? If the answer is “no,” it goes.
  6. I wouldn’t be caught dead in this any more, but I could wear it around the house or when I go camping.  Do you already have enough “wear around the house” or “painting” or “cleaning” or “camping” items? (I’m guessing your answer will be “yes.”) Are any of those worn out? (probably yes again.) Consider adding these items to your comfy group after you have thrown some others out.
  7. I can’t have too many sweaters, vests and coats; I live in Wyoming! Yes, hoarding coats and sweaters when you live in a state that has 6 months of winter seems to make sense, however, how many coats do you really need? Let me help you out: 1 long dress coat, 1 3/4 length dress coat, 1 casual coat, 1 sport coat (like a skiing jacket), and 1 spring coat.  Okay, okay…maybe you can add 1 trendy coat, but I’m giving you that one, coat hoarder….I’m speaking to myself here.  Coats are especially needed by the poor and disadvantaged, so that is even more incentive to get rid of them.  As far as sweaters go, if you didn’t wear it last year….guess what….it goes.
  8. This is a classic that never goes out of style. Another particularly tempting rationalization for me is the “you should never get rid of a classic” argument.  Well, here’s what I know about clothing from having been in this business for over twenty years.  Even when manufacturers and designers bring back a classic like the blazer, they change it just enough to make the older ones seem out of date.  The changes are small things like length, number of buttons, collar style, sleeve length, etc., but they are just enough to cause your “classic” item to become “vintage.”  Here’s my rule for “classic pieces:” if you haven’t worn it in the last TWO years, it goes.  Oh, and just in case you need to know what items qualify as “classic,” here is a list: blazers; solid collared, button up blouses; layering pieces like tanks, turtle necks and light weight sweaters; suit skirts in neutral colors; slacks in neutral colors; basic black dresses.
  9. I can’t fit in this anymore, but I will use it as “motivation” to lose weight. Okay ladies, I’m going to be in your business a little here.  Pardon me.  I have your best interests at heart, I promise.  Our bodies change as we age.  At 52, I am going through this very thing myself.  There are certain aspects of my body that will never look the same as they did five or ten years ago.  I am a BIG advocate for staying active and healthy, however, I am also realizing that I need to let some expectations about my body go.  Size 4 is gone for me, and I desperately trying to hang on to a size 6, but sometimes I wear a size 8.  If it is too tight or too small for me to get into, it goes.
  10. I just bought this item last year, so it is a waste of money to get rid of it.  We ALL make buying mistakes.  Who knows why we do it? Maybe we were influenced by a shopping partner or we were in the mood for something new or out of the box that day.  Whatever it was that caused us to buy it, we have questioned that decision ever since.  As an example, I pulled a pair of floral wrap pants out of my closet during the first step of this process that I just bought last summer.  I wore them once and then passed them up the rest of the season.  Why? They really weren’t me.  If it’s new, but you keep passing it by for other things when you get dressed in the morning, it goes.

Okay, that’s it.  These are the top 10 rationalizations I have made (and I’m guessing you have made) and my answers for them.

If you want to watch my video explaining this process, watch my live video tonight at 6 p.m. MST on either Facebook or Instagram. I will also be announcing our winner from last week’s challenge as well as sharing this week’s challenge. Our challenge winners get a $20 gift certificate to the store. Participating in just one challenge gets you entered into our big drawing of $100 at the end of the four part process. You only have two remaining chances to get in that big drawing, so get started now!!

Closet Clean Out Challenge 2024: Get Organized, Part II

Posted in dressing your best, how to, organization tips, tips and tricks, What to wear, women's clothing tips by

I have curated a closet clean out system that is effective in getting an organized closet that saves time in the morning when you are putting together your look for the day. This is done through a systemized approach to organizing your clothing and your accessories. Each year in January, I host a Closet Clean Out Challenge for our Facebook and Instagram followers. I call it a “challenge” because each week has “homework” that needs to be completed so you can break your closet clean out into four separate chunks, making it less overwhelming. BUT, I also incentivize you with the chance to win $20 gift cards to our stores. Each week, you will have the chance to win if you complete the challenge. Completing just one of the four challenges will get you entered to win a $100 gift card at the end. Sound good?

Last week during my live Wednesday Wardrobing video, I covered step one of the system called Get Organized, Part I. In it, I taught you how to organize your clothing by type. If you missed it, please watch that video before proceeding.

Now that your clothing is organized by type, the next step is to organize by color. To help with this, I use the acronym ROYGBIV.  This is a nifty way to remember the colors of the rainbow and stands for red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. 

Within each group that you created, you will organize them by putting all the reds together, all the oranges together, all the yellows together and in this order. So, for example, if your first category is sleeveless tops, you will color organize them. Then, for your next category, short sleeve tops, you will color organize them also. You may not have a representative for every color in the acronym, so if you need to, just skip that color and go onto the next. Once you get through violet, next add your grey and black, then your whites, creams and browns. 

Why, you ask, would you go through all of this trouble? Believe me, it is worth it!! When you are finished, you will clearly be able to see what you have and what you have too much of. This will also make mixing and matching outfits in the morning infinitely easier!! You will naturally put together items that you have never matched before, creating even more looks from your closet and maximizing your wardrobe. 

One thing you will run into is variations of a color. The ROYGBIV is focused on PRIMARY colors, so you will have pink, coral, turquoise, lavender, etc. Just put these with their closet primary color. For example, pink would go with the reds. I usually put lighter colors first and then darker colors.

Another thing that may trip you up is prints. When you come to a print, ask yourself what the dominant color in the print is and add it to that color family. You will amazed by the fact that once you are done, you will easily be able to see if something is in the wrong place. That is the beauty of this system. 

Also a part of this step is organizing your accessories. There are many different ways to do this, but the same principles apply. First separate by categories and then by color. For example, put your short, medium and long necklaces together in those categories. Then, organize each section using the same color acronym ROYGBIV. I like hanging my necklaces and have a fixture in my closet where I can do that. In previous closets, I have used a peg board for this purpose. 

I organize my shoes in two ways. I have shelves where I put some and I have a shoe organizer where I have others. I separate them by type. My shoe boots are together; my long boots are together; my tennis shoes are together; my sandals are together. 

I like putting my scarves in my dresser drawer, and I roll them around my hand to create little circles and then set them inside the drawer. This way I can clearly see what colors they are. I start at one side of the drawer and go to the other using the ROYGBIV acronym. 

For my handbags and wallets, I use baskets for my smaller items and then line up my larger handbags on the top shelf of my closet next to my folded sweaters. This allows me to clearly see what I have. I also use baskets for my belts and create circles with them like I do my scarves. I try to separate my wide belts from my skinny belts. 

I also only hang the clothes I wear to work or for dressed up casual. I fold all of my exercise wear, pajamas, sweatshirts, etc. and put them in my dresser or the drawers in my closet. This keeps my closet from being overcrowded and keeps it focused on when I need to be able to mix and match and layer easily. 

If you would like to see me demonstrate the color organization or any other part of this blog post, you can watch me in tonight’s LIVE Wednesday Wardrobing Video at 6 p.m. MST. I will also be announcing the winner of last week’s challenge as well as the challenge for this week during this video. 

Wardrobing Basics: How To Maximize Your Closet

Posted in clothing, dressing your best, fashion, how to, organization tips, tips and tricks, What to wear by

Are you familiar with the term wardrobing? In doing a google search for a definition, I learned, to my surprise, that the word can be applied to a type of fraud/theft where a person buys and item with the intention of returning if after it has been worn. Yikes! That is NOT the use of the word, I am referring to. You may be familiar with “wardrobe” referring to a collection of clothing, usually that which is in a closet. You may also be familiar with a “wardrober” who works on the set of a movie and puts together the outfits the actors wear. Perhaps I have made up the term, but I have taken the noun wardrobe and turned it into the verb wardrobing to refer to the act of putting a wardrobe together, smartly.

It is the “smartly,” that I want to focus on in this blog post. We all build our wardrobe each and every time we purchase something new to add to our closets. But, if that item can only be worn with one other thing in our closet, or worse yet, doesn’t really match anything in our closet, we have not made a smart wardrobe choice. When we intentionally choose items that mix and match together, offering us multiple outfits that cover a variety of needs such as work AND casual, that is wardrobing at its best.

Consider the wardrobe pictured above. Within this small collection, there are two bottoms. One is a vegan leather jean which is inherently more casual and a corduroy pant that is dressy enough to wear to work. The tops include three blouses, two that are dressy enough to pair with the cords and one that might be better worn as a casual top. There are also three layering pieces. The vegan leather jacket works to dress up a look and also as a light weight coat. The two sweaters are classic cardigans, one long and one short, that can be layered over any of the blouses and worn either casually or as a work cardigan.

Thus, within this one wardrobe, there are the following looks:

  1. Paisley green blouse (hunter) or (emerald), vegan leather jacket and vegan leather jeans
  2. Paisley green blouse (emerald), vegan leather jacket and cords
  3. Paisley green blouse (hunter), hunter cardigan and regular jeans
  4. Paisley green blouse (emerald), emerald cardigan and cords
  5. Plaid blouse and vegan leather jeans
  6. Plaid blouse, hunter cardigan, and regular jeans
  7. Paisley green blouse (emerald), emerald cardigan and vegan jeans

This is not an exhaustive list of all the possible combinations, but it shows that with these 5 pieces, you could create a week’s worth of looks. The belt bag would match them all so could be worn with each look.

Now, if you were to add in some neutral ivory pieces like the cardigan, blouse, and long sleeve tee pictured above, imagine how many looks could be created??

This is wardrobing! When we are intentional about how we build our closet, the result is a closet that works for us rather than against us. You can see this entire collection here and watch my Live Video tonight at 6 p.m. MST on my Fashion Crossroads Business Facebook Page to see these and other examples in person!

My 5 Top Productivity Hacks For Busy Women

Posted in how to, organization tips, tips and tricks by

If you are like me and trying to find some kind of balance between a busy career and a busy family, there are two things that you probably can’t live without – your planner/calendar and a glass of wine and hot bath. With two teenagers, one freshman and one senior, a husband with a busy career of his own, and two brick and motar stores and one online store, life can get pretty hectic. Being task oriented and a natural organizer, always feeling like I wasn’t able to get everything done that needed to get done started to wear me out. But, after three years of owning this business on my own, I have come to the conclusion that is just how I am going to feel. Every day is a choice between what is urgent (deadline driven) and what is important – needs to get done but doens’t have to be today. But, I don’t want my life to be about checking off tasks on a to do list either. There has to be balance. This is where my productivity strategies come into play and why I wanted to spend some time sharing my top 5 with you.

  1. Start with your goals and roles and let that drive your tasks. As an entrepreuner, it my job to set the vision and chart the course of where we are going as a company. As a small business owner, I am CEO, COO, CFO, CMO….you get the picture. I can become so embroiled in “to do” lists that I don’t give myself time to learn, to dream, to envision, and to plan. I am a huge fan of Franklin Covey, and one of the reasons I still carry an old fashioned paper planner is because of the Weekly Compas cards that are the cornerstone of the system. I fill out this card every Sunday when I do my weekly planning, and I do it BEFORE I make any task lists. The top of the card is all about me: what are my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual goals for the week. Then, the rest of the card is divided into roles, and I always put them in this order: Home; Wife/Mother; COO; CEO; CFO; CMO; Writer. The reason I do this is because it keeps me focused on home and family first. My career can consume me if I let it, but I still have bills to pay, a house to keep clean, laundry to wash, etc., and, more importantly, I have family members that need me to be present. Once I have focused on home and family, I move on to the different roles I have at work. As the COO, I ask myself what is the most important thing I can do as the one responsible for directing the ship. As the CEO, I ask myself what is the most important management task I have this week. As the CFO, I write down my financial tasks for the week. As the CMO, I consider what marketing tasks are essential. This way, I am controlling the task rather than letting the tasks control me.
  2. Prioritize your tasks. Have you ever checked your email, and two hours later, you are just getting to your first task on your list. Why is email such a black hole? I truly have a love/hate relationship with email because of this. One of my mentors says, “Email is just someone else’s priorities.” I think that is true, and I have noticed that if I let myself just float from task to task without a plan, I fall into email and many other wasted time black holes. Therefore, before I walk in the door or say hello to my first customer, I write out my tasks for the day, and I make sure there are not more than seven. Then, I prioritize them according to the Franklin Covey system. A is for deadline driven/urgent tasks, B is for the important/non deadline driven tasks. Each A task gets a number like A1, A2, A3 as do the B tasks. By taking the time to consider the order in which I want to accomplish my tasks, I do better at avoiding black holes.
  3. Set your intention for the day. I love The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod, and use it most days. I start with daily coaching that I get through an app on my phone called Fabulous. Then I get myself centered spiritually with a bible study. Next I listen to 10 minutes of a professional development book. Right now I am almost finished with Brendan Buchard’s High Performance Habbits. I then write down my thoughts and observations in my journal. Next I do a 10 minute meditatation, usually on mindset. Last, I visualize myself going through my day (and life) enjoying my staff and my customers and my day. I visualize myself tackling my to do list with peace in my heart and not with overwhelm. I also visualize myself accomplishing my life goals. This whole process takes about an hour, but I am more than happy to give myself this time to get centered in the morning before I start my day.
  4. Check off what you accomplish. I know this is a totally type A thing to do, but it really does help me when I know I did not get everything done that needed to be done that day. If I can look at all the things I DID accomplish, it makes me feel better about never really being able to feel totally finished. Sometimes I even write things down that I did that were not on my list too. If I was not able to complete a task, I use a forward arrow which lets me know I need to add it to tomorrow’s task list. This is also very helpful because it then becomes an A task for the next day. Sometimes, my day (or week) blows up with unexpected events, and I have a lot of arrows!!
  5. Put your phone away when you get home. I work hard all day. I am the first one to get there and the last to leave. Both myself and my family deserve for me to be fully present when I am home, and I am never fully present when my phone is around. I set it on the charger, and I don’t pick it up again until the next day. This may mean that I don’t always respond to emails, texts, and customer messages, but I need to give myself this time to avoid burnout.

A few other things that I do that really help is to always plan my week on Sundays, as I have mentioned previously. This allows us as a family to get our ducks in a row, so to speak, and avoid surprises during the week. Everyone knows what is going on and what to expect. If arrangements need to be made, I make them on Sunday so we are all set for the week.

These tips work for me, and I know there are so many productivity strategies available that I haven’t mentioned, so in this week’s Wednesday Wardrobing, I am going to share these as well as chat with my live viewers about what works for them as well. You can watch that video live at 6 p.m. MST today, 10/26/22. Watch live here: https://www.facebook.com/events/497432998949397

Closet Clean Out Challenge Step Four: Organize Those Accessories

Posted in closet clean out, dressing your best, fashion, fashion trends, how to, organization tips, tips and tricks, women's clothing tips by
Chilling in Downtown Casper

In this last step to creating an organized closet, I am tackling organizational strategies for your accessories. A true Fashionista’s style is never complete without the finishing touches, and dis-organized accessories can be as frustrating as disorganized clothing. Let’s jump in.

  1. For shoes I recommend trying to group shoes by their category: tall boots, shoe boots, heels, casual/sporty, and flats. I like to separate my summer shoes from my winter shoes, so I have a cubby organizer for my summer shoes and shelves for my winter boots. I have friends that also use shoe boxes with labels or clear plastic shoe boxes to organize their shoes. You can still find the over the door shoe holders as well if you are limited on space. Perhaps you can use a bin to store your summer shoes when it is winter and vice versa. While you are organizing, make sure you are also examining your shoes. How is the tread? Are the toes scuffed? Do they look worn and outdated? When was the last time you wore them? Get rid of shoes that are outdated, worn out or so uncomfortable you never wear them. Create a trash pile and a donate pile. As you eliminate a style, write it down on your shopping list if you need to replace it. When you are all done, take stock of what you have. Are you over stocked in a certain style like shoe boots but don’t have a single tall boot? Additionally, with your colored shoes, consider if they are in your best colors. If you are an autumn and have bright cherry red heels, you are probably not going to find much in your closet to go with those. Wine colored heels would be a much better choice.
  2. For necklaces, I think organizing them by length and color makes the most sense. I have a multi-pronged hanger in my closet that I have my necklaces hanging on. They are organized from shortest to longest. I have grouped similar colors together as well. When I go through my annual closet clean out, I consider which necklaces I haven’t worn and analyze why. I have my earrings in a jewelry box with several small, earring sized boxes. I also keep my dressy jewelry separate from my more casual pieces.
  3. For handbags, I have them sitting on shelves and organized by color. I tend to stick to neutral handbags so mine are black, brown, tan and grey. I keep my wallets and smaller bags lined up in small baskets and these can sit underneath your clothing if you don’t have shelves in your closet. I highly recommend that you apply the principles of your best colors to get rid of handbags that are not in your palate. When you build your wardrobe around your best colors and buy those colors in your accessories, handbags and coats, you end up with a very put together look that always matches. You avoid the hot pink purse with a red coat and olive pants debacle.
  4. For scarves, I recommend a drawer. I have mine in small circles lined up in a dresser drawer. A slim basket that you can slide under your bed also works if you are short on space. Having them piled so high that you have to dig through them isn’t very efficient, especially at 6 a.m. Organize them by color and type. Keep your outdoor scarves separate from your outfit scarves and your wraps separate from those. I put my wraps with my sweaters which are folded on the top shelf of my closet.

I have posted before and after pics of my accessories in my own closet in our discussion for my Closet Clean Out Challenge: Step Four Live Video which will air tonight. You can see those pictures of how I have organized things there or join us tonight at 6 p.m. MST to watch the video live and ask questions!

At the end of the day, an organized closet will save you time getting ready in the morning. And, while we are on that subject, a well thought out outfit rarely happens with sleep in your eyes. Choose what you will wear at the end of your day before you go to bed. Get everything ready, including what jewelry and shoes you will wear. Take the time to change your handbag, if needed. Consider what coat will look the best so you don’t pair your puffer jacket with a dress, as an example. When you feel put together, your confidence will go up exponentially. It is worth the extra few minutes to do this before bed.

Well, that is it!! You made it!! Congratulations on your newly organized closet. I know you will enjoy getting ready ever so much more now! Tune into next month’s blog and live video series where I will be talking Spring 2023 fashion trends, including color, style and fabric trends. I am also headed to market next month, so you will want to join our VIP Facebook group so you can follow along with my market journey and have a good laugh at the best and worst things I see each day. I will also be posting “Be The Buyer” posts so you can help me decide when I am unsure! You can get all of that on Fashion Crossroads Fashionistas.