Category Archives: tips and tricks

Closet Clean Out Challenge 2024: Refresh and Renew

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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

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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. 

Closet Clean-Out Challenge 2024: Get Organized Part I

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It’s a New Year.  How about a New You? With a year full of possibilities ahead, why not shake off that dead weight? I don’t know about you, cleaning out the old and bringing in the new feels like a great way to start the year.  That’s why I am doing a Closet Clean-Out Challenge.

Best yet, this year I am incentivizing you not only to START but also to FINISH this process! There are four videos in the series, one video for each of the four parts. Each video will have a CHALLENGE attached to Everyone who completes the challenge will get entered to win a $20 gift card. There are four opportunities to win!  Everyone who completes ONE of the challenges will get entered to win a $100 gift card. You get an entry for every challenge completed, so you can have up to four entries to win the big gift card!! to someone who completed at least one challenge!

The Step One, Part I Video aired Wednesday, January 10th. You can watch that here: Closet Cleanout Challenge 2024; Step One, Part I. You have until Wednesday, January 17th at 5 p.m. MST to complete the challenge and get entered to win the $20 gift card.

There is something about getting organized that is so refreshing.  Shedding clutter makes me feel lighter, what about you? One of the most important places to get organized is in your closet.  We all know the frustration of searching for an outfit in the morning and pulling out item after item that is worn out, too big, too small or out dated.  Ugh.

I have a four-step system that I use every year in my own closet that is very effective in weeding out the items that I don’t wear and identifying items that require a match or another item to make them work more efficiently in my wardrobe.  I also find that when I take the time to apply these four simple steps, when I am finished, I can clearly see what I have and what I need.  Suddenly, I see new outfit options that I hadn’t noticed before because everything is organized in a way that makes sense.

This blog post is the first in a series of four Closet Clean-Out tutorials that will take you through this process, and hopefully, have you feeling lighter and de-cluttered as well as excited about your closet and shopping opportunities again.

So let’s dig in.

First, do me and yourself a favor.  As you complete the following steps, if you come across an item that you KNOW you will never wear again, pull it out now.  Don’t get bogged down yet in trying to decide about those scared cows…you know, the things you just can’t seem to let go of even though you haven’t worn them in 3 years.  We will deal with those in our next video.

Now, down to business.  The first step is to organize your closet by type.  First, separate your tops from your bottoms.  Put dresses in a separate section.  Now, organize your tops by sleeve length – short, ¾ and long.  Next, separate your tops by type.  Within the sleeve length grouping, separate the collared blouses from the pull overs.  If you have more than one season in the same closet, also separate summer from winter within each of the groups.  When you are finished, you should have your sleeveless tops grouped together.  Next should come your short sleeve tops and then your long sleeved tops, summer together and winter together.

Now do the same thing with your bottoms. Start with shorts and move to capris, ankle pants and long pants.  Then, within each group, separate by fabric.  Put your denim together, cottons together, slacks together, etc.  Then tackle your skirts, and organize them from shortest to longest.

I bet you feel lighter already!

Now, go have a glass of wine! You did it!

Watch for my next blog post and video called Closet Clean Out Challenge Step One, Part II.  In this next tutorial, we will build upon Step One and color code your categories as well as look as some nifty ways to organize your accessories.

To watch my weekly Wednesday Night Wardrobing live videos where I will explain in more detail each of the steps, follow and like my Facebook Business Page, Fashion Crossroads Inc., and tune in Wednesday night at 6 p.m. MST. 

Happy organizing!

Cozy Picks For Christmas Day

Posted in clothing, dressing for your age, dressing your best, how to, personal style, tips and tricks, travel, What to wear by
Grab these looks in our Kyleen’s Picks Collection.

Whether your Christmas morning has you in jammies, a comfy sweat suit or jeans and a sweater, I think we can all agree that Christmas Eve is for dressing up, and Christmas Day is for being comfortable. In my Kyleen’s Picks Collection this week, I have chosen several items that fall into each of these categories to give you some Christmas Day outfit inspiration.

Benefits of wearing jeans and a sweater: If you have to drive to a relative’s house for Christmas Day, choosing stretchy and comfy jeans are as comfortable as sweat pants but look a little less athleisure. Pairing a sweater (several holiday-ish items above), especially a cardigan, with those jeans allows you to layer and also adjust to different temperatures from outside to inside. You may be visiting a house where the average temperature is either warmer or colder than your preference. Layers help you adjust effortlessly.

Benefits of wearing loungewear: Whether you have to go to someone’s house or you are staying at yours, lounge wear is a bridge between jeans and jammies. It is comfy and warm without being as informal as your pjs. Our Tribal Sportswear lounge wear, pictured above, combines a Henley top with joggers. This combo is perfect for Christmas morning or for just any morning when you are staying over at someone’s house where you don’t feel comfortable wearing your pajamas. Finish your look with some trendy tennis shoes.

Benefits of wearing your pjs: My family always got up and headed straight to the tree to open presents, maybe stopping at the coffee pot on the way. As a result, Christmas mornings were spent in our pajamas. We usually changed into sweat suits after the packages were unwrapped. I love pjs for Christmas, but you want to be sure they are suitable to wear in front of others. I think you will love our two festive Tribal Sportswear pajama sets (pictured above). They are loose fitting, very comfy, and cute as a button with their holiday theme. 

No matter which casual look you choose or even if you like to dress up for Christmas, feeling confident in what you are wearing will help you enjoy the day more. For this reason, it is a good idea to lay out your outfit before Christmas day (only 5 more days!) to be sure you have everything you need. Every item pictured above is available on our online store. You can also watch my Wednesday Wardrobing live video tonight to see these options in person. Watch that video here.

From all of us here at Fashion Crossroads and FC Outlet, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Party Essentials

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Dressing for a holiday party can be tricky. Here in Wyoming, we have to contend with our sporty, outdoorsy style, the winter weather and wind, and the struggle with not wanting to buy something we won’t be able to wear very often. I’ve addressed these issues with my top five Christmas Party Essentials in this blog post.

  1. Choose A Solid, Holiday Color Instead Of Sparkle: It is up for debate, but I have always argued that you do not have to wear sparkle and shine to have a holiday worthy outfit. Let’s face it, not everyone is a sparkle girl, and even if you are all in for shiny, these styles limit themselves to a Christmas or New Year’s Eve look. Unless you are going clubbing in Vegas, most of us don’t have much opportunity to wear sparkle in our every day lives. The problem with so many traditional Christmas looks that have a holiday flair is that they limit themselves from being able to be worn again for other holidays and special events. That’s why I like to advocate choosing a solid holiday color over sparkle. The color red, as an example, works not only for Christmas and New Year’s Eve but also for Valentine’s Day and the 4th of July. Whether you are attending a more formal event and needing a dress or a more casual event where a red blouse will do the trick, I like this color for its versatility.
  2. Choose A Color That Flatters Your Skin: I’m also a fan of expanding the typical Christmas party color palate beyond red and green. First of all, those colors are not good on every skin type, and no matter how beautiful your outfit is, if the color is not flattering for you, the look will not work well. If you are warmed toned, for example, you have to choose a warm red, something that can be tricky to find this time of year, as most Christmas reds have a blue undertone. Similarly, warm toned people might have to get into the olive greens to find something flattering, and that doesn’t work very well as a holiday color. Personally, I love burgundy, rust, and pink for the holidays as an alternative to red. I also love black, white and grey, as these classic neutrals are ALWAYS classy. Additionally, I think winter white, cream and champagne are great options.
  3. Don’t Freeze To Death: The trouble with Christmas party attire is it is often thin and slinky. Here in Wyoming in December, light weight fabrics are chilly. But, you can’t just solve this problem with any coat; you have to consider your outerwear when you are creating a party look. You wouldn’t want to put a down puffy coat over a dressy outfit. One option that works well is the vegan leather or real leather jacket. This can be layered over most dresses and looks amazing while still being a functional option for staying warm. Tights are another great suggestion for staying warm. They are much warmer than bare legs…brrrr… or nylons, which might as well be bare legs. A black tight can be paired with most dresses and will look amazing. I also love pairing leggings under trapeze dresses for a winter dress look that is practical.
  4. Choose The Right Handbag: Party planners love standing tables or just having everyone stand and mingle. The problem with this, of course, is that you have to somehow manage your plate of food, your drink and your handbag. If you have a handheld clutch, you are in trouble. Make sure you have a crossbody handbag, a belt bag, or a clutch that can hang over your wrist. This will allow you to keep your hands free so you can actually be able to eat and drink.
  5. Dress Up Your Look With Jewelry: You can make a basic outfit holiday party worthy with some dressy jewelry. This is the perfect place to go for sparkle. A lovely crystal pendant and bright silver chain with some crystal earrings will take an everyday outfit and make it party worthy. This is a lovely way to stay practical too. Instead of investing in a clothing item that can only be worn once a year, a clear crystal necklace and earring set can be worn for any dressy occasion. Adding some dressy heels or shoes is another simple way to elevate your look.

I have created a collection called Kyleen’s Picks that gathers together my favorite items in both dressy and casual looks that are in a variety of colors. I have also added my favorite jackets, handbags and jewelry. You can see that collection here: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/kyleens-picks-for-the-week. If you want more information on this topic, watch my Wednesday Wardrobing Live Video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. You can watch that here: https://www.facebook.com/events/697964628974888/697964642308220

Gift Guides: Safe Gifts For The Acquaintance

Posted in Buying the perfect gift, clothing, clothing, quality, value, fashion, Gift Guide, how to, tips and tricks, value, women's clothing tips by

My fourth and final gift guide to finish off this month’s series is Safe Gifts For the Acquaintance. After covering Sentimental Gifts For The Tenderhearted, Bougie Gifts For the Diva, and Practical Gifts For the Pragmatic, I have saved this one for last because, honestly, it is the hardest.

Buying for someone you barely know is probably the most head scratching, self doubting, truly difficult gift to buy. There are just so many land mines to avoid. If you are considering buying clothing and/or accessories, here are my top six tips:

  1. GET THE RIGHT SIZE: Make sure that you quiz either the person you plan to buy a gift for or someone that knows them well, so you know their size. The answer will likely be a size range such as a small to medium or a size 10 to 12. Shop at a store where the person helping you knows how the items in the store fit. Do they run big or small, for example, so you have the best chance of choosing the correct item. For example, if the person you are buying for is a small/medium, I would likely choose something that runs big in a size small or small in a size medium.
  2. CHOOSE A FAN FAVE: There are a few clothing items that have widespread appeal, but one that does is sweater cardigans. I know very few women who don’t like them. They are ideal for an extra layer in winter but can still be removed if needed. They work very well to change up a wardrobe, allowing women to wear an older top and bottom. By adding a new cardigan over the top, it refreshes and updates an older look. Additionally they are forgiving in fit and are more likely to work for a variety of women and sizes.
  3. PRINTS ARE PERSONAL: I love prints and am in no way dissuading you from choosing a printed item, but be very aware that prints are quite personal. I usually recommending paying attention to whether the person wears prints, and if she does, what types of prints she wears. Typical prints are floral, paisley, southwestern, plaid, Camouflage, geometric, animal, and abstract. If you can categorize the prints she wears into a few of these categories, it will really help in choosing a print she will like.
  4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOR: Research shows that most women choose an item by color first and then look at fabric, style and price. Getting the right color is essential. Again, this can be made easier by some careful observation. What colors does the woman you are buying for seem to gravitate to. Look at the last few years of pictures or check out her Facebook and see what she posts and what colors she wears. Generally, if you stay in the same color family, you will be fine.
  5. CHOOSE VERSATILITY: Especially for someone you don’t know very well, it is always better to go with something that is toned down and easy to pair with many things. Mixed metal accessories are a great example here. Because these necklaces and earrings combine gold, silver, copper, and bronze, you naturally cover all of your bases so you don’t find yourself having to choose gold OR silver.
  6. MAKE SURE IT IS RETURNABLE: Even the most conscientious gift giver gets it wrong sometimes. Get a gift receipt, and be sure the item is returnable after Christmas. With a gift receipt, the recipient of your gift will know the store you purchased it from and how to return or exchange it.

Giving clothing as a gift is thoughtful. It takes time and effort to choose the right item, and this effort communicates “you matter to me.” Yes, it is easier to give a gift card, but it is so much more personal to give an item that required you to really consider the person and what she might like.

You can get more information on this topic as well as see examples when you watch my live video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. You can catch that video here: https://www.facebook.com/FashionCrossroads.

Gift Guides: Practical Gifts For The Pragmatist

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So far this month, I have covered Sentimental Gifts For The Tenderhearted and Bougie Gifts For The Diva. This week is all about those practical people in your life. They are not fussy; they like gifts that make sense; and they need to see the value in the gift. Here are my top 6 suggestions for buying for the pragmatist.

  1. FOCUS ON THE BASICS: When thinking of buying clothing for a practical person, I think focusing on basics that can be mixed and matched with other things is one of the smartest ways to shop for them. Whether you are buying a dressed up casual style that she can wear to go have breakfast with her friends or a business casual look that she can wear to work, get basics like blouses, slacks and sweaters. Consider the three images above. Each look is made up of classics that can be paired with other things. Black slacks, colored denim, blouses, cardigans and a denim jacket are all work horse pieces that will go a long way in any wardrobe.
  2. STICK WITH NEUTRALS: A pragmatic woman will never ask for a lime green purse. Instead, her accessories will be focused on some basic neutrals like tan, brown, black and grey that can be mixed and matched with many things. She will be the one who chooses an accessory for its ability to work with just about any outfit (solid gold or silver) rather than the pop of color accessory that works with only a few looks. Thus, when buying for a practical woman, choose neutral colors and basic styles.
  3. CHOOSE SOLIDS OVER PRINTS: Prints are more limiting because you have fewer items you can match them back to (the colors that are included in the print, for example). A pragmatist wants the most bang for her buck, so she will likely choose solids over prints. This goes for blouses, sweater cardigans, handbags, and accessories. When buying for a pragmatist, buy something that has universal appeal.
  4. KEEP IT SIMPLE: Practical women are generally not fussy. They are not the Diva who is comfortable having attention drawn to herself. They usually prefer to blend in rather than stand out. For that reason, choose simple designs. The classic button down blouse, for example, is an excellent choice. It is versatile, functional, and simple. The classic work cardigan is another great choice. It does not have zippers, ruffles, trim, embroidery, etc. It is a basic sweater that can be used over many things.
  5. MAKE IT EASY TO CARE FOR: In as much as the practical women appreciates simplicity in her clothing style, she appreciates it in her life as well. When buying clothing for this type of person, be sure it can be easily laundered at home and has the quality to last over a long time. This is not the hand wash and lay flat to dry girl. The pragmatist might lay flat to dry, but she doesn’t want to have to hand wash it TOO! Push the EASY button for this person! She will appreciate it.
  6. BUNDLE YOUR GIFT WITH USEFUL ACCESSORIES: To round out a clothing gift for the pragmatist, you might add a journal, a planner and a pen, a book mark, etc. In the same way you should choose clothing that is useful, choose other gifts with the same three words in mind: versatile, functional, and simple.

For more ideas on buying for the pragmatist on your list, you can watch my LIVE Wednesday Wardrobing Video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. I will be showing examples of clothing, handbags and gift items that would be appreciated by the practical people in your life.

Maximizing Your Wardrobe By Being a Savvy Shopper

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We’ve spent this month talking about how to maximize your wardrobe. In week one, I explained the concept of Wardrobing where you build a wardrobe by buying capsules with items that mix and match and offer variety of looks from just a few pieces. In week two, I taught how to use closet staples to build a dream work wardrobe. In week three, I demonstrated how to use layers and accessories to expand those looks with the fewest number of pieces. This week, I wanted to end this series by talking about how to maximize your wardrobe on a budget by being a savvy shopper.

When I first wrote the title of this blog post, I chose the word “thrifty” to describe the kind of shopper I want to discuss today. Upon reflection, however, I decided “savvy” is a much better description. Being savvy means you are shrewd and practical and have the ability to make good judgements and be wise. You are astute, acute, sharp, intelligent and discerning. And, after all, this whole series has been about teaching you to be just that – savvy in the way you build your wardrobe and in the way you shop.

Follow your favorite stores on social media: Hopefully you have a favorite store or two that you have invested in following on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. As a small business owner with over 25 years of experience, the way we communicate with you has changed dramatically. Advertising when I first started in this business was mostly through traditional channels like newspaper and radio. As social media morphed into a place where many get their news and keep up with people and events, most small businesses have transitioned to reaching out on various social media channels. My business has a big presence on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest because that is where are customers are. Now, these channels are the primary way we let you know about in store events, sales, and promotions. They are also our platform for customer education like my weekly Wednesday Wardrobing Videos that accompany these blog posts each Wednesday night at 6 on my Fashion Crossroads Facebook Business Page. Being a savvy shopper means staying in the know on all of the ways to save money and get free stuff!! Smile. If you aren’t on social media, make sure your favorite store has your email address and check your emails!

Join your favorite store’s Loyalty Program: Many small businesses have transitioned from store wide promotions and sales to loyalty programs to incentivize and reward their best customers. Make sure you take advantage of these programs!! Beware of the fine print, however. Some loyalty programs are more gimmicks than real rewards ( i.e. more trouble than they are worth). But, when you find a good loyalty program, you really can save a lot of money by using it. In my store, as an example, our loyalty members earn $10 for every $200 they spend. This is essentially getting 5% off everything you buy. Our earned points don’t ever expire AND you can use them in all three of our locations: Fashion Crossroads, FC Outlet, and our online store http://www.fashioncrossroadsinc.com.

Use your favorites store’s Perks: As a small business, we are always looking for ways to stand out from the crowd and to make shopping with us more pleasurable than shopping with big box stores. We can’t always compete on price, as big box stores use their buying power to drive their costs down in a way that small businesses can never do. However, what we can offer is special perks for our customers. These can be things like store credit cards, layaway program, free gift wrap, free delivery, parking reimbursement, alternative pick up options, etc. Make sure you know what perks your favorite store offers and take advantage of them. In my store, as an example, we offer a layaway program with 90 days to pay and no fees. It is a great way to expand your buying power without having to pay credit card interest. Many of our customers use our layaway program for holiday buying. Friends and family can buy items off of layaway. That way, our customer gets what she wants in the sizes she needs, and her family pays what they can afford to buy her gifts. It is brilliant!! We also offer free gift wrap every day of the week, so when you have a gift to buy, getting the packaging and wrap isn’t just one more expense to add on top. Additionally, all of this can be done over the phone. Husbands can call us up, buy some items off of their wives layaways, have us wrap them, and then pick them up at our alley way drive up door. Special occasion buying for birthday, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas doesn’t get any easier than that!

Know when to take advantage of sales: Lastly, you can maximize your wardrobe and be a savvy shopper by knowing when to shop sales. The best time to shop sales are at or near the end of the season. As an example, we take our first winter markdown in November, our second in December, and our third in January. Shopping when these markdowns have just occurred gives you the best chance of grabbing the best sales. Our new spring merchandise starts arriving in February, so if you wait until then, most of the winter sales racks are very picked over. Simply ask your favorite store’s staff when they plan to do markdowns and then make a plan to shop as soon after that as possible.

I’ve included some social media posts that are getting ready to launch for upcoming November events that I plan to host in my stores. They are:

11/10-11/11: Dress Yourself Before You Dress The Turkey: for this event, we choose some amazing giveaway items from both Fashion Crossroads and FC Outlet and then our customers earn raffle tickets for the giveaways by coming in, checking in on Facebook, and for every item they buy. It’s a great way to get a jump on your holiday shopping and get a chance to win BIG.

11/17: Pink Friday: this event is all about shopping small businesses before you shop the big box stores on Black Friday. During this event, we do all things pink including pink drinks, snacks, and decorations. For this event, both Fashion Crossroads and FC Outlet will have a gift with purchase.

11/24: Black Friday: Earn Bonus Bucks for everything you buy in store and online. For every $100 you spend, earn a Bonus Bucks for $20. For every $75 you spend, earn a Bonus Buck for $15 and for every $50 you spend, earn a Bonus Buck for $10. Spend these in December.

11/25: Small Business Saturday: We are celebrating small business this Saturday with a Kendra Scott gift with purchase. Spend $100 on Kendra Scott and get a FREE Nash Pendant Necklace from Kendra Scott (a $60) value, while supplies last. FC Outlet is offering a free soap and lotion pack from Greenwich Bay for an order of $40 or more. We will have food and drinks too! Then get in the holiday spirit with the annual downtown Christmas Parade which starts at 6 p.m.

Maximizing Your Wardrobe With Layers and Accessories

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My October Wednesday Wardrobing Series has been all about Maximizing Your Wardrobe, or getting the most looks from the fewest pieces. First we looked at the basic concept of wardrobing. Next we looked at how to use closet staples to provide maximum benefit. Today, I want to talk about how to use layers and accessories to maximize your wardrobe.

First of all, let’s talk layers. Although most people think accessories are the most important tool to get different looks from the same pieces, I would argue that you can get more benefit from investing in layers than you will from accessories. That is not to say there is no value in having a great store of accessories available to you. Merely, I will make the assertion that layers will actually take you farther.

As you can see from the looks pictured at the top of this blog, when you plan your wardrobe around being able to mix and match layers, you can get multiple looks by simply changing up your layers. Let’s break down how you could layer the eight pieces pictured here:

  1. Four looks as pictured (4)
  2. Blue puffy vest with striped sweater, heart sweater, and light blue sweater (3)
  3. Blue denim jacket over both plaid shirts and heart sweater (3)
  4. Shacket over top plaid shirt (1)

This gives you 11 different look with eight pieces. If you were to add a solid, long sleeve, tan top into the mix, you could then pair it under all of layers, including the puffy vest, shacket and denim jacket, giving you 3 more looks with only one additional item, for a total of 14 different looks from 9 pieces. You could also layer three pieces together and combine the tan top under the plaid blouses and then layer over that one of the jackets or vest and add even more looks. And, in this example, we are assuming you are using the same bottom. If you have three different bottoms to rotate through, you could have a month’s worth of different looks.

Now, let’s talk adding accessories.

If we were to take two different handbags and add it to this wardrobe capsule, you would have a handbag that would match each and every outfit we have discussed. In this example, I have chosen a solid tan handbag from HOBO and a mixed blue crocodile handbag from Anushka. One is a bit more casual and the other a little dressier, but they would both work with every look. Add a couple of necklaces into the mix and a tan scarf, and you would be able to change up the looks even more.

This is the art of maximizing your wardrobe with layers and accessories. For even more ideas, watch my live Wednesday Wardrobing Video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. You can see all of these items in store or on our online store here: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/fcr-10-21-23

Maximizing Your Wardrobe With Closet Staples

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My October Wednesday Wardrobing series is all about maximizing your closet. Last week, I covered Wardrobing 101 and how to buy smartly and provide yourself with multiple looks with wardrobe capsules. This week, I wanted to talk about maximizing your wardrobe through closet staples.

So what is a closet staple? These are the building blocks of your wardrobe. They are your Go To pieces, so to speak. Here is my definition of a closet staple:

  1. Closet staples are always neutrals in the color palate. If your skin tone is a cool, these basics are probably going to be white, black, grey and navy. If your skin tone is warm, they will likely be brown, tan and cream. They are considered “neutral” because they mix and match with many other colors.
  2. Closet staples are basics like leggings, tunics slacks, skirts, tanks, blouses and cardigans.
  3. Closet staples are solid in color and not printed.
  4. Closet staples can be mixed and matched together to create multiple outfits and are easily paired with accessories

So let’s consider the basics at the top of this blog post. I have chosen a black legging with a faux suede front, a black faux suede cardigan, and a black skirt. I have also chosen a grey pant, tunic , short sleeve top and cardigan.

With these seven pieces, you could create multiple looks, getting you through and entire week of outfits

  1. Grey tunic with grey pants
  2. Grey tunic with black leggings and vegan suede jacket
  3. Grey top with black skirt
  4. Grey top, grey cardigan and grey pants
  5. Grey top, vegan suede jacket and black skirt
  6. Grey tunic, black vegan suede jacket, grey pants
  7. Grey top, grey cardigan and black skirt

You might also add into the mix a basic black and white tank and a basic white blouse. If you then amp up your wardrobe with multiple scarves in the key colors represented by this basics capsule, you could add another entire week of looks. This is the basic principle behind maximizing your closet with staples

If you are just starting out in your professional career, this is how I recommend that you begin to build your wardrobe because it is, by far, the easiest and most economical way to outfit yourself for work. Once you have a great base of closet staples built, then you can start branching out to adding more colors and prints.

If you would like to see this concept demonstrated, I will be showing you how to mix and match these pieces in my live video tonight at 6 p.m. MST on our Facebook Business Page. If you missed my video last week, you can find it on my YouTube Channel.