Top 12 Essentials we all need and how to bargain shop for them all and MORE!!

This weeks blog is simple and to the point. People ask me all the time "Where do YOU shop?" They are surprised to hear that I am an avid discount store shopper. BUT I am also very careful to tell them I look for very specific labels that I know are carried in the major department stores and then passed down to the discount stores. Second I hear, "When your out shopping are you looking for something specific or do you just go for the bargains you can find?" Great question! And thirdly, "How do you find such great deals?" You must be present, I'll explain more in a bit.

But first, before we delve into where to shop, we need to know what we already have and what it is we are looking for. I hope by this time, many of you have done a first phase purge of the absolutes you never wear and know should be donated. Once that's accomplished, you can begin to focus on building your wardrobe with thought and purpose. This above all else is the reason I spend my time helping ladies in their closets and building their wardrobes. We all must have focus and purpose, even in the area of building our wardrobes. So to answer their second question, "It depends." Sometimes I'm being very deliberate because I need something very specific. Those times are harder, because I am very picky. But most of the time I am just looking to find great deals. But not JUST because it's a great deal, but because I know it's an item I can use or it will replace one I have been thinking of purging. So do be purposeful anytime you are shopping.

I have always held to the belief that every woman needs very good staples in her wardrobe. I follow the list given out by top stylist and fashion guru TIM GUNN. He has the "Top 10 Essentials list" we all need to have in our wardrobes at all times. I have added two more I feel are also necessary. Here's the combined list.

Top 12 Fashion Essentials
• Basic Black Dress
• Blazer
• Classic yet modern work suit
• Classic Dress Pants
• Skirt
• Classic White Shirt
• Day Dress
• Cashmere/Classic Sweater
• Jeans/ In style and well fitting
• Trench/Fall Winter Coat
• Sweat Suit Alternative/ (NOT in any way a sweat suit)
• Useful alternative top (Shell)
• Bonus: An Indulgent Trendy Item Under $25

So when your "clearing the clutter" and starting to rebuild your wardrobe, these are the items to look for. First you must shop IN your own closet. Then, if they are not there, begin the bargain hunt for each one.

Bargains...When you first hear the word you may think of manufacturers seconds or poorly made things, the flee market or a second hand stores. But I want to put a new spin on the idea that BARGAIN shopping is an art and we can all learn to do it well. So why do people walk into stores like Nordstroms, Macy's, Dillard's, Younker's, Barney's, Sak's Fifth Ave, Ect. to by clothes, or should I say LABELS, at full price. My answer...I have NO idea. Really I don't get it. Even if I had alot of money, I would not pay the amount of money these garments are priced at. It makes no sense. However, I love great clothes, well made, finely tailored of high end fabrics. Attention to detail in every area. There are designers who not only make very high end garments seen on the runways, but also garments from their "Ready to wear" lines. Designers like Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Michael Kors, DKNY, BCBG Maxazria, Vera Wang, Calvin Klein, and the list goes on. Then there are the design houses that make only ready to wear clothes that are also worth investing in. Lines such as Jones New York, Due' per Due', Tahari, H&M, White House Black Market, Ann Taylor, Liz Claiborne, Kasper, Guess, Nicole Miller, Bisou Bisou, BeBe, just to name a few. The key is to know where to find these labels once they have been shipped out of the high end department stores and specialty shops. They are out there girls and my closet is full of them. All bought at 50% to 95% off their retail cost.

So the key is to know what are the more trendy items and what are the garments you will wear for several more seasons and beyond. These are the designer labels you want on the essentials you are building your wardrobe around. "How do you know all these names and labels" many of you asked. WELL, to put it simply, I have done alot of studying. Not in the same way one would study for a Bachelors or Masters degree. But I have taken time to peruse the department stores and fashion magazines. I look, I see, I notice and most importantly, I TOUCH!! I feel a garment. I look for flaws, I notice details, I search for trademarks of a well made garment. So by now, I can walk into a store and go through a rack from one end to the other in a matter of minutes and pull all the worth while items while leaving all the other "stuff" untouched. Some ladies say "It's like looking for a needle in a haystack." But for ME, it's like finding a diamond in a dark room with a flash light. They just jump out at me in seconds.

So why do I take time to find clothes like these at great prices? Because great garments last. And at a good discount, your money is well spent. More importantly, when you're wearing a well crafted garment it makes you feel your best. We need to take pride in ourselves and wear things that are a reflection of the fabulous person we are on the inside.

Many of the items I have in my wardrobe today I have had for 5 or more years. Many women tell me they just don't have time or just really don't care that much about it. I understand the time limitations. Many of us live extraordinarily busy lives. If we get a shower and a clean coffee cup in the morning we are doing good. For the ladies who say they just don't care that much, I say PEESHAW!! I really don't believe that. I do believe you don't know where to start, you truly just have NO idea. So it's just easier to say and live like you don't care. Almost every lady who has said that to me, when we have dig deeper and spent time together, she really does care she's just overwhelmed.

I had the privileged of working with a new client this last weekend who is moving herself forward through new challenges that are growing and stretching her. She has many changes coming her way as she will prepare for them. Her desire was to take some money she had saved and go shopping for a whole new wardrobe. So my challenge was to spend the day with her, teaching her about the stores to shop in and the labels to be looking for. This was most exciting to her. At the end of the day we had spent her $200 and with that we purchased 15 item. Quality, well made, good labeled items! Included was a fully lined $200 retail priced suits for $29, a pencil skirt, several tops, two blouses, a vest, dark wash jeans, several tanks, underwear, etc. We were able to get her many of the top 12 essentials she was lacking and more. The picture of the receipt and several pictures of the labels with the discount tags are posted for you to see.

Because she is an Associate for Premier Jewelry, we also took time to put outfits together for her shows. This was vital because just buying clothes is not what makes your wardrobe work. Knowing how to mix and match these items to make dozen of outfits with just a handful of garments is the secret. So I showed her how to put together outfits with her fabulous jewelry. These too can be seen in the pictures to the right. I also hold true to the fact that great clothes are just your foundation. GREAT accessories make the outfit. Good quality jewelry is very much a part of that. You can see how the jewelry has given each outfit a polished finish.

How did we get such great deals? We went into the stores and LOOKED! Remember I said earlier you must be present. What I mean is you have to get out there and look. You go to places like the Outlet Malls, TJMaxx, Marshall's, Ross, H&M, and more. Take note of when the Department Stores are having their sales with an ADDITIONAL 25% off their already reduced prices. Then there might be a deal worth getting. I snagged a $59 white blouse with fantastic details unlike any of the blouses I have at a Macy's sale for $5.98. Now that was worth it. You have to be in the stores digging through the clearance racks in order to find the deals. Believe me, they won't come find you, you do have to go and find them.

So if your ready for an adventure, or if your wanting to make some changes, or if there is a few specific items you have been hunting for, but can't find, I am here for you. I will be your SHOPPING CHAPERON. We will hit the discount stores and squeeze every nickle you have to spend until SCREAM 7 cents. It's fun, it's rewarding and it's worth it. So email me at cleartheclutter4u@yahoo.com or give me a call 209-298-5140 and let's plan a day to shop and learn. I'm looking forward to getting into YOUR closet!!!

Springtime is Here…are some DO’s and DON’Ts

There are always basic do’s and don’ts of fashion. One of my greatest problems with what I “do” is to be out and about and not notice ALL the “don’ts” I see walking around. Not long ago my 28 year old son and I were getting out of the car at the grocery store. As we were pulling into the parking spot there was a full figured lady putting here cart in the storage area. She was wearing very tight black Lycra stretch Capri’s which were nearly see through. Her white undies were very apparent as well, it was so disturbing I was tempted to hop out of my car and offer the lady a towel I had in the back seat. There was NO way this woman could not have known what we were exposed to. This is of course is an extreme, however it is seems to happen more times than I could even write about.

There are plenty of NO NO’s. Females who choose to bare a very full midriff. Ladies whos thong is purposefully exposed for all to view. And the worst for me is the large busted women who wears an unsupportive bra and their nipples are very apparent. It used to be said if you are very small busted this is ok. LADIES, it is never ok. Personal opinion, take it for what it is worth. Although, I have never seen a “Lady” who wore her undergarments in this way.

I’m sure you have your own pet-peeves that you see and notice. I just listed my top three. My list could go on. If you are reading this blog you can see the smiley face backside I posted for fun. So beyond the very obvious NONO’s are the DON’Ts. Here are three to start the list. Never wear strappy high heels with re-enforced toe pantyhose. Martha Stewart got nailed for this one in the pages of a fashion magazine one time. Don’t wear light colored shoes with dark hoses ie: Black hose with White shoes, even if you are wearing a black and white outfit. Dark undergarments under light colored garments. This goes for guys who wear very light slackes with patterned boxers. Guy's are not left out when it comes to fashion NONO’s. These are simple standards of fashion, always will be.

Sometimes we need to be mindful of the trendy, usually don’ts, as they come and go. The whole, show the bra strap thing is over. Thank you very much. Jean skirts no wider than a belt with tights underneath. The thing about trends is, they are just that. A trend is sure to pass in it’s own good time. So choose carefully which ones you wish to participate in. Even if you like them, they may not be right for you because of age or body shape. Not all “this seasons color” is good for everyone. What we all have to do is let these trends inspire us. Carefully use them as a muse. One shade of this season’s must have color could be very right for you. You may want to Just be mindful as you buy. Try adding a color or trend in an accessory, like a purse or a scarf.

Here are a few of this Springs DO’s and DON’Ts from the fashion runways. I given them to you in brief so they are easy to read and implement. So here we go.

Retro Ruffles

There’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring—and with it, all those stellar outdoor times together than with a flirty ruffle-trimmed sundress. However, DON’T waltz into work with a strappy number like this, save it for the weekend, a bridal shower or even a shopping spree with ME!: Anything that’s a DO for a summer barbecue is likely an office DON’T.

Pastels and Neons Brights

Spring runways were full of pale pinks, faded turquoise and a few bolts of acid brights. DO incorporate the season’s bold new colors into your wardrobe with one vivid item, like a rainbow-bright skirt or blazer. Just wear ONE hot hue at a time, and DON’T try mixing a bunch of these trendy colors together—it can be blinding and not in a good way.

Biblike Necklaces

You may think you DON’T need this trend, but you DO. Remember, just do it in balance with your body size and shape, also in step with your personality. One large candy-color necklace like this will make any outfit seem super trendy. Seriously: One of these bad boys will make your trusty old T-shirt and jeans look like a million bucks.

DO try Oversize Earrings

Wanna glam up a simple top or LBD (little black dress)? Slip on a pair of shoulder-grazing chandelier earrings, but DON’T pile on any other accessories. Let these statement pieces reign alone. Big earrings + big necklace + big ring + big bracelet = big mess.

Bohemian Prints

BCBG, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg and other designers whipped up sweet boho-print dresses for spring. While the easy-breezy dresses are a total DO for date night and more, leave the arm bands, floral crowns and love beads from the 60’s in your box of memories. Too many ’60s accessories can make you look like you’re stuck in a time warp—which is a definite DON’T!

Mix-and-Match Patterns

Seems like a contidiction, but done correctly it's not. This one takes alittle practice and a lot of saavy. Doing it in very mild ways is a great way to start. So DON’T be afraid to mix things up this season. As seen at the Michael Kors show, polka dots and stripes can be worn together, carefully. Just DO make sure the patterns are in the same color family.

Animal Prints

Whether it’s an exotic, safari-feeling top, a leopard-print dress or even a fabulous designer bag, animal prints are a total DO for spring. (Plus, we know that most of you and your beaus think animal prints are fun and sassy!) Being thought full to make it a classic piece and not cheap looking. However, saying “meow!” and giving the crazy-lady claw move while wearing it? Not like you have to be told, but that’s a DON’T.

They GO...They DON'T have to Match!

So many of my clients say, "That doesn't match". Well, that's ok. It's so OUT to have matchy matchy shoes and purse. To have your shoes match exactly with your dress. I don't prefer to look like a bridesmaid. Keep this thought in mind. Color hues GO. Simliar metallics GO. Certian fabrics and textiles GO. It is not necessary to have everything MATCH! If you have any questions, ask some you believes knows.

These are just some of the hints I have for you this Spring/Summer season. Want to get more?!? Want to go shopping for the best deals and fashion with someone to guide and assist you ?!? Give me a call or email me at cleartheclutter4u@yahoo.com. I'm here for you and I can't wait to get into YOUR closet!!

Vicki's Secret...

What is it like to look into someones eyes and actually see joy, see excitement, see motivation. I had the chance to experience this once again. While on a trip to Utah for a retreat this last weekend, and by the way it was awesome, I was able to work with a girlfriend to de-clutter her closet and wardrobe. Ladies tell me all the time they really want my help and are ready for it. But once I get there they are NOT ready at all. I have come to realize, many times in life we do really want change, but no matter how bad we want it, we are not as ready for it as we thought.

I want you all to realize the IMPORTANCE and VALUE of keeping your closet organized and prepared for you on a daily basis. What would you think if you walked into someones kitchen and they pulled there spices out of there silverware drawer? Or they went underneath their sink to get their sugar container? Or even went to get a can of peas out from their tupperware cupboard. Wouldn't you think they are just a little crazy?!? I know I would. So, Tupperware together, Spices in one place, Utensils in one drawer, Pots and pans together by the stove. It all makes sense and the like items are stored together. Why would your wardrobe deserve anything less?

So, once we got to her house I was dying to see her closet. At first glance , I noticed that the closet was a walk in "U" shape. As I walked in I saw the clothes she kept directly in front of her in her were her weekend and casual clothes. Mixed up and in no particular order was everything from tank tops to carpi's to sweatshirts with hoods. I must acknowledge she did have all the sweat shirts together. This section of the walk in closet was the longest. Her work wardrobe was at the end of the closet and it to was just crammed together. As I pondered through things, I saw many different kinds of hanger, many of them empty. On the shelves above her clothes were boxes, some of her husband sweaters and other odds and ends. It really had no rhyme or reason to it. But then again I rarely see that anyway. The organization was his clothes in one area, hers in another and stuff on shelves.

I stood there and I wanted to ask her how it got this way, then I realized it had always been that way. That was just how most people do it and it made perfect sense to her. I said to her as we were putting her new clothes away from our shopping trip "I can't wait to get my hands on all this." I hear many curious and interesting comments come out of ladies mouths as we begin the process. Her first words were " NO NO I don't care about that... It doesn't matter." I said "VICKI!! You can't possibly know what you have or where it is" "Oh Yes I can " she said, "I know everything I have and where it is." Her secret, was what she would find during our clean out and purge. I knew she couldn't possibly know, but I just had to work with her and we had to work through "IT".

So as we began the process I asked her if we should change locations of "work" wear and "casual/weekend" wear. Because she had more work clothes and she goes to these clothes 5 times a week they should be more spread out and more easily accessible. She agreed. So as she and I began to go through what was hanging there she found clothes she was willing to let go off. As we talked about each item and why she should or should keep things, many of them went out the door and a huge pile appeared. I was very proud her choices.

Now kept in mind she kept saying that she had already cleaned out her closet before I came and gave 5 bags away. As she remind me of that, I silently thought, how in the WORLD did all of that stuff fit in here before this. I couldn't conceive of it.

So the time came for the real organization to begin. First, we put all work clothes on matching hangers creating a look that was like a ladies boutique. From one end to the other, like items in order from light to dark. Sleeveless to long sleeved. Then her jackets, skirts and pants. It all looked so fresh and crisp and ready for her each and every morning. Sweaters up top on shelves, shoes in groups, boxes removed. and over 50 empty hangers stored in the spare room closet. The end of the closet now houses her casual/weekend clothes, in like order. It was so refreshing and looked like a COMPLETELY different closet.

What did all this work and organization do for her? It create an environment she loves to walk into and begin her day. She DOES stand in front of her closet and say "I don't know what to wear", BUT, not because she can't find things or things don't fit, or don't work. She says it because she loves everything in her wardrobe and she has so much to choose from she says "I JUST CAN'T DECIDE and I love it"...

So if your ready, I mean really ready, to create a new environment. One that inspires you to get dressed and go out the door feeling polished and ready for your day with enthusiasm. Please call or email me and let's get you to your goal. I'm just waiting to get into your closet...

At Clear the Clutter you can personalize your time in ways that best benefit your needs. From closet organization to shopping in your closet to create new outfits without spending a dime to shopping with a keen and trained eye that moves quickly and effectively to help you find the "steals" you want on quality clothes. You design the plan that's right for YOU! Check out our website for great Mother's Day Specials!!!

Remember...FASHION is what you wear, STYLE is who you are.

www.cleartheclutter.vpweb.com and cleartheclutter4u@yahoo.com

DE-Construct to RE-Construct

How many of you have ever lived in a house during a remodel. Or had family or friends go through it? It's a NIGHTMARE. Everyone thinks the same thing, "It won't be to bad." And they believe the general contractor when he says "It will only take 8 to 10 weeks". RIGHT! That never happens and let's not get into the "going over budget thing" It's a huge decision to take on a major change and live in the midst of it. But many do and really don't have a clue what they are going to go through. BUT, when it's all over, it's ALL worth it. Much like 9 months of pregnancy that culminates with HOURS, sometimes DAYS of painful labor. Then... a beautiful child! Trust me, you don't want to get me started when it comes to labor talk.

SO, you say, what does all this have to do with fashion.? I try very hard to get you thinking first, in outer realms, before we get to the heart of the matter. And the heart of the matter here, is how we actually have to go about getting to the de-construction of one's current wardrobe to re-construct a new one. Living through the painful, yet liberating process it takes to get there. The truth about the garments you have chosen to leave in your wardrobe that still need to go is a step BEYOND the purge. It's The DE-construction phase...

Many of the clients I work with do a PRE purge before I get to their house and we get into their closets. I KNOW they don't want me seeing certain things they had hanging there. Knowing I'm coming gets them motivated. And that's a good beginning. They take out alot of things they were already prepared to get rid of. They had thought about it before and just hadn't taken the time to do it. So the purge gets the obvious things that shouldn't be there OUT!

Ok purge is done... good job. However we have to go beyond that. This is the "LIVING in the midst of the remodel". If purging just gets that obvious junk out of the way (that you weren't wearing and shouldn't have anyway), then all you have accomplished is creating empty hangers. And that's not so good. It's like getting things together for a garage sale. Not preparing your house for a remodel. The de-construction is the remodel you are going to go through in your head, your heart and your closet.

Before you go back to the closet to review what is left and why, you have to take time to define your personal style. You have to talk about your lifestyle. Your job and all it requires. Your life beyond your work. Your hobbies and your habits. Look back carefully at a two to four week period of your life. Then begin the process of identifying your own personal style, how your fashion "personality" aligns with the image you want to portray. This will help guide you through the de-construction phase. This phase entails performing a "LOVE IT" or "Leave it" examination of you current wardrobe. This means you have to try on each garment and talk about why it's there. Ask yourself how it's "defining" your fashion style and working into your daily lifestyle.

Again, as in our last talk, we must call upon our "wing-woman". Our stylish sister, our fashionable friend, the one person you think of and wish you had "HER LOOK". But beware!! Not everyone you know or may invite to assist you really knows how to be objective or truly has a "trained" eye. A professional who knows and understands body shapes and why certain styles work good on one body type compared to another it essential in this process. That's why it's so important to have two sets of eyes. One set who knows you and one set who knows the rest. I have ALWAYS had another set of eyes when purging a clients closet. A husband, a sister or mom, even the best friend.

So NOW the harder part begins. It's time to evaluate each piece and why it's still there. Eliminating the out of date, to tight, to loose, just got to go "clutter" still left, so you can re-define an authentic sense of style... Your STYLE!! I was just in San Mateo working with a lovely 38 yr business woman who REALLY wanted to recreate her personal style. One re-occurring sentence I heard was "That was given to me by..........." I couldn't believe how much of her wardrobe was from other people giving her their clothes. Here's the interesting part, she's 5'10", Yes, I said 5'10". OMG!! There are very few people who can give their hand-me-downs to a lady this tall and have it work. And as you may have already guessed, none of it did! One example, She had a coat that someone had given to her, and because she was tall, they must have thought she need XXL. She's an 8 on top and a 12 on the bottom. Typical body shape. When she tried it on, I looked at her and said "I didn't know OMAR the tent maker was making coats now". She was swallowed up by this pea green monstrosity. Her husband laughed so had he fell off his chair and she tossed it out with glee. Before that moment she felt "obligated" to wear it because it had been given to her. By the end of the de-construction process she understood SHE had to decide what she would put on her body, not anyone else. Gift or not!! Remembering also, it matters how it looks on YOU, not on the hanger. This is very important ladies.

So, if you're at a point that you know you need to get started on the de-construction process, Let's get going. Set aside a couple of hours. Make sure you have a power partner who is there to be objective and honest. AND, contact me so we can all work together to get to the point that everything hanging in your closet are pieces that reflect the persona you want to exude every time you get dress. For work, for fun, for an evening out, no matter what your wearing, it's the real YOU!! Looking forward to getting into Your closet WITH you.

Looking for a unique and really fun gift for Mom (or WIFE) for Mother's Day...
Check out our GREAT Mother's day SPECIALS at www.cleartheclutter.vpweb.com

HELP, I’ve fallen into my closet & there’s NOTHING to wear!!!

My goodness gals, how MANY times have we said or thought that and there has to be …OH…at least 100 items hanging right in front of our face. WELL, my very emotionally based sisters, we all have to start somewhere, so let the PURGE begin!

First we must understand that clothes are NOT us. My Father use to always say, “God helped us invent clothes for the sole purpose of covering up our nakedness.” Well Dad that is true. But there is much more to the clothes we choose to wear than just that. Then, there was my Mom, who believes clothes and good grooming is a true reflection of ones self, inside and OUT! She would get so upset at my Dad because he would put on Cranberry double-knit pants and an Orange shirt, (it was the 70’s girls) and say he was ready to go. My mother would almost die of embarrassment before he even stepped foot out the front door. AND, the debate was ON!! “You can’t seriously be thinking of going out in public like that?!?” “WHY NOT,??” “Jack I will not be seen in public with you dressed like that. PLEASE go change.” Up the stairs he would go mumbling all the way about how it really doesn’t matter one ‘i-o-da’ as long as you have on clothes. WOW, memories.

For My Dad, shopping is more painful than a root canal. (Except if he was in a hardware store) I have many clients who say the same thing. “I just HATE to go shopping, nothing looks good on me. I can’t find anything to fit right. Or I don’t even know where to start when I walk through those doors.” This can be an overwhelming task, I know. But the first place to start shopping is in your own closet.

Remember the title… There really are a lot of things in your closet. Problem being, how many of them SHOULDN’T be in there. When we allow a lot of clutter and memories to hang in the way of the garments that are the precise things we should be wearing, things get quite muddled. Remember, CLOTHES are just pieces of fabric sew together to hide our nakedness. (ODE’ to my DAD). But, again our clothes say so much about who we are as individuals. So we must choose wisely.

Let’s talk about the “memory” items. Clothes that for one reason or another, we just can’t seem let go of. Hey, I have them. My mom gave me her rabbit fur cropped jacket. It’s still in my hall closet. My daughter has worn it on an occasion or two. It so reminds me of how fashion-forward my Mom always was, OOPS!! Sorry Mom, IS! When I do seminars and speak to women’s groups, I am never shocked at how many hands go up when I ask “how many ladies have a pair of jeans in your closet right now that you can NOT get on your body.” Honestly, nearly every hand goes up. I know what you’re thinking, I have 3 pair. WHY? Seriously, WHY?!? Holding on to something that we think we may one day get into again. These are the habits we practice that cause us to be weighed down. We look into our closet and feel we have nothing to choose from. We must get emotionally detached from these items and look at them objectively. Once you do this you will be able to part with them for the right reasons. This is a very cleansing thing, literally, in more ways than one. MUCH of the time this cannot be done alone. It helps to have someone there who will be honest with you and you know has your best interest at heart. (I here for you ladies) The truth is, if you can once again wear those jeans, they probably won’t even be in style. And frankly, you deserve a new pair. So just DO IT. Once your done, cal me, because I gather all those clothes for donations to women’s shelters. Now does THAT make it easier!!

So the first phase of de-cluttering is the PURGE. Many of the women I have worked with were so afraid to let me see their closets. They were so concerned about how this process was going to affect them. But after we were done, they felt so revealed, so unburdened and free. You feel as if you have been given permission to move on in your life because you have. You really do deserve it. I promise I will help you process the purge with confidence and in a way you can be proud of.

SO remember, we can all have the perfect wardrobe where everything in our closets fit well and reflecst the persona we desire. I am ALWAYS just a phone call away and would just love to get into YOUR closet!!

I'm here for YOU

Hi to all you fashion lovers.

I'm LORRI HAN. I'm here to share with you the years of experience and knowledge I have about fashion, style, shopping and closet organization. I have learned over the years that we go through things in life so that we can learn and grow from each experience. If we do that and stop there, well shame on us! Life's lessons are powerful opportunities to SHARE with others what we've learned. I believe that the greatest gift I can give is to share my experience and be able to say "I know what you are talking about" and mean it!!

Some of you might think "What's that have to do with Fashion or Clothes?" Well, I see it like this. We are a reflection on the outside of who we are on the inside. When someone gets dressed in the morning, they are sharing some of their feelings in the outfits they wear. For instance, you can tell when someone rolled out of bed at the last minute and threw something on, RIGHT!? So their feeling was "OH Well, I'm running late." Or... if someone comes to the office in a brand new outfit and You know the boss is interviewing for an in house promotion. That says " I take this opportunity seriously" SO, what we wear can say alot about us.

You can think what you want, but the old saying "You have one chance to make a first impression" is all to true. People DO make judgments on how we present ourselves. THUS...one of my most favorite truths... YOU can NEVER control how someone perceives you. YOU CAN control how you are presented! Once we get our presentation down, we can be sure the perception will be what we desire.

SO what if you could have the perfect wardrobe. Loving and wearing everything in your closet. Having the knowledge to mix and match your clothes and accessories to maximize your presentation. It's possible!! I will be sharing with you helpful hints, purging techniques, shopping guidelines and more to get you to the place you want to be with your wardrobe.

So here it is. The BLOG to stop and visit on a regular basis. The place to hear about the fashion trends to take part in and the ones to run from. The page with useful info that you really can put to use. The BLOG, that I hope, You will WANT to share with your friends and family.

For more info or for a One on One consultation, PLEASE email me at cleartheclutter4u@yahoo.com or visit my website at www.cleartheclutter.vpweb.com

Looking forward to seeing here AND in your closets....