Grow Up!

On turning 30 – I don’t feel old.

Photo: Source

Etsy Lov’n: The Love Shop (Poster Shop)

POSTER SHOP – THE LOVE SHOP

*I actually own the first two!

Q&A: How to Finance Your S/S Wishlist

Hot Summer Days and Haute Summer Nights – I bet you have noticed that each Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter season, I create a wishlist. Prior to the blog, I kept it on paper…

“How do you ball on such a tight budget?” you might wonder.

Since my “prissy little girl-hood,” I have made ways to afford my shopping habits. In school, for example, beside “Mommy, pleeeeeease?” I would save my lunch money up from the week, and by week’s end, combined with my allowance, I could buy a new shirt! Now, without lunch money or allowance (Mommy still comes through on occasion), I am still able to work a few new must-haves of the season into the budget.

The key is in the rotation. Each spring when I put my winter clothes away, I evaluate what I don’t want anymore, didn’t wear for seasons past, probably won’t wear next year, etc., and set them aside.  When I pull them out in the fall, I do a quick re-eval (don’t want to over-think anything), and sell them (on ebay or by consignment). The money I make is a down payment on the items on my wishlist! The same thing applies when switching after summer, to fall.

Photo: Vogue

Social Capital: 2012 State of Style Advocacy Day

The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce Invites All Fashion Professionals and Members of the Creative Community  to Unite! Fashion Advocacy Day is open to the Public. For more information, click here.

 

Decorating Snapshots

Housewarming – March 30, 2012 – I recently had the pleasure of being asked by a close friend to decorate her new apartment. What an honor! It was serious fun. She gave me complete creative freedom (which is not usual. people are picky!) and she trusted my judgement. In the end, we celebrated with food and drinks. Everyone was pleased with the outcome. Enjoy your new pad, my friend!

yours, Truly

District Commons - April 1, 2011 – On Sunday, I met up with a couple of my favorite blogging buddies for brunch. I think this outfit pretty much sums up my existence: part sophisticated and conservative, part loud and obnoxious (I call that “edgy”), part relaxed, and slightly misunderstood, but overall, a perfect combination. Self perception is a funny thing, isn’t it?

Tuxedo Blazer: Zara; Tank: Express; Leggings: American Apparel; Bag: Linea Pelle

Me with Chyanne (They Yuppie Lady) and Brea (What I Wore: Tip to Toe)

I finally got my hands on this Linea Pelle fringe bag I had been on the look-out for. I found it…guess where…on Ebay, and for a steal.

Interview: Closet Organization Tips From Vanchic, LLC

By now you know I am obsessed with maintaining an organized wardrobe and sharing my know-how and resources, so others can have one too. This time, I have invited Kim Clark, founder and owner of Vanchic, LLC, a local image, styling, and closet organization consulting company, to share some some of her styling and organizing tips, as well as offer some insight on what it’s like to own her own consulting business.

How long has Vanchic been in operation?

Vanchic officially begun 2012, but I have been successfully organizing homes and closets as a side job for many years.

What led you to begin the business? I read on your site that you have a degree in theater, but what made you take the leap and go into business for yourself, rather than work for someone else?

I grew up living and breathing performing arts.  People don’t give actors, singers and dancers enough credit.  The amount of cut throat training and the bravery that performing required molded me into a well-rounded person!

…I’m from a family of entrepreneurs; my family inspires me to reach for the stars (or chandeliers as we say in the Vanchic world!)…

NYC and LA have massive fashion styling, image consulting and organization demand.  The DMV area has been slower to catch on to the organization trend, which is why I wanted to start Vanchic in this prime, tri-state location.

People need help more than ever before. Stress levels of Americans are at record highs.  Vanchic is a luxury service, but it’s the necessary solution to gaining an effective and stylish household. De-cluttering and re-organizing a space de-stresses clients because they will have an easier system that fits their specific lifestyles and habits.

Starting Vanchic has been rewarding, because I’m in the business of making people feel good. I go into my clients’ space and give them hope. I optimize what they already have and teach them tips on how to maintain a polished space. I truly turned my hobby into a business; I had the desire and knowledge for organizing closets and maximizing people’s homes, so this is quite fun for me!

What do you find the most challenging and rewarding parts of being an entrepreneur?

I love working for myself because I can set my own pace. Working for a company in a corporate setting can be limiting.  The rewarding part of being an entrepreneur is the ability to be creative, constantly designing and thinking big.

What do you think the most important skills are for running a successful independent business?

Time management, attention to detail, having a specific rhyme & reason for every move, networking, organization, marketing/social media (understanding the importance of branding), consistency, especially with communication, discipline, and patience.

What’s the furthest you’ve traveled to fix up a space/consult? 

My staff and I travel far and wide based on the clients’ needs. I travel to many summer vacation-home destinations, for my clients with multiple homes (like Cape Cod, Nantucket, Boca Raton, Hamptons etc…)

Largest wardrobe?

I’ve worked with clients that have thousands of shoes and multiples closets. I’ve also worked with clients that have tiny, studio apartments and limited space. When I edit and stage someone’s home or closet I custom design it to his/her needs.  If my client has multiple homes, in multiple locations, with multiple closets, then typically I design by season.  Yet, most clients fall under the ‘categorize & color coordination’ approach.

What is your organization method?                 

When I organize a room, I like to make a specific focal point or theme.  I love telling a story with closets and rooms.  I absolutely despise most organizers’ tips and methods because, who the heck wants a bunch of plastic storage bins with labels all over?  That is not chic, beautiful or technically considered actual décor. It’s sterile and cheap.  I de-clutter with a fashion forward mindset.  I need my clients to feel like a weight was lifted off their shoulders. I re-organize their space and make it feel like home again.  My goal is to reveal a client’s fashion identity and get them excited about their space.  Coming home from work/life to a beautiful family should be the best part of the day. Why not make the space you live in refined and beautiful?

#1 closet organization tip (or, top 5)?

1. Everything must have it’s own place. If the hairspray sits on the middle shelf of your bathroom cabinet then, put it back in that same place every time you’re done using it.

2. If you buy two new magazines, throw two of your old magazines away. If you buy two new pairs of boxers, throw away two old pairs that have those dreaded holes/broken elastic.

3. Keep your high-traffic areas (the heart of your home), the neatest.

4. Tackle the big to-do’s first, get the grind work out of the way because it will inspire you to organize the rest of your home and get projects done quicker.

5. Have matching hangers!! Point blank, end of story. It makes your closet linear & unified.

How do you help clients become neater and stay organized forever?

We set up their organization so it fits in with their schedule and preference. I influence clients to be proud of their space and belongings.  People need to train themselves to stop thinking organizing, de-cluttering and cleaning is a “chore”.  We should be proud to organize our things; we spend thousands of dollars on wardrobe, furniture, décor, food and materials…why not treat them with respect.

The comment I hear over and over is, “Oh, no. I can’t believe I bought all these things, I could have a bigger savings account right now or I could have spent that money on other things I actually needed!”  It’s a shock when people get a reality check of how much money is wasted on unnecessary things that don’t get used.  Clients often tell me they save more money after I visit because I made them aware of their spending habits!

Maintenance is key! Promise yourself an easy, monthly, mini-maintenance schedule so you never even have to do a large, daunting spring-cleaning.

Mix Prints

Vogue Italia, March 2012: Model: Candice Swanepoel; Photographer: Mario Sorrenti; Wardrobe Stylist: Jane How; Hair Stylist: Recine; Makeup Artist: Dick Page;  Collections: Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, Roberto Cavalli and Lanvin amongst others. Source

Wishlist:S/S12

1. Thierry Lasry tortoise sunglasses, $375 2. Forever 21 clutch bag, Equipment shirt; 3. Mara Hoffman embroidery shirt; 4. Citizens of Humanity stretch denim shorts; 5. Jeffrey campbell shoes; 6. Betsey Johnson peep toe shoes; 7. Topshop tie dye jeans; 8. Toms; 9. Mara Hoffman high waisted swimwear; 10. J.Crew short pants; 11. Jeffrey Campbell patent leather shoes; 12. Striped Shirt; 13. J Crew long skirt; 14. J Crew cable sock; 15. ASOS loafer shoes

Q&A: What Do You Wear Speed Dating?

Mating Season – I know of at least 3 speed dating events that have gone down in the past two weeks, and of at least 3 more (see below) in coming weeks. What to talk about on 30 first dates is hard enough to manage. What to wear shouldn’t be. That’s what I’m here for. Read along:

Women – the K.I.S.S. method- Keep it Simple (stupid). Men are simple creatures, with the ability to focus on few things at once. Let him focus on your personality. Do not distract him by trying to “be yourself” aesthetically. Also, keep in mind that you are trying to appeal to multiple dates on this one occasion. You aren’t going to please everyone with whatever you choose, no doubt, but by keeping it simple, you are less likely to be judged by your appearance rather than by your personality. Finally, do wear subtle accessories that remain true to your style, but overall, keep it simple. Remember, simple does not mean plain.

Do show some skin – wherever you wish, BUT NOT TOO MUCH. Choose one area, and cover the rest. Also, nothing too tight, too short, or too anything else.

Smell good – a favorite fragrance is another area where you can show some personality. Because scents are so subjective, it’s hard to know what another person will like. So, I say, go with what YOU like. Just don’t forget it. Despite their simplicity, men do notice little things, like if you smell good.

Last piece of advice -When in doubt, wear red.

Men – I challenge to show some personality with your wardrobe. Dress as if you are going on a first date, not a mating call. That means wear a blazer and cologne, bring your best intentions, an open mind and heart, as well as compliments.  I do think speed dating should be the right balance between fun and actually being open to the idea of meeting someone, so put your best foot forward and go get em tigers.

Upcoming Speed Dating Event – Join tv/radio personalities Free and Big Tigger and DJ Quicksilva as they host DC’s Singles Mingle on Sunday, March 25, 2012 from 5pm-1am at Cities Lounge in Washington, DC. The event will offer a combination of mixing and matching opportunities, including speed dating, love games, and more. See the website for details.

All other upcoming speed dating event details by request.

P.S. If you’re trying to do some shopping, click here for some good deals on anything you might need for your speed date!