Should It Stay or Should It Go?

I've been busy organizing plenty of closets lately, and I've gotten the same questions over and over again. "When should I throw this out?"

I can't help but hearing the song lyrics to the classic song by The Clash, "Should I Stay or Should I Go."

My answer is always GO. Let it go. My general rule of thumb is that if you have not worn something in over a year, GET RID OF IT. There are usually 4 reasons why we hold onto something instead of getting rid of it...

First, it's too tight. And, deep down inside we dream of fitting back into the size 4 dress. But, lets face it. If it's been over a year, are we really going to? And, if we do lose some weight, don't you think we'll want new clothes to show off our new figures? So, unless it's a premium designer that you've invested a good bit of money on, get rid of it. That way when you do lose the weight, you can treat yourself to a few new pieces of clothing.

Second, it's too big. Boy, that's a problem we all wish we had. Bottom line - get rid of it. Someone out there could be using it.

Third, we bought a piece of clothing on sale, get it home, and hate the way it looks on us. But, we keep putting in on over and over again in a different way in hopes that it will look good one day. Sorry, but it probably won't. So, why waste the space on it. Get rid of it.

Fourth, it's a really trendy piece. Don't get me wrong - trends circulate all the time. But, is your trendy piece really worth holding onto for five to ten more years to wear again? Probably not. Again, unless it's a premium designer that you've invested in, get rid of it and make way for new trends.

I'm a big believer that if your closet is in order, your day-to-day life will be in better order. So, take the step today, sing The Clash while doing it, and get rid of the things you aren't wearing!

If you need help, call Laura at Redress to set your closet straight. Check out the website at www.redressbylaura.com for more details.

Bangle It

The quickest way to make a drab outfit fab is by wearing bangles - lots and lots of bangles. Stacking bangles has been all the rage for a while and isn't going anywhere. Celebrities are always seen on the red carpets with stacks of bangles on their arms.

Remember, you don't have to wear all the same type of bangle. Mix it up with wooden and metal stacked together. Or, throw in some colored bangles with some neutrals. And, since bangles can be found just about anywhere, this is great, inexpensive way to update your look. Don't be shy - Bangle it!

Trend Alert: Nautical Stripes

It's hard to use the words classic and trendy in the same sentence. But, this trend is just that - classic. The classic navy and white nautical striped t-shirt is popping up everywhere - being seen on celebrities in Hollywood and all the way to the racks of your local mall. This is a sure trend that will carry over from Spring to Summer.

However, some of us are really scared of horizontal stripes - with good reason. Sometimes a horizontal stripe can give the illusion of looking wider. So, if you want to wear a horizontal striped shirt, be sure the stripes are not too thick and wide. This will help minimize broadness. Also, be sure the top isn't too long - you certainly don't want to put horizontal stripes across your hips and butt.

So for those of you that don't like getting too trendy, here's a great way to embrace a trend but stick to your classic style.

We Wear Short Shorts

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but SHORT shorts are really in-style right now. Gwyneth Paltrow even rocked them at the Iron Man 2 premiere last night.

Shorts no longer scream "camp counselor." Instead they can be a sophisticated approach to the heat. However, let's face it, not all of us have Gwyneth's legs. Short, shorts are NOT appropriate for everyone. But, not to worry, medium length and longer Bermuda shorts are still working this season.

Dress shorts up with great jewelry and high heels or go more causal with flats. However, when wearing a longer short, AVOID pleats and shorts that form bell legs. All this does is add weight to your thighs and butt. Wear a straight leg short that lightly skims the legs and shows off your curves.

And remember, accessories make all the difference. Layer necklaces, wear a scarf - around your neck or in your hair, wear a fun belt, add wedges on your feet, or carry a great handbag to look like a chic woman and not a camp counselor.

Fashion Icon: CoCo Chanel

Most women love some sort of fashion - a trend, a designer, a fashion icon. But, it's been brought to my attention that some people don't know any history about their favorite labels and designers. So, once a month I'm going to try to help with this. This month we're going to start at the top - CoCo Chanel.

CoCo Chanel rose to become one of the premier fashion designers in Paris, France in the 1920s. She is known for replacing the corsets that the women were wearing during the times with comfort and casual elegance - women's pants, suits, dresses, costume jewelry, and perfume. By the 1950s the Chanel suit, the "Little Black Dress", and Chanel No 5 perfume were staples in the fashion industry.

She worked almost until the day she died in 1971. Karl Lagerfeld has been the chief designer for Chanel since 1983.

The fashion industry is still inspired by Chanel's style. Anytime you see long layering pearl necklaces, quilted leather handbags, handbags with chain and leather handles, tweed suits, and of course black party dresses, you can thank CoCo Chanel for being different and trying new things.

All Zipped Up

Exposed zippers have been trendy on shirts, dresses, and skirts for a few seasons now, but this season we're seeing them pop up on jewelry, shoes and handbags.

Wearing zippers as an accent can add an edgy look to almost any outfit. So, if you're looking to walk on the wild side, add some zippers with some great zipper bangles or necklace like the ones shown below. Or, just get into the trend a little with a shoe with zipper accents.

However, I don't think this trend will be here for long, so don't splurge on expensive pieces. Try finding some cool, chic inexpensive pieces to zip up your look.

To Capri or Not To Capri?

I've recently been asked the question..."Are capri pants still in style?" Well, it's sort of a tough issue to tackle because I'm sure to offend some readers but here goes...

Wearing capri pants is a tricky issue. Usually most jean capris will always be in style, especially if there is a cuff on the bottom and wore with ballet flats and fun top or if they have a skinny leg and wore with cute heels.

However, the problems with capri pants comes into play when we get into colors - red, hot pink, blue and on and on. Also, there are problems with printed capris. Both colored and printed capris tend to have a bell at the bottom - which let's face it - just isn't flattering. Because the exaggerated bell of the capri pant falls on your calves, it makes your legs look like they are getting wider around your calves - making your calves look bigger - and I haven't met too many women who want their calves and ankles to look bigger. This is solved by a straight or skinny leg capri - which will allow the eye a continuous straight line down your leg.

Also, these colored and printed capris give the look of an outdated "older" woman. And, I definitely haven't met a woman who wants to look older. But, with the colors, prints or the bell bottoms, it just gives you an unfashionable look. To make matters worse, lots of women wear these types of capri pants with polo styled shirts or t-shirts that are worn out-of-shape and color. Sadly, this look really falls under the same category as "mom jeans."

So, if you do decide to wear capris,which is sometimes a great solution for Louisiana weather, go for jean, white or black and definitely go for a straight or skinny leg. To make the look casual, wear gladiator sandals or ballet flats. To dress the look up, wear with some great heels. Always wear with a cute top and add a splash of jewelry to make sure the look is fun and trendy.

Here are some examples of still looking "trendy" wearing capri pants.

All Taped Up!

Ever wonder how the celebrities always look so put together. Well, one of Hollywood's best kept secrets is Hollywood Fashion Tape.

I absolutely love this product and always keep some in my handbag in case of emergency. It's great for holding your clothes in place so your bra straps don't show or so you don't show too much cleavage. It sticks to thin knits and thick sweaters. I've even used it on the backs of my slingback shoes to keep them on my heels.

I was actually shopping with a friend today and a dress she wanted fit her great but peeped open a little bit around the buttons on her breasts. One little piece of Fashion Tape solved the problem.

They also have a new product that I haven't tried yet but I just ordered. For those of us that have a gaping jean in the back, these hig-huggers seem to be the solution. No bulk and No belt. I can't wait until it gets here. I'll let you know how well it works.

Wearing White?

Adding onto what I said yesterday, there is no better way to say "Hello, Spring" than with white. If head to toe white in a dress isn't for you, wear a bright colored top with white shorts, white pants or white, skinny capris.

Remember if you are going to wear a really flowy top, wear skinny white jeans or capris so your body balances out.

And, because white is a neutral, any bright color will look great with it. But, be sure your whites aren't too dingy from last year. If they are, throw them out and get some new fresh white pieces and welcome Spring back into town!

Little White Dress

CoCo Chanel introduced the world to the LBD - Little Black Dress - in the 1920s. Well, now that Easter has come and gone, it's time for the LWD - Little White Dress!

White is the greatest color to introduce spring and summer. A fresh, crisp white dress - whether it is a shift or shirtdress - is always in style. But, don't wear white shoes, too, or you will look like a little girl going to her first Communion.

Instead, accessorize with a great pair of nude or colored wedges, layer with chunky jewelry, or throw on a blue jean jacket for a bit of an edge.


If you need help with your spring and summer wardrobe, be sure to contact Laura at Redress.

Nomad's Land

I don't know if you've noticed, but the magazines and red carpets have been filled with tribal prints. It's a Nomad's land out there.

However, if you're like me, you're not into the head to toe tribal look. Well, here are some solutions. Find a great tribal print light-weight, spring scarf and pair it with a white t-shirt, jeans and ballerina flats. Or, find some great tribal heels and pair them with skinny jeans and a basic top.

If you are willing to take an adventure through the Nomad's land, try a tribal print top. Pair it down with a solid colored cardigan and white shorts or jeans. Or, if you're the real adventurer, wear it head to toe. A long maxi dress always looks best in these tribal prints.

Get in touch with your natural side and become a modern tribeswoman!

Your Very Own Jewelry Boutique

Do you feel like you wear the same jewelry over and over again. This problem usually happens because you can't see all of your jewelry; it becomes hard to remember what you have and therefore you always put on the same earrings and bangles. If you are having trouble keeping track of all your jewelry, The Container Store has some solutions.

Whether you have room on top of your dressers on just in your drawers, spread out your jewelry with some of these acrylic pieces so you can see the variety.

Arrange your jewelry like it's in a boutique, so you always feel like you're having an unique shopping adventure. And, getting ready becomes a fun experience instead of a stressful one!

If you need help organizing your closet contact Laura at Redress

Wedge it!

I recently had quite an inspiring shopping trip to New Orleans. All the colors of spring and summer were out in full effect - plus the smells of great food being cooked and sounds of New Orleans Jazz music all around - who wouldn't have a truly amazing shopping experience.

One thing that I kept seeing over and over again was the over-the-top fun summer shoes. Tons of bright colors and embellishments of feathers and flowers made my feet want to jump for joy. It's finally time to say goodbye to the boots and say hello to sandals.

If embellishments aren't your thing, at least venture out with a bright colored wedge this season. Nothing says summer like an Espadrille in a bright color. Plus, the tall wedge will always help elongate the legs, so mix it will all kinds of outfits...dresses, shorts, jeans. You don't have to wear the same color outfit and shoe. Mix it up so that your shoes do all the talking!

Here are two version from Michael Kors:

Spring Clean Up!

The time has come when most of us are heading into our closets to put away the sweaters and to take a look at our Spring wardrobe. Well, here's a little suggestion - be brutally honest with yourself!

If you haven't worn it in over an year, donate it to charity. If you've worn it everyday for a year, throw it out. If it's one of your favorites, but it's dingy and over-worn, throw it away and buy a new one.

Spring is about new beginnings. Take a real good look at your closet and organize your wardrobe, which in turn will help you organize your life.

If this task overwhelms you, call Laura at Redress to help or check out the website at http://www.redressbylaura.com/ to find out more information.

Lips Need to Shine Too!

I treated myself to one of my favorite stores today - Sephora! What girl doesn't love endless rows of perfumes, body washes and make-up.

My absolute favorite makeup product is lip gloss because even when I'm feeling a little drabby, a shiny lip gloss always makes me feel. Keep in mind that a little lip gloss can make any dull outfit look better.

I love trying new brands to see which ones are too sticky or which ones fade too quickly. I know I've tested over 30 different brands. But, I always go back to my old favorite - Clinique Long Last Glosswear. I love that it's lightweight and not too sticky, plus it lasts a really long time. Knockout Nude is my favorite color because it's the best neutral gloss I've found. And, at only $14 it's easy to keep in day and evening bags so I always have one to quickly update my lips.

My second favorite is Dior's Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect. It leaves lips super shiny and sparkly, and I love using it for nights out. My favorite night color is Draped Burgundy because it gives my lips the pop of color I need for a night out.

Treat your lips to a little shine today!

Solids and Florals

If the head to toe floral looks of yesterday were too much for you, don't worry. You can calm down this Spring look by adding a solid color cardigan over a floral dress or floral top.

Try wearing a flowing floral top, skinny jeans and an unbuttoned cardigan - that way the cardigan won't look too preppy. Cardigans come in all shapes, sizes and colors. So, don't be scared of a little floral!

Here are a few cardigans that can spruce up any outfit.

Spring Is In Bloom

Spring is finally here and that means it's time to start breaking out the prints. A printed dress is a perfect way to usher in the season.

Short or long and in any floral pattern - anything goes. Just make sure the floral print is modern, or you'll end up looking like your grandmother's curtains! And, if you want to calm it down a bit, go for a floral on a black background.

I love shopping at Nordstrom because they usually have great prices. Here are some looks to inspire you. Embrace spring and go floral!

Opposites Attract

Regardless of trends for any season, there are some things that never go out of style. One of my absolute favorites is the combination of BLACK and WHITE.

Such a classic combination that can be worn very traditionally or punched up with a few twists. From a simple, classic white button down shirt and black pencil skirt to a trendy black and white printed dress. You can never go wrong with this color combination!

Add a white necklace to a plain black outfit or put on a black waist belt with a plain white dress. Have fun with these basic colors and show others that classic does not mean boring!

From classic to over-the-top, here are some great looks from Saks Fifth Avenue that you can mimic: