Featured

Spring and Clear

Featured / The Inspired Closet / Leave a comment

It’s March 31, 2019. I have been sick for six days now. Five days I’ve been home, stir crazy, eating the same food, seeing the same view. Thursday and Friday were the hardest. I couldn’t breathe thru my nose, my body sore from coughing, and challenged to sleep. Saturday was better. I slept a lot. I did manage to finish the Erin and Ben Napier book, “Make Something Good Today”.

Inspired to paint, sketch, knock out walls, I did just that! In my bed, with my eyes heavy and trying to stay open, I imagined our little apartment with walls knocked out, shelves put up and less furniture. It was dreamy. I organized my closet, pulling out everything and really giving a thought to why I keep things. I know what I’ll get rid of now that I have thought it thru.

From our bed, I can see my patio, with over grown plants, loose leaves, and peanut shells littering the pots. Mark had left to the gym and to do some work. I would have a least two hours to myself. A little sweeping, a little clipping and I could be done in an hour.

The morning was bright and cool. No clouds. Lots of crows and seagulls chatting, other birds singing. The patio was better than expected. One of our umbrellas was tipping to one side, not balanced in the base. I had switch it to another base. I have four umbrella bases and three umbrellas for a reason I cannot remember. The ivy from next door was making its way onto our fence, but not in a fierce scary way. Peanut shells were few. My own plants were the ones that needed loving care. My geraniums were starting to bloom crawling their way out of the pots. My calla lily had one brown bloom, which I trimmed off with the other brown leaves. Then I sat to rest.

I got up again to move and shift pots in better sun catching positions. Swept a quarter of the patio and then sat to rest. It was so quiet, even with the bird chatter. I swept the next quarter, re-hung the extension cord that Mark uses to charge his laptop, cell phone, IPad and whatever else he may use when he’s writing. I swept one more quarter and then sat to rest.

The last thing was to stack pots and saucers, covering the loose soil I had in one pot so a wandering cat would not find it. I have an old folding teak table that I use to repot my plants. It has spaces so when I plant, the loose soil falls into the paint pail I have below. It’s the perfect size and height and it has worn beautifully.

I hosed down the patio, washing off whatever loose soil and leaves may still be hiding. In California, not always a good practice to wash down your patio. That’s why I sweep, so I only use enough water to wash the loose bits. No use to sit now, as I rinsed off the chairs and table. With the hose put away, and the light shimmering off the wet pavement, everything felt so fresh. It was time for a nap.

My potting table is on the left under the window. It was a dining table until I found it served my plants better.

That’s a crazy orchid that blooms little purple flowers in the pot that looks so full it will burst!

I moved these guys around to share some sun peeking between the umbrellas.

Closet of Dreams

/ The Inspired Closet / Leave a comment

The last time I published a blog, prior to the Sunday post, was in September of 2011.

I was a different person in a different place. I was single. I had a fantastic apartment. It was a one bedroom with wood floors and windows on three sides and one shared wall. It was ideal. It was at the back of the complex above the garages, with no one to complain about dancing feet or dropping shoes.

I had a slimmer of an ocean view, the Long Beach Harbor. I loved it there. I watched four sets of neighbors move in, and three of the four get pregnant. I was waiting for the last couple to get babied but they never did by the time I moved out.

A year later, September 2012, I was moving out. I was leaving my beloved Long Beach. I had met someone in the most unlikely way, via a game of words on our iPhones. My life was changing again.

As I watched the movers pack up all my precious things, I could not believe how MANY so-called precious things I had. When I saw the truck pull up that would hold all the boxes with all the stuff, I could not imagine that my ‘stuff’ would FILL that truck. But all my stuff reached the end of this big trailer with room enough for the door to slide down. I was embarrassed How does one person have boxes of things she cannot begin to count?

When the truck arrived at my new place in Santa Barbara, the second bedroom was filled floor to ceiling with boxes. I didn’t know how to process all of it. What was it? Where did it come from? How did I manage to keep it for so long? Was I crazy?

I moved in September. Those boxes stayed in that room for six months. My boyfriend move in that January. I moved the boxes to a storage unit. Six months later, I moved them out of the storage unit back home and rifled through everything.

Somehow I have to figure out how I did that.

If you wear white after Labor Day

/ The Inspired Closet / Leave a comment

I crossed a street on my way to the gym. I let a woman pass who was a wearing a long, white skirt,with a peach colored tank top under a sheer white, flowing cardigan. What a great look, so simple and easy. She passed in front of me as I slowed to open the door to the gym and I noticed the biggest mistake no one should ever make: she was wearing leopard print panties. My whole impression crushed in an instant. The door could have hit me in the face and the wound would not be as deep as this fashion faux pax.

We dress to feel good. We dress to impress. We dress to protect ourselves from the elements. We must also remember to simply dress. Dressing is a simple process from the inside out. Bras and panties, if one wears panties, play a huge role in the complete look of one’s personal style. A special occasion outfit can turn into a puddle of fabric without the proper undergarments.  Jeans and a t-shirt can lose their simplicity with a bra strap falling or a thong creeping out among a waist land.

I made a wedding dress for a dear friend three years back. I asked her to bring her best bra and full slip to begin the draping process.  She agreed but was unclear as to the purpose. I built the gown around her body knowing we would eventually have a custom-made corset to support the bust and taper the waist. At the beginning of the process the good bra and full slip allowed the fabric to follow her natural curves. I created the first sample out of the real fabric but did not fit her until her corset was complete. The first thing she said when she put the sample on with the corset was, “I understand now. The shape changes completely with the corset”.  Remember, what is underneath always shows.

Take the time to find the right bra. Nordstrom has a service that will fit you for a proper bra. They measure and adjust and search for the right bra. I had success with this service but need to go back now that I have lost some weight and have also aged a few years since the last fitting, two things that contribute to poor fit. Your clothes will look better with a well-fit bra. You will feel better. Anything you buy and wear will show its true self when wearing the proper bra. Smooth, slightly padded bras for tees and light weight sweaters. Lace and trim show through and create a focus you may not have been seeking. Lace bras do make a statement when revealed and whisper the secret sexiest you under weightier fabrics. Plunging bras with padding help create a lovelier shape to a deep neckline as well as add support. And of course, one should always have a good supportive sports bra, two is better, three is best – stay inspired.

As for panties, they always show unless you’re not wearing them. Panty shapes, colors and fabrics all serve a purpose besides just looking pretty. For low-rise pants or jeans, wear the same panty. Low rise, polyester, and snug. They won’t rise up and will stay hidden. Wear a full seamless panty with slim fitting skirts or slinky fabrics. Consider how the panty looks and feels when you first put the garment on. Will you be pulling the sides of the legs or hiking up the waist? Time for new panties! If you like a thong buy new ones regularly and throw the olds one out just as regularly.  Keep the fit smooth and taught. You will feel good about what’s underneath those fabulous old jeans you can’t live without. Lastly, with light colors or sheer fabrics wear a little higher rise flesh tone panty. Your fabulous long skirt or simple dress will thank you for it.

We all see what we see. And we also see what we don’t think we see. Think about the undergarments. Think about how they layer under your favorite skirt or sweater. Spend the time and a little money to dress you underneath. You’ll be glad for the support.

Sales before the Season

/ The Inspired Closet / Leave a comment

Retail has an unusual cycle. Garment design and production happens 6 months to a year in advance of ending up on store fixtures.  We are shoppers of seasons. We like to shop when it’s time to shop. We are constantly shopping in our minds during the year. We stare into our closets anticipating that something will jump out and surprise us. What really comes as surprise is that we have everything we think we need but something is always missing.

Nordstom already had their Anniversary pre-season sale. Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s will be sure to follow. The focus for a pre-season is all about buying the newest looks for the season at a reduced price. However, we are in the middle of summer. Which thinking about the cool, fresh fall in the middle of a warm, hot sun filled sky days is difficult. When shopping a pre-season sale there are a few guidelines I try to follow:

  • Take stock of all the cool weather items you have. This may mean cleaning out the closet or drawers. Consider how many sweaters you already have and what styles or colors you would like to have. Do you only have cardigans and no pull overs? Do you have all black and no color but want color?
  • Go through your coats and take note: are they all short or are they all long? Would you like to have a choice of each during the season? Do you have all black or brown and would like to add color? Or be risky and buy something that is not consistent with the coats you may already own?
  • Pants. Do you have only jeans and would like to add other fabrics to your assortment? Do you only own black and would like to add color or pattern?

These three points of focus are probably a good place to start. You may only be adding one major piece to your assortment or filling in a whole range of sweaters, pants, long sleeve tee’s ,etc. Whatever your reason to buy remember to put yourself in the season. By this I mean, think cool. Think leaves turning color. Think how cozy you like to feel on those days when the wind wants you to feel otherwise. The retail cycle will not change but how you shop can change.

 

The Anatomy of a “SALE”

/ The Inspired Closet / Leave a comment

We are now welcomed into the season of sun and fun! Days off from the regular day in and day out are always an essential reprieve. This is also the time retailers move their inventory with sales and promotions. Sales AND promotions you say? Yes, two very distinct processes that serve a specific purpose. Here’s what you need to know:

“Sales” are an opportunity for retailers to move residual product when a season comes to an end. We are currently in the “summer sale” period.

  •  Choice by size and specific color are now limited.
  • If a retailer has an abundant assortment of an item that means it was a poor seller at regular price and now must go to make room for a new assortment of items.
  • Items to sell out will have ” hard mark” ticket.  Hard mark means price tickets have a lower price stamped over the original price.
  • The sale price will be reduced  at some point if the residual is not moving fast enough. If you find your size in something you like but think you could get a better price in a week or two you run the risk of not finding the same piece again. Keep in mind, when price tickets have been “hard marked” and you find something you love you should think about buying it.

Promotions are temporary price reductions of the current regular price.

  • Promotions will run for a specific time period. “Target” runs promotions weekly beginning on Sunday ending Saturday.
  • An item on promotion must be in stock at the time the ad runs.
  • Retailers will stock items considered “basic” items which are regularly put on promotion to draw customers into their stores.
  • Nordstrom will run bi-annual promotional sales. The Women’s and Children’s Half yearly sale and the Anniversary Sale. Both sales will have product ticketed with a ‘temporary’ price lower than the regular price. This is a great time to get new items at the beginning of a season at a lower price than in season selling.

The goal of understanding both processes is to know what you can get for your money. Sales with “hard mark” prices are items that are the deal you have been waiting for. Promotions can create an incentive to buy early with the maximum choice by size and color. Both events create chances to develop your style as it is or take your style into a new direction without sacrificing too much.  Always give yourself specific time to shop sales. Go early or late. Go with a focus and you will spend less time and effort. And if you find something you absolutely love – buy it. Those treats are the little miracles that make shopping fun!

The truth about unopened drawers

/ The Inspired Closet / Leave a comment

The truth about unopened drawers? I think I know what is in them. I think I know what I’ve hidden in the deep corners of those dusty drawers. All those inconspicuous things muddled together in the dark with an unknown purpose.

The drawers are built-ins. They are snug within a small space between the bathroom and the bedroom. I pass them everyday knowing they are overflowing with stuff. I won’t even open them for fear the stuff would just flood the small space and smother me. I get that feeling every time I pass those drawers.

I spent three hours last Sunday afternoon clearing out two of the four drawers.  The top, smaller drawer, organized in narrow baskets of hair bands, hair clips and make-up. The second drawer is empty in case I have a house guest. My goal was to clear out the two bottom drawers to give myself the space I needed to store my work out clothes. I hired a personal trainer two weeks ago. On the first day of our workout I could not find my clean work out clothes. Having had nowhere to put them, I balanced them on the lid of the clothes hamper. I told myself I would clear out the scary drawers.

I emptied the drawers completely. Struggling with arms full, I unceremoniously dropped the bundle of many colors on the floor in the living room. Once I had wiped down the inside of each drawer, I stared down into them. They were open like baby bird’s mouths waiting for a feeding. I felt like the mother being careful about what I would put into those empty bellies.

In the living room the pile was lifeless. I began to sort. T-shirts to donate. T-shirts to recycle. Socks with no mates. Oh, another sports bra! Who knew? I purchased a new one that very morning thinking I did not have a third one. Now I had four. I discovered I had six pairs of socks among the uncoupled, worn ones.  A small victory within the pile. I recycled all those lonely socks with no partner.  After I decided which things I would keep, I folded everything. I carried them ever so gently and laid them into the third drawer. So beautiful. I placed the socks in the middle row that formed between work out leggings and work out bras. I could only stare amazed.

The fourth drawer was ready to fill. Assorted scarves overflowed on the floor. I sorted them by color, then fabrication. I have more than I need in red and black. I have beige, brown and multi-colored ones too. Some are hand-crocheted. Some are wool.  And several are sheer, elegant, silky scarves like the ones they might wear on “Mad Men”. I kept the colors that were instinctively my favorites. I am all about color. Color is what I see first, so I let that instinct guide me. After I decided what to keep I folded everything. I carried them ever so gently and laid them in the fourth drawer. Keeping things organized is often about repetition. I put the scarves in the lowest drawer specifically because I will use them far less than my work out clothes.

I am happy.  I feel like I can breathe. I have a place for my work out clothes that are now very much a priority. I have given them due diligence by creating a space for them to live. And here’s the truth, I have created a better place for me to live.

Shoes and Sales

/ The Inspired Closet / Leave a comment

Hello! I hope your Memorial weekend has been fun. I managed to get to the Nordstrom sale on Saturday. The shoe racks were in full force. The crowd was what I expected at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. People usually make their way to dinner during this hour which makes this a good time to shop.

I am looking for sandals. I wear size 10 shoes. This selection can be small relative to other sizes. I let my eye wander from one row to the next focused on color, then fabrication – is it leather, plastic, or fabric – all different fits. I also look at the sole – is it slim or is there any kind of support in the heel? I study all the candidates. I remind myself when shopping for sandals what I like in a sandal. I like the minimal strap sandals with bit of sole on the bottom for support. I prefer soft leather to fabric. I don’t like to wear plastic as my feet get hot. Above all, I have to like the sandal. Something about any shoe has to speak to me. Dressing is emotional. Shopping is emotional. So the purchase should feel good.

I had no luck finding sandals. I let myself “wander” to try on some wedge platform heels. As it is I have several styles of heels and wedge platforms in my closet. With wedge platform styles or any heel be aware of the pitch.

2 heels 4x6

The wedge heel and the 'pitch' on a wedge platform.

The “pitch” is the slope from heel to the ball of the foot. The shoe may be beautiful, but if the pitch is too steep to be comfortable it’s best to pass. I favor the wedge platform to the single heel simply because of comfort.
All in all, I came home ‘shoeless’. If I did bring home a new shoe I would have gone through my selection and discarded, donated, or sold to consignment,  another pair of shoes. I use this practice with clothes and hand bags. If the item is just worn out it gets thrown out. This keeps my assortment streamlined. My selection becomes about things I will wear versus things I ‘might’ wear. There are items that have a specific purpose, heavy coats and winter items, that belong in the back of the closet. For now, keep the newest selection mixed in with your existing items up front. You will feel good about your choices!

The Sale is on!

/ The Inspired Closet / 8 Comments

Hello all!

Big news! The Nordstrom half yearly sale starts today!

This sale is about: Spring and early summer goods, light weight fabrics, tees, and separates. You may see long dresses – so fab right now – light weight sweaters – and likely light weight jackets.

Here are some tips:

  • Go focused – if you are looking for tops – look at those first – try not to wander – if you’re looking for pants look only for pants, etc.
  • Try on and be comfortable – Go dressed to try things on. You are all so busy no point in buying and trying to return the
    items later. Wear things that are easy to take off and on – no boots or cumbersome sport shoes – stick to flats, clogs, flip flops,
    or simple shoes with a heel if that’s what you usually wear.
  • Pants – if you buy Nordstom labels jeans or pants they will hem for free – ask a sales person and they can get someone to measure then and there!
  • Tops – wear a good bra – if you don’t have one wear the best one you have!
  • Didn’t find what you wanted? – leave some time to wander…sometimes that’s when you find something you didn’t expect!
  • Nordstrom opens early and stays open late the first few days of the sale – drop the kids off at school and go! The best shopping is between 8 and 10 am or after 8 pm! Go online to check hours before you head out. http://shop.nordstrom.com/

I’ll be going on Friday – just to look – I started with my personal trainer last night and I’m not ready to buy clothes but I still like to look and see what’s out there!

Enjoy!

Alice