Forget the Iron, Get an Upright Clothing Steamer

My Jiffy Steamer is essential when it comes to taking care of my clothes.  I hate ironing!  The steamer is a perfect alternative. 

For under $200, it is a great investment.  I've had mine for over four years.  I have saved so much money on dry cleaning and my clothing lasts longer.  Compared to dry cleaning, the steamer is more gentle on your clothes, which allows your clothes to last longer.  Just steam the wrinkles out and they are ready to wear again.  Now, I send dry clean items to the cleaner, only when they are stretched out from wear or stained.

Fixtures International in Houston carries the steamer. 

Check it out!

iPhone Covers

I am loving these Jonathan Adler iPhone covers.  I have seen them on a few of my favorite blogs.  You can find them at several retailers online. 

I also heard from a fabulous coworker about iPhone covers made by young patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center.  Proceeds from your sale benefit the kids!

Kate Spade makes iPhone covers too! 

I think it is important to surround yourself with images that you love.  These days, we are constantly attached to our mobile devices.  If you have to look at it several times a day, you might as well make it look good.

Enjoy!

For Ladies Only---Spanx Bra-llelujah

I never thought I would talk about undergarments on this blog, but I must mention the Spanx Bra-llelujah.  Years ago, women fell in love with Spanx bodyshapers.  Spanx became the modern day girdle--oh I mean body shaper.  (My bad!)  I am so happy that Spanx is now offering a wider range of undergarments and body shapers.

I love the Spanx bra in the traditional and racer-back styles.  I have recommended it to friends and they love it too.  What makes it special is that the shoulder and back straps are made of soft hosiery straps--no more adjustable straps that dig in or fall off the shoulder.  The bra is comes with underwire or without and is front-closure, in both styles.  It isn't the most beautiful bra, but great for every day life.  It feels so nice, you don't care what it looks like.  And "the girls" look great in it.

I think this bra is just as comfortable as a sports bra.  Check it out!



P.S.---For the men that read this post, Spanx offers bodyshapers for men too!  Men's Compression T-Shirts are now available.  I never thought I would see the day.  First "manscaping" and now this.  Enjoy!

Look Book

Not unlike most people, I find inspiration in the most mundane activities. A new song may be on the radio, and I have to add it to my next Spinning class playlist. I might smell cookies baking and have to eat one (or four). On a nice day, I must enjoy the weather and take my dogs on an extra long walk.

As far as fashion and home design go, I often find my inspiration in magazines. As I flip through my favorites, I pull out pages that inspire me. To organize these pages, I created my own "Look Book." I bought an accordion file organizer (see terrible photo above) and labeled the tabs---clothes/shoes, home, products (hair/face/body), accessories, and other/gifts. I file the pages and refer to them before I shop.

Some times, I hunt down the exact item. Other times, I find an item (like fashion trends or home decor) that is similar.

Most of the time, I just keep the images, because they make me feel good and inspired. These images are like a dream/other life or aspiration for the future.

My Look Book also doubles as a wish list. I keep pictures of items that I hope to have one day. These are "big ticket" items that I save up for or hope to acquire. (Kinda like a vision board a la The Secret? ha ha ha)

It is important to me to live an inspired life. Keep things (images, books, songs, loved ones, fragrances, textures, etc.) that inspire you close by and enjoy them. Be inspired.

Best,
Julie

Another Use for Over-the-Door Shoe Organizers

I got this great idea from Today's Creative Blog . I love this site!

Over-the-door shoe organizers are great for keeping your closet floors clutter-free and allows all of your shoes to be seen. I never considered using the organizer for any thing other than shoes. I was missing out. You can store any thing you want in those compartments. Duh! Such a simple and useful idea!

For me, I keep my dog leashes (and other pet supplies), keys, note pad/pen, mail (one slot for bills, another for shredding), scissors, umbrella, etc. This is a great way to keep those drawers clutter-free.

My organizer is located over the door of my laundry closet. Where are you going to put yours?

Enjoy!
Julie

Clothing Closet Cleaning: Step 1--Sorting Items in Your Clothing Closet

We wear 10% of our closet 90% of the time!
My guess is that the percentage would be much higher, if we could see what is in our closets. How much time do you spend standing in your closet every morning (in a rush) trying to decide what to wear? Clothing closet organization is key to starting your day off right.

One of my favorite things to do is helping people organize their clothing closets. After cleaning a clothing closet, my clients have said that they feel renewed and excited to get dressed every day. Some even say that the sorting is a cathartic experience. They are excited to "shop" their closets. Clients enjoy being reacquainted with items that were lost in the abyss of their closet.

Getting started:

Pick an item and ask yourself the following questions:

Does the item serve you? (Do you wear it? Do you have a occasion to wear it?)
If yes, keep it.
In no, give it away (to some one or charity). Start a donation pile. Make a pile for each person you are giving items to.

Does the item fit?
If yes, proceed to next question.
If no, can it be altered (taken in/let out, shortened, etc.)? If yes, put in pile for alterations.

NOTE: It is time to accept the fact that buying clothing "off the rack" and expecting it to fit you properly or well is unreasonable!! Build the cost of alterations into the cost of a garment. Our bodies are not mannequins and we are not models. You will enjoy your clothing more, if it fits your body properly. Get a good tailor and be nice to him/her. He/she will help you look your best. A good tailor will help you camouflage your trouble areas and accentuate your best.

Is the garment flattering to your body type? Check out my links to Dress for Your Body Type and Common Body Concerns for more information. When in doubt about whether a garment or outfit is flattering, ask some one.

Does the piece need to be mended or repaired?
If yes, put aside to take for alteration or shoe repair. Make note of needs to be addressed with each item.

Does it need to be washed or dry cleaned?
If yes, add to dry cleaning or dirty clothes hamper.

Is the item outdated?
If yes, can it be updated by a tailor? Keep the items and take them to your tailor. He/she will be able to advise you on what can be done. Ask how much the changes will cost. Then you can decide if it is worth updating or give away and purchase a replacement item.

Take the items for donation/give away out of the house immediately. Visit your tailor and dry cleaner ASAP.

Next week, I will address Step 2-Arranging Your Closet.

Be Balanced,
Julie