Style

Style - Dare to Compare

So different, yet so similar.

Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe were two of the most memorable blonde bombshells.

Both women had iconic, timeless style.

And both will be forever remembered.

Who's style resonates with you more strongly? Grace Kelly, or Marilyn Monroe?

Style - Hope's How-To

Yesterday I shared with you 3 helpful tips for organizing your closet, and today let's continue to dig deeper. So you're on a quest to create a fully functional wardrobe. Just saying it scares some people, but really, organizing your closet is not as difficult a task as it seems.

I think it's safe to say that the closets of most men and women contain more than a few items that are rarely worn. Which begs the question, when organizing one's closet, how do you decide what stays and what goes? Do you throw out everything and start from scratch, or how do you determine what to keep?

Here are five questions that I ask myself before putting items in the "giveaway" bag.

1. Why am I keeping this item? Be it shoes or a sweater, what is the reason you want to keep this item? Chances are, because you're afraid to get rid of it, or you think that the very second you throw it out, you'll have a need for it. Either way, put it in the giveaway bag.
2. What kind of shape is the item in? If the item has visible piles or pulls, is ripped or torn, or if it's missing buttons or beads, put it in the giveaway bag. Some things just can't be salvaged.
3. Is this item worth anything? If it's investment piece that needs repair, look into that option. But make sure you act; don't just put it back on the hanger and save it for later.
4. Can I easily replace this item? If the answer is yes, say in the case of a faded cottton crewneck, worn out denim jeans, or other wardrobe essential, then put it in the giveaway bag and go out and buy new.
5. Will I wear this in the next six months? Hard to predict the future, I get it, but a good way to measure is this. After wearing an item, hang it up in your closet with the hanger facing the opposite direction. After six months, take an inventory of what items you've worn, and what you haven't. It's an easy way to determine what stays in your closet, and what should go.

So you've narrowed it down, and I hope now you feel that editing your closet is easier than you first imagined. Any items in the giveaway bag, take to the Salvation Army, Goodwill, or even your local consignment store. There's someone out there with a need for your gently worn items.

Style - Hope's How-To

New year, new you! I receive plenty of emails regarding closet organization, and so many questions on how to organize one's closet effectively. Trust me, this is something that you can spend years perfecting.

Four times a year, I carefully take an inventory of what's in my closet and transform my wardrobe for the coming season. We've talked before about sorting clothes and proper clothing storage, but what about maintaining a wardrobe for all seasons?

Here are three helpful tips when it comes to keeping your closet filled with items you'll wear again and again:

1. Keep it classic. Sound easier said than done? Not so. Take stock of what's in your wardrobe (and storage) right now. Is it more trendy than classic? Do you have more than 5 items that you look at and say "that's out of style"? A classic wardrobe is one that never dates. You can pick up the same sweater 10 years from now, and wear it again. Personally, I've got articles of clothing from high school that I still style today.
2. Stick to the basics. Basic doesn't have to be boring, trust me. It simply means don't waste your money on anything outlandish. Gaudy embellishments, sparkles, or any article of clothing that's crazy dramatic — super-structured shoulder pads, too-tapered pants, unnatural fibres (think pleather) — has no place in the classic wardrobe. The classic wardrobe is one that's filled with uniform shapes and stylishly cut clothing. Opt for sweaters that fit comfortably, pants that have a straight leg, shoes with a moderate heel, and the like.
3. Balance is everything. I live by the "everything in moderation" principle, and this is one motto that should be practiced both in and out of the closet. Black is my favourite non-colour, and it just so happens that black never goes out of style. Not to say that colour is bad thing, au contraire! Your wardrobe should be a balance of neutrals, blacks, and a few pops of colour. If it's out of balance, chances are there are several items that you rarely wear.

Style - Get the Look

Announced just days before her 30th birthday, Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge, has revealed the British charities that she will support in the coming year. It comes really as no surprise that Kate is putting her support behind charities that focus on the arts (she has a degree in Art History, hello) and children.

Kate will act as patron for the following British charities in 2012:

• The Art Room: A charity based in Oxford, The Art Room uses art as therapy to increase self-esteem, self-confidence, and independence in children.
• The National Portrait Gallery: Founded in 1856, The National Portrait Gallery features more than 160,00 portraits of famed Britons from the 16th Century to today.
• Action on Addiction: Action on Addiction is a charity that helps combat addiction through research, treatment, professional education, and support for those affected.
• East Anglia's Children's Hospices: EACH cares for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions, and provides support for their families.
• Scouts Association: A former Brownie herself, The Duchess will be helping with local cub packs and beaver colonies.