Hope's How-To

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 - Hope's How-To

In the mere twenty something years that have passed since I first graced the earth with my presence, there are several things in the world that have seen great progress, but here's one thing that hasn't: The art of personal communication. In fact, if anything, I'd say we as a society have regressed when it comes to communicating.

It would appear — the exception being few — that gone are the people who favour writing lengthy love letters and handwritten thank-you cards. Today it's more likely that you'll be the recipient of a text message, or an email (if you're lucky). And why is that? Have we really become such slaves to technology that we're too lazy to write long-form? Or perhaps, more accurately, we've become so accustomed to computers and mobile devices that we've actually waxed afraid or forgotten how to communicate IRL (that's text-speak for In Real Life, duh).

Should you choose to accept it, here's a challenge for this week: Write a letter or a thank you card to someone you care about. It doesn't have to be long-winded; it doesn't have encompass your every thought; just make it sincere, and it will be beautiful. Too often I think we take for granted the people who surround us and who support us. And in a world where sincerity is more rare than an authentic Hermes ostrich Birkin bag, a handwritten note is something that will be cherished (if the person to whom you're writing has a heart).

Here are some tips on how to write a card or letter:

1. Decide what you want to say. Is this a thank you card? Will this be a note of kindness?
2. Pick up a pen, paper, and put down your thoughts. Sometimes it takes the right stationary and writing utensil to get you in the writing mood.
3. To start, keep it brief. Sometimes in life, the easier a task is, the more frequently we'll be apt to do it. So if it's a been a while since you composed a piece of snail mail, keep it short. Trust me, you'll feel more inspired to write again if your first composition isn't daunting and drawn-out.
4. Salutations and closings are important. "Hey, what's up?" is quite casual for this exercise, but if that's you, then go to it. A safe salutation is usually your recipient's first name followed by a comma. For a closing, be true to what's on your heart. Jane Austen closed much of her correspondence with, "Yours affec'y" (Yours Affectionately).
5. Put the note in the mail. This is key. Yes, it's easy to put a card on a co-workers desk, or drop off a letter to a friend's house, but there's a feeling unmatched to that of pulling your mail out of your mailbox and seeing a stamped letter addressed to you.

Style - Hope's How-To

Mid-January is no time to get discouraged about your new year's resolutions. Though the holidays are over, you're back at work, and it may seem like each morning comes to soon, today I'm sharing with you a few things that I put into practice that I hope will encourage you as well. It's good to be realistic; you're bound to have good days and bad, but there's something to be said about the power of positivity and hopeful thinking. Here are a few tips to help you remain positive and maintain balance during your workweek.

1. Relax — Whether you watch a certain TV show, read a book for fun, or just engage in some quality conversation with a loved one, take time — even just thirty minutes — to slow down. In today's world of constant connection, taking a break from technology is an important factor in a healthy lifestyle. As hard as it may be to turn your BlackBerry on silent, or to turn off Twitter, it's crucial to do so to give your mind a break. Trust me, it will help you to be more productive when you do get back to work.
2. Don't Put Off Until Tomorrow What You Can Do Today — I'm talking about prepping the night before for the next day. This counts for clothes, lunches, and notes. When it comes laying out clothes, at least pick out what you're going to wear the night before. Trust me, you'll sleep better and feel more adequately prepared for the day ahead. The same goes for shoes; if your favourite black pumps need polishing, do it the night before. When it comes to lunch, prepare something ahead of time. Whether you're a fan of frozen lunches or healthy salads, get lunch ready and packaged so in the morning you can just grab it and go. As far as your notes are concerned, if you must bring work home with you, get them in order and filed how you'll need them for the next day.
3. Have A Healthy Breakfast — If you're not a morning person and find it hard to eat first thing when you wake up, take a shower first and do the majority of your getting ready first. Then eat something light — granola and yougurt, pre-sliced fruit, or a bowl of cereal are all great options — with a cup of coffee or juice. If you take vitamins, wait until half-way through your breakfast to take your supplement (it will aid in digestion).
4. Exercise — Don't be extreme, but do exercise. If you're not a fit person by nature, start small and ttry taking a leisurely stroll around your neighbourhood with the family pet, or take up a short-term fitness class at your local gym. Work a workout into your lifestyle and you' ll feel the difference within a week.
5. Keep Things In Perspective — Feeling overwhelmed at work? Be realistic. You're only one person and you can only do so much. The work will still be there when you come back tomorrow. Things frantic at home? Make it a point to stay in at least one night a week. Enjoy the simple things, like spending time with your family. It's the best way to bring things back down to earth.

Style - Hope's How-To

Happy New Year's Eve, loves!! Hope in the midst of your busy party prep for tonight's countdown to 2011 that you take a minute to check out my 11 Style Resolutions for 2011. These are all practical points that I believe every woman (and man) should keep in mind as he/she endeavors to dress his/her best and live everyday with style.

1. Get organized. This is perhaps the penultimate point on my list. Organization is the key to a wearable wardrobe. We've already discussed the importance of proper clothing storage, and this remains true the entire year through. To see what's available in your wardrobe, and the exact contents of your closet, you've got to have clothing organized according to season, then sub-categorized according to the item of clothing (sweaters, blouses, camisoles; pants, skirts, tights; etc).
2. Vary clothing choices. Closet confession: Dressing with variety is one thing with which I struggle. I find three or four pieces of clothing I love and tend to rotate between them. One of my personal goals for the coming year is to more fully utilize the clothing in my closet. After six months, if an item hasn't been worn, it's going in the donation bin (Just yesterday I made a trip to the Salvation Army; I know the people thrifting there have a real appreciation for Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors, right).
3. Play with accessories. On my Christmas wish list this year were several enviable accessories, and in 2011, I attend to accoutre myself with all of them (but not necessarily at the same time). From earrings, rings, and necklaces to bangles and belts, 2011 is all about personalizing your style with accessories.
4. Don't be consumed with designer names. Trust me on this one. It will make parting with unworn clothing during seasonal inventory much easier, and it will make your trips to the Salvation Army a breeze. Just because clothing doesn't have a luxe label sown in it doesn't mean the quality is any less or the piece of clothing has less style.
5. Dress with function in mind. I tend to come home from work and change before heading out for after-hours fun. Make it a goal to wear pieces of clothing that style professional for work but that can easily transition for night. Try carrying some spunky shoes in your bag, and dressing in layers so after work all you have to do is lose the sweater or blazer and change your shoes to be ready for a night out on the town.
6. Think quality over quantity. This goes hand-in-hand with point four. Garments made in Europe or North America tend to be the best quality. You don't have to buy designer to buy quality. It's not necessarily about where you shop; it's about what you're buying. Once you get a few high quality, versatile items rather than a bunch of cheap clothing, you'll find getting dressed and keeping your closet organized are much easier tasks.
7. Try one trend. Trends come and go with each passing year, but that doesn't mean you should avoid them all together. In 2011, try one trend and mix it in with your classic pieces. It's a fun and budget-friendly way to keep your look current.
8. Step outside your comfort zone. Like I said in point number two, one of my biggest challenges is making use of every item in my closet. While it's easy to get comfortable, you'll find a feeling of accomplishment when you step outside your comfort zone and try to use variety when styling your wardrobe.
9. Don't be afraid of colour. Black is my favourite (non)colour. I wear it everyday. More than half of my closet contents are darker than night. And, part of that is probably because black is a colour that I wear well. That being said, one of my style resolutions for 2011 is to infuse a little more colour into my wardrobe, by pairing some of my black clothing with colour.
10. Keep your closet current. This means doing a seasonal inventory and getting rid of any items that you haven't worn in six months or more. Sound difficult? Doing it will give you great satisfaction, and more of a desire to dress with style. Donate clothing to your local thrift store, and keep in mind that even if it's brand new, if you haven't worn it in the last 6 months, you're not going to.
11. Be true to yourself. Don't wear things just because your favourite glossy tells you it's on trend, or because you see your friends wearing it. That's the worst reason ever for buying an item of clothing. Wear clothing you love and that makes you look your best. What looks good on one person — whether clothing or colour — may not look good on another person. Embrace your individuality and what makes you unique.