3 ways to organize your closet

Hi friends! As some of you know, a good chunk of what I do outside of these pages is what I like to call a closet makeover. About 80% of what I do is stripping down my clients' wardrobe, and clearing out items they don't wear anymore to make room for investment pieces. The other 20% of what I do is organize. This so key, especially for those of us who live in the NYC area. We have little space, lots of goods. I get it, I do. Like I said, 80% is editing your existing wardrobe, and 20% is this:

1. Invest in good hangers: We're all adults here, right? Can we agree that it may be time to get rid of our plastic hangers from college and recycle our hangers from the dry cleaners? When I decorated my room, I decided to spend $50 on really nice hangers. Not only does my closet feel less full, I can see everything in it! I love these, and these are a great all in one option.

2. Utilize your closet: I mean it! Hang everything you possibly can. The more you hang in your closet, the more readily available your best pieces are, and you won't forget about them. Leave drawers and shelves for sweaters (knits stretch when they're hung) and workout clothes, pjs, undies, etc.

3. Put your best pieces forward: We all wear the same three outfits, truly. It's so easy to get into a routine of wearing the most comfortable / ready wear items in your closet. Challenge yourself! Put your tried and true pieces behind the pieces that don't get much mileage. When you're sussing out what to wear, reach for these pieces first. Try something new every week. Your closet and your bank account will thank you!

Follow these rules and I promise, you'll have a happy situation. Or, if you just don't have time / energy, shoot me an email at allie AT littleredswell DOT com and I'll do it for you! Closet makeovers start at $100.

xoxo,

photo by Victoria Gloria.

new year's musings and an update

Oh HEY there, friends! I feel like I haven't blogged in about a month (tail between legs), it's nice to be back! Did you all have a relaxing, restful holiday? We had a blast in Connecticut - it went by in such a blur, but here are some highlights:

We ate a lot. We drank a lot. We laughed a LOT.

We hung out with lots of cute little ones. We made this:

MOV_9636.m4v

I'm actually oddly feeling that look, in that video. I came across a random t-shirt from when I studied abroad and truly lived in it for the entirety of my trip. Which is why I felt better about life when I saw this. Which is very different from today's topic on LRW. Are you guys going out for NYE? Raven and I are attending a birthday brunch during the day, and he actually has the night off, so we're considering hitting up our friend's house party. What will I wear? What is festive and yet not sparkly/obvious and not unrealistic to put on my body? Here's what I've worn in the past:

Four years ago I wore a silky navy tunic with knit leggings and a thin gold belt (remember when everyone belted every shirt ever?).

Two years ago I wore a red peplum tube top (which had previously been a dress that I took a pair of scissors to) with a red flannel and black holey skinny jeans.

This year, I would love to wear a pantsuit like this, but I don't own one, and with a wedding on the horizon, my clothing allowance is essentially nil. Tell me, friends, what are you wearing this New Year's Eve? What are your plans? Inquiring minds want to know...

xoxo,

image 4 by Joe Power, image 5 by Kennedy Kanagawa.

large and in charge

What is it about fall that makes us want to renew and refresh? It's that back to school mentality that makes us get down to business and get to work. Of course, for me, it means wanting to change everything (my apartment...for one). I have been obsessed with large art lately. We have a sizable mirror over our couch, but I just want an ENORMOUS piece of art. Aren't these pictures mouthwatering? There's something simple and stately about one singular focal point on a wall. It's ballsy, yeah? It's like you're saying, "you don't NEED to look anywhere else." I think we're going to have to try it...

What are you thinking about mixing up this Fall? xoxo

images via Pinterest.

Have a fantastic holiday!

Hi from Litchfield County in good ol CT aka paradise. Raven and I just ate blueberry biscuits and we're going to take Charlie out for a long walk. I'll be adding snaps to my Instagram all say (little.reds.well) so please feel free to follow along! See you tomorrow! xoxo

weekend recap

Whew! What a weekend! I just got back late last night and I am filled to the brim with lovin'. Friday night Charlie and I packed up my car and headed to CT for the night.

Isn't my parents' backyard dreamy? Charlie and I spent a couple hours outside on Friday afternoon; me doing a little work / a little nothing, him galavanting through the woods and chasing birds.

After a relaxing afternoon, I headed to my sister and brother in law's house to hang with my nephews and have pizza and beer. This is Alex, the most Irish baby on the planet. I got to put Alex's older brother, Owen, to sleep that night, and as we sat in the rocker, I felt my heart almost bursting. I swear, being an Aunt is the best feeling in the world.

Saturday morning started bright and early. I decided to take a selfie in this gas station bathroom in New York. Very typical behavior. My good friends and neighbors, Stephanie and Patrick, decided to have their wedding a Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. The drive was spectacular, but the venue...

The venue is so exceptional. Nestled in Mohonk Preserve, the house is really a resort - all meals are included as well as most activities; hiking, canoeing, yoga, horseback riding, the list goes on. It's the perfect backdrop for a wedding, and I had a total blast assisting my friends in their special day. Their family and friends were the most fun loving group of people, it didn't feel like work to me at all. More snaps of the day are on my Instagram account :).

Yesterday, I headed home early (I stayed at the cutest hostel in New Paltz, I recommend it for an inexpensive, comfy stay!) to get back to Charlie and spend the day with my nephews. After dinner we rushed home to be with Raven, who we missed desperately. Needless to say, the weekend was a total success, as is evidenced by my enormous cup of coffee this morning. Bring on the week!

xo.