think twice

Good morning from a chilly NY! Raven and I slept with the window open last night and spent the early morning hours with Charlie in between us, trying to soak up all his little puppy heat.

Since I started working with clients last fall, I've taken a good, hard look at my own wardrobe every few months. I'm getting to be ruthless about it - I see the similar challenges my clients face also infiltrating my tiny closet, and I want to make room for new finds, yes, but I also just want to cultivate a better wardrobe, with fewer things. Clear and clean out.

I always tell my clients about Twice, which I've used on multiple times now to sell clothes for clients as well as myself. It is a pain in the butt to take your clothes to the consignment shop - especially in NYC. Twice has eliminated the need for schlepping; you sign up, say you want to sell, and they will mail you a prepaid envelope for your clothes.

Once you get the envelope, you fill out a form, shove your clothes in the bag, and send them back to Twice with your fingers crossed. Twice will review what you send and email you an offer (takes about a week) that you can either accept and take to the bank, or reject and pay to have your clothes sent back to you.

The only slightly tricky part to using Twice is that they only purchase certain brands. Their website has an easy search form so you can double check what they take. In addition, if you accept their offer, you cannot get back the clothes that they didn't include in their offer - everything gets donated. So make sure you don't want what you send in!

Here are three tips to help you decide what to send in:

1. It's like new and you never wear it. It could be that striped blazer, or pair of slacks that your job no longer requires. Get rid of it! My rule of thumb - if you haven't worn it in a year, say goodbye.

2. You love it, but it's just not your style anymore. I frequently see two people while doing closet makeovers: the current client, and the three years ago client. The clothes from 3 years ago are fine, but they're not her style anymore. Let them go and make room for pieces your current self loves.

3. You have multiples of the same piece. You don't need four black cardigans, you need one awesome cardigan. Keep the item that's made of the best material (wool, cashmere, etc) and is in the best condition. Send out the others.

That's it! Here's hoping you all make your closets a little skinnier.

To sign up for Twice and get $10 off your first purchase, click here. I have not been compensated by Twice for writing this post, but I am using my referral link.

xoxo,

images by Ashley Caroline.

make a wish

I am 30 in 7 days. One week left of my twenties...that is a daunting thought. Age is just a number though, right? Like Peter Pan before me, I refuse to grow up. Though my wrinkles get deeper and my belly softer, I vow to remain as immature as possible for as long as possible. Which is why today's post is about my birthday list. Today I bring you my 30 going on 13 wish list:

// impractical yet perfect snuggly coat // cozy sweater // my name in lights // plaid denim // gold jewels // sparkly sneaks // plaid sweater (one can never have too much plaid) // travel mug // a sensible bag // a wintery candle // rock studs // navy moto jacket // kitty cat flats //

If you're here for a little maturity, first of all, you're in the wrong place. However, last year's post on turning 29 is one of my favorites I've ever written, so check it out.

And Happy AHS / Key and Peele Wednesday!

xoxo,

top image by Julia Bushe.

how to: wear hosiery

Sometimes I think tights get a bad rap. Caught somewhere in between skinny jeans and leggings, we just never really consider them. We should be giving thanks to the stylish way we keep our frigid stems warm all winter long. Let's break down how to wear them so that we can give them proper love this season:

1. Find Your Style: Consider the style that works for you, and consider wearability. I am most comfortable in opaque tights in black or brown. That's just me. Maybe you like sheer black, or flesh toned fishnets. Like a signature scent, find what works for you. Maybe you wear a lot of brown and maroon cut out tights work best with that. Good, stick with it. I will occasionally wear the printed tight, but it has to be versatile. Subtle adornments in a neutral color work best, so I would avoid bright colors or elaborate patterns if you're going for cost per wear.

2. Style with Slacks: We've got to get into the habit of breaking our own rules. You don't always have to wear tights with a pencil skirt and pumps. Style them with wide leg culottes or silky shorts for a night out. For thicker tights, pair with socks, boots, and a casual skirt if you can. Lumpy tights sticking out of dress shoes is a no-no. Also, black is our friend. Pair an LBD with any kind of black tights and black ankle boots for a no brainer outfit. Pair with a fun blazer, scarf, or cardigan to mix in color.

3. Mind the Shoes: Unless you're going to a costume party dressed as a Go Go Dancer, stay away from flesh toned pumps and black tights. When dressing up, try to keep your tights and pumps in the same color family; this is for neutrals only, so, black with black, navy with navy, brown with brown.  However, black tights go equally well with brown shoes/boots and/or navy brogues/loafers. I like to remind my clients - when you're in your bedroom, all bets are off. Try on everything, the worst that can happen is you decide against it.

My absolute favorite brand for hosiery is Wolford. If you shop in store, you can feel a swatch each style before buying, and the sales people help you find the right size / style for you. Wolford is pricy though, so Hue is a great alternative, and they have a veritable library of styles. I also love H&M's simple black tights - they're affordable and they last.

That's it! Thoughts?

xoxo,

image via.

bag the heck up

You see what I did there? So, I'm a big advocate of cost per wear. I'm not someone who keeps items in my closet until the perfect moment. I buy it, I wear it, usually right away. I'm also not a huge fan of switching up my bag  constantly. I wish I was, but my purse gets so cluttered that it's a lengthy job at best, so I usually use 1 bag per season. Today's roundup is all about bags. Bags to get you from here to there, bags you'll use from now until the snow starts melting, and will then pull out from the closet for years to come. I tried not to go too expensive, as we're all on a budget, but I always suggest investing in something that will last. When I buy pieces, I kid you not I think about handing them down to my daughter or niece. I usually think that's a good jumping off point, so without further ado...

// Prada // Chloé //  Christian Dior // Rebecca Minkoff // Elizabeth and James // See by Chloe // Steve Madden // Urban Originals //  Rebecca Minkoff // Loeffler Randall // Zac Posen

I've got my eyes on the Loeffler Randall bag. Which is your fave? What's your favorite bag that you own? Which bag would you love to own?

xoxo,

rock out

Thanks for letting me dump on you guys yesterday. Order has been restored to this household, and we made it through 24 hours with no fire. Whoop! So, have you all been peeping the winter white trend that has been making the rounds this fall? Even Miss Olivia Palermo has been rocking it:

Well, initially I turned up my nose at this trend. I am, for whatever reason, so anti white pants. Every time someone mentions them, my mind's eye rolls wayyyyy back into its proverbial head (by the way, I'm not one to bash any trend, friends. You gotta do you, so please forgive my candor here). But I cannot help but perk my ears up at what is happening this fall! White all over - cozy sweaters, thick wool, lack of color in the best way. This trend could go way wrong way fast, so I put together a little mood board to explain my vision:

coat // shirt // pants // bag // booties

It's all in the accessories. Now, OP went chunky sweater and wide leg pants, and I tip my hat to her for that. We're going super sleek here, because we're pairing the outfit with heavy, dark accessories. Oversized coat, fringe leather bag, razor sharp booties. Yes, I know, blue and black. I understand the momentary head scratching, but hear my out. Picture someone in this outfit. Picture yourself in it! So good, right? You'd see her walking down the street and you'd be all sheeeeee's got it together.

Now go out and grab you some white...

xoxo,

image via.