This model photo in our local GAP store's window caught my eye last night. I then saw that my son has posted the photo on Instagram and Facebook congratulating GAP for its "Illness Diversity." Obviously this model has some type of skin condition, but is proudly displayed in a major store and mall as someone who looks great in their clothing. 

​It's great to see major retailers using models of ALL types who can look cute and beautiful in clothes, both male and female. Thank you, GAP!

Here in the Northwest, scarves can be worn almost year-round. Especially with the popularity of lighter weight cotton scarves, they can keep you warm on cool evenings, early mornings, or air-conditioned buildings. A scarf around the neck keeps you warm enough with just a light jacket or sweater, and you can always take it off if it gets too warm. Just as important, scarves add style, interest and color to your outfit! 

I saw the scarves below at TJMaxx and they were all priced between $12.99 and $16.99! So no excuses that you can't find or afford scarves! I've also seen a good selection at World Market, Old Navy, Gap and Target. Infinity scarves are especially popular this year, and I just got one for $15 at Francesca's. 

Here is a video that shows several ways to tie a scarf, and a Pinterest pin with more ideas. I don't think there is a wrong way to tie a scarf, just have fun and give them a chance!

How can you be authentic, real, and true to your best self?  Most women would say they want this for themselves. When I speak to groups of women, I always talk about this concept of matching your inside and outside. I give them the list of adjectives shown, and ask them to circle the ones they think describe them, then we talk about whether their current look sends that message out to people around them. 

Here are two examples of women whose inside and outside do NOT match.

How about a woman who is a musician, loves art, is warm, modern, friendly and artsy. She is drawn to bohemian styles, but has a misguided idea that she "should" be dressing "professionally" in structured suit jackets and white shirts with collars. She isn't comfortable in these clothes, and feels like she isn't being herself, because she loves more free-flowing clothing like this long, striped cardigan by Free People and that expresses her artistic side more authentically. She will be much happier and more comfortable with herself if she makes some changes in her wardrobe to reflect her true, best self.

Or how about a teenager who wears all black, hats that cover her face, and t-shirts with scary messages, but is confident, strong, intelligent and reliable, and wants to be seen as approachable? Her clothing is sending the opposite message. This outfit from Nordstrom BP shows those around her how she really feels and IS inside.  

Take a look at the qualities listed above, then look at the clothes in your closet and think about whether your clothes are sending the message and portraying the person you want to show to the people you come in contact with every day. Be your best, true, authentic self by learning your style and shopping to fit that style. 

This is the title of one of the lessons in my book,Six Word Lessons to Look Your Best.  Maybe "fun" isn't quite the right word to describe budgeting for clothing, but it can definitely be rewarding, and make you feel proud of yourself for keeping your purchases to a predetermined, reasonable amount.  So, in a way, it's kind of fun.

I have had a budget for about 20 years, and when I took a break for a few years, I gradually started spending too much, and realized that I felt guilty no matter how much or how little I bought!  When I started budgeting again, I saw the benefit of keeping track of what I was buying, which made me feel much more in control.

Use a Spreadsheet. My husband and I started a household budget when we were first married, and we used Microsoft Excel, but there are other spreadsheet and budgeting products.  Even paper and pen will work, just use what you like.

Save Receipts. I save receipts for everything that I am budgeting for--clothing, shoes, jewelry, etc. I don't include beauty products or services, because they aren't as difficult for me to control.  Create categories as you see fit.  Keep receipts from these categories in your wallet, or designate a basket or bowl in a prominent place at home, which works well if you are budgeting as a couple for your household.  This helps to have them handy for returns as well.  If you do return something, make sure you credit your spreadsheet. 

Record Purchases Once a Week. Sit down with your receipts and record your purchases onto your spreadsheet and see what your balance is.  Doing this once a week, say Sunday evening, helps you to always have the number in your head that is available to spend.  

Set a Monthly Budget Amount. This is the hard part, and it's different for everyone.  Obviously, you need to be able to afford it, but beyond that, try to come up with what you would like to be spending.  You can make it quarterly or weekly amounts if you'd like, but monthly seems the right timing for me.

Keeping my clothing purchases within a budget has helped me to shop more intelligently.  I shop at a variety of stores, such as Target, Nordstrom Rack, and consignment, as well as traditional clothing stores. Budgeting also helps me make better use of the clothes I have in my closet, by wearing them more often, but mixing them in different ways.  I am more careful with what I buy, making sure it is the right fit and color, and that I really love it.  It has helped me to be aware of major store's sales and keeping some money available for those sales.

Using a budget allows you to save up for large purchases you otherwise would think are too expensive or you would feel guilty about.  As you purchase items, be very sure you want to keep them and wear them.  This can take some time and trial and error, so always save receipts and invest the time to return items that you decide you don't like.  Also, if something is in good
condition, and can't be returned, sell it at a consignment shop and use that money for new clothes.

For more information on setting up a budget, and a sample spreadsheet, contact me at patty@wardrobe-consulting.com or 425-736-5893. 

Last week I devoted some time to cleaning out my closet, and took a few photos to share with you. Now that it's done, I love peeking in the closet and seeing so much space. I can literally breathe better when not looking past a lot of visual clutter to decide what to wear. I actually feel like I have MORE to wear.

How did I get my closet to this point and get ready for fall? With about three and a half hours of concentrated effort which, oddly enough, was fun for me. This photo is the end result of one section of the closet. Here is what I did:

Step 1: Prepare.  I started laundry so everything would be clean by the time I finished the job, made the bed and removed extra pillows for plenty of room to lay out clothes, and got some black garbage bags from the garage. I wore my workout clothes, so I could work quickly, with energy, and sort of consider it a workout!

Step 2: Remove Clothes from Closet.  I started at one end of the hanging clothes, gathered up items, keeping them on the hangers, and laid them in stacks on the bed. My closet was already organized into types of clothing. If yours is not, start categorizing as you lay it on the bed in these groups:  Jackets, Cardigans, Tops (Sleeveless, Short-Sleeve, Long-Sleeve), Dress Pants, Jeans, Dresses, Skirts, and whatever other categories work for you. When the bed was full, I started evaluating each item, one category at a time, to easily see the number of jackets or skirts and the colors and types. If I didn't like it anymore, hadn't worn it at all, it didn't fit, or looked pilled or worn out, I threw it in a pile on the bedroom floor, and put the hangers in another pile.  I tried on as needed, and as I finished a category, I hung everything back in the closet. 

This is the entire pile of clothes I later donated to Goodwill, and the hangers, which I later put back in the closet, some in a bin on a top shelf, and some hanging at the end of one of the rods to use as needed.

Step 3--Drawers. I followed the same process with everything in my drawers. I put the contents of my drawers on the bed, again in categories, and made decisions on whether to keep each item. This included t-shirts, sweaters, camisoles, workout wear, socks, tights, underwear, bras, scarves and a few miscellaneous things like sentimental items. I put everything back, a little differently, because of new extra space and how I will use things for the fall and winter.

Step 4--Shoes. The shoe sorting went quickly. I put away summer sandals and got out my boots, which were in bins on the top shelf, found a place for everything and got rid of maybe one pair. 

Step 5--Purses and Tote Bags. My weakness. I had a lot of purses that I didn't really use or like anymore, so added those to the pile. I stored the rest on shelves with dividers. I even had extra room to put some boots on the shelves with the dividers.

I ended up with three more piles: (1) Things my 23-year-old daughter might want, because at 23 you look good in anything, (2) Need mending or altered, and (3) Summer clothes to be stored.

Step 6--The End. Lastly, I put the items to donate in the black garbage bags, put the summer items in the same bins I had taken my winter boots and shoes from, and put the pile for my daughter in the guest room for when she visits next month. I also ended the process with a list of things to shop for, which was surprisingly short. 

 
 I talk to so many people who truly hate shopping for clothes.  But even if you like it, it can be challenging.  Here are a few ways to make it a little easier:

Avoid Crowds. Go when the stores are less crowded, like when they first open or weeknights.  Obviously, this is not always possible, but it's less stressful to have more space to look at the racks, more available salespeople, and no waiting for the fitting rooms.

Wear Comfy Clothes. Wear clothes and shoes that are easy to take on and off, with a camisole that can be left on.  Slip-on shoes are much easier than something with ties or worse, boots.

Try Two Sizes. Take two sizes of everything into the room.  Sizing is incredibly inconsistent, even within the same stores and
brands, so don't assume you know your size in a particular garment.

Keep Options in Mind. Find fit first, then color.  If you love the style and fit, ask about having the color you like shipped to you
or sent from another store, if not in stock.

Be patient with yourself and remember you can always finish at another time, and return items that don't work out once you get them home. Know yourself, and whether you shop best alone or with a friend or relative. If I'm serious about finding what I need, I usually do best by myself. Don't give up and try to enjoy it!