You’ve spent weeks cleaning out your closet and getting ready for a new year free of fashion clutter. So, now what? What do you do with all those bags of clothes? Do you donate them to the local Goodwill? Give them to friends and family? Or take them to a consignment shop? Or sell them on eBay?
Here are a few tips to help you recycle your wardrobe extras:
— When it’s cold outside, it’s a great time to spend a few hours taking inventory of your closet. Ask yourself what you haven’t worn in the past year — or the year before that — then be ruthless and get it out of your life once and for all. Maybe those sleeves have never really fit you; those buttons have been missing for months; you really do hate that chartreuse green color. Make room for something new. And remember: One woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure. Put it in the giveaway pile.
— After you’ve purged, you have some decisions to make. I usually load my “extras” up in the car and take them to a local charity where I know my clothes will actually be worn by a person in need and not resold. Dress for Success is a favorite charity as well as the American Red Cross.
— If your clothes are in excellent condition, then you may want to consider “reselling” them at a consignment store in your area. Be sure to check out the store’s policies. These policies can vary widely. Many shops only handle high-end merchandise or clothes with designer labels. Ask what percentage of the sale price the store keeps. And remember, if your item does not sell right away, it may be marked down again and again.
Also ask what the store does with unsold clothing. And always make a list of what you have left at the consignment store. Trust me, it’s easy to forget that slinky little cocktail dress that languished at the back of your closet for years, even when it’s at the resale store. Out of sight, out of mind!
— If you’ve decided to finally part with great-aunt Lucille’s fur stole or your grandmother’s rhinestone brooch, then you may want to consider taking it to a consignment store that specializes in selling vintage clothes and accessories. Again, ask friends for a reputable store managed by people who know their “stuff” and can assist you in determining the value of a treasured item.
Also ask about their “terms” — some vintage stores may offer you cash up front, while others operate much in the same way as a consignment store that resells designer clothing.
— Have a swap party. I’ve only been to one of these, but it was interesting. Most of us had more fun sipping cocktails and socializing then actually going home with tons of new clothes. But there are several websites that will get you started on hosting one of these parties — www.wikihow.com or www.ehow.com — and even online fashion swap sites: www.swapstyle.com.
— And then there’s eBay. This international, online auction phenomenon is a treasure trove of fashion finds — new and old. One of my New Year’s resolutions (oops, I forgot to mention this last week!) is to sell one of my black Persian lamb coats on eBay. However, at this point, I’m much more likely to find an authorized “eBay” drop-off store and let them do all the work for me. Now that’s how I like to clean out my closet!
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
By: Sharon Mosley
Most of us make resolutions and then break them. But instead of promising that you’re going to lose 20 pounds or walk 10 miles every day, give yourself a style makeover. It’s much easier, and you’ll still feel good about looking even better … then maybe you’ll go for the gym workout.
Here are my top 10 fashion resolutions for the coming year:
— Forget dressing age appropriate. At one of my family’s holiday dinners, a 74-year-old friend burst into the room wearing black leather leggings and boots. She looked fantastic. I vowed then and there to rethink the “age appropriate” thing and try some new things. I invested in a pair of “liquid” satin leggings, stuffed them into my scrunchy suede boots, and wore them to the next holiday party. They were a hit. Of course, I had on a long, knee-length coat over them. No need to get too carried away here.
— Shop for the unique. This is another way to put some new life into a weary wardrobe. When you shop, seek out truly distinctive clothes and accessories. That jacket with the embroidered peacock on the back, the clutch studded with colorful rhinestones or the knee-high tapestry boots. Give yourself some style personality with statement pieces, whether you find them on a department-store sale rack or on a shelf in the back of a vintage store.
— Add more color. Yes, I do say this every year when my daughter comments that I always look the same in our family Christmas photographs … dressed in head-to-toe black. But I did put the black back this season and tried the teal-green velvet thing. It did feel more festive, but I sort of blended into the Christmas tree. Oh, well. Next year, maybe I’ll wear an orange sweater!
— Spike up my hair. Years go by, and I find myself with the same “do” that really needs a little updating. The helmet head has got to go. Time to switch to a new hair plan. I think a few highlights and a few spiky pieces here and there might be in order. Hey, hair does grow back.
— Nail it. This year I plan to have more regular manicures and pedicures. I feel much more “put together” after a professional works their magic on my hands and feet. I’d do them myself, but it never looks quite the same if you know what I mean. While I can’t go with the “green” polish trend, I do think I’ll branch out a little more … maybe that popular new taupey Chanel color — “Particuliere” … hmmm.
— Forget the long skirts. They’re hanging in my closet, dozens of them from years and years ago. Now that I have abandoned them in favor of opaque tights and shorter skirts, it’s time to let go of the frumpy ones (I’ll always keep my long, black velvet fishtail one for formal occasions) and get a leg up on a new look.
— Focus on my skin. This is probably the best time of year to find the perfect skin-care program. Winter is tough on anybody’s face, and I am now in search of a major moisturizer — preferably one with wrinkle reducers and plenty of antioxidants in it. Then there are those neck exercises I’ve been meaning to do.
— Go for the big stuff. With all the eye-catching bling bling out there these days, it’s easy to add a few big baubles to your accessory wardrobe. I’ve always been a sucker for those “little” extras that stack up to a big bang for your buck. I’ve always worn one or two rings all my life. Time for a new flash on the old fingers. This is going to be the decade that I’m going to start collecting huge cocktail rings.
— Buy new lingerie and underwear. I love the old flannel nightgown, but it’s time for a change — and by Valentine’s Day, maybe I will have discovered another option in a bright, sexy red. I think I will finally get myself “measured” by an expert for a new bra this year … the girls just keep heading south, and I don’t think I want to travel that direction with them too much longer.
— Discover some new designers. As a fashion writer, I’m always on the lookout for the next “big” thing. Publicists are great about touting their clients, but it’s even more fun to scout out a new line on my own. My daughter keeps me posted on her favorites; however, I enjoy the thrill of the hunt even more when I stumble across a new name and a new look. Trying new things is always one of the best resolutions you can make — no matter the name on the label.
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
Winter Getaways by: Sharon Mosley
Whether you’re headed for a few days of lounging on a tropical beach or skiing down the mountain slopes, looking good when you arrive at your destination is a fine art, says Andy Paige, style expert and author of “Style on a Shoestring” (McGraw Hill, $16.95, 2009).
“Packing your bag is just like building your wardrobe,” says Paige, who is also the star of TLC’s “Ten Years Younger.” She suggests starting with your wardrobe basics, and then adding tops and accessories that will do double duty when combined with your key pieces.
Here are some of Paige’s style tips on packing for a three-day getaway for fun in the sun:
— Choose a color story, such as white/khaki, black/red, turquoise/brown or gray/yellow, for all of your garments, so everything will coordinate and you can pack fewer shoes and accessories.
— Fabrics should be wash-and-wear, wrinkle-free options that can be hand- washed with a little baby shampoo if need be.
— Every garment packed should serve a dual purpose or be able to be dressed up and dressed down. For example, a flirty skirt should function as a casual skirt with a tank and flip-flops for souvenir shopping as well as a dressier dinner option with heels and a sexy top. A colorful wrap should serve as a sarong for your bathing suit, a nighttime wrap for sun-kissed shoulders and a blankie on the plane. Bermuda shorts should be worn with walking shoes and tanks for sightseeing, then later with strappy heels and a flirty top for a night out.
— Allow yourself three pairs of shoes max. You should travel in a modern feminine walking shoe; pack a strappy heel for night and a sophisticated non-rubber flip- flop for relaxing daytime activities.
— Pack hair accessories, such as a modern headband and/or scarf, to maintain an easy, stylish look that will limit primp time and optimize playtime.
— Choose a refined tankini swimsuit, so you can wear the top with coordinating cropped pants or a skirt.
— Choose strategic accessories like a statement watch, hoop earrings, sunglasses and a coordinating tote bag that will dictate the mood of your outfit.
For a winter getaway, Paige has the following style tips:
— A fitted leather jacket is the foundation of this wardrobe. Choose a feminine style that is sexy, tough, fashionable and functional.
— Choose a solid-color heavy wrap that looks great on top of your jacket. This will add another layer of warmth, and you can also use it on the plane.
— Committing to a color story is a great timesaver. Winter scarves are a good place to start when choosing your getaway wardrobe colors, because they are the perfect fashion topper for all of your weekend looks.
— Choose lightweight layering tops, as opposed to a sack of bulky sweaters. Body-hugging, long-sleeved tees with scoop necklines and thin body-loving turtlenecks offer more warmth and femininity when layered rather than one big sweater.
— Sophisticated jeans play a big part in a wintertime getaway. Choose a dark boot-cut jean that can be dressed up with high-heeled boots and tucked into casual boots for day.
— A button-up cardigan, hoodie or versatile sweater jacket that zips is essential. These pieces are much better for layering than a pullover sweater.
— A slinky, matte jersey dress that falls above the knee is the perfect choice for a wrinkle-free evening out when added to opaque tights, sexy knee-high boots and long, layered necklaces. The shorter length then makes the dress a fun, fashionable statement when worn over a paper-thin turtleneck with heavy leggings and casual boots for day.
— Don’t forget the lace! A lace cami with warm leggings gives you something nice and cozy to sleep in, allowing you to layer under your nighttime looks.
— Choose a great beret or cute knit hat to add more style. Then round out your accessories with statement earrings, a color-complementing watch, a larger evening clutch and long, layering necklaces.
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS.COM
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