Thank you to my Facebook friends for coming up with blog topics. A few people mentioned that they can't seem to figure out "what goes with what" and how to mix up their wardrobe. As a result, they feel like they're wearing the same outfits over and over again. Sound familiar? I doubt this stems from not having enough clothes, but rather not have the RIGHT clothes. I find that so many of my clients have a lot of "fluff" in their wardrobe...pieces that don't seem to match or go with anything else. You know those "orphans"...the top that is too long to go with anything, the dress with the weird neckline that doesn't look right with a jacket, or that print top that doesn't match any of your pants. What's lacking here are  the basics --clothes that work together as a team and are the foundation of a great wardrobe.

Here's my advice:

1.  Purge your closet often.  Why keep clothes you don't love?  Closet real estate is valuable space and should hold only the pieces that make you look and feel great. Honestly, it's so much easier to put outfits together when you know everything works and your closet is easy to navigate!
2. Get down to basics.  Invest in quality, great fitting basic pieces such as jeans, trousers, cashmere sweaters, pencil skirts, silk blouses, etc. As we get older, cheap clothes don't always work as well as they used to. I look for great cuts, quality fabrics, and structure. No more thin clingy materials for me. At 53 I'm going for fit and flatter. I'd rather have less clothes, but better quality.
3. Bottoms up.  Without the right bottoms, putting an outfit together can be frustrating. Try an ankle length slim cut trouser that will look fabulous with heels, flats or booties. I also love ankle length jeans because of their versatility. Bootcut and wider leg pants just aren't as easy to work with.
Again, invest in bottoms that flatter your shape...you may have to pay a little more but it's worth it.
4. Plain Jane.  70% of your tops should be solids...30% prints.  Solids are so much easier to accessorize and change up than prints. Also, we tend to get sick of prints over time.
5. Invest.  I am a huge fan of the vest.  I own 2 black (one fitted, one more casual), a denim and a white. A faux fur vest is also a fun addition to your winter wardrobe. I love how they can change up any look from a dress or skirt to jeans and a tee. Instant polish!
6. Perfect blazer.  Have a few amazing blazers in your wardrobe. Again, like the vest it will pull your outfit together.
7. Little black dress.  An LBD that can easily be dressed up or down is a wardrobe essential.  Look for one that is tailored and has a scoop neckline for easily layering and accessorizing.
9. Shoes are a girl's best friend. Honestly, it's true. Shoes can make or break your outfit. Your wardrobe should include fabulous flats, fun sneakers and heels that you can actually walk in.
10. Accessorize me.  Last, have a lots of fun accessories including scarves, bags and jewelry to switch up all those solids!

Bonus:  Every day wear at least one outstanding piece whether it be an amazing ring, fabulous bag, or killer shoes.  Oh and keep reading my blog for lots of outfit inspiration!

Click on photos for details.

What the heck is Baubles and Beds you might ask? Someone actually asked me if was something risqué. Quite the contrary, Baubles and Beds is the name I thought up for an accessory swap with a mission...to raise money to buy beds for local children in need (through the efforts of Project Home Again).
Last Tuesday evening over 50 women came together at Good Day Cafe in North Andover, MA (a fabulous coffee/sandwich shop) to trade in their unwanted jewelry, bags, shoes and scarves for new treasures. Women, bags and shoes ---it's a winning combination.

Our amazing volunteers worked their booties off to set up for the event, but things got interrupted quickly by an unwanted guest. Mr. Bat arrived in style (no pun intended). He flew high and low, confused and just wanting OUT. I can't blame him...he was in a room-full of handbag crazed women. We all dove for cover. I was lucky enough to hide behind glass doors but poor Kim ducked under the table, trapped and frightened out of her mind. In this video, you can hear me saying "poor baby, he's scared"...I sound brave, but remember I was safe.  Our hero was the maintenance guy who scooped up the little critter and took him outside to safety. I was glad our bat friend was okay, but also glad he was gone.


At 6:30 droves of women surged into Good Day and we were ready for them.! The cafe had been transformed into a boutique of sorts, with items beautifully displayed in their deligated "departments.