As gas prices advance toward $5 a gallon, we’re faced with the reality of staying fabulous in this not-so-fabulous economy. However, we believe that being on a budget should never interfere with social calendars. With an invitation to an evening trunk show at Chateau Marmont and a closet full of bikinis from summer, our mission is clear – look amazing in an effortless fall-inspired sort-of-way.
Rather than reduce ourselves to greater debt on Robertson, we head home to turn our closets into cash. Creating a functional closet is the first step to resolving the ubiquitous dilemma, “I have nothing to wear.†Organizing your wardrobe may sound like a hassle, but trust us, it’s beneficial both fashionably and financially.
Roll up your sleeves! Dig in! Make it manageable by concentrating on one small area of your closet at a time. Create three piles; ‘Sell,’ ‘Repair’ and ‘Store.’ Invite a stylish friend over, have a cocktail and enjoy the process! Partnering up will keep you focused and offer an outside, objective opinion – which is priceless! Try everything on and encourage your fashion ally to confess ‘hard to hear’ realities, like “that purple sack dress looks like a muumuu.†The cocktails will help with that.
If an item has not served you in the past 12 months, it must go! Clothes are meant to be worn, and if not by you – pass them on. If it’s ripped, stained or needs repair, get it out of there. Only perfect articles of clothing should reside in your new wardrobe. Your closet should be a sanctuary, because it is here that you begin your day.
With our rejected clothing in sorted piles and “keepers†securely re-organized in our closet, it’s time to take our unwanteds to our favorite fashion resale shop, Buffalo Exchange. It’s here that we swap our old clothes for either 35 percent of their value in cash or 50 percent in store credit – on the spot! With our leftovers headed to charity for a tax write-off, we trade up for a vintage blazer and a cupcake-inspired fall skirt. Armed with our new fall infusion, we eagerly head home.
We dash to our closet where Leah opts for nautical inspired jeans with a classic fitted white Target tee. With a great foundation for an amazing all-American look, she tops off a minimalist vibe with her new plaid blazer, adding interest to her ensemble with a subtle pattern. Leah then adds her staple black BCBG pumps (found at Ross for well under $20) and a statement-making violet bag for a look that is, well…fabulous!
Mary makes a rush for her go-to grey V-neck from American Apparel and tucks it into her new ethnic inspired mini. We are in love with the natural waist right now. It gives an hourglass physique and is so ‘of the moment.’ She swiftly buckles her prized Michael Kors strappy platforms (also found at Ross for $32.99), grabs her vintage leopard clutch and her Bruce Springsteen- inspired jean jacket.
We’re out the door, and who knew – we even have extra cash for drinks at Bar Marmont before the festivities!
