Closet Karma by Kara Kurcz

ACCESSS YOU ACCESSORIES...

Dear KK, I am a big fan of Michelle Obama and I have to say I am really starting to like her fashion sense. Do you have any tips on how to get her style at home?                  --Fanny who’s Fawning over the First Lady Dear Fawning Fanny, Great question! I have to be honest. When Michelle Obama first stepped into the lime light of fashion, I held my breath... could she live up to all the hype and media?? There definitely were a few hiccups along the way... but in the end she definitely prevailed! I have always been a big fan of Jackie O’s style, and Michelle is clearly influenced by Jackie, but yet she has found a way to make “First Lady Fashion” accessible to the every day women. One of Michelle’s big secrets seems to be paying attention to the basics: Cardigans, brooches, great fun necklaces, and scarves. But her even bigger secret may be knowing her own body! I am a firm believer that this is extremely important when it comes to celebrating your inner diva. She has amazing arms and she knows how to show them off. She also sticks to short cardigans that fall at the waist or higher which is very flattering considering she is tall. However, Michelle is not afraid to celebrate color. She plays with purples, greens, yellows, and even turquoise on occasion. She has fun with her wardrobe.

What is amazing about her choices is how simple it is to achieve that look at home. Who doesn’t have a cardigan in their closet?... A fun necklace?... Or a playful scarf? And let’s say you don’t own a neck scarf... well that is something you can purchase for under 20 dollars at The Gap, The Limited, or Banana Republic to name a few. Another big thing Michelle knows how to do is, ACCESS her ACCESSORIES especially when it comes to jewelry! If you want to achieve her look don’t be afraid to dig through your jewelry. Draw and pull out your most daring pieces. Pair them with something as simple as a white button down and khakis. Pin those fabulous brooches sitting in your drawer in a unique place. Michelle pays attention to details. She is not running around in crazy jewels and unattainable looks. She is working with color and pieces that anyone has in their closet. So don’t be afraid to be daring! Be BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL! And celebrate your greatest assets whether it be your sexy legs, fabulous arms, or great hips! You got it girl, flaunt it!!! KK

Carry the Concerned Consumer

Dear KK, Recently I had a nasty run in with a company. I ordered a product and when it was delivered it was the wrong color and poor quality (nothing like it was advertised). I sent it back twice and the people working there seemed to care less about my complaints. I am really frustrated especially since the company is well known and with the economy being the way it is...EVERY PENNY COUNTS... do you have any advice on what I can do to demand quality?
		-- Carry the Concerned Consumer Dear Carry, That can be really frustrating! Trust me I have spent hours on the phone trying to “right” the wrong doings of a botched delivery, bad cable installation, or faulty furniture. There are several things you can do to have your voice heard. First go to their website (if they have one) and make a consumer ratings comment. Trust me, companies like, Amazon, EBags, HSN, QVC etc. take that very seriously. And enough ratings will force the company to either remove the product or make some changes based on consumer demand.
If you feel that isn’t enough and that maybe there is a bigger issue at hand like “false advertising” you can contact the Federal Trade Commission and file a consumer complaint. https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ If it is a smaller company in your hometown definitely check out the Better Business Bureau.
			There is a website for each US city and you can post complaints there as well. Plus, you may find out you are not alone. The most important thing to do is try to prevent this from happening again. Educate yourself. In a tough economy we have to do our research before buying. Read those consumer reviews.
Google the product and see what other people have said. There are lots of great websites that rate products for you like www.consumerreports.org. There is a wealth of information out there thanks to the internet so do your research so you can have peace of mind that this will never happen again... and if it does YOU WILL BE READY TO FIGHT BACK! KK

DISCOURAGED DIVA

Dear KK, Recently I was reading a magazine and a celebrity was commenting on how they have tricks to looking thin. At first I was excited then I realized the celebrity giving advice was a size 2, so being a size 14 I felt crushed. Not to mention it is Thanksgiving weekend and I am feeling extremely bloated and fat.                                       --DISCOURAGED DIVA Dear Discouraged Diva, First of all, DO NOT beat yourself up. Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around food and everyone is feeling it the Friday after... this I promise you! Second, I am a bit tired of the size zeros in the world pushing around lettuce on their plate and giving me tips on how to look “thinner”. Hello! If I was a size zero I would tell the world to “take a hike” if they called me fat in a magazine. Heck if I was a size 4 I would do that!! I can say this for several reasons: 1.) I live in L.A. and work in the fashion and entertainment industry. 2.) When I was growing up in the Midwest as a teen I was one of many teenagers who suffered from an eating disorder because I was trying to listen to these crack heads. 3.) I have been as small as a size 4 in my adult life, and as large as a size 12.
		I still get carded anywhere I go (even though I am 32) and yet I have had the privilege of leaning back in a dentist chair and hearing the doctor say, “You only have slight laugh lines, you totally could do a light round of botox and look natural.” OMG! PEOPLE! What is wrong with this world? Well, I can tell you, for me I should probably be a large size 6 or muscular 8 to be healthy. And yes I am 5’3” not 5’9” ladies.... and I can also tell you that I don’t always fall in that range. Sometimes I make bad food choices.
	Sometimes my life is too stressful and my thyroid breaks. Sometimes I have to pay the bills and work 24/7 and the gym is a distant land. So what is a normal girl to do during the sometimes??? Here is my guide to survival: 1.) Wear the right bra. If you are wearing the wrong size you can look saggy on top, lumpy, and larger.
	2.) Raid your accessories. I am telling you BIG earrings make a difference. Also, scarves and long layered necklaces can be fabulous.
The great thing about fashion is anything goes. do you know how many times my husband has said, “Um you can’t wear those together,” and I say, “Yes I can!” cut to SCENE: L.A. party, five SKINNY BITCHES walk up to me and say, “OMG love your jewelry, who did that?” (wink wink KK did.)
			3.) BIG HAIR. Now don’t do New Jersey circa 1987 hair, but styling your hair bigger will make your face appear thinner. Crimping can actually be very pretty now-a-days. And you can get them CHEAP at any local drug store. Also, if you have a round face... think height. I straighten my hair then pull it half up and add height on top when I want to look thinner.
				4.) Yes Spanx do work. Just make sure if you are thicker, you either hook them into bra, or tuck them under. You don’t want unnecessary back rolls caused by squeezing action.
If you have thin legs, leggings and nylons are the way to go because they distract people from what is going on up top and keep the eye focused on your ASS-etts. 5.) Black is black. Anything you want to cover up, dress it in black, period. For other tips check out some archived blogs on dressing your body type. Don’t be discouraged! You are Fab! Your are Gorgeous and you are A DIVA! KK

Hankering to Hide this Holiday

Dear KK, Recently I had a baby and I am having a hard time losing weight, so now I am dreading the holidays. I can’t fathom going through this season with A.) Still wearing my maternity clothes, or B.) People thinking I am still pregos because my belly is so big. Any words of advice about how to survive the holidays?                                                              - Hankering to Hide this Holiday

Dear Hank (it was too cute to resist!) Ok first off, congrats on being a new MOM! You are amazing and you ROCK!

And I want to take a moment to worship the goddess you are right now! Please tomorrow morning look into the mirror and start your day with this mantra, “Good morning gorgeous, you are ONE HOT MAMA, and you are on FIRE.”

Trust me, there are plenty of us “hankering to hide” this holiday and it ain’t because we had a baby, it is because we forgot our gym membership at work... uh..... like ... 8 months ago.

I know people can be cruel and they say the rudest things sometimes, but I’ll be damned before I let someone destroy the diva-luscious BABE lurking inside of you. Lucky for you, last Holiday season my Thyroid broke (or that is how I like to refer to it)...

all of a sudden I was swollen, bloated, and approaching the season of parties and I quickly became an expert in how to dress when your belly is a mess!

The key to surviving the Hell of the Holidays is to know your body type, your limitations, and your ASSetts. 1.) Are you an Apple, Pear, Hour Glass, Straight, or Full Bust kind of gal? 2.) What is your weakness? Mine is my waist, it is short and sort of smooshed so when I gain weight it throws everything off.

3.) What is your best body part? Mine are my legs. For you, is it your arms? Your butt? Your bust?

I find that short Empire waist dresses look best on me. However, they have to synch under my bra line. Since I have a full bust, I need to make sure my bra line is sculpted out, otherwise I look like a huge square box! If you have slender arms and a smaller bust line you can wear strapless dresses that have a more giving bottom like chiffon. If you don’t like your arms, I am a huge Bolero fan during the Holidays. They are super cute and appropriate for the season. Shift dresses can be very forgiving as well, just make sure you pick one that is flattering to your bust line. If you don’t like your arms get creative on the sleeves you choose.

It doesn’t always have to be long sleeves. There are really cool options out there. Also, make sure you pick forgiving material; stay away from satin or polyester blends and stick with jersey, cotton/rayon blends, and chiffon. If you are going for something flowy, make sure it has a halter top or something sexy that will have people focusing their eyes on the “girls” not the gutt! I love to shop Nordstrom.com. where you can click on dresses and they have a “shop by body shape” section. Even if you don’t buy a dress from that site, you can get some really good ideas on what will be flattering to your current scenario. Do not be discouraged, there are tons of options out there. And remember, rouging rocks and so do you!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! KK

Haggling? Heather

Dear KK, With the economy the way it is right now, is it acceptable to dicker prices at Sample Sales? If acceptable, is there an appropriate way to go about doing this - a way to feel confident and not too tacky?
-- Haggling? Heather HELLO TO THE SOON TO BE HAGGLING HEATHER! It is always acceptable to negotiate price at Sample or Seconds Sales.
The reality of those sales is that the companies, stores, or designers have made a little “oopsy” when it comes to what they ordered that season. Here is what happens: Vogue says, “Vivacious Violet” is the “it” color of the season.
	So every designer scrambles to come up with the most amazing rendition of “Vivacious Violet” you have ever seen. Then every store stocks their shelves with plenty of purple.... but Mary, in Minnesota, along with half the country, buys everything in BLACK! So let me tell you first hand you can haggle. They just want to get the merchandise out the door. However, you have to be realistic. If you know something is let’s say, $189.00 retail, then you can guess the wholesale price would be anywhere from $70.00 - $90.00. (Retail is usually a 2.0 - 2.5 mark up TYPICALLY, there are always exceptions.)
		So you have to assume that the place selling the item is losing money under $70.00, or at least not turning a very high profit. HOWEVER, You can absolutely walk out the door with items sold for under wholesale. Just arming yourself with the knowledge of the
		wholesale price will make sure you won’t look tacky. I always tell people that 20% - 25% below wholesale is a good number to shoot for when negotiating.
Buying multiple items will always help. When we do end of season Sample Sales, we always give amazing deals if you buy more than two items. When people buy a third item, they get as much as 40% off wholesale... so it’s a steal!
			Now if you are buying “actual samples” that look a little worn but are still fabulous enough to rock out on a Friday night, I feel you can go as low as you feel the item is worth. Remember these are samples that have been traveled, touched, and tried on, so you are doing them a favor by taking them off their hands! HAGGLE AWAY!!!!! KK

Scared Scissor-less

						Dear KK, You had me at layer. You lost me at scissors. What about some options for us no-sew gals?     -- Scared Scissor-less
Dear Scared Scissor-less, Fear not my Fabulous Friend, you can redefine your tee without using a needle or thread. In LAYWOMAN terms... if you take a look at a basic T-shirt, you will see seams around the neck, arms, and bottom.
	I like to cut the seam out of the neck first. (You just follow the circle.) Once that is done you start cutting wider. the beauty is it doesn’t matter how jagged or uneven your cuts are. Thanks to the “80’s” a couple of bad cuts can be considered “retro”. Then you can do the same with the sleeves and even cut little slices into the sleeve to make it more rock and roll. It will hang loosely off you, and if you throw a tank underneath... you’re hot to trot!
But if you are still scared of the scissors, here are several options that don’t involve sewing, scissors, or sweat! 1.) Got a pair of old leggings from last season that are too worn and torn to wear alone? Can’t afford a new jean skirt and the one you love is too short to wear out? Throw the leggings under the jean skirt with a great pair of heels!
				2.) Does your man have a pair of jeans he needed to send to good will 10 years ago? If so today is your lucky day. Oversized jeans are all the rage this year. Its’ worth a shot - try them on. Depending on how tall or big your man is, you can do large rolls with the cuffs and roll the waist down over a belt. You will be on trend without breaking the bank! 3.) Turn your removable straps into jewelry! At solasfashion.com I design most of my clutches with removable straps.
		60% of those straps are designed so you can use them as necklaces or braclets. Start looking at your handbags; what could you turn into jewelry? I promise you there are hidden gems in your handbags.
			4.) Scarves are another fun trick. When my dresses seem drab     or my blouse blase, I look through my scarves and headband bin.      “Hair-kerchiefs” were hot for awhile, and they can be recycled
					and worn around the neck. Old winter scarves with a pair of jeans and a tank can be fabulous in the fall if you are in a warm climate, and if not, throw on an old blazer and it’s an outfit.
					5.) Dig through your old wraps, cardigans and blazers. You can ALWAYS re-invent an outfit by pairing it with a new twist. Whether it be a skirt, jeans, high heels, or layered necklaces, try on old items and have fun inventing NEW FASHION!
HAPPY HUNTING! KK                                                                                                                        http://jsmagic.net/

Bag Hag

Dear KK, I have to admit it... I am a whore..... a handbag whore!!! I have bags in all shapes sizes and colors. Now you may say I need to size down my collection, but I use every single bag I have. Some for everyday use, some for special occasions, some for dates, and the list goes on. The problem is, they are all sitting in a mound on the floor of my closet. Please help!!!     --Bag Hag
	Dear Bag Hag, First of all I would like to start by saying, “Welcome to the Sorority Sister!” I too am a self proclaimed “bag hag”. But here is the thing darling, you can’t leave those precious purses laying around. It’s bad Karma! Leaving your handbag on the floor is more than just a drag for the bag.... it’s telling the universe, “I don’t care much about my personal things.” In fact there are many superstitions related to leaving your “bad bag handling”. And most of them point to bad luck with money! “Purse on the floor, money out the door!” And nobody wants that.... how ever would you shop? So I have gotten quite creative with my bag displays over the years and here are some tips and suggestions I have to help handle your handbags :).
		1.) Organize your bags into a “day” and “night” section. You could do this in bins, on a shelf, or even drawers. Back in the day I bought these beautiful wicker baskets and I laid my bags in them. One was a day and one was night. They only cost me $20 each, but saved me a huge headache!
2.) Consider them a work of art. What does this mean? Display them baby! Hang them creatively. When I was really broke I could not afford all the fabulous options out there to organize my closet, so I redecorated my bedroom.
I created a wall where my favorite handbags were displayed like art. It allowed me to see all my bags, and it looked really neat as well. You need to pay homage to your handbag. You obviously love them so show them off!
			3.) Dedicate a space. If you have the time and space I suggest dedicating some real space to your bags and shoes.
			My husband is really handy, so together we created a wall where I could display all my bags. If you don’t have space, check out your local arts and crafts stores.
They have all kinds of picture frames and easels that you could find really gorgeous ways to display your bags.
4.) Remember you don’t need to be rich to rule your closet. Here are some very affordable and fabulous hanging organizers. You could hang them in your closet or on your door. -Whitmor Handbag File - Clear/White it’s 9.99 and can be found at Target.com. This is clear so it won’t clash with anything. -The Purse Rack by Jokari is only 10.99 at www.organize.com -If you want to be a little more funky, try the Damask Closet Organizer. It’s about 22.00 and it comes in crazy patterns and cool styles. Remember, where you display your purse is just as important as how you pack your purse!
xoxoxo KK

SIZE-a-PHOBIC

Dear KK I loved your blog about getting rid of old clothes. But I still have one looming question. What about old sizes? Sometimes I feel like holding on to an old size inspires me to lose weight, but then I realize my closet is stuffed with things I can not wear. HELP!
- SIZE-a-PHOBIC Dear SIZE-a-PHOBIC Well let me start by saying if there was a SIZE ANONYMOUS I would be the President. I have spent half of my life obsessing about sizes. It is terrible how focused our society is on labels. Forget burning bras, we should have burned LABELS!!!! But the reality is, no matter how we try to avoid it, every pair of pants, sweater or dress has a size. So what can we do? And when is it bad to hold on to sizes of the past...?
		I believe this question all depends on where you are “closet health” wise. My closet was extremely diseased about two years ago when my adrenal glands crashed. I was three sizes bigger than I was used to being on a “fat” day.
	I was so turned off by my closet and clothes I basically lived in my pjs which did not help the situation. The more I avoided my closet, the more depressed I got. I was so scared to look at anything that loomed inside. Finally, fed up and horrified when I saw a photo of myself that could have ended up in US Weekly magazine’s “worst dressed” section, I decided to do four things:
1.) Get rid of any clothes that were two sizes or more too small for me. I decided if I was ever going to be that small again I would probably want to celebrate with a new pair of digs anyway, so good riddance! 2.) I kept all one size smaller clothes because it was a realistic goal and I was inspired. However, I hid them in a section in the back of my closet or the bottom of my drawer so they were no longer looking me in the eye every morning.
3.) I decided to love my body for what it was and what it was capable of doing TODAY. How did I do that? I spent an extra hour every morning doing my hair and makeup and telling myself (literally)
“Good morning you SEXY LADY”.
	I started accessorizing more, picking up cute cheap earrings or bracelets on the weekends so I could get excited about getting dressed again.
4.) Most importantly, I took a long look at myself in the mirror and said, “I know some things don’t look the way you would like them to but you are still wonderful. It is time to showcase what you do love about yourself.” And even though it was

hard I discovered I loved my legs. It is funny, my nickname as a kid was “chicken legs” but now those chicken legs were SEXY and I was going to show THEM OFF BABY!
	Funny enough it had taken me months to look at that closet of mine, but in less than eight weeks I was already starting to wear some of those clothes I stuffed in the back corner. I am not saying “my healthy closet” is the cure for weight loss, but I do believe when our closet is healthy we feel good about ourselves, and half the battle of weight loss is loving ourselves for who we are.
So I am going to venture to say if you are naming yourself a “SIZE-a-PHOBIC” you should probably get rid of or pack away any size that is more than one size too small for you. You can box up your favorite items and put them in the attic if you like, but right now they are making your closet sick. You need to be excited about getting dressed in the morning and you need to be able to easily ACCESS the items that will show off your ASSETS. KK

	Dear KK, My husband and I just painted our closets and I'm starting from scratch.
I do have to admit I have big trouble getting rid of clothes that were given to me by family and friends. Do you have any suggestions on how I can part with this?     -Maureen Dear Maureen,
If there happened to be cameras in my bedroom during the process my husband calls "spring cleaning" one would think I was flipping through an old photo album that had some large sentimental value. "Oh Brian, do you remember when I wore this skirt; it was our first date."
			His reply, "As in 8 years ago!!!!!" (Loud laughter resonates through the house).... pause.... Brian says, "Give it to Goodwill!" I am devastated and defeated as I hold the plaid wool skirt to my cheek. A small single tear runs down my face.... the skirt will be missed. But what is the core issue here. Is it the fact I don't want to let go of vintage piece of fashion? No. Have I worn it in the last four years? A BIG NO. No, I just have trouble letting go like most women. The same reason we stand in the kitchen and make statements to our partners like, "You're being a jerk, just like when you did not call me back in the summer of 2001."
(Please note in this scenario it is winter, 2007!) Women have a tendacy to NOT LET GO! This is WHY WE HAVE A PROBLEM RELEASING OUR CLOSET. So how do you get over it? Well, I can tell you, first you just have to hold your breath and jump.
		Letting go of some of those clothes will allow you to let go of some of the demons that are lurking in your closet. I truly believe that when you hold on, you not only hold onto good memories, but bad.
		You sort of freeze yourself in time and make it hard to turn the page and move into the future. So how do you turn the page? Well here is what I do. I divide my closet. Anything that has not been worn in two years I allow myself to keep 30%. This forces me to pick what is most sentimental and most favorable fashion wise. Some clothes are an investment and some do come back in style. But if more than 30% of your closet is old clothes, well then you're clinging to the past. If you painted your closet, you’re right on track. Now it’s time to finish the face lift. Have fun with it. I usually give 60% of the clothes I get rid of to Goodwill, and the other 40% I give to friends and family members. Either way I feel great and I sleep well knowing the legacy of my closet will live on somewhere. KK http://www.hasslefreeclipart.com/ http://clipartguide.com/ http://clipart-for-free.blogspot.com/

Dear KK...