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So here is the deal. I think your closet is a reflection of yourself. Therefore, I am continuously searching for ways to better my closet. I am human. And sometimes well, my closet catches a cold. I am not a huge “organize your closet” kind of gal, but I do believe an over stuffed closet can bring you down. Why? You can’t find anything. It’s over whelming and frankly it is plain ugly. So this past weekend I decided to test out Joy Mangano’s “Huggable Hanger”.
In many ways Joy is my hero. Not for her organizational skills, but more so because she is a fierce female power that from the very beginning had a vision and went after it. Her story is amazing. I encourage you to look her up online and see how she started her multi million-dollar empire.
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While I admire her, I have to be honest; I have never tried any of her inventions out. So after work on Friday night I headed out to Target to buy a truckload of hangers. The box advertises 1/3 to 50% more closet space. Could this be true? |
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My closet is stuffed to the brim. I have been traveling so much that I, the Closet Karma Queen, have let my closet fall ill. My husband and I stared at the sickly closet wondering, “could Joy really bring my closet back to life?” First we started taking all the old hangers off. I had plastic hangers, wooden hangers, wire hangers, and hangers I swore I must have stolen from a department store.
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| Right away my husband and I noticed the “felt” like material the new hangers were made of kept my wraps and shirts securely on the hangers. I literally could shake the wrap around and it did not fall off. Next we spent four hours putting the clothes in one by one. 220 hangers later we were done! Not only did the closet look great, there was a gaping hole in the center! It gave me 1/3 more room in my closet than I had before. I immediately thought of how I could fill this gaping hole with new finds. When my husband interrupted my fantasy with a loud “NO!” he pointed out that the closet bar could not take any more weight. Defeated I knew he was right; my family and I have crashed a closet or two in our lives, and maxing it out would not be wise. But the good news is I have room to move all my clothes around and I can now find any outfit I like! I now wake up to a healthy closet and I cannot wait for the day when Joy invents an industrial strength closet bar! Until then, the best place to buy Joy's Huggable Hangers, is HSN. |
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KK |
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So here is the deal ladies, last week I had the worst week of my fashionista life. I found out last minute I was headed to NYC to help produce a live show for the TV show I supervise, going to Atlanta to do press for Solas, AND to Tampa for HSN. Not to mention my husband and I were already attending a wedding in St. Petersburg at the end of the trip!
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Now I am not sure if you see the dilemma here... yes I know I have too many jobs, but besides that... 3 different climates, 4 different looks, a sinking economy and a single suitcase! What is a girl to do? Certainly not pull out the plastic or tap into the reserves. So after much thought, I did what any Dramatic Diva would do... I curled up into a ball and I cried. And of course I listed all the reasons I was cursed and nothing in my closet would do. |
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| Then my friend Steve started speaking to me, “Dear KK, I need your help. I have a major event next week and all my dresses have been worn or torn. With the economy the way it is I certainly don’t want to run up my credit cards for this event; what should I do? |
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Love, Not Dressed Up, But Somewhere to Go.” (I am not joking, my friend Steve is this clever.) Suddenly I was re-energized and I knew exactly what I was going to do. It might not be what Carrie Bradshaw would do, but it is certainly what KK would! |
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1.) I dug through my closet. What could I re-accessorize? I found a cute black turtleneck dress from last winter that with my bright red heels, huge red earrings, and red coat, looked very sheik.
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2.) I scrolled through my Rolodex of people I had loaned clothes to the past year and I started dialing. “Hey ladies, I have a wedding in Florida, got anything fabulous I could borrow?” My friend Carol had a fabulous gown she had worn to my wedding that hardly anyone at this wedding would have seen! Score!
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3.) I headed for Nordstom rack where I spent the next 2 hours digging for Franco Sarto shoes. (If you did not know this gals, these are the most comfortable and affordable shoes I believe). I found a pair of neutral heels marked down to $22.00! And a pair of black patent heels marked down to $38.00! On my way out I found a rocking rust colored coat marked down to $21.00! But i still needed a few things... where should I go? |
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4.) ROSS.. I luvs me the Ross if you’re up for digging, there is always a diamond in the ruff. The key is to stick to the Blazer, Sweater, and Shirt Sections. I find the most designers and on trend items there. There may be some slight flaw, but it is good stuff. I found a fabulous Michael Kors sweater originally $110.00 for $35.00! |
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I trucked my goodies home and showed my husband the receipt. The whole sha-bang was under $150.00. He was so elated with me he packed half my closet into one tiny bag! |
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With the fear of the economy crashing looming over us, and the news reminding us everyday how dismal the outlook is... it can be very difficult to look at our closets with hope or inspiration. So what do you do when your heart screams, “I need a new wardrobe update!” and your wallet says... “THE HELL YOU DO!”. Well it is time to re-assess what you have. |
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Trust me there are hidden gems collecting dust bunnies in your closet as we speak. The pink tank you swear is too tight? Layer it baby. Layering is back in... so let that pink
strap show under your go to oversized basic black tee. What about old t-shirts?? I know you have tons of them stuffed in that drawer... scissors baby... scissors. |
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Try cutting out the neck or the bottom seam of a shirt. It can give a new look and help it fall sexily off the shoulder (perfect for that too tight pink tank!).
Look in your closet. Start to mix and match. A dress that’s too short? |
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It can be super sexy with jeans and pumps. Just the other day I took a blazer from an old suit from my early 20’s and basically wore it as an accessory with a tank and jeans. It’s times like these we have to get creative ladies and we need to work hard to keep a healthy closet!!! |
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Don’t let the stress poison your closet! We have worked too hard to chase those demons out! Also, remember we are not the only ones feeling the economic blow. Major department stores and labels are feeling it too. When you do feel the shopping itch, check out places like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and your local outlet stores. You will be surprised how many major labels you will see currently on the racks. Also, look for sample sales! Due to the crunch on the American publics’ wallet, you will find many designers are offering much more then samples at those sales!!!
Do whatever it takes to feel fabulous! You are gorgeous ladies!!! Every morning wake up and see your closet as a new adventure. Plan a clothing swap party! I’ve done this before and it is a blast. You can put a new spin on your friends old outfit.
Here is to the INNOVATIVE WOMEN of the 21st Century! Hear us ROAR!!!
xoxox
KK
Check out this list for some major sample sales all across the country!
metromix.com
topbutton.com
dailycandy.com
sheckys.com
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So girly girls, I had a bit of a Bust-o-lation last weekend. I know Oprah has touched on the topic several times, but I always thought I was immune to the “wrong bra size” epidemic. I mean I am a fashionista... how could I have been denying the “girls” their proper housing? But to my astonishment, during the hunt for the perfect outfit for my E! Daily News interview, I blindly grabbed a bra to try on with my dress. |
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What was an honest mistake turned out to be a BUST on MY BUST! I accidentally grabbed a bra that was a size too small for me...... or so I thought. It turns out my friends looked PERKIER than ever! And I was able to go a size smaller in the dress I was trying on!
My husband was elated with joy in my new discovery. Not to mention I ran home and whipped out a bunch of old outfits I thought I could never fit into again! Wow, it was like going on a shopping spree!!! So it got me thinking... why do women wear the wrong bra size....???
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Well, I think that some of it is self body image. 80% of the time we look in the mirror and we are too hard on ourselves. |
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I had gained weight in the past and it had never occurred to me that I had lost enough weight to be a size smaller. I have lots of friends that after having babies made the same mistake. They were so
down on their girls they succumbed to what they thought was the eternal curse of the “saggy bust”. |
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Instead of investigating all the fabulous options out there, they gave up. |
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Listen ladies, whether you are over or under endowed, you can not deny that the “girls help make up the Diva in you. I know we are all too busy to stop when the pretty lady says, ”Would you like to measured?” But you need to STOP and make the time to get measured. And you need to take the time to understand that what goes on under your clothes, are just as important as your clothes if not more.
A healthy closet most definitely coincides with a healthy panty drawer. So this week go out and get measured! And whatever you loathe about your “ladies” look for a solution. It’s 2008 and the “miracle” bra has been given new meaning, trust me. |
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I prefer Wacoal Bras. They are classy and have a great shape. If you’re looking for a little “tuck” Spanx has a great line as well. You can also check out Zafu.com which is designed to help you find the correct fit. A series of questions will help you better understand what bra is best for you! Remember.... every problem |
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So if you listened to me last week you have placed some items in the core of your closet that make you feel fabulous on those less than fabu days. So what do you do when the “breast plate” of your knight gear is not enough to protect you? And you swear your mirror has turned into a fun house because those “sausage arms” and “stubby legs” staring back at you can’t be yours! Well, you first start by waging war on your mind! Yes, that’s right, part of turning yourself into a fashion diva is convincing your stubborn mind you are a DIVA!
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A lot of times we hold on to negative images or thoughts because they make us feel safe. It is “safer” to tell yourself that your butt is too big than it is to tell your boss, “No, I won’t work for less money.” It is “safer” to look in the mirror and see an Oaf looking back at you than to tell your best-friend, “I really have too much on my plate right now; I can’t help you throw your boyfriend’s party.” It is safer to feel bad about yourself than to tell your children or your husband, “I need me time.” We spend most of our lives taking in other people’s emotions and problems. We live day-to-day suppressing all the things we would love to say to people like, “NO!”
The other day, I was feeling overwhelmed with work and life in general and my home phone rang. It was a friend i had not spoken to in almost 2 months. She started talking and all of a sudden she stopped and said, “You sound sad?” I said, “I am, I don’t know why.”
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Then she reminded me of something I did for her 3 years ago when she felt hopeless. She was being subpoenaed in court for her old job. She was going to have to face her old boss who was a horrible person and she was so ill over it. She was so worried about saying the wrong thing she had fogotten she was in control.
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| A week before the trial I started taking her on hikes. We would hike to the top of a hill where you could see the freeway and when we got there I would just have her scream. Yes, screaming at the top of her lungs.
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She needed to get everyone else’s garbage out so she could allow herself to poor back in. By the time her court date came she was calm and in control. I thought it was such a gift that my old friend had called and reminded me of this. So after we hung up, I screamed at the top of my lungs and laughed uncontrollably; then I looked in the mirror and said, “You are one sexy lady!” And I felt like a million bucks.
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This week I want you to ignore your closet issues for 7 days and focus on you. Every day pick a different mantra to say to yourself in the mirror. I like to start with, “Good morning Gorgeous,” and “Goodnight Goddess.” Then move onto more specific things like, “Good morning your butt looks awesome today,” and “Goodnight you deserve a promotion you’re so smart.”
KK |
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I woke up one summer morning to the gentle cackle of the PMS monster. I swear I saw Roger Rabbit jumping up and down laughing as a neon arrow flashed and pointed at the mound growing on my chin. Roger giggled, “hahaha you have a press meeting today you fatty!” |
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| Devastated and desperate I ran to my husband’s closet and whipped out the scale. |
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Warning ladies, this is a big mistake. Why would I step on a scale when I knew I was floating on 5 pounds of bloat? Would a warrior run out into a battle field and say, “hey look I’m here! Woo hoo!”Not unless they had a death wish! So I stepped on the scale. And just like every month, I had gained about 6 pounds.
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| Horrified I threw myself on my bed crying. I was pretending this was something new and I was shocked. As I lay sobbing, an ominous voice came over me and said, “You must fight the battle. Arm yourself, you will prevail.” |
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As I wiped the tears away I looked at my closet. I knew what I needed, COTTON.
Cotton is like the breastplate of my armor. It flows and moves with me. I have flowy cotton shirts, halter dresses, cocktail dresses, long gowns.... you name it I have it. It is the material that makes me feel the best. |
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| You need to know what material fits you the best and you need to keep your eyes peeled at all times for that material when shopping. That day i ended up wearing an electric blue cotton and blend dress. For a horrifying morning I got so many compliments and I was able to talk myself off the ledge because I had the “break in case of emergencies” section in my closet. |
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This weekend I want you to take a tally. What kind of gal are you? Cotton? Rayon? Silk?
Polyester? Wool? Maybe you’re a combo kind of gal. I personally love the Cotton/Rayon
combo. Your second task is once you discover the material you love the best on your body, I
want you to take 4 items in that material and place them in the center of your closet. I
recommend a few dresses or skirts and a shirts; but it is up to you. Just place these items in
the center as your “breast plate” and over the next few weeks we will work to
build your armor.
KK
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So it’s mid July, 7am. Your alarm has just gone off. Maybe last night you met friends for drinks after a horrific day at work. Maybe you got home late so you ended up nibbling on your daughters mac and cheese leftovers instead of a proper meal. Whatever the reason, you have just woken up to swelled fingers and frizzy hair! |
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You roll over. There it is. The black depressing hole that is your closet. It seems to be chuckling in an ominous voice, “Hello, I hate you, you are bloated and ugly. Hahaha, you will wear nothing in me this morning....bet you wish today was pajama day at work...... hahaha.” |
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| Cut to your Hitchcock close up and cue: “SCREAM!” Yes ladies we all know that feeling so what do we do? How do we prepare our closet? Well first of all I separate my summer duds into three sections. |
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1.) ITTY BITTY LITTLE POLKA DOT BIKINI:
This section is for the days I feel extremely thin. It consists of short shorts, sleeveless shirts and halter dresses that make me feel hot! |
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2.) SHHH DON’T LET ANYONE KNOW:
This section is where I keep my outfits that trick people into thinking I am skinny. My shape is odd. I am short but I have long legs. My torso is short and boobs are huge. So for me, in this section, I put dresses that show of my legs but hide my torso. Or shirts that show off my boobs but cover the tops of my arms. I also put very fancy tops that can be worn with jeans and high heels in this section. This distracts people as not to look at my bloated butt but my fabulous top. A good friend of mine Rachel has a great trick. She takes some of her short dresses and turns them into amazing tops with jeans and a big belt. This makes you look like a million bucks and hides the fact you woke up feeling like you needed a tummy tuck! |
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3.) DEAR GOD HELP ME!
This is my, “I am hopeless and desperate” section. Here I keep long flowing dresses, BLACK, BLACK, BLACK, and lots of cover-ups. Shrugs are my best friend. I dislike my arms, so for me, I can wear a fantastic sleeveless top or dress and throw on a shrug and feel great. I have a shrug or cardigan in all basic colors for this reason. Black, white, gray, brown, and navy blue. |
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The key is learning your body type and arming your closet to celebrate it. We all have good and bad days and not preparing yourself for the bad times is like showing up for a desert hike with no water!
This week start separating your closet. And next week we will focus on understanding your body shape this summer! We will learn how to celebrate your assets and cover your deficits before they defeat you!
A TOAST TO TOMORROW’S CLOSET!
KK
Footnote: www.clipprojects.info |
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There is nothing worse than the SEASON OF BLOAT. It starts out with good intentions around Father’s Day and quickly turns into BBQ sauce, cheese, cupcakes and steak for three months with a bang up job ending at Labor Day where you binged yourself on booze and beer. |
| Now if it was’t bad enough that the SEASON OF BLOAT happens to be during the time of year when you are supposed to be tramping around in your itty bitty bikini, Mother |
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Nature in the majority of the US seems to be laughing at this time as well. |
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Uggghhh HUMIDITY. It makes you feel 10 pounds heavier than you are. Your pits sweat. Your hair frizzes, and I swear, my feet grow a half size bigger. I mean it is just ridiculous that this is a time when you are suppose to feel Sexy! Right? Wrong. |
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This is a
time where your closet becomes your enemy and you need to turn it around. |
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Here
are some of my tips and tricks to surviving the SEASON OF BLOAT. Next week we
will focus on your closet and how to turn the Bloat Blues to a Boogie, but for today here are
some broad strokes to get you started:
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1.) IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BATHING SUIT...
Be true to your shape and how you feel. Sometimes it isn’t about weight or size, but about your mood and what you see in the mirror. Every body is beautiful and you have to exploit what you’ve got and give yourself options. I always keep three suits on hand. |
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A sexy one piece, a two piece halter that covers my midsection, and a two piece. Depending on my mood or weight, I choose the suit appropriately so I am not left crying before the beach. |
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2.) HAVE FUN WITH YOUR COVER UP!
I have a sexy black halter dress that is cotton that I converted into a beach cover up. |
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s Get a great sarong. I have like six. I even have two that can be worn in the water. I love them! |
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3.) ACCESSORIZE!
When I am feeling gross I put on the biggest and best jewelry I own. Not only do I get compliments, sometimes it helps me step away from myself. Bright colored earrings and layered necklaces are key. |
4.) USE THE FRIZZ. BIG FRIZZY HAIR IS HOT!
The higher your hair, the smaller your face will look. And it looks so glamorous.
5.) HYDRATE!
Sleep with a glass of lemon water by your bed and chug it as soon as you get up. It helps you feel refreshed and is a jump start on a sticky day. I also chug one before I go to bed to help detoxify myself. |
6.) Start and end your day with a 5 minute I AM FABULOUS talk.
Literally wake up, light a candle and stare at the flame repeating 5 things that are amazing about you. Do this again before you go to sleep. I promise you will feel sexier and you will be surprised how much better you feel. |
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7.) LIP GLOSS IS YOUR FRIEND!
Listen ladies you cannot keep up with the eye makeup in the heat but lips are easy to apply and can make you feel sexy. Summer is the time you should experiment and try bright fun colors. |
Cheers to air conditioned nights!
KK
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