Organizing Your Closet

It's the best time of the year to start fresh and new in your closet, it's 2017 and time to get the most out of your wardrobe.

During the DeKalb County Free Fall Fair I was open by appointment only, which meant I had a whole week off work! Now as a small business owner that never happens, the only time you have off work is when you have other obligations. So during the fair I decided I was not going to make any plans and work on organizing my home (which was in scary disorder due to working all the time).

One of my rooms that is consistently needing picked up is my closet. Somehow clothing never ends up back on its hanger or in a drawer or single socks everywhere or winter hats & gloves are just everywhere {not sure how this happens}

When organizing my closet I have a few key things I like to do that ensures I get the most out of all of my clothing and accessories.

1. Separate 

• Separate all of your suits or matching tops and bottoms
• DO NOT hang any matching tops and bottoms or suits together 

2. Areas - Your closet should be divided into 4 general areas 

• Dresses
• Pants
• Tops 
• Skirts

3. Color

• Organizing your hanging clothing in ROY-G-BIV (rainbow) order with your brown, blacks and whites to follow. 
• Within your colors put your clothing from jackets/sweaters to long sleeve to sleeveless shirts
• Black blazer, black cardigan, long sleeve black blouses and Ts, short sleeve black T and black camisoles.

4.Accessories - Hats, Belts, Scarves, Jewelry, Handbags

• Accessories should be hung away from your clothing. 
• Its easiest to display your accessories and not have them in drawers...you need to be able to see what you have.
• Get creative with your accessory displays check out my Pinterest
• http://www.pinterest.com/lynmarees/organizing-diy/
• The better you can see what you have, the better you will be at utilizing your accessories to create new fun outfits 

5. Label 

• When putting anything into baskets, boxes, drawers that may not get used a tone...LABEL 
• When you know what you have and where it belongs, you will save yourself heart ache and money

6. Donate & Trash  (No garage sale pile...you'll never have one & end up donating the clothing anyways)

• Has it been more than a year since you wore it?
• Are you waiting to loose weight to wear it?
• Has it seen its day?
• Has is been over washed and over worn?
• Is it balling/pilling or have a stain?
• Does it have a hole your planning on fixing? Or missing button?
• If you said YES to ANY of those questions it's time to let it go...trust me you will be happy in the long run you did. 

Below you can see my before(left) and after(right) photos of my closet...it was a disaster and not quite perfect yet but it will be someday

Good luck and have fun! 

I know starting my day off in an organized and clean closet helps me start my day off much happier! Hope it does you as well.

Fall is in the air...let's layer up!

Finally my favorte season has arrived...lots of layering, boots, crisp air, hot tea and a cozyin' up by the fire. I absolutely love love love fall and winter. 

Many women are hesitant to layer for fear of looking larger or bulkier than they are. This could not be further from he truth. When you're layered correctly it is very figure flattering. You just have to figure out what works best for your size and shape...I promise this works for EVERYONE no matter your size, shape or age.  

Here are a few tips, tricks and money saving ideas to spice up your fall wardrobe. 

5 Steps to a Perfectly Layered Outfit

1. Start with a basic, lightweight top. I suggest a solid, something neutral, or striped.
2. Add another layer such as a soft cardigan or sweater. If you’re into color, this can be a great opportunity to mix in a bold pullover to give your outfit more intrigue and depth.
3. Then add a jacket or coat. Again, I suggest a basic color: camel, black, navy, or even olive green.
4. Next, add a scarf. It’s like the frosting on a cupcake. A must!
5. Sprinkle on your accessories (bracelets, earrings, rings, watches).

Quick Layering Tips

• Keep the under-layers more fitted to keep your shape looking slim. (fitted long sleeve T or fitted button up)
• If you’re concerned about your waistline, try to top off your look with something belted.
• When belting try BOTH under your last layer and on top of your last layer to see which way will work best for your figure. 
• Always belt at the SMALLEST part of you - hips, belly, waist, ribs... and YES you all have this
• Length and proportion is key when layering. Try to make each layer piece visible, this helps.
• Think tabs on a flier folder, they overlap but they are all visible from back (layer one) to the front (last 3,4,5).
•  Play with texture. It’s best to incorporate a mix of materials when styling a layered look. If you use all of the same fabrics, you’re look will come off as heavy and dowdy (which can add the appearance of unwanted weight as well).
• try playing with tweeds (as last layer since they are a bit heavier), leathers, knits, furs

Money Saving Tips

•  Don't store your "summer" wardrobe elsewhere. Keep all of your clothing out all year round. If you need to make more room for bulky sweaters and coats try to only put away items such as shorts, swim suits. Your "summer" clothing can easily be layered into your warmer clothing to create new outfits. Try your favorite summer dress layered with leggings and topped with a sweater, belt and scarf! You'll start seeing your clothing in a whole new light! 
• Invest in clothing that is plain, simple and fits well. Plain clothing is easier to change up with layering or accessories. You can make several new outfits just by changing up your accessories and no one will know but you! 

Have a fabulous day

& please don't forget to comment below if you have a topic you need some advice, tips or tricks on. 

-Emma

Owner and Stylist of Lyn-Maree's

209 N Main St., Auburn, IN 

(260) 908-1391

http://www.lyn-marees.com

https://www.facebook.com/lyn.marees

http://www.pinterest.com/lynmarees/

http://instagram.com/lynmarees

Weddings today

Oh weddings today *big sigh*...
Are they formal, informal, super informal or somewhere in between? Weddings use to be formal, an event you dressed up for, something special and never would imagine wearing jeans to (let alone an old, cut-off T-shirt and yes I have seen this at weddings more than once).

At today's weddings anything goes. But how do you know the attire when it's not a close friend or relative and you can't just call them up and ask what you should be wearing.
We've all done it, you thought you knew what you were going to wear, it does not work... then there is that moment of panic when your standing in front of your closet thinking "I have NOTHING to wear" and you need to leave in 10 minutes (no one wants to be that person who shows up late to a wedding...awkward)

When planning what your wearing to a wedding always consider the following things first:
1. Weather/Season
2. How formal was the invitation (did it come with 25 irrelevant envelopes*not sure why anyone still does that* or simple flat card stock invite)
3. Did the invitation state the formality of dress (typically only stated if its "black tie")
4. What is the venue? Barn, backyard, clubhouse, resort, beach....

Once weather and the potential formality of the wedding is figured out your well on your way to finding the perfect outfit.

Any plain colored dress that hits close to your knee (just above or below) is a great place to start. The simplicity of the dress will keep it easy for you to change up to make more or less dressy.
Once you have your dress pick out the shoes, then accessories. The best part about a plain dress is always the shoes and accessories, they can totally transform any old dress into something fabulous.

A few simple tips to always keep in mind when attending a wedding:
-NO flip flops (I don't care how informal the event is), if you need to take or wear flats try a ballet flat or a flat dressy sandal
-Being over dressed is way better than being under dressed
-Grab a scarf/shawl churches, reception halls, etc are either hot or cold never in between
-Don't wear anything too short...remember there will be cameras, dancing, drinking and it's NOT a club or bar, it's a wedding
-Always wear the proper undergarments, your bra and undies are meant to worn and not seen. Yes, wearing a slip is for every women no matter the age or size.

After you've taken all those things into consideration grab your "go-to" black dress and switch up the accessories accordingly. Just kidding BUT when all else fails everyone always looks classy and timeless in a black dress & fabulous accessories no matter the formality.
**YES, it is completely acceptable to wear black to a wedding**

That's all for now... please leave a comment if you have any other style tips and tricks you need help with.

Have a Fabulous Friday!

Emma
Lyn-Maree's Owner & Stylist