Make getting ready easier

Ever wonder why Lyn-Maree's only carries neutral clothing? 
Or why I only carry what I call "Accessory Clothing"?

Getting ready in the morning should be quick, easy and virtually effortless.
I'm not a morning person so I need a quick, easy morning routine that ends up in me still looking "stylish" for my day at the boutique. For me a quick morning routine starts with the closet.

Here are 8 simple steps to simplify your closet....and did I mention you can still do all of this and be trendy, up to date and stylish without spending a fortune.... 

Step No. 1: Confront your closet (and dresser, don't forget about that). Can you even see what's in there? Start the clean out by cleaning your closet...yes one piece at a time...

While your clearing out your closet put your clothing into 3 piles

• Keep it - This pile is for clothing you love
• Have worn in the last 12 months
• Fit you right now
• Are not stained or over washed
• And YES, the clothing must fit ALL of those categories. If you are wishy/washy about a garment, Donate it!
• Donate it - This pile is where MOST of your closet will be ending up. 
• Toss it - This pile is if for all the clothing that is stained, discolored, over washed and worn, tearing, etc.

*Note: If you hesitate over an item, for even a second, you don't love it, donate it*

Place the clothes you love on your bed. Arrange the articles by type: jeans, pants, shirts, etc.

Step No. 2: Examine the items on the bed to see if a theme emerges. Is everything blue? Perhaps you chose clothes sewn only from comfortable fabrics. Did you choose only your best-fitting pair of jeans? Did you leave all the skirts in the closet?

By examining the clothes you love in a vacuum—that is, without the rest of your wardrobe surrounding them and clamoring for attention—you will see a pattern. Maybe you like striped shirts best. Or maybe you really only feel comfortable in black. Next time you are on the verge of a purchase, think back to this moment: how would the new piece you are considering fit in with your favorites?

Step No. 3: Make outfits. How many different ways can you mix key pieces to create different looks? Lay out as many ensembles as possible. (Helpful Hint: snap photos with your phone of each outfit; when you wake up tomorrow morning and can't decide what to wear, you can remind yourself of the possibilities.)

Step No. 4: Edit. Are there favorite pieces that didn't make the cut when you were putting together outfits? Take them off the bed...add those to the Donate pile. 

Step No. 5: Pick and choose. Ask yourself: Is there essential piece missing? If you go back to your closet to get a particular jacket or shirt or pair of pants you now regret placing in the donate pile, will that article of clothing enable you to create several more outfits? If so, grab it. *this is the ONLY time you can get back into the pile...box that up and seal it so you cant pull anything else out*

Step No. 6: Repair, replace buttons, and iron every piece of clothing that needs attention. If an item doesn't fit properly, take it to the tailor; shorten the sleeves, nip in the waist, lift a hemline to the most flattering length. If you don't want to make that investment, get rid of the piece. Trust me, it doesn't look good on you.

Step No. 7: Go through your Keep pile, find 10 of your key favorite pieces that your able to create LOTS of outfits from (outfit ideas from step no. 3) Put those back in your closet, on hangers or shelves where they are most visible and accessible. Most of these pieces are likely to be neutrals {black, brown/cocoa/tan, grey, white/ivory, navy}

• This would be where my Slip Dresses, Slip Skirts, fav Cardigan, Blazer, Overlays, "Little" Black Dress, Nikibiki Leggings and Tops, fav pair of Jeans are located 
• Keeping my basic "everyday" items in neutrals helps provide an array of outfit choices from the same pieces {getting more bang for my buck} then I add pops of fun colors in using my jewelry and scarves. 

Step No. 8: Put the rest of your Keep clothing pile back in your closet 

• Arrange by Color and Long Dresses to T Shirts  - DO NOT hang any outfits/suits/matching tops & bottoms together - 
• If you have a work uniform do keep those all together 
• See September 2014 "Organizing your Closet" for further instructions on how to organize your closet to get the most out of your clothing
•  http://www.lyn-marees.com/blog

Slip Dresses pictured on the Left 

Slip Skirts pictured on the Right 

Hat Etiquette 101

As hats are coming more trendy {thank goodness because they are saving us from the sun and wrinkles} I've started wearing them more often I found myself wondering...

"What is the etiquette on when I can can leave my hat on and when I need to take it off?"

Fashion hats (not baseball-style caps) can be left on

• In someone's home
• At luncheons, weddings, garden parties
• At religious services
• At a movie or any indoor performance
• When the national anthem is played
• When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade

Take your fashion hat off

• Anytime it blocks someone's view, such as at a wedding or in a theater
• Indoors at work

Remove baseball-style (unisex) caps {who knew there was a difference?}

• In someone's home
• At mealtimes, at the table
• While being introduced
• In a house of worship, unless a hat or head covering is required
• Indoors at work, unless required for the job
• In public buildings such as a school, library, courthouse, or town hall
• In restaurants and coffee shops
• At a movie or any indoor performance
• When the national anthem is played
• When the flag of the United States passes by, as in a parade

Leggings & all the questions we have about them

Leggings...
Am I too old? Are they flattering? Are they appropriate? How do you wear them? Can I wear them? Are they too much of a trendy thing?

Ladies - Leggings are great for every woman, it's not about CAN you wear them, its about HOW you wear them.
They can be worn to work, out with the girls or to walmart.. 
Simply follow the rules and ideas below so your wearing them in the best and most flattering way.

For which body type would leggings be suitable?

If you follow some of the guidelines below, all body types will be able to wear leggings. 

1. LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS. No matter your age or your size, still not pants.

2. Treat leggings as they are thick tights..again not pants.

3. Always make sure your booty and crotch are covered by your top (dress, tunic, lace slip dress, etc)..because again they are NOT pants. 
4. Don't wear super tight tops with leggings, always remember to pair tiny(tight) bottoms with loose/flowy tops. Similar to the "if your showing off your legs cover your chest" or "if your wear lots of eye makeup go for a nude lip" etc. you don't have to wear lots of tight clothing to be sexy. 
5. Stick with darker colors (this goes for jeans too!)

What garments work well with leggings?

Leggings are ideal to combine with tunics and short dresses. I often wear a short dress over leggings. Leggings are also great contenders to wear with boots. In general, your ideal garments to combine with leggings include:

• Tunics
• Slip Dresses (available at Lyn-Maree's)
• Slip Skirt/Shirt Extenders (available at Lyn-Maree's) 
• Short dresses
• Long knitted sweaters
• Boots
• Longer asymetrical pieces
• Long cardigans
• Big wide sweaters (depending on your shape always belt these)
• Sweater dresses

What not to wear with leggings over 40

• Avoid any tops that are higher than mid thigh
• Don’t wear tops that are too tight
• Avoid animal prints and disco fabrics.
• Avoid any way you wore them in the 80's

What is the ideal length of your leggings

You can never go wrong with full length leggings (ankle or slightly bunches at ankle). These elongate and will make your legs appear longer. Another length I like in warmer climates is just below the knee. If you are short though, mid calf and short leggings should be worn with caution as they will make you look smaller.

Which shoes to wear with leggings?

It is great to wear a shoe in the same color as your leggings as it elongates your legs even further. Tall, flat boots are a "go to" in the winter. Try short booties and ballet flats in the fall and spring. Heals can be a yes, but proceed with caution here, always be sure your wearing ankle length leggings with heals and a dress.
**Never wear leggings with tennis shoes... remember ladies this is NOT the 80s**

What about jeggings, skinny jeans or printed leggings?

For me the same rules that apply to leggings also apply to jeggings and printed leggings. Always be sure to wear a PLAIN top with printed leggings, and add some accessories (statement necklace) to draw the eye up to your face. Stick with a vertical print. 

With skinny jeans, make sure you stay away from very tight fitting tops. 

As always if you are still unsure or need any help at all just stop in and I'll be happy to help!