Hello, Kate.

Oh dear, she's done it. Sort of Lady Gaga style (getting out of a cab with a teacup)...why not carry around a birdcage?

I'm sorry, but have you SEEN a cuter bag? A tish impractical for me, but who cares!

Thank you to Nicole Balch for posting about Kate, and being so cute with your new bag!

Well done, Mrs. Spade.

Miscellaneous: Things I love this week.

You know when you spend some time during the week surfing blogs, surfing the Internet, avoiding reality...


Shoe of the week:

I love the booties this fall. I am on the hunt for a pair to wear to work, comfortable heel, color that will match everything. I might have found them in these.

Bag of the week:

This designer, MOOP, is great! I have the Organic Market bag of theirs and love it. I ordered one of these as well, as we transition into fall. Anxiously awaiting it's arrival...

Pants of the week:

Seriously. how. cute. are. these. I think I have decided on the soft ochre. I absolutely love skinny pants. Never thought I would, but I do. Maybe because I feel a little like Audrey when I wear them? Hmm... I have the Minnie pant in black & grey and I wear them weekly to work. JCrew's fall collection is inspired by the 40's era, which is my favorite. T-straps, ankle socks, boots, feminine take on menswear classic shirts, pencil skirts, beads...kill me!

OK one more from JCrew...

Tee of the week:

I love the embellished tees! I've said it once and I'll say it again. I love the embellished tees! Eliminates that extra step of picking out jewelry in the morning. Just put on your pearl earrings and go. My cousin and I are working on brainstorming about embellishments. I hope to start turning some craft dreams into realities and having them available to you, dear readers. JCrew has really dominated the embellished tees this year. They have this incredible ability to produce classic pieces, with a trendy twist. Well done!

Cousin of the week:

What? It's my blog and I can put what I want. So a cousin can't be bought online, but she can be viewed online!

Julie is on the left. She is in marketing by day and a talented photographer by night in Houston, Texas. She frequently follows me and takes pictures of me (see profile pic-I was assisting a wedding with her and she snagged that shot!). Take a look at her beautiful site!

Happy Friday! (Can it be 5 already?)

You've noticed some changes.

Well, I had to make some changes to my blog. I wanted a more clean and fresh look. I wanted to expand the topics I was able to post about. I wanted to re-create reader interaction.

So. The plan:

-Mondays are always hard for me, so I thought I'd use that day to catch up from the weekend and post any 'findings' from the weekend.

-How-To Tuesdays. Every week (specifically on Tuesday), a new "How-To" will be posted. This week was the first one and was on the topic of closet organization.

-Throughout the rest of the week, I'll post any helpful hints or subtopics from the "How-To" of the week (first was about elfa shelves)

-Fridays can be open to topics of your choice---need more info on a previous post? On something I've never blogged about? Let me know!

I'm excited to pick up this blog again. I've enjoyed writing and using this as one of my creative outlets!!

Happy Wednesday-we are almost there!

The Container Store-to organize or not to organize?

Going on with our closet theme....
Never fails. When I walk into this store, I inhale deeply. What is that I smell? Organization.
Ok, ok I'm not that crazy :D
However, the store DOES inspire me. I have to make SURE I come for a purpose, or I'll go hog wild. Plus, it is not the cheapest store, so you have to shop around before deciding "Yes, this is the best place to buy a trash can" (It's not-best go for Lowe's or Target).
When I embarked on the closet organizing mission at my new condo, my mom gave me some of her elfa drawers, so I did not need to purchase too many extra after that. We did improve the overal look and function of the white iron drawers with the clear liners, the melamine tops, and for belts the 32-compartment drawer organizer. Worth every penny.
There are several "closet systems" at The Container Store and you have to decide what is best for you. This is what works for me!

How to Clean Up Your Closet-Part I in a continuous series.

Let's be honest. Cleaning out your closet is not a one-time project. It is continuous, happens every season, or every time a tornado blows through it. This time, a tornado blew threw mine. I also wanted to pre-Fall it. (Pre-Fall, meaning get ready to THINK about Fall). I live in Texas, so it is still hotter than Hades, but the stores are displaying fall and winter-wear. So, I'm essentially trying to wear fewer summer colors and pastels and bring out my light weight, but color-appropriate apparel.
Anyways, back to the closet. It blew up last week. So, how to start...
-Focus on the project, don't get overwhelmed (you may need a snack/refreshment and some good music playing. I believe I was listening to Miike Snow's album).
-Remove items that you do not wear. I said it. GET RID OF THEM! My limit is usually a year. Sometimes a year and a half-so I give it a second chance to be worn in the following season. Have a bag to collect these items. We'll talk more later about donating/selling unwanted clothing.
-Remove items that are worn out. I told a friend recently that you are allowed about 5 sentimental items in your entire closet. Otherwise, they just take up space that is deserving of the wanted items.
-Organize your tops in some manner. I organize by color.
-Clean the shelves that house your shoes/purses/accessories. I took everything off to dust the shelves, and re-straighten. I will soon move summer sandals up and fall shoes down closer to reach. My boots are neatly stacked on top for now, until appropriate for wearing.
-Vacuum the inside of the closet last.
-Make sure items are neatly folded, stacked, and hung. (p.s. my mom is getting me MATCHING HANGERS for my birthday! I can hardly wait...)
So it's not that hard. Or complex. Or demanding. But the result? Heaven! Makes it easier to find what you want in the morning, makes it easier to hang up your clean laundry, makes it a more "zen" space. I also took it one step further (ok really five steps in my book) and did laundry, took out the ironing board and USED it...I ironed everything that needed it and then had a separate tote to put in my car of items that needed to be dry cleaned. Wouldn't mom be proud?
The final product...sigh....

"Challenges are like cleaning your closet. You have to empty all the contents and make a mess before productivity and order become your hallmark...The most inspiring thing some can say is 'wow, what a clean closet'"-Brendan Murphy