Closet Spring Cleaning – Keep or Toss?

Even if you don’t live in a city that experiences the four seasons, you always need to go through a yearly spring cleaning.

The yearly ritual of spring cleaning doesn’t only apply to cleaning out old cabinets and heavy duty dusting; it applies to all areas of the home including your closet.  I know there a million and one times you have stood in front of your closet and said “I don’t have anything to wear” or “I need a new wardrobe.”  Sound familiar? Yes I am guilty too, but you may be pleasantly surprised at what you already have.  You should take spring cleaning as an opportunity to not only refresh your home and closet, but creatively come up with new looks you may not have thought of before. Here are some tips:

·         Divide & Conquer:

o   Separate clothing into categories:

§  Wear all the time. Love it

§  Sometimes. It gets some love

§  Stained or faded. Not in the best shape

§  Never wear anymore. Time to part ways

·         Give Back:

o    My general rule of thumb is if I haven’t worn it in over a year, it’s got to go.

o   Once you have separated clothes, pick out items that are for donation.

o   This is an opportunity to give to those more in need. Plus a tax deduction is always nice.

·         Storage:

o   Purchase large plastic bins, zippered sweater/blanket bags for storage.

o   Store clothing according to season.

o   Wash or dry-clean clothing before storing.

·         Stretch your $$$:

o   Protect your investment.  Moth balls!

o   Don’t like the smell, they come in lavender pouches as well.

·         Grouping:

o   Once you have your clothes sorted. Hang in color blocks and type.

o   Group all shirts  All tank tops together, all capri pants together in one area.  All tank tops together, all capri pants together in one area. together, dresses together, jeans together, etc…

o   Then group by colors.

o   This allows you to remember what you have and find pieces easier.

·         Hangers:

o   Discard all wire hangers.

o   They ruin clothes and are only meant to be temporaryWire hangers ruin clothes and are meant for short term purposes only.

o   Purchase p If you have extra bucks purchase velvet, suede or wooden hangers. Easily found online and at local retailers.

Spring cleaning can be a therapeutic process. A cleanse if you will. Now that you have some tips try it.  How many clothing articles do you think will you find in your closet or bins that you forgot you even had?

Designer vs. Department



What are you really paying for?

In today’s world everyone with unemployment at a high and a shaky economy everyone is really trying to stretch a dollar. When the recession hit even the luxury brand market felt the sting.  This is right around time designers started to pay attention to the remaining consumer groups of people with budgets.  Then the popular trend of brand name designers partnering with local retailers (Sears, JC Penny, H&M, Target, etc...) was born and truly successful.  The public responded to the partnerships with items selling out overnight nation-wide.  For example, a designer Versace dress runs in the cost of anywhere from $1500 to $15,000.  Whereas a Versace for H&M dress is $95- $250, depending on the design.

This type of product is a response from high-end designers that selling in mass numbers, but a lower price point is just as profitable. Granted when you purchase a brand partnership piece you are not buying an actual Versace dress and quality.  We’ve all heard the saying “You get what you paid for.”  Well this holds very true in the case of buying a costly designer dress or a budget friendly department store dress.  There a number of characteristics to take into consideration such as Fabric, Cut, Seams & Hems, Beading, Color, Fasteners and lining.  I have purchased a $29 dress from H&M that faded after one wash and I have purchased an $800 D&G dress that after eight years looks brand new.  It boils down to the characteristics listed above.  As a consumer you have to do your homework. Know the materials, read the washing instructions. All this can help protect your investment.

There are so many brands out there that you have no idea what’s the best brand to go with?  Well there is no right answer.  It boils down to preference and budgets. An example is jeans.  People tend to go with what’s in trend or most expensive  like Hudson, Rock & Republic, Robin Jeans, J Brand or 7 For all Mankind. Take a look at the photos below. Can you tell which the more expensive brand is? They are both the same color and material (black, 98% cotton, 2% elastane).



Option 1





Option 2



Well, they both look the same, but you are going to pay for the brand name and quality. Can you see the difference in these options?  Well the difference lays in the price.  Option 1 is $68 Levis and option 2 are $165 Hudson Jeans. Here it boils down to preference and budget. The next time you are shopping for yourself, your family or for a gift. Think about what you are spending your money on and if it truly is worth it to you. An educated consumer is a smart consumer.

OMG!!! Did you see JLo in Brazil?

Color Blocking

Of course everyone has seen the latest color blocking trend.  JLo looked amazing in a Michael Kors Neon dress and Casadei Pumps. The look is flawless and hot! Would you try it?

SO? Have you gone out and bought any new looks?

Now that you were given insider tips, did you brave lines or wake up at the crack of dawn to shop online? Do tell. Post your great finds and share your pics! Here are some looks seen on the pavements in Paris, NYC and LA. Looking good!

TRENDING NOW – OUR NEW OBSESSION!

Our new obsession has arrived!!! We’ve been waiting since the announcement of the partnership back in November and finally, Italian label Marni for H&M hits stores and online March 8th. The best part of it, of course, is the price: Nothing is over $130 (for a coat) and most items are priced around $70-$80, while accessories are only $19.95.

The campaign pictures were photographed by Sofia Coppola, who also created a film for the project. The amazing images were shot in Marrakech and really highlight the collection's versatile separates and printed dresses.

These two outfits happen to be my favorites out of the collection. Take a peep HERE to check out the rest of the collection.

CHAMPAGNE LIFESTYLE ON A BEER BUDGET – LITERALLY

I love a sexy pair of stilettos and fabulous handbag just as much as the next gal, but let’s be honest do I really want to pay $800 for a pair of Christian Louboutin’s? Okay, well yes, actually I do, but the reality is I can’t afford it, especially in today’s economy. Shoes aren’t going to pay the rent.

So we shift to Plan B.

I love high end luxury brands like Missoni, Marni, Versace, Gucci, YSL and the list goes on for days, but I need to stay focused on budget. As I mentioned before, there is no excuse why you can’t look chic and amazing for an affordable price. Over the years H&M, Target, Macy’s, Kohls, JC Penny, Sears (yeah it said it, Sears) have worked with famous designers to create exclusive pieces for their stores.   The latest partnerships have been pretty damn good. Here are a few lines that I was totally feeling:

• Kardashian’s for Sears – Lingerie and accessories worth a look
• Jason Wu for Target – It’s Jason Wu do I really need to explain
• Mango for JC Penny – Great work clothes and dresses are fabulous
• Karl Langerfeld for Macys – Perfect print T-shirts
• Versace for H&M – Hot dresses for any occasion
• Vera Wang & Jennifer Lopez for Kohls – Great pieces for work and evening

So happy shopping and have a glass of champagne in my name with all the money you will be saving while looking like a million bucks!

FROM RUNWAYS TO SIDEWALKS

Seeing is believing. Here are a few pics of the rich and famous wearing the trendy and affordable threads I’ve mentioned.  How do you think they look? I’m sure it will look just as good or better on you!

The First Lady Michelle Obama was seen deplaning Air Force One in the latest Jason Wu for Target dress.


  


Actress Olivia Palmero rocked a $100 Mango for JCPenny dress at their event.



Socialite Seren Shvo was seen getting into her Ferrari in Miami wearing the $129 Versace for H&M dress.

 




Jennifer Lopez and soon to be ex-hubby Marc Anthony wearing their own collections at Kohls. Jennifer's dress is $45 and Marc's outfit ranges from $45 to $129.

  

HOW AND WHERE DO I LOOK FOR TRENDY CLOTHES?

Okay so where do you buy your next hot outfit? Good question. Well you can Google till your blue in the face or just come here and get the 411.  Here is a list of some great resources, besides Redemption HUB, that can help you out:

• Check out the latest fashions in magazines. Some of my favorites:

o   Us Weekly

o   Glamour

o   Lucky

o   In Style Magazine

o   People Style Watch

o   The Cut – NY Magazine

o   WWD (the ultimate publication in fashion)

• Sign up for newsletters on retailer’s website. This way you stay afloat of what’s going on.
• Your local newspaper

So get out there and start looking. I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised. You can thank me later:)

WHY ALL THE HYPE?

For centuries fashion has had an important role in society.  Your threads classified your status in society.   Well, we all know you need lots of money to buy expensive and luxurious clothes.  In today’s world where the economy isn’t doing too great people are watching every dollar spent.  Understandably we just aren’t spending like we used to. 

One thing that we are responding to is the partnerships between Haute Couture Labels and retailers.  Designer items at big retailers are nothing new, but now brands are designing and selling to the budget conscious buyer.  Meaning you and meJ  The hype is translating to big $$ for retailers. 

My personal rule is never pay full price, only shop for designer clothes if you can find them at a bargain.  Now with the great collaborations that fashion houses are doing I can actually get some fabulous clothes.  Granted the low-priced chains aren't identical to the brands full priced high end pieces, but "it's more affordable and just as cute!"



There is no reason why you can’t look good for an affordable price.  So the next time you are looking for that new dress, clutch or jacket be sure to check out your local retailers first.