From Frumpy to Freakin' Fabulous

Another beautiful day!
The opportunities are endless, if you know where to look...

Recently, Lightening informed me I looked "frumpy".

He is three, and happened to be wearing orange swim trunks while watching me get ready.

I had pulled on a navy ruffled J.Crew skirt, which proffered the unfortunate dual purpose of also becoming a strapless dress (pull it up! pull it down!) According to my pre-schooler, two-for-one is only a good deal when we're talking about scoops of ice cream. When asked what I should wear instead, my brilliant boy pulled out my one and only full-priced designer indulgence--Michael Kors' green leaf-print sheath (a magical dress, approved by the darling man himself!) 

Okayyy. I needed something a little less fancy, so we agreed on a navy and white fitted sundress with a matching sash. Totally nautical and quite flattering. As I tried to convince Lightening my orange wedges would be perfect(ly comfortable) with this look, he stopped short and handed over my Manolos--bronze-gold kitten-heeled mules--which I pretty much covet and never wear. 

This kid can't read labels, but clearly knows quality and confirmed my notion that fashion inspiration comes primarily from the young (they aren't as lazy tired!) If you don't have a three-year-old to choose your wardrobe for you, start with a clean closet--decision-making is simpler if you cancel out ill-fitting and unflattering items. 

Here are FIVE quick tips to re-boot your closet! For those of us who, after packing healthy lunches, homework assignments and soccer gear, have about 3 minutes to get dressed...

Oh, and that J.Crew skirt/dress? You'll probably find it at Goodwill next week.

Peek-A-Boo! Wait 'til you see how I've organized the fridge! Thank you, caffeine.

1. Label cute containers for things like bras, tanks and hats (these are plasticized wicker from Marshall's)
2. Store like items together: Totes and bags on one shelf, perfumes within easy spritzing distance, wallets and clutches in a bin.
3. Buy skinny hangers (Bed Bath and Beyond has slimline flocked packs of 80--the flocking reduces slippage) and hang tops from light to dark according to season (Tanks, Tee's then Long Sleeved Shirts). 
4. Shirts, Dresses and Coats should all face in the same direction (Bust to Bum works best)
5. Keep separate totes for dry cleaning, donating to Goodwill (keep nothing that makes you feel funny--even if it was a gift/you overpaid/hope it will fit someday) and items needing repair or special love, like hand-washing. Nothing hurts more than accidentally tossing that new cashmere cardi in the washing machine!

xxx