HOW TO JUMP START YOUR DAY WITH DENIM

I know shopping for jeans can be terrifying. As I type this, there are dressing rooms across America murmuring words like, "Dear God My butt is HUGE," "I never knew what a muffin top was until now!" and "I am never eating bread again!". Listen, I am a short chick, with long legs, a scrunched waist and big boobs... so if I can find a pair of jeans that makes me look a little taller AND proportional, anyone can.

                     A GOOD SKINNY JEAN AND A NICE PAIR OF HEELS WORKS BEST FOR MY BODY TYPE
 

So let's go through this process together. Deep breath.. today I just want you to focus on two things.

1.) IGNORE THE NUMBERS: Do not try to squeeze into a pair of pants because of the size. When looking at jeans, size DOES NOT MATTER. About 3 years ago I was invited to a Sundance gifting lounge for my handbag line solas. 

                                                             SUNDANCE 2006

My bags were paired right next to Seven Jeans. I became bff with the girls from Seven and the first thing they taught me was depending on the style or cut I could fluctuate three sizes with Seven. Yes, ladies, 3! So don't get hung up on if your a 27 or 30! It doesn't matter.. what matter is .. HOW DOES YOUR ASS LOOK IN THOSE 30s! A good jean should "give" your butt a lift and slenderize your body shape. Which leads us to the second most important thing....

                                

                       I HAVE TO SHOW OFF "T"s BUTT IN THESE JEANS ONE MORE TIME!

2.)  KNOW YOUR BODY SHAPE.  There are basically 8 female body shapes and not every girl is meant for a boot cut or a low rise. I love this website shopyourshape.com. They not only explain body types in depth they also have a shape calculator.

Once you know your shape you don't have to fear the muffin top or the tankles ever again! DEEP BREATH! SEE THAT DIDN'T KILL YOU, DID IT?

THANX KK! ME AND MY CLOTHES ARE GOING TO REHAB!

You know how there’s that really funny part of every romantic comedy when the cute/quirky/adorable starlet shoves all her belongings into her tiny, already overstuffed closet which then humorously explodes out at her at the most critically inappropriate moment, spewing every item of clothing she’s every owned into the atmosphere and embarrassing her as a packrat, clotheshorse, and total, utter failure as a woman?

Yeah, well, it turns out it’s not so funny in real life.

HI! I'M THE HOT MESS OF A NEW GIRL.....TERESA

Hey guys!  Let's get introductions done first, shall we?  I'm Teresa, the new Closet Karma intern...AKA: KK's protege!  Um...

Let's be honest.  I am no Kara Kurcz.  (I really just want to get this off my chest right away, so we have no confusion here.)  So let me say that again: I am SO NOT KARA KURCZ. 

My dear friend and woman extraordinaire, KK, is a wonderful and optimistic model of how to truly treat your wardrobe as a beautiful extension of your soul and I HAVE NO IDEA HOW SHE DOES IT.  I have little to no closet karma whatsoever.  For years, I didn’t even have a closet.  (Don’t judge me!)  My hangers are stolen from Target and Ross Dress for Less.  I wear the same shoes every day…and they are sandals.  I am just a regular ol’ hot closet mess.  And it shows!   Which is why I’m seeking help from the one person I know can save me from  my abusive wardrobe relationship with cotton & faux-leather:  KK herself!

The very first issue KK and I sat down and discussed was my addiction.  I’m not ashamed to say I am a Costume Change Addict.  I change outfits NO LESS than 3 TIMES A DAY.  No lie.  When I come out into the living room in a whole new ensemble, my loving boyfriend will actually look at his watch and say, “Yep.  It’s about that time.”  And he means it totally un-ironically.  It's weird and twisted, people, but I literally feel awful and unsettled if I don’t stick to my change schedule.  It’s sick!

Think I’m kidding?

EXAMPLE A:

 

As you can see, I did not brush my hair, nor bother to put in my contacts.  As for the accessories, I’ve been wearing the same necklace for 5 days.  I sleep with it on.

EXAMPLE B:

Ah yes.  Much better, in a sort of Frump Queen/Wicked Witch of the West way.  No glasses.  Still no brushing of hair here, but now I'm wearing mostly black and feeling sort of work-appropriate, but really just dumpy.  Same necklace.

EXAMPLE C:

I'm a little disgusted with myself here, but at least I've un-dumpified myself a bit.  And I have changed out of my sneakers.  Under that sassy grin, though, I'm already thinking about changing again.  SIGH.  Not sure what’s wrong with me, but I’m hoping and praying all I need is a little karmic rewiring from my guru, KK. 

So far, her advice was to make the life transformation slowly and consistently, as Costume Change Addicts very often slip right into relapses during treatment and start going out into public dressed as Phoebe Price.  Save me, KK!!

SWEATING THE SWEATER SEASON

Dear KK,

Fall is my favorite season!  But the thought of dealing day in and day out with the sweater shelf in my closet leaves me wishing I could just spring forward to spring.  Do you have  any  advice on how to avoid an avalanche every time I attempt to grab a sweater off the top shelf?             

                                                           -Sweating the Sweater Season

 Dear Triple S,

I find that sweaters are one of the "hard to let go" items in a woman's closets.  First of all, they are nostalgic.  The cardigan you wore when you met "Carl" reminds you of your first kiss. The ten turtlenecks sitting on your top shelf make you feel fuzzy at first glance.  And then there is the word "sweater".  It is such a broad term.  Now a days a sweater could be  considered a zippy, a hoodie, a pull over,a jersey and even a turtle neck!  

Finally, sweaters are seasonal and they tend to be bulky...which means they find an inconvenient home on your top shelf.  There they sit, staring at you all spring.  And 70% of them just end up collecting dust .  Suddenly, that cozy cardigan has just turned into a closet catastrophe. 

So what to do?  Well, first of all, you need to change your attitude towards your apparel. Think of each article of clothing as an emotion.  Remember your wardrobe represents who you are...so you need to take an inventory of what is going on with you.  Take time to sift through each sweater.  How does it make you feel?  Are you happy?  Are you excited to wear it?  Does it make you feel secure?  If you find you have no positive emotion associated with an item... it needs to go.  Now let's say you find sweaters that make you feel safe and secure? ... well, then treat them as such... throwing your security on the top shelf where you can never reach it is like purposely losing your house keys.  You need to find a place in your closet that is accessible for your sweaters.  This will take a little work and you will have to rethink your closet arrangement every fall.  Try putting items you won't wear until spring into bins.  Then place those bins on your top shelf making space to hang sweaters in your closet.  I know hanging sweaters can be tricky but there are lots of affordable and fun ways to do it.  As you know, I am a big fan of Joy Mangano's options, her sweater hangers actual work.  They don't bend or crease the sweater.  She also has several great cubbies that you can use to hang in your closet.

Also look for liquidation sales at organizational stores if you surf the internet you can find lots of great deals on discounted items for your closet.

Have fun with the process and don't be afraid to 'keep things hanging'!

-KK

Dear KK,

I don't have the luxury of a separate closet for my purses and shoes?  Like many women, I'm more addicted to buying footwear and/or handbags.  I want to make my purses as easily accessible as my shoes and clothes as you know purses are an equally important part of a woman's wardrobe as anything else.                                                    

                                                            -Terrorized By My Need to Accessorize

 Dear Terrorized,

In a perfect world if the fashion fairy were to grant one closet wish what would be?  A.) A bigger closet? B.) Unlimited Bag Buying or C.)Both

If your answer is A.) you probably need to reassess your accessory situation.

If your answer is B.) You probably need to reassess your accessory situation.

If your answer is C.) You DEFINITELY need to reassess your accessory situation.

I like to think of shopping like eating.  It is a basic need for me and I am not ashamed to admit it.  When I have a healthy relationship with my closet, my wallet and my favorite stores... I return home not only feeling fulfilled but happy!  When I choose to make poor choices and ignore what  my fashion diet...I come home feeling depressed, bloated.. and full of regret.  If you are looking at your closet and it's overstuffed and underused there is something much bigger than organization going on... "your eyes are bigger than your stomach!"  If you are not using it, it needs to go!

Anything that sits there for longer than a year is like the ding dong waiting to throw a wrench inJust like counting calories you have to know your maximum intake in order to get the best results.  Clear out the unwanted and the unused.  But keep the accessories that excite you and make you feel like a million bucks -- but don't COST a million bucks.

Shopping is not a negative thing.  Fashion is fabulous as long as all aspects of your life are in line.  Your wallet, your closet and YOU have to be in-sync. If you love handbags and shoes, wouldn't it be more fun to resell shoes you are not wearing so you can afford and bring home a new pair of Jimmy Choos...

AND ACTUALLY HAVE SPACE ON YOUR SHELF! And once you have cleared your closet's karma you can get creative how you display your shoes and bags if there is still no room.  Think of your accessories like art and have fun displaying them.  If there is no clutter, you will be proud to show your masterpieces off! 

                           Enjoy your Fashion Renaissance!

Bounty of Beads

Dear KK, I took your advice and cleansed my closet and I am left with a surplus of beads. You see about three years ago I had a BAD OBSESSION with BIG WOODEN BEADS. I literally have 3 boxes of beads! Help! Can I bring these Beads back?? -Bounty of Beads

Dear Bounty of Beads, DO NOT FRET! You are not the only shopper who fell victim to the “bohemian beads” back in the day thanks to those trend setting twins Mary Kate and Ashely…the good news is accessories are the easiest things to recycle!

Fall 2009 is all about high impact jewelry and scarves. That means lots of texture, mixed metals and materials. So think about layering to mix two ideas together. For example: Instead of wearing your wooden beads alone try them with a sophisticated scarf, a bright color t-shirt or a shawl. Think about jazzing up your outfit with a chunky piece of jewelry and then layer your wooden beads on top as the finishing touch. The possibilities are endless and the challenge is fun!! Just think outside the Bead!!!! Love and Light, KK

Desperately Seeking Selection

Dear KK, Lately I've noticed a serious lack in the variety of selections at department stores. The sale rack looks stale, the new season’s colors are pale, and all the sales associates have low morale. Help! Does the slump in the economy mean I have to be frump?

Dear DSS, Desperately Seeking Selection

You are absolutely right! Due to the economic crisis many retailers are not re-ordering or refreshing inventory. In fact, most stores are afraid to take risks these days, and we are all finding conservative choices on the shelves. But don't frown just because inventories down! You always have options!

If you are a frequent department store shopper my advice is to venture out into the wild a bit. Go shop outside the "big-gun" doors. Take time to browse local boutiques and stores. The buyers in boutiques tend to avoid purchasing products that are seen by the "masses". You will have a better chance of finding something unique even if it has been sitting on the shelf for awhile. Overall, supporting your local businesses is always a good idea in any economy. Another idea is to check out the outlet malls. Outlet mall outings are no longer reserved for holiday hoopla. You may be shopping last season but, if your getting designer duds on discount its worth the gas! Finally, don't be afraid to approach sales associates. Ask them what is new? What is on sale? And get on their mailing list so you can be the first informed when new stock is on its way. Hang in there things will turn around and when they do you will be runway ready. Love and Light, KK

Tan line Trauma

Dear KK, I have had an awesome summer filled with beach, beer and boys. Unfortunately, I am scarred with a badge from the burning sun because of my fair skin. Yes, I admit it I have Terrible Tan lines...What is a girl to do? And quick!? HELP! Tan line Trauma
	Dear TT, Yes, tan lines traumatize everyone…especially the people who are forced to witness them. There is a reason undergarments are "under" our clothes. Tan lines are a classic case of TME (too much exposure). Everyone standing at the subway knows what bra you wore the day before. However, we all have fallen victim at some time in our life to the ritual of "basting" in the sun. First, of course, LIMIT YOUR TIME IN THE SUN! I am a big believer in sun block and the fake bake. But if you are a beach bunny who lives for the summer, there are several things you can do to avoid having your tan lines be the talk of the town:)
1.) Know What To Wear: Do not subject yourself or anyone else to a tube top or strapless dress. It may be summer, and yes, that may be your favorite style…but girlfriend the zebra stripe doesn't look good! Go with a wide halter dress or any mini that can hide those tan lines! There are even some great Maxis to choose from. Also, stay away from spaghetti strap tanks because it's better to find a more flattering top than to wear something that turns your chest into a billboard!
2.) Bronzer Is Your Best Friend: I am a firm believer you need to have a bronzer for your face and a separate bronzer for your body. Your face bronzer can help cover those sunglass lines and any unwanted marks you may have on your neck. Your body self-tanner can help fill in the "sun gaps" and also give you that sun kissed look you’re looking for. I have tons of friends who just use over-the-counter spray tans and lotions. It actually can look great!
Here is a list of some brands I believe are worth checking out: FOR YOUR FACE ONLY: 1. Ready to Wear Sun kissed Bronzer (under $25) 2. Clinque True Bronze (under $35) 3. Wet and Wild Mega Glow (any drugstore under $5.00) 4. Elizabeth Arden’s Daily Bronzer (under $20) FOR YOUR BODY 1.)Clarin's Self Tanning Gel 2.)Neutrogena Instant Bronze 3.)Lancome Sole Flash Bronzer And remember leave the heavy Basting for Thanksgiving!

Begg'in not to be Barefoot by Fall

Dear KK My husband doesn't understand my shoe obsession. In fact, he has placed me on an indefinite shoe-buying hiatus! HELP ME! Begg'in not to be Barefoot by Fall

Dear BB First, take a deep breath. So far there have been no reported cases of people dying from shoe with drawl. Second, I have a hankering your husband may have good reason to place you on shoe house arrest.. 1.) Do you have more than 3 pairs of a shoe in the same color? 2.)Do you wear less than 70% of your shoes in your closet? 3.)Do you buy painful pumps because they're pretty? 4.)Does your shoe closet function more like a museum than a closet? If you answered yes to 2 or more of these questions you need to sharpen your shoe senses!

Listen I understand the shoe fetish. There are 1,0000 choices in your size, they always fit and they always make you feel sexy and they are the one fashion item most women feel comfortable taking risks with...a pair of torn jeans with turquoise pumps is hot! But WOMEN can NOT survive on shoes alone. You need a complete wardrobe to truly feel secure. Buying too much of one thing is a fleeting high that will only end with a terrible crash when you walk to your closet and realize you have nothing to wear with your jade jeweled Jimmy Choos. You want your closet to be a place you're excited to visit because you can wear everything in it! Looking at shelves full of unworn heels and flats just puts a pit in your stomach especially in an economy like this!

So instead of panicking I want you to go home and do two things. First, survey your shoe rack and any pair of shoe that is in season and has not been worn in the last year put aside. From that pile you can keep one third. Whatever is left...sell it on Ebay, donate it or give it to a good friend. You got "sole" surplus sweetie and what you need is to put some "soul" back into your closet. Next, go kiss your husband and thank him for helping you un-closet your karma!

Black Skirt Banshee

Dear KK, I am a confessed shopoholic. However, shopping is really not my problem .....what I buy is....BLACK SKIRTS!!! I literally have over 100...help! What does this mean? Am I doomed to a dark skirt destiny forever??                           -Black Skirt Banshee
Dear Black Skirt Banshee, If you have more than 5 of the same color anything in your closet you need to listen up! Your closet is not only the birth mother of your fashion…it is basically the building block of your day. Interestingly enough you have 100 BLACK skirts and not 100 BLACK shirts, which tells me you’re not afraid of throwing a party on top, but like to keep it very safe on the bottom. How you dress your legs is how you ground yourself in life and BLACK is a power color, and those 100 skirts are making you feel like they are the source of your power. You have gotten in a pattern of thinking that your black skirts are the source of your sensibility and stability. But girl, skirts are sexy and feminine enough that you can have that power in any color.
Time to burn the security blanket and branch out! No one is saying that you can’t wear a black skirt EVERY OTHER DAY…I am just saying there is much more substance to you than meets the eye. Be bold and free yourself from that black skirt binky! In my opinion you should never have more than 5 of an item in the same color. Here is why…you truly have roughly 5 instances to fill for your day-to-day style:
1. Work Casual 2. Buisness Attire 3. Sexy 4. Serious 5. Playful
So try having 5 black skirts, 5 brown skirts, 5 khaki skirts for each instance and now your closet has a multitude of choices!
		Think of your closet for a second like your spice cabinet. It needs to be both accessible and encompass everything you need at a whim’s notice. Picture this….you have had a long day at work and some gal pals are coming over for Sangria...so you are thinking “PAELLA!” You open the cabinet and your staple spice rack has 6 kinds of oregano and basil, which is great for a pasta party with Prosecco, but not so great for Pinot and Paella. You rummage through your cabinet and all you find is your staple salt and pepper, but they are so boring. Life has many flavors such as Indian, Morrocan, Chinese…and you’re not living life to the fullest if you are pigeonholing yourself into just one spice…or one safe look in your fashion.      Spice it up!