Advice
Welcome to our advice section. Every week I answer new questions submitted
by readers on Organizing, Image, Fashion and Event Planning.
You can read my "AddSPACE To Your Life!" column every week
in San Diego's “The Coast News" or read the archived columns
below.
E-mail your questions to advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
9.30.04
Buy this season what you can
wear next season
Dear Kathi,
I’m on a tight budget and really want to buy some new clothes.
Do you have any advice to help me make the right choices?
Erika, Cardiff
Erika,
Buy clothing that will span all seasons -- like wool crepe or matte
jersey. Try to plan your wardrobe around three neutral colors. Choose
between khaki, navy, brown, black, white or creme. Buy more solids
than prints - you won't get tired of them as quickly.
Everything you buy should flatter your figure. This means it not only
plays up your best features but also hides what's not perfect. Darker
colors and simple cuts (a sheath, an A-line) are the most flattering.
Focus on general trends. You will wear these items longer. They are
a better fashion bet and can be found at all price points. Fads always
have a shorter life span than trends.
Remember that buying inexpensive items just because they are inexpensive
is almost always a bad investment. If you can’t afford to buy
the item that you really want, wait awhile. Remix existing clothes
or alter your hair, makeup or accessories to achieve a new look.
Don’t choose buying the cashmere sweater over making the car
payment. Be responsible and always shop with your budget in mind.
Dear
Kathi,
I’ve made my list and checked it twice for my upcoming business
trip. I travel 3-4 times a year and always find that I’ve forgotten
something important. Do you have running list of “must have”
items for travelers?
Mary, Carlsbad
Mary,
It is a good idea to create a permanent travel kit that is filled
and waiting for your upcoming trips. Travel cases that can be opened
and hung are worth the investment. They won’t take up counter
space and you can see at a glance what you have on hand. Fill your
travel kit with these essentials and replenish as needed after each
trip.
Buy sample sizes or small travel bottles to refill for shampoo, deodorant,
shave crème, crème rinse, lotion, baby oil, powder and
so forth. If you prefer using your own soap to the many hotel varieties,
pack it as well. I find that a small refillable bottle of my favorite
liquid soap and a loofah sponge makes me feel more comfortable when
travelling. Include shaving equipment and shave crème, tweezers
and small scissors. Folding embroidery scissors work well because
they won’t poke holes.
Additionally, remember toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton balls/ swabs
and safety pins. A small medical kit should include aspirin, allergy
pills, eye drops, bandaids, triple antibiotic and any other medicine
you use on a regular basis. Your make-up kit along with eyeglasses
or contacts and related supplies will complete your essentials.
Add-ons can include a small notebook and pen for phone numbers, expenses
etc. A travel alarm, unless you are extremely optimistic about the
wake-up call service, soft earplugs and something to read. Don’t
forget your tip change – single dollars and loose change for
the vending machines at the end of the hall. If you plan to shop,
tuck a marker, string, packing tape and return address labels into
your suitcase pocket. These items will come in very handy for shipping
or creating quick carry-on bags.
You can download a printable checklist from my website http://www.addspacetoyourlife.com/travelchecklist
Dear
Kathi,
My closets and dressers are making me crazy. I can’t find anything.
I am a very visual person and if I can’t see it, I don’t
wear it. Because of this I only wear 4-5 outfits from my entire wardrobe.
How can I make my clothes more accesible?
Marguerite, Del Mar
Marguerite,
Get rid of your drawers. Use shelves and shallow baskets for your
storage system. Clothing often gets lost in drawers. Visually oriented
people need to see all of their items to get the most use from their
wardrobe.
Fold your sweaters, jeans and t- shirts. Stack these items keeping
the folded side facing the edge of your shelves. You will be able
to see immediately what is folded and ready to wear.
Eliminate the hidden corners in your closet. Rebuild your closet so
that the clothing bars end before the recessed area. Use the recessed
area to add more open shelves.
If you need to add double bars to make up for the lost space, don’t
hesitate. Adding space in-between your hanging items will help you
see your clothing easier.
Replace your dresser with a tall shelf with doors or an armoire. You
will be able to see your neatly stacked clothes as soon as you open
the doors. Shelves with doors will keep your bedroom from looking
cluttered.
Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner
based in San Diego California.
Please
submit your questions to:
advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
.
San Diego Professional Organizer
