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
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San Diego Professional Organizer