I’m going to be traveling over the holidays, and my jewelry always gets tangled! Do you have any tips for keeping it knot-free?
—Ashley, via the Ask Style inbox

You’ve got jumbled jewelry? C’mon that’s for amateurs! It’s time to graduate to a new level of packing savvy, and we’ve got Kathi Burns, professional organizer and author of How to Master Your Muck, on board to help us out. The best part? All the items you need can be found around the house!

First, get a hold of some straws and empty toilet paper rolls. “Use the straws to keep dainty chain necklaces or bracelets from kinking by running one end through the straw and attaching the clasp at the other end,” Burns advises. You’ll never have to beg your nieces and nephews to use their “small hands” to work on your tangled chain again.

As for your chunkier necklaces and bracelets, that’s where the toilet paper tubes come in. Just follow the same directions and trim the tube to fit the size of your jewelry.

We know this method may seem a little crazy. Will the airport security think you’re odd for packing a bag full straws and cardboard rolls? It’s likely. Might you be mistaken for a hoarder? Probably. But trust us, a few strange glances are worth the ease this little trick will earn you.

Now we’ve got bracelets and necklaces covered, but what about your earrings? Burns has a tip for that too. “Cut a small square of window screen and attach all your earrings onto the screen,” suggests the organizer extraordinaire. We promise your studs and hoops won’t budge an in inch.

And for all the time and hassle you’ll save? You can thank us later. Anything to make your holiday hustle a little smoother.

Tis the season to layer multiple necklaces and wear bold chunky earrings. With cool weather and sweaters, layered necklaces help balance the Read the rest of this entry »

Situation:

This jewelry collection used to live in boxes within drawers. It took all of the fun out of getting dressed and far too much time because the owner had to pry open boxes every day and search for what she needed.

Challenge:

To add to this predicament,  my client is a news anchor so she has to accessorize her outfits every day. It is also very important that she keeps her accessories rotating. She does not want to wear the same items over and over again within the same month.

Solution:

Vertical, back of the door jewelry pouches! This solution was perfect because it did not take up any additional space.  All of her jewelry, except the most expensive, now hangs on the back of her closet doors!

She keeps tabs on which jewelry she wears and continues down the row the next day. Her outfits are in matched rotation and tandem with her accessories and her necklaces are paired in rotation with her earrings. Getting dressed for work is now a snap for this very busy anchorwoman!

Most women wonder what to do with their makeup collection. For the more visually oriented among us, myself included, we don’t want to see it spread all over our bathroom counter.

I am very pleased and excited to show you what one of my more enterprising and creative clients designed to overcome her makeup challenge. She purchased a jewelry box and turned it into a make-up storage cabinet It worked out perfectly and keeps her makeup out of site but quickly accessible. She also confided to me that having a contained small storage space, keeps her collection from growing out of control.

Most of us have more make-up than we actually use. As you can see by this photo, she has exactly what she needs, no more, no less. She also has a safe place to keep her daily rings and earrings when she showers. Kudos to my brilliant client!

Hi Kathi,

I do not wear any makeup and have long hair. Is there a minimum amount of makeup that is considered appropriate (i.e. lipstick, mascara, etc)?

I have also noticed professional women tend to have short hair.  My hair is always clean and tidy, but I’m not sure Read the rest of this entry »