Closet Cleaning Tips!

If you regard yourself as an avid fashion lover, then it is your responsibility to regularly take inventory of what is in your closet. (And if you are a shopaholic -- an individual who non-stop purchases the latest this and that -- then even more of a reason to evaluate what's going on with your wardrobe!) Sure, maintaining good organization and neatness will keep you tidy and less stressed, but knowing what to actually get rid of and what to keep will ultimately allow you to breathe and feel confident styling your outfits.

As an Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles personal shopper, I can attest to the fact that it is very easy to become a clothes hoarder. Many of my clients (as well as myself) have an attachment to their pieces for various reasons. Mostly, it's an emotional thing -- it's rarely easy parting with an item of clothing that has deep-rooted memories. (I have my prom dress hanging next to my college graduation gown in my closet!) But there IS such a thing as holding on for too long, or holding on to too much.

Having recently responded to a MyStyle.com reader's concern about the challenge of Spring closet cleaning, I would be delighted if you check out my tips before deciding on what to give to a friend, donate, or sell on ebay. I'm here to help! In addition, if you have further questions or would like to meet with me in person to discuss your wardrobe and/or learn about my services, please contact me.

*MyStyle.com is the official website of the Style network.

Photo Credit: http://www.money.usnews.com/

A $40 Jean by Alias Premium Denim...Me Likey!

Check out the Shop section on Chic Galleria, and get the ins on this brand new jean line: Alias Premium Denim. The cost (40 bucks!!!), the fit, the shade...I'm loving it. So much, in fact, I rate it 5 stars.

...And of course, Happy Valentine's Day everyone! (Steve and I watched Forrest Gump this morning, and it was the perfect tear-jerking, heartwarmer flick to cuddle up!)

Photo Credit: http://www.aliasdenim.com/

Designer Tracy Porter Talks Color, a Must-Have, and De-Cluttering Computer Space!

I may feel comfortable and confident when styling an outfit. But when it comes to my office space, as well as other areas of my home...Well, I am the first to admit that I can use some helpful tips!

And getting insight directly from Ripon, Wisconsin-based designer Tracy Porter is such a delight. I predict that you will love what she has to say, just as I do; whether you want to re-do your closet, add some color to your wardrobe, and/or de-clutter one of the most important spaces of your home. (You know that room with the computer, piles of mail here and there, and your old coffee mug in it? Yes, that room.)

Enjoy!

As a versatile designer: what do you see more as a challenge for people: finding the right fashion or finding the right home décor?

[Tracy Porter] I think the real challenge for most is finding what “their style” is. By this I mean we are all ever searching to enrich ourselves…become more of who we are, be open to new ideas, new ways to get inspired….in this, people try to figure out what “their” own style is. The process to me …. is identifying what you love….determining does it feel right?..... Does it make you giddy…to put a certain something on or sit in a particular kind of chair. It is all so very personal…and it takes time. Some come to it early….they notice things around them all the time…others find it later. It really doesn’t matter when you find your style…… I think most people want to find it, they want to find a style for their home and their own look….that feels “right." It takes a certain confidence to identify it…and perhaps a bit of perspective mixed with a sure twinge of “who cares”…..this is when you know you are close….because style in your home and on your person is just that…….it is about YOU feeling good, YOU being inspired and YOU surrounding yourself with matters and feels so juicy and true to you!

Updating or re-doing a living room or bedroom is not only a big project, but can be quite costly. Which Tracy Porter exclusive pieces are must-haves no matter the style of a person’s home?

A chandelier is a TRACY PORTER must have…we design extraordinary lighting…luscious and delightful to live with! I also believe our ceramics are enchanting and colorful and will always add a unique twist to your entertaining. I also adore our bedding and furniture….we believe a home should be rich with soul, and when we design pieces for the home or body we follow these same ideals. Inspired, soulful…timeless things that you will covet for a lifetime.

Your videos offer such great tips and information, such as your recent “inspiration” video. Even though I am inspired every time I sit down, I tend to start focusing on the clutter surrounding me. I want to be more organized! What tips could you give me regarding when and how I can quickly keep things in order as I keep up with my busy schedule?

I too believe that being organized can be key to an uncluttered mind. My thoughts on the de-clutterization of one’s world would be to arm yourself with baskets, bins, and other attractive vessels that allow you to march into any space and effectively clean and sort out the “junk,” and then to assess what will stay and how you can continue to enjoy it so it doesn’t take you away from life’s bigger mission….LIVING!! Think about color when redoing a closet…consider….quirky containers when changing up your desk….little pewter creamer and sugar pots are great for pencils and paper clips…etc. Beautiful trays allow a space to feel pulled together while adding a great layer of texture or color.

What are the top three ways that you keep a balance between your family life and work?

I keep my eyes and brain moving forward and onto positive thinking always….I do everything I can to stay focused on the bigger picture in life…..the…..we are healthy, we are happy sort of stuff…the little things and negative people can drag you down…I avoid it and them!!

I love my family and I love my work, and I am clear that I need both. I know that I am a really good mom because I am inspired everyday and I love what I do and how I get to inspire other people…it is incredibly therapeutic. I also know that I am inspired at my work because I give to my family in all sort of ways that make sense for us. We love to have good food, so that is a big part of our world. We love to talk and play games….so we do…we love to read….so we do lots of it. I try not to feel guilty about not going on field trips or not participating in things that I cannot realistically manage. I say NO a lot, because it works for me, my family, and my life…..and it keeps me balanced….as much as one can be!

I also stay pretty balanced because my partner and husband are the same guy. John and I have been married for 17 years, went into business and family knowing it was a team deal for us….and it really is. This brings me calm everyday knowing that we communicate the way we do, and care that the other person is feeling balanced and happy.

I love your idea of draping necklaces over statues and using a big silver bowl for other bracelets. What would you recommend for keeping scarves accessible as well as attractively featured among your accessories?

I would incorporate them into your jewelry statement if possible…find a marvelous statue and loosely tie them around it, or a spectacular basket or stunning bowl that they can be casually tossed into…you want to have them within reach and still be able to enjoy their beauty. Even a simple row of eye screws or something similar like a basic hook, that you could thread them through in a straight row would be a gorgeous way to display them.

You can find more tips and ideas on the Tracy Porter Blog as well. In doing so, you can enjoy some Tracy TV!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Tracy Porter, FEATURING Tracy Porter

The Top 5 Affordable Gifts All for Under 20 Bucks

Still in a shopping slump?

Check out my recent article on Chic Galleria, "The Top 5 Must-Give Gifts of the Season for Under $20." This might be just what you need to gain back some hope as the winter holidays are right around the corner:

"Trends come and go - we know this. So when it comes to gift giving this season, think hard about the style pieces you purchase for others.I firmly believe that gift cards are the best route to go when it comes to holiday gift giving if the person is a) a new friend who you are still getting to know, b) a good friend but who you really have no time to shop for, c) a loved one who has specifically told you that a gift card is what he or she prefers, d) a coworker or colleague whose name you got from a gift exchange.

For the other people on your list, I would suggest..." READ MORE

Photo Credit: http://www.shinystyle.tv

Top 5 Reasons Why I Am Addicted to "The Rachel Zoe Project"

You MUST tune in to the educational and entertaining new Bravo Reality TV show: "The Rachel Zoe Project." There are so many elements to the show that I enjoy, and here are my top 5:

(1) She says "I Die" or "D-I-E" when she gets heart palpitations in finding the right piece

(2) The dynamics between her two assistants - Taylor and Brad -- are hilarious and relatable

(3) She and her husband Rodger are an adorable pair and on the same wavelength. He gets her obsession with fashion and stylizing!

(4) She admits that she likes to hide behind her big sunglasses

(5) I share her passion for making her clients feel and look beautiful every time

Being a stress-case nearly every day, I enjoy seeing this successful celebrity stylist balance it all amidst chaos. I enjoy that "The Rachel Zoe Project" keeps ME inspired to keep doing what I'm doing. While I have always known Rachel Zoe to be the former stylist for Nicole Richie (the main figure who behind the transformation from the "old" Nicole into the "couture" Nicole), I also heard that her recent book is fabulous; Kelly of The Color of Beauty told me about Style A to Zoe. That is sooo on my upcoming reading list.

Photo Credits: http://www.telegraph.co.uk

Gossip Girl -- I'm (Finally) On Board

What can I say? After last week's Gossip Girl episode, where this one guy was dating this one girl, but then showed up with another woman, who is the mother of one of their friends...Oh, and the fashion on set...gorgeous.

What can I say? I'm in.

But why am I surprised? This is coming from the girl who religiously watched 90210, Melrose Place, The OC, and now One Tree Hill...

Photo Credit: http://www.glamboulevard.com/

The Transition from Summer Fashion to Fall Fashion: My "Street Chic" Look

I love Polyvore.com! It's a great site to play with for stylizing outfits and focusing on individual pieces, while putting pieces together for a great combo. (You can search for items by designer or just the piece in itself.)

What I did: I started with these 80s-inspired gray jeans, then found the strapless top before moving onto specifically looking for a turquoise bag (I love pink and turquoise together). I wanted some more edge, so I looked for this sporty-tough black jacket. Yet, still wanting to maintain the femininity that the pink bustier blouse brings, I couldn't resist the black heart danglies.

So this is my transitional summer-fall outfit I would call "Street Chic." While I wouldn't wear this outfit to work at PlasticSurgery.com on a Friday-jean day, I would definitely enjoy hitting a downtown pub or an LA fashion show in this look.

If you could change a few pieces around to make this outfit yours, how would you do it?






* This outfit combines the styles of various designers, such as Coach and Forever 21.

U Got Your Shopping List Ready?

Do you prioritize your shopping trips with a list? Maybe it's time that you gave your favorite boutiques the same attentiveness as you do your go-to grocery store!

On Chic Things Galleria, I give you 3 Top Tips how you can save money during your next shopping trip. It just might take a little planning on your part.

Have questions? You know how to contact me.

"Peace, love, and cute shoes!"

Photo Credit: http://www.harajukus.blogspot.com/

Need my Help as Your Personal Shopper?

A bright yellow bikini or black one piece. Wedges or stilletos. A clutch or hobo bag. A dress with leggings or a dress without leggings. Skinny jeans or flared. Vogue Magazine or Nylon. Matching accessories or funky and flashy. A scarf around your neck or on your head.

I enjoy each one as well. But what about you? Looking for a personal shopper in the Inland Empire of Southern California? I'm your (good) girl.

Hire me and learn how I can help alleviate your fashion headache.

I'll Clean Yours If You Help Me Clean Mine...

I did not create this Web site to show off my speedy shopping skills (even though I'll talk about it), speak from a pedestal, or provide know-it-all tips. Definitely not. Right away, I knew that the title of my new blog should be "Diary of a Personal Shopper," because I want it to simply be a reflection of who I am. This includes the philosophies, habits, and success stories I would like to share since pursuing my passion as a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant.

Now, on to my faults. Those who know me know that I have about a million thoughts and ideas racing through my head every minute. These people -- my friends, family and coworkers -- understand that my schedule rarely fits in time to clean my desk, shred old files and articles (I even have the hard copy of my articles when I was a reporter for the Daily Titan), and just get organized.

If someone were to say to me, "Elana, I need help with cleaning out my closet because I have no time to do so, and no idea how to start." Of course I would respond with glee and assistance; however, I would also point out that if he or she put aside an extra 10 minutes each day to hang up a few pieces and pair up a few shoes, then it would save time and money. Not to mention that it would preserve his or her sanity.

Why can't I take my own advice? Allowing files to pile up before making an attack is pretty much my style. I highly discourage others from this bad habit, but for some reason, I make the exception for myself.

It must be pretty bad if my friend Stephanie said to me 3 days ago: "Elana, it's so funny. When it comes to fashion, you can put anything together fast and know exactly what works. But when it comes to cleaning up your stuff, you need help." Get this: she was calling me from the phone at my old desk at work while getting rid of my old stuff from the drawers...What a friend, eh?

So with my embarrassing confession in mind (which in no way affects my behavior as a responsible professionall), my New Year's resolution for 2008 is: Create an organized and functional working space, similar to that of my closet...Any suggestions for me?

Photo Credit: http://www.batchplease.com/