Q:

I love the layering look but I just feel like I look silly when I try. I love the layered ensembles that we came up with during the lookbook session I had with you but when I try it on my own, I have such a hard time! How do I layer my wardrobe without looking silly?
-s

A:

First thing you want to do is determine what piece you want to be the focal point followed by figuring out which colors are going on in the fabric. For example, in the photo above, the feature piece (the dress) has a mix of textures and gold toned buttons. If you look closely at the fabric, you will see how a number of colors will work with this dress because of it’s black and gray combination which matches virtually any color.

Now, work AROUND that piece by accentuating the colors and/or textures that are not too obvious. Here’s an example of how free people layered into this super cute ensemble using a mix of lace and silkiness. They used a gold silk slip and striped rugby shirt to bring color to the outfit and mixed in the lace tights and menswear blouse for texture. Here are the items listed in the order that every piece has been layered:

1. Creeping Flowers Crochet Tights
2. Waves of Lace Slip
3. Rugby Stripe Split Neck
4. Menswear Stripe Blouse
5. Tailor Made Jumper

Q:

Hi! I read your blog often and love how you find knock-offs which are cheap, yet nicely designed clothing. I recently found these shoes and have fallen in love with them, but am not sure what to wear with them to a night-time wedding. (shoes pictured left)

Do you have any suggestions of dresses to go with these??
B.H.

A:

To help answer your question better, what is your:
- height
- dress size
- body type (long/short torso, hour glass/straight/pear shaped)
- skin tone
- budget

In the meantime, I did a quick browse for some silhouettes that work best for most body types. I suggest wearing some fun plum colored tights (example of how tights can spruce up an outfit in photo #2) to add some fun to the ensemble.
I’ve numbered my top picks in order (one being my most favorite)…

#1: Forever 21, Annette Chiffon Floral Dress
#2: Bloomingdales, Trina Turk Women’s Quinn Short Sleeve Dress
#3: Nordstrom, Phoebe Couture Dbl V-Neck Dress (limited sizes)
#4: Nordstrom, Phoebe Couture Taffeta Waist Dress (limited sizes)

Q:

Are the FitFlops a good fit or just another flop?

A:

Now we all know that flip flops are not good for your feet in general but for only about fifty bucks a pop, the “FitFlop” boasts better posture and toned legs just from walking around in them (pictured left).

I haven’t tried them out myself but with all the hype, I almost put in an order for a pair at FootSmart.com after breezing through over 250 4-5 star reviews from consumers and an article by AOL stylelist, Carly Milne.

As one of Oprah’s top summer picks and stores like Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works on the FitFlop boat, news has it that over a million pairs have flown off the shelves already!

As reported in the WBAL video, Dr. John Campbell from Mercy Medical Center believes that the sandals MAY give your leg muscles more conditioning BUT are not suggested for running or jumping due to the lack of support in the heel. He also believes that the cushioned heel can absorb more shock which can be good for pregnant women.

Ritter did a test at 3.5 miles an hour and had the sandal cut in half to see the material inside. Walking at 3.5 miles an hour? Sounds a bit fast to me don’t you think?

I say my best bet is to ask my own doctor to see if they are right for me. And I’d imagine that since flip flops are not good for your feet in general anyway, the FitFlops, with the cushioned heel that regular flip flops don’t have, seem to be a better and more stylish alternative. Leaner legs? Maybe… Maybe not.

Take a look at WBAL and Bill Ritter’s 20/20 report on YouTube and see if you can make up your mind for yourself.

WBAL TV News:

Ritter’s 20/20 report:

Still want to nab yourself a pair? New members can sign up through this referral link to get at least get a ($5 cash back plus 10% cash back for new Ebates members) discount which comes out to almost $10 off.)

Here’s a cut and paste of the product details from FootSmart.com:

FitFlop™ Walkstar

Give your legs a workout while you walk in revolutionary FitFlop Women’s Walkstar Thongs

Every step you take helps tone and trim your legs

Developed by biomechanists at the Center for Human Performance at London’s Southbank University, FitFlops have been scientifically proven in independent studies to boost overall leg and calf muscle activity as you walk while reducing strain on your feet, knees and back. The secret is the varying density of EVA foam in the midsole that generates a “micro-wobbleboard™” effect to significantly increase muscular tension. The result: your legs work harder than they do in standard sneakers or shoes and you burn more calories. Click here to view the benefits of the FitFlop. Click here to view the anatomy of the FitFlop.

Features & Benefits of FitFlop Women’s Walkstar Thongs: Multi-density EVA midsole increases the amount of time muscles are engaged during each step you take by 12%, strengthening core muscles while improving posture. Molded EVA outsole keeps you moving on almost any surface. Leather and cotton / polyester thong upper feels soft and comfortable. Other Important Information About FitFlop Women’s Walkstar Thongs: Material Content: leather / cotton polyester upper, multi-density thermoformed EVA insole and midsole, EVA outsole. Care: Wipe off with a damp cloth. Air dry. Imported.

Q:

What make-up look would work best for me this fall? You mentioned that Smashbox just launched their Fall 08′ collection but I don’t know what colors to use. Should I go with wicked or lovely?

A:

When it comes to wardrobe and make-up, I feel it’s all about being comfortable with what you are wearing (even if it’s just a shade of eyeshadow or a smudge of lipgloss). Pretty much anything can look good when worn with confidence. Even a perfect match worn without confidence can look silly.

As far as choosing between wicked or lovely, my opinion is to stick to wicked for an evening look when you want to have a little bit (or a lot) of that bad girl whereas that lovely look can be a little more classic, young, and fresh. When it comes to playing up the eyes and lips, I say to go with one or the other to avoid looking like you caked too much on. Sometimes… people can get away with playing up the whole face and make it look glam, but a lot of times, I’ve seen look icky so be careful because there is a fine line between glamorous and well… you know… ahem…

Here is a video featuring an introduction by Elle Magazine Beauty Editor, Emily Dougherty, and Davis Factor, that shows how one could get the looks from their Wicked Lovely campaign which Davis breaks down as the wicked and the lovely, good and the bad, the naughty and the nice.

giovannismash Video:
Smashbox, Elle Magazine & WICKED LOVELY
(Inspired by the Good Girl, Bad Girl trends dominating the runways right now, the new Fall Smashbox Cosmetics Collection has it all! Looks that are sweet, sexy or a little bit of both. Watch this DIY video for tips on how to unleash your very own good girl or your bad girl.)

Q:

How do I style a side ponytail with medium length hair?

A:

The photo of Lauren Conrad above links to an article on welovebeauty.com where they explain how to create this look.

Or, if you’d like to see a stylist in action, watch the video below of FORD hairstylist, Johnny Lavoy where shows how to create this look with dry spray wax and humidity blocker finishing shield by Joico’s Design Collection. Then to finish it off, he uses a little bit of hair from a beauty supply store stating, “When you’re using extensions and stuff, you have to think of it as a hair accessory, don’t be ashamed to play with a little fake hair, it’s just like false lashes, it’s just like a necklace, you know it’s for fun, if you’re upfront about it, it’s just like wearing a hat really–”

Fordmodels Video:
Hills Inspired Side Ponytail
(Johnny Lavoy shows how to make a Hills inspired side ponytail as seen on Lauren Conrad and Miley Cyrus. To achieve the look Johnny uses products from Joico’s Design Collection.)

Q:

How do I price my clothing donations to Goodwill or Salvation Army for a tax deduction?

A:

To answer this question, I’ve cut and pasted an informative article from moneybluebook.com to help you understand how your donation process might work. Scroll down to read the article below or click here to read it at moneybluebook.com.

As stated in the article, both The Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries provide valuation guides on their web sites, which may be used to determine market value of your donated pieces but please check with your accountant first because he/she knows what works best for you.

moneybluebook.com

How To Value Your Clothing Donations and Get A Tax Deduction

When I was little I always wondered why my parents bothered to rummage through our closets, cabinets, shoe racks, and sock drawers for assorted clothing every few years. I would see my mom folding and stacking old and outdated clothes that I never wore anymore into black garbage bags and deliver them to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. It wasn’t until I started working and earning income that I finally realized why it made sense to take the time to compile old apparel and send them to local charities. Other than the usual altruistic factors, the biggest reason is to take full advantage of the IRS itemized charitable tax deduction for qualified clothing donations.

Not that we all shouldn’t be donating to charities out of the kindness of our hearts, but Uncle Sam has provided us an attractive incentive in the form of tax breaks for charitable contributions. Most people are keenly aware that they get a tax deductible write off when they tithe or donate money to a charitable organization like their local church. But some seem to forget that the deduction also applies to noncash donations like clothing, shoes, and furniture, so long as they are in reasonably good condition. Of course, like with all good perks there are ground rules in place to prevent abusive taxpayers from going crazy and taking unfair liberty with the charitable deduction. Without these regulations, you would probably have people assigning all sorts of outrageous valuations on the items they donate ($25 for a used T-shirt complete with holes, for example).

The Charitable Tax Deduction Is Useful Only If You Itemize

The calculation of one’s annual tax return usually entails adding up all the income and gains for the year, and then deducting expenses and losses to come up with the final taxable income balance. The IRS provides two primary deduction methods – the simpler standard deduction, which is a flat set amount, and the itemized method, which requires the taxpayer to manually report each individual deduction that he or she qualifies for. The charitable deduction is one of many that falls in the itemized category. The taxpayer has to choose whether to take the standard deduction or to itemize. However, until the total sum of all itemized deductions exceed the standard, it doesn’t make sense to itemize. Unless you already carry a hefty home mortgage with itemizable mortgage interest, it probably makes more sense to itemize every other year, and bulk up your donations in those years. When you itemize, charitable contributions should be a key part of your tax reduction plan.

Five Steps To Donating Your Clothes And Getting That Tax Deduction, Without Being Audited

When donating clothes for the tax deduction, the worst thing you can do is to drastically overestimate the donated clothing value and trigger an alarm bell. Triggering a red flag will send the IRS man running to your home to request receipts and proof of your donation. Because charitable donation is one of those tax items frequently abused by taxpayers, the IRS closely scrutinizes such claims. Thus you want to make sure you go by the book:

1) Gather All Your Unwanted Clothes and Organize Them – Most usable articles of clothing, including shirts, jackets, coats, shoes, dresses, socks, neckties, suits, and even underwear may be donated to local thrift shops and charitable institutions. For underwear and socks however, it’s important to be aware that the IRS now requires all articles of donated used clothing to be in good used condition or better. It’s probably a better idea to avoid worn socks and underwear. While it’s true what they say – that beggars can’t be choosers, we should still try to respect the dignity of those individuals receiving them. If you want to donate those particular items, I suggest buying a new cheap pair for donation.

2) Make A Detailed Record Of Your Donated Items – While it is likely no questions of your donation will ever arise, it is still important to keep a detailed list of your donation in case questions arise or you get audited on the matter. Try to keep a spreadsheet chart or list of all articles donated, recording information such as the number of clothing articles, the estimated dates of purchase, condition at the time of donation, the assessed fair market value of each item, and perhaps even substantiation of how you calculated and arrived at the particular valuation. Some people also recommend taking digital photographs of each item. I recommend taking photos, especially for those items whose valuation may be a bit high and out of the norm.

3) Assign An Appropriate Fair Market Value For Each Clothing Item – The donation valuation process is generally subjective and you are responsible for assigning the proper value for your charitable donations. There is no exact IRS formula or chart as the agency relies on subjective approximations. However, if you wish to donate more than a total of $500 worth of clothing or other goods to charities, you must complete Section A of Form 8283 Non Cash Charitable Contributions, and include it with your federal tax return. A formal donation appraisal by a qualified appraiser is not needed unless you are making a contribution of non-cash property worth more than $5,000. A qualified appraiser is someone authorized to complete Part III, Declaration of Appraiser, of Section B, which must also be included with the tax return in that event.

The IRS permits taxpayers to only deduct the fair market value of the donated clothing and household good. Fair market value is the reasonable price that an ordinary buyer would pay for the item in a regular market situation such as at a flea market, on eBay, or at a thrift shop. Fair market value is not the original purchase cost but the second hand used price that could be obtained in an otherwise efficient market.

There are various used clothing charts and valuation tables on the internet to help determine worth. Both The Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries provide assorted valuation guides on their web sites, which may be used as templates for approximating fair market value. You should keep in mind that the donated value is frequently much less than the original purchase price. If you want additional clarification, please take at look at the official IRS publications on the subject:

• Publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property – Useful if you want to examine a few valuation scenarios.
• Publication 526, Charitable Contributions – Addresses the entire subject of charitable donations and provides a useful background.

4) Deliver Your Donated Clothing To The Charity – Most people donate clothing and other household products through charitable organizations such as their local church, or through Goodwill and the Salvation Army. I recommend visiting their websites to locate one of their many thrift shop locations nationwide where you can bring your bags of donated clothing to. There is no need to make a reservation or appointment. Just deliver your bags of clothing and your categorized list of items. Be sure you have properly compiled your list of donation items before bringing the items to the site. Don’t expect the charity to sort the items and do the work for you on the spot.

Usually, the way it works is you drop off your items at the donation site and a staff member provides you with a receipt upon request. Although you are not obligated to obtain a written receipt from the charity if the total value of the donated clothing is under $250, you should still always request one for record keeping purposes. Sometimes, but not always, they’ll make a note on the receipt for you about exactly what was dropped off, but the description is usually very general – such as “3 bags of clothing”. Other times, they will simply hand you a blank receipt for you to fill out.

Some charitable thrift shop centers allow you to mail your clothing donations in, or even provide large clothing donation boxes where you can leave your clothes. Just be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the center can send you a receipt later. Shipping costs are tax deductible as well.

5) Claim the Value Of Your Clothing Donation As A Charitable Deduction On Your Tax Return – Since you went through all the trouble of donating your used clothing, be sure to take the appropriate deduction on your tax return when you file. To claim the charitable tax deduction, you will need to report the value of your donated clothes on Schedule A of Form 1040 as an itemized deduction. The total value of your charitable deductions cannot be more than 50 percent of your adjusted gross income in any single year. However, donations exceeding the 50 percent limit can be carried forward to future years.

As with most things in life, I recommend that you plan ahead before making large clothing donations. If you don’t usually carry significant itemizable expenses such as home mortgage interest and taxes, you should save up your donations until you have a sizable amount before making the contribution. While charitable giving is always a worthy cause, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to fully maximize the tax advantages the government provides.

Q:

What are the wardrobe essentials I must have in my closet?

A:

stylebakery.com made a list of their 13 must haves to build a classic wardrobe. Here are the 10 that I feel are essential for every woman who wants classic pieces in her closet.

To read the full article, click here.

Trench CoatA coat is an investment piece so don’t shy away from a higher price tag. You want a well made, good quality trench that is tough enough for a downpour and stylish enough to wear with a dress for a dinner date or suit for an interview. Look for a trench that has a hem that hits around your knee, you’ll be able to wear it with more in your wardrobe if the hem is longer. A trench with a removable liner is even better since you’ll be able to wear it during the colder months. A coat is meant to protect what you wear underneath and a trench should specifically be simple in style yet still fit well. Avoid all the bells and whistles of a trench that may have too many zippers, buttons or a bright pattern. A belted style is far more flattering. A good trench in a neutral color should last you 3 years or more. Burberry long trenchcoat, $1495 at saks.com >
	Black PantsOdds are you’re already familiar with the magic of a great-fitting, figure flattering pair of black pants. A true wardrobe workhorse, black pants work for most every occasion and never go out of style. Such an essential piece is worth the initial investment and a trip to the tailor to insure the perfect fit.Shop for a pair that can fluidly move between work and play. A style that can be worn with a belt will give you more accessory options. And be sure that the pockets lay flat on your body for a slim look.< Isda & Co. Wide Waist Pants, $138 at nordstrom.com
White ShirtThe white button down shirt is a must have for every woman’s wardrobe. Look for a style that fits your body shape and is long enough to tuck into pants and skirts. When you find the right style, stock up by buying two at a time. White shirts need to be bought each year due to makeup mishaps and yellowing stains that eventually don’t wash out. You can buy styles that range from the classic man-tailored to those with feminine ruffles, pleating and various sleeve lengths. Wear yours with pants, skirts, jeans and layered under sweaters and dresses. slim stretch shirt, $59.50 at jcrew.com >
	A Good SuitA suit may not work for everyone’s lifestyle, but it’s a good idea to have at least one in your wardrobe so you’re ready for the unexpected job interview or other conservative affair.While everyone may not have a reason to wear a full suit often, you can easily wear the pieces as separates. A suit jacket can add polish and sophistication to a button down shirt and jeans and it can replace a jean jacket when you want a piece that has more elegance. You have endless options to pair with the jacket, pants or worn all together whether it be button down shirts, ultra-feminine tops, camisoles, sweaters even t-shirts.Look for a classic neutral color in an all-season fabric. Bring it to your tailor to ensure the perfect fit. And always remember to launder both pieces together to ensure that one doesn’t fade faster than the other.< pinstriped suit jacket, $198 and Martin wide-leg pant, $108 at bananarepublic.com
Little (Black) DressThe little black dress has been synonymous with style since Coco Chanel made it famous 80 years ago. And Audrey Hepburn helped make it a classic with her choices in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. These days, your dress doesn’t have to be black to be versatile and ultra-chic. Neutral colors and subtle prints work just as well. Be sure to choose a flattering, elegant style that can be dressed up or down with different accessories including boots, sandals, belts, scarves and jewelry. David Meister bubble sleeve dress, $248 at nordstrom.com >
	Knee Length SkirtThe pencil skirt doesn’t work for every body shape, but when you find one that fits it can be seductive, sexy and sophisticated. And of course, a classic. Scour the racks for a style that fits your waist properly, gives enough room around your hips without bunching lines across your thighs.An alternative to the pencil skirt is a knee length style with a slight A-line silhouette. Universally, this is the best shape for most women. It defines the waist and easily hides a myriad of problem areas (ahem, butt, hips and thighs) by giving a little extra fabric to cover those areas. Petite women should avoid full A-line skirts as it is too much fabric and only adds bulk. Shop for slight A-line not wide styles instead.< Theory Tailor Golda pencil skirt, $175 at bloomingdales.com
Fitted Knit CardiganThe ultimate layering piece, a cardigan can replace a jacket when worn with a dress, add a colorful accent when tied over your shoulders or create a slimmer figure when paired with a skirt. Wear the cardigan alone with a scarf or layer it with a t-shirt or button down. Add a wide or skinny belt at your waist over the cardigan for a step up in style, to define your waist and add a pop of personality. Lux Santa Cruz cardigan, $48 at urbanoutfitters.com >
	Thin Long Sleeve KnitsLong sleeve t-shirts in henley styles or v-necks are great for layering under a sweater or jacket. Try layering yours under a summery dress or feminine short sleeve top to extend its wear through cooler months. Also ideal for packing when evenings may turn cool while on vacation.< Splendid 2×1 long sleeve henley tee, $53 at shopbop.com
Short Sleeve TeesStock up on solid t-shirts in predominantly white, but also add in a few other colors that can be mixed into your wardrobe. Specifically shop for styles that are cut longer in length since so many of us own low rise jeans and pants and find it uncomfortable when we bare a bit of our backside. Buy various styles like crew neck, v-neck, boatneck and ballet neck. James Perse casual tshirt tunic, $76 at shopbop.com >

Q:

Any tips for a DIY spring closet cleaning?

A:

Spring is here and the Chicago tribune took care of answering this question in an article about DIY closet organization in today’s Q section where a tristinstyling closet audit was featured in an article written by Heidi Moore.

Tribune photographer, Chris Walker documented the closet audit by taking the photos you see in the slideshow below. Scroll down to read the article below.

(Tribune photos in the following slideshow Copyright ©, Chicago Tribune by Chris Walker)

Slideshow created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

chicagotribune.com

Say yes, yes, yes to closet rehab

Sure, it hurts a little to open up to an expert. But then you’re free of your wardrobe funk.

—Heidi Moore

March 31, 2008

The first step toward recovery: Recognize there’s a problem.

Stylist Robin Walker, who runs My Wardrobe Companion in Chicago, says clients’ calls are usually triggered by a crisis—it could be a job promotion, an upcoming television appearance or something more prosaic, such as a busy morning spent rooting around for a missing shoe.

The closet is an extension of self, Walker says, and if it’s disorganized or crammed with outdated pieces—tapered pants, anyone?—it’s holding you back. Hiring a professional stylist for a wardrobe detox puts you on the mend.

These sessions involve an overhaul of the closet, from tossing out ill-fitting and ill-advised purchases to rearranging the closet by clothing type and color. What results is an edited wardrobe comprising only your best pieces—ones that fit and flatter.

Daryl Roe, 57, of Lakeview faced a closet crisis after moving to Chicago from the Baltimore area. In the process she downsized from a 4,000-square-foot home to 1,500 square feet, with similarly scaled-down storage space. Her new closet was “a disaster. I’d open the door and just close it, and I couldn’t find anything to wear,” she said. “I had to start over.”

‘It was just the most terrifying thing’

A work friend bought her a gift certificate for a closet-organization session with Chicago stylist Noelle Cellini of My Best Foot Forward, but Roe stalled. “I put it off and put it off,” Roe said. “It was just the most terrifying thing, having someone see my closet.”

Roe was afraid Cellini would pass judgment on her cluttered closet or, worse, on her taste. But Roe was pleasantly surprised. During a three-hour session, Cellini brought order to the chaos. By the end, blouses, skirts and suits were separated and rearranged by type and color, as were shoes and purses. With Cellini’s help, Roe shed three lawn-size bags of clothing, which went to Bottomless Closet, a non-profit for women re-entering the workforce.

“It was so incredibly liberating,” Roe said.

In fact, Cellini said, most of her clients express relief over their pared-down wardrobe. They’re also more confident knowing that what remains has passed the litmus test of a style professional.

Regrets are rare, she added. “No one has ever called me and said, ‘Do you still have that pink pinstriped blouse? Can I have it back?’ ”

But purging the wardrobe isn’t always easy. Clothing represents a financial investment, Cellini said, so people hold on to it. “They may not wear it, but they can’t get over what they paid for it.”

For this reason, Christine Matsunaga of Chicago- and Los Angeles-based Tristinstyling treads lightly when purging clients’ closets and always takes the discards with her when she leaves. “That way there’s no turning back,” she said. “Otherwise they start digging through it.”

If someone is especially resistant to parting with certain items, Matsunaga will create a memory box, like she did for one client’s collection of concert T-shirts. For her, a closet audit is really about reading her clients and determining what they need from her. “I always say I’m part wardrobe psychologist,” she said.

One recent client of Matsunaga’s faced an unusual challenge—Erin Gallagher, 29, needed to tame her wardrobe, not kick it up a notch. An up-and-coming jewelry designer with a flagship store in the West Loop and department store clients such as Nordstrom, Gallagher found that her funky, avant-garde wardrobe didn’t suit the corporate meetings and events she was increasingly attending.

“There are certain settings where I don’t know what to wear,” Gallagher said. “I know what to wear to a fashion event or gallery opening but not the Chicago Entrepreneurial Center dinner. At those events, you don’t want your clothes to be distracting. You want to keep the focus on your business.”

Bye-bye, purple tights

During the closet audit, Matsunaga suggested that Gallagher shelve her purple tights and other trendy pieces and focus on classic basics. Instead of the “big belt, big necklace and tall boots” Gallagher said she normally would have paired with a simple black dress, Matsunaga steered her toward minimal jewelry and a pair of sleek black pumps.

For those “Wait, what am I supposed to take off?” moments, Matsunaga e-mailed Gallagher images of business-appropriate outfits. Gallagher credits the stylist with taking her wardrobe “out of the studio and into the corporate boardroom.”

A closet auditor is as much a life coach as style adviser, explained Chicago stylist Bridget Smith, a.k.a. the Wardrobe Coach. The inside of a closet reflects a person’s shopping habits, she said, which are influenced by emotions.

Her approach is to identify what works on a client—and then get rid of everything that doesn’t. “We look at the overall picture,” Smith said. “Do these items align with … goals, personal and professional? So many clothes are just creating confusion.” Every item in the closet, she said, should support a person’s desired image.

After an audit, stylist Robin Walker said, you should be able to open up your closet and see clothing that truly supports who you are—the right colors, the right shapes and the right size. “That’s how you want to be greeted in the morning,” she said. “To open up your closet and see a celebration of yourself, it’s a relief.”

Tips for a DIY closet detox

Practice tough love: If you haven’t worn an item in a year and it doesn’t have sentimental value, get rid of it.

Suffering separation anxiety? Pick a favorite charity that accepts clothing donations and label it on empty boxes intended for discards. Or choose a friend a size smaller—or larger—to be the recipient of pieces that no longer fit.

Hang as much as you can in the closet, advises stylist Christine Matsunaga—including jeans and pants. Keeping everything together helps you find things easily and put together complete outfits. Just don’t hang sweaters, because they take up too much space and can stretch out on the hanger.

Matsunaga also suggests using matching hangers: “It really aids the flow of the eye.” She prefers white plastic hangers; they make the closet look uniform but don’t take up as much space as wooden hangers.

Keep it together: To save time on busy mornings, stylist Robin Walker suggests keeping MVP foundation garments—panties, Spanx, hosiery, bras—in the closet for easy access. She also tells clients to move their formalwear and seasonal clothing to a secondary closet or storage area. Only everyday items belong in the bedroom closet (not special-occasion lacy bras that look lumpy under many garments), along with a few preassembled outfits—go-to ensembles that have been “road tested”—for last-minute invites or mornings you sleep through the alarm.

Resources

Ready to enter wardrobe rehab? Here are a few resources:

Christine Matsunaga, tristinstyling
Contact: 312-545-5529, tristinstyling.com
Caters to: A younger clientele, both male and female—she has worked with everyone from models and PR people to teachers and college students.
Bonus: A personalized look book, or photographs of key outfits, which Matsunaga sends via e-mail after the session.
Cost: $150 to $300 for a complete closet audit, depending on closet size and complexity.

Noelle Cellini, My Best Foot Forward
Contact: 847-858-9193, mybest-footforward.com
Caters to: Women (about 98 percent of clientele), especially working and stay-at-home moms.
Bonus: A shopping list with images of recommended pieces and links to where they can be ordered online.
Cost: $250 for a three-hour session.

Bridget Smith, The Wardrobe Coach
Contact: 773-301-0521, thewardrobecoach.com
Caters to: Busy urban professionals from their 30s to 60s, stay-at-home moms and people facing transitions, such as returning to work or re-entering the dating scene.
Bonus: Smith will scout out items after the audit for a follow-up shopping trip (if scheduled).
Cost: $400 for a half-day session.

Robin Walker, My Wardrobe Companion
Contact: 312-431-9662, mywardrobecompanion.com
Caters to: Predominantly male clientele (about 70 percent), including power brokers, TV personalities and politicians.
Bonus: A shopping list identifying missing core pieces.
Cost: $350 for initial 90-minute session.

—Heidi Moore

Copyright © 2008, Chicago Tribune

www.chicagotribune.com/features/chi-closet_webmar31,1,6807835.story

Q:

I have long hair and want to know how to style it so it looks short but styled. How do I get hair like Eva Longoria in this picture?

A:

To get this look with long hair is easy. All you need to do is section the hair on your head off and roll and bobby pin. Then simply finish it all off with some hairspray and hair pins. Take a look at this Ford Models video which explains it all step by step.

Fordmodels Video:
How to: Make an Eva Longoria Bob
(Johnny Lavoy shows how to fake a bob with curled hair, which is a look made popular by Eva Longoria.)

Q:

What is the best way to do eye make-up?

A:

First, I love smashbox cosmetics. Giovanni of smashbox is amazing. here is a video by Giovanni on hot to do pretty much anything from cat eye, to natural and smokey eye. Take notes! He gives a LOT of information in such a short amount of time!

Giovannismash Video:
The Dos & Don’ts for SEXY SMASHBOX EYES
(From Sexy lashes & Perfect brows to Come-and-get-it Cat Eyes – smashbox cosmetics artist Hank Hoffman gives you step-by-step guidance on giving yourself the most gorgeous EYES imaginable.)