Prepping For Fall
I LOVE August for many reasons. First of all, it’s my birthday month…yep, I celebrate ALL.MONTH.LONG!!! Hello my fellow Leos!!! Secondly, I love the buzz of everything happening to get ready for school and new beginnings. It’s like lots of Monday mornings for the whole month. I get energized with the possibilities that come with new beginnings. And Third, it’s the kick off of preparing for the fall season for our wardrobes. Even though it’s a million degrees outside and I’m sure fall wardrobes are the last thing you want to prepare for, it’s the right time to start for many reasons. Most importantly, it takes time and thoughtfulness to pull together a well curated wardrobe & personal style. As I have shared many times before, this is my approach in getting my clients ready for each season:
Closet Clean Out-I highly suggest this is done twice a year (as you get ready for each season…in Texas we only need this twice a year). This will ensure that you aren’t keeping things that you don’t wear regularly. It’s important to be honest with yourself on this and give yourself permission to let go of the things you don’t wear. This step isn’t as glamorous as shopping, but it’s crucial. The clean out should be for all clothes, shoes, purses, belts, hats, and accessories.
Organize-Even the most organized people need to refresh each year. Please let me know if you don’t have a good baseline on organizing your closet and I can help you with this. Otherwise, it’s a good time to make sure you have enough matching hangers, refresh your color coordinating, eliminate any extra clutter, and just streamline the systems in your closet.
Create Shopping List-This should come after the clean out in case you need to replace something that was old and needs a fresh new version. I encourage you to think about what is on your calendar for the fall & holiday season. Any special trips, events, everyday activities, holiday parties, family photos, etc. Also, what was on your shopping list from last Spring that you maybe didn’t find, but still need. What are the items that you are missing in your wardrobe? i.e.I keep going to grab a white button up shirt but don’t have the right one. I suggest that you carve out some time to sit down to really think through this.
Shop-Be realistic on the timing to add everything from your shopping list. You most likely won’t find everything in one big swoop. I like to map out where I’m going to find what’s on my list. So some of them I know I can find locally and then others I will need to get online. I also think about when my favorite retailers will be coming out with new collections and so I plan according to that too.
Alterations-Many times I’m booking shopping appointments for clients before they have a big conference, photo shoot, or big events. I always like to add in a two week cushion from when we shop so we have time for alterations. Alterations are SOOOO very important when preparing your fall wardrobes that you must plan for them. Often times, this is what can make or break a SHARP look.
Styling-Regardless if you are skilled at styling yourself or if you need help in this area, you should plan time to play around to style your looks just right. This gives you space to get creative and keep things fresh. For some looks, I know instantly exactly what goes together. Other times, I need to play around with adding or removing jewelry, switching out shoes or a handbag, etc. Personally, I always add in 10 minutes in the morning for styling my looks. However, when I have a big event, etc. I usually style my look the day before or even a few days before. This is really key in making sure you have a pulled together look.
This is the same formula I’ve been using for 11 years with my clients. I know I’ve shared this with you guys many many times. However, I’m sharing it again to remind, inspire, or help any new friends that haven’t heard it before. I know I always need lots of reminders myself. 🙂 This formula will set you up for success and have you ready for all the wonderful things in store for you in the fall. It’s such a vibrant and exciting time of the year. I’m here to help your wardrobe match that energy and SHINE through all the festivities!!!!
with LOVE and grace,
Elizabeth