Sole Intuition - A Fusion of Insight and Style » The How-To Guide

Operation Organization: What Works For You?

Just C — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:00:59 +0000

On Saturday, I had a conversation with one of my tweeps (Twitter friends for those of you who still refuse to join) about how to organize accessories. I have honestly been trying to tackle this feat for years, but still don’t have a great solution.Part of the problem is that I just haven’t been ready and willing to fork over nearly $400 for one of the really big, nice jewelry armoires. Honestly, I knew my armoire was too small while I was in the store purchasing it, but it was on sale so I figured I could “make it work”. I purchased it about 3 years ago for around $50 from Target when the one I really needed, also on sale, was about $75. I get mad at myself every time I think about it. I should have just gone with what was going to work, not what was cheapest.

As you can imagine, my drawers are to capacity and I even have an overflow storage box (wicker box shown) and I still need more room.

My tweep purchased these hanging organization bags, which I’ve thought about using before, but in lies another problem: where are you going to hang multiple bags?

Photo Courtesy @Tymelessbeauty4

So, since neither of us seem to have the best solution to meet our needs, I was wondering what you all use. What works best to keep all of your accessories organized? Be sure to comment and give me your two cents.

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The How-Go Guide: Buying Swimsuits

Just C — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:25:36 +0000

Swimsuits are one of the most essential pieces for warm weather, so why would anyone ever buy the first thing off the rack without putting thought into it? After all, if you love to swim or visit the beach regularly, you want to be wearing something that you absolutely love…and that fits great. Lucky Mags latest how-to video, How to Buy a Swimsuit, provides helpful tips on the dos and don’t of making the all-important purchase of the season. Check it out.

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The How-To Guide: How To Shop For Shoes

Just C — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:00:47 +0000

Lucky Mag always delivers when it comes to great how-to guides. Some of the points, like walking on a hard surface when trying on shoes was something I never thought about. When you do think about it, it makes perfect sense. Heels often feel a lot different and a lot less comfortable when you don’t have the soft cushion beneath.

I still refuse to agree with kitten heels though. I usually find myself pretty wobbly in them so I rather go “big” or simply stick to a flat. Kitten heels just make no sense to me. *shrugs*

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The How-To Guide: Purchasing Previously Owned Designer Goods

Just C — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:30:35 +0000

I’ve never been able to get into the whole eBay “thing”. I know so many who purchase (and sell) via eBay without even thinking twice but I’m either too nervous or something so I’ve yet to give it a try. I’m also still trying to determine what the “or something” is, so bear with me. I’m very much into designer handbags like the next stylista and there’s a huge selection from which to choose on eBay. My concern has always been whether the bag is authentic or not because I could only image how irate I’d become if I spent money on something that was described as authentic to find out that it was not.

Rather than shop on eBay, I think I’m going to give Yoogi’s Closet a whirl. Yoogi’s takes shopping and authenticity seriously, so you’re guarenteed to only find authentic items on the site. They even have Lucky mag vouching for them, so you’re in good hands. You have your pick from a fabulous array of handbags, shoes and jewelry, so I’m sure you’ll be able to find something you like.

So, I really want to hear from you all on this topic. Are you willing to take a chance and buy a designer good via eBay or do you stick to actual retail stores? Would you consider giving a site like Yoogi’s Closet a chance? Be sure to comment as I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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The How-To Guide: How To Shop

Just C — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:30:54 +0000

I know the title “How to Shop” sounds crazy within it self, but trust me, I really needed this tutorial. Not only am I a Lucky magazine subscriber, but I love visiting the blog section on their website on a regular. The How To Shop outlines strategies of shopping at discount retailers like TJ Maxx. It’s so easy to get caught up in wanting to purchase tons of items at these types of stores because the prices are so great, but one of the most important tips I learned from this video was “If you wouldn’t pay full price, don’t buy it on sale”. *heading back to TJ Maxx to return those Dereon jeans I purchased last week*

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What’s Your Hue: Spring 2010 Colors

Just C — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:30:59 +0000

The release of the Pantone Fashion Color Report has always coincided with the beginning of New York Fashion Week and it serves as a great guide of what hues to expect for the upcoming season. I”m happy to see some of these colors – namely turquoise – come back again. For the last several years, I’ve been obsessed with the hue so each and every time I get a chance to buy and wear the color, I do. Back in 2003-2004, I seriously wore turquoise a minimum of once a week. I’m also looking forward to the nude tones. In fact, I think that will serve as my go-to nail color for the season. Of the colors from the palette, which do you plan to try out? Be sure to comment and let me know.

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The How-To Guide: So Over it, I’m Organizing My Stuff Once & For All

Just C — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:45:41 +0000

Lucky Magazine is great for their how-to series and when I read the headline, “Seven simple steps to an organized closet”, it was as if they were speaking directly to me. Somehow, although I have three bedroom closets (and one coat closet) to myself, I’m bursting at the seams. I don’t have enough space for the things I do have. You’d think that would slow down my shopping, right? *snickers* Yeah, right

If any of you have the same problem, hopefully you’ll find these tips equally helpful.

Tip 1: You need to be able to see what you’re doing. Move everything onto the bed and separate those items that need to visit the tailor or cobbler.

First things first – what’s a cobbler? When I heard that term, I instantly thought of the killer peach cobbler my mom makes, which reminds me… Anyway, I see one potential problem with this. Usually, I get all gung-ho about getting my closets organized. I pull everything from the shelves and places where they shouldn’t be and pile everything on the bed. The problem is that I usually get overwhelmed 1/3 of the way through and give up. Then, I end up pushing everything to the side to make just enough room to sleep. Yes, I’ve done this…and yes, more than once. Don’t judge me.

Tip 2: Put your favorite pieces back in the closet, sorted into categories. Place those you wear the most (office pants, jeans, day dresses) in the most accessible location.

Again, I’ve done this. My problem is that I have three closets and I sometimes forget about the items in one of them. If you organize by what you wear the most, don’t you run the risk of unconsciously wearing the same thing over and over again.

Tip 3: Once items are sorted by category, sort them by color.

Ok, now this does work. Good tip.

Tip 4: Invest in uniform hangers; we like the super-thin Joy Mangano Huggable Hangers for tops (available at hsn.com) and basic clips for skirts and pants.

I totally agree. I’m the hanger police. Somehow, when I have a guest over, I manage to end of with one green or black plastic hanger. My conscious won’t allow me to hang it i my closet, so I just throw them away.

Tip 5: Shoes should be arranged in clear, stacking drawers or a wire grid system on the back of the closet door.

I’ve been meaning to do this for some time, I just haven’t gotten around to it. My sister has done it and it seems to work for her.

Tip 6: All sweaters should be buttoned, folded and stacked, with the bulkiest on the bottom to create sturdy piles.

They’re staked, but they surely aren’t in sturdy piles. I will attempt this over the weekend.

Tip 7: Make sure all of your clothing is clean before submitting it to long-term storage in your closet. And remove all items from dry-cleaning bags—they can trap chemicals that can break down fibers.

Making sure that they’re clean seems to be a no-brainer, but I’m sure a light bulb came on for someone when they read it. I didn’t know about the dry-cleaner bags so that’s good information.

Source: LuckyMag.com

Am I the only one whose closet is a travesty? What do you do to get yourself organized? Comment because I sure would like to know what it is that I am doing wrong.

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