Let’s Get That Purse Closet Sorted Out
Ahh…spring. Time to crack open the windows and attack the dust bunnies. Empty out those cupboards. Sort through your wardrobe. Haul away your winter gear and dig out your lighter spring paraphernalia.
In your quest for a refreshing life makeover, don’t forget to organize some of your more important accessories – your handbags.
1 – Empty your handbags (tote bags, clutches, etc.)
You can start with the contents of your handbags. Empty out your purses (ideally, they are all empty, except the one you are using right now). Bonus! You are bound to find some spare change. Aside from tissue or purse inserts that you use to maintain your purse’s shape, your purses should all be stored empty.
2 – Review your purse wardrobe
Does every purse in your collection still do it for you? Is it just the right complement to that certain outfit? Is it a statement maker that will jazz up an everyday pair of jeans? Is it perfect for your travels or for work or for the weekend? Do you love it? Is the tag still hanging off of it? Is it worn, permanently stained or shabby – not in a chic way? Spring is a time to make decisions. If you don’t love it, it’s time to toss it, give it away or donate it. Time to make room for a handbag that you will love.
3 – Do any of your handbags require cleaning or repairs?
You’ve got everything out of the closet, you’ve streamlined your bag collection, no don’t just stick them back in the closet. Now is the time to do a repair and cleaning inventory. For those items that you can safely clean, there is no better time. Clean them accordingly and put them aside. For those that need professional cleaning, need a new clasp, a new zipper, a strap repair – it’s time to stop procrastinating and get it done.
4 – Where should you store your handbags?
Consider your space. Is it the best location for your various handbags, clutches, tote bags, hobos etc.? Is there another space that is more roomy, more accessible, more ideal for your collection of accessories? If the space is good. Great. Wipe down shelves, remove any irrelevant items and prepare the stage for your prized handbags.
5 – What is the best way to store your handbags?
You may want to check out our previous post on How to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Handbag before putting everything back in your closet. In brief, the shape of your purse should be protected with tissue paper or a purse insert, and special items should be placed in its original storage bag or a pillow case. You may be tempted to hang your purse by its handle but I wouldn’t recommend hanging a purse for more than a couple of days. It is best to store them on a shelf with seasonal items more accessible. You can improvise using pot lid holders to divide clutches, or check out the ContainerStore.com for shelf organizers.
Now, about those shoes…
Marsala: The Fashion Color of the Year
Admittedly, when I first heard that Pantone.com predicted that Marsala was the color of the year, I thirsted for a glass of Italian wine and hungered for my favorite Tikka Massala recipe. What the heck was Marsala anyway? It sounded creamy and fluffy like a Champagne cocktail. Visions of potential colors danced in my head, instead of sugarplums, the fruit that closely resembles the color trend of 2015. Thankfully Google cleared it up for me (as Google tends to do).
Marsala, the color of the bold Italian wine, but perhaps a bit more subdued, will be all over our walls, our beds, and our men in 2015. Makes you kind of thirsty doesn’t it?
I have always been a lover of the burgundies (the wine, the color and the region) so it is kind of thrilling that a color that flatters everyone will also be available in the shops I frequent online and off. You may have already noticed that Hollywood celebrities are already setting the stage for this pseudo-burgundy color.
So, will you be joining the Marsala revolution? I’d love to see how you’ve incorporated Marsala into your life.
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It’s St-Patrick’s Day – Why All the Green?
So, it’s that time of year again, the sun is brighter the days are longer. You know I for one am thrilled. Perfect timing to celebrate a happy-go-lucky occasion like St-Patrick’s Day. Pull out your green shirt, your green shoes, your green hat (and of course your green handbag) and head on out for a mug of green ale.
It’s almost like we’re celebrating the color green and the onset of warmer weather, rather than the most famous patron saint of Ireland. So, what’s behind all this green anyways? Why do we relate St-Patrick’s day with green?
Why We Wear Green on St-Patrick’s
There are a few theories on why green is worn on St-Patrick’s Day. The most prevalent theory goes like this. While there are some theories that blue was the color previously associated with St-Patrick’s Day, green has been the color of choice since the 1700’s, which makes alot more sense.
After all, Ireland, the country that originated St-Patrick’s Day is known as the Emerald Isle. The holiday was named in honor of the renowned patron saint, Saint Patrick who wore a green shamrock. The St-Patrick’s Day feast is celebrated in his memory. St-Patrick died on March 17th, when spring was in the air and the greenery began to permeate the outdoors.
Why You Dare Not Not Wear Green
According to those in the know, if you wear green you are invisible to the mischievous leprochauns who enjoy pinching their surprised victims. So unless you like the attentions of little green elves, be warned. Those who do not wear green to commemorate this day, can expect to be pinched by friends who are staunch St-Patrick’s Day supporters or dare I say, leprochauns…?
Looking For A Little Green Inspiration?
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Winter be damned! I’m Dusting Off My White Shoes and My Beach Bag!
So what if it’s snowing. I’m taking out my beach bag. Who decided that we shouldn’t wear bold colors and white shoes after Labor Day? Emily Post? Well, she’s not making fashion decisions for me anymore. I’ll use the right fork but that’s where it ends Emily.
I’ve had it with cloudy skies and slippery grounds and I’m making new fashion rules just for me. If summer isn’t coming to me, then it’s time I found summer in my closet. Isn’t that what the 21st century is about? Do I need to follow someone else’s trend to look good? Do I need to pay thousands of dollars on a designer handbag because some magazine tells me I should want it.
Maybe I don’t suit that designer handbag and maybe that designer handbag doesn’t suit me. I don’t want to look like a fashion clone. I want to be comfortable being me, and if being me means carrying a floral tote bag and wearing white after Labor Day and antagonizing the fashion gods – so be it. After all, do I want to be a fashion leader or a fashion follower?