Diary of a Closet Editor

New Year, New You, New Closet

The Closet Editor — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:55:35 EST

Oh hell-o, 2011. Let's open the year up with a quick poll:

A. Have you thought about doing a diet/cleanse/detox of some sort to kick off the year on a healthy note?

B. Have you decided 2011 is the year you become a, stair climbing, iron pumping, lean-mean-gym-going machine?

C. Will you be nicer this year?

D. Are you going to work harder this year?

E. All of the above.

The new year, new you philosophy is rejuvenating, and allows people to believe that, with this clean slate, anything is possible. I love it, and after all the drinking and eating that went into 2010's holiday season I have been feeling an intense need for a cleanse/detox of sorts. However, after unpacking an approximately 75 pound suitcase, I remembered that the real cleanse needed to happen in my closet/teeny tiny West Village apartment. So, what did I do? I packed another suitcase. Except, this one is not for vacay. Once again, I have weeded out my closet of the excess, and it's as mind clearing as any good detox (minus the yucky green lettuce juice, so really, everyone wins this way!)

Take a good look at your closets this month ladies and gents. I'm sure you have something that you either no longer fit in, or no longer wear (read: because it's heinous). The things that don't fit could potentially be money in your wallet if you just motivate yourself to get to a consignment store. Anything else belongs in a thrift shop or Salvation Army for people who are less fortunate than you. Some clothes have another fate. RIP my favorite jeans. After 3 years of wearing them at least three times a week, they found themselves in the garbage. After the last trip to the wash and fold, they returned with a three inch tear under each back packet. So long, old friend.

Reasons closet cleaning is the best new year's cleanse:

1. You make more space for all the new things you are going to buy this year.

2. You can potentially make some money off the exercise (unlike work out exercises where you usually have to pay to participate)

3. You can start the year off with good karma by helping others AND clearing your mind all at the same time.

In closing, give it a try. Let me know how it goes! If you're feeling overwhelmed, get in touch with me! Happy 2011!

Gift Guide: Your Main Man

The Closet Editor — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 21:19:27 EST

1. I'm a huge fan of gift accessories. No big surprise here. I can't walk out the door without multiple pieces of jewelry and a scarf, so naturally I can't hand over a gift without a few accompaniments that just complete the whole package. This year I'm going with All Alan, All the Time so my main squeeze can hear The Hangover's biggest hit and his hysterical one liners whenever he wants.

2. Have a video gamer on your hands? What guy doesn't love spending hours in front of a tv playing with a controller? Yet to meet one myself. For the latest in video game technology pick up Microsoft Kinect

3. A timeless gift idea? Give him a great time-keeper. I am loving J. Crew's Timex Watch The perfect balance of classic and cool.

4. For the movie buff, social media guru or TV aficionado(or all of the above) there is really only one gift that will do. Apple TV. This way he can stream Netflix, YouTube, and record TV shoes all with one compact machine. Added bonus: about 1/4 the wires of any other TV system.

5. The right cologne can be just as much a gift for you as it is for him! My top pick is Dolce & Gabbana for Men. If hints of bergamot, cedar and tobacco scroll through Sephora's extensive assortment. Just do me one favor. Do not buy your guy a cologne after a woman's namesake. There is nothing less sexy than saying your man wears Chanel.
6. Odds are, your guy looks to you for fashion advice. I used to spend hours researching sports and the latest technologies to satisfy my athletic/closet techy boyfriend. Turns out, each gifting opportunity he was kind of looking forward to what clothes I would buy him. I still try to surprise him with my sporty know-how from time to time, but it's nice to know that he's just as excited about me buying him something that requires no research on my end at all. Like his favorite country singer says, it just comes natural. A sure thing? Ralph Lauren's classic half zip sweater.

7. Treat him to a concert of one of his favorite bands, and watch him sing your praise.

8. I've always had a thing for athletes - maybe it's just the after effects of my Posh Spice obsession growing up. For the athlete one thing is true. While you may have heard that the way to his heart is through his stomach, I'm here to tell you that the way to an athlete's heart is through his sport. Sports paraphernalia, tickets to a game, autographed photos, whatever it is, it's a way to show that you're paying attention (despite your little habit of napping on the couch during game day).

Gift Guide: Your Best Friend

The Closet Editor — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:55:15 EST

The "best friend" is always one of the most fun people on my Christmas shopping list. Let's be serious, how many people do you know as well as your besty? The best (no pun intended) piece of advice I can give you on this one is just to get her something totally from the heart. Here are a few of my suggestions:

1. For the girl who Purrell's her hands constantly, and usually asks us if we would like some Purrell as well before dining toghether... Cell phone wipes. I couldn't believe I found it, but it's a perfect gag gift. Round it out with something else she'll appreciate (in my girl's case, anything from J. Crew) but this will be the gift that shows how well I know her - and that's the kind of gift that always makes people happy.

2. College roommates. Just the thought of them conjures up memories of debauchery. Now that we're "adults" and a few notches classier (or so we'd like to think) I'm gifting my college roommate a chic crystal decanter. Her Scotch/drink of choice will be so Mad Men in a monogram engraved decanter, instead of so sorority house mini fridge. If she's not a Scotch drinker, which she most likely is not, think about a quality set of Champagne glasses...

3. Sephora Survival Kit - we tend to know exactly what kind of make up our friends use, and if not by brand, at least by type. Nail polish, lip gloss or balm, and mascara are must-haves for even the natural look girl, so get her the best of the best. Either stick with the brands she always uses, or if you feel like you know her better than she knows herself, try introducing her to some new products that you love.

4. One of my friends doesn't leave the house without at least 2 rings on. Jewelry is such a fun gift to give, and it always goes to good use. Think about what she might be missing (maybe she has a lot of gold accessories, and could use something of the silver genre?) Whatever it is, make sure it's in keeping with her sense of style.

5. You know how you feel like your handwriting is prettier with certain pens? My singer/songwriter friend has been keeping Sharpie in business since about 1995 (at least), so I picked up a pack with all the colors of the rainbow and a Parisian inspired journal, to "inspire" her.

6. Book Clubs? They're great, but my friends and I have tended to go the road of "you have to read this book I just finished." We always seem to have the right suggestion for whatever our friend is going through - or simply something that we know they'll devour in 3 days. Making the perfect book of the moment, the perfect gift. I personally loved this one by Candace Bushnell.

7. Staying close to home for the holidays? Sometimes it's nice to just get a flower. Peonies are among my favorites, but I'm guessing you know what your friend loves. Something that dries nicely is even better - like roses or hydrangeas. One of my girls bought me a bouquet of orange roses for my birthday one year. After about a week of in-the-vase-love, I sprayed them with hairspray and hung them upside down. Such a simple gift lasted me over a year!

8. Don't skimp on the cards ladies. Some of the best gifts I've ever received from friends are actually the cards. I think doing something creative, like a collage of photos of each other or symbolic snapshots, are great ways to put a personal spin on your "happy holidays" message. If you're creatively challenged, I love the retro card lines dripping with irony. "Dear Santa, Define Naughty."

How to Give the Perfect Gift - And Avoid Gifting Clutter

The Closet Editor — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 22:00:26 EST

Don't fall victim to this season's biggest crime - bad gifting. Every year we are challenged with finding gifts for all the loved ones on our list. It's also year end, so work is usually kicked into high gear, and holiday parties are around every corner. With our schedules packed it can be hard to make time for holiday shopping, but time is exactly what's necessary.

An explosion of gifts at the family Christmas celebration.

Click here to read more.

Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things

The Closet Editor — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:49:52 EST

What will the consumer world do without Oprah's Favorite Things?? Last week, Oprah taped her last episode of Oprah's Favorite Things, where she selects her favorite items that holiday and gifts ALL of them to her audience. This year's crowd got a gift, perfect for a visit from the Closet Editor.Click here to read more about the maven's Christmas picks.

OnSugar Bookmark Tool - OnSugar

The Closet Editor — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:26:45 EST

One of the chicest couples of the 21st century, congratulations to Prince William on his beautiful, bride to be. The fashion crowd has quite high hopes for Kate Middleton, and frankly I think the world was hungry for a new princess.

Keep up with the Kardashian's in NYC

The Closet Editor — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 23:21:25 EST

The sisters Kardashian have officially opened their doors in Manhattan, and in true Kardash-fash, they made an entrance. Subscribers to the rule of fame by association, they landed a prime SoHo spot with neighbors the likes of Chanel and Burberry. While they haven't exactly won over the the residents of Spring Street, I have to hand it to them. They know how to merchandise a store. CLICK HERE to read more about my trip to their store opening.

Go to Nail Polish for Fall - OPI's Suzy Skis in the Pyrenees

The Closet Editor — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:34:39 EST

Who doesn't pick their nail polish based on the name? Of course, when it comes to mani/pedi's every girl goes into the salon with an idea of the color, but what makes you decide on which version of red you'll ultimately select is ALWAYS the name. So, not only do I love my winter color, but I LOVE the name. OPI's, Suzy Skis in the Pyrenees is my go to color for November - February. It feels a little dark for the warmer months, so I've been in withdrawal lately. With my nails all lacquered up, I feel like suddenly jet-setting is a possibility, and I better have my apres ski boots ready! Just getting back from my mani/pedi, and I literally can't stop looking at my nails. Cloud 9. (Which I'm sure, somewhere out there, is also a name for a nail polish color, but for now it's just my state of mind.)

Who else rocks the trend? Chicsters like Eva Mendes, Rachel Bilson, and Rihanna

Sweater Dressing on a Budget

The Closet Editor — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 18:18:38 EST

Picture Courtesy of closetcravings.onsugar.com

Element Becky Sweater Cardigan $64 - PacSun

Knitted Slouchy Stitch Jumper $80 - Topshop

Knitted Lurex Top $90 - Topshop

Calvin Klein Wool sweater $230 - theOutnet

Knitted Tweed Mix Buckle Front Cape Style Cardigan $90 - Topshop

AE Exaggerated Shawl Collar Sweater $59 - American Eagle

Sweaters are a cold weather essential, but boosting your sweater assortment can be costly. Sweaters are (usually) higher quality than your basic tee, and more work and expensive fabrics go into making them. Hence the hefty price tag. So, what to do when the temperatures drop? Here's a laundry list of options for you to break into, without breaking the bank. Take a cue from the oh-so-chic Lauren Conrad. Her asymmetrical, open front cardy, in a neutral green is a great transitional piece. As the fall progresses into winter, you'll need something with a little more coverage like a shawl collar or tweedy knit. My suggestion: embrace the chic and comfy nature of sweater dressing. Whether paired with leather leggings, or boyfriend jeans, a great sweater can totally elevate your look.

Closet Editing - Cold Weather Basics

The Closet Editor — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 23:15:22 EDT

Preston & york ribbed scarf $28 - Dillard's

Marc by Marc Jacobs Sophie leather satchel $480 - Net-A-Porter

Current/Elliott The Skinny Cord low-rise jeans $200 - Net-A-Porter

Vince Camuto Women's Fays Boot $198 - Endless.com

Vince Tweed Turtleneck Sweater $295 - Barneys New York

Embellished Leather Gloves $78 - Ann Taylor

See by Chloé Faux-fur cossack hat $105 - theOutnet

K Karl Lagerfeld Coba wool coat $550 - theOutnet

Juicy Couture Wool and cashmere-blend cardigan $200 - Net-A-Porter

Donna Karan Oversized cashmere cardigan $2495 - Net-A-Porter

Winter is around the corner! I'm not one for cold weather, but living in NYC it's par for the course. Over the years I've curated a very edited closet filled with winter essentials. In fact, part of the reason I've neglected the blog for a bit, is because I've been closet editing! Changing from warm weather seasons to cold is a challenge. Not only do you have to carefully pack away all your warmer clothes for storage, but I also take this time to assess what I had that was unnecessary and put it into a "sell it pile" or "donate it pile." Then as I unpack my cold weather essentials, I take a closer look at those as well, determining whether or not I still think they make the cut. No sense making room for something that won't get worn. I recommend you do the same, or shoot me an email and I'll do it for you!

For winter, I would every closet needs the following:

Sweaters - sweaters galore. I like classic, fitted shapes like a v-neck, crewneck or turtleneck for a timeless silhouette that can be dressed up or down. I also love sweater jackets. They lend the same polish as a structured jacket, but are so much more comfortable! Slouchy open shaped cardigans are really popular right now, and I'm completely on board because they take cozy chic to a whole new level.

Corduroys - It took a while for this old school basic to grow on me, but now I can't imagine life without them. I love them in a vintage-esque color like this one. An added bonus - it goes with everything from ivory to black.

Boots - A great pair of riding boots can take you all throughout the season. My favorite is a dark tan because they go with every color, but tried and true black is a great go to.

Wool Coat - think classic 1950's. Every girl should have one. Black is not only polished, but the best at hiding dirt. Major bonus, because dry cleaning these is an expensive endeavor. Accessorize it with lighter accessories. I am loving See by Chloe's Faux-Fur Cossack Hat. Black leather gloves with silk or cashmere lining will last a lifetime. As much as the Ivory color spectrum, I'm a major black glove proponent.

A Neutral Handbag - Last season I bought a suede faux python satchel in Olive Green. I will use it every year because I love that it adds a subtle touch of color to my otherwise dark winter wardrobe. When I chose to sport the winter whites look, it paired just as well. It's the perfect neutral. I also find that I need a smaller bag in the winter than I do in the summer. Boil it down to less running around, and less shoe changes (because, let's face it, no handbag is big enough to tote your Sorrel Boots and even if it was no handbag should be subjected to that).