IT’S TIME TO GET READY FOR POST-PANDEMIC LIFE AND STYLE!

Pack Light, Tight, and Right

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 18:10:18 GMT

The Dressucation Dr. in Greece

Pack Light, Tight, and Right!

Hey Ladies!

It’s been a really long time since you have heard from me, but I’m back, on track,

and here to provide information to help you PACK !

Let’s talk about how to Pack Light, Tight, and Right! This blog post is a compilation

of my packing tips and those from my fabulous travel companions that I met on

my trip to Greece last month. Hopefully these gems will help you to be sane, calm,

comfortable, and stylish on your future travel adventures! I have to admit that

even though I am aware of many packing hacks, I still remain guilty of traveling

too heavily. I am hoping that I can cut down on the weight as a result of the tips I

have received from the women in my Greece Tour Family!

Let’s get started. First, I like to keep a running Trip Countdown To-Do List. My list

covers everything from arranging for airport transportation to reminders to check

the weather forecast of my destination, and all that I need to pack. I find this to

be extremely helpful. Some of you may think this is crazy, but I start packing for a

trip at least three weeks before departing. Doing this keeps me from forgetting

anything as I am continuously adding things to my suitcase when I think of them.

Speaking of luggage, fortunately, lightweight luggage is available, and seems to

get lighter every few years.

Best Lightweight Luggage

If I am pressed for space which is usually the case, I won’t pack a pair of shoes

unless they go with two or more outfits, especially if they are heavy shoes. Next, I

don’t pack them in pairs. Instead, I fit them wherever I can in my suitcase.

Bag in a Bag - I needed a lightweight tote bag to use as my personal carry-on item,

and found a nice one at TJ Max. It easily fit under the seat, but what I really liked

about it was the inner bag that can remain snapped in or used separately. Very

practical!

Rolling vs . Folding - When you roll your clothes, less space is used in your suitcase

than folding them. If possible, pack as many ready-to wear clothing items as

possible to avoid ironing!

Utilize those corners - These are great places to pack your small items.

Once you get to your destination (if staying at the same location, and ironing is

necessary, do them all at the same time, if possible. If you can find out ahead of

time if an iron is available at your hotel(s) but if not, consider taking a lightweight
portable steamer.

Dresses, tops, and swimsuits with built-in bras- can be filled with socks or rolled

up underwear to keep their shape. Do this for your bras too!

Hats -are a must on many trips- Here’s a great hat-packing tip I found in a hat I

purchased from Kohl’s: Take your hat with you wherever you go. Place it upside

down in your suitcase, stuff the crown and support the brim.

Creams, gels, lotions, and potions - Rather than packing the entire tube or

container, use stackable cosmetic containers. I love them! You can find these in

drugstores, dollar stores, Ali Express, and Am azon.

Hanging Toiletry Travel Bags - keep all your cosmetics and toiletries organized.

Tips from my Greece Tour Family

Lisa, Florette, and Evon are fans of Packing Squares/ Pods to keep everything

organized.

Florette and Rikki recommend putting dryer sheets in-between some of your

clothes to keep them smelling fresh and using Bounce 3 in 1 Release Spray for

removing wrinkles.

-Rikki says, “Packing cubes are a lifesaver” and “Clothing you can layer is a must”.

This was definitely the case on our trip as temperatures fluctuated throughout the

day!

-Terri uses lingerie washing bags in both checked and carry-on bags to keep small

things together in groups.

I am in awe of Marisa who traveled with ONLY a carry-on piece of luggage and her

handbag! She said she had everything she needed. Here’s how she did it:

-“I did check the weather a couple of days ahead so I was able to visualize what

I’d wear and I tried everything on to make sure I was happy with the tops &

bottoms.”

-Packed four pairs of pants with cotton tank tops that she would wear
under her tops to keep warm or use as layers under shirts. She used the same

pants for evening but paired them with a nicer top.

-Packed one bathing suit, two pairs of linen shorts, two pairs of shoes, a purse

which is designed for travel, a jean jacket and light nylon jacket that fit into the

side slot of her suitcase, and one cotton sweater that went with all pants.

-Rolled up one lightweight dress but never wore it, underwear and lightweight

bed clothes.

-Brought a pillow case to store soiled clothes

-Marisa explained, “I took very little makeup. I'm OK with it. Plus, I take the

attitude of observing when on vacation so I don't think of being stylish, only

comfortable.”

-She added, “My Keen sandals were great and looked OK with everything.”

Additional Packing Tips

Evon recommends ALWAYS keeping your essentials in the same place (passport,

chargers, headphones. etc.) I think this is valuable advice and pure common

sense, but sometimes we just don’t do it!

She also likes to use IKEA ISTAD Bags for shoes. They are sold at IKEA and on

Amazon.

Evon acknowledges that unfortunately, bad things can happen to our luggage, and

suggests always keeping an outfit, including underwear, in your travel bag just in

case your luggage is delayed. She recommends writing your name on a piece of

paper and taping it on the inside of your bag. That way, if all the tags come off

your luggage or the handle is damaged, they can clearly see that the bag belongs

to you.

If you order from Amazon on a regular basis, save the plastic bags, especially the

ones with the zip lock. They come in very handy for your shoes and other items. I

do this all the time!

For your comfort - If you are like me, your feet and ankles swell on long flights.

Compression socks are a must, but even so, if you are prone to swollen feet, it still

may happen to some degree.

Evon uses a neck pillow and foot sling.

Other helpful tips - To ensure that your phone’s battery does not die while you are

taking your amazing keepsake photos, invest in a portable phone charger. I

purchased one from Amazon and it’s great!

Last but certainly not least, you might want to purchase a luggage scale to use at

home, so that there are no surprise additional baggage fees at the airport. You can

purchase one for $10-$15.

I hope this blog post has been helpful! Please leave your comments and additional

tips in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!

COMING SOON

What Lies Beneath – Part 3

What Lies Beneath - Part 2

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 13:07:04 GMT

THE DRESSUCATION DR.

HELLO LADIES!

Spring is Here!

Let's talk about

WHAT LIES BENEATH ... PART 2

First, like everything else in life, a good foundation is the key! Christian Dior said “without foundation, there can be no fashion”, so let’s get our foundation ready for fabulous Spring styles and colors.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERGARMENTS

BASIC UNDERGARMENTS

Panties

There are various types of panties and one for every type of outfit. Styles include briefs, bikinis, boy shorts, hipsters, hi cut, invisible no ride up with elastic edges are great for those who are “bootylicious”, and of course, high waist AKA granny panties! They are alive and well and as always, quite comfortable!

Granny Panties

Bras

Some say that 65% - 85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Doing so may lead to potentially serious health issues, and is a great reason for ensuring that you ARE wearing the correct size.

Just like panties, there is a bra for practically every breast shape, blouse and dress type. We have so many options that include strapless, convertible, push-up, racerback, sports, and many, many more as you can see below!

Bra Styles Explained

Pantyhose

Pantyhose come in various styles, colors and serve many purposes. While younger generations have abandoned or were never familiar with pantyhose, older generations understand the value and benefits of wearing them!

Slips

"What's a Slip?"

A few years ago, I was a guest at a workshop for young women in their late teens and a thirty-something presenter was speaking about appropriate work attire. I was “all ears” for it and was pleasantly surprised that this young woman knew about slips! Her mama probably taught her!

During the presentation, one of the participants turned to the young woman sitting next to her and asked, "What's a slip?" The woman sitting next to me caught my eye, smiled and shook her head. I did the same!

Slips are still sold in department stores and online and serve a purpose or two for many women.

Shapewear

Some of us have gained a few pounds due to the pandemic or whatever the reason and are in the process of getting back into shape. Others may want to just smooth out a few lumps or bumps. I say, “FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT”!

TAKEAWAYS

Be sure to check out your rear view in the mirror.
Shapewear is not just for plus-size women. It’s for every woman who wants to create a smooth silhouette under her clothing which will ensure a beautiful and put together final look.
Don’t forget that your posture is very important and can improve or detract from your overall look.
Any type of garment that alters the body should be worn in moderation.

**The Dressucation Dr. can help you pull it all together for Spring and Summer!**

Check out the

Non-Surgical Body Lift Package

SPRING TRENDS

LORD AND TAYLOR

Click Here

SHOES AND HANDBAGS

Click Here

A fashionista I know highly recommends Soiffer Haskins in New York City for fabulous and affordable designer pieces.

Find Out More

A word of advice, start shopping in your closet! You may already have several outfits that you forgot were in there. Change them up from their original look with new accessories!

Be Smooth, Stylish, and Sexy!

CREATING A COMPLIMENT-WORTHY WARDROBE FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND BEYOND

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 16:20:11 GMT

The Dressucation Dr.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS LADIES!

LET’S TALK ABOUT CREATING A COMPLIMENT-WORTHY WARDROBE FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND BEYOND!

You may be the most secure woman in the world, but a compliment on your appearance can serve as an additional boost of confidence, swag, reassurance or simply make your day when things are just not going your way!

The following will help to make it happen! EVERYTHING in your closet should fit like it was made just for you! So, what does this entail? Knowing your style, best colors, body shape, and last but not least, the way you carry yourself!

We all have a dress or outfit that we love to wear because it makes us feel beautiful, sexy, or sophisticated and is just EVERYTHING! BUT, imagine if you could feel that way every day!

Pay attention whenever you receive compliments on your clothing or appearance. Do you usually get them when you wear a certain color, outfit, or style? Is the compliment more about what the outfit does for you or what YOU DO FOR THE OUTFIT? For example, “Girl that’s a great dress!” as opposed to “Girl that dress looks great on you!” or “Sis, you are WEARING that dress!” In other words, is the compliment about the item or outfit or is it about how good it looks on YOU?

Remember, every style of clothing is not made for every woman’s body type. A perfectly fitting mid-range price outfit is much better than a high-end outfit that fits poorly. Here are a few common excuses for buying ill-fitting clothing. I’m guilty of at least one!

“Well, it was so cute, I had to have it!”
“So, it’s a little tight on me, but I’m on a diet!”
“You know I can’t pass up a sale!”

KNOW YOUR BODY TYPE

Still not sure or have questions about your body type or best colors? The Dressucation Dr. is here for you!

https://www.lifeskillsprepllc.com/imageconsulting#DressDrArtofDressucation

BEST CURVY JEANS

WEAR SOMETHING UNIQUE

It will definitely step up your game! I have a flower chain belt that belonged to my mother but she gave it to me many years ago. Every time I wear it I am guaranteed to get compliments on it by women in all age groups. I dress it up or down by wearing it with dresses or jeans.

Become a slave to your OWN fashion! My mom has a handbag with her own initials even though she enjoys her designer bags as well!

Belt-AKA “The Compliment Magnet”

My Mom’s Personalized Handbag

A Few of My Favorite Holiday “Glambags”

This lady knows what she’s talking about and that goes for paint and everything else! Colors can make a statement, but wearing the wrong ones can make you look washed out or simply not your best. I snapped this while shopping in Lowes because the message is SO relevant and made me smile! Red of course is a holiday favorite, but no need to limit ourselves. Pinks, greens, and of course gold and silver are also fabulous holiday choice colors! Just be sure to choose them according to your skin tone.

The holiday season is here and some activities have resumed. Many folks are anxious to get out there and “strut their stuff” again. Some of us are ready, willing, and able but are finding there aren’t that many places to go due to the pandemic. Last but not least, the COVID 19 variants keep on coming and according to medical experts, each is more contagious than the last. Don’t forget to mask up with style when and where it is appropriate. If you are going to wear a fancy mask to a party, do make sure it has at least three layers of fabric or if not, wear a CDC recommended mask underneath or alone. Safety before fancy and by all means, dress up those beautiful eyes!

HAVE A SAFE, HAPPY, AND STYLISH HOLIDAY SEASON!

MASK UP WITH STYLE – PART 3

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 21:14:15 GMT

LATE SUMMER

The Dressucation Dr.

HELLO LADIES!

I was hoping there would be no need to do another blog post about masking but unfortunately, I WAS WRONG! Summer is quickly coming to an end and I don’t know about you, but there are a whole bunch of things I envisioned myself doing that clearly aren’t going to happen until this Covid 19 situation greatly improves. I really believed there would be more circumstances that masks would not be a necessity.

I went on vacation to Grenada a few weeks ago. A lot to go through including a Covid test 72 hours before, one when I landed, another two days before coming home, and the final test three days after coming home. I also became a victim of “maskne” a dermatological condition that I mentioned in a previous Mask Up with Style blog post.

I wore my mask for almost twelve hours from the time I stepped out of my house and had it on in the taxi, airport and plane, and in reverse until I arrived at my hotel. The only time I moved it down to my neck was to eat and drink on the plane. Obviously, that wasn’t good for my skin because I ended up with a rash on the sides of my nose. Nothing extremely noticeable but enough to be grateful that I only have to wear a mask all day on rare occasions!

So, while we wait for things to get better, as I stated once before, we will be wearing masks. We should remember that there can be an UP side to every bad situation if we look for it hard enough.

ACCESSORIZING

Bags plus Matching Mask = “BASKING”

GET READY FOR FALL!

While looking good in our masks is a wonderful thing, let’s keep safety top of mind, first and foremost! In the past, medical experts recommended three layers of fabric and stated that N95 and KN95 masks provide the best protection. Here is an update:

There should be no gaps or spaces between your face and the mask. Masks with exhalation valves are NOT recommended.

If you are going to wear decorative or fashion masks, it may be a good idea to double up for extra protection which won’t feel so bad during the winter months.

COMING SOON

CREATING A COMPLIMENT-WORTHY WARDROBE

A LOOK AT POST- PANDEMIC EMPLOYMENT

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 17:10:23 GMT

Dr. Janet L. Kiley

Things have changed significantly in the world of work since the onset of the Covid 19 Pandemic, giving the advantage to those who are currently working or seeking employment. According to news reports, average hourly wages are up 3.6% from last year. Employers are offering better wages and benefits because many workers are not comfortable going back to pre-pandemic work conditions. Some restaurant owners are offering to pay college tuition in a major effort to attract employees.

SOME NOW PREFER TO WORK FROM HOME

Skip the ads & forward to 1:00 min

If you're ready for a career change, Life Skills Prep, LLC can help you map out your path by assisting with transition planning, setting goals, skills assessment, and options to ensure you get to your ideal next step.

CAREER CHANGE HAPPY DANCE

Let’s talk about Getting out of the Pandemic “Comfort Zone.”

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 16:33:29 GMT

The Dressucation Dr.

HELLO LADIES!

I hope you are safely reacclimating to life now that the pandemic is seemingly under control in the U.S. My plan is to safely have as much fun as possible this summer and I plan to do it “stylefully” ! Since masks are still required in some places, don’t forget to choose the ones that reflect a sunny summer attitude and complement your outfits.

For those of us who became comfortable with only dressing from the waist up for Zoom meetings, wearing pajamas for any reason except for bedtime, and wearing hair bonnets aka sleep caps out in public, it’s time to STOP IT !

I want to weigh in on Mo’Nique’s commentary about the young women who are wearing bonnets, pajamas, and slippers in public. I have witnessed all of the above for myself and it disheartens me every time! Bonnets and pajamas were made for SLEEPING. Having a bad hair day? Easy alternatives are wigs and baseball caps. Want to be casual? Put on some jeans and sneakers! I agree with Mo’Nique. What she is saying is nothing but the truth. Our young women need to display pride and it is not evident when sleepwear is worn outside the house, even if it’s just to run errands. They may not realize that their appearance says, “I don’t care how I look and I don’t care what you think of me.” This is a case of, “If we see something, we should say something”, but only if we feel comfortable doing so. If we approach our young women about this issue, it should be done with love more than criticism. We have to let them know that they are valued, loved, and should display pride in themselves at all times. If our message is not well-received, let’s not take it personally. Perhaps it will sink in later!

À la Mo’Nique

The pandemic was the cause of some bad habits that many of us need to break. Whether they are related to health, appearance, or anything else causing us to be “less than” in any way, it’s time to address these habits in the most effective way and move on! More comfortable styles are trending. Some women are having a hard time even thinking about high heels, sore feet and clothing that does not allow free movement. Others can’t wait to get back out there and “strut their stuff” in four-inch “kicks”. I am among them!

USA Today Article - A year of pandemic dressing: 8 ways our style changed in quarantine

Summer Style & C o l o r s

Aliexpress.com

Youthful, Fun, and Sexy!

T-shirt dresses are always in style. Dress them up by adding a piece of statement jewelry or colorful heels as shown above. Dress them down by wearing flats or sneakers. It all depends on the occasion! This style can work for women of various ages. Not comfortable with exposing too much thigh? Wear one with no slits on the sides. Don’t like a “boxy” look? Add a belt. If you are short-waisted the narrower the better.

Today.com

New York & Co.

Bright and Stylish!

Let your light shine in a colorful dress. Take it up a notch or two with a classic necklace or simply wear a pair of statement earrings. These dress styles can easily take you from work to play!

net-a-porter.com

Look Your Best in a Little Black Dress - Part 1

Whether it’s casual, for the office, dressy, or sexy, every woman should have at least one little black dress in her closet. Try adding a pop of summer color with accessories. If you have a knack for creating several looks for one dress, owning just one may do. If not, a few little black dresses are essential!

After more than a year of a dormant social scene, now is the time to go shopping in our closets and put together some eye-catching ensembles. You might be surprised at what you will find and the fabulous looks you can create!

FINALLY, WE CAN GET DRESSED UP AND HAVE SOMEWHERE TO GO!

IT’S TIME TO GET READY FOR POST-PANDEMIC LIFE AND STYLE!

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 13:57:01 GMT

The Dressucation Dr.

HELLO LADIES!

We aren’t quite there yet but reports indicate that if we continue to mask up, wash our hands frequently, social distance, and people are largely vaccinated we can get back to normal life sooner than later. That said, it’s not too soon to make the necessary changes to BOLDLY re-enter society by making a STATEMENT ! Clean out those closets, change your style, and make ‘em say “WOW!” when they see you again. This is a perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself if that appeals to you.

A friend and I were talking the other day about some of the activities we used to participate in before the pandemic. Going to the theater, concerts, dining out, and partying to name a few! Finding a good party at a certain age is not easy, but like a reunion in a sense because we usually run into the same people from years past. It was an interesting conversation that left us wondering if some of the people we used to party with would still do so when the pandemic is over, or have they discovered other activities that don’t require leaving their house? It’s possible that some have completely “switched gears” and no longer wish to socialize as much as they used to while some can’t wait to get back out there. What will post pandemic life look like for us on the social scene?

If traveling was your thing pre-pandemic, envision yourself on that vacation of a lifetime. Doing this has helped me tremendously as I had to postpone a major trip last year! Get ready by trying on outfits that you will wear and plan to replace or supplement some of articles of clothing in your wardrobe. If you have gained a few pounds, you might want to use your favorite outfits as an incentive and try them on every few weeks to evaluate your progress.

Our social lives and travel plans are only a few activities we want to resume. Some may want to make professional changes or even relocate! The pandemic has afforded us the opportunity to think and re-evaluate so why not start planning now? Research shows that planning can be an effective stress-management tool. Whatever you do, be sure to do it with style .

OUR EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING IS IMPORTANT TOO!

FEEL GOOD, LOOK GOOD!

HAPPY PLANNING!

Mask Up With Style - Part 2

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:21:57 GMT

Dressucation Dr.

My collection has grown!

Ladies, it looks like we are going to be wearing masks for quite some time; even after a safe vaccine becomes available. Let’s make the best of it! After several months of living with COVID 19, finding masks in various colors and styles is not difficult. If having a mask to match most of your outfits is your thing like it is mine, go for it! Just be sure to wear masks with at least two layers of fabric.

Unfortunately, wearing a mask means we walk around with only half a face visible, leaving the other half to the imagination of strangers! To reduce “mask fatigue”, add interest, and even a little glam, why not experiment with our eyes and brows? If the eyes are truly the windows to the soul then a little dressing surely will not hurt! Eyes have become our only non-verbal form of communication. Although our smiles cannot be seen gracing our lips, a genuine smile can still be observed in our eyes!

EYEDEAS

Many of us tend to wear less make up in the warmer weather and since the pandemic hit, we are even more likely to go bare faced underneath our masks. Now that cooler weather is here, some of us might want to wear more makeup on the visible parts of our face, particularly eyes and eyebrows. False eyelashes are also worthy of experimenting with if they appeal to you!

Please remember to take good care of your skin. We want to look beautiful when our faces can finally be revealed again! Dermatologists have reported a condition called “Maskne” among others that may result from wearing masks.

Happy Safe and Beautiful Masking!

Mask Up With Style

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 14:27:13 GMT

Hello Ladies!

I know it has been a while since you’ve heard from me but I was definitely experiencing the “Pandemic Blues”. All the time in the world to write but totally unmotivated and felt like the rug had been pulled from under me! Can you relate??

Who would have ever thought we would be wearing masks for anything other than a costume or masquerade party? Well, any occasion good or bad can warrant a fashion statement and while I am no expert on masks, I have learned a few things since the pandemic began.

The first mask I wore was the type similar to an N95. The elastic goes around the head and it has a metal bar across the top. I felt like I was going to a construction job. I happened to have a few in my house that my mother had given me many months ago when I was cleaning out my basement. Although I was happy to have them and they served the intended purpose, they were uncomfortable and completely “uncute”! They also left marks on my face that took a while to go away. Another way to look at it might be that they fit very close to the face which is probably a good thing.

Recently I have seen many beautiful masks made of various fabrics and prints: African print, lace overlay, cotton, smiley face, the American flag, and you can even have the bottom half of your own face printed on a mask! (I did as you can see above.) Some masks are made with removable filters (possibly an added benefit) and others with valves which are not recommended by experts. Do a Google search and see for yourself. Folks have gotten very creative!

Fashion is important but safety is even more important so be sure to only wear masks that are constructed with multiple layers of fabric. Experts recommend at least two layers.

Mask Facts and Tips

Fabric masks should be washed before wearing and regularly after use. They are more expensive than disposable masks but you will have them for a while and get your money’s worth if you take care of them.
Disposable masks are meant to be worn once and tossed. They are reasonably priced, lightweight, and some have a moldable nose clip. There are limited color options and their appearance is clinical.

Ear loop masks are comfortable and work well for most people.
Some come with adjustable loops but if not, the loops can be shortened for a tighter fit by knotting them.

Black is a color that absorbs heat so if it’s a hot, humid sunny day you might want to choose another color mask.

Happy and Safe Masking!

HELLO LADIES! Let’s talk about WHAT LIES BENEATH… Part 1

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 14:34:21 GMT

The Dressucation Dr.

Have you ever seen a woman wearing a stunning outfit with the

WRONG UNDERWEAR? It’s a “look killer”, is it not?

Photo from Pinterest

About a year and a half ago I saw something similar to the “before” photo in church, only the young woman was wearing a white dress. This experience is what prompted me to create my Non Surgical Body Lift package. (Click on the Image and Fashion Consulting tab for more info). The dress was lovely and the young woman had a nice figure, but her undergarments were all WRONG.

What were her issues? Visible panty lines causing puckering and mid-section rolls and the sides of her bra and the straps were showing. Trust me when I say I made that woman over in my mind and turned her into the “after” several times during service. It was hard to keep myself from going over to enlighten her before leaving the church. She had no idea how good she could have looked!

So let’s face it. We have seen the before photos in real life, maybe have been or currently are them, and perhaps have even heard a comedian include it in his or her shtick. In fact last weekend I went to a comedy club where the headliner told the story of how he had recently re-entered the dating scene only to discover that women are now wearing Spanx. (I realize that Spanx is a brand but I will occasionally use it to refer to shapewear in general.) The comedian proceeded to describe what happened when he became intimate with his date and the Spanx came off!

Clearly, some men have become apprehensive about shapewear and have internalized the visual of a woman taking off her Spanx during intimacy and suddenly exploding into a bloated and much heavier caricature of her former Spanx-wearing self. Are they serious?

It has been suggested that Spanx or other brands of shapewear may be unhealthy if they are too tight. I say everything in moderation! It’s important to keep in mind that everyone should make an effort to maintain a healthy weight but we all need a little help from time to time! Spanx should not be used as a substitute for an exercise regimen; at least not for the long-term. Quality shapewear is available in many styles and levels of control from light to extra firm by various designers and can be purchased in almost any store that sells underwear from Walmart to Neiman Marcus.

KEEP it SMOOTH!

Hello Ladies! I AM A "MEMORABILIA SPECIALIST"

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 14:27:16 GMT

The Dressucation Dr.

I save clothing, shoes, vinyl records, early cell phones, “stuff” from grade school, and did I say clothing? I prefer to use the term self-proclaimed (although others would surely agree), Memorabilia Specialist rather than Hoarder. Hoarder just sounds BAD. Memorabilia Specialist has a nice connotation just sounds so much better!

It’s been a while since our New Year’s resolutions were made and now we have all noticed that the days are getting longer, daffodils and other flowers are starting to peak through the soil, and the groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter when he did his thing on February 2nd. Spring is on its way which means it’s time to start working out more (I’m heading to the gym today after an embarrassingly long hiatus) so that we can fit into last year’s spring and summer gear or buy new outfits. If the latter is the case, you might need to make room in your closet!

A recent review of my secondary closet revealed a boat load of clothing that I had forgotten about! There are all kinds of pants and jeans ranging from slim cut to boot cut to all out bell bottoms along with a ton of leggings, jeggings, and gym wear. I couldn’t believe how many similar items I purchased over the years! That’s the way it is. When we like a particular style or color, we tend to buy what at a glance seems to be the same item over and over. The truth is, I could wear black pants every day for two weeks and to a non-discerning eye, it would look like I’m wearing the same pair. Let’s move on!

Here is a list of my 10 questions to help you decide whether to toss or keep each clothing item:

When is the last time you wore it?
Is it classic or trendy?
Is it your current style?
Are you bold or eclectic enough to wear an outdated style?
Does it fit as is or will you have to gain or lose weight to wear it comfortably?
Do you anticipate having a place/occasion to wear it?
Are you keeping it only because it has sentimental value?
Is it age appropriate?
Is it in good condition?
Do you have something to pair it with to make it a complete outfit?

Here are more helpful tips if you’re ready to MAKE THE PURGE!

Waiting for these styles to come back?

Don’t toss them yet. I saw those boots while shopping recently and someone might have a 70s party!

SO HERE’S WHY I AM A MEMORABILIA SPECIALIST!

My Baby Shoes

My Crissy Doll with Growing Hair from the 1970s

I have no idea what happened to her green shoes!

Happy Purging!