Claire Kennedy Design

Christina

It's hard to keep quiet and hold tight after I've finished a gown till the wedding, but it's been my habit not to show or talk about the gown (with anyone but the family - I have to talk to them!!!), before the wedding so that the bride gets to make a "wow" entrance.  This is not my normal way - I'm usually so excited about the gown it's hard to keep shut - and then after they've done down the isle - I get to show them!!!

And nothing is more fun than the heirloom bridal gown. This gown was the bride's maternal grandmother-in-law's bridal gown, probably from the 40's. Knowing the design (see my blog about pre WWII blog about the use of fabric), it was more like after the war.  Dresses of this period had intricate detail and beautiful beading.

The upper bodice was a cut out net, backed with an organza with the cut-out design trimmed in pearls. There were buttons on the sleeves that fit tightly around the wrist and lower arms.  As is common in these designs there is a puff in the sleeve even if it is small.  The sleeve also has a lot of ease in the elbow. These are the kinds of design fitting techniques that were common before the era of stretch. The gown also had a front inset piece that was the length of the dress, which meant that the length had to be fit from top to bottom - no waist line to fit or use as an alteration. Brides today require a close fit as most of the girls are used to knits, spandex, lycra and all the stretch that is available in fashion today.

This dress was not fit that way. Back in the 50's there were very few stretch fabrics - mostly knits - and designers actually fit "real" women's bodies. (The film "The Women"  was a testament to the different shapes of women's bodies that were fit all beautifully and all by Edith Head).

Understanding what the designer had originally intended and knowing what the girls like today, it was fairly easy to see where this bride wanted to go with this dress as she walks down the isle. The main thing to remember when altering heirloom gowns is that they are not only delicate due to the age of the fabric and threads, but the client usually likes the basic design and fit.  Some structural alterations that didn't destroy the design of the dress as well as a few fitting darts, made this a perfect gown for this bride.

It was a lot of fun to work with this lovely bride and this heirloom gown.

Scuba Doo Rag re-doo - Still a Freebie

After some work with this pattern there are a few tweaks that are in order.  Here's the new re-doo of the SDR.  I confess, that when I use a pattern for the first time, I've done it for so long, that I know where the standard notches and markings should be and so I don't mark all that may be on the pattern - only the ones that mean anything to me.  So I depend upon my students and first-timers to remind me of the basics of pattern markings.

Here then is a "re-doo" of the Scuba Doo Rag or SDR from the original version.

This is much the same with better markings and better instructions, hopefully, and again I depend upon my newbies to help make this an even easier pattern to use.

There are a number of solutions here:

1. The tie piece has been reversed for a better flow on the headband piece
2. The markings for the curved head piece and the top piece are new
3. These new markings match the already existing "side seam" markings which are newly labeled.
4. The new pdf file also has a very simple layout and assemblage diagram on p. 5.

This brings up a number of inherent problems with the scuba cap and a couple of number of suggestions for improvement.

• The natural layout of the center top piece means that either the front piece or the back tail will be upside down.  This new pattern has a seam allowance on the front piece, if you so desire to match this so that the front is right side up and the tail is right side up.

A couple of additions from users of the cap:

• The ties should be longer so that it is easier to tie - possibly in a bow
• The tail should be extended so that girls with long hair have a pocket to carry it.

Syndi - here are some suggestion on the SDR.  I've done some extra markings on there that will help, but if you make it a different size, you really can't reduce the pattern evenly.  You have to grade it.  What I would do is do 1/2" seams when you sew the the curve cap side pieces to the top cap piece, and sew the darts at a 1/2" seam....then attach the headband piece to the tie piece at 3/8" seam, then attach that headband/tie piece to the cap pieces at 3/8" seam...turn seams at 3/8" and finish it off.

Here's a pict of how to finish this off if it helps:
It's easier if you turn up the seam between the ties & tail, then turn the tail, then turn the inside tie, bottom of tie and then last the outside tie piece.  Hopefully this makes sense...if not post here and I'll answer best I can.

Other than these, the new pattern can be followed exactly like the old one.  In addition to the new pattern here, here is also a file for assemblage which can be printed out and used.

Enjoy

Waiting

Even though I usually work during the spring on my summer weddings, it's hard to hold all those beautiful designs till the happy day actually occurs.  This means I can't post any of my beautiful brides till after the happy day during the summer - so I have to wait.  I'm not good at waiting. That leads to something completely different!

I had purchased a beautifully painted piece of fabric at Fabrique in Dallas (a great shop that is not hard on your pocket book, unless you have a terrible weakness for fine fabric, then watch out!)  The fun thing about these panels is to plan out the cut-out.  I had long wanted to try this Burda pattern

So I thought nothing better than this hand-painted fabric, although the back would have to be altered.  The back had to be all one piece, which was fine, and I left the small "v" at the base of the back for interest and to keep with the front.  As usual, there was a lot more to this pattern than the envelope lets on.

Here it is all finished

Isn't this pretty?  The best part is in back (later).  I put two buttons (and probably need another one at the waist, just for modesty sake, but all you really need is that one shown on the pattern.  That line across the bust - you think it's decorative huh?....well, think again - it's a dart - those sneaky little people from Burda were sneaking in all that fit to make this a fab pattern.  Can't wait to cut this out again and use it.  I have a bunch of sarongs I've purchased on my dive trips, just for this sort of thing.  Might make them a little longer.

But back to the project at hand.  As much as I tried, I couldn't get all the little flowers just exactly where I wanted - you never can...so here come some paints - Fabrico Markers.  They are fabulous.  I have all the color groups.  And just had a little "artistic license" and drew some more flowers on the (my) left side with the large sunflower on the right....and something fun on the right cuff. 

One small design alteration - I did slim the sleeve to just above the wrist, and then flared out the line, but opened the seam about 1 - 2" above the wrist, with the cuff hitting pretty far over the thumb.  When I do this again, I will make this split further in back rather than on that seam - where jacket cuff is located.

Ok back to more pics

This is the back of the beautifully hand-painted panel.  It's just gorgeous.  I did make a pair of solid pants to go with this outfit and the whole outfit is wonderfully comfy and very fun to wear. 

I'll do it again, but probably make the tunic part longer and make it to wear with a pair of knit knicker-ish type pants I have.  I wanted to use this out fit something to wear "apres dive" however it's turned out way too nicely, and I use it to entertain when I have friends over.

Prom Night

Is is just me or do the girls today seem much prettier - I like to think it's the later.

Who wouldn't want to design for beautiful girls like this.  Gorgeous smile and that wonderful twinkle in her eye.  Mary Ellen brought me a short dress that she loved and we did this long version in a red, just a shade deeper than a true crimson red.  With her gorgeous dark hair and light skin, she looked like a million bucks!

Her date was a good sport while her mother and I clicked away - this was practice for the paparazzi which her mother and I will soon be members!  Digital cameras are so much fun for us paparazzi-wannabes!

What I try to do is make a dress that is fun for the night, but also something that she can wear again and again.  It's amazing how much she will need a dress like this in college.  Even if she decides she wants something short - this dress works for that:  she can wear it with a jacket and voila - perfect for Christmas Eve service, take the jacket off - it's a fabulous evening/cocktail dress.

What a difference from my day - OK it's just after the Ice Ages - and yes, this is me! (No wild catcalls please, and keep the wolf whistles to a minimum!)

The dress fit like an Audrey-Hepburn dream however I hadn't learned all there was to know about color - redheads should NEVER wear pink (and that's in my best Mommie Dearest voice!!!) NEVER!  That flip hairdo is enough to curl anyone's toes - it took forever to get that thing to defy gravity that well - and a lot of Aquanet!!!

50's fashion from the V & A in London

After WWII, when women wore simple, very conservative and excrutiatingly sensible clothing to support the "war effort", designers went nuts. They used tons of fabric and had a blast with feminity.   Lauren Bacall didn't hurt!  She brought "The Look" to a new height when during her movie with Humphrey Bogart she perfected the fashion trend.  Granted it was a trend, which I'm not high on, but a classic one that had a lot of great style and endurance. The design on the left is Dior's with Humphrey & Bacall (in her traditional "The Look" form) on the right.

The V & A (Victoria & Albert Museum in London), put on a fabulous exhibit, almost exclusively European, of some of the more well-known designers who elevated fashion again after the long war in Europe.

With books like Balenciaga, Dior by Dior and The Little Dictionary of Fashion, obviously something no well-dressed lady of the time could do without, the era is once again in vogue.   During this time, designers were dictators.  You wouldn't dream of venturing out your front door without the appropriate accessory, jewelry, and garment for that particular occasion.  And although they were the last word in fashion, most of them had a great responsibility not to abuse or joke about their vocation and turned out magnificently made and well thought-out garments.  All that changed in the 60's & 70's, but during  the 50's the designers ran the show!

I never made the exhibit, not for want of going, more for the lack of time and finances, but you can visit the V & A shop online and peruse through some of the gems from the exhibit.  During this period, I was first introduced to fashion.  I remember my wonderful glam aunts being as impeccably dressed as they were fun and gay to be with.  What fun to have all these ladies as mentors.  One is still alive and her son has immortalized her here.  She cut a wide path in her day, and even today still has the elegance of her time.

A letter to Ruthie

OK - it's not a letter - it's an email - don't be so picky!!!  But this was such a passionate subject with me, I decided to put it in my blog!

My cousin runs a very spirited and fascinating blog and, this letter (OK email) shows up in comments as to why Ruthie (the daughter of one of my cousin's frequent commenters) wants to view "Project Runway", even though it may not be the best TV out there.  Below is her letter, and below that is my response to Ruthie.(Pardon me, Ruthie, but I paraphrased a little.)

The TV program that I wish to watch is, "Project Runway". It is the person behind the designs that I want to understand. What motivates individual to design clothing that appear to be, uncomfortable, hard to maintain, immodest, and in the case of the average human being unflattering? Why is it that there is not   a glut of clothing that makes the wearer feel good when it is worn?

Realizing the perfect dress will never replace my mom's warm hugs.  I still wonder, why in all the crazy designs out there, why isn't someone creating clothing that feels like a hug when you wear it. A pair of   jeans, that make you smile to have them on. Shouldn't clothing be designed so   that it makes the dumpiest of woman feel better about herself? I want to know what goes into the creative process and if it is all about style, or if the   designer sees the process as a blending of clothing for the body and a boost   for the soul. I like GAP clothing, it makes me feel good when I wear it. But, I'm tall, slender and have long long legs. What about the girls in my class who don't fit the model used for GAP clothing, for whom the shirts fall in   unflattering creases, whose thighs are long and straight but who have curvy body parts, what can they wear to feel good about themselves?

Isn't feeling good about yourself, one step in feeling closer to your creator? So shouldn't design be seen as a mission?  

Ruthie

Dear Ruthie,

A very insightful letter.  What makes it more insightful, is that I will bet you're not the only one who has had these thoughts - a lot of customers have had the exact same thoughts.

Being in the fashion industry for almost 30 years, I approach this from a somewhat independent and renegade view (compared to the normal fashionista).  To understand where we are today, you have to do a little history. 

Art is one of those funny things that runs on perception and on what the critics say.  Every once in a while something will bust through and make it in spite of the critics; for example, when the Met Opera in NYC put on a production of The Magic Flute by Mozart by Julie Taymor, who had recently done The Lion King on Broadway, it was panned by the critics.

Wow - isn't this creative!
It was a smattering of costumes & puppets - very creative and very innovative.  The opera was so successful that it survived in spite of the critics, and today the opera has been modified to a shorter length, done in English and every holiday season is put on especially for kids as a fabulous opera-intro for kids with very positive results. 
As an opera purist, and fan, I love this particular production of the Magic Flute.  It's so creative!

The point is that most art forms, visual, performing, and design are run by the critics, mostly because the rest of us don't have the time or energy to look at all the works to ascertain for ourselves if this or that artists is valid or worth buying or supporting.

In the fashion industry, the editors of the major fashion magazines (Vogue, Bazaar, Elle, W, etc.) are the critics of the fashion art form. So what happens?....editors of fashion magazines begin to have more and more power over what the fashion industry turns out.  A perfect example of the fairytale "The Emperor's New Clothes," which every aspiring, or current fashion designer should read and know by heart, lest they be the fool in the fairy tale!

To the defense of fashion magazine editors, they see everything, to the point, that they are so desperate for "something new" to sell their magazines, that sometimes fall for the new, not really thinking whether or not it's viable, or (heaven forbid we even think of this) pretty, let's not talk about comfortable or pleasing to view.

OK, so fashion editors are looking for something new. We're bouncing between new/old, pretty/ugly, androgyny/feminine, demure/nude. Why aren't there prettier designs out there?....why aren't there more designers who want to do something that's pleasing to view as well as comfortable to wear?  There are - they are just some of the old masters left who did not sell their soul to the devil to make the "trend du jour" or other fad to make their name well known.
OHMIGOSH!!!  Look at these pretty things.  I love this guy - Valentino consistently does beautiful pretty clothing year after year, and doesn't have to make ugly clothes.  People come to Valentino because they know they are going to look pretty and feel pretty.

Now to understand "why" these designers design this way - the answer to me is the age old question - to follow your own path - or that path that has been ascribed to you.  This is when we get into Cyndi's territory.  I think it takes a very strong, deep and enduring faith to withstand the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, (from Hamlet's "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy).  Wow - how did we get from fashion to faith?  I think this transcends fashion.  It pertains to all areas of life, but if fashion is your vocation, then particularly to that as well.  To follow your own path, when you know it is right for you, takes a lot of courage and strength.  You must be able to hear criticism and determine if it is valuable or not.  You must be able to hear that own voice in yourself.  You must be able to stick to that voice to the point of obsession - much as Job stuck to his guns even though everyone was telling him he must have done something wrong to have incurred so much wrath from God and that was the cause of all his problems.  As a matter of fact, Job (the book in the Old Testament) is a pretty good example of why a lot of designers give up their dreams to follow someone else's only to find themselves in a horrible life of drudge.  No wonder grunge looked nice - compared to drudge, anything would look nice!  OK, that's a joke, but not really.

I'm not hugely popular, nor will I be able to ask "designer" prices for my designs.  That's not to say that I wouldn't enjoy that sort of notoriety or success - I would.  I just won't design clothes that don't look pretty. And this is not to say that one follows the other - IOW, if I don't design within the prescribed "trends du jour", then I will never make it and if I do, I will definitely make it.  Needless to say, neither one of those are really true. That sort of designing (prescribed by trends or fads) can't compete with the joy I experience seeing a bride in a beautiful dress that's PRETTY, becoming, and pleasing to view (for the bride & the guests).  I've even been known to do an all-nighter or two to meet a deadline. They are fun, although can't do them all the time! 

Here's the next challenge - you could start a trend of your own - Beautiful, comfortable, flattering clothes that are made for the "normal" figure.  After you ask yourself the question "why?", then next is to answer it - and that means making your own way to answer that question.  I agree with you - fashion can be a mission, if you stay close to your dreams and don't get sidetracked.   

OK so as to watching Project Runway.  I'll probably step on some toes here, but here goes.  I think it's OK to watch the show, but there are a lot of things to understand while watching it.  There is the concept that you have to have a lifestyle that is on the edge or at the very least experimental or different, to be a valid artist.  That just isn't so and it's important to know that.  There are a lot of adult (and some juvenile) dramatics going on - - partly for the drama of the TV series, partly for other reasons.  It's important to be able to identify real design from fads and trends.  The only way to tell that is to watch it with someone you respect, like your mom - maybe an older adult who you respect.  The thing is that there's going to be so much thrown at you at once (which is what the creators of the TV show want, so that people will want to watch it again - visual bombardment as opposed visual boredom is what the networks consider.)  You will also need someone to whom you can ask questions....why did that guy say that?.....why does that gal think that's a good design?....what's going through his/her mind when they think that's pretty?....why did he/she win and that good design lose?  And believe me that happens more often than we know.  I'll be honest with you, I haven't seen anything on the show that would really rock my socks, but please remember I've been in the business a long time - from the shoulder pads of Joan Crawford, to the should pads of Thierry Mugler - from the hip huggers of the 70's to the low-rise of the 2000's!  I've seen a lot of stuff, and very little from the grunge period and it's descendants, has been original or creative.  That's not to say there has been no creativity, there has - it's just harder to find.  Trends and fads are cyclical - unless it's classic.
This dress was designed in 1960!  I would wear it today in a minute - that's classic, but it has great design too.

Now I don't mean to make this sound that all designs and designers since Yves St. Laurent haven't been worth their salt, it's to say that there's not much that I really like.  But there wasn't much I really liked in the 70's either. We naturally go through an ebb and flow in fashion but that doesn't mean it has to be without good style, line and cut.  I've done a series of blogs on these: like style in the cut of a garment (part 1, part 2, & part 3), incorporating a look that is pleasing to wear and to view, and just some general musings on design.

This is sort of a red button with me as I resent some one editor or dictator designer telling me that my shape is "not me" or that a design is "in" or "out" - and if I don't subscribe and tout the latest "thing" then I'm "out of fashion"?  Excuse me, but that isn't going to sit well with me.  I might have taken off on an editor and probably never would have been published.  So be sure and take that into account when you're making your decision about who and what is valid and who and what isn't.

Good luck on your quest!

 

.

On the Lighter side

We all like (in my view, require is more like it), a little humor in our lives.  I love it, and love a great laugh - or even just a knowing smile.....

This is one of my favorite ads right now - mostly because I like imitating the "dank yu meestur!" remark after the "finger" has saved Holland!  And of course we all know about the "doctor" one!

But truly, one of my favs is the Geico therapist ad. (you'll have to turn the volume up for this version):

Formal Clothes - in Color

For a change from my brides and debs, I get to do some colorful things.  Not only is the color welcomed, but the design is too.

My client and I worked more closely on this design than I usually do.  She is very definite about what she likes and what looks good on her.  After re-working several variations of this design, this is the one we liked the best.  This client has an excellent figure, and wants to show it off.  She felt best in the more architectural feel rather than a fluid feel. 

The fabric here is very interesting.  I had found a gorgeous silk organza fabric with woven metallic design in the organza.  When we put that over a red silk charmeuse, the fabric sang.  For a border/accent, I used a satin-faced black organza that is a little less translucent than the typical organza.  At the seam between the two, I applied two trims, one is the "pewter-ed  gold" and the other a black soutache, which is much shinier than the satin-faced organza or the black/gold organza.

One of the things that made this fabric so interesting is that I could match it in back.  It's not an exact match, but enough of a match that this "kissing" seam in back worked.  These are one of my favorite details as they do not scream couture or custom made, but you never see ready-to-wear like this unless it's custom or couture!  Check it out next time you purchase something with a print or plaid (something that all dressmakers know must/should be matched), and most ready-to-wear isn't matched.  In addition, notice the back seam of the sleeve - it also matches.  In this particular design, I did do a two-piece sleeve, however the other seam is almost directly underarm, as I knew it wouldn't match.

Details, details, details.  Design, line, style, cut are all very important, but details can ad that extra touch that makes a custom made ensemble really pop.  My client and I both loved these buttons, and to make this look symmetrical, which was in keeping with the design, I "invented" this loop/Chinese knot type button loop.  It works beautifully - you can't tell which button is the looped button and which is not.

The final look - what a gorgeous dress for a fabulous event.  It fits her body, but her lifestyle, body style and her personality style.  Not only does this work as an elegant evening suit, she has the option of wearing formal velvet or satin pants with the jacket, a beautiful long black or red skirt with the jacket, black camisole or fabulous black turtleneck sweater with the skirt.  The sweater may tend to be a little more casual, but with the right jewelry, it can really sing - it's that quiet quality look that reeks elegance.

Winter Weddings

Weddings are no longer seasonal.  They are all year round - why enjoy the fun just a couple of months?!!!  And heirloom veils are such a beautiful special part of a wedding.  They are that tradition handed down from generation to generation that make the wedding so special and of course cause any grandmother and mother to mist!

My latest veil client had brought a piece to me from her future mother-in-law. This is always just a little difficult as they usually aren't as active in the wedding, and so I'm particularly careful about any work we do with a veil like that and am adamant about returning it to the condition in which it was brought to me. 

This one came in a beautiful box, with the date and location where it was purchased.  Included in was an announcement from when it was first worn.  What love this veil has had.  I was impressed before I ever saw the veil, then I opened the box.....

It was gorgeous.  A small mantilla type veil, we could do just about anything we wanted with it.  The bride is getting married in the Catholic Cathedral down town, which has a large sanctuary, and her dress was relatively small and hardly any train, so she elected to have a large, long train for the ceremony.  This veil would be perfect.  She was reluctant to wear the veil during the reception, so we made it so that she could remove it and still have another fingertip veil for the reception. 

Back to the lace.   One of the ways to tell very fine lace from just ordinary lace is to count the different designs on the lace.  This lace was obviously hand made - being before machine made lace, and I counted 9 different designs at one time.

Here you can count 7 designs.  The bottom of the flower was a small pocket, maybe used for some treasure to hold during the wedding.  The original bride wore it with a little rice, a traditional symbol of fertility.

My next project is to create a veil that looks heirloom.  The one thing all the heirloom veils I've worked with have that this new one won't is usually a little discoloration or stain here and there.  I consider this like the fine patina on old silver from many years of polishing - or that warm color that pearls get after having been worn for decades!

I have nothing to wear!!! (aka Closet 12-step Program)

Knowing how to put together a garment is undoubtedly freeing and empowering, but it's real hard to make it work for you without knowing some organizational basics like keeping your closet from becoming a source of Young Frankenstein's nightmares.

This may be a "work in progress" - meaning there will be updates.  But I wanted to start with the basic method I use to organize my clients' wardrobes that has made their closets so functional for them.

Yikes!!!  Is this the closet of a green-lovin' redhead or what!!!! Oh wait I see a spec of red in there (albeit tomato)!!!!!

1. We all live by color - some colors are good on us and some are bad.  Find out what your color is and stick with it.  I've seen a white suit on a beautiful red head, and it clashes like crazy - a natural oatmeal looks terrible on a peaches-n-cream raven-haired beauty.  But put that white suit on that  raven hair, and natural oatmeal on that red-head, and they shine.  Colors do mater.
2. What is your life style - and this will change with your life.  You're that single, sassy lass who's never w/o a dress for a date,  then before you know it, suddenly you're running carpool and that LBD (little black dress) doesn't seem to fit your bod, much less your carpool extravaganzas.  Where are you now?.....are you single and like to be social?....are you single and like to be discriminating?....are you a mommie running carpool?.....are you getting the kids ready for college?.....are your kids' friends getting married and the wedding invites are running out the mailbox?.....are you empty nesters traveling?.....have you found that wonderful "retirement" home next to a beach?  See, even if you are the same person through all of these stages of life, each stage has a completely different wardrobe need.
3. What side of the casual/formal scale do you tilt?  Every one of us has a casual and formal mood, but do you tend to be more casual?....is your work more casual?....or formal?  These answer will help you figure out what's best for your wardrobe.
4. Something just as basic as how do you like to dress?....do you like to toy around with your clothes and create different ensembles with the same separates?....do you like to put on the suit and charge out the door?  This can also help you figure out what's going to work in your closet and what doesn't.

OK - not quite like the MMPI test, but almost!!!!  You should have a pretty good idea about what sort of life you lead, your colors, and what you need to work in your closet.

Cleaning out your closet

This isn't as hard as you think.  I know.  I can hear the collective groan right now.  This will take about 3 hours, and put on some peppy music, and you'll work right through it. 

1. Make up your mind what organization or thrift shop is going to get your goodies.  I use Goodwill, cause they don't call me endlessly, and because they really do use most of their money and donations to do good for others, but whoever - Jr. League Thrift Shop - the local reseller down the street - find out what they require (usually cleaning and on hangers) and get set up to make a donation which they will adore!!!
2. You're going to start with 4 categories:
   1. Absolutely no way this is going back into the closet - Goner
   2. This was my aunt's most favorite - Think About It (TIA)
   3. Out of season, but works in my wardrobe - Seasonal Storage
   4. In season, I love it, it works - Keeper
3. Now time to start.  Don't get too sidetracked, and make these stacks as you go along.  If you're not sure about whether you can give something up?.....will I use it again?.....it's one of my most favorites and I had the greatest time in it 20 years ago?.....then put it in the TAI (Think About It) stack....deal with that later.  The Goners go to the thrift shop or donations.  The Seasonal Storage goes out of your closet temporarily, and voilá - look at the space you have in your closet.
4. Next.  Go through and look for holes - no, not moth holes (although you can do that too), but do you need a white blouse?.....do you need a black pair of slacks?.....do you need a classic navy skirt (you better not be a red head looking for that navy skirt unless you have a neutral on top - remember colors)?  Check out what you might need to fill in, and this is your "want list".  Now you're prepared to really do some serious sewing and some serious wardrobe management.
5. TAI  - This can be a multi-purpose stack.  You can keep some of these things or you can do away with them.  The bottom line.  If you don't wear these in a year, you probably don't need them and they probably don't fit in your lifestyle.  I don't care how many pounds you loose and how many good times you had in that LBD from your college years, it isn't going to work for you now.  An updated and age-appropriate (which is an entirely other blog), will be much more functional for you.

OK, we all have those moments when we're in the fabric district of NYC when we instantly have this puppy-love infatuation with a piece of fabric....a dress....a style....whatever!!!  Actually, I'm pretty much OK with this.  But here's the bottom line.....if you walk away and are still thinking about it or do you see something better in the next shop?  Is it still on your mind weeks later?  Guess what - that ain't infatuation...that's true love!!!!  What I usually do is write down the info and number - merchants can do phone/internet orders as well as in person.

I know this is a lot of info in a short space - I'll probably do lots of editing here,  but these are effective methods I've used to cull out the most packed and useless closets I've done.  They really work, and it takes usually 3 hours. If you keep up with this and go through your closet seasonally, it takes about an hour - 2 hours a year and what do you get?

• You know in a flash what you need in your closet and what you don't - no more buying that 4th pair of black pants.
• Every item you have in your closet works for you
• Your closet is "hiding" anything any more, you can find stuff - finally!
• You actually do save time and a lot of stress.  You know what you need, you get it - you know what you have and don't need.  No more over-crowding.

Basically your life is a lot simpler, you'll loose weight, and you grow richer - OK, the weight and richer thing are probably exaggerated, but the simpler part is NOT!!!!

Good luck, and post your stories here - would love to hear some great horror episodes  - - "OHMIGOSH - I didn't know that thing was in here!!!."  It's also fun to hear the kids comments "Mother - you didn't actually where THAT  (while pointing to your beloved LBD) did you?"