FabSugar

How-To: Share a Closet With Your Valentine

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:18 PST

In a dream world, we'd all have a custom-built walk-in closet to ourselves, à la Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City: The Movie. But let's face it: wallets the size of Mr. Big's are few and far between. So, we share. Sometimes, unfortunately, sharing a closet with your better half feels like World War III. To lighten the tension and take the frustration out of making two wardrobes fit into one - whilst keeping you both organized and happy - I got a few tips from the experts of closet organizing: California Closets.

Split your closet: ladies 60/men 40. In order to make this work, give your man the hall closet to store his large items, like jackets and suits.
Ladies: If your spouse stores his stinky gym shoes in the closet, add lavender sachets to your hangers to keep your clothes smelling sweet.

For the rest of the tips,

On My Way To a Fab Closet, Part III

FabSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:00:22 PDT

The most fabulous news: My Fab closet is done! I wanted to make sure it was in tip top order before I did my big reveal. I also had to go the The Container Store to get some boot fillers, skirt hangers (the kind with the multiple hang) and some plastic containers for under my bed storage. All my clothes have been analyzed and some have been tossed to the consignment shop curb - buh-bye! There are still a few questionable items - maybe you all can help me determine their fate? So I really didn't need to do much but put on my organizing Philip Treacy hat when filling it up.

As you can see, I am a color coordinator. I also group items by type; dresses together, tops, jeans etc. I fold my jeans, I don't hang them, btw. What are my favorite parts of the newly improved closet? That's easy: The shoe shelves! Also, all the hanging space. I have lots of dresses, tops and jackets and now everything has a home. But the best part of all is that I can see all my clothes. The only things hiding are seasonal sweaters and costumes. The belt rack and scarf rack are cool too; I've been wearing more of both as a result. I must confess that I also have two dressers. The burgundy one houses my sunglasses, underthings, socks and tights. The big purple one hides jewelry, pj's, cotton basics, tee shirts and sweaters. And, I have a coat rack for grab-and-go jackets and hoodies.

To read the rest and to see more pics of my Fab closet,

read more OK, it's obvious I have a lot of clothes. But this experience has opened my eyes as to what my personal style is. I believe one's style is always evolving - especially for a fashion chameleon - but there were definitely some Fab staples. Allow me to share them with you. I have about ten LBDs as well as oodles of navy and red dresses. Don't let me buy anymore! I love sharp outerwear. Given the foggy climate of San Francisco, I have tons of jackets and coats, but I wear them all. I swear. When I used to live in New York City I had more coats and I started collecting vintage coats and restoring them so I still have a few that I will love forever. I just wear them Carrie Bradshaw style: with a sexy little LBD (see!), strappy heels and a clutch. Black is most people's neutral, mine is grey. Another thing I don't need to buy more of: grey cardigans and sweaters. I have every kind of pant imaginable: black trouser, black pinstripe, jeans (cropped, wide leg, skinny, black, grey, white), grey trouser, khaki trouser, black cropped, black bermudas. Hmmm, maybe black is my neutral after all. In general, I need to wear more slacks! Carine Roitfeld wears them all the time, so color me inspired. Also, I am more of a shoe junkie than a bag lady. I really don't think I have that many bags, PartySugar. Except, my clutch collection (mostly vintage) is quite fabulous. Here's the fun part: My favorite brands. I guess there's no other way of uncovering them than raiding your closet. Here goes: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Banana Republic, Theory, H&M, DKNY, J.Crew, Target GO International (lots of pieces from the Proenza Schouler collection last year), BCBG, Miu Miu, Nanette Lepore, DVF, See by Chloe, Paul and Joe, J Brand jeans. As for shoes, I have lots of Marc Jacobs and Marc, KORS Michael Kors, Nine West and Belle Sigerson Morrison. Heels have tapered off for me, I am an official lover of flats. Vintage rules my coats, sandals, clutches and jewelry. So what's next? I don't have much extra room - this is a good thing. Now that I've been reacquainted with a lot of my clothes I don't feel I need to shop much. But you know me. I have a few shoe slots available, some jacket space and I'm not really happy with my boot collection so come next Fall I may invest in a new pair. Maybe some grey ones . . . Hallway closet

View 4 Photos ›

Mistress closet

View 11 Photos ›

On My Way to a Fab Closet, Part II

FabSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 06:00:22 PDT

It has begun! The Fab closet metamorphosis is in full effect and my clothes are already thanking me.

First thing's first. In order for the installation to begin, California Closets had a separate construction company come and tear down what is in my already existing closets. They patched up the walls and took all debris away. It was nice to come home to a blank canvas! This cost approximately $560 - a little steep if you ask me. But they did a clean job and showed up on time so moving on . . .

To read the rest and to see more Fab closet photos,

read more The next part is the installation. Here's where I have to be honest. I have only heard good things about California Closets so I was utterly surprised/bummed when they didn't show up on my scheduled Saturday installation date. That's right, they just didn't show. I was given a window of 10:30 - 12:00 p.m. and once noon rolled around I started panicking. I called my consultant and she was on the case. Only, they totally messed up and I fell through the cracks. As you all know, I work at Sugar headquarters during the week so Saturday is the ideal option for such a major life changing event for me. I was livid. After countless apologies we rescheduled for the following Tuesday but my mom had to make herself available to oversee it (thanks again mommie!). It only took a few hours and once my mom called to say it was all done I wanted to drop everything and run home and start organizing. I had already been fantasizing about cleaning things out and wondering if all my shoes would actually fit! I got home, said hi to Annabelle and got busy. This is pretty much how I spent every evening last week after work. Life stops when you have a brand new closet. I was a little surprised the wood frame didn't cover more - I thought it consumed the whole closet space. But I guess once you get your clothes in you don't see the sides and back. I picked out the wood finish and the silver poles to match my floor and matte silver finishes throughout my place. So here is the hardware, installed and ready for my Fab clothes! Hallway Closet:

View 3 Photos ›

Mistress Closet:

View 7 Photos ›

On My Way To a Fab Closet, Part I

FabSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:00:22 PDT

For a stylephile, closets are a very personal thing. And so, I am about to bare my soul to you, my friends. In case you didn't hear, I moved about a month ago. I upgraded from a studio to a one bedroom - yay! Annabelle and I are very happy in our spacious new digs. I have to admit one of the things that sold me on this place was the two closets. My one before wasn't too bad, but I have dreamed of a personalized closet for years and knew the time had come.

I quickly called California Closets because the existing white wire racks and configurations were not working for my Fab things. My clothes were not fitting well (I don't have that much stuff, I swear) and it was just a bad use of space. I thought it would be fun to share my experience with you. The only other thing I was this happy about investing in was my little furry roomie so here's the scoop.

To keep on reading about my experience and to see more scary before pictures,

read more There are two closets. One in the hallway, intended for coats, linens, travel gear and the like. This one is OK, do-able. Simple. Then there's the "mistress" (as California Closets calls it) closet, which spans the whole wall across from my bed and has mirrored sliding doors - yes! This is obviously the key closet in which my livelihood will live. Sadly, clothes were smushed and shoes were boxed while I had to get the project done. If I've been moody the past couple weeks, now you know why. But really, it's a big undertaking and expense I'm willing to make for my truest love: fashion. The hard part is over. Stay tuned as I find my way to a Fab closet! Mistress closet:

View 12 Photos ›

Hallway closet:

View 3 Photos ›

One Editor, One $500 Budget - See How He Spends It!

Danny Feekes — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:01:46 PST

Ever wonder how a fashion editor determines his favorite items and top picks? It's essentially our job to shop - to find the coolest of the cool, the hippest of the hip, and the most coveted pieces out there. Every day we scour shopping sites and brick-and-mortar stores alike to show you the clothes you didn't even know you needed. And, yes, sometimes we pick a little somethin' somethin' up along the way. With our newest challenge, see how our editors spend $500 on their Winter wardrobes. Next up, Danny Feekes, our associate editorial director of style. Click through to see how he spends his money now.

I'm originally from Kansas - where one truly dresses for the seasons - but since moving to San Francisco seven years ago, I've adapted to the temperate, year-round climate by wearing, what some have called, a uniform. I was quick to adopt to the casual, Northern California aesthetic, and most days you'll find me in skinny jeans, some semblance of plaid, and either a cardigan or v-neck sweater. It's a formula that works for me, and I don't stray too far, too often. With a $500 budget, I'd buy more of the same, but infuse some pop colors and unique prints. I'd like to think the following picks would look good together, or as individual items added to my tiny, already jam-packed closet. I'd gladly give a few pieces to charity to make room for the following . . .

Petition Asks Sesame Street: Let Bert and Ernie Get Married!

Annie Scudder — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:25:55 PDT

An online petition sponsored by Change.org asks Sesame Street to take Bert and Ernie's roommate relationship to the next level by outing the puppets with a gay wedding. The petition says letting Bert and Ernie out of the closet would show kids that it's OK to be gay. There are currently more than 1,500 signatures. The letter reads:

In this horrific age of LGBT kids taking their own lives, they need to know that they ARE BEAUTIFUL and their lives are worth living. Aside from those that are committing suicide, the bullies that facilitate these tragedies need to learn that homophobia is NOT okay. They need to know that acceptance of their fellow human beings would indeed plant a seed of peace that will reverberate throughout the world. We are not asking that Sesame Street do anything crude or disrespectful. Only that they allow Bert & Ernie to marry or even add a transgender character to the show. It can be done in a tasteful way. Let us teach tolerance of those that are different. Let Sesame Street and PBS Kids be a big part in saving many worthy lives.

California recently passed a bill requiring lessons on gay historical figures in social studies classrooms, but a gay couple on Sesame Street could likely do more to increase children's awareness across the country. The change wouldn't have to be drastic - Bert and Ernie could simply act like other muppet couples. And it wouldn't be the first tough subject the show has taken on. Sesame Street has tackled divorce and race, among other topics.

Do you think it's time Bert and Ernie push their two twin beds together?

Splashes of Color on Day Three of Milan Design Week

Elka Karl — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:42:00 PDT

Salone Internazionale del Mobile - also known as Milan Design Week - is known for its delectable and overwhelming selection of interior design and home décor. Ginny Snook Scott, chief organization officer from California Closets, is helping us out as an on-the-scene reporter. On the first day of the fair, she saw two recurring trends, but on the second day of the event, she shared some of her favorite chair designs. Today, Ginny's focusing on the ways splashes of color are used to enliven designs. Let's take a look!

Ginny's Picks For Day Two of Milan Design Week

Elka Karl — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:00:23 PDT

Salone Internazionale del Mobile - also known as Milan Design Week - is known for its delectable and overwhelming selection of interior design and home décor. Ginny Snook Scott (pictured here), chief organization officer from California Closets, is helping us out as an on-the-scene reporter. On the first day of the fair, she saw two recurring trends, but on the second day of the event, she had her eye on something else entirely. See what Ginny was loving when you check out the slideshow!

Trend Spotting at Milan Design Week

Elka Karl — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:00:56 PDT

I wish I could be in Milan this week for Salone Internazionale del Mobile - also known as Milan Design Week - for the largest decoration and furniture fair in the world. But since I can't, Ginny Snook Scott, chief organization officer from California Closets, is helping us out as an on-the-scene reporter. On the first day of the fair, she saw two recurring trends wherever she went. Find out what they were in the slideshow!

Source

Lauren Conrad's Beach Day Basics

Lauren Conrad — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 06:00:49 PDT

We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with LaurenConrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics - fashion, beauty, food, party planning - and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. First up? We get the skinny on Lauren's beach day basics.

The sun is shining and the seagulls are singing (or more accurately, combing the beach for your sandy leftovers)-it’s summertime! You may have your swimsuit du jour squared away along with the perfect pair of sunnies, but the question remains: Are you really ready to hit the beach?

In addition to my door side “go” bag (see In the Bag: Prepped & Ready for all the details), there are a few key fashion items I keep around for hanging beachside…

Classic Cut Offs
Every gal needs a good old pair of cut off jean shorts. For me, denim cutoffs will always be a summer staple. They are as timeless as they are California cool. Lately, I’ve been wearing Levi’s because I like the looser fit and higher set waist. The Levi’s 501 cut works well with most body types. Other cute cut offs I found online include Madewell’s cuffed Midi Shorts or Urban Outfitter’s Urban Renewal Shorts.

Neutral Sandals
I cannot stress how important it is to have a great pair of neutral sandals. Your wardrobe choices are exponentially multiplied when you’ve got a pair of shoes that go with almost everything in your closet. A few of my favorites are the sandals I designed for my LC Lauren Conrad line for Kohl’s, Tory Burch’s Emmy Flats, Topshop’s Hoopa Sandals, and Aldo’s Dauster Flats. And for those of you who plan on treading into the sand, I suggest keeping a pair of Havaianas Slim Flip Flops handy (I like the sand grey and light golden color combo).

Keeping reading . . .