FabSugar

Fab Read: Shop Your Closet – The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Closet With Style

FabSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:00:22 -0700

Shop Your Closet: The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Closet With Style by Melanie Charlton Fascitelli ($14) is cooler than most humans I know; it had a party thrown in honor of its birth! The author, a closet expert, teaches you how to make a safe haven for your clothes so that you can, yes, go shopping in your own closet.

Expect to learn the following: how to clean out your closet, shop for items that flatter your body, make the best wardrobe for your lifestyle, rework your closet space, and store shoes and clothes so that they last longer. You'll also get schooled on how to consign your old stuff, keep your closet neat, and pack smartly. But wait, there's more. Who would have thought one could pack so much useful knowledge in 176 pages?!

Behind the Seams: Ports 1961 and Elle "Shop Your Closet" Launch Party

FabSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:00:22 -0700

You may be curious to know what Nicky Hilton wore to the Ports 1961 and Elle Shop Your Closet book launch party. I know I was. A $1,795 Ports 1961 layered lace dress that by the end of the night morphed into a one-shoulder frock. Lake Bell was also in attendance at the Ports boutique in LA, as was actress Leven Rambin. The night consisted of shopping (duh), sipping on white wine, and reading up on Shop Your Closet: The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Closet With Style by Melanie Charlton Fascitelli ($14). I won't give away much else. Step inside for the fun.

To see more from the party, read more

View 13 Photos ›

Source

Online Sale Alert! Deep Discounts at Tulle

FabSugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:00:22 -0700

If you're looking to inject some color into your closet, Tulle's sale section should be your first shopping destination. Its merchandise is regularly inexpensive so imagine what it is up to 75 percent off! How darling is this Tulle Tucked Skirt ($42, originally $70)? I'm so tempted to stop writing this post to make it mine . . .

For more great deals, check out SaleHabit.com!

John Mayer, Secret Fashion Player, Take 2

FabSugar — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:00:22 -0700

You may or may not have been convinced John Mayer is a secret fashion player in my first story, so let's give it another go. Maybe a sexier photo will help? A sexier photo of Mayer with shopping bags?! I spot a Louis Vuitton bag amongst others carried by a tattooed, tan arm.

OK, down to business. In this edition, Mayer talks about how the Japanese are ahead of the fashion curve (true), gushes about a cool pair of LV pants he bought last year (was that what was in this bag?!), and continues to tell us his style tips . . .

The Japanese are so forward thinking.

"No, they are past-thinking. That’s what is so forward about it. The Japanese will put out magazines devoted to denim for the '50s. You will find full-on books, encyclopedic in nature, all about old motorcycle jackets from the '40s and '60s. So all they are really doing is going through time and finding the greatest version of something and then mass-producing."

What's in your closet?

"I have a closet that’s like the greatest collection of leather jackets and Belstaff's. I know everything down to the name of these jackets but I normally just throw on jeans and a t-shirt. I’m a big Rick Owens guy. Love Rick Owens."

And to hear style tips two, three, and four, read more.

"Number two. Every brand that at least has some solvency to have a store in NYC let’s say. Every single brand makes at least one garment that is worth owning. If you walk into a store because your friend wants to go into G-Star, no offense to G-star, look around and find the best G-star piece. Keep your eyes open. Don’t be a whore for labels. When it’s time, go into a store. Louis Vuitton makes one killer piece that looks nothing like Louis Vuitton every single year. Last year I bought this pair of racing pants. They are like the baggiest, coolest, cottony pants. They are billowy and have a tight hem. They are almost parachutey. Nothing like the LV design language. Everyone breaks design language one time per season. Find it, buy two of them.

"Number three. You never want to look like you bought all your stuff on the same day. Create a rotation. So you want to slowly move things into rotation, even if it means you don’t pop a tag for six months. Slowly move it into rotation. Don’t look like you are hanging out in Biscayne Bay. You know what I’m talking about? Don’t Biscayne Bay.

"Last one. It’s what I call 'long ago and hard to find.' That means, every two garments you buy every season, put them away. Don’t even think about popping them open. That means that a year and a half later when you break it out - assuming it wasn’t ever mass-produced - it will sort of juxtapose itself perfectly with the culture and the style of the day. People will say, Where’d you get that amazing jacket, and you’ll say it was hard to find two years ago. And that is how your style is untouchable."

Source

Fashion Recession: Fab's Guide to Savvy Shopping, Part I

FabSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 04:00:22 -0700

Has the sour economy got you wanting to pull out your hair? Fab to the rescue. I've put together some savvy-shopping tips to help you stay optimistic and smart about your shopping choices. SavvySugar has thoughts, too! Let's delve right in.

Tip #1: If you don't do so already, allot a certain amount of money you can spend on shopping every month. This amount, which I will help you calculate below, will vary from person to person. Just try not to go over your limit - it will be hard to break the habit once you do. Trust me.

Add up your monthly necessities costs (rent, groceries, utilities, gas, public transportation, etc).
Decide on an amount that will go into your savings each month. If you don't save (you should really try), skip this step.

To get more tips, read more

Subtract your necessities total and savings amount from your monthly salary. What's left over is roughly how much you can spend on shopping per month. Don't forget that eating out, buying coffee, or any other miscellaneous spending should deduct from this amount. Or, if you purchase something regularly, include it in your necessities costs.
Keep your shopping allowance total handy. Each time you buy an item, subtract the amount from your allowance. This will help you know how much more you can spend that month. If, say, your current amount is $200, and the blouse you want is $210, you'll know not to buy it until your amount gets refreshed. This will teach you self-restraint, patience, and discipline.

Tip #2: Reacquaint yourself with your wardrobe. I'm not suggesting talking to your closet, just get in there to know its contents better. Before you know it, you'll find pieces you completely forgot you owned. How neglectful of you! This is wonderful news though, now you can scratch off those hidden items on your "to-buy" list.

Stay tuned for more smart shopping tips!

Source

Fashion Recession: Fab's Guide to Savvy Shopping, Part III

FabSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:00:22 -0800

By now, you've already given yourself a monthly shopping allowance and reintroduced yourself to your closet. Let's move forth.

Tip #6: There is no better time to hit the sale racks than now. My Online Sale Alerts can help, as can SaleHabit.com, a.k.a. the Google for fashion sales. Be careful not to buy more just because the items you're finding are so cheap. There's no use in discount shopping if you're going to spend frivolously.

To hear more, read more.

Other bargain online retailers to check out are eBay (and our eBay Find of the Week), Etsy, and pretty much every online retailer's sale section. Don't overlook your local thrift shops; they're bound to have great deals.

Tip #7: Many of you already do this, but if you don't, start selling your unwanted goods on eBay and at your local consignment store. It may seem like a hassle - and at times it is - but it will feel great when the dough starts raking in. Designer brands tend to attract more customers, so dust off that Louis Vuitton you haven't carried in years and sell it to someone who will give it more love. Here are some tips for listing your items on eBay:

Sell items that are on trend, that people are currently lusting over. This will increase your selling chances.
Put yourself in the customer's shoes; what search words would you input in order to find your desired item? Use those words in the description headline.
To determine your starting amount, research eBay to find out what your competition has done. If possible, sell your item for a little less.
Though posting one picture is free, I say spend a few more dollars and take several photos of your item. It helps customers see every angle of your piece.
If you don't mind showing your face on the Internet, I recommend taking a picture of you in the item. It's more desirable than if it's sitting on your bed.

Source

On My Way To a Fab Closet, Part III

FabSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:00:22 -0700

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 ›

Lucky's Ultimate Summer Closet Contest

FabSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:01:28 -0700

Want some Summer lovin'? Lucky magazine and ShopStyle are inviting you to play stylist by creating one or more Summer outfits to enjoy the sun in. Lucky’s Ultimate Summer Closet has 43 items to work with so the possibilities are endless. You can submit as many looks as your creativity allows, and you're free to modify your look(s) before the contest ends on June 30.

You didn't think we would make you work without being rewarded, did you? At the end of the entry period, at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 30, yours truly and a panel of judges from Lucky will select one lucky reader to win all 43 items in the Ultimate Summer Closet. Please keep in mind that only one look will be eligible for judging. If this sounds like the Summer of your dreams, get started right now. Good luck and may the most innovative stylist win!

Lucky's Ultimate Summer Closet Contest

FabSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:30:22 -0700

Lucky's Ultimate Summer Closet Contest

FabSugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:01:22 -0700

Want some Summer lovin'? Lucky Magazine and ShopStyle are inviting you to play stylist by creating one or more Summer outfits to enjoy the sun in. Lucky’s Ultimate Summer Closet has 43 items to work with so the possibilities are endless. You can submit as many looks as your creativity allows, and you're free to modify your look(s) before the contest ends on June 30th.

You didn't think we would make you work without being rewarded, did you? At the end of the entry period, at 11:59pm on Monday, June 30th, yours truly and a panel of judges from Lucky will select one lucky reader to win all 43 items in the Ultimate Summer Closet. Please keep in mind that only one look will be eligible for judging. If this sounds like the Summer of your dreams, get started right now. Good luck and may the most innovative stylist win!