Style Essentials

Amping up your style doesn’t have to feel like a heavy lift. When you have the proper tools, everything is MUCH easier. Here’s a collection of my very favorite things to simplify your life and your style. Enjoy!

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For your closet

Your closet should feel like a boutique curated just for you. That means you should feel relaxed and inspired when looking at your collection. If you have a walk-in closet, you have a great opportunity to transform your relationship with getting dressed. But even if you don’t, taking your closet to the next level will have a very real effect on your daily life. Yes! You can do this for free just by reorganizing. Ready to take it to the next level? Here’s a collection of my favorite things to enhance your experience. Go with what speaks to you and skip the rest.

The Right Hangers

If you need more room in your closet, if you discover that when you hang pieces they get stretched out or if you find comfort in having everything look nice and orderly, these hangers are for you. Really. I love them and they do all the things.

Tall Boot forms

Your tall boots will last much longer if you help them maintain their shape. If you are looking to save cash, consider rolling up magazines or using a pool noodle cut to the desired length as boot forms.

Boot Shapers of Various Heights

Sure, if you are crafty you can make your own boot shapers perfectly measured for each pair of boots. If you’d rather not invest that time or energy but do want boots that last for years, this is an easy way to get you there. And, this set offers various heights to accommodate all of your boots.

A Lovely Laundry Basket

The entire process of engaging with your clothes should be one that relieves stress or at the very least, doesn’t increase it. Tossing dirty clothes into a bin gives an instant boost to your now clean room. I find that soft bins are easier to squeeze in various locations. We keep our laundry baskets in the hall linen closet. Sure, we’d prefer to keep them in our room. But space is limited and having multiple soft laundry baskets means we can squeeze two into the space.

Modular Snap & Separate Laundry Bags

These washable paper bags are so cool! Use them for clean or dirty clothes and easily close them up when you need to. If you have the space, pre-sorting your laundry prevents disasters. Toss items for dry cleaning into one bag, use another for delicates and then one more for general dirty items.

Hamper

You know your space and your personal style. Opt for any sort of organizer that solves your problem and speaks to your aesthetic.

Full-Length Mirror

I can’t tell you how many women I meet who devote ample resources to their style without the essential full length mirror. Ideally, this is either in your closet or in the room where you dress each day. You must see your entire body to fully evaluate your outfit.

Handbag Forms

If you’ve invested in beautiful handbags (whether or not they were expensive), devote some extra energy to helping maintain their shape. Looking to save money? Just fill them with tissue paper. Also, when it’s time to store everything, consider featuring your handbags on shelves that you see when you look at your wardrobe.

Lighting

Great lighting can make or break your interpretation of your outfit and your overall look. Make sure that you can see the difference between navy and black and that you love your skin in your lighting. I’m a big fan of Ikea lighting to save cash without compromising design. If you have extra resources, consider changing your light fixture to a chandelier or another light that communicates your authentic personal style.

Step Stool

If you have trouble easily accessing everything in your closet, it’s time for a super hip step stool. Yes! You can use a sturdy box or something else you already own. If you have the option, opt for something beautiful that can be a step stool or a seat, depending on your needs.

Closet Dividers to label your pieces

If you have a large number of pieces and despite your best efforts at organizing, you still can’t find everything easily, it might be time for labels. I like to keep things simple and this style is minimalist and functional. If bold is more your vibe, try dividers in fun colors to clearly identify sections of your closet. If this approach feels like overkill for you, it probably is. I vote for organizers when you have a large volume of pieces, especially if you are storing them in multiple areas in your house. I always encourage clients to keep clothes visible. If you don’t see it, you won’t wear it. However, if you need to store items like coats or gowns in garment bags, labels like these are especially useful.

Rubbermaid Configurations Deluxe Custom Closet Organizer System Kit, 4-to-8-Foot

An organized space makes finding your clothing effortless and fun. It also means that putting together outfits is easy and your wardrobe will feel more like the boutique of your dreams. There are several closet organizing systems out there. Find the one that speaks to you. Just know that your choices are not limited to plastic crates or California Closets. There’s a world in between like this do it yourself organizer.

Elfa Classic 6' Reach-In Closet White

The Container Store’s pride and joy is the Elfa System. We used in our linen closet. It offers more options than a standard set, but it’s not limitless. So, be thoughtful about your space and have your measurements in hand before committing. One nice feature is that the Container Store has physical locations that allow you to actually see the system before buying.

ClosetMaid SuiteSymphony Wood Closet Organizer Starter Kit

I told you there was an entire world of closet organizers! This is a great place to start.

Essential Reach-In Closet

I love this sort of thing. Everything is shopable and makes you love your clothes all over. Remember that adding in a system for your clothes can often mean you have less capacity. What?! I know, it’s real. But that can also be a good thing, keeping your wardrobe streamlined and including only items that flatter your body type, communicate your authentic personal style and are in your desired color palette will empower these organizing tools to really elevate your style.

Longer term storage for clothes

Storage Bins

Sometimes, life is easier when you just toss things into a bin. Workout clothes, undergarments, socks, scarves, etc. are all examples of items that don’t need to be folded or organized. Even those ½ dirty items can go in a separate bin. You know the ones- you’ve worn them once, but you’d like to wear them again before washing. Opt for bins that are aesthetically pleasing and have your boutique feel in mind. Short on cash? Grab some boxes from your most recent purchases or Amazon orders and cover them in fabric, wrapping paper or wallpaper.

Hanging Storage

If your closet isn’t large enough to accommodate all of your pieces, not to worry! Consider storing items in easily accessible storage containers. This is also a great place for items that you adore but are too small or too large right now. As your weight fluctuates, you’ll be excited to find them again. This also keeps them out of your perfectly curated closet and limits negative self talk about your body. Off season, formals or other infrequently used pieces can also go in your hanging storage.

Drawer Dividers

If only your drawers were actually designed to accommodate your items. Well, Dear Reader, they are now. Whether you have a dresser, metal drawers or boxes, there’s a drawer divider for you. No more mixing your bras and socks or digging through your hosiery to find your bathing suit. Go with beautiful choices that align with your aesthetic and your values. Eco friendly bamboo dividers, for instance, are a great choice if sustainability is important to you. Say, “hello” to your boutique.

Shelf Dividers

I love a great shelf divider to display handbags or boots and keep each from falling over. These are also game changers for platters or other items in your kitchen. Feel free to think outside of the box here.

Drawers

I don’t know about you, but there’s been a very noticeable shortage of functional drawers in my life. If you struggle with ample places to store your items that don’t just disappear in the back of your closet, clear drawers are a stellar option.

Space Saving Vacuum Bags

Some of my clients have really mastered the vacuum sealed bags. For folks who live in spaces with limited storage, these are a useful way to store off season pieces without sending them to your storage unit or deep in the garage. Often, by keeping your clothes stored in a space efficient way, you’ll find the ability to keep all of your off season items together and easily accessible. Try under your bed or a high shelf for storage.

Getting dressed

Few things are as frustrating as finding the ideal item and then not understanding how to finish the look with the proper undergarments. These are my favorites and are especially handy with summer dresses or outfits suitable for formal occasions.

Fashion tape (Hollywood fashion secrets)

This insanely useful item is going to get more action than you might expect. The super durable adhesive can stick fabric to fabric or to skin. Try it on a wrap dress that keeps opening, a sleeve that is too large and shows your bra or countless other applications.

Hollywood Fashion Silicone Cover Ups

Obsessed. If you are fine sans lift but aren’t comfortable with nipples showing through your top, these are your new best friends. Keep in mind that the adhesive is painless but also struggles in super hot weather if you are sweating.

Caring for your items

Jewelry Wipes

Sure, it’s better to get your jewelry professionally cleaned. Yes, it also works to use a jewelry cleaning machine. Those are true statements. For those of you, who like me, cannot seem to find the time to clean your jewelry, these jewelry wipes are going to blow your mind. Stash some in your nightstand so you can quickly spruce up your jewelry after you take it off at night or put some in your handbag when you have a moment and notice that your gems really aren’t all that sparkly. If the most expensive item you own isn’t catching anyone’s eye, it’s time for jewelry wipes.

Rewear dry wash spray

We wash our clothes more often than we need to. Yes! Your pieces need to be fresh, but laundering them after every wear is not necessary. Try using this spray after wearing to extend time between cleaning (or dry cleaning).

Handheld steamer

You’ll never iron again. The right hand held steamer saves tons of time, amps up any outfit and fits easily in your carry on.

Upright steamer

I love to keep ours next to the closet. In less than 30 seconds powerful steam is ready to remove wrinkles from your clothing and refresh the fabric to extend time in between cleaning. I haven’t pulled out the iron in years.

Dryer Balls

Better for the earth and your electricity bill, these decrease drying time.

Bleach Tablets

My new favorite item. Never find bleach splatters on your clothes again with this genius invention.

Bleach Pen

I have so many clients who are nervous about wearing white. I love a great pair of white pants or a white jacket. Fortunately, there are products to make wearing white easy. Get those stains off of your white pieces effortlessly with this product prior to washing.

OxI Clean Stain Remover

If you’re worried you’ll still see this stain after your clothes leave the washing machine, pre-treat your piece with this super useful product.

Shout Wipe & Go

An absolute life saver when you are out in the world and something gets on your clothing. Really. Keep them in your handbag or the console of your car for emergency use.

A Stylish, Compact and Effective Lint Roller

Nothing brings down your outfit like link or animal hair. Lint rollers can be effective, small and super cute. In a pinch, tape can do the job, too. I like packing tape the best. But, having a compact and effective lint roller is definitely a better option.

Dryel

Sure, taking your clothes to the dry cleaner (or the eco dry cleaner) is a great way to extend the life of your items. However, it can get pricey. Try Dryel, the at-home dry cleaning solution, for pieces that need some extra love but you’d rather not break the bank cleaning.

Fabric Shaver

Love that sweater for much longer when the pills have been removed. Nothing is perfect, but this is my favorite tool for this purpose.

Keeping Your Jewelry Organized

Not only does it feel SO good to see all of your beautiful pieces, you are much more likely to wear items that are merchandized just for you. Simplify your life with tools that keep thing organized and visible. Think about what will actually work for your lifestyle and the way your mind works. Remember, this is about YOU.

Jewelry organizer wall cabinet

Wall cabinets are a genius solution if you have a smaller room or more wall space than floor space. I especially love mirrored options to streamline your process. If you can post a full length mirror across the room from your mirrored jewelry cabinet, you’ll have an effortless way to see your outfit from every angle.

Jewelry organizer drawer inserts

If you find that your pieces simply get tossed around in a drawer or if you’ve tried other jewelry solutions and they don’t seem to work for you, consider drawer inserts. This allows you to skip the tedious process of placing each earring post into a hole to put things away. Your room will feel clutter free and your jewelry will be on display when you open your drawer. It’s like a jewelry store in your closet!

Jewelry organizer display

For folks who have fewer pieces overall, this tabletop option is a good one. If you don’t love seeing all of your pieces out, place this inside a cabinet.

Storage Bin Label

Featuring a user-friendly design, these labels are customizable, allowing you to personalize them according to your specific items or categories. Whether it's clothing, toys, office supplies, or seasonal decorations, these labels offer a clear and organized way to identify the contents of each storage bin, making retrieval hassle-free.

Set of 2 Bin Labels - Brightroom

Featuring a sleek and modern design, these labels are not only functional but also add a touch of style to your storage units. The vibrant colors and eye-catching typography enhance the aesthetics of your space, making organization a visually pleasing experience.

Each label is thoughtfully designed for ease of use and longevity. Constructed with durable materials and equipped with a strong adhesive backing, these labels ensure a secure attachment to your storage bins, resisting wear and tear even in high-traffic areas.

mDesign Steel Clip-On Basket and Bin Tags for Office Storage

Discover a seamless solution for streamlining your office storage with the mDesign Steel Clip-On Basket and Bin Tags. This set of 8 metal hanging holders with adhesive labels in a sophisticated Soft Brass finish is designed to elevate your organization game effortlessly.

Basket Labels Clip On for Pantry Organization and Storage Baskets Bin Labels

These labels feature a user-friendly design, allowing for easy labeling and relabeling with chalk or a dry-erase marker. Whether you're storing grains, snacks, spices, or other kitchen essentials, these labels facilitate quick identification and effortless inventory management.

The charming chalkboard appearance adds a rustic yet modern touch to your storage containers, enhancing the aesthetics of your pantry or storage area. Their versatility and sleek black design seamlessly blend into any decor, elevating the visual appeal of your space.

Wall Hooks

Sometimes just adding a few hooks on a door or your wall can transform your storage capacity. We added three hooks in our linen closet and store our hot tub towels there. Then, we added hooks on our bathroom door for hot tub robes. Now, what was a collection of bulky pieces that seemingly didn’t fit anywhere, disappeared into our system and somehow still remained easily accessible and organized.

Caring For Your Skin

Silk Pillowcase

I’m a huge fan of silk pillowcases. They decrease frizzy hair and wrinkles. Plus, you just feel so sophisticated and that’s not nothing.

Roll Up Sun Visor with SPF

Protecting your skin from the sun is key, as we all know. But just because the sun has come out doesn’t mean that there’s proper protection on hand, unless you plan ahead. As soon as the sun starts appearing, it’s time to put my seasonal style essentials in my bag. I’m obsessed with this roll up visor. I keep one in my handbag and another in the console or glove compartment of my car with my spare sunglasses. You never know when you need that little something extra to keep the sun out of your eyes. I prefer natural to ensure that it works with any outfit, especially because I wear a lot of prints.

Anti- Chafing Stick

If chafing thighs prevent you from wearing shorts or short skirts, try a chafing stick. Warm weather should be fun, not stressful.

We update this page periodically, so check back whenever you are in need of some style solutions.