Confessions, redemption, and learning.

What does everyone who cleans out closets tell you?

If you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it.

There were four items in my closet that I hadn’t worn in over a year, but I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of them. So this week I challenged myself to wear each item at least once,  and then I would have to make a decision to either start wearing it or get rid of it.

I should have taken pictures. But I was in a hurry to get to work, and when I get home I move so quickly to get into my sweatpants that I’m blurry. Lucky for you, I have a junior starter water color kit. So I’ve documented each of the outfits in my own special way. Let’s discuss.

Monday: Statement necklace

I wore it with a navy blue turtle neck and some leopard flats.

Rules for a Big Night Out

I was collecting questions for BuzzDeb on Facebook, and Cheryl piped in with a question about formal wear:

How do I choose the right style for the right type of occasion, and how to flatter different figure features?

Wedding? Star studded movie premier? Let’s sit a while and talk about how to totally nail your big night.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Red and Pink!

In honor of Valentine’s Day and EBEW’s February Challenge, I am rocking pink and red together today.

I actually love red and pink together – it supports my theory that all colors go together!

Do you feel the love? Don't make fun of how white my feet are. I live in Seattle.

Rocking a cashmere Ann Taylor sweater, Banana Republic blouse, JCrew coat, Banana Republic skirt, and Liz Claiborne Maryjanes.

I’ve also put a few red and pink numbers on my Fashion board at Pinterest.

Don’t be afraid of red and pink together! It can be done! Even on redheads 🙂

Power Pants in Action

In response to last week’s post about colored jeans, I thought I would show you my power pants in action.

Power Pants Action Shot

Gap red corduroys (I’ve been rocking these for about a year) with a Jcrew cardigan, Old Navy scarf, and cream sweater of unknown origins. Not sure if it’s clear in the pic, but it’s red, white, and navy working together. Because I love America!

If that’s not enough inspiration for you, you can always check out my Pinterest Board, dedicated to Bright Pants.

I received several texts this weekend from Jessica, who was sorely tempted to buy some bright denim (it was on sale!) but she passed because the fit Just Wasn’t Right – which was absolutely the right decision.

Have you rocked some color on your lower half lately? How’d it work out?

The skinny on bright jeans

Do not fear color, my friends. Make room for it in your closet. Exploit the visual bounty afforded by color blocking and the trend for neon. Mix red and pink. Upgrade your neutrals from grey to green. You are an exotic flower. Dress like one! Let’s talk pants!

I recently got this question via Facebook from Nicole:

What do you think about bright yellow jeans…are they really hot?

Closet Audit!

I conducted my first closet audit for my dear friend, Lisa, about 8 years ago. I will never forget our heated debate over a silver dress with the snake silkscreened up the thigh. She fought valiantly for that dress, which is why I love her. Since then, I’ve audited Tamie, Cheryl, Jessica, Jessica, and Eric’s closets too. So when Erin said,

“Debbie, can you help me clean out my closet?”

I said HELL YES.

Ad (wo)men

I’ve been in the advertising and design industry since high school, and twenty years into this rodeo, I’ve learned that clients have a fantasy about agency life. There is a belief that “creatives” work in an environment that is supremely intelligent, sexy, fun, surprising, and slightly magical. No cubes, no TPS reports, no “grind.” They think that agencies are full of  misfits, artists, and heavy drinkers. Everyone is one step ahead of fashion trends, and none of us vacation because we’re too busy traveling.

“Is it too much?”

Tip of the day “You can always be a little fabulous”

Katie is a stone fox who lives in Portland (put a bird on it!). She’s going to a party this weekend, and is deciding between two very different outfits…

Option A: Jeans and flats

Option B: Everything else in her closet.

To make this simple, I’m going to project some of my own goals for party attendance on Katie to help me make up her mind.