Now that it's finally winter, you may be feeling that you're wearing the same old things - the organized closet you had in the fall has now fallen into disarray and you're just grabbing from the front section of the closet again and again. Sometimes we like to wear certain pieces together in the fall but we like different combinations in the winter, so the organization in our closets gets all mixed up right around this time of year.

The solution to this is to take a fresh look at your wardrobe as if it's a new season - because it really is! And so, here's your tip for this month.

First, make a list not only of the places you normally go but also of upcoming events.
Second, write down the actual outfits you would like to wear to these places and organize your closet according to these outfits.
Third, shop for anything that's missing.

For an example of the above process, see the Success Story below!

In many parts of the country and particulary here in the Northeast, I would suggest re-sorting your wardrobe at least four times a year. If you have a busy social life, you might need to do it six times - which would be every other month. There's more than just the obvious advantage from doing this so often - the more often you reorganize what you have, the easier the process is!

Of course, if you need help or guidance, call me!

Other than Valentine's Day, February is not a busy month in the retail world. Currently, the main activity for the retailers is simply being into their next season.

Many of the major stores are advertising their home products, domestics, and furniture because they're kicking off their sales for the spring season. They're hoping that customers will get some new towels, dishes or even a new rug. The stores whose primary focus is fashion, are featuring an early spring look and vacation wear (also known as "cruise wear").

This month you could start pouring through the fashion magazines, just as I do, to get a sense of what we'll be wearing a few months from now. Next month, I'll give more of a fashion forecast for the spring. Though I can tell you now, the early look is tending towards nautical. Last spring it was polka dots - this spring it's stripes.

February is also a very good time to freshen up your makeup. Mascara only lasts a couple of months. While eye shadows and lipsticks seem to last forever, they really don't. Since the stores aren't terribly busy, it's a good time to go shopping for these items. If you're looking to stay within certain colors, bring those with you when you shop.

The infamous dress code - what we in the industry affectionately call the "glamour do's and the glamour don'ts."

Currently, I'm scheduling spring workshops for corporations. Several of the companies have said they have a problem with their dress code. They've suggested to their staff what would be appropriate attire, but they're still not getting it right.

Too often it's the wording of the dress code that's the source of the problem. The code needs to be as specific as can be about what you WANT them to wear. For example, most of the dress codes I review put too much emphasis on what NOT to wear when it's really not possible to list everything you don't want your staff to wear. For instance, a company dress code might say, "No lycra is to be worn." However, this would mean that no stockings or tights could be worn, when in fact, you DO want the women in your company to wear these. It IS possible, however, to tell them what you mean by "professional attire," or "appropriate for your job," or "business casual." Rather than just giving them the phrases, you must tell them what you mean by these phrases.

Does this sound too confusing? Perhaps you need an expert to come in and help demystify the dress code. For information about working with me on YOUR company’s image-in-the-workplace issues, click here.

Mens' Health magazine liked the Color Advantage information I put together for them so much that after running this piece for four months, it is now featured on the Style page of their website. Don't miss this fantastic resource for you! Please take a look at it, use it and let me hear from you!

As the directions on the Color Advantage state:
"To get the color advantage, just select the image on the left that looks most like you. We'll show you the colors of the suits, jackets, shirts, ties, pants, shoes and belts that you should have in your closet.

Remember, although color is the most important of the three components to look your best, a great fit in styles that suit you is also essential. Image consulting is all about the individual. These color suggestions are to get you in the ballpark of what's right for you."

Your feedback is so very important to me! Any man who contacts me with comments and/or suggestions regarding the Color Advantage will receive a complimentary copy of my booklet, What to Wear to Dress the Part - The Men's Guide to Professional Dressing!

You can access the Color Advantage by clicking here.

Call me at 303-222-0569 or send an email to me at julie@juliefoley.net. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

I have a client who works with me in early fall. Come this time of year, she feels like she doesn't have enough to wear (for the reasons mentioned above in Tips & Trends).

First we organized what was in her closet. Just removing the extra hangers (from dry cleaning) gave her two more feet of space!

She has a five day work schedule - four days of business casual and one day of casual. With this in mind, we started lining up outfits. We double checked for the right shoes or boots, and stockings/tights that she'd need. Within one hour, she was all reorganized, we had a short shopping list, and she had a huge smile on her face! She said, "I can't believe what a difference this made. I was starting to really hate my clothes and now I like them again!"

To complete the process, we've planned a short shopping trip to pick up a few pieces to make her wardrobe complete - at least throughout the rest of winter.

Since we had organized her wardrobe just last fall, the recent re-organization was quick, painless, and SO rewarding!

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For more information on working with me on YOUR style,
click here.

Feb. 3rd - Julie was the Lunch time speaker for the Simmon's South Shore Alumni monthly meeting. She spoke about the Five Steps to a Fabulous Wardrobe.

Feb. 7th - Julie was the featured speaker at Diva on a Dime in Millis, MA. Julie also gave tips and helped shoppers to make the best choices for themselves. For info on future events, contact Sandie Kimball, sjkimball@comcast.net.

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