The Stylist Kit for Everyday + Beyond

Remember this post and how I vowed to be more conscious on what I was bringing home? So far, so good. I haven't fallen astray to tempting sales (and they are tempting). Instead I've been purging my closet of the old and forgotten pieces. Lots of things have been donated and a few have been sold on Poshmark. For the special pieces that survived the purge, I intend on making them last with my tailor and look their best with my stylist kit. 

"What exactly is a stylist kit," glad you asked.

Image via J. Crew

A stylist kit can be thought of as your fashion emergency kit. Got white fuzzies all over your black sweater, reach for that kit. Unintentional deodorant skid marks on a tee, reach for that kit. Popped a button, reach for that kit. See where I'm going with this. Why waste the outfit when your kit is there to save the day. 

For those of you in the market for a pre-made kit, I suggest going with Fashion First Aid kit curated by Lauren Messiah (co-founder of School of Style). This kit has basically everything for your next gig or fashion mishap. For those of you knee-deep in wedding season, consider this your best friend for rehearsal dinners and the big day. This kit prevented hot mess syndrome during sweaty Miami fashion, so its pretty solid to say the least.

The kit comes complete with: folding scissors, lint roller, sewing kit, tagging gun, tape measure, safety pins, double sided tape, skid out deodorant packets, drool remover sponges, bra strap holder, heel fixers, shoe grips, nipple covers, garment guards, purse shine, sole glow. See complete details here.

Image via Brit + Co

For those of you wanting to DIY your own kit, consider these essential basics to be stored in an all-clear bag (easier to find what you need): 

- mini deodorant + deodorant remover or a small sponge: smell good and avoid the white stains.

- Band-Aids: great for blisters and unexpected cuts. I carry a few in my beauty bag too!

- safety pins, binder clips/clothespin, double-sided tape: these are great for hemming or holding any piece on the go.

- nipple covers: turn off the low-beams when they're not invited.

- nude underwear: sometimes our clothing may be a little more sheer than expected. Avoid any embarrassing moments with nude or black undies. 

- tide to-go: because life happens and stains come along with it.

- lint roller: helps keep the fuzzies at bay.

- foot petals, heel liners + shoe pads: to prevent feet fatigue on those long days.

- static guard, small sewing kit, and scissors: necessities for any kit.

I know it sounds like a lot but you'll be happy to have them when the bad ju-ju strikes, especially that tide to-go pen. Is there anything I missed that should be added?

P.s. You don't need to be a stylist to have a stylist kit, in fact think of it as your fashion emergency kit!

The Purge

Before spring arrives and stores stock up on our new favorites it's time we do a little work on the backend, our closets.

Last time we spoke closets, I mentioned how I'm about this <---> close to ending up on Hoarding: Buried Alive. Not a good look to be honest, so it's time for a good old fashioned purge. Grab your pens and papers (maybe a full glass of wine) and let's get started before our closets overtake us.

Ph: Stylizimo Blog

I am one hundred percent guilty of holding onto jeans a few sizes too small and shoes with holes in the soles. Why can't I let it go and move on? Well, the answer is simple - I paid for them or its memorable. Am I the only one holding onto t-shirts worn to life-changing concerts. At some point, probably after realizing my entire living room doubles for a closet, I tuned into real life and said - I have too many clothes. #FirstWorldProblem.

Spending my life devoted to too much laundry because of too many clothes problem is not how I foresee my 28th year of life. Nope, it's far from it actually. Instead I rather focus on making my closet more manageable and investing in quality pieces. After the great purge, I hope to learn exactly what is missing from my wardrobe (i.e. blazer for work functions) and creating the space to add it. We all know how crucial space in an overcrowded city can be - sometimes it'll make or break your sanity.

You're probably wondering how I'm going to kick some closet-purging-ass; the key my friend is to divide and conquer. 

the game plan

- Schedule time into your calendar to do this in one sweep, or over the course of a week depending on what works best for your situation. 

- Purge in categories, it'll be easier to tackle the purge this way. Meaning, go over your shoes first, then dresses, etc. - you get the point. 

- When purging, remember to divide clothes into piles:

Yes, you wear them pile
Maybe, still on the fence pile
Toss it pile (I'll break this down further later on) 
Store it for next season pile
Needs to get fixed pile

*Remember be honest and realistic when sorting through your clothes

- Your YES Pile | things you absolutely love and wear

These items can go back in your closet. I organize things by category, but if you have the room or patience to color-coordinate go for it! Feel free to use your Pinspiration. Also, organizing closet space is the perfect excuse for a Container Store trip.

- Your Maybe Pile | decisions, decisions

You're not entirely sure whether you're ready to let these go, or let them stay - I feel you. Best way to make a decision, or at least what I do, is store them in a suitcase for a month. If I find myself reaching for them, they get put back into rotation. But, if the month flies by without missing them, then it's sayonara!

- Your Toss Pile | donate, trash, sell

This pile consists of things that don't fit, haven't been worn in months/years, have lost their shape/color, are damaged - basically things that don't flatter you. Ain't nobody got time for unflattering things. These pieces have got to go and there's three ways on how, but keep in mind the amount of time it'll take for either action. 

For pieces that have been gently worn, are of good quality, and currently trending - try your luck at a few resell shops and websites. Here's a small list of online resellers to get you started: Poshmark, Bib+Tuck, Thred Up, and Twice.

Pieces that aren't trending or had their share of wear, donate. 

Things that have been worn into the ground or stained - trash it or donate to a textile recycling plant.

Remember, once you commit to either action make sure you stick with it and get it out of your place - sometimes easier said than done.

- Your Store It Pile | save it for next season

These pieces are part of your yes pile but are out of season. Whether it be under your bed, couch, or garage and store those booty shorts and crop tops until it's the summer rays are out to play.

- Your Fix-It Pile | Are you really going to fix it?

No, but seriously, will you make sure that shirt gets a fresh button or those blue jeans get hemmed? Soonish? If the answer is yes, then keep it and make sure it gets done. Otherwise, it might be wise to toss this piece and get a replacement. 

Hopefully my plan can be of some guidance for you or a friend. For those of you with amazing strategies on closet clean-outs, please share!! Undertaking a project this big can be overwhelming, not to mention time-consuming so make the commitment, stick with it, and if possible invite a friend over to help. 

** As noted by Amanda below, these purging rules don't apply to special occasion clothes, but keep in mind - if they don't fit it might be time for them to go. Thanks for input Amanda!

On Being Conscious

Happy new year y'all! Hope you all rang it in with a big bang. I spent it with close friends + family and had such an amazing time. But now, it's back to work and getting my shitz straight (aka HUSTLING). If you're wondering what shitz exactly, you can read that here. 

After reading this Refinery29 article it made me realize that it's time to declutter my apartment and stop exhausting my funds on clothes. And if we're being honest, I rather visit Australia again then own over 50 pairs of shoes (colorful shoes on sale are my kryptonite). 

So here's how I'm going to spend less, look stylish, and make it back to Australia (and Cuba).

If we're being honest, it's going to be a struggle when we live in a very capitalist country and our "wants" are sometimes mistaken for "needs." My plan of attack, spend less on things I don't need. For instance, I really don't need another pair of slip-ons when I own three already - even if they are the suede kind, I do not need it. Don't worry, if I do need something (like bras or socks), I will get it but I'll be more mindful about my purchases. 

Doesn't mean you wont see the latest trends here, that's always going to happen but in a conscious way. If I want something, then I need to get rid of something. For example, if those suede slip-ons are keeping me up at night, then an old pair needs to go. There's just no room (everything you heard about NYC apartments are true) to keep bringing things in. If I don't put a stop to it now, there's no doubt in my mind that you'll see me on the next episode of TLC's Hoarders: Buried Alive. 

Necklace: The Sak  Turtleneck: J. Crew  Jacket: Free Country (and it's reversible!)  Jeans: GAP (similar)  Bucket Bag: The Sak  Shoes: Shoes Like Pottery  Lipstick: Heatwave by Nars

And finally, it really is time to declutter my closet (read: basically the entire apartment). Anything that I've purchased months ago with tags still on are getting donated or sold on my Poshmark (my woes may be your blessings). I encourage you ladies to do the same. Like Beyoncé said, anything unworn can go to the left, to the left. 

By becoming a more sensible shopper and smartly re-styling pieces, I'll save enough to get my butt to the other end of the world in no time. 

Photos by Victor Cerejo.

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