TIME FOR GETTING READY FOR A SPRING WARDROBE

With spring just a few more days away, I’m pretty sure a lot of you ladies out there are already searching up the new trends for the coming season to make sure that your closet is filled with pieces that are guaranteed to give you only the most fabulous looks. Before you get into that, though, you need to make sure your wardrobe is ready to transition from winter to spring first. If you’re already planning on transitioning early, check out these tips on how to start getting ready for a spring wardrobe.

START STASHING AWAY THE HEAVY PIECES – the earlier days of spring are going to be cold but not as cold as winter which means you’ll be needing thick, heavy and chunky pieces in your wardrobe. Get rid of most of the heavy pieces in your closet and keep only those that you’ve recently worn, preferably the really versatile ones that will let you last a few couple more cold winter weeks.

SLOWLY GET RID OF YOUR WINTER ACCESSORIES – once spring comes, you won’t be needing those gloves anymore and that chunky knit scarf isn’t going to be as useful either. And those snow boots? Soon, they’ll be nothing but ‘too warm’ for your spring-giddy legs. Slowly get rid of the winter accessories that have taken over your closet to make way for the new spring accessories you’re about to load it up with.

KEEP CORE ESSENTIALS – don’t be too quick to discard of everything in your winter wardrobe, though. There are pieces that can be worn all year round and these are called the core essentials or the ‘basics’. These will stay in your closet for as long as they’re wearable so make sure you’re well-stocked up on these. Core essentials include jeans, plain shirts and special occasion dresses among other things.

TAKE IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PURGE – how often do you really go through your stuff to see which ones are still good, which ones are still usable and which ones aren’t? Not as often as you should, I bet. If you think you have too many clothes in your closet (and you probably do), take this transition from winter to spring as an opportunity to do a closet purge. Really take the time to take everything out and toss them into keep, toss and donate bins.

LAYER USING SPRING ESSENTIALS – now is the perfect time to start re-introducing your spring staples to your closet and using them with many of your looks. How do you pull off wearing spring wear in winter, you ask? It’s easy! Just use them to create layers in your outfit.

START WEARING MORE COLORS – the usual winter wardrobe is filled with dark, dull and muted colors and one great way to get your wardrobe ready for spring is to start adding more colorful pieces and start wearing more fun prints.

Keep styling

Angelika

www.styleupbyangel.com

(credit: Loren R.)

To do list: Spring Cleaning

The snow may still be falling in some areas, but believe it or not, spring isn’t too far off. In just a few short weeks, the birds will be chirping and that spring sun will start peeking out – getting you exited and ready for a little clearing of the clutter. Over the course of the year, we tend to collect things, the extra stuff piles up and suddenly we find ourselves ready to give the whole house a deep clean. The traditional “spring clean” is an institution in many households, feels great and is an incredible way to kick off summer. If you’re already thinking about what to toss and what to keep, how about also figuring out some ways to make a little cash off your spring cleaning? Ready to hit the ground running with this? Here are a few ideas.

1. Host a garage sale. If this is your year to truly unload some baggage, a garage sale is a great way to get the job done while also making a little extra cash on the side. If you find you have loads of electronics, DVDs, books and videos lying around, the garage sale is the perfect spot to offload this type of stuff. Just remember: don’t overprice your items. People are there to find a deal.

2. Consign your clothes. You may be thinking to yourself: “no one wants to buy my old clothes,” but believe it or not, when it comes to fashion, consignment is a big business. You may not be able to retire off the return, but it will put a few extra bucks in your pocket….perfect for cashing in on that bikini you’ve been eyeing for summer.

3. Got collectables or vintage pieces? There’s a big market out there for both vintage and collectable pieces – from both antique shops to eBay. If you’ve got some moderately valued items, eBay is a great place to get started, while more big ticket items might have a place with an auction house or high-end antique dealer.

4. Consign or sell furniture pieces and other household items. When it comes to vintage and antique furniture and other household items (like dishes and barware), there’s a big market out there. Local antique and consignment shops will work with you to get the best price, but there are also sites like Chairish – for buying and selling vintage home items. Don’t want to try your luck there? Or are your items more contemporary? List them for sale on Craigslist.

5. Donate your items for a tax deduction. While a tax deduction might not feel the same as actual cash in your pocket, for many people – this really does have a high value. Determine what your deduction could be versus what you can make by selling the items. Sometimes a big donation is the best way to go.

Have you ever thought about making a little money off your spring cleaning? Do you think you’ll put some of these tips to the test?

Keep styling
Angelika
www.styleupbyangel.com
(credit: L.R.)

Springtrend: Denim

Denim, hands down, is a fashion favorite. A perfect piece for all seasons, this classical item has been the darling in many spring collections. Brace yourself for a ‘blue’ season with these denim trends spring 2015.

PRINTED DENIM SHIRT

Denim is truly stylish by itself. But if you want to wear beautiful denim trends spring 2015, then furnish your spring wardrobe with a printed denim shirt. Keep the focus on your glitzy shirt by pairing it with a plain yet chic bottom.

DENIM CROP TOP

The crop top trend is something that won’t slow out soon. Merge the best of both fashion worlds by strutting in a denim crop top.

EMBELLISHED DENIMS

It goes without saying that the simpler, the better. But if you want to embrace the lovely denim trends spring 2015, then make sure to invest in a cute pair of embellished denims. They’re fun to wear, especially if you’re wearing a simple top.

DENIM SKIRT

Keep styling

Angelika

www.styleupbyangel.com

(credit: L.R.)