Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Getting Back to the Basics

How many times have you heard someone say, "I can't believe this year is almost over!"
Well, I can't believe this year is almost over...seriously!
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But I am ready for summer! I'm always ready for summer but this time I'm REALLY ready for it cause my new book will be releasing then and I'm sooo super excited about that.
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But for now, I want to help you get ready for 2010 so to do that, an accessment is necessary.
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Here's some homework for you.
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Go look in the mirror at yourself. Do you like what you see? Are there some things you wish were different? Is there anything you can do about it?
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Here's the thing. I know someone who hasn't had her hair cut in over a year. A year. When asked why she hasn't, she responded that she remembered me saying that if you receive a compliment on your hair at least every two weeks, then she is good to go.
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Hmmm.
You might need a trim, however?
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I've decided that 2010 is going to be about simplicity and quality for me.
I'm not going to buy things just to buy them, and I'm going to carefully consider each and every purchase. But in order to get down to simplicity and quality, I must weed out the not-so-necessary items.
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So back to the homework. Between now and next Wednesday, I want you to go thru everything in your closet and try it on if you're not sure it fits. Look at each and every item and answer 2 questions about it:
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1) When was the last time you wore it?
2) Does it suit your coloring and shape?
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If you answered 15 months or more to the first question then take it out of your closet.
If you answered no to either part of question 2, then remove it as well.
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Organize all remaining items in your closet by style. All pants together (by color), all shirts, all dresses, all jackets, etc. You get the picture.
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Go thru your shoes and answer the first question regarding them.
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Getting the items out of your closet that you haven't worn in a very long time will allow you to really see what you have.
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Take the removed items to a shelter, consignment or pack for your spring yard sale.
But get them OUT of your closet.
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Beginning next week, the first week of January, I am going to help you start simplifying your wardrobe while getting you to the basics, all the while helping you get your style back. And if you've still got style, then we'll refine it together. And if you are one of those who isn't sure what style is, then girl, I gotcha covered.
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So for now, start working on that closet.
And I'll see you next week!
Happy New Year,
Love ya!
Shari

9 comments:

Jennifer Renee said...

First, thank you for changing yor comment page. I'm glad to be able to leave a comment.
Like you I'm looking forward to the summer. I just want it to be warmer.
Now to address these questions you have put in your blog. I definitely have clothes I haven't worn for several years. I haven't worn them because they are slightly too tight. Every year I think I'll lose a few pounds before summer and wear the summer outfits again. The same goes for the winter suit I have. I'm blind so I'm not able to see if I even look good in what I'm wearing and nobody really says anything. The only comment I've gotten is being told by a friend, who has taken me shopping, that I pick out too many clothes that are black. I don't buy clothes by the color but rather by the style I like.

Anonymous said...

jennifer renee,
one thing that may help you is the question..how do I FEEL in the item...sometimes I close my eyes and just FEEL... Hope this helps in some small way..

imoomie said...

Great tips to help kick off a brand new year! Thanks!!

B His Girl said...

My closet is on my list to organize. (Actually my husband put it on my list. lol) I will use those two questions. I have my color swatches if I am in doubt of the answer to #2 thanks to you.

Thanks for the encouragement to tackle this project! May 2010 be an 'opening' to you Shari! A time where your eyes see new things. A year where God take you deeper in the things of Him. A season where you gain much wisdom to share with others on the path. A year where you give and receive a good measure poured into your lap. Claim your land. God waiting on you. Blessings, B

Shannon said...

Hi Shari, I'm very excited about reading your blog. Just found it today. I literally have about 3 pairs of pants and a few shirts to wear to work as I absolutely HATE to shop! When I do go, nothing I put on looks like it did in my head. (I get very frusterated that pretty clothes don't make me pretty) I end up buying a pair of black pants and going home in tears.
I don't have any budget to speak of for clothes, but I'm going to make a point of buying at least one or two things a month and build. Where do I start?
Oh and one thing you could blog about if you haven't already, is: Am I allowed to wear animal print? I'm not huge fan of animal print, but saw an understated blouse that was gray with a pretty print that I thought would get me away from my normal boring self. My teenage daughter said NO! I have no sense of style whatsoever so I don't know what is ok and what isn't.
I am very much looking forward to reading your books, blog and learning how present myself in an interesting and godly way. Thank you!

Shannon said...

I just found the link to your book and the color swatches, guess I will start there.... Thanks again.

Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

Zoe Elmore said...

Great idea! I'm with you on getting organized. Lat year I made a promise to donate at least 4 bags of clothes and other stuff every month. Maybe this year I can donate more than that.
Happy New Year friend!

Caroline said...

I cannot decipher whether I am "cool" or "light". I went to a color workshop years ago, and they had the worst time trying to figure me out! My skin is light, thin, and freckles in summer. I have pink undertones. My hair is medium brown with red/blonde highlights. Eyes are blue or hazel, depending on what I'm wearing, with a prominent black outer ring around the iris (which I think adds to the challenge!). I am 5'3 and slender and am tired of looking plain. I would LOVE to add more color; but it's tricky. Any suggestions?