July 2007

It’s the little things that get you. Your jackets are hung, your shoes are racked, your sweaters are neatly folded and stacked. But your scarves? Your dainties and delicates? Your tights? They’re another story. They generally don’t hang or fold well, and as such, run amok really fast. Here are three ways to corral those wily items.

Tired of coming up with boy shorts when you’re searching for a thong? Create order in your drawers with cubby holes. You can buy ready made drawer organizers or design your own system using fun boxes.

Long ago, some unsung hero of closet organization invented the tie rack. But it’s certainly not limited to ties. Use one for hanging scarves, necklaces or slippery camisoles that slide off standard hangers.

Tuck your scarves, camisoles, dainties and tights, etc. into an over-the-door shoe rack for instant organization. Clear pockets makes it easier to see what you’ve got…and when you need to do laundry.

Happy 4th of July! I hope you’re out barbequing, watching a parade and waiting for fireworks. These low-key, day-long festivities are always tricky fashion-wise. On the one hand, it’s a casual event. On the other hand, it’s a party and you want to dress up.

My advice? Take a cue from summer camps of long ago and grab a camp shirt. The classic American style button down with short sleeves plays equally well with pants or skirts and can be as dressy as you’d like. And no, you don’t have to camp to wear it. Here are three options and three different styles.

My friend Pam thinks ‘roughing it’ is drinking non-vintage champagne. She also has pretty streamlined, Lauren Bacall-esque sense of style. Silk twill with ½ sleeves is refined enough for her tastes, but not too stuffy for afternoon beers. She’ll wear it with dark chinos and ballet flats.

For my sister, Ann, camping is when you don’t wear jewelry. She is also addicted to accessories and has a strong sense of adventure. French cuffs mean she’ll never be camping and the short sleeves leave her ready for anything. She’ll pair it with an a-line skirt, hoop earrings and a slew of bracelets.

My sweetheart is very outdoorsy and, by default, so am I. (Ahh…the things we do for love.) But, I’m also slightly sun-phobic and dislike looking rumpled. A quick drying, anti-wrinkle shirt with UPF 30 will keep me looking as très chic at le campsite as possible. I’ll wear it over the weekend with worn in jeans and Tevas.