How to Find and Organize the Perfect Purse

1. Never buy a bag that doesn’t have at least two internal pockets. You need one for your cell phone, and one for keys and other items that you access several times a day.
2. Avoid bags with dark linings. It’s very difficult to find things when they’re inside a dark bag.
3. Use brightly colored cosmetic bags for smaller items such as lip gloss, band aids, and ibuprofen.
4. Carry only what you truly need. Bags get heavy, so eliminate what’s unnecessary. You don’t need 5 pens, 2 phone chargers, or 6 packs of gum.
5. Don’t save unimportant receipts. Don’t clutter your bag with Starbucks and receipts for small amounts of money.
6. Carry store credits in your bag. You can’t use them if they are home in your night table drawer.
7. Make a photocopies of everything in your wallet (front and back). In the unfortunate event that your wallet is stolen, you’ll have a record of what you’re missing and what credit cards you need to call.

Do you like to be organized? What areas of your life do you feel you could use improvement?

Featured image courtesy of Flickr.

Barbara Reich is a professional organizer based in New York, NY. Her tough love approach turns organization and clutter from chore to lifestyle.  To find more tips from Barbara, please visit www.facebook.com/ResourcefulConsultants or www.resourcefulconsultants.com

ANSWER: We don’t , we just know what to watch for so we can be ahead of the game. We work all over the globe on lots of celebrities, musicians, magazines, catalogs, billboards, movies and TV.  As you read this, I’ll be heading to Irvine for a shoot, and then on to Austria for a feature film… I guess you could say we get paid to know a few simple tricks that we’re about to share with you.

Makeup and Hair Secrets for Spring Fashion

Color is Key

Does it surprise you that runways are loaded with similar color palettes each season and that home furnishings and makeup palettes magically host the same rainbow of colors? Well, here’s a little secret you may not know….shhhhhh….Color charts for the entire beauty and design industry come out 2 years in advance! That’s right, so that’s how we, too, can watch the color trends closely.

HERE IS THE 2012 PANTONE CHART OF SPRING COLORS…

We make sure our makeup palettes are loaded well in advance so that by the time our work appears before the general public, we can be setting those trends.

With those colors in hand ahead of time, we were able to do a makeup tutorial back in the fall using colors we knew would be on the horizon this spring. It was a “Hippie” look for Halloween, but you can still follow this makeup tutorial and be right in line with the current color trend. By the way, you may want to omit the painted on flowers though—just sayin. Lol!

Applying Color Concepts

Here are some samples of some of the makeup and hair trends we recently created, see the HILARY WEEKS MUSIC VIDEO SHOOT.

  And the following photos are from a new MERCY RIVER VIDEO SHOOT.

In all of these looks, the lips are in the current pantone tints, but we were basically going for soft, clear complexions with a pop of color to accentuate the eyes. There are all sorts of tricks for bringing the “pop” to the eyes, but as you look at the pantone palette above, we’ll leave you with a very simple recipe for success.

BEST 2012 SPRING PANTONE COLORS TO USE FOR YOUR EYE COLOR:

• BLUE EYES: Tangerine Tango, Sodalite Blue, Cockatoo, Driftwood
• GREEN EYES: Cabaret, Sweet Lilac, Margarita, Cockatoo, Starfish
• LIGHT BROWN EYES: Solar Power, Margarita, Tangerine Tango, Starfish
• DARK BROWN EYES: Sweet Lilac, Cabaret, Sodalite Blue, Bellflower, Driftwood

Spring Hairstyles

One more thing: What about hair trends for this spring? Braids, braids, and more braids. And fun adornment and headbands. That’s it.

In fact, here are some perfect simple hairstyles. Yes headbands are HUGE. For you do-it-yourself-ers, here is a super simple DIY headband tutorial.

What are some of your favorite Makeup and Hair trends?

Laurie & Tiffany, a mother/daughter makeup/hair team, go beyond the movie sets to share eco-chic goodness! After Tiffany was diagnosed with a crippling auto-immune disease, life took a drastic change, out with everything toxic (from products to foods and even to thoughts) and in with nutrients & positivity. And Nature’s Knockout was born—where you can be a knockout naturally! For tons more, head to NATURE’S KNOCKOUT.

Thanks goodness schools have dress codes that are mostly reinforced, but what about outside of school?  The mall? The movies? School sporting events?

Our girls are influenced by their friends, magazine models and celebrities when it comes to fashion. What are some ways we can help our daughters dress modestly, have positive body image and still own a wardrobe that is trendy?

How to Help Your Teen be Trendy and Modest

• Encourage her to be a trendsetter. New fashion trends are started all the time; do not be afraid to try something different. Just because all the girls are wearing short shorts, mini skirts and plunging necklines, does not mean you have to.
• Know your body. Try clothes on so you know what looks good and flatters your figure. We are all built differently.
• Set a fashion standard for yourself and stick to it. Others will respect you for your modest taste and choice in clothes.
• Exercise is good for us. If you can stand to lose a few winter pounds exercise and eat healthy. Avoid the starving and crash diets that bring on other issues.

We want our girls to be healthy, happy and feel good about themselves in clothes that are modest and trendy. For my own daughter these are the first four steps.

How do you and your children make decisions about fashion that you both agree on?

Robin Greene is a mom of a teen daugther and a teen son.  She is also Kindergarten teacher at her local Christian school. Robin enjoys trying to find ways to save money, spend time with family and freelance write for mybabyclothes.com. Your little one will be the cutest one at their next play date in their new Spring baby clothes or a beautiful baby tutu with a matching baby headband.

Great words to live by, especially in honor of Earth Day. I am all for taking something old, and turning it into something new! I decided to look around my house for items I no longer use or need and integrate them into an entirely new project. Well luckily for me, I have some old belts laying around and broken jewelry. I turned my belts into a new piece of jewelry! What is even better is that you can get 4-5 different projects from one belt…depending on it’s length. And you can custom make the lengths so they fit just right.

How to Make Recycled Belt Bracelets

 Supplies:

• Belt(s)
• Broken pieces of jewelry (you can purchase some chains and findings, if needed)
• Twine/Ribbon (optional)
• Hole punch that can punch through your belts

Directions:

My first step was to measure my wrist and figure out what length to make the bracelets. I left a little room to connect them with a chain/twine. I then used my hole punch and punched holes on both sides of the belt. Then I took apart my broken jewelry and used the spare pieces to create a chain to connect the black bracelet. I use a little twine on the gold bracelet to add a bohemian feel.

You can also use the buckle portion to create a unique piece of jewelry.

The best thing about these bracelets is that the possibilities are endless, they are easy and quick to make, and provide you with a unique bracelet while reusing something old!

So have fun and try making your own fashion piece!

What crafts do you like to make out of recycled materials?

I am a full time housewife and mother to one boy. My blog is According to Dee, and I share my family photos, crafts, recipes, and freebies. In addition to blogging, I am also a photographer/graphic designer/artist. You can view my photography work at DSisk Photography and my designs at Artied Designs. I am self taught and have always had a natural knack for anything involving creativity and am so happy to share my passion with the world.

Is it my ankles? My Collar bone? My Calves? My biceps? My cheeks (either end)? My hair? My feet? My wrists?

What part of me will make my fashion statement a street stopper?

As a Mom, its easy to get busy thinking about everyone else and neglecting parts of yourself. I’m not talking about these parts, I’m talking about the pieces of you that, no matter what—even after baring children—are spectacular! If you think about what you want every person in the world to see, then that’s the part of you to showcase this year. Don’t think about covering up all your wobbly bits when spring styles come out, but show the pieces off that make you feel like the amazing person you are.

How to Show Off in Spring Fashions

Collar Bones

If you like your collar bones, then confront your closet, find a deep V, put a little bronzer on them for definition and you’ve found your power.

Legs

If you love your legs, wear longer cardigans and shorter skirts.

Arms

If you love your arms, find some pants you are comfortable in and a hot colored top for 2012 and rock your biceps like everybody is looking.

Waist

If you have a tiny waist and aren’t so sure about the rest, then grab the spring belt that will cinch you like you’re in a corset from the 1800′s.

Feet

If it’s your beautiful feet (goodness knows we’re not all blessed with those), then pack up your boots and hit the shops for a cute little open toe, so you can put your best foot forward.

Hair

If you love your hair, take an extra 10 minutes and find a new spring style and own it! If it’s your hands, get tops with shorter sleeves and accessories to flatter your skin tones and shape of your wrist.

The thing is, there is one particular part of your body that is spectacular.  One piece of you where your confidence lies. If you start there, your confidence will grow and soon you’ll be more comfortable in your body and your fashion.  That body part is your “A” game, girls, and when you think about Spring 2012, you can certainly bring it!

Hot colors to look for this spring according to Pantone Fashion:

What are your new favorite Spring fashions?

Mary Beth Rust is a full blown Creative living in Virginia with her husband, two boys and two dogs. Most days are spent chasing the chaos of the boys, but in between she finds time to get involved in the fashion community, be a graphic designer for a family owned business and blog about all things Fashion and Design. She is also a co-founder of  The Art Line, a group for Creative Women looking for inspiration and sourcing. Her blog is http://artfashionfurniture.wordpress.com.  She can also be found on Facebook and Twitter, @AFF_MBRust. Visit Mary Beth’s NICU Facebook page.

I’ve had a long time addiction to hats and just recently took up the art of millinery professionally to fill my hat needs. Years ago, I had no knowledge of hat making, nor the money to buy one. So, I did what any fashionista would do, I made my hats out of junk around the house.

How to Make a Homemade Hat

Supplies:

• Glue Gun with lots of glue sticks
• Cardboard (old cereal box)
• CD
• A old t-shirt, dress, or a fun material you’re willing to part with
• Pieces of felt
• Hair clip or Barrett
• Thread and needles (optional)
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Take your CD and draw an outline of it on the cardboard. Cut the circle out as neat as possible because all edges show through the fabric.
2. Take your cardboard circle and use it to cut 2 circles out of your felt.
3. Glue on of the circles to the cardboard. I like doing this because it keeps the fabric from slipping and gives it a fuller look.
4. Use the other felt circle to figure out how much fabric you need. Cut about a inch or two bigger than the circle to give you enough fabric to pull over the cardboard.
5. Lay your fabric on a flat surface making sure the side you want scene is facing  down. Take your cardboard circle and lay that felt down onto the fabric in the center. Start gluing the fabric around the cardboard with making sure your getting it as flat and tight as possible. I suggest taking two opposite points and gluing them first so you don’t end up with a uneven side.
6. Take your other piece of felt and glue it to the back to cover up the last of the showing cardboard. With any scraps, make a little heart and glue down your hair clip.

If you want to add a little flair to your hat you can make a quick flower. Just cut a long strip of fabric about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. Cut a wave pattern on the top and weave it onto a needle an thread to make a quick easy flower. You can glue or sew it onto the top of your hat.

I used this beautiful sequin top that was starting to fall apart. It’s amazing how an old t-shirt can transform into a beautiful hat with a bit of glue. This hat came out as a perfect addition to my daughter’s fairy costume. I’m sure I’ll be stealing it for a night out, though.

What was the last thing you sewed? What hobbies do you have?

Amanda Joyner is a Pastry Chef turned Milliner from Texas. Now living in the Midwest she wrangles her 3 kids, messy Chef Husband, and her hat business while maintaining her sanity. You can find her on twitter as @chef_bizzaro or her blog Chef Bizzaro.

Etsy Store: www.chefbizzaro.etsy.com

I certainly love some celebrities’ style. Like Audrey Hepburn. So simple, clean, and beautiful—Ann Taylor-esque. That used to be me when I worked in Corporate America. But, it definitely doesn’t define me now.

I now find myself in kind of a hodge-podge state, wondering what my style is period. Can any of you work-at-home gals relate? It’s like I have multiple style personalities:

• The work-at-home attire
• The going-out-during-the-day look (to meet a client, lunch with friends, etc.)
• The cocktail-party style

My Work-at-Home Attire

When I’m behind the computer for 10 hours straight, I’m all about the comfy factor. And to achieve that, some days, I relish in the whole layered look. Layered meaning wearing two t-shirts—one with short sleeves and the other with long sleeves to go underneath the top layer. Aren’t two always better than one… except in summer?

As the perfect companion to this double tee look, whenever I can get away with it, I wear my favorite Old Navy flip flops. You know the kind? They’re on sale for usually about $5.00 and are probably the worst shoes ever for your feet, but are so comfy you just can’t help yourself? I made the mistake of all fashion mistakes by wearing them with socks earlier this winter. I know! Horrible, right? But, I just can’t seem to get into winter this year and some days it was just too cold to go out without my socks on. I embarrassed even myself and put a stop to it!

Since this hasn’t been my look until recently, I only have about one pair of jeans, so I pretty much wear the same pair all the time. My sis made me buy some Target jeans yesterday. The jury is out on whether they really look good or whether she was just being kind. I’ll have to show Allison, because she’ll be honest with me. Everyone needs an Allison in their fashion life!

My Going-Out-During-the-Day Look

Because I’m not a comfy dresser at my core, unless I’m really lazy (which happens a lot, but don’t let it confuse you), I love looking somewhat put together when I go out during the day. I’ll be straight up with you. I love black. I would wear monochrome black all the day long paired with bold MAC eye shadow just so people didn’t think I was trying to copy Johnny Cash. However, wearing monochrome black all the time gets old. So, now, I wear all black with bold wool tights (like my favorite mustard colored ones from H&M).

My Cocktail-Party Style

This next part is what stumps me and this is where the hodge-podge style comment comes into play. I love getting dressed up for an event! I seriously die for cocktail party attire even if it requires walking really slow as I learn how to move from $5.00 flip flops to three-inch heels. I like pretty dresses, fun tights, and getting as close to my dream of being 5’9 as possible. Red lipstick and bold MAC eyeshadow is the icing on the cake… or fun short hair with awesome highlights.

Why does this stump me? Because I can’t find a common thread among all three looks. I don’t feel overly conservative or comfy, but I don’t feel really bold in my style either.

Which Celebrity Defines My Personal Style?

So, which celebrity most closely defines my comfy behind-the-computer look with a simple, but nice go-out-during-the-day look with a fun style that pops for cocktail parties? You tell me!

What celebrity most closely defines your style? Do you like to dress up, or are you more comfortable with the casual look?

Photo courtesy of flickr.

Tops: Classic White Button Down

Outfit #1

Outfit #2

Pants: Black Leggings

Outfit #1

Outfit #2

Shoes: Boots

Outfit #1

Outfit #2

What is your favorite basic piece to have in your closet? How do you mix and match basics to create new looks?

*All outfit images from Polyvore, my newest obsession*

Ashley Stauffer is the author of “The Stauffer Shenanigans,” a blog about her family, weight loss, fashion, recipes, mommy rants and rambles, and anything else that suits her fancy. Check her out at www.thestauffershenanigans.com. 

Scarves can range in thickness and always add a nice, textured element to any outfit. Not only do scarves differ in thickness, they also vary in material, size, design, and color. To me, a scarf can be paired with any outfit. However, it’s important to buy scarves that can be staples in your wardrobe. In order for that to happen, you have to make sure that they match, complement, or enhance the other colors that are prominent in your closet.

Pair a scarf with a sweater, leggings and boots, or throw on your favorite skinny jeans, a few layered shirts, boots, and finish the look with your favorite scarf. Whatever you decide to wear, the scarf is bound to enhance and polish the look. My favorite way to wear a scarf is to pair it with skinny jeans, boots, a neutral top, necklace, and a scarf that is tied as a European Loop (as shown in the video below).

From functional to fabulous, scarf tying can be an art form since they are so versatile. The way you tie a scarf can make all the difference in the way you look and feel. The creativity of scarf tying is endless. With a scarf in your hand, knowing how to tie one can seem a little daunting at first. Here are some great tying techniques to help get the creative juices flowing. This woman shares 25 ways to wear a scarf in less than five minutes.

What is your favorite fashion accessory?

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Jen Tilley has an insatiable appetite for all things related to baking and cooking. She is the author, photographer and recipe developer on How To: Simplify, a blog that shares tips, tricks and recipes to simplify life in the kitchen. She enjoys sharing recipes that require very few ingredients and only a small amount of prep and cook time, all of which make time spent in the kitchen simple and enjoyable. Find her online at How To: Simplify, @HowToSimplify, and Jen Tilley Photography.

For starters, you want to keep it simple. As a work-at-home mom, you don’t have a lot of time for primping and putting on fussy outfits. The best place to begin is by setting an early alarm and hopping in the shower. Nothing will start your day off right like an eye-opening shower, and you really need to try to wake up on a schedule (or risk rising later and later each day). So with these basics accounted for, you can begin to determine your level of effort on the looks front.

It’s really not necessary to spend an hour and a half on your hair and makeup (after all, the kids need to be fed and sent to school before you can start your day). Opt for a haircut that can air dry perfectly with a bit of shine serum or styling cream. Then discover the joys of a five-minute face. You’ll be surprised how much a tinted moisturizer, light blush, lipgloss, and a swipe of mascara can do to perk you up every day.

Now to your wardrobe; you’ll want to start with some basic activewear. It is a common misconception that this term applies exclusively to exercise clothing, and although most activewear can be used for the purposes of exercise, it also provides for a workable wardrobe that is both comfortable and fashionable for the woman on the go (with kids and a home-based business to manage, you definitely fall into this category). The beauty of activewear is that it is fitted, but not fussy. Soft, stretch fabrics conform to your body (unlike flannel pajamas or sweats) but they are still comfortable and easy to clean (no trips to the dry-cleaner). Hoodies, tees, thermals, leggings, and even cargo pants are considered activewear, so stock up on options that are both flattering and eminently comfortable.

Of course, you can always throw in some dark denim, a couple pairs of slacks, and a few nice tops for days when you’re meeting a client or having lunch with the girls. But the main point is to save the pajamas for sleeping and dress like you actually care about how you look during the day. This will not only help your relationship (no matter how supportive your partner is, nobody likes to see shapeless PJs all the time); it will also help you to feel good, which will no doubt improve every area of your life.

What is your favorite go-to outfit when you’re working from home? What clothing makes you look stylish and feel comfortable?

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Elizabeth Retton writes for tshirtprinting.net where you can design your own custom clothing at affordable prices.