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From Hoarder, To Minimalist, To Actual Human Being

by How She Styles August 25, 2017

In mid-July, I mentioned I had read the book The Joy of Less by Francine Jay and I took quite a bit from that book (see my full review here) when it came to my own life. I wanted to tell my decluttering story. It’s not one that involves my becoming a true minimalist by any means. I went from hoarding to a new goal. My new goal was to have a curated wardrobe and home that only holds pieces that I truly love. I didn’t even know what I had, and I just wanted to get rid of every piece to start over.

I did not declutter my life in a day. It has taken me a month to post this because it have taken me a month of doing a little bit every day. I am now at a point where I am happy with progress I have made.

Throughout the process I had to keep reminding myself why I was getting rid of stuff.

If it doesn’t fit right?

Get rid of it

If it’s damaged and I don’t have any intention of fixing it?

Get rid of it

Have old papers and documents from years ago or that you’re not referencing on a daily basis?

Get rid of it

I started small.

I decluttered my makeup first.

Last year I went through a phase when I bought a ton of make up, and went to quite a few makeup events. I had over 100 lip products. There were too many to truly enjoy the shades that looked good on me because I was wearing the other shades I had purchased that I needed to “get use out of”. I went through my collection for a week trying every. single. product. Unless I knew it was super old (those just got tossed). I just kept telling myself the mantra “the money has already been spent, it’s just taking up space”.

After trying everything and getting rid of everything that didn’t work on my skin or was the wrong color for me I had gotten rid of probably half my makeup. The only thing I still had a ton was lipstick. I had between 30 and 40 lipsticks.

At this point I put the lipstick shades up head to head. All the nudes together, all the reds, all the pinks, all the dark shades. Anything that was a similar shade I put head to head choosing the lipstick I reached for more often.

This was a good warm up. I am not emotionally attached to my makeup. Compared to clothes which are more of a passion for me.

Next, I tackled the clothes

For clothes, I have three closets. I basically have 2 whole closets (2 half closets that I share with Luke and one whole closet for myself). One closet holds both our seasonal and occasion clothes, one holds Luke’s dress shirts and my bottoms, and the other hold all my tops, dresses, jumpsuit and rompers.

The above system is the result of my declutter. Before there was very little organization. I would just kind of put clothes where they fit. This was my downfall getting ready in the morning. I would spend so much time pushing the clothes around in my jam-packed closets running back and forth between closets to find that one top I was looking for.

Back to my closet being packed. My goal for the clothes declutter was to make seeing the clothes in my closet easier so I could make full use of my entire wardrobe. In the “Joy Of Less” a quote that hit a little too close to home was that we use 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. I definitely felt like that applied to me.

This task felt extremely overwhelming.

I broke it down into categories. First, I started with button downs. I wear these all the time. Button downs are a staple in my wardrobe so I have quite a few.

Another piece of advice that stuck with me from the book was chose the pieces you love first. Out of the 40 button downs I had I pulled out five at time and chose my two favorites from each group. Then I went through the leftovers and decided why I would be keeping them. I now have half that.

After my button downs I followed the same process with my t-shirts, pants, shorts, skirts, jeans, blouses, tank top, jumpsuits, jackets, rompers, dresses, and shoes. As you might have seen from my Instagram I got rid of about seven large bags. This process took about a month. I did this a little bit at a time so I wouldn’t just get overwhelmed and give up.

When I was finished, I felt weightless. It gave me the confidence to go through old papers and tackle my bathroom products (I had 5 bottles of moisturizer for some reason)!

Beyond the Declutter

Now I can see what I have to avoid buying similar products and I have been strictly following the one in one out rule. In fact, I generally with think about something for a few days to a few months before buying something and that helps me decide what no longer fits in my wardrobe.

This has also made me more prone to investing higher quality pieces. I have a pair of boots from Forever 21 and I absolutely love them. I wore them to death last fall and winter. They were my go to when I didn’t know what to wear. When I opening my closet this season to get them out, I noticed all the places the faux leather was peeling and knew I wouldn’t reach for them as much.

At least with leather boots you are able to take care of them by polishing them, but with cheaper ones you are just counting the days until you have to get rid of them I’m not saying you need designer pieces, I’m just saying paying the extra $20 or $30 dollars for a few more years of use might be worth it. It is for me.

After about a month of working on these small tasks a little every day and putting my strategies in place to make sure I never get to this place again I feel free.

I feel free to buy pieces I think will add a new layer of dimension to my wardrobe without thinking, “how is this going to fit into my closet?”.

I feel free to have space and surfaces to work on and focus on my goals instead of every open space covered in stuff.

There is so much to do and to many things I want to do to spend my time stressing over my stuff.

The After

I didn’t take any before photos, because I wasn’t sure how this process would go, but here are some pictures from after the process.

My Declutter Story - The Face Of Style

This the only thing I bought for this declutter, everything else I had from college or my parents house. I picked up this Pack – A – Purse at Bed Bath And Beyond. It’s actually on sale right now over there, but I also found the same thing at Target and Amazon.

My Declutter Story - The Face Of Style

Have you guys read this book or tried to declutter? Do you have any tips I didn’t touch on here? Let me know in the comments below!

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Top Picks From The Fall 2017 Who What Wear For Target Collection - The Face Of Style

Fashion

Top Picks From The Latest Who What Wear Collection At Target

by How She Styles August 3, 2017

I recently rediscovered how awesome Target is. I know. They LITERALLY have everything. Lately have been extremely impressed with the affordable clothes options with a special place in my hear for the Who What Wear collection. If you want to see what I picked up in June from Target check it out in my video!

As for this time around I was waiting for the Fall collection to be released because fall is my favorite season and I feel like Who What Wear just bring something special that the rest of the clothes at target don’t have. Target clothes are generally for a more bohemian customer in my opinion. However, the Who What Wear collection brings clothes specifically for a fashion conscious customer. She is aware of the trends and wants to try them on a budget.

Another reason I really love this collection is that it actually feels like a collection! They stay within one or two print concepts and colors schemes. Then just apply to certain pieces within the collection.

Here are the pieces you need from the latest Who What Wear Collection

Clothing

Top Picks From The Fall 2017 Who What Wear For Target Collection - The Face Of Style

Wide Leg Track Pants

Last time the Who What Wear team released a collection with this type of pants they were sold out before I could get my hands on a pair. I love the idea of a wide leg, athletic stripe trouser. This time they will not get away! I will wear these with a button down and some block heels and be on my way!

Top Picks From The Fall 2017 Who What Wear For Target Collection - The Face Of Style

Ruffle Poplin Blouse

I love a good ruffle and a good button down so this is the perfect shirt for me! It’s so easy to add this shirt to any look to make a statement. Love this piece.

Varsity Bomber Jacket

I really picked this piece because I love this print and they placed it in a few pieces, but the bomber is my favorites. It is such a bold and colorful print that I couldn’t help, but be attracted to it. The color combo with the large florals is my weakness. Putting this ultra feminine print in this sporty bomber feels fun and fresh.

Top Picks From The Fall 2017 Who What Wear For Target Collection - The Face Of Style

Fringe Hem Crop Pants

There have been a lot of strange jean trends lately, but these are my favorite. I love the distress/fringed hem and that they chose a black wash for this silhouette. I think it’s a cool new statement in denim to try.
Top Picks From The Fall 2017 Who What Wear For Target Collection - The Face Of Style

Ruffle Cuff Blouse

This is actually one of the pieces I picked up last time I was at Target. I love the ruffle detail and who doesn’t love a good polka dot! Button downs are a staple in my wardrobe so I love finding ones with a little something extra to make them feel special! This silhouette comes in other prints and solids too! Might have to pick up a few more.

Top Picks From The Fall 2017 Who What Wear For Target Collection - The Face Of Style

Tie Skirt

This is another piece I picked up for myself. I have been interested in getting an asymmetrical skirt and I love all the aspects of this one. The tie detail, the print, and the overall silhouette of this one really got my attention. I think I will be wearing this in the last few weeks of summer and straight through fall with some tights and boots.

The Bags

Top Picks From The Fall 2017 Who What Wear For Target Collection - The Face Of Style

Mini Top Handle Handbag

This bag reminds of something I could find at Zara for like $80, but this bag is only $30?! The rich green faux suede is what grabbed my attention. I feel like the color green is going to be important for fall and the material on the back along with the interesting shape makes it look expensive. I think this is such a statement bag that I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

Top Picks From The Fall 2017 Who What Wear For Target Collection - The Face Of Style

Ring Mini Crossbody Handbag

Does this remind anyone of the Chloe Nile bag? I am not mad about a nice dupe for a really cool bag! This ring detail has been all over the place. I personally love the ring detail because I think it can add a more luxury look to a bag. This is something totally statement, but also wearable for everyday.

The Shoes

Top Picks From The Fall 2017 Who What Wear For Target Collection - The Face Of Style

Ivy Collapse Back Loafers

I am a big fan of loafers. They are a classic shoe that can be dressed up or dressed down and are a more comfortable option for the office. I love this take on the loafer. It’s a more fun out there material combination with the faux fur and faux leather, but because they are black they are more wearable. I am definitely keeping my eye on these.

Top Picks From The Fall 2017 Who What Wear For Target Collection - The Face Of Style

Lorne Faux Fur Lined Flat Mules

They must really be feeling the faux fur over at Who What Wear! At least when it comes to shoes and I don’t mind. This color is perfect for fall. To be honest these would already be in my possession if they weren’t faux suede. I just get that sort of material dirty so fast that I try to stay away from it. However, these shoes may make me change my mind.

What are your favorites pieces from this collection? Let me know in the comments below!

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Fashion Trends

Trend Tuesday: Mesh Tops For Spring

by How She Styles February 7, 2017

About The Trend

Mesh started peeking out back in the summer as a layering piece. Mesh tanks and t-shirts were layered under tops and dresses. I know what your thinking. Only the Spice Girls could wear mesh tops and get away with it. However, the fabric is taking on new shapes and looking better than ever. The same old fabric worn by the athletic crowd is being changed into something modern, delicate, and sophisticated. Through fall and winter mesh has transformed from a layering piece to the main piece of an outfit. This evolution is due to the addition of embellishment such as beads or embroidery. Sleeve interest (such as a bell, slit, or ruffle) from earlier in the season is another update for this fabric.

Why Mesh is Trending

I personally love this trend because it’s easy to layer. Layering is one thing that makes fashion more fun! Adding mesh gives texture where it may not have been in another outfit. An example of this would be mixing mesh with faux leather or another material. This material mixing takes mesh out of it’s athletic only stigma, and into high fashion.

Another reason I love this trend is because it can be styled in so many different ways. It can be more of an urban street casual look, or more edgy, and even be worn in a romantic silhouette. Because of the versatility of this fabric, mesh is easy to add to any style.

Want to try before you buy into the hype?? Buy pieces with small mesh insets and see how you can incorporate it into your wardrobe.

This is definitely going to be a trend to look out for this spring, but here how some retailers are trying it out now!

What To Buy

The Basic

The Romantic

The Face Of Style - Trend Tuesday: Mesh

The Athletic

The Face Of Style - Trend Tuesday: Mesh

What do you think of the mesh trend? Let me know in the comments below and tell me what other trends you have been seeing this month!

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Fashion Trends

Get All The Fall Trends at Forever 21

by How She Styles September 8, 2016

A few months ago I wrote a post about how I thought I was too old to shop at Forever 21, but I was wrong. I know it’s hard to admit when you’re wrong (my mom would know). However, Forever 21 has changed my mind with their newest fall collection and their active wear assortment. I know I am late to the game on understanding how cute their active wear is, but don’t worry. Now I understand completely, and I have started a list of everything I want to buy!

On that note, let’s talk about their active wear. It’s sleek, the different leggings with cool cutouts and sports bras with all kinds of fun straps. It makes you look like you are serious about working out (even if you’re not).

The Activewear

The quality is shockingly nice. I, like everyone, am weary of Forever 21’s quality standard. The active wear breaks that stereotype. It feels thick and stable with no worry of seeing your bum while doing squats. The sports bras even have a small bra cup/pad. This is to make sure there is no worry of unwanted nipple showing through along with more support.

When looking around the a few Forever 21 stores I noticed that all the bras I saw were low impact. Online they sell a good selection of high impact bras there, but there is twice the amount of medium and low impact bras. I personally need high impact sports bras keep my boobs contained when I run. That will be the true test for this active wear line. I haven’t tried the rest of the line, but honestly I am really excited to try it!

This is one of their high impact styles and I love the criss cross detail. You can never find fun high impact bras like this at such an affordable price point.

I have never seen leggings like this. I would wear these out, to the gym, to work, and basically anywhere else. They could work with so many different outfits!

Everyone loves a two in one! It takes the effort out of matching and looks really cool at the gym!

I love open back pieces when I work out (more air flow, if you know what I mean). So this a sleek and sexy option for the gym.

Ok. I know this isn’t exactly activewear, but it is so cute I had to include it! And don’t tell me you wouldn’t wear this to the gym!

The Fall Line

Now we can move on to the stuff that really inspired this post. Forever 21’s fall pieces that has been coming out in recent weeks. Fall in my favorite season. I love when the leaves change, I love fall colors, and I love all the fall trends I am seeing.

Forever 21 has its pulse on what the trends are going to be for the next season and make sure the consumer has as many variations of that trend. For example, florals are still going to be an important trend for fall. When visiting three different Forever 21 stores, there was an excess of floral pieces based on that trend. I am not just talking tops, but bottoms, dresses, rompers, etc. Forever 21 is definitely getting it right with all the trends this fall.

Key Pieces This Fall

Faux leather is always a fall staple, but this sage green color adds something special to this timeless look.

This is pretty contemporary for Forever 21, but I think its a really special dress you can just throw on and head out the door.

The color, the sleeves, and the silhouette all make this the perfect piece to throw on and head out the door.

With the mock neck, the ruffle, and the cold shoulder, this piece has all the trends for this fall in one top! The neutral color makes it easy to pair with any bottoms to make any outfit stand out.

The fold over knit top is going to be a staple in everyones wardrobe this fall so this is going to be a must have. I personally can not get enough of this olive green color either.

The bomber is clearly here to stay and this one is an affordable option that can be worn with any outfit!

Chokers are another trend that everyone can’t get enough of and I think that will transition into fall. Forever 21 has so many different shapes and sizes of chokers, but this one has to be my favorite.

I cannot get enough of fall florals and this print is definitely for fall, but the bright reds contrasting with the dark navy make it look really cool and interesting.

This high neck with a scoop cut out trend is another that is showing up every where. I think this is a sleek and cool interpretation and definitely worth trying.

I think if you want to try the off the shoulder or lace up trend this is a safe way to do that. The lace up isn’t too low and it’s a neutral color so you really can’t go wrong!

I just love the details and embroidery on this. I love that red is becoming a trendy color again and this surplus body is very relaxed and bohemian.

This is just an easy piece you can throw on with anything to dress up or down. A simple look that is flattering on everyone with the cinched waisted and the little flared hem

This is just a cool casual way to wear the lace up trend and again its in this beautiful red color.

I love this detail and seeing it go all the way up the side seam is really cool. This is a sweater I know you could wear from fall all the way through winter and into early spring.

This red trench is a statement piece that I think everyone needs. It’s a simple silhouette with that bright punch of color that will make any outfit stand out.

I think this simple and dainty necklace is all you need to throw on when you want a fun accessory. The long chain will lengthen the body and it will go with any outfit.

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Fashion

Favorite Winter Accessories

by How She Styles February 24, 2016

The only thing that is actually fun about winter in my opinion is all the fun winter accessories I get to stock up on!

Fringe Infinity Scarf -Nordstrom

This is one of my all-time favorite scarves because it’s nothing like any of the other scarves that I own. It’s two-toned with an open knit and fringe! You can’t go wrong. I will say it’s not very warm, but the stylishness makes up for that so I wear it in the like early spring or late fall. It was a bit pricey for a scarf, but very worth it.

Navy and Burgundy Infinity Scarf – C&M?

This scarf is the warmest I own, and I love the colors. I am pretty sure it is a men’s scarf because that’s the section I found it in, but who really knows. It’s a tight-knit infinity scarf that doesn’t allow any cold air to get to my face. The color is what really drew me in though, since it’s one of my favorite combos, navy and burgundy. I would probably like it better if it wasn’t an infinity, but that just so I could wrap it around my entire head.

Wool Wide Brimmed Hat – H&M/DIY

These kinds of hats were really “on trend” a few months ago and I jumped on the bandwagon. I really like this trend though, and I think it’s a way to look cute in the bitter cold without freezing. This hat is actually a plain wool hat with a belt wrapped wrapped around it. I hated all the hats that every store had so I decided to try and make my own. I think it came out pretty good, but I only wear it on days that it’s not very windy so I don’t lose it. I love this look and I hope it continues next season.

Beanie – Calvin Klein

You can’t go wrong with a beanie. They are comfy, warm, and just all around awesome! I love just being able to throw on a beanie and head out the door! I have so many beanies that my mom often tells me to put them down when I’m in a store. I probably have ten beanies scattered throughout my room…you know…in case of a beanie emergency.

Leather Gloves – Calvin Klein

I don’t know what I was doing before I bought leather gloves. Yes, they are on the pricey side, but they are a staple and worth every penny. They are warm, classic, and go with any jacket or coat you could throw on.

Tell me you’re favorite winter accessories and why you love to wear them in the comments below!

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Uncategorized

August 2015 Favorites

by How She Styles September 3, 2015

I cannot believe fall is already creeping up on us and it’s already September! This year has been really flying by. I feel like I am going to blink and this year is going to be over. I guess we all better make the most of it! On that note, here are a few of the things I was loving this month.

Tony and Guy Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray

A while ago, Estée from essiebutton used this in a tutorial for her hair. She and I have similar hair it seems, ever since got layers in my hair. I love the way the product gives my hair a lot of texture and volume. I have a lot of hair, but since it’s so thin, a lot of product makes it limp and weighs it down. The Tony and Guy texture spray provides the lightweight volume I look for with the ability to keep my layers looking stylishly messy.

Chesapeake Bay Candle in Cassis Blossom ℅ Home Goods

I bought this on a whim as most of my candle purchases, but this one was exactly what I’ve been looking for. It has a soft and clean floral scent, and I have been keeping it lit almost nonstop this month!

Wet & Wild Fergie Take On The Day Eyeshadow primer

This month I lost this primer for about a week and had to go back to the only other eyeshadow primer I have on hand: the LORAC. The LORAC just doesn’t compare, which is funny because the prices are so completely different.The wet & wild one is only about two or three dollars while the LORAC is twenty one dollars!

The Wet & Wild eyeshadow primer keeps my eyes looking fresh and pigmented all day long. It even helps my eyeliner stay in place. I can’t talk this up enough, and I won’t use anything else!

Boots No7 Stay Perfect Shade and Define Shadow Stick in Cool Mink

(Shade all the way to the left)

I picked this up months ago, but this month I have been going with a more simple look using this, liquid eyeliner, and mascara. It’s perfect for those hot summer days. Make sure you check out my full review coming soon.

Marc By Marc Jacobs Pumps

I recently snatched these up at a sample sale that was happening near my office. I found them under a pile of clothing and they were actually my size. It was a fashion miracle! The leather is so soft and the color is so vibrant I had to put them on as soon as I bought them. I can’t wait to pair these with more outfits in the fall.

Lady Gaga, The Fame Album

Lady gaga’s first album is my favorite by far so when I needed a good beat to pump me up the morning I had to listen to Gaga. “Paper gangster” has been the song that I always forget I love. It just has an interesting beat. And of course who doesn’t love “Paparazzi”?

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Fashion

What to Wear When its Finally Over 50 Degrees

by How She Styles March 31, 2015

I know I took a small break from blogging due to my life being a bit crazy, but I’m glad to be back!

Winter seemed to take a break before it became freezing again, but its finally in the mid-fifties and its time to celebrate with some transition pieces to wear when its not too warm and not too cold.

But First…

Layers are your friend. Wearing layers will give you the ability to adjust what you are wearing based on the temperature. For instance: today it was around 35 degrees this morning and about 50 degrees this afternoon. Thats a 20 degree difference. So in the morning I wore a long sleeved shirt, a blazer, and a coat over that. In the afternoon I didn’t need that extra layer, so I just went out in the shirt and coat. Layers are super handy with weird in-between weather like this or if you are out all day and the temperature changes significantly throughout the day.

Here are some pieces to wear when it’s fifty outside and not snowing!

Maxi Skirts

A maxi skirt is handy because it completely covers your legs until it gets too hot, in which case you can just tie it a bit and let your legs breathe.

Light Sweater

I would consider a light sweater to be one that is heavier than your long-sleeved shirt, but lighter than the sweater you wore when it was 10 degrees outside. I would advise against anything wool really. It should be breathable during the day and toasty warm in the morning or evening.

Flats

This is flats season baby! It’s not quite warm enough (or dry enough) for sandals, and your feet may need a break from your thigh high boots, so flats are the perfect option.

Long Sleeved Dress

This is another classic in-between style. It’s perfect if your legs are hot, but your arms are cold. You can also wear this with a sweater or tights if it’s too cold, or roll up the sleeves if it’s too hot. Who doesn’t want to throw on a dress right now after months of being forced to wear pants? I sure do!

Blazer

This goes with the idea of layering: the colder it gets, the heavier the blazer. If it gets too hot, take it off! I wear blazers with everything. Skirts, dresses, jeans—you name it. It’s just an easy piece to throw on and pretend like you tried. If your not a fan of the blazer try and army jacket!

All images from my pinterest The Face Of Style and if you want more make sure to follow me on Instagram at Thefaceofstyle.

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