Pretty Organization: Closets

Closets are the woman's equivalent to a man cave- a sacred place that should be kept both beautiful and organized.  This isn't always easy, especially when we rush each morning to find something to wear to work and bolt out the door, leaving all the rejected outfits strewn across the floor (or is that just me?).  

Today I thought I'd share a few tips/tricks that I utilize to help keep my closet as organized and pretty as possible.

1.) Organize clothes by color and type.

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Keep clothes divided by pants, skirts, dresses, etc.  Within each type, organize items by their color, and group colors together.   This creates a uniform, clean look, and it also helps you find a specific item when you're looking for it.  Here's the "dress" section of my closet.  I also like to decorate with pretty shopping bags:

2.) Replace mismatched and wire hangars with sturdier ones that are the same style.

  Using the same hangar throughout your closet keeps items evenly spaced and is pretty to look at.  (I said this was pretty organization, right?!) I like to use these clear ones from Linens n' Things:

3.) Edit your closet on a regular basis.  

About every 6 months, I go through my closet and pull out any items I haven't worn recently or anything that doesn't fit well. There are many resale shops where you can go and sell your gently worn clothing (If you have a blog, sell it there!), or you can always donate it.  Either way, only keep in your closet what you love! I can't seem to part with this faux fur leopard jacket, impractical as it may be...

4.) Add personality to your space. 

 Even if your closet can't magically become a luxurious dressing room, it doesn't have to be dull.  Add liners to your shelves, paint the walls, or add a piece of art.  This Leigh Viner print is so girly and I love having it in my closet:

5.) Keep shoes and other accessories grouped together and visible.  

If you don't have enough room for them all, at least make visible the 2-3 pairs you wear the most often.

Do you have any tips of your own to add? I'd love to hear them!

Read more pretty organization posts here.

Pretty Organization: Perfumes

I love perfume.  I think the ladies see me coming through the beauty department of Neiman Marcus and know I'm an easy target.  I always love to try out a new scent!  

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I like to keep my perfumes close by in my bathroom so I remember to spritz myself before heading out the door.  Currently I have mine displayed on a tray.  The unique bottles and colors of the perfume add a pretty touch to my typically messy bathroom countertop.

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My absolute favorite perfume is Thierry Mugler's "Angel".  This perfume has a very unexpected, almost spicy scent, and without fail every time I wear it a stranger or friend compliments the smell.  Here are my other favorites and a pretty tray that would make a lovely perfume holder...

1. Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy/2. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue/3. Thierry Mugler Angel/4. Tocca Cleopatra/5. Prada Candy /Tray

And here's a snapshot of my current perfume tray:

The quote on the tray says "I wake up expecting things" by Fleur Cowles.  I just love that!  Perfect for an early morning pick-me-up. :)

Do you have a favorite perfume?  Do you have a favorite way to store your perfumes?  Do tell!

Pretty Organization: Jewelry

I love to accessorize.  I have more baubles than I care to admit (or count for that matter).  With different colors and textures, jewelry collections can be very beautifully displayed.   However, I have had trouble in the past organizing my jewelry in a way that doesn't look cluttered.  Today I thought I'd share a few great ways to style or store your jewels. 

The first option is to display necklaces and bracelets on pretty trays.  

These tray are all very visually appealing- with different materials, stones, and beads, the jewelry laid together looks very pretty.  If you lack counter space, another option is to organize jewelry inside a drawer.  Even though your collection is hidden, you can still keep it organized within small bowls, tea cups, or jewelry dividers.

This divider from The Container Store is a great option to use and fits right inside your drawer.  Here's another great option.  I like to keep my earrings, rings, and pins in an array of pretty bowls, like the last image above.  I got most of mine at Anthropologie, but if you go antiquing, I bet you can find uniquely designed dishware that would be perfect for displaying jewelry.

Here's how I like to display my necklaces:

Once upon a time I was a Stella & Dot Stylist, and you could purchase these pretty necklace displays.  I keep mine in a shelf in my closet.  They Unfortunately, they don't currently sell these to customers.  Here is a great alternative I found on Etsy.  Etsy has many different options available for jewelry organization.  I was impressed!  Check them out here.

So tell me- how do you organize your jewelry?  Do you have an idea I didn't share?  Do tell!

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P.S.- Today I am over at Three Pink Dots sharing what's inside my purse.  I hope you will go check out Lauren's beautiful blog!

Coffee Table Styling

Today I'd like to talk about my favorite part of a living room:  the coffee table!  If you are anything like me, than your coffee table gets put to good use.  In fact, you might use it as a dinner table, foot rest, desk, buffet table at parties, and library for your favorite coffee table books.  Or is that just me? Whether your coffee table is used with frequency or nearly  neglected, it's important to style it well.

First, we must consider function.  Do you often utilize your coffee table as a dinner table?  Then space must be left for eating.  Do you have 10 different remotes for your high-tech TV sound system?  Then they will need a place on the table.  Is your coffee table more of a decor element only? Then gracing your table with books, candlesticks, or fresh flowers will add an extra touch of pretty.

What if you want your coffee table to be both functional and stylish?  You might notice they never photograph remotes lying on a coffee table in interior design magazines.  I suggest finding a beautiful box to hide your remotes inside.  I hide ours in a mercury glass container I found in the bed and bath section of Anthro. What do you think?

Megan, from Honey We're Home, displays her remotes in a chic lucite tray.  This is another great option to fuse functionality with decoration.

Afraid your coffee table will appear cluttered after you gather your favorite books and magazines, and also make room for coasters, remotes, and other necessities?  Stack items neatly in trays to create a more organized space.

Because I collect coffee table books, I like to display a few that might entertain guests.   I love it when I go over to someone's house and can get an idea of who they are and what they love.  Showing an array of books, framed photos, or other trinkets help tell your story in a subtle way.

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What's sitting on your coffee table?  Do you have a favorite tip for styling it well? I'd love to hear it!  Today I am guest posting over at The Urban Slant about King Louis chairs.  Be sure and go check it out!