Winter Clothing SALES!

You know I love to hear about a good sale and yesterday I found out from Sound Money Tips that there are still plenty of deals to be had. So, take some time to browse online or in stores for winter clothing that is presently on sale. Who doesn’t love a sale??

1. Abercrombie & Fitch – Check out their 60% off clearance sale.

2. Banana Republic – The Winter Sale features 60% off select items; plus, you can get an extra 15% off orders of $50 or more via coupon code "January". Offer expires February 3.

3. FCUK – French Connection is slashing prices up to 50% – which still doesn’t mean it’s cheap. Still, they’ve got great men's coats and jackets, jeans, shirts, shoes, tees, and trousers.

4. Finishline.com – They have select men and women's footwear on clearance at up to 90% off. That puts dozens of shoes under $25. Brands include Keds, Converse, Nike, Adidas, and Puma. Sizes are limited and shipping starts at $6.99.

5. J. Crew – They have knocked up to 60% off select men's apparel and accessories during their ongoing Final Sale. Plus, coupon code "SNTL" stacks with this discount, yielding an additional 10% off with no minimum required. Shipping starts at $4.95.

6. Polo – They are slashing up to 70% off shirts, ties, suits, shorts, skirts, dresses, and assorted home items during their Winter Sale. Plus, coupon code "Winter" bags free shipping through January 31, when the offers expire.

7. Old Navy - The Old Navy Men's Super Sale offers 18 items from $1.99 to $7.99. Shipping is a flat $5. Sales tax is added where applicable.

8. Docker’s - Dockers Store is taking up to 75% off tops, sweaters, and outerwear for men, women, and boys during its Winter Clearance Sale. Shipping starts at $5.95 or is free with orders of $100 or more.

Can You Really Enjoy Life With Less Stuff?

According to professional organizer Peter Walsh in his new book, It's All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff, accumulating too much stuff can actually interfere with our quality of life. As a professional organizer myself, I completely buy into his philosophy. Peter has a great understanding and explains to his audience just why people accumulate stuff - for psychological as much as material needs. I see it all the time.. Who doesn’t have family heirlooms that they don’t especially like but have always been around, or what about putting things in rooms that aren’t even related to the purpose of the room just because there's free shelf or space in the closet space?

This book is inspiring, well written and amusing and while it will not solve every problem- it really doesn't deal much with paper (a VERY common problem I see everyday) it does give hope to those who face a house full of piles and stuffed closets. A great read and help to those of us who are professional organizers and those who want and need to get organized! We really CAN enjoy life with less stuff.

Reinvigorate Your Wardrobe

Whenever I work with personal shopping clients who want to make a big change to their wardrobe, I always talk to them about taking their time. Whether they want to add some new pieces or pare down what already exists, the key to honing your look, is to take it slow. You can’t go from wearing H&M to suddenly wearing Versace--it will look too drastic and jarring.

Most people only wear about 20% of what is in their closet. So, I always begin by editing a client’s closet. While it may seem a bit traumatic to purge that jacket from freshman year of college, a clean slate is necessary. You need to figure out what still works for you and what does not, and you shouldn’t be afraid to throw out clothes that you haven’t worn for a while. If you haven’t worn it the entire season, then let it go.

The next step is to stock up on classic pieces that are less likely to go out of style and can be turned to in a pinch. This is where I come in as the personal shopper and can help decide what the client needs and we set a budget.

Finally, I always tell people that their size does not matter. I repeat..size does not matter. Even the best-cut clothes won’t look right if the wearer hasn’t owned up to his/her true size. Concerning yourself with the size is self defeating. It’s all about the way something looks.

The payoff? Feeling good in your clothing. I’ve seen it happen with so many clients. A woman I worked with the other day said her husband was going to think she was cheating on him because her entire look was such a major improvement. That’s the power a great wardrobe can have!

One Area At A Time

So, we are now officially closer to February than January and I am sure that resolution to get organized has you hard at work. Doesn’t it? If not, I am sure even the thought of organizing now that life is back in full swing has you feeling a bit overwhelmed. Please know you are NOT alone.

We all lead frantic lives. We want to do it all, to get the most out of life. But it isn't working. There are folks whose ability to organize is impeded by varying levels of physical, mental or emotional disability. What we need to do is simplify our lives in order to manage them and enjoy them more.

I want to let you all know that the ability to organize is attainable! Think baby steps, people. You have heard the saying that slow and steady wins the race and that is exactly how it works when it comes to organizing. Clients always want to do the whole house all at once, but that's not realistic. You need to define goals so that you have a light at the end of the tunnel when you start and it then makes it more realistic. If you are trying to get organized and put a system in place or maintaining a system already in place, doing a little bit on a regular basis is what gets the job done.

Contact me and learn how to take your own baby steps to declutter and organize a kitchen junk drawer, a bathroom vanity drawer and a workbench -- three problem areas found in most busy households. Get ready to simplify your life!

Get Organized Month is in FULL Swing!!

Struggling to keep your New Year’s resolution? Get Organized Month, sponsored by the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), is in full swing. I spoke about this at the beginning of the month but wanted to keep the momentum going! NAPO just recently sent out their own home & office organizing tips to share:

Customize Your Kitchen:
- Things that work together should be stored together, such as baking pans, electrical appliances, plastic containers (with lids), pots and pans, and large platters and bowls.
- Drawer dividers are a good way to keep utensils in order.
- Rotate food staples out of your pantry. Create menus to use up dated canned goods.
- Feel the flow of activity in your kitchen. Place glasses near the sink or the refrigerator. Put snacks in a convenient drawer or cupboard.

Conquer Your Filing:
- Create a filing system for your electronic documents that mirrors the one you have for paper. Sort, file, and purge electronic information regularly.
- Keep a file index (a master list of file names). Check the index before creating a new file to avoid making duplicates. Also use it when deciding where to put new documents.
- Refer to your company’s records retention plan for guidance on how long to keep documents.
- Keep the most recent papers in the front of the file. Whenever you open it, the current information will be on top.

Rubbermaid Wants You To Be Organized

As a professional organizer, I often receive special discounts on organizational products to use for clients. This time, Rubbermaid, wants me to pass along my great discount to friends and family (and my LOYAL blog/website readers). For a 20% discount on products at checkout, go to Rubbermaid and use my promotional code CL3466. Happy organized shopping!

Need help on what to purchase? Call to set up an appointment.

ORGANIZED Does NOT = Neat!

Whenever I first speak to clients, many of them tell me that all they want me to do is make them “neat and organized.” However, I tell them that organized does not necessarily mean neat!

Organized means being able to grab what you want when you want it consistently and effortlessly. Neatness is always about the FORM. Organization is about the FUNCTION.

I also always tell clients that there is not a right or wrong way to be organized. Only your chosen way will work. Organization is a learned skill (even though some types embrace it more than others). Organization is a process just like our lives which constantly change. Sometimes our needs evolve and so must our linen closets and filing systems.

Ready to begin your own organization process? Contact ROSEY’S today!

Remove Items From Your Closets With A Purpose

There are always those certain items for clients that they don't want to part with because it seems "to nice to just give away" (even though they never wear it) it "used to look good" on them or "it seems to hard to trash or recycle."

I want you to know there are ways to move out your excess stuff AND get the peaceful high that comes with well-ordered closets and drawers.

Shoes: The organization Soles4Souls gives you a way to part with gently warn shoes that don't earn their keep on your shelf. The nonprofit brings shoes to those in need like relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and the Asian tsunami. It is as easy as throwing them in a box and mailing them! Even just a couple pairs will make a difference.

Clothing: The Salvation Army has always been known for picking up large donations (like a couch). But it turns out a truck will stop for just five bags of clothes. Can't meet the minimum? Invite friends and neighbors to leave their surplus with you before pickup day. No more schlepping heavy loads out to the drop-off spot! 1.800.958.7825

Media: If you've loaded all your CDs onto your iPod, take advantage of Eco Encore, a nonprofit that will sell your old music-plus DVDs, books and current software-on Amazon or eBay for an environmental cause. More than 70% of the price goes to your earth-saving group of choice; the rest covers operating expenses. Items that remain unbought are delivered to literacy organizations or recycled. They even may reimburse you for part of the shipping costs!

I LOVE A Sale.. and Just In Time for The Weekend

Thanks to the fabulous site of Daily Candy I found about some amazing local sales that are going on right now.

Hitched: Looking for great bridal fashions, bridesmaid dresses, invitations and more? From Jan. 11-30 celebrate their year anniversary with 30-50% off sample wedding gowns (Judd Waddell, Richard Glasgow, Ulla-Maija), bridesmaid dresses (Amsale, Thread). This is an amazing bridal store in the area (coming from a recent bride who absolutely loved their stuff!)

Betsy Fisher: Looking for great steals on stylish clothing? From Jan. 11-31 take 55-75 % off lines like DVF and Secrets of Charm.

Sylene: Looking for beautiful and functional undergarments? This is the place to go! Thru Jan. 20. La Perla, Cosabella, Dolce & Gabbana, and others at up to 50% off.

Carbon: Looking for great shoes for both men and women? Thru Jan. 27, get up to 50% off lines like Dry Shod, Tsubo, Tentazione, and Blackstone.

Blush: Looking for great designers at great prices? Thru Jan. 31 find Milly, Tory by TRB, and Ya-Ya at 30-50% off.

A Tidy Work Space Saves Time, Money

According to a recent article in the LA Times, despite their resolve to do better each year, small-business owners often end up pushing time for organization to the bottom of their to-do lists. Yet a disorganized desk and office can be a drain on time and the bottom line.

If you can't find a client's file, notes from the last sales meeting or an important telephone number in 30 or fewer seconds, your methods are costing you money in terms of lost sales and lower productivity, not to mention mental stress, experts say.

"Getting organized is truly our only hope to stay ahead of the game, to stay productive and to stay competitive," said president of NAPO. The biggest challenge for most small-business owners is paperwork, despite technology-inspired dreams of a paperless office.

To help conquer the paper storm, Container Store (CS) is coming out with new lines of office organization products. Target Corp. is also answering the demand for office products with personality. Its line of organizing tools from Real Simple magazine sports the trendy colors of orange, hot pink and chocolate brown.

Having the proper tools solves only part of the organization equation, experts say. To be a success, you need an organizing system tailored to your needs and a commitment to spend the time to keep it up. "It's about the client; it's not about the stuff.”

People have messy offices for several reasons. First, they try to do everything themselves, the typical time-draining habit of small-business owners. Second, they are perfectionists. That leads to indecision and procrastination. They can't decide what to do with that e-mail document, so they let it pile up with the other unanswered electronic correspondence. Or they may be holding out for the perfect file cabinets, which they don't have time to shop for, so paperwork piles up on the floor. Last, they don't allow themselves time at the end of the day to stop for 15 or 30 minutes to get organized for the next day.

Most don't cry uncle until they realize how much their inefficient ways are costing them. For some, hiring a professional is worth the price. When you hire an organizer, "it is an expense that has a duration. It ends. Where if you are disorganized, the cost goes on forever." For the full article LA Times

A Simple, Proven Way To Reduce Stress

Do you habitually avoid organizing that overwhelming stack of papers on your desk or hit the snooze button several times each morning? I probably don’t need to tell you this, but procrastination does nothing for you---or your health! As I have read several places, thinking about something is 10 times more stressful than actually doing it. The best way to get something done now? Address the underlying problem. Ask yourself: Why am I putting off that task or organizing? What’s the worst that could happen if I tackle it head-on? Then do whatever you can to get started!

Jeans That Make You Look a Size Smaller (Really!)

What to do when you overindulge on Christmas cookies or have one too many latkes and can't get to the gym to start working off the extra holiday pounds? Well, you can try a pair of Not Your Daughter's Jeans, which features a special Lycra panel that claims to suck you in, tuck away those naughty rolls and let you wear one size smaller. I was so intrigued by the concept so I went out searching. It took me three tries before I found a pair that didn't make me feel like a sausage. But eventually I liked a pair called "Denim like Cashmere" and they are indeed, soft, stretchy and a size smaller than my usual pair of Sevens. On the other hand, a 60-something-year-old client of mine said of her pair, "I feel younger. I feel like they give me a nice figure. They're cute and comfortable." Her one complaint is that she wishes they had a higher waistband. Over all, the verdict is a thumbs up from both of us. However, I still think I am going to keep my Sevens!

ROSEY'S Featured in DCMom.com's 1/4/07 Newsletter

coming up rosey

Ahhh, the resolution to get your life organized in 2007. Been there, done that, with a little help from Rosey's and what a great trip it’s been.

Rachel, a.k.a Rosey, will meet with you to identify your problem areas and then will get to work by helping you implement simple tricks (arranging your clothes on color-coded hangers) using real tools (the latest, greatest find at The Container Store) that will get your house, schedule, and life in order.

She has a knack for keeping you accountable through phone calls, follow-up visits, and a weekly newsletter - since we all know we get by with a little help from our organized friends.

And not to be forgotten, is her personal shopping service which helps those of us who don’t like or don’t have the time to shop, but still want to look snazzy. A DC native, she knows all the best haunts and can help you save money or purchase the perfect pieces for your wardrobe.

You’ve read Real Simple from cover to cover, now get real and make your life simpler with Rosey's.

Check out other finds at DCmom.com

Time To Clean Out Your Closets.. 2007 Has Already Begun!

The holidays are over. It's time to turn your attention to your closet and start 2007 off right (organized!). The most common thing I find when revamping the closets of women ranging anywhere from their early 20s to late 60s is that people hold on to things because they've paid a lot of money for it or because they think it's going to come back into style. I mean, it may come back but it probably isn’t going to come back for that same person! You really should purge four times a year. Here are some tips for clearing out the old and making room for the new. Need more tips, contact ROSEY’S.

1. Make a list of the things you can give up -- and the things you just won't.

2. Give up the clothes you haven't seen or worn in years. If you can't fit into it anymore, it's stained, hopelessly out of date or just plain ugly either revamp it or give it to your favorite charity.

3. Cut pieces by color. When attacking your closet with a big broom and a strong heart, don't worry about tossing something because it matches something else. People think in outfits instead of pieces. I believe in color palettes because we don't shop systematically.

4. "Demote" your wardrobe. Taking your nicer clothes and making them your everyday clothes because that two-year-old DKNY blazer may not be good enough for your boss's birthday dinner but it will certainly stand up at the grocery store.

Savings at Local Retail and Online Stores

Through the end of January, there are several local stores where you can redeem savings. Just mention Lucky to redeem the offers.

- Wink/Blush: These twin emporiums carry a great selection of tops and dresses by Milly, Ya-Ya and Hollywould. You can save at both locations. 3109 M Street, NW; 1089 Seven Locks Rd., Potomac. Save 20%
- Emily Grace: Online discount at www.shopemilygrace.com. This MD based store has great Gorjana jewelry and Michael Kors flats. Register at http://www.luckymag.com/cityguides/Washington_dc for the discount code and Save 20%.
- Cupcake: If you are in the Baltimore area, this is a cute shop filled with Alice & Trixie tops, kimono dresses by Kara Janx (of Project Runway) and great denim. 813-15 S. Broadway, Baltimore. Save 20% on all non-sale items

Thinking About Organizing Your Home or Office But Can’t Get Beyond the Thinking-About-It Stage?

Sticking to your new year's resolution of "getting organized" might be harder than you think! What you may need is a professional organizer—someone who can help you get all that clutter under control so you can live and work more freely and easily.

What’s it like to work with a professional organizer? Here I answer a few of the FAQ that I normally receive:

What types of people hire a professional organizer? It’s quite a variety. A lot of clients are professional women. They’re working all the time and have no time for the stuff that needs to get done at home. Busy mothers and people who are chronically disorganized are also frequently clients. Working with a professional organizer is good for anyone who needs a semblance of organization in her busy life. If you just don‘t have the time or you can’t get it scheduled, having someone come in and help you with it means you’ll get it done.

How does it work? It starts with a phone conversation. Typically a professional organizer talks at length with the client to get an idea of what’s going on in their life. Most of the time people call because they’re under stress: there’s some life change going on, or they just can’t take the chaos anymore. Then you set up an appointment, and the organizer comes to the person’s office or home for a tour of the space they want to organize. You talk about a game plan and get started.

How long does it take? It depends on how quick a decision-maker the client is. Professional organizers help you move along. We’re not going to sit there and look at the box of pictures. That’s part of the benefit—we keep you on task and help you to prioritize what really needs to get done right now. We focus on what’s driving you the craziest. And we help you examine why you’re keeping things and how to let go of items that you don’t love or want. But we’re not going to say that you have to throw everything out. People are afraid of that, too. We help you find the treasures both emotionally and physically.

What does it cost? Organizers charge anywhere from $50-$250 an hour. Business organizing usually is double the cost of residential organizing.

Should people expect to go out and buy new storage systems? It depends on the organizer and the client. Many people have all types of organizing and storage devices; they just aren’t using them. Sometimes organizers can see things in a different way and get better use from storage that clients already have.

What should you look for in a professional organizer? I would recommend finding somebody through the National Association of Professional Organizers (www. napo.net). NAPO members have a code of ethics and ongoing education. Look for someone you have a good rapport with. You can get a feel for the person on the phone. Just as you want to go to a hairdresser you feel comfortable with, you need to have a comfort level with a professional organizer. The things we’re going through are very personal. (Of course, everything is confidential.) A good professional organizer will tailor his or her system to you. We work with clients to figure out what works best for them. We don’t just set up a system and leave. We talk, we tweak, we do it together.

How do people feel about the results? People are always happy in the end, even if they cry during the process. (One client actually did cry, but it was a good thing because she was letting go of something that was a burden to her.) But everyone’s happy because they’ve accomplished something.

So if you’re tired of dealing with the mess, consider hiring a professional organizer to restore your home or office to a place that works. Contact ROSEY’S at 202.669.3179 or visit http://www.roseysurbanstyle.com for more details and to set up an appointment.

6 Happy New Rules for a Happy New Year!

Happy 2007! According to Glamour Magazine there are only 6 rules for a happy new year.

1. Play with your clothes! Seize the layering trend while it lasts and turn your closet into a multitasking machine. A jacket over a dress over jeans? Why not?
2. A girl as cute as you doesn’t need 500 beauty products. Haven’t worn that teal eyeshadow since 2004? Haven’t been in a melon lipstick mood..ever? Toss ‘em!
3. Repeat after us: Size doesn’t matter (at least not for clothing). Ignore the tag and buy what fits your body.
4. Use your weekends to try new things. Hit an art show, eat Senegalese food, shake it up!
5. Treat yourself! One dream bag, expensive meal or pink frosted cupcake won’t sabotage your life.
6. Just say it. This year, uncork your feelings along with the bubbly, and speak up.