I just found a cache thanks to style expert Micolle.<\/p>\n
Here’s the background. Two months ago Micolle & friend Marnie hosted a clothing swap. I was lucky enough to snag an invite. Each guest was asked to bring 5 items. These tops, bottoms, shoes, scarves, bags, dresses, hats and bling became stock for the Swap store. One by one we selected an item and the process repeated until all choices were made.<\/p>\n
Of course the BIG BONUS was following Micolle’s take on what would be \u2018perfect\u2019 for each of us! I came home with 5 things I absolutely LOVE but wouldn\u2019t have even looked at without Micolle\u2019s urging.<\/p>\n
It got me thinking.<\/p>\n
For someone (me) who thinks she\u2019s reasonably creative and makes a habit of stepping out of her comfort zone I could see that I was LOCKED into what<\/em> I wear and how<\/em> I wear it. In the days following the swap I looked at my closet with new eyes. I pulled everything out. Mixed things up with things I wouldn’t normally have and…..BINGO!<\/p>\n I unlocked a tomb of treasures not to mention a whole new wardrobe!<\/p>\n Hmmm….I\u2019m thinking there (must be) others like me. So I asked Micolle if she would help me establish new behaviors! We began by taking something that most of us have in our closet\u2014the famous WHITE SHIRT . Micolle got to work offering up 5 great ways to wear the white shirt<\/strong> that lives in my closet!<\/p>\n Micolle’s Top 5 – white shirt with jeans and statement necklace.<\/p><\/div>\n Cheryl: Before we see you work your magic put on your stylist\/therapist hat (I’m almost certain you’ve got one of those) and tell me why I get locked into wearing a piece of clothing only one way?<\/p>\n Micolle: Well I think it\u2019s safe to say, the majority of us are creatures of habit and often put on things that we are most comfortable in without thinking too much about it. I feel some of us create such a \u201cbusy\u201d world that taking the time and effort to look our best becomes a chore. That\u2019s why I always recommend putting an outfit together the night before\u2026it really shouldn\u2019t take more than 5 minutes.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n That way there\u2019s no rush in the morning and we can push down that snooze button one more time.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Micolle’s Top 5 – white shirt, black pencil skirt, black tank, fun belt.<\/p><\/div>\n Cheryl: OK\u2026so planning the night before\u2026anything else can we can do to break this uneconomical and inefficient habit?<\/p>\n Micolle: It\u2019s easy! Go through your closet regularly! Look at what you\u2019ve worn and haven\u2019t worn in the last few months. Make a few piles and switch things around. If it\u2019s been years since you\u2019ve worn something either consign it, ditch it (depending on the condition), donate it or offer to swap it out with a girlfriend. Lastly, get inspired\u2026pick up a magazine, see what\u2019s happening each season. See what\u2019s trending, build on an idea that inspires you and buy something to build into your wardrobe. Best way to change up a piece of clothing you love to wear often is with an accessory\u2026scarf, jewellery, belt, or shoes! <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Cheryl: Back up one sec to the ‘few piles\u2019<\/em> you mentioned. What are the headings?<\/p>\n Micolle’s Top 5 – white shirt sleeves rolled and tied high with wide leg floral jumper<\/p><\/div>\n Micolle:\u00a0The headings can be as easy as\u2026love it, wear it, swap it, donate it, or my personal favourite\u2026consign it.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n You won\u2019t see me wearing anything back to back from week to week because I\u2019ve gotten myself into a good habit of rotating my clothing. I only have seasonal items in my bedroom closet\u2026everything else is either packed away or in my spare bedroom awaiting the next season.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n For those that may be struggling, the easiest way to keep a seasonal wardrobe at its best is by rotating your clothing but only after you de-clutter it first by using the above headings. My closet is organized and my clothing is either folded or hanging and colour coordinated on a really good dayJ AND there is never anything on the floor!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Micolle’s Top 5 – white shirt, black bralette peeking through and jacket<\/p><\/div>\n By being organized it\u2019s easy for me to pull and create outfits on a daily basis. Now, I know this isn\u2019t easy for everyone so my two simple suggestions would be to:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This is a good and easy start in rotating your clothing and keeping things interesting all at the same time\u2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Cheryl: A white shirt is so classic<\/em>. Is it a must have for all of us?<\/p>\n Micolle: Nothing says summer to me like a crisp white shirt. It\u2019s that quintessential piece that<\/em><\/strong> should be in every women\u2019s closet. Last month, my sister and I hit up a few amazing designer consignment stores in Toronto. And what did my sister scoop up but the best white linen shirt of the season! The cut was clean, the sheerness of the linen gave it that little bit of sex appeal and the side pockets at the bottom of the shirt gave it that much more detail. I loved it so much that I borrowed it and wore it out to brunch with a pair of black skinny jeans\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n I was so inspired with her white linen shirt that when I came home I revisited my own collection of classic white shirts and cracked out this JCrew Endless shirt. I bought mine last year but you can still but it now and it\u2019s on sale! I wore it exactly as you see below with a bold statement necklace, and Marc Jacobs clogs\u2026simple, clean, and the necklace made it fun.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Micolle wears her white shirt<\/p><\/div>\n Cheryl:\u00a0 I do love my white shirt\u2026but I wear it ONE way — with jeans.\u00a0I really want to turn over a new (fashion) leaf\u2026.show me how to be more creative and playful!<\/p>\n Micolle: While I can probably think of 50+ ways to wear the \u201cwhite shirt\u201d in a few different styles and cuts\u2026I’ll give you my summer top 5.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Every time I’m with Micolle I come home inspired and I rediscover stuff I forgot I had or pushed to the back of the closet. My husband was the cell phone wielding photographer for this piece and throughout he kept saying, “you should dress like this more often.”<\/em> I know what he meant I felt different. It was Fun, Playful and free. Colourful. \u00a0With Micolle’s help I shall bravely continue…just call me a (fashion) work in progress. I saved this Top 5 pic for last…look at the sign! Is this a message or what??!!<\/p>\n![\"Micolle](\"https:\/\/ohmywordjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/06\/whiteshirtjeans-300x400.jpg\")
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