is anyone reading?

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful. {William Morris}

a wise woman once said...

"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." {Coco Chanel}

We are all, to some degree, unique individuals. But what will illuminate your distinctive qualities? What will your signature style be?

I personally gravitate toward form-fitting silhouettes, soft fabrics, layers, skirts (with tights in cooler months), low slung jeans, and heels (or flip flops if I'm bumming around). The most common colors in my wardrobe are white, cream, blue, and gray. My daily perfume is Coco Mademoiselle and I have worn the same Chanel shades for years. Where makeup is concerned, I'm a flawless skin, dramatic eye, and nude lip kind of girl. I like for my hair to have a killer, shiny blow-out (when I can manage it). Is that a signature style? I suppose I have some work to do.

For more information on developing your own, see Ssasy Chic's article, How to Create a Signature Style.

coffee update

It's been one week since I last had coffee. I feel great, and am proud of myself for toughing it out.

I'm actually more lucid when I first wake up, although I get drowsy around 9am. My hunger level consistency, sleep quality, and stomach issues have all greatly improved.

Best of all, the office coffee pot is broken today and people are flipping out. No worries for me, though!

wardrobe spreadsheet

A wardrobe spreadsheet is a great tool:

+ To gauge when it's time to shop. Do I have enough outfits to work with? What are the weak spots in my wardrobe, like the skirt that only matches one shirt?
+ As a shopping companion. Is this piece of clothing redundant? Will it match plenty of other things I own?
+ To help keep things fresh. What outfit combination haven't I worn in a while because I forgot about it?
+ As a packing companion, if you're like me and love to pack light. How many different looks can I get out of the fewest items of clothing?
+ As a time and energy saver. In a hurry? Tired? Consult the spreadsheet, and you're sure to look pulled together with minimal effort.

I like to keep mine in google docs so there is only one copy to update and it is accessible anywhere. I can also add 'comments' to note which undergarments, camisole, cardigan, coat, shoes, jewelry, and even hairstyle worked best with the outfit. This gives me the ability to experiment when I have time, and move quickly when I don't. I've grayed out the squares containing special occasion outfits. Click the image to see a screenshot of my current wardrobe spreadsheet:

minimizing needs : quitting coffee

After scarfing down my lunch today because I was shaky, nauseus, and incredibly irritable, I realized that something has got to change.

For years now coffee has been my friend. A burst of motivation during all-nighters in grad school, a warm comfort during cold mornings, a treat to meet over with old friends.

Unfortunately the older I get, I realize that having a cup of coffee sends my blood sugar plummeting. I'm also not sleeping as well as I used to, and I suspect that coffee is also responsible for recent stomach troubles (I'll spare you the details). I also want to experience the simplicity and freedom that stems from not needing anything to get me started in the morning. And while I make most of my coffee at home or in the office, eliminating the occasional coffeehouse drink will be good for my budget.

I know I mention zen habits a lot, but I found some good tips there on getting by without caffiene. Some people prefer to wean themselves off of coffee, but I'm going cold turkey. I'll be miserable for a couple of days but it's a slippery slope and I can see myself justifying "just one more cup" if I attempt to cut back. Please wish me luck and for my head not to explode this weekend.

What about you? Is there you're considering cutting out of your life? Or have you recently gone through this and have encouragement from the other side?

what do you value most?

Leo over at zen habits posed an interesting question - if you had to leave your home at a moment's notice, what would you take? Presumably you'd pack these items in the trunk of your car, or in a similar amount of space.

As for me, the only "thing" I can't live without is my dog. But the most important possessions that I own are my clothes, shoes, toiletries, blowdryer, and hairbrush. Sure, these things can be replaced, but I'm very picky. I'd also bring my Vaio and flash drive (holds all pictures & music) and a small box of important documents, cards, letters, and pre-digital photos.

I would miss my heirloom dining table, some of my dishes, and my bed. I'm assuming, of course, that I'd be going somewhere that I could get food, water, shelter, electricity. If we're talking armageddon here then its a different ballgame - and I am NOT prepared. In that case I would definitely be screwed.

out the door

Another load of items for charity, plus recycling.

Pretty soon I'm not going to have anything left!

the best things in life...

...aren't things.


my dog

redecorated entry

Before. I had an ikea shelving unit that held my old tv. When I got a new tv and mounted it on the wall I wasn't sure what to do with the burea, so I put it by the front door. I have set aside most of what was stored inside it for charity.


After. I sold the shelves for $50, put the money in savings, and best of all didn't have to move the unit at all. The buyer came to get it and carried it out.


A close-up of the outgoing mail pouch I created with fabric-covered cardboard, glue, and ribbon:

MORE minimizing

I officially sold my ikea bureau - it is being picked up tonight. :) $50 richer for having less stuff - brilliant.

Next up is my Christmas tree. It is nice, but I'd rather have the money and do something like this tree next year, if anything:

I've set aside a lot more stuff for charity, too - some glasses, a pitcher, flower vases, kitchen utensils...two big bags of things. Every run-through finds me able to purge more and more...even though I'm not bringing anything new (besides consumables) into the house. Where does this stuff come from??

I also need to remember to go through my cleaning supplies this weekend. I have way more than I need - all I really use is Windex antibacterial and swiffer for my wood floors.

minimizing

Another run-through. Here are the things I've set aside to donate so far:

2 of 3 cookie sheets. The two I parted with are a dark finish and always seem to burn the bottom of my cookies. The remaining cookie sheet is small which is nice, because it fits in the diswasher. I may look for 1 more small sheet.

ikea bureau. It used to hold my old tv, but now I have a flat screen that is wall mounted. Right now it is by the front door holding a few things but I don't really need it.

a brown Tahari skirt.

a mini dustpan and broom.

mister clean magic eraser

leather cleaning fluid

4 whoopie cushions and a pack of balloons (don't ask).

an unused deck of cards (I have two).

services I have gotten rid of:
coloring my hair
manicures

what I am considering getting rid of:
commercial cleaning products (vinegar only)

zen home

What is your favorite room in your home? Mine is definitely my bedroom, but I love my entire home - it feels very zen. But it is expensive, and quite a lot of space and resources for one person.

I am dreaming & planning to move out of state this fall. For both expense and simplicity, I will probably rent a room in my new location rather than an entire apartment. This will require splitting my belongings in 3 groups - take, store (at my mother's house 150 miles away), and sell. As much as I hate to store things, my dining table is an heirloom from my dad's family that I refinished, and since he passed away 8 years ago it's something I don't want to part with. Other furniture that I do not take will probably be sold.

bedroom
in a lofted space accessible by a ladder, it contains only:
bed: frame, box spring, mattress, mattress pad, sheets, duvet & cover, throw, 2 pillows, decorative pillow
end table: clock, lamp, 2 vases
basket under bed for lotion, lip balm, book





bathroom
cabinet: 4 bath towels, 4 hand towels, 2 washcloths, extra tp
toiletries
scale
rug
shower curtain, liner, rings
soap, kleenex, sonicare toothbrush

living/dining
couch
chair & ottoman
leather storage cube, serves as ottoman, coffee table, and holds 2 blankets
3 throw pillows
end table: ipod docking station
40" lcd tv (wall mounted)
end table: cable box
dining table & 6 chairs
floor lamp
basket of dog toys
bookcase: 73 books (I easily removed as many a little while ago), 11 framed photos, my grandmother's miniature white owls (LOVE), a depression glass bowl my mom & dad gave me as a child, a leather box (containing coasters, 9 small white candles, and remotes), a rattan box containing owner's manuals, two small model cars my dad built, a vase filled with coral from vacation, music scores, and an expandable file filled with important documents.

kitchen
coffee maker
microwave
stand mixer
teapot
paper towel holder
recipe box
8 large plates, 8 small plates, 8 dessert plates, 8 cereal bowls, 4 small bowls
8 large glasses, 8 small glasses, 4 juice glasses, 4 wine glasses, 5 coffee mugs
3 ceramic mixing bowls, heirloom china serving bowl, 4 matching china bowls, square serving bowl, mini serving bowl, dog food & water bowls
8 large forks, 8 small forks, 8 tablespoons, 8 teaspoons, 8 butter knives, 8 steak knives, 1 paring knife, large serving spoon, large serving fork
8 linen napkins, 1 pkg paper napkins juice pitcher, 2 flower vases 1 water bottle, 3 plastic food storage
large cutting board, small cutting board
9x13 baking dish, 8x8 glass baking dish
bread baking pan, pie pan, 2 cake pans, muffin pan, 2 large cookie sheets, 1 small cookie sheet
2 cooling racks
2 frying pans, 2 sauce pans and lids
colander, corkscrew, can opener, 2 spreaders, spatula, 2 plastic spoons, wine stopper, whisk, tongs, grater, and a few other small utensils

dressing room
dressing table: jewelry box, blow dryer, curling iron, flat iron, round brush, straightening balm
chair
dresser
2 weekend bags
table mirror
full length mirror
laptop
floor lamp
vacuum
bonzai
framed picture
mail caddy
keepsake box
violin
yoga mat
clothes & shoes
cart
clothes drying rack
laundry hamper
christmas tree
steamer
extra toiletries
gift wrapping items
extra blankets
christmas ornaments/decorations
microwave box/tv stand
2 suitcases

entryway/hallway
cabinet: dog accessories, dvds, cds, hats & gloves, photographs, tools, batteries, lightbulbs, external hard drive, electronics cables
3 throw rugs
framed diplomas
cleaning products

The fact that this is such an arduous task tells me that I have too many things...but it's still much, much improved from the way I used to live. What do you think? Where can I pare down?

how to throw an elegant cocktail party

Right now I'm sitting with my laptop and a cup of coffee in my big comfy bed, dreaming up my next cocktail party. Cocktail parties are some of the easiest to organize due to their simplicity...you can throw a fun, engaging party and have time to enjoy it yourself. If you've never tried it, go for it!

preparation

Pick a date and invite your guests by phone or email, giving 2-3 weeks advance notice. You can count on about 6-7 of every 10 people you invite to attend. Don’t be afraid to invite some new faces or mix groups of friends who have never met!

Arrange furniture so that partygoers can move easily throughout the room without any embarrassing mishaps. Offer seating for 20% of your guests – while mingling is the party’s objective, everyone needs to take a break once in a while. Guests should also have a clear spot to leave their discarded plates and glasses.

Align music with the theme or the atmosphere you want to create, without making it difficult for guests to speak. If you have an iPod, create a party playlist in advance.

Avoid overhead lighting. Instead rely on floor and table lamps, and safely placed groups of candles for mood lighting. Don’t bother cleaning much since the party is guaranteed to be crowded, dimly lit, and make a mess of your home. The only two things you need to worry about? Hiding clutter (you don’t want guests looking at your credit card statement, do you?) and cleaning the bathroom. Almost every guest will visit the bathroom during the course of the evening, so make it spotless and offer fresh hand towels, easily accessible toilet paper extras, good liquid soap, and hand cream.

planning the bar

To keep the event both elegant and affordable, offer a few signature cocktails, plus wine and nonalcoholic beverages.

Some of my favorite party cocktails:
spring: bellini
summer: gin fizz, sangria
fall: apple cider martini
winter: hot mulled cider with a splash of rum

Each guest will drink an average of two drinks the first hour and one drink each hour thereafter. Have drinks ready as soon as the first guest enters the party. It helps calm nerves and encourages people to mingle.

Have on hand one bottle of wine per eight guests for any non-cocktail drinkers. Food and wine from the same region tend to go together, so if your menu focuses on food from a specific country, serve wines from the same place. Always have plenty of plain and sparkling water for non-drinkers with lemons, limes, or berries for garnish.

A one-liter bottle of alcohol yields approximately 22 mixed drinks and a 750-ml bottle of Champagne fills six regular Champagne glasses. Determine how much alcohol to purchase based on how many guests are attending and what kind of bar you're going to have. Also plan on having a half pound of ice per guest and if in doubt, err on the side of extras in case there are unexpected guests or one drink is more popular than others.

planning the food

According to Epicurious, a party that takes place outside of a mealtime should offer guests 5-6 hors d'oeuvres choices, with each guest taking 1-2 of each choice. Parties that take place during mealtime should offer guests 8-10 hors d'oeuvres, with each guest taking 2-3 of each choice.

Some of my personal favorites, depending on the drink selections and season:
fresh fruit
turkey pita wraps with cucumber ranch dressing
grilled kabobs
chilled walkdorf salad
apple tart ramekins
almond barquette
mini creampuffs
veggies and hummus
mini pumpkin pie slices
toasted canapes with nutella and fresh hazlenuts

If space is limited, place hors d’oeuvres buffet-style in a centrally located spot. Otherwise, group the food in smaller portions around the room, encouraging guests to mingle. Decorate trays with berries, flowers, leaves, or herbs (edible – just in case!)

You can keep food hot in an oven at about 125°F until you're ready to serve – plan on introducing food about 30 minutes after the first guest’s arrival. Remember to have at least 6 napkins, 2 plates, and 2 of each necessary utensil for each guest. Don't forget to sample the food yourself!

When you’re ready for the party to wind down – or you’re noticing signs that the party is dwindling on its own, like abandoned wine glasses – begin offering coffee. People will soon make their way to the door. To help those last stubborn guests get the hint (we all know them), begin clearing glasses and dishes. Once everyone has gone, relax - you can clean up the house tomorrow!

what's in your wardrobe?

my closet

I recently pared down my wardrobe, relying heavily on Mme. Dariaux's classic tome A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions. The book was originally published in 1964 and has only had minor updates since. While some of the concepts are somewhat outmoded due to modern lifestyle, the advice is incredibly sound. The book has done wonders in helping me develop and refine my individual style...I recommend you check it out! Paring down has helped ensure that any item I pull out of my closet is going to make me look and feel great. Less really IS more.

an inventory of my modest (by American standards) wardrobe:

work
3 cardigans: black merino, grey merino, black silk
2 short sleeve blouses: plum, tan bateau
2 camisoles: navy, gray
1 sweater: ceramic blue wool
10 skirts: black pencil, gray button-down, plum overlay, gray tulip, blue tulip, brown belted pencil, brown wool pencil, embroidered blue/white, embroidered green/white, black tulip
4 pants: black, grey/black, grey, tan
1 suit: black wool crepe jacket & a-line skirt

casual
14 tops: orange square neck, grey square neck, purple empire waist, grey tunic, red scoopneck, white scoopneck (2), white empire, navy v-neck, cream deep-v, grey/green stripe, white diesel, pink strapless, blue polo (need to discard/replace many of these - I'm hard on them for some reason)
2 sweaters: brown thick cardigan, cream thin wool
3 sweatshirts: 1 thick college, 2 thin zip
4 pair jeans: flap pocket true religion, plain pocket true religion, dark blue silver brand, light hydraulic
4 skirts: blue broadcloth mini, cream courderoy tulip, pink cotton, black cotton
2 jackets: black brocade for wearing with jeans, heathered brown swing

dresses
7: red strapless seersucker, brown haler seersucker, white/pink strapless, black/cream strapless, moss green wool, navy polkadot halter, black buttondown

undergarments
bras: 12 (incl. 3 strapless)
underwear: about 30 (all lacy and fantastic)
socks: just kidding - I'm not counting these

other
lounge/sleepwear: 2 lingerie sets, 2 short cotton gowns, 1 pr sleep pants, 1 cami/shorts set, a few other tanks, tees, and cotton skirts
active: black zip up, black/pink pants, black/purple pants, 3 sports bras, a number of thin tees
2 bathing suits
3 pashminas/scarves
shoes: 25 (incl. wellies)
4 handbags: white large BR, black kate spade, brown d&b hobo, goldenrod yellow clutch
4 coats (it's cold here): black wool single breasted coat, black parka, moss green wool peacoat, cream north face zip up

You can probably see what my weaknesses are - skirts and undies. What are yours?

selectiveness - the heart of elegance

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Leonardo da Vinci

Selectiveness and refusal is integral to glamour. This applies to material things, relationships, and activities. It is better to not have something than to have something of subpar quality; you must accept nothing but the best.

While you've undoubtedly collected inelegant and unnecessary items through the years (as have I), I invite you to join me in beginning this simplification process adapted from zen habits. While this process is applicable to all aspects of your life, I'll begin with an easy example - a closet. You'll want some good music playing or maybe a movie you love and have seen a hundred times, and perhaps a nice big cup of coffee.

Collect
Empty the entire closet and put it in a pile. Remove every last thing from the closet.

Choose
Pick out only the few things you love and use and that are important to you. Just sort through the pile, picking out the really essential stuff. Be very selective. Put the important stuff you pick out into a separate, smaller pile.

Eliminate
Toss the rest out - don’t be sentimental with this step. Donate these items to charity or give them to a friend if possible.

Organize
Put back the essential things neatly. Group like items together and leave space around the groups - this makes everything look neater and simpler

Congratulations! Now you have a clean, beautiful closet - and you won't miss what you gave away, I promise. Once you've moved throughout your house simplifying, try the same tactic to evaluate your hobbies, commitments, and relationships.