Spring 2014

Life Hacks: Closet Cleanout in 3 Steps

It is that time of year again - Spring Cleaning! We all know what that means… It’s time for “out with the old and in with the new.” That motto is all fine and dandy, but some of us struggle with a true spring cleaning overhaul more than others. For those of you that just need a little extra push in the right direction, this post is for you. So packrats, unite! I give you three (yes, three) easy step that will overhaul any closet. Let’s get started!

1. Divide & Conquer

I couldn’t tell you the amount of times that I got overly ambitious and started to clean out my closet and dumped all of my clothes from my closet and drawers onto my bed. Then halfway through the overhaul, I got tired or frustrated from cleaning and dumped everything back into my closet and drawers.

This is the worse way to cleanout your closet! Take it from me - I learned the hard way. It’s important to divide your closet and drawers into sections. I personally like to divide my space into zones based on category. I’ll go through my shoes separate from my jackets and coats too ensure that I go through my closet with a fine tooth comb. This ensures that you’ll allot yourself enough time and energy into each section. This is the perfect way to spread an overhaul over the span of a few days, rather than dedicating one whole day (like your precious days off) to the mess that is now your closet.

2. “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”

This is definitely the hardest part of cleaning out your closet. There have been plenty of times that I’ve kept an article of clothing hoping to lose weight or in anticipation of a special event (that will [most likely] never happen). Let’s be honest here, if you have had it for two years and it has never been worn (red flag: price tags still attached), it is time to say goodbye. Unless of course, it is something very sentimental. I’m sure you aren’t still rocking gaucho pants that were ever so popular circa 2007/2008.

Another trick to figuring out what should stay and what should go is to reverse all of your hangers so that they are facing outward (towards you). When you wear an article of clothing, put it back into your closet as normal (hanger facing inward - towards the back of the closet). Do this for about a month. The items that are left facing outward (sorry to say) got to go.

3. “Another Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure”

Now, your former belongings need a new home. If you have items with tags still attached that are in style and/or in good condition, consign them at Second Time Around! This is the perfect opportunity for you to make some cash on clothing and/or accessories that were just sitting in your closet, taking up space and collecting dust. For a limited time, STA is offering up to 70% on consigned handbags. Details here.

I love going into Second Time Around and using the money I made from my consigned items and putting it towards a piece I know will fit perfectly into my new, clean closet. If you have items that are not in sellable condition, like a pair of beat up sneakers, donate them! Goodwill and Salvation Army will take all of your unwanted clothing for those in need.

That wasn’t too painful, right? It really is easy when you have a guide to go by. Stay tuned for next week’s post on organizing your closet after an overhaul.

Have any tricks you use when Spring Cleaning? Leave them in the comment section, below! We’d love to hear ‘em!

~ Taylor, fashioniSTA

Credits: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3

The Oscars: Our Style Nominations

It’s safe to say we’re obsessed with awards shows.  There’s so many breathtaking gowns we could only dream of wearing, by all of our favorite designers.  After the splash the stars made at this years Grammys and Golden Globes, we can not wait to see what they’ve got planned for the Oscars.  Can’t blame us for having high expectations! Here’s whose looks we can’t wait to see on the red carpet next week.

Lupita Nyong’o

This girl killed it at the Golden Globes in her red hot cape, and we’re sure the whole world can’t wait to see if she’ll knock it out of the park again.  So far she’s made a name for herself by taking a daredevil style and making it oh so chic.  Oh and for her movie 12 years a slave… Good luck Lupita!

Jennifer Lawrence

Sorry to forever associate her with Katniss, but Jennifer Lawrence really is the girl on fire.  As one of the best dressed at last years Oscars, we have faith she’ll defend her sense of style.  Last year her fairytale wedding gown-like dress had us all swooning, but we wouldn’t mind seeing her in something more edgy this time around.  Maybe a tasteful and elegant crop top paired with a tea length skirt!

Amy Adams

Always the epitome of fresh and sweet style, we love Amy’s looks.  As this girl has trouble NOT making the best dressed list, we can’t wait to see what stunning gown she’ll grace us with this year.  With all of the pastels that rocked the runway at New York Fashion Week, we would love to see a soft hue on Amy.  Her flawless complexion is begging for it!  Come on lavender!

Sandra Bullock

The word “class” doesn’t even begin to describe Sandra Bullock as an individual, even her style always radiates effortless sophistication.  Her Elie Saab gown last year was perfection, and we wouldn’t complain seeing her in a similar style this year as well.  If anyone can pull of repeating a style, its her.

Good luck to all the stars, for your nominations and your gown of choice!

Photo Credits: oscar.go.com, eonline.com

Styled To A Tea

There’s no hemming (or hawing) about it, the tea-length hem is back ladies. Let’s be honest though, the hesitation is there for some of us and it probably comes from wondering how to wear this trend just right. But whether you prefer bohemian prints, girly textures or an editorial edge, this spring trend is a must-have addition to everyone’s wardrobe.

The high waist and silhouette of a tea-length skirt is best accentuated with a form fitting top or even a cropped top. Try adding a belt for a polished look, pair it with cute heels to play up the feminine flare, or throw on a leather jacket and your favorite band t-shirt. You will surely fall in love when you find out what a versatile staple this skirt is. It is perfect for a cool and relaxed daytime outfit, but can transition easily into a comfortable and elegant evening look. Here are some of our very favorite looks, from the runway to everyday.

You can’t go wrong with a cool and relaxed boho-chic look, accessorized with chunky accessories.

Feeling flirtatious? Play up your girly side with lace, pleats and pastels.

And finally, the monochromatic (or mono-texture) minimalist never fails to appear put together but not overdone.


This versatile skirt can be styled so many ways and is sure to add a flirty and lady-like touch to any look. We are so excited about having the tea-length skirt in our closets and cannot wait to experiment with it!

Until next time,
Blake

Credits: Runway Bohemian 1 Bohemian 2 Bohemian 3 Girly 1 Girly 2 Girly 3 Minimal 1 Minimal 2 Minimal 3

70% off? That’s Madness

70% off Clearance Items and 20% off new arrivals … you better get ready … It’s our Midnight Madness sale!

Starting February 5th and 6th, the madness begins!  Beautiful designers from Chanel, to Louis Vuitton, to Gucci are all either 20% off or 70% off!  Seriously, is it normal for these beautiful designers so discounted?  Well, no.  That’s why it’s madness.

So … while our store aren’t actually open until midnight, they are open later than usual.  But we promise the madness part is real.  Whether you’re looking for something new for spring or a winter classic to save for November, you’ll find an unbelievable deal.  And most of all, with 70% off, we’ll be bolting for those stunning investment pieces that are calling our names.  Hang on David Yurman, I’ll see you on February 5th and 6th.

With 70% off clearance items, we’re saying goodbye to winter and hello to spring! after all…

We’re now accepting Spring Consignment!