A Solution to the Wardrobe Crisis

I am writing with a confused yet enlightened mood this morning. Today was one of those days. You know, the wardrobe crisis day. I was already running late this morning, and what made me even more late (although by a sheer miracle I did make it on time to work!), is that I had a confusing morning. What does a confusing morning look like, you ask? Well let me tell you.

I asked Kyle what the weather would be like today, and he responded "A little warmer than yesterday". Ok, so I thought in my mind, it was pretty chilly yesterday morning but then it got hot in the afternoon, so it must mean that it will be warm all day. So by the time I was getting dressed, I looked out the window and saw that it was overcast and misty. It really looked like I needed to wear a coat, but didn't want to dress too bundled if it was going to warm up. Thus begins the first step of my confusion. Step two is the fact that today is Thursday, but it just so happens that I have no work on Friday. The campus is closed due to the Cesar Chavez holiday (yah, brilliant I know..) Which begs the question: is today technically "casual Friday?"

So with a combination of obscure weather and no clue of an office appropriate outfit, I sat on my bed. Completely stuck. You know the feeling when you know you should get moving but you can't seem to know where to start? Yah, that was me for about 35 seconds until I realized how silly I was! I recalled some words that Kyle told me long ago - just stick with what works. I glanced over to his side of the closet and reminded myself of how these words of wisdom really do work. Why is he able to get dressed so fast, and still look like he put a lot of time and effort into his outfit? It is because everything in his closet is a well-made, purposefully bought, quality and fashionable item. He very rarely keeps items that don't have much use-value. So in the mornings, he quickly grabs something nice and presentable, which in the end, means that everything in his closet is a winner.

I looked over to my side, and admitted to myself that some pieces are more worthy of the silver and bronze medal. The reason why we women have so many wardrobe crises in the morning is because we crowd our closets up with too many OK pieces - items that lack a certain timelessness and quality that you can wear over and over again. And frankly, more times than not, a bunch of ok items do not always add up to one great outfit. It may take you more time to put together something nice with 'blah' pieces, as opposed to having select few items that ALWAYS WORK. The more clothes you have, the more likely you will make a fashion mistake. Simple as that.

This is my advice to those of you with similar problems. If you are constantly running into issues with your wardrobe, it probably means that you have too many pieces without purpose. Your clothes should be very well thought-out, and actually have a place in your day-to-day lifestyle. Some of those things in your closet are only worn on certain occasions throughout the year - so put them away in the back of your closet. Other pieces are great, versatile items and these are the ones that you should focus on. Find different ways to put them together. Focus your energies on building a wardrobe with a goal. And when you run into a slump, just choose the outfit that you know will look work!

So to end my confused morning, I pulled a favorite dress and cardigan sweater. Easy, comfortable, and presentable. Items that are sure to be winners - all the time!

About

My name is Jocelyn Quarles, a wife, artist, and event planner living in sunny San Bernardino, CA. 

My friends are always surprised to find

out how few clothing items I actually own - in fact, if I had a dollar for every time someone looked in my closet and asked "where's the rest of your stuff?" I would be sitting pretty right about now. 

I don't go shopping very often, but I've found that the secret is in making smart purchases and finding creative ways to wear them.

This blog is about finding creativity in your outfits and making the best of what you have.

I hope you enjoy your visit. Thanks for reading!


Jocelyn 

thelotustrail@gmail.com

Pink Scarf

I really like how she tied her scarf. Sometimes you can get in a scarf rut. I love it!

Fashion Inspiration: MUSIC

I'm sitting here listening to a song called "4am" by Kaskade, letting my imagination run with the lyrics - "There's a way, there's a way, I know....I know that someday we will surely find it..." Ok, I sound so emo right now, (haha) but a thought did just occur to me.
We get so much more inspired when we hear music we like while doing our normal, everyday activities. We put music on while we drive, in front of our computers, during a workout, cleaning the house... and so why not while we are getting dressed? Every once in a while, I hear a song that pushes me to put an outfit together that I normally would not have thought of. There is something about music that frees us a little bit. Perhaps its the carelessness and timelessness that we feel while we are absorbed in the sounds, but music undoubtedly creates an environment that pushes for creativity. Since music brings forth beauty, it might be a good idea every once in a while to pull out your clothes and make outfits while hearing your favorite tracks (assuming they are good ones!). Go on, get inspired! You might just be surprised at the results.

Fashion Workshop - A Recap

Hi all,
I am ecstatic about the turnout of the the "Let's Talk Fashion" Workshop at Walnut Grove Cultural Center last weekend. What a great event! I felt so honored that I got a chance to discuss one of the most important things about fashion in general - why we should even care in the first place! On top of giving many, MANY reasons why we should consider fashion as an important tool in our daily lives, I suggested ways to cut down budget, maintain your clothes, organize your closets, find the right shapes to fit your body-type, and find the colors that suit you best.

One story I would like to share with you is about a woman who approached me after the workshop, with questions about how best to clothe her shape. She recently underwent a stomach surgery due to cancer, and it left her with an unusually large tummy area. This was causing an undue focal point on her body and she decided to attend the workshop in hopes of camouflaging this area and learn to choose the right clothes that will fit her best. Her sincerity and openness to take my advice was in itself one of the most memorable moments of the entire day. Here is a breakdown of what I suggested to her:

- To hide a tummy, the first thing you want to do is find blouses and dresses that have a higher waistline. The waistline should hit just under the ribcage, (which is actually the smallest part of a woman's waist). Also, wear skirts that are A-line which will de-emphasize the tummy. Stay away from blouses that are too clingy and instead, choose ones that are longer and more flowy.

She was already very tall and beautiful, so I know with just a little adjustment in her wardrobe, she will definitely be one chic lady!

Thank you to all who attended!

Let's Talk Fashion - A Workshop

Hello friends! I am writing the day before a fabulous Fashion Workshop taking place at Walnut Grove Cultural Center (http://walnutgrovecenter.org/) in San Gabriel, CA. There will be speakers presenting on different fashion related topics, and yours truly will be one of them! I am super excited for this event, not only to share with you all the style tips and tricks that I've accumulated, but to also see and hear real women share about their failures and successes when it comes to style.

So why should we place so much importance on fashion? What kinds of style recommendations can you give me - and my short legs? lol How can I better take care of my clothes and shoes? If you've ever asked yourself these, or similar questions, then I hope you will join me at the workshop tomorrow!

Cheers to a new you!