Time to Shop

I am so excited that Spring looks are hitting stores. Good bye snow, hello bright colors and fun flirty outfits. The last few seasons, I haven't been that impressed with The Limited - gasp... not impressed by my one time fav store? I know right... but I think some of their new looks hit it out of the park - and I can't wait to update my closet with these lovelies...

First up... I love party dresses. Who doesn't need a couple of fun dresses littering their closet. You never know when you might be invited to a drop everything and go fancy party. And this dress is my number one want.

It totally reminds me of a more attainable version of this dress.

Which despite what a lot of critics say - I love. And I'm a sucker for a LBD (little black dress). I think this dress could be totally dressed down - through a sweater or jacket over it and no one will know it's a one sleeve number.

Next up...

So very Audrey or Grace. Over the years, I have made a conscious effort to pick classic elegant (My motto - what would Audrey wear) over trendy. Elegant you'll grab five years from now out of your closet, trendy will be sent to the Goodwill after a year. I can't find this skirt on their website. Disappointing. But I will stake it out at the store.

I've been big into mixing it up recently. Dragging out my teal sweater over a dress. Adding a pop of color with shoes. So how cute is this? I love the dress (saw it in the window display a month ago and wanted it then) and the little sweater - super adorbs... Plus this is really easy to wear anywhere - work, bridal shower, baby shower, you name it.

Ok this one I'd need to try on. I'm short and too much on the bottom makes me look - well shorter. But I love this skirt, ruffles and all. I am all about crazy skirts with understated colors on top. The belt is super cute too. I think I'm in love.

Another very wearable look. Actually I think I have all of this in my closet. Yellow and white scarf - check. Yellow sweater - check (actually it's a short sleeve cousin to this from The Limited last summer). Black pants - hello what Audrey Hepburn fan wouldn't own a half dozen pair of classic black pants.

What I love about this is I'm 90% sure it's the dress a few pictures up with a sweater over it. Anything I can mix into multiple looks is a huge plus. Unlike some looks with a dress used as a skirt - you totally can't tell and could pull it off on your own - without the help of Photoshop.

Anyway - I need to get ready... busy day. But kudos Limited. You won me back. And PS your bridal collection has gotten a lot better - you've come along way from two bridal gowns. Some of the dresses look a tad bridesmaid but I guess that's to be expected. But I love how costs effective it is!



Little Red Riding Hood... aka I Love Capes

I am in absolute love with capes this season. I keep hoping and praying one will turn up at Loft, Limited or Old Navy (surprisingly or not ON is a great place to find trendy winter coats) but no such luck. So I'm stuck lusting after this one... that's crazy out of my price range and green...

I stopped watching Gossip Girl this year. I just couldn't keep up and I need the extra night of no TV to do other things. But I still heart Blair and her chic updated Audrey Hepburn looks. This green cape and yellow shoes are simply delish. source: www.thelovecollage.com.

Do you know how hard it is to find pictures of capes? Apparently the only places that remotely sell them are stores that charge more than my mortgage payment for one. And when I do a Google search - all I get is crazy things like Halloween costumes, examination bibs for doctor's offices and other non-relevant information.

So would you wear this trend or not?

My Favorite Thing: Fall Fashion

I hate to see summer end. Sure it's about a hundred degrees in the shade but summer is by far my favorite season. The beach, more things to do, the bright colors, the white manis, sandals, flip flops, white pants, easy make-up... My second favorite season though would be when the seasons change. There's just something so great about all these fabulous new clothes hitting the stores. I pour over the quarterly fashion mags to see what's "in" for Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer... you name it. So with fall teasing us with cool mornings my favorite thing of the moment is all this fab fall fashion hitting the stores.

Here are a few of my favorites - let me know what you think.

Can I talk about how much I love this cardi/jacket? It's so Jackie O/Chanel/Audrey... I tried it on probably three times before I just gave up and bought it. And that's huge for me because my rule is don't buy it full price when you can wait for a fab sale. And of course it's from where else but The Limited.

Super cute tweed skirt from The Limited. I haven't bought it yet but don't think I haven't been eyeing this up as the perfect companion to the jacket above.

I love this lace skirt from The Limited. I'm trying to be good and wait for it to go on sale but every ounce of self control I have is forcing me not to run out to the store right this second and snatch it right up.

I've really gotten more into Ann Taylor Loft recently. I've snapped up a few good purchases at the end of summer sales and spent some time scoping out what I want when the sales start to hit. Here are a few finds...

This outfit is so super cute. I love the hat. The skirt, the jacket, everything. I want it.

How cute is this whole look? I'm loving her hat, the skinny jeans and the tweed jacket. The boots - not so much but you can't win them all. Target had a similar hat to both of these in a commercial for probably half the costs so I make snap that up just in case I find I'm not much of a hat girl.

One thing I'm loving about Ann Taylor and Loft is they carry petites which is huge if you're like me and barely 5'4. I hate having to get clothes hemmed. It costs even more money and is just a huge pain in the neck. If I can buy pants that are the perfect fit - amazing! (I will say my only problem is there are times when it's close - I'm not quite a regular but not quite a petite - nothing screams lame like high water pants that aren't intentional).

Ok this is it for now - I think I hear a netflix and glass of wine calling my name. I'll try to post more later of some more favs for fall - Ann Taylor (Loft's more expensive older sister) has some fab skirts and dresses and of course my jean favorite Old Navy has some really great skinny jeans for cheap. What are you shopping for this season?

Rompers II

So I went to The Limited last night - I had to get a Mother's day gift and to try on a romper. They totally reminded me why I love that store. I figured out what's wrong with the other rompers I've seen and tried on. Most are one pieces with no zippers or buttons or buttons only at the top near your chest. The piece is meant to be pulled on up over your hips and then slipped over your shoulders if there are straps. Meaning it has to be big enough to get over your hips (which I don't know about you but are the widest part of my body). So in the end you get what's the equivalent of a sack.

So I went in and picked up the turquoise one. They had sold out of the one shoulder one!!! I tried on a large which was way too big but I wanted to see if it was even halfway cute. I'm in love. The turquoise I tried on a small. There was a zipper on the shorts and buttons up each side of the top - allowing the fabric to open enough to slide over your hips and butt. The turquoise one is super cute on - I still had a butt. haha.... the only thing I'm not crazy about on that one is that it hits pretty high on my chest (much higher than on the model). So I didn't buy either one but I'm going to order the black one later and will give you a final assessment then.

But my tip if you are going to dare a romper - pay more and get one with sides that can be unzipped or unbuttoned - the extra give will allow the piece to still be form fitting once closed.

Happy Shopping!

My Favorite Things - The Limited

Was this a secret? If so, poorly kept. Especially if the sales people recognize you when you walk in and point you to the new stuff. Since I'm trying to be good and not spend money (see post re. new computer) I haven't been in forever but The Limited is torturing me with $15 coupons and emails about their newest clothes. I swear I think it's all a trick to get me back in the store (obviously).


Anyway, a while back I talked about wanting a romper. I've been pretty discouraged because most said rompers are a. hard to find (this isn't exactly CA or NY) b. incredibly unflattering (i.e. gives you no butt or diaper butt) or c. don't fit properly (diaper butt/no butt excluded, I've found the bottoms are tight, the tops too big, etc....). But guess what popped into my inbox a few days ago....















A turquoise romper (which is what I wanted) at my favorite store ever!!! For half a second I debated calling in sick to get to the mall but that would be just silly... right? Well anyway, they have three options... turquoise above for $69.50.














This option which I love - how cute is the one shoulder look? It's $79.50 (a little steep I think).
















And this... not sure what to think.... I don't know I'm not so much a fan but I might try it on. You can never tell in photos. This one is $69.50.


So I'm going this weekend even if I have to sneak over there and hide the package in my car for a month... or maybe I can tell K The Limited had a special buy one get one free deal??? I'll admit all the prices are a little high for what's really shorts but I do have the $15 coupon, plus a few others floating around that will help. And really - these things might not even fit right!



Anyway, what do you think? Would you wear a romper?

So I have an interview on Friday and I'm basically procrastinating doing this writing assignment they want (by tomorrow morning). First off the assignment is a press release but I don't feel like there is enough information in the document they gave me to write anything substantial and I'm not sure if we're supposed to go on the website and get more information... I mean a little instruction here would be nice.

So I had to go by an outfit because one I always feel more confident in something new that I think is totally fierce. And two because I'll take any good reason to go shopping.

This is what I got (http://www.thelimited.com/):

What do you think? Obviously would look way better if they would shell out a little extra money to have real people in their clothes but I thought it was cute. It's different - not your standard black suit (hard to tell but there is a pattern and a slight sheen to the material) but not so crazy they'll take one look at me and shut the door. I'm thinking a white cami underneath and my pearls because it's expected. I don't think an interview is the time or place to break out my glass ring and purple nail polish.

So I'm confident about the outfit now I need to wow them with this writing sample and interview. My goal - make them know they can't live without me. Wish me luck!

Side note about a model in the clothes - I was thinking about this after I hit publish. And maybe no model is good. I'm not distracted by some 18 year old, 6 ft, 100 lb model and I can really judge the outfit. Usually I'm left pondering - ok well Marissa Miller looks amazing in that bikini but could I pull it off being that I'm probably a few pounds heavier and a lot of inches shorter (and I don't have professional hair, make-up and a spray tan).

Getting Started: Elementary Branding

I went to my writing group Wednesday and it always leaves me with a ton of topic ideas. Since make-up reviews aren't for everyone and I'm postponing doing other things. Let's discuss one of them.

The writer suggested creating your brand and someone in the class asked what is a brand? I'm not going to kid myself and say I'm a brand expert but I studied brands in school and just went through a brand tweak at work for the last year and a half so I think I can at least give an elementary overview of the topic.

A brand is a lot more than a logo and color, it's more than who the company says they are, it's also what the customer thinks the company is. A brand is a living breathing thing and always changing. Company's do their best to manage their brand but in my opinion the brand is nothing if the customer's don't agree.

For example: I could own XYZ Coffee shop. My idea of what I am is I have low prices, friendly service, and lots of books and magazines people can just sit around hanging out. I could talk to my customers and find out they think Starbucks is cheaper (wow!), that the magazines and books are beat up and old, and the customer service just ok. Obviously what I think I am is not what everyone else perceives.

I would really suggest if you're serious about branding yourself to read up on the topic. Read books on branding, websites on branding, look at company's brand books. Obviously if you're branding yourself as a master blogger or a great writer you don't need a 100 page brand book but you should have something written out so you can concisely tell people the different aspects of your brand.

I would suggest figuring out what makes you different, what are you trying to sell and how does it relate to others. I think Target and Nike do awesome jobs.

Nike is trying to sell exercise clothes and shoes, their slogan is "Just Do It". It's all about how buying their stuff will help you just get on with your life and tackle your next big race or win that tennis game. You can show someone their logo and people instantly know who they are. But they back it all up with a great product. They could have done the same thing and had shoddy shoes that gave you blisters and fell apart mid-race. Do you think people would have the same respect for them?

Now you all know my love affair with Target. Target quickly positioned themselves as (I'm going to say) the anti-Walmart. A big box store with great customer service, low prices (but they didn't hinge on this as much), everything you could ever want but more upscale. You know the bulls eye. You know the dog. You know the red shirts. It's all part of their brand. It's all part of their overall brand. They're building an expectation and meeting it (I think).

Walmart (if you haven't noticed) has been desperately trying to re-brand themselves - new logo, new colors, the store near me was redesigned. The thing is for me they can't bounce up and down and yell about how upscale they are and how they aren't just a low-priced boxy warehouse with unhelpful employees but for me I'm not going to set foot in the store unless I absolutely have to - I've had too many bad experiences. Their brand to me is cheap prices, unhelpful employees, warehouse feel, and NOT WORTH IT. I'd rather pay $2 more and stay safely tucked away in Target.

So you're probably saying? What does all this mean?

1. Find out what makes you different. Write a mission statement, your values and your vision and then you can start working on your brand. Your brand will reinforce your mission and values and help you reach your vision.

2. Come up with a mini-brand book. If you're a writer - I would suggest knowing a font you want to use in your book (different fonts have different readability, come across meaning different things). The brand book should spell out what you want and what you don't want. For example, at work we want life-style photos in our ads (people living their life) not just shiny-happy people (you know the glassy-eyed stock photos of someone holding say an apple and smiling like they just took a fistful of anti-depressants).

3. Be rememberable. Use what makes you different and become top of mind to people. As I said a logo is part of a brand but flash up say the Target bulls eye and there is a feeling associated with that (perhaps joy that everything I could ever want was crammed into one big building). You want people to look at something you do and instantly associate with you. A test I like to do at work, is cover up our logo/or anyone's logo and say - can I tell who is advertising this? Is it immediately clear that this is Nike, Target, The Limited... etc.

4. Be good at what you do. Become a source for what makes you different. Put yourself out there. You can't be a brand if no one knows who you are.

5. But limit yourself to only things that fit your brand strategy. Don't participate in things that don't strengthen who you are. I don't like her but Paris Hilton does a pretty decent job of branding herself - she participates in things that enhance her image as a carefree party girl. She goes to club openings, sexy commercials, etc. You don't see her on a poster for Free the Whales or giving talks about the state of the nation.

Think Spring!

So I haven't done a fashion post in awhile and I'm on a roll tonight all creative with the blog posts...

Let's think Spring and what is more Spring then some fun florals. Here are a few of my favorites out now... I'm feeling a shopping trip this weekend. Whose in? :)

www.thelimited.com super cute T with flower details at the neck. I've been eyeing this for awhile - I'm waiting for my coupons so I can buy it.

www.nyandco.com I feel like they are so hit or miss but I love love love this dress.

Vera's my love of purses began with you. www.verabradley.com I love the slightly old fashion look. The soft brown and green - perfect for Spring.

My other love www.anntaylor.com. I have the pants already so all I need is the shirt - its like adding a whole new look to my wardrobe with one little purchase.

Let me know what you're buying!

Retail Winners and Losers - My Comments

Yahoo must be after my heart. Now when I log in I get the latest news but I also get random entertainment stories. Today it was Retail Winners and Losers where they listed this years top performers and the ones that haven't done so well. Here is my take...

Top Performers:

TJX Companies (includes TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, AJ Wright). Basically the article says they're doing well because everyone is after a bargain. I've never been to AJ Wright (not even sure if there is one around here) but the other three are hit or miss. I probably go to Marshalls the most since it's the closest but I have to be in the right mood to search for fabulous deals. My take on these stores is I want an awesome deal on a brand or name I recognize. I'm not going to pay even $20 for a brand I've never heard of... snobbish? Maybe.

Ross Stores - can't comment never been to one. Basically sounds like a TJ Maxx/Marshalls kind of store.

Aeropostale - I haven't been in there in years but used to like it a lot in NJ for fun summer things. I think I've kind of out-grown the whole look though.

Saks - not even sure I've been there - there's one in town but kind of far from me and I'm not looking to to drop $100 on a t-shirt.

Costco - not surprised... not really much to say about buying cereal in bulk.

JW Nordstrom - loves.... which I had a bigger clothing budget so I could just shop their all the time. It's like retail heaven. Awesome dressing rooms, nice sales people, clean, clothes not all shoved everywhere.... I can't say enough good things about Nordstroms...

Weaklings

JC Penney - a little shocked they made the list because every now and then you can score some really cute work outfits for a reasonable price. Items are better made then stuff you find at Kohls (which didn't make the list and I refuse to even step foot in that place). Basically the article said since they are a mid-level retailer they can't get the high-end shoppers or the discount people.

Wet Seal - slightly trashy clothes. I personally think they are a little over-priced for what they are selling but that's just me. I've never been a fan of stores like this, Forever 21 or H&M...

American Apparel - never been there.

Dillard's - not shocked. The one near me is horrible. I don't even go in there unless I see a poster saying Clinique is having a free gift and then its in and out.

Hot Topic - yeah... not really into goth teen clothes so do not shop here and not surprised they made the list as no one should shop here - really unattractive clothes.

Abercrombie - not surprised since it's made the news the past few years how teens aren't really going there anymore. I think they hit their peak in early 2000's and probably are going to start fading fast. I have never really liked their stuff. I think it's over-priced, not really my style, and honestly not all that their fans think it is.

My favs that didn't make the list:

The Limited - I could live there. I love pretty much everything the store.

Old Navy - So you could probably try to throw them in the same category as H&M as far as price but I think Old Navy doesn't try to do a ton of trendy things instead they do a few basics and sell them cheaper than their sister stores (Gap and Banana). I love their jeans.

Ann Taylor (Loft/Factory Store) - I would think they might have done better. I think if you're still shopping high-end then this is a good bet for work clothes. I like they have a whole petites department (something The Limited should add).

Target - hello how did my favorite big box store not end up on the peak performers. I don't really buy clothes here that often but will wander their aisles forever.

Surprised they aren't an under performer...

Macys - a little surprised Macys didn't end up on the under performers just since I read they've been in a bit of trouble. I like Macy's overall - ones up North are way better. The ones in VA are pretty much old Hecht's that they changed the name but never updated the merchandise. I have to be in the mood to department store shop but I like their shoe department.

Gap - I think they are wedged firmly between Banana and Old Navy and are the unpopular one. Do we really need anymore button-downs with khakis. I just feel like their look is so tired.

American Eagle - same thoughts as Abercrombie.

Those are my thoughts. Are you shocked or not that surprised? What's your favorite stores?

Favorite Thing December 30

This week? A high-waisted dress from The Limited. I got it right before Christmas - I had a coupon and who doesn't buy presents from themselves. I like that it's work appropriate but could be fun too. I could make The Limited my favorite thing because I'm so obsessed with their clothes but alas I need to pick just one favorite this week.

I'm hoping I can score some really hot shoes to wear with it... but this week I wore it with black Nine West heels with little metal grommets (to punk it up a bit) and a short black suit jacket since it's just cap sleeves and 40 degrees outside and my new key necklace (hint my favorite thing for next week).

Photo from www.thelimited.com

Santas = Good Customer Service

So I know I should write a Grinch today but I pretty much Grinch'd out from Friday and Saturday. So here is my missing Santa Claus post for Saturday, instead.

I complained a lot about stores and companies with bad customer service. (Shame on you companies!) That I feel the need to write about companies I've had good experience with... because if nothing else they deserve the recognition for a job well done.

The funny thing is thinking about good customer service is harder - because sometimes good customer service is simply completing the job as promised.

Like take Amazon for instant. I have never had to call them for anything. Everything I've ever ordered has shown up intact and on-time. Is this good customer service or simply doing what was promised when I placed my order? In a way I think it's good customer service since bad customer service seems to run wild. But the part of me that isn't jaded - thinks no this simply what was promised when I gave them my credit card. Good customer service is going the extra mile. It's making sure your customers not only get what was promised when they walk through the door, they walk out feeling good (and in turn loyal to the store).

One of my best examples of this is The Limited at VCC. I used to like The Limited - it had cute work outfits, a little pricey but good sales. Then I started going to the store at VCC and I fell in love with The Limited. Half of what I own or more comes from that store. If I go to VCC I'm going in The Limited whether I need something or not. And what changed my attitude about a store that I liked but didn't have to go to into something I can't live without? Well, their clothes and sales help but the sales people in the store always act like nothing you ask is going out of the way. I'm not talking about kissing your ass nice. I'm talking normal friendly - a hi when you walk in, a quick can I help you. It's starting a dressing room when you're holding multiple garments. It's being helpful but not annoying. And because I go there so often they remember me and well go out of there way to point out new things.

In response to my blog post on NY and Co here is how they should have handled the situation of me wanting to try on the shirt. It was late and K and I had swung by the mall after dinner to pick up one thing. I had begged him into running into The Limited when I saw "the dress". It was the prettiest blue and so simple but elegant. I had to try it on. They had a four and an eight so I scooped them up and ran into the dressing room. Let me tell you right now it's almost 9:00 pm (closing time). I try on the dresses, the eight is too big, the four is a tad too small (you know the type of outfit you're afraid to dry or eat too much because it might not fit). I was bummed. The sales girl offered to call another mall for me but I said no, it was ok.

We started to leave and there in the window was the dress on a mannequin. I rushed back inside and dashed into the display. It was a six. I found the sale associate and asked her if I could try it on. I fully expected since they were five minutes away from closing a no but she dutifully got the dress of the mannequin and let me try it on. She never complained to my face. She said it was no problem and let me know if I needed anything else. I bought the dress.

But it's more than the dress (which I wear all the time), its the fact that she not only did her job, she went out of her way to do her job well. She could have grumbled that I should try on something else or refused to undress the mannequin and I would have probably been okay with it since it was so late but she smiled and said okay.

So kudos The Limited.

The sad thing is this is one of the only stores I can think of off the top of my head where a company went out of their way to do something for me. I'm sure there are others but I'm so discouraged about customer service these days they aren't flowing freely. So share your own good stores about companies and stores and if I can think of others I'll add them.

Khaki Pants - I'm Blaming It On The Rain...

So I know I should probably post something about my book club but I'm saving it for tomorrow. I was thinking today (on the way home from puppy class) about something I really hate and yet it's still sitting in my closet. I hate khaki pants. I'm wearing them right now and I hate them. I'm going to be honest I feel like an over-grown girl scout or camp counselor in khakis. It is probably one of the least coolest things (I feel like) in my closet. Yet, for some reason I have my trusty pair to break out on days like today - i.e. rainy, lazy, all my other go-to outfits are just not working for me.

I'm not sure what it is about khakis - I know a lot of people love them. My mom for one is a huge fan of the preppy look. I always feel like I don't get it right though or I feel just blah. And really... your clothes shouldn't make you feel blah, you should feel awesome - ready to conquor the world - or at least a sudoko puzzle.

So I could challenge myself to give away everything in my closet that makes me feel blah and I do sometimes. About twice a year the spring cleaning bug gets me and I haul bags off to the Goodwill. Yet, for some reason I cling to a few things that I know look a. horrible b. not horrible but not great c. are the go-to lazy outfit or d. might come back in style at some point (hey leggings did). I don't think I'm alone in this? I feel like there are probably women (and men) everywhere who have a few outfits in their closet that would find a better home elsewhere. But why cling to them then?

I'd like to think that maybe some day I can get the khaki pant look right but I'm not sure I can. I don't think khakis are me. So this gets me thinking because a lot of stylist say you should have a signature look that's you and you don't veer from this look (sounds a little boring to me). I've seen quizes that relate signature style to Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Gwen Stefani, etc. Part of me thinks that's a great place to start. Pick someone you like and use them as inspiration. But lets face it there is only one of those ladies and copying their style probably isn't the best route for you.

My personal stance on the subject is to find things you like and work off that. Open your closet and see if you can find a pattern. I know mine - a little Audrey Hepburn, a dash of hippie/70's, a lot of primary colors (reds, purples, black, white - not pastels) and a lot of fun shoes and bags. So what does this mean for me? I gravitaty towards classic clothes but like to punch it up with accessories or a few trendy pieces here and there. I'm not a slave to trends because like we were talking about in book club last night somethings are around for ever (think pencil skirts, high heels, ballet flats, tailored dresses) and some things are around for a season or two (think pleather pants, belly shirts, shoulder pads).

And my main tip - find things that work for you. Face it not everyone can pull off skinny jeans and thigh high boots - it's not your body that has it wrong its the clothes. Glamour had a great article last month about celebrating the body you have and a big part of that is to not get discouraged because the top that looks great on your best friend makes it look like you gained ten pounds.

So should I give my khaki pants away? Probably. I'm good at helping other people go through their wardrobe but part of me makes me hang onto them. They're like hanging onto your skinny jeans you haven't fit into since high school - there is a sort of challenge hanging out there that I can make this work.

So in closing... let's talk for a minute about your favorite outfit in your closet (can be more than one) and your least favorite. Who is your style icon? How would you describe your look?

I'll go first. Favorite things (of the moment anyway): blue dress from The Limited (simple empire waist, slight flair to the skirt, hits above the knee) - dress up or down, black and white asymetical skirt, my Nine West purple, white, green and black painted shoes (looks better than I described), black pants, leggings/tights, knee-high boots, grey suede heels, leather flip flops, tunics, and jeans.

Least Favorite: khaki pants, button up shirts, sweaters, most turtlenecks, and over-sized t's that you get for free from random places.

Style Icon: Audrey is my girl. There is something so timeless about her. But I would say Audrey with a mix of Charlotte from Sex in the City, a little Kate Hudson (got to have my hippie-chic), and Stacey London.

And I kind of already described my look so we're not repeating that.

I think if you take that with you when you go shopping and really analyze everything you buy you can find pieces that will quickly make your favorites list miles long. Remember, buy things you really love not things that you think are trendy but don't really do anything for you or you don't feel comfortable in. SP said last night at book club it's all about confidence. You can pull off the craziest outfit if it fits well and you own it.

And my advice if you are going to do a big closet clean-out... give things to people who need them. Donating gently used items can be a tax deduction or find a consignment shop and make a few extra dollars. I've never done it but there are bitch and swap parties where you can gather friends and trade items.

Can't wait to hear you're answers to my questions! :)