FashBlog.com

Every spring I dread this time of year, those few weeks here on the East coast where it's not quite cold enough to wear winter clothes, yet it's still too chilly for summer clothes. This means I have to have access to my entire wardrobe. Even worse, I have to have access to my daughter's entire wardrobe (which is much larger than mine is).

Every year at this time I go through all of my drawers and closets, as well as my children's. It's time o take inventory, clean out the old, make way for the new, etc. It's a daunting task, mostly due to the fact that my children are still young enough that they tend to grow out of their clothes from season to season. This means we have to have a "fashion show", which is what I call it when we try on all of the clothes to see if they still fit. By the time she tries on the third dress or the fifth pair of capris, however, my daughter is bored of this game. And my 3 year old son? Well, he won't even participate in the game at all.

So how do I eventually muddle through the task of changing over my family's r clothing wardrobes? It takes patience and organization, but it feels so good when it is finally done.

First I take every piece of clothing out of all of the closets and drawers. Everything-- even socks, underwear, etc. Then I painstakingly go through every item and put them into three piles:

Pile 1 is for the items that I am keeping.

Pile 2 is for the items that no longer fit or items that my family no longer wears, but that are in good enough condition to sell on EBay (I only sell items that are in like new condition).

Pile 3 is for Goodwill.

I also have another pile-- for items that are just plain worn out (that's called the rag pile, because my husband is always looking for new work rags).

Also, when I clean out my daughter's closets and drawers, I sometimes put aside some of the cutest items that no longer fit so that I can pass them on to a relative.

Once I have the drawers and closets cleared out (keep in kind, I do this task one room at a time, over a period of a few days) I start restocking. I usually put the items from the last season in storage bins in the closets, to make more room for the current season's items. I'm always careful to leave out a few must-haves, like a sweater or two, even if summer is just around the corner. It's easier to keep a few pairs of jeans and sweater or two available, instead of trying to dig through the storage bins if it gets cold.

As I put everything put back into the closets and drawers, I can better see what gaps are in my children's wardrobes. For instance, this season my daughter will need all new shorts-- none of her shorts from last year fit her, which is good because it means she is growing. She actually wore size 4T for the past two summers, so I'm glad we're finally moving on.

I the tackle my other two piles. The clothing for Goodwill gets folded and bagged, then dropped off at the nearest Goodwill site. I tend to do this right away, because I don't like to keep stuff laying around and also to prevent myself from attempting to pull that skirt I haven't worn in 10 years out of the bag in a last ditch bout of remorse.

The Ebay pile takes a bit more effort. I first inspect the items to make sure they are indeed in as good condition as I think they are. If they pass the test, I take a digital photograph of each item and then I list them on the auction site, using a description template to make the job easier. True Ebay aficionados use EBay's "Turbo Lister", which apparently makes the job of listing multiple items much easier-- I'll have to try it sometime.

Once I have all of the family's clothing sorted through and put away, I feel a true sense of organization and calming. True, the closets and drawers will be jam-packed again soon-- I need to put all the new summer fashions somewhere! Still, there's less guilt in buying new when you have passed the old on to someone else.

By Christina VanGinkel

When teenagers assemble a wardrobe, it is never a cut and dried occasion. It is a constantly evolving picture. What works on Monday might be old vogue by Tuesday, with no exaggeration of that time frame. Teen fashion is dependant not only on what is fashionable in the magazines and with their favorite teen idols, but also with what their friends are wearing, and what they themselves feel is both good looking and comfortable.

Because of this, shopping for your teen is an ever-evolving fact of life. They may not need anything for weeks on end, even for a month or two, but then they will require an almost total overhaul of their closet's contents. Trying to keep up with this can be a fact of stress that many parents experience or it can be just another day in the life of a parent of a teenager. I try to keep it in the perspective of just another day in the life of having a teenager in the house.

If you are at your wit's end though, talk to your teenager about their wardrobe. Tell them that you understand their need to be fashionable and comfortable, but at the same time, they need to figure out some way to give you warning that their wardrobe is in need of change. You could go the extreme and tell them that ever two weeks, or once a month, on a set day, they can go through their closet and then come to you with their needs and wants.

If cost is a big issue, be sure to discuss this openly with them. If your finances are not something that you share with your kids, still provide them with some guidelines, as to what you deem acceptable for them to spend on clothes. Even if it a small amount, it will still show them what is available. If they need to spend more, maybe it is time they kicked in towards their ever-evolving wardrobe with some money of their own. Even young teens can make money via babysitting or raking leaves and shoveling snow.

If you have a teen that finds it fashionable to shop second hand stores and outlets such as eBay for vintage and retro look clothing, instead of trying to talk them into looking more mainstream, compliment them on their individuality, and say a small prayer for the money you and they might possibly save for their shopping style.

At the same time, tell them that if they are no longer wearing some of their finds, they might want to consider selling some of their clothing in the same manner that they found them in the first place. Even kids whop do dress mainstream may be able to recoup some of the cost of outfits to put towards new. EBay is a great place to sell old clothing that is still like new. Help them by showing them how to photograph what they want to sell, then tell them once they build a listing, you will post them. When items sell, have them pack the items up for shipping, then either have them ship the items too if they are old enough to drive to the post office or shipping store, or if not, you will then have to ship the items for them. Either way, reward them for being responsible enough to sell off some of their unwanted clothing by allowing them to keep the funds made to purchase new items with. By agreeing to cover the costs of the listings and sell fees, it will cost you a few dollars, but not nearly, what it would to provide them with the same amount they have earned towards new pieces.

If you have a teenager that just keeps growing and growing (I happen to have one of those!) you might have to buy clothes when you least expect it. Try to budget a few dollars for those times when you or they realize that all of a sudden, nothing fits! You can budget the money, but guessing when they will have a massive growth spurt is impossible, so prepare however, you can. I had recently thought that there was no way my son would grow another inch at least for a while, when he suddenly shot up just that, another inch, and gained another show size, all in a matter of a few weeks. Considering he grew over four inches in one six-month span of time, you would think that I would be use to this, but every time he surges skyward, I am still amazed!

By Christina VanGinkel

Prom season is upon us, and most girls already have their dress picked out, ordered, and in hand. On occasion though, someone may make a last minute decision to go to prom, when for weeks that have been sure that they were not going. Now, the clock has wound down so much there is no time for the traditional means of ordering and buying one. What is a girl to do if she finds herself in such a predicament? First, have faith in her self that she will be able to find one! Then, ask for help from friends and family.

Call around to girls or the parents of girls who have gone to prom in the past few years, especially those who are no longer in high school. Fashions for dresses vary from year to year, but in the past few years, the styles have been so wide-ranging, that wearing something that was picked out two, three, even four years ago, has a good chance of still being stylish.

If you do not know of anybody that has been to the prom, try to remember if you know of anyone who has recently stood up as a bridesmaid in a wedding. Not all bridesmaid dresses are as horrible looking as they once were. As people have become more prudent about the money they spend on such things, oftentimes a dress style is chosen that will allow the girls standing up in the wedding the opportunity to wear the dresses elsewhere.

Do check with all the regular stores that sell prom dresses. They might have a few on the rack dresses left, or a return, or a dress that was ordered and never picked up. All of these scenarios and others do happen more than you might realize. You can often get them at a discount too, because once prom season is done, the value of the dress is going to plummet. The advantage of possibly finding one in this manner is that if the store has an in house tailor and some minor alterations are needed, they can usually do them for you, even if time is short.

Second hand stores are also good places to check for second hand prom dresses. If you happen to live in a large city, or even in an area where several smaller towns are located close together, chances that you will choose something that would be recognized by the previous owner are almost none. If this is a worry, consider how you might alter any dress you do find to make it a bit more personalized. A wrap or shawl over the dress might be enough to give the outfit a totally new look. If you know someone that is good at sewing, and if they are willing, bring them along with you when you shop, and they might be able to lend you some ideas on how to alter a used dress to make it a unique, one of a kind creation. With their help, you might just end up with the most stylish dress ever!

Check the ads in any penny saver newspapers that you receive. At this time of year, many people list those that they want to get rid of, in hopes that someone might be looking for a good, last minute deal on one.

Once you find a dress to wear, pick up a pair of new shoes, add some flashy jewelry, get your hair all done up, pin a corsage on, and go have some fun! Prom only comes a few times in your life, so missing it because you have not found the perfect dress is just not an option. You can try each of these suggestions, or even wear the same dress you wore last year if all else fails. Finding a prom dress at the last minute can be a trial, there is no doubt about that, but if the size is right, the style is not too far of a reach, and the color is becoming to you, go for it. You are going to be having so much fun at the prom, what you are wearing is not going to seem as all-important as you might think.

By Christina VanGinkel

I have several appointments outside of the house tomorrow, which means that I have to actually get dressed. Yes, I get dressed each day, but usually in jeans and a sweatshirt, or maybe just sweatpants with said sweatshirt. The sweatshirt most days is also a bit ratty on the ends of the sleeves, and even the collar. I like to dress comfortably, and once I own a piece of clothing, chances is it will be in my closet until it literally falls apart. Tomorrow, I have to get dressed in something a bit less laid back than that, something that even says to whomever I might run into that, I am a real adult, not a kid just pretending to be one.

I do have some nice outfits though, and it will be one of those that I choose to wear tomorrow. However, when I was checking out what was in my closet, I realized that while I have a few nice choices to choose from, my closet seems to be lacking one of this season's most promising touches. One that is noticed immediately upon entering any store that sells women's clothing these days, or even flipping open the cover of any magazine that has a fashion section. What my closet, my entire wardrobe is missing, is color!

Lamenting this fact to a good friend of mine, one whose choice of clothing is exactly the opposite of mine, and who always knows just what to wear fro whatever the occasion might be, she responded that I just needed to add a few choice accessories.

For some reason, when I think of adding color to an outfit via accessories, I immediately think of scarves, and while some women can wear scarves with style and aplomb, I am not one of them. I tend to focus my thoughts on the scarf, and fiddle with it constantly, making it the least desirable accessory of choice for me. Hats are not really for me either. I have an ongoing issue with my hairstyle, and I am afraid that a hat would knock it all out of balance, if I were to get it how I like it before I leave the house that is! Large earrings could carry a spot of color into an outfit, but again, earrings and I really do not go together. I at one time had my ears double pierced, yet I could not recall the last time I wore a pair of earrings, even if my life depended on the fact. Shoes are another bright spot of color for many people, but my one pair of shoes that are suitable for real dressing, actually the only pair of 'dress' shoes that I own besides tennis shoes and hiking boots, is a pair of black, flat toed, pull on boots that my daughter bought me last Christmas and gave to me early. This so I would have something to wear to the annual Christmas party given by an associate of my husbands. My daughter was afraid I would go in my boots that I wear while doing chores. I assured her that I would not, but I do not think she believed me!

I do like accessories. I really do. It is just that they always look better on other people. I am so content wearing nondescript outfits, that nothing that is going to make me stick out from a crowd is something I feel comfortable in. Actually, going out in public in my normal attire would have me sticking out in a crowd, but you know what I mean. I am afraid that I will.

Mulling this all over, I think I have the perfect choice to wear tomorrow. I have a pair of comfortable slacks that are tan; they are comfortable and stylish all at the same time. I will wear them with a simple white blouse, and to add a bit of color I will wear my favorite teapot pin. It is bright yellow with red flowers. I will also swap the contents of my purse into a smaller bag that is also yellow; though a bit lighter yellow than the pin. No, I will still not be the bright spot of any waiting room, but it will be a tad more stylish than what I normally wear! I guess even I can wear an accessory or two if they are the right ones.

Many years ago, when I was in college, I worked at The Gap for a short time one summer. I remember little about the people I worked with, or the giant mall which housed our store. It was just one of several in a long line of part time jobs during my busy college years. However, what I do remember is the process by which clothing was folded in that store. If you have ever visited one of their stores, as well as many newer stores which are similar to The Gap, you will understand the folding. Every piece of clothing in the store is folded neatly and displayed on a clean shelf. The neat, stacked clothing give customers a calm, soothing feeling of neatness and serenity. Although I did not enjoy spending my days folding clothing so that it all stayed in nice, neat stack, only to have unthinking customers come and mess it all up and then walk away, I learned a lot about how to keep clothes neat with minimal space.

The best way to store your clothing, whether it is in a closet, on shelves, or in a dresser, is in the folding. The way you fold your clothing and clean laundry, can make your life easier and ease the stress just a little. First, think about the way you fold your socks. Although socks are rarely seen folded in a store, but rather, packaged or hanging on a hook, we do not store them that way at home. Sock drawers can be the most frightening of all the drawers in our dressers. Many people simply throw all their socks into the drawer and then match them as they go, but the best way is to fold each pair together and then stack them neatly in a row in your drawer. This might take a bit longer at folding time, but when it is time to get dressed, you will open a neat, pleasing drawer and find your socks easily.

Shirts that are not hung in the closet, such as t-shirts, tank tops and the like, should be folded in thirds. Fold the sleeves back toward one another and then when the shirt is in thirds, fold it in half. If you fold all your shirts the same way, they will fit on a shelf or in a dresser drawer more neatly, and thus you will be able to fit more into your drawer. Blue jeans and other pants are the same way. These can be folded in thirds or fourths, depending on how much shelf or drawer space you have.

Underthings, like socks, should be folded, as well. Women can fold their panties neatly in half and men can do the same with their boxer shorts or briefs. Like the socks, fold them and stack them neatly in a row for the next time you need them. Pajamas and nighties can be tough to fold, especially if they are of the silky variety, but if all else fails, roll them up and line the rolls neatly in a drawer. After all, you don't have to worry about wrinkles with pajamas.

Larger items like coats and large sweaters can be stored on shelves, but only if you don't have the space to hang them in your closet. Sweaters, depending on the fabric content, stay fresher if they are hung up, but if they tend to stretch or lose their shape, folding is the only option. Fold sweaters and coats the same way you fold your t-shirts, just make sure to allow more room on the shelf or in the drawer. If a coat needs to be stored away for the summertime, be sure to wash it first, and then consider folding it into a chest or box to be put away until the next season, thus freeing up closet or shelf space.

Although towels and washcloths are not clothing items, we still use them every day and launder them every week, and they can take up as much room or more as our clothing. Folding towels and washcloths largely depends on personal preference and how much space you have in your bathroom closet or cabinet. The two best ways to fold large towels are either to fold them in fourths lengthwise, and then in thirds from there, or to simply roll them up like you roll your underwear. Washcloths can be rolled up and displayed in a pretty basket on the countertop or on the back of the commode.

Consider taking a bit of extra time to fold your laundry neatly; then you will reap the benefits later of having nice, tidy shelves and drawers.

Spring is a season that I look forward to with great anticipation because of all the changes that come along with it. Hockey season gives way to baseball, the winter snows and biting wind chill give way to fresh rains and warm breezes, and heavy sweaters and overcoats give way to much lighter apparel. In fact, I look forward to the time every year when I can finally put away my wool jackets and break out my windbreakers.

I have a rather large collection of windbreakers because there are so many different styles available. It's not that much of a stretch to say that I have a windbreaker for nearly every occasion that I might encounter. Since windbreakers vary greatly in both thickness and weight, I know that I can always find one that's just perfect for the kind of weather conditions I'm likely to face in the spring and summer. Let's take a look at some of the more popular styles.

My favorite windbreaker style is the classic pullover model. These windbreakers usually have a half-zip front that you can open or close depending on just how inclement the weather is. I have also seen pullovers with Velcro closures, and these are quite convenient too because of the ease and speed with which you can fasten and unfasten them. Most pullover windbreakers also have a hood with drawstrings, as well as a large pouch-style pocket in the front. A hood on a windbreaker is a must in my opinion because if the wind really starts picking up or if it starts raining, you'll be glad that you have the hood available. A pocket is also a necessity. I don't know about you, but in the summer, I almost always wear shorts that don't have large pockets, so I need an alternative place to put my keys, sunglasses, and cell phone.

Another popular style of windbreaker is one that has a full zipper in the front. This makes the windbreaker look just like any other jacket, except for the fact that it is so lightweight. Windbreakers with full-zip fronts are pretty much the same as pullover models. That is to say, they often come with hoods and pockets, and are water-resistant to a certain degree. But with a zip-front windbreaker, you're obviously not going to have one big pouch pocket across the front of the jacket. Instead, you'll likely have two slit pockets on the sides. I always make sure that I buy windbreakers with zippers or other fasteners on the pockets otherwise my stuff might fall out as I'm pulling the jacket over my head.

Recently, the old-school style of windbreakers with snap-button closures have been making a comeback, so I see these everywhere too. Personally, I am not a fan of this style. If you're going to have all those buttons up and down the front side, then you might as well go all out and wear a regular jacket rather than a windbreaker. It's my personal opinion that buttons don't belong on windbreakers, so you'll never catch me wearing this particular style.

A fourth common windbreaker style that you can purchase is a convertible one that folds up into a small rectangle when not in use. This kind of windbreaker is very handy if you live in an area where the weather can change in an instant. Even though the weather is pretty steady here in Chicago, I still like to keep a folding windbreaker in the glove compartment of my car and in one of my desk drawers at work. This way, I am sure to have at least a bit of protection from the elements if the weather suddenly changes when I'm already out of doors. And of course, these foldable windbreakers are excellent items to take on camping trips or when traveling.

Being able to choose from all these different styles of windbreakers isn't the only reason that I like them. I also like them because I can get them in a variety of colors with a variety of logos on them. I am a big sports fan, so the first thing I look for when it's time for a new windbreaker is one that has the logo of a team that I like. This makes the windbreaker an awesome accessory for going out to Cubs games at Wrigley Field or Northwestern football games in Evanston (at least in August and September). Bringing a windbreaker to a sporting event is a good idea in case it starts raining while I'm out there or if the game runs longer than expected. We all know that a baseball or football game that starts out at 3:00 in the warm afternoon sun might not end until 7:00 or 8:00 when it is significantly cooler.

In addition to team windbreakers, I have seen ones bearing company logos, Greek letters from sororities and fraternities, school names and mascots, vacation destinations (such as Las Vegas or Disney World), and just about anything else you can think of. Basically, if you have seen a t-shirt with a certain logo or character on it, then chances are you would be able to find a windbreaker with the same image on it.

So as the weather continues to get warmer, make sure you are prepared for it by purchasing a couple of new windbreakers. These handy items are affordable, convenient, and useful. You never know when you're going to wish you had just one more layer of clothing on, so keep a windbreaker around for those times!

By Christina VanGinkel

After dropping our youngest son at the airport yesterday, for a flight to visit relatives over the Easter holiday, my husband, and I headed to a sports show in Green Bay Wisconsin that was being hosted by the Fleet Farm stores at the large indoor atrium of the Green Bay Packer's stadium. I am not sure what we expected, but we were pleasantly surprised by what we found.

The atrium was set up with displays from front to back with hunting and fishing products, which included quite a large selection of clothing. Outside the atrium, Carhart Brand clothes also had a trailer set up with a large display of their specialty line of clothing. There were bargains to be found all around. We ended up making several clothing related purchases and my best buy of the day were actually pairs of socks, and I am greatly regretting not buying more of them. They had a table set up with piles of socks in small, medium, and large, and those three sizes corresponded to specific shoe size ranges. The socks were of a wide variety, but mainly the type that one would wear in a sport shoe or boot for added comfort. They had ones with blister support, with toe and heel support, socks to keep feet fry, and socks to keep feet just feeling more comfortable for longer lengths of time. I watched people walking away from the table with bags filled with socks. People were buying ten, twenty, thirty pair at a time. These were pairs of socks that easily retailed for seven to ten dollars a pair and they were selling them as s show special for one dollar a pair. I bought my husband three pair. I know, what was I thinking, but by the time I thought of buying a few more pair, I had been standing in the checkout line for fifteen minutes, and was not about to get out to go get a few more pair. Now, the day after, I wish I had, as I realize how huge a bargain they really were, and I cannot believe that I only picked up three pair. I will put the blame on my mind being on my youngest son who had just boarded a plane for Dallas, by his self, for his first flight ever, and I obviously was not thinking things through!

My husband also purchased a baseball style cap in a camouflage pattern, and in the worn look that is becoming so popular. AT a price of only $12.99, that was also a good bargain, as they usually retail for about double that. We also picked up our grandson a long sleeved t-shirt, marked down to five dollars from ten dollars. We chose the smallest size they had available, and it is a bit big on him, but he will quickly grow into it by this fall when he will wear it. My husband also picked up a camouflage patterned, fleece lined jacket. I had purchased him a similar jacket just a few weeks ago, but it had a hood. This one has a collar, and a canvas exterior. It is a good all-around spring or fall style jacket, and he will get a lot of wear out of it. He had a jacket almost identical several years ago, and he literally wore it out. This one was marked down to fifteen dollars, and considering I spent nearly three times that on the jacket he had a few years back, again, it was a hard deal to pass up.

While shows such as this are often good places to find deals, deals such as these are rare. When you do come across them, be ready to buy them, or else you will be regretting a purchase not made, similar to how I am feeling for not buying more pairs of the socks. Unlike a store where you can always run back the next day, in the hopes that they might have a sale or clearance item still available, at a show such as this, once the doors close for the day, the deals are done. The crowds were also a deterrent for going back, and a lesson has been learned. If you see a good deal, and you know it is a good deal, try not to pass it up, or else you might be suffering buyer's remorse much the same as I am!

If you're looking for some great clothing bargains, look no further than the online marketplace, eBay. eBay is a great place for one stop shopping. By doing searches specific to what you are looking for, you can often find quality clothing at bargain prices.

Search Tricks. If you're new to eBay, you may not know all the ins and outs of doing a search. I usually like to start with a general search of the item I am looking for, followed by the size., For example, if I am looking for Baby gap brand clothing for my son, I will type in "Baby Gap 3T". To take it a step further, if I only want brand new Baby Gap items, I will also type in "New" or "NWT" (which means New With Tags). Remember, many items on eBay are used, but most sellers are careful to only sell items that are in very good used condition. An Easter dress, for example, may have worn once, is still in excellent condition and now the seller wants to sell it. Read the item descriptions very carefully, especially if you are only looking for new clothing.


Things to Know. There are a few different ways that sellers can list their items on eBay. The first and most popular way is an auction listing. The seller will list an item with a starting bid and prospective buyers can place bids for a specified period of time. Highest bidder at the end of the auction time wins and is obligated to purchase the item from the seller. Another way that an item can be listed is via eBay's "Buy It Now" feature. Buy It Now items are listed with a set price that the item can be sold for instantly. If you don't like the idea of waiting for a 7 day auction to end, the Buy It Now option may be for you.


Bidding Tips. Once you find an item you are interested you can place a bid or just keep an eye on the item (called Watching) until you are ready to bid. Keep in mind that many items experience increased bidding activity during the final hours of an auction, so make sure that you have your maximum bid placed ahead of time or that you are near your computer as the auction winds down.

Feedback system. Always check a seller's feedback rating before you place a bid. eBay's feedback system is a way to keep buyers and seller sin check. Look for the seller's feedback rating in parentheses next to their User ID name. A high feedback number means that the seller has completed many transactions on eBay. Make sure to read the feedback comments to see if the seller has experienced any bad feedback. If there are dozens of complaints from previous buyers then beware! Luckily most eBay sellers are honest and reliable so you shouldn't experience any problems with your transactions.

Best brands to look for. High quality children's store brands like Baby Gap and Gymboree can be found all over eBay. Department store boutique lines can also be found, usually at greatly discounted prices. So how are eBay sellers able to sell these clothing items inexpensively? Many are items that their children grew out of before they could wear them. Also, many avid eBay sellers scoop up all of the end of season sale items at their favorite stores-- then the next year they sell the items.

Top things to remember when buying clothing on eBay:

Make sure to check the seller's return policy-- many eBay transactions are final so you many not be able to return an item. Always email the seller with any questions you have about the sizing and condition of the clothing.

Make sure to check the seller's shipping policy. Some eBayer's try to buck the system by charging ultra-high shipping costs. I personally never buy from a seller that ahs jacked up shipping costs. I do allow for handling charges, as I understand that as seller may have to buy boxes and packaging to ship my items, but if a seller is charging twenty dollars to ship one pair of pants to me then I run the other way.

Pay with Paypal for a quick transaction. eBay has teamed up with Paypal to make online money exchanges go smoothly. It costs a buyer nothing to pay electronically with Paypal, and in fact you will have Buyer Protection if you pay this way. You'll also get your merchandise much faster than if the seller has to wait for your check to clear.