The Closet Exchange » Brenda

Winter blahs? We can help!

Brenda — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:59:06 +0000

A quote from “Steel Magnolias”–”the only thing that separates us from the animals is the ability to accessorize”. This could be true.

At any rate, accessories are the things that help us transition from the quiet of deep winter to the optimism of coming spring. We know it will come, but how to make the cold weather clothing we still need look and feel more hopeful.

Go to brighter shades of cashmere, or pastels. Try more colorful scarves–wear a little color with the black coats we all wear. You might even start to think about wearing a silk flower–maybe for Valentines day. Bright gloves are a happy thing too!

We have lots of beautiful and affordable accessories in all three stores. Our selection of jewelry is always changing, and we add new purses daily! Stop by and see us–we have three stores loaded with goodies–and we’re happy to help you. We love what we do.

Take care. Behold simple beauty. Brenda and Maggie

A friend’s passing…

Brenda — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:13:10 +0000

Roz was one of our first employees. You may remember her–she was memorable! A beautiful woman of “a certain age”, with spikey red and blond pixie hair, gorgeous green eyes and high cheekbones. She loved fashion and you could see it in the creativity and pizazz she put into every outfit. I always told her that I wanted to look like her. We checked each other’s makeup. She was funny and stylish. We all loved her.

She worked part time for us until about two years ago. She fell in love with an old friend and traveled with him until this fall when she moved to his home in El Paso. Sadly, she fell ill and passed away this past week.

We are heartbroken, but so grateful to have known her. She was something! We will miss you, Roz…but you’ll never be forgotten.

Take care. Take nothing for granted. Brenda

The beauty of January–

Brenda — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:30:09 +0000

a peaceful, quiet month. Odd, this year, because of the lack of the blanket of snow…I do miss it’s calm beauty. This month makes me feel that I have the luxury of time– to be rather than do. Snuggle in with your family, read more, bake casseroles, notice the night sky. It is the still point of the year, and it is good to hear the silence.

Take care. Seek peace. Brenda and Maggie

The truth about looking great!

Brenda — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:50:58 +0000

From Oprah magazine: “Every time I meet a woman who’s stuck in a fashion rut, I hear the same thing: I know, this isn’t a great outfit, but I just want to be comfortable.” You can be comfortable without looking like you don’t care. You can look pulled together even if you are crazy busy and on a budget.

You just need to find what works for you. Experiment with clothes, jewelry and shoes to see what makes you feel amazing–what people compliment you on. Make that your “uniform”. Wear some version of it every day.

When you find your “look”, you’ll be comfortable and look beautiful. The purpose of fashion is to enhance who you already are.

Jeans-Seven, Hudson, Joe’s, Paige Premium

Brenda — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:03:57 +0000

Skinny, straight leg, or bootcut–from Gap, Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, Banana Republic or any of the dozens of labels we carry–they are an iconic look and here to stay! Truly an American classic! Take them up a notch with a great jacket from Anne Klein, or a bright top from Tory Burch–how about an oversized sweater from Anthropologie or a Rag & Bone cardigan? This look can take you to the market or out to dinner–kick it up with platform shoes or knee high boots! Of course, everything is available at our stores!

Take care. You matter. Brenda and Maggie

Have you cleaned your closet lately?

Brenda — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:40:20 +0000

This is a great time of year to review what’s in there. If you’re like me, probably some things that don’t fit (too many cookies), and some things you don’t really like, and some things that just don’t work. We are all so much alike.

Find some alone time and try on all the questionable pieces. Be honest. If it really doesn’t look wonderful-don’t keep it. The problem could be the cut, the fit, the style or the color–but if it doesn’t look good, get rid of it. If you don’t, it will just continue to take up space and be a source of stress and/or crabbiness. Try to evaluate what the problem is, so you don’t repeat it.

Just keep things that work, are in good condition, and make you feel good. This may mean that your closet looks empty–but what’s the point of having stuff that makes you unhappy? Look at what you kept–figure out why you like it. Then find more of the same. Take your time and remember what you’ve learned when you shop.

Consign the things that don’t work! They will probably work for someone else, and the money you make will buy you some new goodies! I know a great consignment shop…

Take care. Simplify. Maggie and Brenda

How to tie a scarf-#1

Brenda — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:33:09 +0000

Start with an oblong lightweight scarf (or a square scarf folded to be narrow). Center scarf at the front of your neck. Wrap it around the back and pull ends forward. Loop the ends to make a knot. It can be tied high up against your neck or tied loosely to fall lower.

This works best with a silk scarf, or any other more delicate fabric. A beautiful scarf can add a pop of color to a simple outfit–and make the look more finished.

Fendi, Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton purses…

Brenda — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:31:00 +0000

Walk by our designer and boutique store and peek in the window! These purses are there–along with some amazing , beautiful coats! We have Burberry coats, North Face jackets, Frye and Ugg boots, luxurious cashmere sweaters from Vince, J. Crew, and TSE, designer jeans and so much more! It’s winter in New England–even if there’s no snow–we still get to wear all the gorgeous clothes we love!

Our prices start at the prices the retailers call “sale ” prices–and then we have markdowns! Don’t buy leftovers when you can buy wonderful things brought to us by our consignors from hundreds of stores and boutiques! Shop our three stores–we carry every brand and every size.

Fight off the winter blahs! Be the beauty you are! We’re here to help you-to make you feel happy. It’s a proven fact that shopping is a mood lifter–and with us, there’s no guilt!

Come and see us–you’ll be glad you did!

Take care. Treasure each day. Brenda and Maggie

Another new year!

Brenda — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:06:14 +0000

This is a gift and an opportunity–we’re fortunate. While most people are making their annual plan to lose the same 20 pounds, why don’t we make plans to be kinder to ourselves and the people around us. Let’s be positive and enthusiastic.

You can choose to be in a good mood. You can choose to be happy. You can choose to be kind. Your choices affect all the people you interact with.

Every day is a gift. You didn’t earn it. When it’s done, you can’t retrieve it. Don’t waste it.

You determine what kind of day you’re going to have. Why not make it good one?

You make a difference. Take care. Brenda and Maggie

Layering-how to #2

Brenda — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:05:18 +0000

Try short sleeve over long sleeve! We’ve seen it with t-shirts for a long time–but consider pairing long sleeves under your short sleeved dresses, blouses and sweaters. Try a short sleeved sweater over your long sleeved knit dress–a whole new look! Your long sleeved top should be light weight and slim fitting–so you’re not adding bulk– just interest! Play in your closet–mix it up! You’ll be surprised at how many new looks you can find.