The Closet Exchange

Archive for the ‘Tips & Tricks’ Category

We have beautiful white blouses and tops from all of these labels and many more.  They complete a classic summer look that can take you anywhere in the world!  Paired with a skirt of any length, a pair of slim capris, or some great fitting pants–and you would be perfect on Newbury Street,  Rome, or  LA.! 

We carry skirts and pants from Armani, Piazza Sempione, Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Theory, Tory Burch, Prada, Chico’s, Banana Republic, and many more labels.  We have sizes 0 to 24-and our three stores are divided by brands to make your shopping easier.

Summer dressing should be simple pieces with clean lines–accented by a great bag, wonderful shoes, or amazing jewelry–all of which you can find here!  We do have fabulous stuff–at great prices!  AND–we love what we do!

Let us help you–you can be best dressed for less!

Have a great day–it’s summer in Boston!  Take care, Brenda and Maggie

Yes, they’re still here.  In fact, we see them everywhere..on women of all ages, shapes and sizes.  It can be a great current look, but there are some secrets to pulling this off.

First–it’s not the best look if you’re hippy.  Stick with boot cut- it will balance you out.   If you are very slender, you can wear almost any top, from layered tees to empire waist tops, to jackets.  If you are average size–it’s  best to wear a longer top—tunic length is foolproof.  That would be mid-thigh.  Another option is a longer tee with a shorter one on top; or a longer vest, or open shirt or jacket.  Always remember–if it makes your ankles look tiny, it’s going to make your bottom look bigger!  So you need some camouflage to even your body out.  Always check the back view in a full length mirror!

Some great skinny jeans:  Seven, Citizens of Humanity, Earl, Earnest Sewn, James, Miss Sixty, and True Religion.  Available at Closet Exchange.

You can have fun, look fabulous, and save money!  You can be best dressed for less.

Take care.  We love seeing you.  Brenda and Maggie

The gauzy, boxy sweater (Inhabit make a pretty one) is a versatile piece when you layer it.  If you’re a twenty-something, you can slip it over a bikini top and a pair of shorts—darling!  Going to run errands– slide it on over a fitted tank dress for a little extra interest, and for lunch, try it over a a fitted tank and slim cropped pants or capris!  A great sweater that works for any age woman–just experiment!!

Great sweater brands available at our three stores: Inhabit,  Moth,  Anthropology, Chicos, Ann Taylor, Nanette Lepore,  Burberry,  Banana Republic,  Betsy Johnson, and many, many more.  Always 60% to 80% off retail!  You can be best dressed for less–let us show you how!

More classic tips in the next blog.  Take care.  Smile–bigger–Brenda and Maggie

All these labels make great tops that you can start wearing now and continue to wear until late fall–the secret is layering!  Try blouses unbuttoned like a jacket over a tank or another blouse; little jackets can be worn buttoned up, or open over a great  shirt that is longer than the jacket;  try a dress worn open like a coat or duster!  The possibilities are endless–just mix it up a little–be brave–have fun!

Of course, the Closet Exchange carries all these brands and hundreds more.  We have some wonderful new Tory Burch blouses, priced at $60.00 (retail $140.00); Chico’s colorful jackets, priced at $40.00 (retail $98.00 to $150.00), and Vince sweaters (always sooo soft).  The stores are all bursting with fresh spring goodies: Coach sunglasses, Coach bags and sandals, Louis Vuitton purses, lots of Kate Spade shoes and purses, linen Armani blazers, Etro dresses, even a darling black top from Stella McCartney!

This is just a little sample. Stop by our three stores–you’ll be amazed!  Open every day, sizes 0 to 24, every label out there–all at 60% to 80% off retail!  You can be best dressed for less!

Have a fabulous day–it’s Friday!!!  Thank you for shopping with us, Brenda and Maggie

Hi beauties,
We thought you might like this little guide since jean sizes no longer relate to waist and hip sizes. Remember that size is not the same from brand to brand. Also, more expensive brands tend to run smaller than brands like Lee, Gap and Old Navy. Here are some guidelines, but remember………..you have to try everything on.

Take care,

Brenda & Maggie

Waist————Jeans Size
(Inches)

24—————0

25—————0-2

26—————2

27—————4

28—————6

29—————8

30—————8-10

31—————10-12

32—————12

33—————12-14

34—————14

Many women ask me how to wear all the low cut pants and short tops without hanging out (too much skin, muffin tops, etc). Wear a longer camisole or tank under your top. It should cover your hips and be the same color as your top. It should fit snug over hips to keep the silhouette narrow. Wearing the same color as your top also elongates your shape and doesn’t draw attention to your hips! Ta-dah!!

You look 5 lbs. lighter and two inches taller! Try it—you’ll be surprised!

More tips on another day–take care-Brenda

Try to go with an open mind–looking for something specific often blinds you to the great stuff all around you!

Try it on!! Sizes no longer make much sense–I am a medium, but I try on sizes 6 to 14 and I
always find something I love.

Try to remember that the price on the tag is already about 1/3 of the original retail cost of the item, and is often an even bigger reduction–especially on high end and designer goods. I hear shoppers tell each other not to wait, because it will be gone— and it usually is.

Speaking of reductions–unlike most consignment stores–we do not do 20%, 30%, or 40% off! Our first markdown is 50% off our starting price in all three stores! And there are always a lot of 50% off items–look for the stickers and take 50% off the price on the tag. No looking for colors, or watching dates–we do all the work for you!

By the way, the Eileen Fisher racks are overflowing, our furs are priced amazingly low, lots of True Religion and Rock & Republic jeans and great boots and purses at all the stores. Remember, the stores are divided by brand to make your hunting easier.

Come and see us–you’ll have a great time!

Take care, Brenda and Maggie

The best choice in jeans for most of us is the “boot-cut”–narrow or straight through hip and thigh and a slight flare at the hem. The flair balances our hips–a really good thing! The leg opening should be about 19 inches and the length should be no more than 1/4 inch from the floor. This makes our legs look long. Always check length in a mirror–too short makes them “mommy” jeans—not good.

A word about rises–length of zipper. Short zipper means “low rise”, best for the young girls. “Mid rise” is just that, just below or at the navel, and what is now called “high rise” means it is actually at your waist. (This can help smooth out the little bulges–do not tuck in your shirt! Mommy look again—)

In any case, try them all on, always look in the mirror for length, and don’t get discouraged. You’ll find jeans that work. More brands: Old Navy, Gap, J. Crew, Earnest Sewn, James Cured, and Twill 22. Good luck. More next time…

Hug your kids–your sweetie too. Brenda and Maggie

These are tricky. When the trend started, I hoped at would pass–it hasn’t. We need to find a way to make it work. Even the skinniest model out there says you must cover your butt if you’re going to wear skinny jeans, and she’s right.

Easiest is to wear a longer, over-sized sweater, maybe with a slouchy belt and boots. Another option is a longer shirt or sweater with a cropped jacket. The boots balance out the tops, and keep your ankles from looking like bird legs. If you are very slender, ankle boots or flats would work too.

The best looking skinny jeans are 97 or 98% cotton with 2 to 3% spandex. They have enough body to keep from looking like denim tights (only good if you are under 16). Good brands are J Brand, Rock & Republic, Seven, Gap, and Express. (Of course, there are dozens of other brands.)

Hope these tips are helpful–it’s a great slimming look if you put it together right, and very livable. It’s a lot of work to stay current–but it’s worth it. Have fun. More tips to come!

Take care. Be thankful for every day. Brenda and Maggie

Citizens of Humanity, Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Juicy–There are dozens of different labels when it comes to jeans. The Closet Exchange stores in Needham, Ma. carry them all! Having three stores in one location allows us to give you more variety and more sizes at great prices!

Jeans are now a staple for most of us–the trick is to find the brand and style that works best for you at a guilt free price. We can do all this for you. Jeans start at as low as $15.00 and we carry sizes 0 to 24! Other labels you’ll find here are: AG, Joe’s Jeans, Habitual, True Religion, Rock & Republic–also: J.Crew, Express, Ralph Lauren, Guess and more!

Watch this blog for some tips on jean styles and sizing- do’s and don’ts. We want everyone to look fabulous and save money at the same time!!

Take care and have a wonderful day. Brenda and Maggie