The Closet Exchange

Archive for the ‘Tips & Tricks’ Category

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

Some tips on how to wear your boots.: 1) ankle boots with skirts and dresses need tights the same color as your boots. This will make your legs look 6 feet long. If you are lucky enough to have fabulous legs, do whatever you want.

2)Matching the color of your knee high boots to your pants accomplishes the same thing–supermodel legs!

3) Over-the knee boots are in again and look great with skinny pants or leggings.

Whatever your preference–put on those beautiful boots, come to the Closet Exchange to show them off–and maybe you can find an extra pair–or an amazing purse–or a great leather coat…

Take care, flash someone a toothy grin–it will make them smile! Brenda

Even though you ate all the cookies! Some tips to help you look slender while you’re working off the holiday goodies:

1) Wear all one color from head to toe, then add one special piece. Example:a beautiful shawl in your best color tossed around your shoulder, or a fabulous long necklace.

2)Still all one color–long straight pants with a heel or tall boot, tunic top that falls straight from the shoulder to mid thigh. Try a low slung belt or great earrings for zip! Eileen Fisher makes some great tunics, so do Whim, Inc, and 3 Dot.

3)Again–all one color from top to bottom, then add a vest (hides the muffin-top) or an open mid-thigh length coat or sweater (this piece can be a pattern or another color). Theory, Banana Republic, Eileen Fisher, Vertigo, and BCBG all make pretty and
versatile ones.

These tricks really do work–they let you feel comfortable and stylish even though you are a little fluffier than you like to be. The Closet Exchange is here for you–to make you smile, to find the perfect piece you need, to make your life a little simpler and stress-free!

We care. Take care. Brenda and Maggie