Doors Opening

{Dreams Realized?}

{i DO heart organizing!}

Friends, I can hardly believe the amazing opportunity that has just opened up...

The lovely and inspirational Jen Jones at iheart organizing just posted a blog opening a door to potential contributors to her wonderful site... and I jumped (I think literally!) at the opportunity to apply!!  

What an absolute dream it would be to be able to contribute to a blog I have subscribed to and loved for so long.  

Here's what I wrote to Jen:

Dear Jen,

I have a serious passion for organizing... a passion that has only just recently been realized.

Allow me to explain: for many years, I have helped close friends plan and organize their weddings, and have helped both family and friends with many organizing projects, including organizing kitchen cabinets after a big move; clearing out and re-purposing "junk" rooms, and more. I provided inspiration and assistance to my friends and family free of charge, simply because I love to help, and many of my friends have encouraged me to go into wedding planning, however, I have found that although I love many aspects of planning weddings, such as the beautiful flowers, and the details of the events, the aspect I always enjoyed the most was helping keep the brides organized, which allowed for a more fluid, less stressful experience for all involved.

When I made this self-discovery a little over a month ago, I wasted no time in beginning to write my own organization, titled Life: Delightfully Managed, and although it's early in my blogging journey, I believe my entries represent my writing style (I am an English major) and creative spirit. I also have an extensive Pinterest collection (including an organizational board), and am working to incorporate my collected pins as inspiration into my blog. I sincerely hope you take a look at my blog as well as Pinterest, and enjoy what you see!

Having purchased my first home just a year ago, my husband and I (self-proclaimed DIY experts), have organized, decorated, and made our house a home in the last year. If only I had documented all of my home projects during the last year... nevertheless, I have many more projects planned for our home, and assisting friends in their home organizational and decorating projects, which is very exciting.

I am so inspired by iHeart Organizing, Jen. You always manage to produce beautiful (and new) ideas and products, worthy of swooning over, pinning, and applying to our own lives, and I would absolutely love to be a part of your team.

Sincerely,
Rochelle Wall

I feel like God is not only opening windows, but whole banks full of beautiful French doors to me!  I know that I am not the only one that would dream of being able to contribute to iheart organizing, but, I believe that there is meaning in His timing... sowe'll see!

xoxo,

~Rochelle

Re-Working a Wardrobe

{"Shopping" in Your Own Closet}

{Taking inspiration from Carrie Bradshaw}

This week we are discussing the organization of closets, and yesterday evening I had a fabulous time helping a dear girlfriend to "shop" in her own closet.

You might ask, "What do you mean by "shopping" in your own closet?"

Well, my friends, that is an excellent question, and I'll get to in it in a second. But first, I'd like share with you what my New Year's Resolution was for 2012.

"I resolve to not buy any new clothes in 2012, 

unless it is absolutely necessary."

Folks, I've done a pretty good job at keeping my resolution. Earlier this year I was pregnant and needed to purchase some maternity clothes to accommodate my growing belly and baby. Other than those few purchases, I did have one slip-up, where I just HAD to have a pair of pink skinny jeans {which, by the way, I wear probably once a week, so I believe it was money well spent}... but other than that, I have stuck to my goal.

{jcrew}

With this resolution, I have had to teach myself how to re-purpose items from my own closet to make new outfits, therefore avoiding the conundrum "I need new clothes, because I have NOTHING to wear!"

Truth is, I think we all go through this as women, and it can be really frustrating to feel this way. And for those of us that LOVE to shop, it's a dangerous feeling, especially when we have limited budgets with which to shop. Life, after all, is not a delightful TV drama with characters that get to blow their salary on designer-name fashions, and rack up credit card debt with no real repercussions {ahem, SATC}.

So, recently, when my dear friend asked me if I would help her figure out some new outfits to wear with her existing wardrobe, so she could stop spending money on new clothes I was eager to help ...and girlfriend has a LOT of clothes to shop from.

Self-admittedly, girlfriend keeps specific T-shirts and jeans on heavy rotation ― despite her love of shopping. “I buy clothes that I love, but I don't know what to pair them with of what I already own,” she says, so instead she opts to wear the same outfits that she is comfortable with repeatedly, and half of her clothes stay on the hanger.

Sound familiar?

Yesterday evening, together my girlfriend and I worked on pulling tops out of her closet - some she has never worn {some had the tags still on}; some that she loves and wears rarely; and others that she loves and wants to find new ways in which to wear them.

We sorted through her shorts, pants and skirts, briefly edited items she no longer wears {mostly because they were ill-fitting}, and worked on creating new pairings with these tops and accessorizing! Not every option I suggested worked for her, and that is OK. Not everyone will be comfortable pairing an ivory top with white jeans, especially when they are similar in tone. Instead of exhibiting frustration, we tried other options until we found new outfits that she was comfortable in, and made her feel beautiful. And then we took photos of the outfits so she can save them for inspiration later on.

Since I know my friend's style, I suggested new ways to style outfits for summer that she was already comfortable wearing, such as different options in tucking shirts:

So easy, right?

Something as simple as tucking a T-shirt only in the front of a cute pair of shorts, or a skirt and adding a cool belt {or not} can create that extra interest in an outfit ...And girlfriend's got some awesome belts, so we took this idea an ran with it.

Next, we worked on accessory and shoe options that could either dress up, or dress down an outfit. Fighting against being too matchy-matchy, we worked on mixing up accessory and shoe options that go... something I learned long ago from watching Stacy London and Clinton Kelly on What Not to Wear.

We also tore out images from catalogs she had just received that day in the mail that inspired her to pair together pieces from her existing wardrobe into new combinations. We literally taped these photos onto her closet wall as an inspiration board, which gave her great ideas and made her feel like she had a whole new closet of items to choose from!

Rather than looking at catalogs and magazines, and saying "I wish I had those clothes, and her style", take those great outfits, and make them your own. You don't need to have exact matches to the items. Something similar can often work even better! Plus, you've already purchased the items in your closet, so you must like them {Right? If you don't like something in your closet, PURGE IT! Pronto!}... You can take a look and make it your own, developing your own personal and signature style.

I know this concept is not a new one. There are many websites and blogs dedicated to finding inspiration from celebs and fashion mags, and finding pieces in your own wardrobe that will re-create the look.

{source}

Also, Pinterest is a great resource to find fashion inspiration. I have a board titled "Delightful Fashion" on which I pin images of outfits and fashion that I love {alright... and sometimes wish I owned}, which inspire me to experiment with new outfits. Some outfits don't work for my body type, and others I don't have similar items to match exactly, like the example above, but just having those images saved helps me remember that variety is the spice of life. My Pinterest board is a virtual version of what I helped my friend create in her own closet.

Before I left my girlfriend last night, we worked on organizing her closet a little ― it was pretty good to start with!  She had already been organizing her closet by color for years, and had dresses, skirts, and bottoms separated out from her T-shirts, blouses, and tanks.  

However, two areas we came across that we agreed could use some work were that only some of her sweaters and cardigans were hung in a separate section of the closet, and second, working in preschool, she has a separate work wardrobe that is kid-friendly, and work appropriate.

So, we quickly pulled out the rest of the cardigans and sweaters from her tops and put them all together in their own section. Super easy solution!

Secondly, girlfriends' work attire, which consists of basic T-shirts and jeans is ideal for the work she does, but educating preschoolers means that sometimes you come home with paint splatters and bleach stains on your shirts that don't come out in the wash ...And who wants to look down and spot a paint splatter on a shirt you wear to a summer bbq? I suggested creating a section in her closet for clothes she ONLY wears to work, which will free up the rest of her closet to be dedicated to clothes she can wear outside of work.  I believe taking this step will help to visually de-clutter the space, and yield only more inspiration to wear all of the beautiful clothes she already has in her closet.

All in all, it was a very productive evening, and I can't wait to do it all again come Autumn!

xoxo,

   Rochelle

Hidden Organization

{Do you have skeletons in your closet?}

{source}

This week I have plans with a good friend to help her tackle her closet organization, and plan outfits out of her existing wardrobe, to help save money. So, in the spirit of these plans, this week I hope to share with you some tips on closet organization, as well as how to shop in your own closet for outfits, all the while tackling clutter and remodeling/reconfiguring your clothes closet to work for you.

So let me begin by asking: What does YOUR closet look like?

Is it a mess? Shoes on the floor, pants draped over empty bars, hangers strewn about?

Do you have an organizational system in place, but it's difficult to stick to?

Or do you seemingly not have enough storage space for all of your clothes, and are borrowing space from a hall closet?

I won't lie to you guys. Sadly, my closet does NOT look like this...

{image via the container store}

It's not as pretty, and is a work in progress {like most rooms in our new home} but, in the past year, the husband and I have worked to make our new closet space work the best as it can. 

Today I would like to offer some tricks I have stored up my sleeve {pun intended} on getting your closet organized, including:

• Seasonal Storage Solutions
• The Magic of Matching Hangers
• Color Coordinating your Closet
• Categorizing your Clothes

and...

• Creating More Hanging Space!

Last week I wrote a post about chalkboard labels, and I mentioned how I use them on big storage boxes, such as IKEA's Kassett storage boxes {below} for seasonal items, such as storing sweaters during the summer months. Since we do not have a huge walk-in closet {it is a walk-in, but not huge by any means}, we have had to find creative ways to store items we currently are not using in containers on higher shelves. These larger storage boxes help eliminate cramming clothes {especially bulky sweaters} in with your active wardrobe, which only creates visual clutter.

{IKEA Kassett storage boxes}

Remember the movie "Mommy Dearest", which was a portrayal of the OCD Joan Crawford, and the infamous line "NO WIRE HANGERS, ever!"? Although hangers from the dry cleaners and department stores are essentially free, I have to say, I agree with Joan Crawford, however crazily she was portrayed in that film. It may sound silly and painfully easy, but eliminating miss-matched hangers in our closet is a simple solution to help create a cohesive, organized look.

I love my Real Simple Slimline Hangers {purchased from BedBath & Beyond for just under 30 bucks for 50, and you can use one of their 20% off coupons}, but our local Costco has very similar hangers for MUCH cheaper {something like $10 or $20 for a pack of 50}. The husband chooses to use standard black plastic hangers, but the point is uniformity.

The organizer in me loves to alphabetize and color coordinate. Thus, my closet is sorted by color. This surely drives my organizationally-challenged husband crazy. It seems he can rarely remember where to put certain items, but he tries, and that's what matters to me. 

Here's how I categorize my side of the closet:

My largest collection is of tops, and therefore they are sorted from blazers pants, skirts and dresses. The category of "tops" includes blouses, t-shirts, cardigans.

Remember the acronym ROYGBIV? It stands for Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet, and I use this as a starting point to sort my tops by color:

• Brown, Plum, Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Black, Gray, Ivory and White.

{source}

For in-between colors, like teal, navy and peach, I sort them literally in-between the colors that they stem from. Teal falls between green and blue; navy between blue and black; peach between pink and orange.

Within each color category in my "tops" section, I sort light to dark {like the color wheel above}. Furthermore, tops are sorted within each color from short-sleeve to long sleeve. It sounds complicated, but, to me, it makes perfect sense. Find what works for you!

Keeping different categories of items of clothing, such as blazers and coats separate from tops from others helps me plan my outfits. I don't have to search for skirts tucked in between tops, or vice versa. I know there are specific sections I go to for each item.

{image via Real Simple}

When we moved in to our new home, the configuration of our closet was pretty basic. Since we have a window in the middle of the closet, either side of the window had wire shelves, but it really wasn't enough storage for both of our wardrobes. Even if you have builder-standard white vinyl finished wire shelves like us, they can be {easily} moved! By raising both sides of the closet shelves that already existed a foot up, we were able to double our storage space beneath by adding additional bars and/or shelves underneath! Awesome, no? 

So please, don't be afraid to move your closet shelves! They are not permanent. The Home Depot sells additional shelves for under $10 for a 6-foot section. There is no need to go out and purchase a fancy, custom designed closet system, unless you have the means to do so, then go for it! {I envy you, whoever you are...}

{source}

And if part of what your closet currently offers is working for you, why not just manipulate the configuration slightly to make it work even better?

Tomorrow I meet with my friend to help her purge duplicate items from her over-stuffed closet, reorganize while shopping in her own closet to create new outfits! I will be sharing photos from that adventure later this week.

I hope these thoughts help you in tackling your skeletons in your closet!

xoxo,

  Rochelle

When Plans go Awry...

{A Vintage Find}

A few weekends ago the husband and I began our weekend with one of our favorite activities...

...Garage sale-ing! 

With our restricted budget and big dreams, we have learned how to be diy'ers, and to see the possibilities and potential in things we find.

So, on our first stop, I spotted this beauty... and folks, I was smitten.

Yes ...Really!

I know what your thinking, and believe me, the husband was horrified when I suggested purchasing this dresser. It literally took me 15 minutes to persuade him to trust my instincts. I saw the potential in the bamboo-esque details, amazing brass hardware, and brass caps on each of the legs, not to mention it had great lines and plenty of storage to suit our needs and was in great shape for being a vintage piece.

Having been searching for a dresser for our master bedroom for months, I knew that we were not going to be able to afford what I had my eye on in stores and online.

{1}

{2}

I really love the mod details of dresser 2, with the storage offered in dresser 1.

Problem was, due to our tight (ahem, new mortgage) budget, the husband and I had recently settled on purchasing and dressing up a pair of 4-drawer IKEA Malm dressers, a la (my favorite) Jen Jones at iheart organizing...
 

{source}

 ... using O'verlays, like this:

{source}

And I had begun to fall in love with this cost effective plan. But, as we all know, the best laid (and organized) plans often go awry. So, rather than panic when I spotted our great, tiki-influenced, pale yellow with mustard and avocado detail dresser I adjusted our plans. 

And for 40 bucks, I could hardly pass the deal up.

That day, after fitting that beast into a borrowed truck (it's made of solid, hard wood, folks, and it is HEAVY!) I gathered the supplies I already had on hand, shopped for paint and primer, and removed and carefully labeled all the drawer pulls and handles.

Next, I sanded the whole outside of the unit with a heavy-grit (220) sandpaper, wrapped around a wood block, removing all gouges and nicks in the old finish, focusing on the top surface.  I followed up with a finer gauge sandpaper and cleaned and wiped the dust off with a damp microfiber cloth.

Next, I started priming. We chose this lovely dark gray color, to coordinate with our master bedroom colors. Plus, I envisioned the color contrasting beautifully with those brass details.

I usually purchase gloss (not high gloss) paint, and I really like Rust-Oleum American Accents 2x Coverage. I found it for only $3.87 at my local Home Depot! But first, we made sure to prime.  Priming is a super-important step and will prevent having to apply so many coats and will result in a smoother, longer-lasting finish, so don't skip it! A word to the wise: make sure to follow the directions on the can (every brand is different)... the results of your project will always be better.

After priming, we waited for it to dry per the manufacturer's specifications, then sprayed the dark gray color in even, thin coats. It is tempting to keep spraying the surface and get that beautiful, sleek finish with the first coat, but trust me, it will only cause drips, and potential bubbling. After many years of trial and error, I have come to the conclusion that spray paint (used properly) yields a much more professional-looking finish.

Should you end up with a drip or bubble, wait for the paint to dry, and simply sand it lightly with a high grit paper, then coat the area with a few thin layers, letting dry in between.

After about 4 or 5 coats of paint, I topped with 2 layers of clear coat to protect the newly painted surface.

You might notice my handy-dandy little sprayer in the above photo.  You MUST get one of these clip-on hand sprayers made by Rust-Oleum and save your poor index finger from "trigger finger" pain. They are only around $6 at Home Depot, and really worth the investment!

So, after letting everything dry and cure for 48 hours per directions, the husband and I re-attached all the lovely hardware, and lugged the unit upstairs. Man, that thing is heavy!! But, I give props to the quality of older furniture. New stuff just doesn't seem to have that kind of craftsmanship, unless you are willing to spend an arm and a leg to buy it.

 

Overall, I am so incredibly pleased with the end result.

Not bad for $40.00 (plus the cost of paint and supplies)!

What do you think? What are your painting tricks/tips?

Useful Labels

{What helps you to organize?}

Personally, I love creating labels. They help me {and my organizing-challenged husband} remember where certain items belong, whether it is in the pantry, closet, or in a storage bin. 

There are a couple different types of labels in my repertoire. Generally, my handy P-touch label maker is used on most projects, but recently I stumbled across these lovely chalkboard labels on Etsy!

Pretty fantastic, right? I have used these babies mostly on seasonal storage boxes in my closet, wiping the labels and rewriting the contents with either regular chalk, or better yet, a fabulous chalk marker.

When I change out my seasonal attire {such as sweaters and tank-tops} I just wipe clean with a damp cloth and rewrite! 

{By the way, I love these chalk ink markers. I first used them when I worked at Peet's Coffee & Tea, and designed their in-store chalkboard signs, and bought some for my own use shortly after first use.}

To continue my swoon: chalkboard labels are easily found on Etsy, come in a bevy of styles, and shapes, and are a super convenient way to distinguish what is hiding in my large storage boxes. Best thing is, they can be reused over and over again!

You could place them on refillable glass containers in your pantry...

Or attach them to jam jars for gifts...

And, affixed to ball or mason jars, they would be super-sweet wedding or party favors!

Photo courtesy of Austin Gros via Style Me Pretty

I have to say, I am so inspired by these useful, beautiful little labels. The options seem endless!

Who else can imagine the possibilities? Any brilliant ideas of how to use chalkboard labels?

xoxo,

~Rochelle

Welcome!

{A New Organization Forum}

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart

Welcome to Delightful Organization!

Prompted by a general positive response to this entry on my personal blog, I have created this new blog in the hopes that it will serve to provide organizational inspiration in your lives as well as my own.

Organization can be easy! Taking time to be organized in all aspects of life can yield tremendous satisfaction, and it doesn't need to be complicated. All we often need is a starting place.

Together we will work on sorting through spaces in our lives, purge unnecessary and unused items, determine what works, and put the space back together again in meaningful, useful, and beautiful ways.

I am so excited to get started!

xoxo,

~Rochelle