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As you may already know, The Together Act (website) and Excited Chills (blog) have merged. I recently refreshed my brand + business. This Journal is now part of the new site.  (See below for more details on how to navigate the Journal.) 

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First off, THANK YOU for being here.

I know you have a huge pool of online content to choose from these days and I'm honored that you're choosing to spend time with me.


I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and well during this bizarre, frightening, unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic situation. 


I feel overwhelming gratitude for my family’s health and wellbeing. At the same time, my heart hurts for all the people who are truly suffering. With the future so unclear, I’ve been trying to simply embrace + enjoy this unexpected time with my big kids who wouldn’t ordinarily be at home right now. Though there are definite downsides, I see the silver lining, for sure. 


Sheltering in place has provided an interesting pause in everyone’s normal. For me, that pause included not posting about style... because by mid-March, that topic began to feel unnecessary, irrelevant and even insensitive. 


But I’ve missed writing.

I've missed having a fun place to put my attention. 
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I've missed offering what I hope are helpful style + simplicity + mindset tips. 

And I’m actually ready to think about clothing again. 

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This unprecedented Stay-At-Home phase has offered so many unusual opportunities to see things in a different light. My own thoughts and choices when it's time to get dressed each day have proven to be an interesting 'style study'. 


Here’s what I’ve learned about my personal style during the past 8+ weeks... 



I crave inspiration. 

I miss seeing other women dressed in real clothes! I now realize how inspired I am by the women I work with both in closets + at Anthropologie. 

I miss seeing beautiful clothing displays in stores. I'm not a huge shopper, yet I really enjoy the change of seasons as presented in an apparel retail environment. I miss the ever-changing Anthro displays. 

I have been seeking some online inspiration. If this pandemic lasts much longer or I ever find myself in a SAH situation again, I'm definitely going to rethink my WFH style. 

These two women seem to be doing quarantine-style right...

Katelyn from @katelyn.baginski
Sandra from @thisisfiftysomething




Comfort is crucial. 

I've learned that I absolutely cannot (will not) work from home in uncomfortable clothes. As a general rule, I only buy clothing that is super comfortable. However, I'm discovering that my requirements for 'super comfortable' in my pre-COVID life are somewhat different than in my constantlowgradepanic, stayathome247 life. 

In addition to basic comfort, I want a feeling of luxury. Soft, beautiful, cozy fabrics that make me feel nurtured. I want flattering, easy shapes that make me forget that I've been eating + drinking a bit more than normal. Think: comfort food. I currently crave comfort clothing. 

Nothing tight, especially around the waist. TBH, I get a stomachache from any waistband that’s even a touch too snug. Is it just me? 

Nothing itchy or scratchy. Or stiff or heavy. 

Nothing fussy or flouncy. Who wants wet sleeves when washing dishes? 




Too hot, too cold... just right.

Temperature control matters. Especially since we're all inside while the seasons change. At first I was dressing for winter, now spring, next summer. I've been relying on multiple layers to ensure that I can find that 'just right' temperature in every room of my home.

Scarves have been super helpful to take the chill off. And there's the added bonus of making me feel a tiny bit chic while I sit at my computer. I keep a scarf on the back of my chair to use casually drape around my neck as needed. C'est la vie.




Repeat performance.

I now realize that I’m perfectly comfortable wearing the same clothing for several days in a row (like until it's completely stretched out or I spill something on it;-). There's zero shame in being an outfit repeater. In fact, I find this actually makes my life easier by eliminating decision fatique when getting dressed in the morning. And it helps keep the laundry pile down.

My quarantine clothes are feeling a bit like I remember my maternity clothes feeling after two straight months of wearing the same few combos. I’m almost at the point of ‘if I never see these sweat pants again it will be too soon!’

I've realized that I don’t need much to feel comfortable and put together. Right now, the unworn clothing hanging in my closet seems excessive, almost frivolous. Shopping still feels unsafe. And what’s the hurry? I’m not sure when I’ll be going out again regularly + I already have plenty. 




What I miss. 
(Strictly with regards to clothing. Obviously, I miss HUGS and restaurants!) 

I miss blazers. Oh, I do miss blazers. I haven’t worn one in months because they don't fall into the comfort clothes category. 

I miss my shoes! I've only worn slippers and sneakers for months. My shoes are lonely. 




What I need.
Nothing, honestly. But the first thing I’m buying when the mall reopens? New bras and panties! Staying at home for so long has made me aware of the sad state of my lingerie collection. I really do feel better on the days when I wear my prettier underwear. Time to uplevel my undergarments. 


What’s helping you feel beautiful during these strange times? 

What are you tired of wearing on repeat? 


Please share! I love hearing what's happening in your world. 


If you'd like to uplevel your stay-at-home style, I'm offering special online sessions to do just that! We'll work together to solve your wardrobe struggles and create new outfits using what you already own.

Check out Fresh Style for the New Normal!

Let me know if you have any questions. 

Stay well. 

xx Kristen 

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P.S. 
Vintage Blog Posts: You can still access past blog posts with the search bar above. Simply type the subject you’re curious about into the search bar and you’ll find a list of blog posts containing that subject. Click on the preview to be taken to the full post. Having trouble locating a vintage post, email me and I’ll help. kristen@kristencainstyle.com



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You're in for a treat! We have ourselves a guest blogger. For the first time, I've invited a talented and delightful online friend to contribute to my blog. Please allow me to introduce Tenaya Plowman Kolar, founder and CEO of TPK Feng Shui.

Tenaya and I met online last summer when she invited me to be part of her event, the Simplify Your Life Summit. We formed a quick bond and have been growing our online relationship ever since. I'm hoping one day we actually get to meet in person:-) 

Pour your favorite beverage and settle in for a new voice, fresh wisdom and valuable insight...

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How to simplify your closet & revolutionize your style

Now, I don’t know about you, but it took me a LONG time to find my own personal style. In fact, it took me so long, that I thought I was born without some sort of “style gene.”

Turns out… I just had way too much clothing in my closet.

Allow me to elaborate.

I am a Feng Shui & Design consultant. I help people create inspiring, rejuvenating spaces to live and work.

For 15 years I’ve studied Feng Shui (plus Interior Design, Space Planning, Architectural Drafting, Color and Space Psychology). At it’s core, Feng Shui is an ancient tradition that allows energy to flow into your space so that opportunity can come into your life. You can pinpoint an area of life where you struggle and shift your space in order to transform your life.


There are 3 ways your spaces can affect you:

1. First, the way your space was designed and built can be beneficial or detrimental to the life you live there.
2. Second, the way your space is set up--the larger furniture pieces--affect how effectively energy can flow through a space
3. And lastly, the rest of your stuff: how much of it there is, where it is placed, how long it goes without attention, can impact whether energy is able to flow into your life.

This last piece has a greater influence on your life than most people care to realize.

Clutter--the stuff that doesn’t have a home, the stuff you don’t love or have the capacity to appreciate--can clog energy like nothing else.

Having studied Feng Shui my entire adult life, I was well aware of this fact and thought my own personal space was relatively pared down. After all, I had been organizing and culling for over a decade.

At that point in my career, two things happened,

First, I began consulting full time and I found that the majority of my clients--though they had beautiful homes full of treasures from around the world--had to deal with the elephant in the room (CLUTTER) before they could see transformation in their spaces and lives.

Thing is, a lot of folks want that quick cure (place a crystal over the toilet to draw up your abundance, place your desk in command to be more productive in your work). And those things will have some impact, but not the life-changing, eye-opening, ease-inspiring transformation that I wanted for my clients… without first opening up space and clearing stagnation.

Deal with your clutter and the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui comes to life. It becomes easy to change your space, to change your life.

The second thing that happened: a friend introduced me to Marie Kondo’s book: the life-changing magic of tidying up. And man-o-man was that life changing. Her directives to surround yourself with only those things that make you happy, and to listen to your joy to determine what to keep, are incredibly powerful.

I had been studying organization and purging techniques for years, and yet there I was, still frustrated at the amount I had to pick up after my family, spending more time than I wanted to dealing with my stuff (organizing it, fixing it, cleaning it, finding a home for it, getting rid of it, etc).

I immediately began my ‘once in a lifetime decluttering event’--using the KonMari method--and it was astounding the way in which it unclogged the energetic pipes in my home (and in my body).

Over the next 6 months, I went from believing my belongings were relatively paired down, to happily releasing dozens of bags of possessions that weighed me down, that had made the experience in my home much less enjoyable.  

The energy available to me expanded and a steady stream of new opportunities came into my life. 

Turns out, when you surround yourself with what you love, your life mirrors this and you are able to focus on doing the things that make you happy with the people that you love.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the KonMari method, she walks you through a specific order of categories (easier to more difficult), so that you can practice listening to what brings you joy, before you get to the things that have real emotional attachments like Mementos and Photographs. That means that you begin with: clothing.

Now, I’ve told you, style and fashion were never my thing. I wore clothes, but they were utilitarian; I didn’t love them. I had a hard time picking out an outfit every morning. I was a Feng Shui & Design consultant, but felt like I didn’t fit into the Interior Design world because I didn’t have enough style.

Because I didn’t place much import on my clothing, I didn’t think I had that much of it.

Turns out, when I pulled all the tops out of my closet and laid them on my bed (the first step in the KonMari method), I had to take photographs to document the enormity of the pile.

How did I own so many tops?
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In that first round of going through my clothing, I found it hard to “hear” my joy, difficult to determine what to keep based solely on a feeling. My rational mind was on overdrive telling me all of the reasons it was wasteful to get rid of the clothing that didn’t make me feel good.  

It’s funny thinking back to that time, because now, listening to my joy in order to determine whether something stays or goes, is second nature.

And let me tell you, my home has never been easier to maintain, more full of joy.

What is important in my life has never been so clear and easy to focus on.

The energy that comes into my life has never been so plentiful.

At the time, it was a struggle to get through the process with clothing. There was a lot of grey area--items I wasn’t ready to release even though they probably didn’t bring me joy.

But when I was through, my closet was like an entirely different room. I say “room” because all of a sudden there was actual space amid the clothing. I could see what remained and loved that each piece brought me joy.

Within a month, I was inspired to go through the process with my clothing again. This time it took me an hour rather than the many it had taken me the first time through. What brought me joy was so much clearer.

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With this new found space, one of the opportunities that came my way, was a 3-day Wake Up Your Wardrobe closet challenge with none other than Kristen Cain of The Together Act!

It was perfect timing. I had space in my closet and existing wardrobe to identify a) the items I loved and b) the holes that existed.

With that added foundation, all of a sudden, getting dressed every morning was fun. I found that I loved my clothing. I was beginning to identify my own personal style, rather than trying lots of different styles on for size.

Every day became an occasion, a perfect reason to wear something that made me feel great. Friends started to ask where I was going looking so put together.

Turns out, you don’t need an occasion to wear what you love.
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Not only did I now LOVE my clothing and my new-found style, but I found a consignment shop in town that was FUN to shop at.

​Enjoying the process of filling in the gaps in my wardrobe was a new experience for me. Rather than buying things because I kinda liked them, I buy things that I love and because I know I have the need for that particular item.

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Having this new found style sense of style not only made every morning more enjoyable, but it allowed me to feel more confident, more authentically me. Spaciousness in my closet--where only the clothing I loved remained--unlocked doors into greater awareness and ease within myself and my body.

I never undertook decluttering my closet as a way to revolutionize my style and build my confidence, but now that I’ve incorporated the KonMari technique into the work I do, I can say it has that effect on MANY.

Not only do I love my clothing (and own much less of it), but the space that opened in my closet allowed me to think about that space in a whole new light.

My closet went from fully utilitarian, to a space that I delight in opening up, that is an expression of me. I hang the artwork inside that my husband doesn’t enjoy, but that I love. It is a place that makes me smile. A bonus room.

I always encourage clients to find a place in their home that is just for them. This doesn’t have to be a full room; it can be an altar on a shelf, a wall in the kitchen, or the closet where you keep your clothing.

What can you do in your closet that will make you smile every morning? Listen to that intuition and make a change today!

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Huge thanks to Tenaya for contributing today's post. I always love learning from others who are striving to simplify their lives and find more joy in the everyday.
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Interested in learning more about the work Tenaya does?
Check out her free 3-day email course “Take Command of Your Space” to invite calm peace & order into your busy life TODAY!

Tenaya is the founder and CEO of TPK Feng Shui and Design. She is a Feng Shui & Design Consultant as well as a wife, mom, entrepreneur and space guru. With a background and training in Feng Shui, Interior Design, Architectural Drafting, Space Planning, Color & the Psychology of Space, she delights in discovering the design that unlocks the potential in your home. Visit her at www.tpkfengshui.com.

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Weekly Updates are the best way to stay informed...lots of new stuff heading your way this spring! 

Thank you for being here. Have a truly amazing week! 
xo Kristen

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My journey towards simplification and a more minimal lifestyle has been evolving for years.  It’s only in looking back that I realize I’ve actually made great strides in paring down and eliminating.  

Most importantly, I realize that I am truly happier when I have less stuff. 

My life feels richer and more full when I have less clutter, less mess and less stuff.  

I couldn’t find peace in the midst of all the junk!

Now my mind is more relaxed and I am finally able to feel real joy.  
All of this sounds trite and cliche even as I type it...but it is the absolute truth.


Note: I think these videos feel kind of long with no talking. Apologies. My top video guy wasn't available;-( and I was left to my own editing abilities...which are poor:-) 
Hoping you find some inspiration from them!

Lately, so many of the women I meet (virtually or face-to-face) share a deep desire to simplify their lives in order to live more joyfully. What’s incredible to me is that we all want this shift so badly and yet we struggle so much to obtain it.  

It’s a universal yearning that continues to elude us. Ironically, the act of creating a simple life doesn’t seem so simple.  
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My re-entry after travel used to be worse. 

A little back story for anyone considering a move:

My husband and I spent years vacationing in places that fed our souls much more than our own town.  We’d spend most of the year longing for a trip to a destination that provided a warmer climate and more sunshine.

When my kids were younger we traveled to California as a family several times. I love California and feel really, really good when I’m there. Back east at home, when we’d experience a day with abundant sunshine and temps in the 70s...I could feel my mood shift and my spirits lift.  My kids would instantly notice the change and began calling me ‘California mom’ on those days.   

Noticing our continued sense of wanderlust, my mother mentioned that we should consider finding a place to live that actually fed our souls.  What a novel idea. This set in motion our family’s move across country three years ago.  

I now live somewhere that I love. I’ve left behind the hazy, hot, humid summers and damp, cold, gray winters that made me so unhappy.  I wake up to sunshine more than 300 days a year.  I am in awe of my surroundings every time I leave my house.  

So, my location feeds my soul, but I’m still yearning for that vacation feeling in my everyday life.

I find that I (and my family) like my ‘vacation self’ more than my home self.  I need to find a way to let that girl shine more often!


The following ‘categories’ are part of our everyday lives.  These are the areas where I notice the biggest difference between home and away…

Hair and beauty:
My normal routines for hair and makeup are fairly simple, but vacation simplifies things even further.  I pack only what’s essential for the destination and daily events. Despite streamlining my products, I’ve never wished I’d packed more stuff.  I return home to my bathroom drawers and often wonder why I have so many products...and I really don’t have that many products:-)


Relationships:
As I mentioned, my husband and kids like me better on vacation.  This is probably fairly common...mom's more relaxed and therefore we all get along well!  The little things aren't as bothersome. I'm a better listener. There are more hugs and kisses.  I long for this same flow with the people I love once we're back home.


Food:
Travel usually means exposure to different foods.  In new locations, it could be a wealth of exotic flavors and ingredients.  At a family reunion, it might be familiar dishes prepared in unfamiliar ways.  Regardless, vacations often make me more adventuresome with my food choices.  

Yes, I should mention that I sometimes eat a bit too much on trips:-)  I must admit that it’s kind of nice to ease up on the healthy stuff and have an extra helping of dessert!  At home, I’m sure I’d benefit from the occasional dose of decadence.  


Exercise:
Workouts are more fun on vacation.  Maybe it’s the change of scenery or equipment...but I actually enjoy travel workouts. My home fitness routine can become tedious, making it hard to stay motivated.  


Location:
I’m throwing this one in for those of you who are considering a move.  My advice? If at all possible...do it!  Living in a place that you truly love is an incredible feeling.  I didn’t know how much difference this would make in my life until we moved 1700 miles west three years ago.  Best decision ever.

If you aren’t happy where you currently live...start to research your options. Making a move is a huge endeavor...but the result can truly change your life for the better!


Less worry/ relaxing:
This is the golden ticket right here.  Vacation allows us the opportunity to let go of the daily stress and recurring worries and just relax.  I’m not exactly sure how this happens, but I know I want more of this feeling in my regular life.  


The pace:
Things move slower and the living becomes easier.  I’m 'all in' for adopting this at home.  I’ve known for years that slowing down would lead to a more fulfilling life...but I suck at implementing changes that would actually make it happen.  It’s time.  I’m done with the madness of feeling so busy all the time!


Shorter ‘to do’ list:
The freedom of vacation can be seen in my to do list.  I don't even have a list when I travel...unless it's a list of fun stuff to fit into my schedule! 


More fun:
This is what vacation is all about!  Having fun. It’s easy for me to have fun on vacation. It’s practically a requirement, right?  I’m admittedly terrible at letting fun into my daily life.  


Simplified wardrobe:
There’s nothing like living out of a suitcase (even for a weekend) to remind me that creating great outfits doesn’t require lots of clothing. I don’t have a capsule wardrobe at home, but when traveling...I’m a capsule wardrobe master!  I love to pack clothing for a trip...making sure that all the pieces work together makes me giddy!  The ease of dressing from a capsule is liberating.  



As you can see, I have a lot of work to do!

I’m going to take the next several weeks off and ‘get my act together’.  I look forward to returning to this space ready to share my successes and my slip-ups.  Thank you for allowing me to be flawed and human...I’m so glad you’re on this journey with me.  

Don't miss the next update...sign up right here!

I’ll be posting on Instagram and Snapchat while I’m doing the work.  Having you follow along there would help to keep me accountable:-)  
Find me as togetheract in both spots.

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Have an amazing July!  
xo Kristen

​​1. Nars -The Multiple in Portofino or Orgasm
These blush sticks are incredible!  This has been a constant in my bag for years!  I’ve used several different shades, all are good. These two are my favorites!  Blendable, long-lasting and so natural.  Great for summer heat!


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3. Laura Mercier- Caviar Eye Shadow Pencil - in Rosegold
I just tried this eye shadow for the first time on my recent trip to Mexico.  It’s shimmery and glides on with ease.  This stuff stays put forever...even without any lid prep product.  All of the shades contain shimmer...they look very sparkly on the hand...much less so on the eyelid.  I also tried Bobbi Brown’s version- Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick - thinking I wanted something more matte.  In the end, I felt the shimmer of the Laura Mercier pencil was prettier on me...better for hiding lines and sagging:-)
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​4. L’Oreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara​- in Black
I’ve always preferred mascaras from the drugstore.  I feel there are many good quality, inexpensive brands available.  Spending less on mascara allows me to spend more on my other cosmetics. 
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​6. Laura Mercier- Tinted Moisturizer  
This is another product I’ve been using for years!  It’s the perfect consistency for sheer coverage.  The shade I use is Blush.  It contains sunscreen and doesn’t ever irritate my skin.  When it’s really hot, I often I skip this product and just apply sunscreen before using the other products. Cleaner skin just seem to feel cooler. 


I actually use all of these products year round, but they are especially great in the summer when warmer weather makes it more of a challenge to keep makeup on my face:-)

Don't miss a single summer update! 

I know, I didn't mention a lip product.  That's because I don't have one I really love right now.  I'd welcome your suggestions.  I like glosses and simple lipsticks...nothing that requires a mirror:-)  

Please share what’s in your makeup bag!

Questions? Just ask kristen@togetheract.com
I'm so glad you're following along. Huge thanks for being here!
xo Kristen

​Take photos of items that you love.  I had very fond memories of a few pieces of maternity clothing and some kid toys. I took photos of the items and then donated them...figuring someone else would love having them as much as I did.


Gifts
Would you want someone to keep a gift they received from you if it didn’t bring them joy?  Forget the guilt.  Let it go.  Give those gifts away...regift them or donate them.  Someone else will enjoy having them...it doesn’t have to be you! 

Old stuff
One episode of Antique Roadshow will have you saving every old thing under your roof.  Unless you buy and sell antiques, plan to attend the Roadshow in the next six months or are moving to a new house where you’ll actually use all of those ‘saved’ pieces…get rid of the old stuff.  

Hand-me-downs
Like many young couples, early in our marriage, my husband and I couldn’t really afford to buy all new furniture.  During this time we gladly and gratefully accepted any and all donations that came our way.  We made the most of the gently used pieces and remained thankful for each item.  

Years later, we took a look around our home and realized that our style wasn’t being reflected authentically.  We didn’t feel joy from the pieces that surrounded us.  We decided to let some things go.  I put my first post on Craigslist...a hutch and sideboard that had belonged to my parents.  I had a very strong sentimental attachment to the pieces, but the style wasn’t really ‘me’.  The couple who purchased the pieces was thrilled with their find!  I was happy the furniture had found a new home.  

We began to list and sell everything that didn’t feel like us.  Slowly we started to purchase furniture that fit our lifestyle, our taste and our budget.

What a difference it makes to dwell with items we truly love!  


Extras
If one is good, more must be better!  Not so.  Decide how many of something you actually need. Build in a tiny cushion of ‘what if’ and let the rest go.  For a while I had a very large collection of Ball mason jars that we used for drinking glasses.  I envisioned hosting a huge party and all of the guests drinking out of these jars.  Reality is...I’m not currently hosting big events and storing the jars was stressing me out.  I saved enough for my family plus a few extras for company.  Plenty.  


Being 'strangled by the clutter of the past' is such a true (and sad) statement.  It's probably time for you to let the excess go! 

I really believe that you will feel much lighter and happier without all of the extra stuff!  Clutter creates stress every single day!

Best of luck with the process.  Be gentle with yourself.  
It took years to accumulate all of the stuff.  
Change takes time...

Please feel free to reach out with comments, questions or suggestions. Let's be sure to recognize that we all have our own issues, each journey is unique and being supportive of one another can really go a long way. 

Thanks for being here. 
xo Kristen

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Don’t buy more containers as a way to organize your life.

Declutter first!  
Purge your stuff and you’ll definitely need fewer containers.  It you have less stuff there won’t be as much to put somewhere.  This step is where the magic happens.  This is why Kondo’s tidying methods work so well.  If you don’t have stuff...it can’t be cluttering your life.  I have a post about letting go of things...coming next week!

Contain it
To start, use things you already have on hand- shoe boxes and their lids, empty shipping containers, empty lettuce boxes.  If you find that you really want an attractive container, wait until you are sure you need it...then buy only what you need for a specific purpose.  Do not buy every size and color just because you like the way they look.  Maybe I’ve done that:-)

Location, location, location
Find a place for the stuff you keep- everything should have a home. Everything.  Nothing in your house should be without a definite holding place. This might sound extreme, but I promise, it's beyond liberating to know where every single thing belongs.  Super helpful for families...this plan removes the vague notion that a space is cleaned up...it’s cleaned up when everything is put away where it belongs.  Maybe we've had an issue with this at my house:-)


I am planning to revisit the KonMari Method this summer.  There are a few areas in my home that could use a tune-up...and some areas that I never really mastered. Quite possibly the Paper Category:-O

I look forward to sharing my struggles and triumphs surrounding clutter and organization with you.

Want to follow along?  Weekly updates are the way to go!
Also on Instagram...@togetheract and Snapchat - togetheract.

Thank you so much for your support.  Questions or thoughts...please comment below or email me - kristen@togetheract.com

xo Kristen

​Okay, back to the real post...


​Here are my tips for selecting a carry-on suitcase-

1. Make sure it fits in overhead compartments - The correct size bag allowable as carry-on luggage is usually labeled as ‘suitable for carry-on’ and ‘FAA approved’.

2. Pick one with 'spinner' wheels - This might be my top tip! These bags have four wheels instead of two.  They are much easier to manage and they don’t seem to tip over as easily.  My back and neck tend to strain when I pull a suitcase behind me...spinner bags can be pushed upright at your side. Game-changer.

3. Bag Basics-
Select a bag with some pockets and compartments, but not too many.
I like a big, flat zippered pocket on the outside to hold magazines and flat shoes/sandals and a few compartments/pockets inside- I tuck jewelry pouches and a lint roller into these small pockets.

An expansion zipper to make the bag larger for when you return home with some extra items and need more room:-)  

A sturdy, easily collapsible handle.

A bag that's lightweight when empty, so you aren't carrying any unnecessary weight.

And...I like a color other than black so my bag is easy for me to recognize.

Also...carrying your luggage onto the plane makes it last much longer because it isn't being bashed around with all the other bags.


What’s inside -

Divide and Conquer
Use packing cubes!  They are incredible and...if you happen to be a container junkie like me...they actually make packing fun.  The ones I use are from Ikea.  They are called Upptacka.  A set of 4 different sizes is about $9. You can buy them other places, but for the price, Ikea's are the best quality I've seen. Marshall's and TJ Maxx also have cubes at a decent price. I’ve found that Target and travels stores tend to be a bit more expensive.

Packing cubes make it easy to organize your clothing.  I use one for undergarments/swimwear/socks...one for t-shirts and tanks...one for scarves, sweaters, workout clothing, etc.  

I often pack what I'll need the first night in one cube...that way, if I'm exhausted when I arrive at my destination, I have everything in one place.

Jewelry often comes in a soft pouch when purchased.  Never turn down these little treasures!  I love these pouches for packing jewelry for travel.  

Travel wardrobe
Create a capsule wardrobe for your trip. Keep in mind, in most cases you don't need to wear a completely different outfit every day.  Plan to wear most pieces at least 2-3 times during your travels.  I find that I rarely change my clothes as often as I think I will.  Many days, I'm in the same basic outfit from breakfast through dinner.

Accessories- Scarves and inexpensive jewelry will make outfits more interesting.

Layers- Be sure to have proper coverage for visiting religious spots. A few extra layering pieces will make it easier to dress for sudden temperature changes.

Dark colors are more forgiving with drips and spills.

Quick dry fabrics- Pick socks and undies in fabrics that can be rinsed out in the sink, if necessary and will dry quickly.

Comfortable shoes!  You shouldn't need more than three pairs of shoes. They take up a lot of room.  Be sure all of the shoes you take are very comfortable for walking all day...even if they aren't the most stylish shoes you own:-)  I pack my shoes in plastic grocery bags.  I have flannel shoe bags, but I find they don’t slip into place as easily and they take up a bit more room.

My go-to summer travel shoes are white low-top Converse and a pair of simple, comfortable sandals in a neutral color.  And...I always pack running shoes...a drag with a size 10 foot because running shoes take up a lot of room!  

Space savers: Always fill your shoes- I stuff mine with socks, hair brushes, jewelry pouches. Place belts around the inside edge of your suitcase.  


Want more tips?  Check out this video and this post.  

​Coming soon! I'm going to give myself a KonMari Check-Up!  It's been almost a year since we decluttered our home using Marie Kondo's methods...it's time to re-evaluate:-)
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Vacation time for you?  Safe and happy travels!  I’d love to know where you’re heading...and what tips make your trips easier.  Please share! 

Let me know if you have any questions- kristen@togetheract.com
Thanks so much for reading!
xo Kristen

 
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If you have any questions, I’m always happy to provide my best answer.  Just comment below or shoot me an email at kristen@togetheract.com
Thanks for being here.

xo Kristen

​I’ve made a decision.  It’s time to make some radical changes in a few areas of my life.  I’ve recently celebrated a birthday (a BIG one) and it’s a new calendar year.  I’m more determined than ever to fix what’s bugging me.  Life is short and long at the same time.  I want more peace and more joy.  Watch out 2016, I plan to find both on your watch!

First things first. 
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My closet needs work. 
Let’s remember that I'm a Personal Stylist.  My job is to help women create fantastic wardrobes that fully support their lifestyles.  I am very good at doing just that…for other women:-)  

If I’m completely honest, I sometimes don’t follow my own advice.  This always proves foolish because then I end up with...

we can say it together...

“A closet full of clothing and nothing to wear!”

So, I’m turning my attention to my own closet.

Note: As many of you know, I read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo about 6 months ago.   I immediately proceeded to use the KonMari Method of decluttering in every room of my house.  
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Half a year later, there are many areas/categories that still look amazing! I’m thrilled with how well we've managed to keep the flow going and the spaces orderly!  

Other categories...not so much.  Papers, I’m looking at you!


My closet has remained extremely organized.  The KonMari folding method has been a game-changer and my wardrobe looks great.  Here’s the problem…

I’ve noticed that I have lots of clothing that I don’t ever reach for when getting dressed.  This shouldn’t be the case.  I kept only what ‘sparks joy’ when I did my KonMari decluttering for clothing. 

Why am I not wearing and loving everything in my closet?

I’m about to find out. 

I am fulling committed to wearing every single garment in my closet. 

I want to move through this experiment as quickly as possible, so I’ll focus on not wearing pieces more than once.  However, I have a lot more tops than bottoms. As a result, I will have to wear jeans and pants repeatedly while I work though all of my tops.  Same with shoes and accessories…those will be worn many times to make outfits with all of the tops. 

The only two categories I will skip over are Formal Wear – really dressy dresses, shoes & accessories and Out of Season Clothing – I missed a few pieces when I packed up my summer clothes. If I can’t currently wear it, it shouldn't be in my closet.
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Here’s my plan:
I will wear each piece of clothing! 

Check out the video for the method I’m using to separate what’s been worn from the rest. 

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Okay- that's MORE than enough on the topic of Home Clothes. Thanks for sticking with me while I got that sorted.  Thank you for reading and for watching.
 
Questions?  Email me at kristen@togetheract.com or comment below. 
​I want you to love your home clothes!
xo Kristen
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