Tips From Closet Organizer to the Stars, Melanie Charlton Fascitelli of Clos-ette
Posted by Chris, May 26 2010, 12:43 PM in Shopping + Trends
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CLOSET COUTURE brings you the expert that the celebrities turn to for closet 911 help, Melanie Charlton Fascitelli, President and Creative Director of CLOS-ETTE
By Emma Santangelo
Melanie, how did you come up with the idea behind Clos-ette?
About 10 years ago, a designer friend approached me to help her with her showroom and boutique as she needed to set it up for editors and buyers to visit. I went in and did the remodeling work, and then she hired us to work on her loft, because she loved the outcome so much. That’s basically where the idea behind Clos-ette came from.
Do you believe that an organized closet makes a fashionable woman?
I definitely do, I think organization can help us with our thoughts and as well as with our clothing. Just like in a store, it’s easier for you to shop when it everything is displayed well. It’s the same thing for your closet: when it’s set up appropriately, it helps. It really doesn’t even matter what the size of your wardrobe is, if things are untidy and discombobulated, it’s not going to work for you to get in there every day to figure out what you need and what you have and get yourself dressed.
How do you personally organize your closet? Do you arrange by color, clothing type, most-worn to least-worn, etc.?
Ideally, the way you organize matches up with your personality. Some people fall into the “outfit” category and some fall into the “separates” category. I’m a big category person, especially with my shoes.
If you are “Separates” you mix and match a lot of items in your wardrobe. I organize my items by color and by type. So all my shirts are together in one big section, with sub-categories: all my long sleeve shirts then all my sleeveless shirts are together, etc. Same thing for dresses, from cocktail to day, and so on. Everything is always organized from lightest to darkest.
But of course, some people work best with their clothing organized into complete outfits. I often times also create a hanging space that is a packing space for myself, I travel quite extensively, so I create a packing space to help myself visualize what I want to bring. At Clos-ette, we really tailor to the client and the way he or she likes to get dressed.
Here is how I would do it at home:
• Start by taking an overall inventory and editing. Weed out the things that you haven’t been wearing for awhile. The question that I always ask my clients is, “would I buy this now?” and “would I wear this now?” If you can’t afford a stylist to help you with your items, have a friend come over with a glass of wine and have them go through your closet with you. If you’re someone who doesn’t get rid of stuff easily, you’ll definitely need the extra help in deciding.
• Next do an inventory of all of the items you have left.
• Then, figure out what how it’s easiest to get dressed. You may have to go to through more than one organizing round so you can figure it out. And you’ll have to do more specifics, like evening wardrobe items, or types of pants (work, summer, weekend, etc.) Some people work better with categories like that.
• Get the same type of hanger for everything and then organize it all by category, then color. When everything is on the same hanger, it’s easier to visually comprehend what you have to work with.
What is the best way to handle shoes?
Shoes are a pain point when you’re limited with space, as they take up a lot of it. The best way to organize shoes is to sit them on a shelf that is slightly tilted forward so shoes are easier to see. One major thing: Don’t keep them in their boxes if you can. I’m not a fan of putting a photo of the shoe on the outside of boxes, especially if you’re limited on space. If you have limited space, it’s best to line the floor of your closet with shoes. Or you can go to the Container Store and buy a double layer shoe holder.
For accessories like hats, scarves and belts, how do you fit them into the overall organization of the closet?
If you come to us for design, we have many ways to architecturally construct storage areas. If you don’t have the money to hire us, I’d say that unused shallow wall-space is the best way to hang accessories. Get a level, get a hammer, and put up a bracket for items such as hats, scarves, belts, etc. And put a mirror next to the area so you can have your little accessories niche. For handbags, don’t scrunch them all in drawers. I like to put them on out on shelves, with some tissue paper balled into the shape of an egg inside them, almost like a shoe-form, to help them stand up and keep their shape
Jewelry - it's delicate, what's the best way to display but protect and store?
Check out the Clos-ette jewelry box and storage solutions in the photos above - pegboards are great, as you can see. And catch us on QVC next week - details below - where we will be selling our traveling jewelry case!
As seasons change, so do the clothes we wear. For those of us who don’t have room to keep all of our clothing in our closets at all times, are there some staple pieces that you recommend leaving in the closet year-round?
Your sweaters are a staple piece. You can use them year-round. If you have the space to leave them in your closet, definitely leave them.
What’s the coolest closet you’ve ever been in?
(Laughs) Well, Beyoncé and Jay-Z had amazing wardrobes. Who else, let’s see…Julianna Margulise, Liv Tyler, Phil Collins, Eva Longoria….. love them!
For more information and ideas about closet organizing, visit Clos-ette online or check out Melanie's book, Shop Your Closet, available on Amazon here.
***CATCH CLOS-ETTE ON QVC!!!*** We don't want you to miss out on our QVC debut! Tune in on June 2, 2010 at 9am EST on QVC for Clos-ette Too's initial launch. We will be selling our coveted traveling jewelry case on QVC's show, My Time with Mary Beth. Mark your calendars! If you miss it, the product will also be available on QVC.com.
Sample Sale Round-up - NYC edition
Posted by Chris, May 6 2010, 07:57 AM in Shopping + Trends
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Tis the season again - sample sales - and I mean the old fashioned kind where you actually show up at some random building and wind your way upstairs to a room filled with treasure, crossing the fingers that something is in your size. Polish those ninja skills, because here are two that we thought were particularly worth fighting for. And if you are not in NYC, perhaps dispatch someone with your sizes and budget limit to do a little shopping for you!
Pictured, above:
The Statement Necklace
Posted by Chris, Apr 8 2010, 06:49 AM in Shopping + Trends
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The grand jewelry statement has been going strong for a few seasons now, but as we shed the heavier dark clothing that is winter and transition to spring, we thought we'd look at some necklaces that might be perfect for lighter outfits while still staying on trend. I think a strong necklace looks great on any figure - if you are curvy, it can balance out, and if you have a more boyish figure, it can lend some drama without overwhelming.
Pair them with a smart boyfriend blazer and jeans for a look that goes from lunch to evening out. For work, add to a dress and cardigan combination or a suit for a little more punch to your everyday look.
Here are a couple of our favorites for spring - how would you wear them?
Cara Accessories Crystal Bib Necklace with Ribbon: $85, available here.
Mirit Weinstock Necklace (can double as a belt too): $164, available here.
Kate Spade Cortes Triple Paillette Necklace: $225, available here.
Peachoo and Krejberg Big Bead Necklace: $610, available here.
House of Lavande Unsigned Gold Dragon Pendant: $468, available here.
Shop Your Closet... and Mine!
Posted by Chris, Mar 17 2010, 05:15 AM in Shopping + Trends
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Forget peeking into the medicine cabinet at someone else's home.... we all know that the real action is a look into someone else's closet. That is one of the points of Closet Couture and now we have something even better - you can shop other people's closets! Underneath each item (click on the item in the closet so it's own page comes up) we are running similar items to purchase directly so you can get the look yourself. Covet that perfect coverup from season's ago? We show you similar ones you can buy now.
SO easy and fun! Get inspired and get the look for yourself! Don't miss the closets of some of our most stylish users, and for great inspiration, take a look at some of our stylist's closets.
Happy shopping!
Our Man in Bryant Park - ADAM
Posted by Chris, Feb 17 2010, 06:25 AM in Shopping + Trends
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By Shannon Hallenbeck
Following a particularly lovely lunch of grilled skirt steak on toasted bianca bread at the trendy Bryant Park Grill, I braved the cold and rounded the corner of Bryant Park to check in for the ADAM show by Adam Lippes. While waiting in line to enter the promenade, I chatted with Robert, a fashion photographer for H&M and Christian Dior, who was attending the show to support his friend who had worked to style a number of the runway looks. “I always look at the model’s shoes,” he told me. “The wrong shoes can ruin an outfit.”
Upon entering the promenade, Robert and I were ushered to adjoining seats overlooking the entryway to the runway. As the show started, models in bright red, black, and embellished tops came down the runway, with chunky snoods draped around necks and shoulders. The thick scarves were wrapped among a number of the model’s necks, and created a funnel effect to their otherwise tailored forms. The ADAM-inspired woman will be able to replicate a number of these looks through the classic method of layering tailored pieces.
The palette of greys, cream, black and red suit most most women, and the beautifully cut skirts and dresses will flatter most any figure, which we love and the knits and flannels will drape really well on straight and curvy figures alike.
All in all, this was a chic and wearable collection that though the temperature outside is still sub-zero, makes me already look forward to fall - and I loved the shoes!
Our Man in Bryant Park - ELISE OVERLAND
Posted by Chris, Feb 16 2010, 07:43 AM in Shopping + Trends
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By Shannon Hallenbeck (Shallenbeck)
Following a bicycle and buggy cab ride (which I do not recommend in the winter, or hardly think worth the twenty-five dollars for four blocks—lesson learned!), I arrived at the Exit Art building on 475 10th Avenue for the Elise Overland show. Chris had informed me beforehand that it would be best to find a spot nearest the end and at the right of the runway so that I might gain a better view for taking pictures of the models as they turned to strut backstage again. Taking her advice, I found myself not only at a preferable angle to the runway, but right across from Kelly Osbourne and Heidi Klum!
As the show started, I was instantly drawn to the fiery red evening dresses and black leather jackets coming down the runway. Her show consisted of corset-style dresses, dresses with a metallic sheen, cropped jackets with and without fur, and jackets with sewn-in belts issued forth. (There is a certain degree of practicality in jackets featuring sewn-in belts. While jackets with loose belts can look particularly chic, the last thing a busy woman on the go wants to do is buckle-down and have to hold on to her otherwise loose belt.
The inspiration was open heart surgery (see above graphic) - as one of Elise's friends gave her a DVD of a procedure for her viewing pleasure. Not sure if we would have made the jump from there to such lovely and wearable clothes, but glad she did!
Come Sail Away.....
Posted by Chris, Feb 10 2010, 06:06 AM in Shopping + Trends
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Since the shows last fall for Spring 2010, we have been craving a little nautical stripe action in our day to day ensembles. As we trudge through the endless winter storms and sleet, our thoughts turned to the questions: When is it going to be spring already, and when can we bust out the stripes?
For resort this year a strong list of designers added their nautical interpretations to their lineups, including Donna Karan, ADAM, Jeremy Scott and Band of Outsiders, among others.
Above are a few pieces we really like for resort / spring, all available here at ShopStyle:
T-Bags Striped Cardigan, $170
Classical Nautical Black Dress, $22.80
Nautical Striped Top, $17.80
Alexander Wang Nautical Frill Pullover, $425
Here's how I would wear them now if I just couldn't wait for spring: how would you?
- Forever 21 Classical Nautical Dress
- Black Patent Manolo Blahnik Pumps.png
- Ysl Black Jacket
- Topshop Chain Print Square Silk Scarf.jpg
- Gold Patricia Von Muslin Cuff
- Mary Norton Black Clutch
- Mcq By Alexander Mcqueen
- Ccwardrobe_195.jpg
- Prada Black Motorcycle Boot
- Navy Seven For All Mankind Skinny Jeans.png
- The Row Short-sleeve Blazer
- Chain Laced Necklace
Top 5 must-haves for 2010
Posted by ashley, Jan 13 2010, 06:26 AM in Shopping + Trends
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Hi All: What are your top 5 items for 2010? I am dying to know what others are loading up on for this spring and year - there are so many choices, I think, that work for lots of us!
Here are mine:
1. Anything Alice in Wonderland - whether it's the Stella McCartney inspired by collection or the Tom Binns (among others) bracelets, I am all for a character tie in that is chic instead of shabby. We can all thank Tim Burton for this new take on an old classic, which will take us down the rabbit hole of fashion!
2. Military - khaki green is the chicest color, I think (maybe navy blue gets a run for the money) and paired with a metallic, it's over the moon. I am on the hunt for an army green pencil skirt that I want to pair with my Hermes buckled belt (note that I did in fact take the buckle off the belt and put it on a much more casual one - it's in my closet for you to see) and white shirt with LOTS of gold jewelry.
3. Silk shirts with cardigan sweaters over them. I know, it's a two-fer. But this look is going to save me in winter and then come spring, I will jazz up the winter colors with spring pops of color. I like the silk tops at J. Crew for price and colors, and then the cardigans at The Gap (finally getting back their mojo...!) for the same reasons.
4. Spots! Leopard, Cheetah, Giraffe (not a spot, more a blob, but gorgeous). All things animal work as a great pattern in almost any color - and are a perfect way to go from day to night. Do it as a belt or shoe if you are afraid of it overwhelming, or go for a full on look if you dare!
5. Lightweight leather. It can be pricey, so best to save for a jacket or the like that can go from winter to spring - so a cut and color that looks good open, closed or layered, to get the most bang for your buck. I like a carmel color, which works well with chocolate browns and grays for winter and whites and creams and picks for spring.
What are your must-haves?
Closet Couture <3's Fetty Jewelry
Posted by ashley, Sep 21 2009, 04:12 PM in Shopping + Trends
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Fetty is a cutting-edge jewelry company based in Brooklyn, New York. The company was created when up and coming rock and roller, Justin Tranter, began designing necklaces to sell at shows for his garage glam band Semi Precious Weapons. Thanks to a loyal fan base and Tranter's entrepreneurial spirit, Fetty's jewels have caught not only our attention but also the likes of Urban Outfitters, who began selling their jewelry nationwide. Tranter has also created a 14K gold, sterling silver and diamond line created for Barneys COOP (shown here) and has won the hearts of celebrity clientele including Kate Moss. Tranter's aesthetic keeps Fetty on the forefront of trendsetting styles by staying true to his rock and roll spirit.
Fashion's Night Out Recap
Posted by courtneygrace, Sep 12 2009, 09:11 AM in Shopping + Trends
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It was like a holiday I'd never experienced before. This bigger than big global celebration of fashion was somewhere between New Years, Venice's Carnivale, and fashion week of epic proportions. The champagne flowed across the Big Apple for some serious fashion fun. For me personally, that serious fashion fun included an evening with Sonia Rykiel at her Madison boutique where she offered astrology readings. (Over at Saks Fifth Avenue Carolina Herrera was joined by magician Mark Mitton...) Next it was over to Prada's 5th Avenue store in which Grace Coddington recreated her Little Red Riding Hood story featured in the September issue of Vogue. And even though Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were bartending over at Barneys (very tempting) the crowds were absolutely horrific, so I headed downtown to Howard Street to Opening Ceremony, who took the celebration to the streets by selling special-edition items sold out of vintage automobiles. Very hip and very downtown. It was quite remarkable to see the city come alive with so many incredible events. True, a bit chaotic and circus-esque at times, a very memorable evening nonetheless. So in the thick of fashion week frenzy here in NYC, let the games begin..
on Tips From Closet Organizer to the Stars, Melanie Charlton Fascitelli of Clos-ette