Fashion is a wonderful way to express our individuality, reflect our position in life, and transition from day to evening. Each season brings an opportunity to create a newer and better you. You know, the ‘you’ you spend so much time daydreaming about but if only you had the time or the money to start? Well, I am here to say it is possible to make it happen! All it takes is evaluating what you have in your closet right now.

I am a firm believer in starting everything in life from the ground up. So for your fashion makeover we will start your groundwork by looking inside your closet. The goal? To purge un-wanted items; like clothes that shrunk, black pants that are now grey, or outdated sweaters, tops and pants that were hip in another decade.

You may feel overwhelmed just by thinking about facing your closet, but believe me, this process is well worth it. You will save time when you're getting ready for work in the morning because you'll open up your closet and find the perfect outfit with minimal effort. Talk about adding 20 minutes to your morning! Or better yet- imagine opening your closet knowing all of your clothes fit perfectly; plays up your beautiful features and shows the world you’re a Fashionista. Can you feel the motivation?!

To make this process easier, you will need several items. First, grab three empty baskets, boxes or trash bags. Make sure they are labeled: “Donate,” “Trash,” or “Tailor.” Now, enlist a trusted friend, family member or significant other who can give you their honest and loving feedback on how each garment looks on you. A few guidelines: Clothes in good condition that are outdated, or no longer fit, can go in the “Donate” pile. Clothes with holes that cannot be repaired need to go in the “Trash” pile. If you have items that can be altered, put them in your “Tailor” pile.

Now it is time to march over to your closet and purge!  Don’t worry if you come to an indecisive moment (a.k.a. meltdown), your trusted friend will be there for moral support. He or she will give you 101 reasons why you deserve better! In case you're not sure what an indecisive moment looks like, I’ve included some excuses my clients and friends have given me:

1. “When I lose the extra five pounds it will fit.”
2. “Maybe it will come back in style next season.”
3. “But I had this since high school! It was my best top!”

This is when you take a DEEP breath...and repeat: "I am a Fashionista and deserve a FABULOUS wardrobe!" Then get rid of it! Honor and love your figure for it's natural beauty. Release clothes that keep you hating your figure and make room for clothes that work for you!

If I still haven't kicked your pretty hinney into action, take it from world renowned author Napoleon Hill of “Think and Grow Rich.” He said these very wise words, “The more you give, the more comes back to you.” In other words: give your old clothes to charity and open yourself up to abundance. What do I mean by this? Getting rid of the negative energy (like, that stack of unworn  jeans hidden in the corner of your closet) automatically racks up abundance for you. It could come in such a way where you'll feel like putting in the effort to find fabulous clothes. Or, you might score extra money on your tax return to buy new clothes! Or, just maybe, you'll commit to a savings plan to use for new clothes. Either way, let's purge the old and bring in the new! Take the plunge and uncover your fabulous Fashionista within!

By Amanda Koss Roquemore

I am a Fashion Coach, Stylist, and Writer in Southern California. I received a bachelor degree in Fashion Merchandising from Westwood College. I write for Iconography Magazine, South Bay Woman Magazine, and Hartford Woman Online. I've recently joined forces with Examiner.com to write about fashion in Southern California. {I'm very excited!}

Fashion brings me joy because of the opportunity it has to shape lives for the better. It's always been my belief that no matter what goes on outside us, we always have the power to improve our lives through creative expression, such as fashion. I enjoy teaching women how to dress their best with the clothes, budget and shape they have. There are no limits to making your fashion dreams come true! If you'd like to work with me one-on-one, please email me to schedule a Free 30 minute consultation AmandaRoquemore@yahoo.com

When I'm not thinking about fashion trends, sales and styles, I love spending time with my husband and kitty. I love working on DIY home decorating projects and working in my yard. Yoga and bike-riding are among my favorite activities as well! I look forward to getting to know you! Feel free to email me anytime @ AmandaRoquemore@yahoo.com !

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