Let's get organized! Wardrobe tips and tricks to preparing for the Spring/Summer season.

Now that our closets have been edited, it’s time to look at organizing. I love this part of the process! You can take everything that you absolutely LOVE and get organized! 

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I prefer to organize by class and colorstory. A few of my clients find it easier to have all classes combined and go by color completely. I believe that works when you have a closet where all of your clothing is on one wall space. Everyone is different, so do what makes most sense for you!

Step One:

Organize your closet from top to bottom layer. Meaning, that when you walk into your closet, the first class that you should see are your tops. An example would be to start with camis/tanks and end with sweaters/ cardigans. Once that you have everything in that area organized, arrange the section from light to dark colors. Everyone has their way of organizing color. Do what makes sense to you! Work through your closet section by section, then step back and admire your handy work! 

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Step Two: Accessories

This is an area that is all dependent on what you own. Without getting too deep into the process, I would place your focus on what you have the most of. Shoes would be the top category for most of my clients. Use the same process, as you did with your clothes just apply a few modifications. Put your focus on what shoe style that you wear most and create a space that makes them most accessible. I usually focus on work and move to casual for most of my clients. Again, it depends on your space too. 

Tips:

  • I always encourage clients to invest in felt hangers. They save a ton of space and make your closet feel more organized. Always use the same color and match the hanger color to your closet color shades. 

  • Arrange your shoes facing in opposite directions (see example picture above) to save space.

  • Organize your very top shelves or leave empty, if possible. A cluttered top shelf can make your entire closet feel unorganized! 

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I hope that these easy tips will help you get ready for the next season! Please reach out to me, with any questions or concerns. I am setting up FaceTime appointments, for anyone who needs one on one advice. ivy@ivycosta.com

XO,

Ivy











A Wardrobe Stylist's Guide to Wardrobe Editing

As we are at home navigating through the  shelter in place order, I thought that I could share helpful hints on how to get your wardrobe into shape. Taking care of your closet organization and preparing the wardrobe for Spring and Summer is a great way to pass the time. I always feel accomplished and excited when I finish prepping a client's closet for the season change. Here are a couple helpful tips to get you started!


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The number one rule that I use as a stylist is ensuring that every piece of clothing fits my client perfectly. 



Closet Edit

If you have a rolling rack or something that can act in place of, begin by pulling everything to the rolling rack by sections. For example, start with your blouses and move through your closet from top to bottom layer. There are two different ways to look at this

Bigger the Better

You have a sizeable wardrobe and love to have many options. In this case, take a look at trendy pieces that are no longer relevant and pull aside. Next consider how many pieces are clones. For example, how many white t-shirts do you have? At most, you should have a total of 3 white t-shirts. Each one should have a different shape and function. Use this thought process as you move through each section of your wardrobe.


Minimalist

You have a well edited wardrobe with mostly staple pieces and prefer to own quality over quantity. In this case, take a look at every piece closely and ensure that your staple pieces are in good condition. If you need to replace items, make a list of needs. You could consider adding a few trendy pieces to give your wardrobe a pop for the season. 



There are so many different personalities, style’s and shapes out there. Start with a simple wardrobe edit and move to organizing! Over the next few weeks I will cover:

  • Organizing the wardrobe

  • Smart Shopping

  • The top Spring/Summer trends to purchase

  • Donating vs. Re-selling



My favorite trends of the week

Chunky Chains and layering by Jenny Bird

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I am available for FaceTime appointments to help guide you through the edit process! Contact me through text 513-470-2358 or email ivy@ivycosta.com

Stay healthy everyone!

XO,

Ivy

Spring Transitions

 

It’s already time to start thinking about your Spring wardrobe transition and shopping/outfitting needs. Soon, we can close the door on Winter and welcome in the warmer weather and lighter clothes! Hooray!

 

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A few of my favorite trends ( #costacrush) for Spring! There are simple ways to infuse these trend ideas into your Spring wardrobe and make it your own. And as always, I am here to help!

 

 

Trend 1 - Ultra Violet - Pantone color of the year and Ivy's personal favorite!

 
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Trend 2 - 60s Floral Prints - Lets get funky for Spring!

 
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Trend 3 - Plaid - I see lots of outfitting options by infusing a touch of plain into your wardrobe!

 
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Trend 4  - Dark Denim - Rethink how you wear denim!

 
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I look forward to seeing you soon!!

XO,

Ivy

 

 

Inspirations at Sartre OTR

My latest restaurant uniform and styling gig for Sartre OTR took me straight to thoughts of dining in a funky French brasserie. The new restaurant’s atmosphere is lively with dark and cozy touches of olive green leather, exposed brick, and preserved original architecture. It’s industrial but elegant, with barrelled ceilings and mid-century lighting. All of this inspired my design process.

Sartre is the brainchild of Jim Cornwell, formerly of Dutch’s Larder and Boca Restaurant. The space shares a building with Rhinegeist Brewery, so I was challenged to strike a balance between a comfortable and casual style and a more refined palette. I decided to go with a classic bistro look for the servers and added a quirky apron for a fun touch. The server’s apron color was taken directly from a piece of original plaster that still lives on Sartre’s walls. When I first toured the space, I noticed it right away and knew that I needed to use that color in the uniform.

Guests should be greeted by a hostess looking perpetually like they just stepped out of “Spring in France.” I dressed the bartenders in striped or eccentric printed tops and dark denim aprons with contrast straps. All aprons were made in Cincinnati, specially designed by myself for Sartre exclusively.

Jim and his team allowed me to go with my instincts. What a gift! When I pitched them three different style options, their first words to me were, “which is your favorite?” Of course I had one that far outweighed the other options. I was thrilled that they allowed me to do my thing and chose my #1 option. In my world, what I consider my favorite isn’t always what the client chooses. Of course, they loved it too but Jim kept encouraging me to go for it. Well, I did just that! I hope that you enjoy Sartre, a restaurant that inspires the eye as much as it feeds the stomach. I am so pleased to be a part of the always energetic, ever-changing world of restaurants and hospitality.

Photos by: Annette Navarro