She She Me Sponsors: eLUXURY.com

Spring Wardrobe Overhaul:
What's In/What's Out

Here in the doldrums of the year (don't let those summer snobs try to convince you that August is the slow season), when there is, seriously, NOTHING to do, I find it helpful to turn inward for some reflection. Specifically, inward to the overstuffed closet (okay, closets), dresser, and sweater boxes under the bed. What, exactly, is in there? Is any of it worth my time, as 2007 marches on? Will I be able to use any of it as the spring sartorial landscape grows ever more focused in my sights? I should definitely weed out the dregs (hopefully, if I played my cards right, the less expensive trendy items I hauled out of the discount retailers by the score) and make room for the new year's highlights. If I'm as good as I think I am (like there's really any doubt), I can also start adding more flexible pieces that will not only ameliorate the seasonal ennui that sets in with the sixth month of wearing tweed and tall boots but will also slot neatly into my warm-weather garb like a Lambertson-Truex clasp.

If you can get a girlfriend to come help you with this process, more power to you: you can make a night of it, and a second opinion (which you are free to ignore) always comes in handy. Plus, then you can reciprocate, and there's another night you don't have to figure out which re-run of your favorite programs bores you least. Turn up some tunes, turn on all the lights, and spread things out all over the room to get a feel for your collection. Here are some hints for what to keep, what to shop for next, what to store, and what to ditch as we inch ever-closer to spring. (Did you hear the groundhog didn't see his shadow? There's hope—warmth approaches!) Read on.

Keep It: Great style for now, good mixers for transition to spring, and classics to hang onto forever.

• Skinny jeans: with boots now, flats later, and stretched over high heels for evening.
• Wide-leg menswear trousers: in a seasonless fabric like wool gabardine, they'll never go out of style.
• Cashmere sweaters: v-neck, crewneck, turtleneck, cardigan, hoodie…don't EVER get rid of these. They'll work as layering pieces all year in lighter gauges, and that short-sleeved cable you bought last fall to wear over a blouse to work will look equally cute in June with a pieced skirt and wedges.
• Ballet flats: for day, for evening, for pants, skirts, or dresses, they're versatile, comfortable, and eternal. Just ask Audrey.
• Wrap dress: These have been around for thirty-five years, and still look as good on you as they did on your mom. Stick with solids or a simpler graphic print and a great-quality blend or silk jersey and it'll work for another thirty-five. Flatters every body type and works for so many occasions, it's the most versatile item you own (except maybe jeans).
• Silk kimono top: sensational in the evening with jeans or a pencil skirt, it will look so apropos post-beach over sleek white Bermuda—just wait.

Add It: Hot trends are starting to take shape. Adding the following new pieces will help keep your classics fresh and you in the spotlight. It's all about the compliments.

• Nautical. Add sailor-button trousers, rope accents, splashes of red, and crisp navy-and-white themes to your basics; layer stripes under a suit jacket for work, or red peep-toed wedges under your wide-leg jeans on Saturday.
• Baby-doll: flowers, flowers everywhere, and it's not even spring yet. Empire waists, flowing tops and dresses, floral details aplenty. Feminine is just the right touch for Valentine's Day, and it's so fun to wear a flirty top with mannish flannels.

Store It: You know they'll be back in twenty years, and then, like your mother's Ferragamo pumps, you'll be kicking yourself that you got rid of them. Wash or dry clean the following items, and wrapped in tissue and stored in big bins, they'll be as good as new when they come around again.

• Blazers: the shrunken university jacket, while great for fall, is fading as an accent for spring. (Look for more feminine interpretations.) But you spent good money on them, and they're so versatile—wear them as an outer layer in milder weather, then store them as spring moves in.
• Ankle boots: wear them under pants for the rest of the season now, then move them out. They come around again and again, especially the classic styles, so keep them nearby, polished, stuffed with paper and stored in their box.
• Maxi-skirts: That ankle-length suede skirt that looked great with boots is done. Have it leather cleaned and store it in cloth or paper, folded with tissue. This classic shape will return.
• Giant sweaters: the last time we all wore sweater coats was only about four years ago. It'll be back sooner than you think, so use cedar instead of moth balls!

Pass It On: It's over. You know it is. So find a clothing donation charity ( Dress for Success, Vietnam Veterans of America, Salvation Army) and eighty-six these pieces. They were fab while they lasted, but now it's time to move on. And keep the little slip they give you (or hang on your doorknob—some of them will pick up at your place!); you can take a tax deduction for your donation on next year's returns and get more money to feed your accessories habit.

• Leggings with a mini: keep the skirt, but pass on the tights. While it's still adorable, you know your ankles will freeze in this weather, and next year it will look SO 2007.
• Ankle-tie cargos: while a sleeker, straighter cargo is still hot, or one with abbreviated length, let go of those baggies with drawstring ankles or big cargo pockets. The anti-war sentiment seems to be settling into the designers' lexicons, too.
• Giant, '80s redux blouson tops: like the Flashdance spectacle the first time around, this is just too distinctive to be a forever look. Send it out to pasture and replace it with a slimmer tunic-length knit.

Happy weeding, ladies. Spring is just around the corner. Oh, and by the way, how are your New Year's Resolutions holding up? Except that one about not shopping so much, of course.

Smooches,

Shop Girl

P.S. At a complete loss as to what to give a friend or someone on the verge of being more than a friend for Valentine's Day? Coming to the rescue in the nick of time are our fabulous friends at Krispy Kreme! (Let me tell you, She She Me is beyond delighted with this!) Heart-shaped donuts, and with each dozen customers get 12 cards to give to friends, each having a coupon on the back for a free doughnut. What a sweet deal! So sweet, in fact, that these little babies have been flying out of the tents at Fashion Week in New York—models and fashionistas alike nibbling on the scrumptious heart shaped confections! Get your dozen (or two) today!

Check out our all new Hot Products in the She She Mall. We are also adding New Stores each week so check back often for updates and fantastic savings! Also, don't miss the great girly merchandise in our Chic Shop.

SHE SHE ME SPONSOR:
eLUXURY.com

eLUXURY captures the spirit of true romance with an assortment of Valentine's Day gift possibilities for him and her.  Handcrafted Me&Ro jewelry, stylish Paul Smith cufflinks, and beautifully scented Diptyque candles make the perfect gift for those closest to your heart.  Let eLUXURY help make your Valentine's Day one to remember.

Introducing two new cards in the Chic Shop!

"Happy Birthday. I promise no one is counting…"

The perfect birthday card for anyone over the age of twenty-one, which is, of course, the age that all girly girls stop keeping track. Guaranteed to put a smile on the birthday girl's face!

Set of 10 cards with 10 envelopes. Matte white cards with black text. Outside text: "Happy Birthday. I promise no one is counting…" Inside: Blank. 5.5 " x 4.25"

"Life is too short to wear sensible shoes."

Truer words have never been spoken, as this is the sentiment of all true stylish footwear aficionados. Ranks right up there with "eat dessert first"! Perfect for your favorite fashionista!

Set of 10 cards with 10 envelopes. Matte white cards with black text. Outside text: "Life is too short to wear sensible shoes" Inside: Blank. 5.5 " x 4.25"