Blog | Kathy Banta

kathrinkim

May 4, 20232 min read

Summer Trends 2023

By Twin Cities Stylist Kathy Banta

Summer 2023 definitely has "a look". Some of the trends we're seeing are easy to incorporate into our wardrobes and you may already have similar items in your closet that you can pull out and use again. Some, are interesting and seem like they cycled back quickly from the last time we saw them. Honestly, I don't think there's any new ideas but, there are new ways to pair them. Let's see if any of these are exciting to you?

The Summer Suit Vest - I was in love with suit vests in the 1980s. I wore them over cropped sleeved tees and I will again this Summer. But, you will see them worn as a sleeveless top option with wide legged pants or cropped denim. I'll wear mine with cut off jean shorts and sneakers, too.

Anthropologie

2. Pendant Heart Necklaces - This is nothing new but, if you look, you'll see them EVERY-WHERE! This is a great gift for the season, too.

Nordstrom Evereve Anthropologie

3. Sheer Sleeves - In the last couple years mothers across the Midwest were frustrated by the crop top and bra-like Summer tops. The prayers for more modest trends were lifted but, you better keep praying. This Summer you'll see sheer tops to be worn over those bra-like tops.

For another fun way to wear them wear your sheer top under your suit vest.

MARCELLA Anthropologie TOPSHOP

4. Metallic - You'll see it in pants, dresses and all over in accessories. Metallic clothing trends, although they are HOT, will be short lived and lack versatility. But, a metallic purse or sandals will have a longer trend life and be classics for years to come.

Anthropoligie Zara

5. Maxi Skirts - Didn't we just get all our maxi skirts out of our closets?! Yep! They're back. This time they are here with ruffles, and layers in a prairie meets hobo vibe. Maxi skirts do not work for everyone. Just because it's in style doesn't mean it's good for all. So, be honest with yourself.

Nordstrom Anthropoligie Evereve

6. Denim Maxi Skirts - This is one of the HOTTEST Summer trends. But again, it's not for all. (It's not for me.) This look is so cool on a few and frumpy on many, giving the appearance of twenty extra pounds. Personally, I can't get past the commune vibe. But, you tall slim gals can wear these and get away with a lot more than the rest of us.

Free People Anthropologie Zara

Summer Colors - Green and Cobalt and bold deep Pink are still the trend. Here's the Pantone Summer Pallette.

7. White On White - wearing white on white on white mixing textures is a Summer trend. Another is a classic black Summer weight dress.

This past Winter seemed to last extra long but, Spring is here and Summer is right around the corner. Enjoy the season change and have fun with these Summer trends.

Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant Kathy Banta

kathrinkim

Jan 30, 20233 min read

Organizing Dresser Drawers

Early in January I had rotator cuff surgery and for two and a half weeks I spent a lot of time trying to find a good position to sit in that decreased the discomfort in my arm. I got bored and needed to find mental distractions but, I couldn't do big projects or long projects because my body was aching. So, I started cleaning up and organizing my dresser drawers one-at-a-time.

I'm embarrassed to say my dresser had gotten to a messy state. I think this is pretty normal. When we are working at a steady pace, we don't always have time to tidy up on our way out the door.

First, I started with my jewelry drawer. Yes, I have one dresser drawer for my jewelry. I have other jewelry boxes but, they are full of heirlooms and impractical items that are special to me that I don't wear. This drawer holds my costume jewelry, nothing pricey just fun. I tend to wear classic style clothing that stand strong as trends come and go but, I do indulge in jewelry trends and have a fun collection of color. I'm going to say this over and over but, if we can't see what we have in our wardrobes (dressers), we won't remember that its there and we won't use it.

Looking at this drawer, you wouldn't know that my favorite earrings are housed here. I have gotten messy and disorganized and I need to bring it back to order. How could I ever see my options with this drawer looking like this?

I began to organize by taking everything out of the drawer and creating piles for items I no longer wanted. I had a number of glasses that I didn't wear yet, they were the right prescription for me. I realized I was guilting myself into keeping them. I went through and put the ones I always avoided into a donation box. I separated the earrings into groupings by color and tossed several that were tarnished and tired looking. When I was done this drawer was useful again and brings me joy to open.

Second, I straightened my sock drawer. My sock drawer wasn't in that bad of shape. A couple years ago while doing closet organizing for a client, I had come across these sock organizers at The Container Store.

That is a dangerous store! There are so many useful tools for organization there. Every time I go, I come out with something that makes life easier. (I love their Recycling tubs!)

Anyways, I got this grid for my socks and it has made seeing my sock options so much easier. If I can see my options, I use my options. Plus, it keeps me from over buying socks. This drawer is full; I don't need more socks.

Just a slight shift around of socks and my drawer is pleasant to open again.

Third, I have a drawer that holds my camies and tank tops. I use them more in the Summer under silk blouses so, I haven't opened this drawer as of late. But, when I did open it I was disappointed in myself for leaving it in disarray.

Separating the camies and tanks in sections by color: navy, cream, gray, nude, reds and black, I folded them in the Marie Kondo way. It looks so much more pleasing! Note: My favorite camisoles/tanks are by Ann Taylor and Cuddl Duds.

Fourth, The underwear drawer! Do you have favorite underwear? I think it's kind of funny but, I do. I use drawer dividers in my underwear drawer; a row for shape wear, a row for everyday wear and a row for uncomfortable impractical pretty wear. There are seasons when I'm in suits and business attire that I pull from my shape wear more often and then, there are weeks when I'm living in jeans or shorts and I'm pulling from the comfortable everyday wear. No matter what your wear for underwear, it's the same rule over and over. If you can see it, you'll wear it, but if you can't; you won't.

When you go through your underwear, sock and cami drawers make sure to look everything over, tossing those that may be fraying or the elastic is giving out. There is nothing worse than wearing underwear that has lost its elasticity!

There's no need to wait for Spring to do a cleaning sweep through your dresser. And if you don't have time to tackle your whole dresser in one sweep, tackle one drawer at a time.

Things to ask yourself: Do I wear this? Is it still in style? Is it in wearable condition? If the answer is "no" to any of these it's time to toss the item or donate it.

Happy Organizing!

Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant Kathy Banta

kathrinkim

Jan 18, 20232 min read

Re-Create That Look

Twin Cities Wardrobe Stylist and Consultant Kathy Banta

I started following Veronika Lipar on instagram after finding her on Pinterest. She wrote a blog in 2018 about what her go-to Winter outfit is when running late. I love this outfit even if I'm running on time! Since any links she would have used in 2018 would be out-of-stock, I'm going to add links to this outfit that are current.

Classic looks are timeless, not trendy, so you should always have these go-to items in your wardrobe arsenal.

I suggest always having a seasonal outfit hanging ready to go with accessories hanging with the blouse, pants/skirt/dress and jacket. That way, if you are running tardy, you don't have to go searching for the items to complete this outfit; it's all right there on the hanger saving you time. I have several outfits in my closet hanging paired and ready. It's a time saver and when your mind is busy and you don't want to think about putting an outfit together, you've already done the work.

Below is the recipe for this look and links to items on the list. I bet you have most of these items, if not all, in your wardrobe already.

Recipe:

Black Sock Booties

Straight Dark Denim

Black Leather Satchel Purse

Camel Wrap Coat (Camel doesn't flatter everyone so, switch it out for a colored wool wrap.)

Black Blouse

Marled Black and Gray Sweater Jacket

Black Winter Hat

Brown Leather Gloves