It’s no secret that I L-O-V-E thrifted clothing! I built almost my entire wardrobe from my local Goodwill and I love every piece. But thrift stores aren’t the only places to find secondhand clothing – you can also check out resale shops and community clothing swaps.

Check out the video below where I give you my top 3 reasons I think you should consider secondhand clothing over traditional retail for building your wardrobe.

PS – I also have a truly phenomenal workshop coming up June 2nd. It’s called “Reclaiming Your Wardrobe” and I’ll be teaching the 10 steps to wardrobe nirvana. Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. Accept and Love the Person You Are TODAY
2. Understand How Your Habits Affect Your Wardrobe
3. Identify Your Signature Style
4. Organize Your Closet for Stress-Free Mornings
5. Curate a Stylish and Functional Wardrobe
6. Shop Strategically and Save Money
7. Build a “Free-Range” Wardrobe
8. Maximize Your Wardrobe Without Shopping
9. Create Expert Color Schemes
10. Make it Work – EVERY DAY

Click here to register!

I cannot begin to tell you how amazing my event was last week!

On Tuesday, I hosted a great group of ladies to demonstrate my Ready, Set – Dress! service. I did it live, with a very brave volunteer, so everyone could see how to organize and edit their closet, build their wardrobe and maximize what they already have.

Cupcakes from Sensitive Sweets bakery

Our fantastic venue - The LOFT in Costa Mesa

Donations we received for Goodwill of Orange County

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors:

• Shannon Smith of The BeautySmith
• Sensitive Sweets Bakery
• Kauzbots
• Mars Hair Studio
• Linsi Brownson of SPARK Collaborative

We also had an amazing photographer there – Michelle Carrillo of The Suitcase Studio. Below are a few shots of the event.

If you are interested in totally transforming your wardrobe, I have my first workshop coming up June 2nd. It’s called Reclaiming Your Wardrobe and it is an intensive workshop for the woman who is ready to take control of her image. You can expect to learn how to:

1. Accept and Love the Person You Are TODAY
2. Understand How Your Habits Affect Your Wardrobe
3. Identify Your Signature Style
4. Organize Your Closet for Stress-Free Mornings
5. Curate a Stylish and Functional Wardrobe
6. Shop Strategically and Save Money
7. Build a “Free-Range” Wardrobe
8. Maximize Your Wardrobe Without Shopping
9. Create Expert Color Schemes
10. Make it Work – EVERY DAY

You can learn more information and register here for Reclaiming Your Wardrobe.

No – I’m not having an actual baby. But, this project has been in-the-making for quite some time.

Long before I worked with clients, my friends had caught on to something that was different about me. I was happier, more confident, organized, I was dressing better – and they wanted in on what I was doing.

Turns out, while in the midst of my own wardrobe revolution, I had stumbled upon several mistakes women make when it comes to styling themselves. These mistakes, however, aren’t easy for everyone to see because they are so firmly embedded into our culture.

I knew, though, that if I could show women how to style themselves without falling victim to traps like emotional shopping, buying quantity over quality and having a disorganized closet that I could make them happier, more confident and possibly change their lives for the better.

Change their lives, really? Yes. Really.

So I created an afternoon workshop that will fundamentally change the way your style yourself – from how you shop, to how you manage your wardrobe, to how you put it all together each day. It’s called “Reclaiming Your Wardrobe“, after my ebook.

Dressing better, feeling more confident, having an image which truly reflects the person you are – it’s all totally possible, we just have to get past some patterns and bad habits. And, another thing, you’re worth it. You deserve to have this level of satisfaction with your wardrobe. Just read here how a client (and good friend) watched as her image and self-esteem improved right before her eyes.

The first workshop will be held June 2nd at 1:00 pm in Costa Mesa, and I can’t wait to teach all my secrets. You can learn more information about this workshop by clicking here.

Update, update: One word – CUPCAKES. Sensitive Sweets will be providing their gluten- and nut-free cupcakes. I had these last week and they’re amazingly delicious – no joke. BUT, supplies will be limited, so make sure you arrive in time to get your hands on one.

Update: We now have two more fantastic sponsors on-board! Both Michelle Carrillo of The Suitcase Studio and Shannon Smith of BeautySmith will be around to answer your questions about photo sessions and everything skin care-related.

When I first put together my signature service “Ready, Set – Dress!” I knew that people would have to see it to really appreciate how it could change the way they dress. So, on May 1st, I’m bringing my show on the road and what an event it will be!

I’ll be demonstrating how to organize your closet, maximize your existing wardrobe, put outfits together like a pro and a lot more. However, there have been a few recent developments …

First, we have a new sponsor! Linsi Brownson from Spark Collaborative will be there to tell us her about new social media and branding venture. You can find her on Facebook and follow on Twitter. Of course, The Nail Lounge in Costa Mesa has graciously donated 2 mani/pedi sets we’ll be raffling off. If you’ve never gotten a mani/pedi at The Nail Lounge, you DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE MISSING!

Also, we’ll be turning the event into an impromptu Goodwill donation site. If you are attending, please take a look through your closets and bring out some clothing donations. This is a perfect opportunity to detox your closet and get rid of items that don’t fit or are out of season (we ALL have them).

Finally, I’m so excited because the event is nearly full. As of now, there are only 3 spots left – yes, 3! You can take a peek at the guest list here and even nab one of the last few remaining tickets. So, in addition to learning plenty of wardrobe hacks, you will get to some elbow-rubbing with the best people I know in Orange County.

Oh, and there might be cupcakes – still finalizing that. In the meantime, here’s a video of me helping Jennifer from Tiny Oranges edit her wardrobe:

Recently I met with a special client for a quarterly closet check up, my first client ever – Nadia. We’ve been working together on building her wardrobe since shortly after I decided I was going to be a wardrobe coach. As an up-and-coming director at a local non-profit, she knows the importance of having a great look.

For almost a year, we’ve been building her wardrobe, piece-by-piece. But when you add to your wardrobe, you should also edit. So this past week we met to give her wardrobe a good pruning and add in some new pieces.

First I got her closet reorganized. Despite adding a significant amount of clothing to her wardrobe and a recent move, she had been able to keep her closet in great order. We also put together 2 weeks of outfits to get her re-acquainted with her wardrobe.

After we figured out what was missing – blouses – we took a trip to Bloomingdale’s at South Coast to fill in the blanks. So far Nadia has made some conservative, but strategic, choices; focusing on building a versatile wardrobe. However, this time she decided to splurge a little and found 2 silk blouses and 2 knit tops.

Thank you, Nadia!

“So. Wardrobe coach vs. wardrobe consultant – what’s the difference?” Good question!

Me, preaching my fashion gospel.

I’ve been blogging and Twittering and Facebooking away for quite a while about being a wardrobe coach, but it might seem like there isn’t much of a difference. So, let me tell you: first, wardrobe consultants want to help style you and do your shopping and plan your image for red carpet events.

But a wardrobe coach, on the other hand, wants to empower you to discover your true style so that you can feel confident shopping whenever and where ever you like. And that’s what I love doing. Of course, if you have a special event or vacation, I can help you plan that too – but, because you’re truly engaged in developing your image, you’ll be able to actively participate.

Why is this way better? Because, when you’re connected to every garment in your closet, dressing for your day becomes FUN. Yes, fun – not stressful or boring. Taking an active role in building and planning your wardrobe makes you feel supremely confident and helps you develop a signature style instead of just looking trendy.

Because I am so confident my services can transform your image, I want you to see it first-hand. In May I’m hosting 2 events to rock your closet – “Ready, Set- Dress! LIVE” on Tuesday, May 1st at 7:00 p.m. and “Total Wardrobe Makeover” on Saturday, May 12th at 1:00 p.m.

1.) First I’ll be demonstrating my best service Ready, Set – Dress! live for anyone who would like to come learn my secrets, and it’s free!

(click here to grab your spot!)

2.) Next, I’m hosting a seminar Total Wardrobe Makeover that will fundamentally change the way you think about your wardrobe. For real.

So, details.

Ready, Set – Dress! LIVE on May 1st at 7:00 pm: I’ll be working with a client to dissect her existing wardrobe to identify her best pieces and get rid of the duds. We’ll talk about her shopping challenges and how to build her wardrobe easily. Finally, I’ll plan a schedule of outfits using a wide variety of her existing wardrobe and we’ll discuss exactly what she needs to buy to round out her style.

Again, live and not rehearsed. It’s free to come out, but I have to limit it to 50 people.

Who knows – after watching you may go home totally inspired and get right to work creating your own little fashion revolution. Maybe not. If not, I can definitely help you with that. But, the other reason to come out to learn some wardrobe-building secrets is that I’m giving special goodies to the attendees. Yes, I’ll be giving away 2 mani/pedi certificates to The Nail Lounge in Costa Mesa and a free ticket to my seminar on the the 12th. Also, if you would like to book one of my services at a super-special BFF discount, I’ll be doing that too.

Get your ticket to Ready, Set – Dress! LIVE

Total Wardrobe Makeover on May 12th at 1:00 p.m: How would you like a lightbulb moment about dressing yourself? Taking from my experiences working with clients to detox their closets and build expressive wardrobes, I’ve created a 3-hour program that will transform how you shop for clothing and get dressed every day.

Save thousands by avoiding bad purchases, master strategic shopping and develop an original, signature style – it’s totally possible, even if you’re not exactly flush with cash. I know because I did it myself, and have also taught dozens of clients to do the same.

Plus, I use Prezi – which is way more exciting than PowerPoint. Here is what you can expect:

• Understand your true self and how your habits affect your dressing habits and image
• Identify your unique style for a signature look
• Discover how to organize your closet for stress-free mornings
• Learn to shop strategically and efficiently to save money
• Learn how to avoid fast fashion and build your wardrobe without guilt
• Learn how to build your wardrobe while supporting your local economy
• Learn what you absolutely need in your closet for a complete and diverse wardrobe
• Learn how to maximize your wardrobe without buying anything new
• Learn how to use color theory to make expressive outfit combinations. And, most importantly
  
• Learn how to make it work EVERY DAY!

The cost for this workshop is $149 – however, if you come out to Ready, Set – Dress! LIVE, there will be a significant discount on the ticket price. And, again, I’m even giving one away for free.

Oh, both events will be at this great space called The LOFT. It’s a comfy/funky/industrial space in an easy-to-find office building with plenty of parking in Westside Costa Mesa, right by Newport Beach.

So, I hope to see you there! If you are thinking of coming, book your spot ASAP. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch by emailing me at nicole@thewardrobecode.com

Last month I wrote a guest post for the blog My Thirty Spot on “The New Wardrobe Classics.” The idea behind it was that, if you incorporate these items into your wardrobe, you can have a ball putting together oodles of outfit combinations. And it doesn’t matter if your style is classic or trendy, it works for everyone.

The point is, we all need these essentials in their wardrobe – but the essentials are different for everyone.

Starting next Tuesday, my weekly newsletter will be dedicated to featuring a different “wardrobe essential.” We’ll begin by exploring blouses – the different styles and how they work best.

My hope is that you can use these collages and cheat sheets to 1.) put your existing wardrobe to better use and 2.) begin to build your wardrobe strategically.

So, if you’re not signed up for my weekly newsletter, go sign up here and tell a friend too!

If you’re like me, you might have an entire section of your closet that’s not being worn. For me, it was several items that were either white or lightly colored. I’ve discovered that, with the exception of perfectly crisp white, I really prefer wearing rich color.

I could have donated these items, but I like to squeeze every bit of wear I can from my clothing. Plus, I have to admit, I was inspired by literary legend, Scarlett O’Hara, after I indulged in lazy afternoon of watching Gone With the Wind.

Instead of sewing together my curtains into a dress, I took these garments from my wardrobe that I hadn’t worn in a while and decided to dye them using good ole Rit Dye. I bought mine at a crafting store – the powered dye packets for about $3 each.

(Sadly, I forgot to take *before* photos – but most of these items were previously either white or a very light color.)

Here’s what I reinvented with dye:

• a light pink t-shirt to bright orange
• a light pink silk blouse to bright pink
• a light blue button down shirt to dark teal
• a light green skirt to dark emerald (the gold accent at the bottom was existing)
• a pair of white chino shorts to a mauvey light brown
• a yellow jacket to bright green

Recently, while perusing Pinterest, I came across this:

I clicked through the link and it took me to a page which had several of these charts. Expanded from the traditional 4 “color seasons” were categories like clear spring, cool winter, soft autumn … and so on.

Look, I know it’s fun to search through these diagrams and find which one most applies to you, so go ahead. I’ll wait.

Back? Okay, here’s the deal about “personalized” color cheat sheets: they’re bogus. But, wait – these color guides are so thorough and seemingly helpful; they tell me exactly which colors to look for so I won’t be tricked into buying something which is the “wrong” color.

Sorry, still bogus – here’s why:

Although I may have the same hair, skin and eye color as Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Jessica Parker, I can tell you for an absolute fact that “deep rose” just doesn’t look that good on me. And neither does “light green.” How do I know? Because I’ve tried those colors on.

And that’s the hard truth; there is no magic formula or perfect cheat sheet for finding what looks good on you. So, how are you to know what does? You must try things on, lots of things. You need a deeper connection to your wardrobe, so no color cheat sheets allowed.

Be open, be hopeful – but don’t be emotional if it doesn’t work out. Just move on to the next garment and find what looks fabulous on you.

Not Jessica Biel.

You know the white shirt I’m talkin’ about – button down, cotton oxford, menswear-inspired. It looks so effortless on the J. Crew website:

The problem is that you’re not a man. You have breasts and other “lady-lumps” that this stiff, cotton shirt has to continuously maneuver over all day long. Wearing this shirt is like trying to wrap an orange in paper. So, unless the bottom half of this is a bodysuit which guarantees it’ll be staying in one spot, you’re better off with something like this:

Ah, much better. This will glide easily over your curves and, because the fabric is silk and has movement, you won’t be fighting to keep it in place.