Cut the Closet Clutter!

Does this look like your closet?

If you’re buried in clothing, it’s probably time to do something about it. Katie Trotter, writer for The National, says “when in doubt, throw it out.”

Trotter’s rule of three advises that you ask yourself the following questions to evaluate each garment: Does it fit? Have you worn it more than once in the last six months? Does it serve a solid purpose? According to Trotter, if you answer “no” to all three, you should toss (or donate) the item.

But wait--do you really have to throw it out? Although Trotter’s assessment is valuable and clever for cutting clutter, it’s not always necessary to discard everything. You love your Jimmy Choo shoes, right? But you only wear them maybe once in a blue moon (after all, you have quite an extensive shoe collection!). Just because you don’t wear them all the time, doesn’t mean you should get rid of them; especially if the design is classic and timeless.

Now think about this:

What if you had endless closet space?

What if you didn’t have to pack a suitcase the next time you take a trip?

What if your clothes were documented, stored in a temperature-controlled climate, and on surveillance 24/7?

If finding storage space is a challenge for you, perhaps you should consider employing a clothing storage company, such as Garde Robe. Garde Robe ensures that you always have enough space for your own stuff, regardless of current closet size. And (maybe the best part), Garde Robe will prep your clothing and deliver it to your hotel so it's ready to go when you need it!

Of course, there’s certainly nothing wrong with the occasional donation to a good cause. But if you love what you have, and you want to keep it looking nice, clothing storage might be a good way to go.

TELL US: How do you cut the clutter?

USS Midway Museum and Laundry

My parents-in-law were in town over the weekend, so we decided to take a tour of the USS Midway Museum. In case you're unfamiliar with this ship, it's one of America's longest-serving aircraft carriers. And the thing is gigantic!

We saw everything from restored aircraft to living quarters and mess halls. It was fascinating, and it gave me a greater appreciation for the men and women who serve currently.

I thought the laundry and tailoring section of the ship was interesting. It was sort of a mini version of what we do here at Margaret's. (See pictures below)

If you're ever in the San Diego area, or if you live here and you still haven't checked out the USS Midway Museum, add it to your list of things to see. 

Steam presses

“Some of the guys were permanently assigned down here. I counted down the 90 days of my temporary duty until I could get back to what I was trained for.” –L. Roberts, 1969

Steam presses

Pressing uniforms

"I had to run three presses at once. Not only was it hotter'n heck, we were right over the propellers. Their vibrations ran right up our legs." -W. Davis, 1984

Sewing/tailoring area

"You'd be surprised how much sewing was needed on this ship--from fixing torn uniforms to attaching new ratings badges to repairing Midway's flags." -G. Hodges, 1967

Ironing machine

"When the laundry was returned to our division, a big bag of it was dumped on the deck for us to sort. Good luck if your stenciled name had faded." -R. Duffee, 1951

The Princess Project Prom Dress Design Competition

All photos from San Diego Magazine

The Princess Project is hosting its fourth annual Princess Project Runway show! It’s a fun fashion event that will raise money for the The Princess Project.

The show features students from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). The students will demonstrate live, interactive draping and production of a prom dress. Each student chooses the fabric and creates the pattern for the dress. Attendees get to watch the dress creations from start to finish!

The dress draping competition begins at 7 p.m. and lasts about one hour. Each dress will reflect the style and color of current prom dress trends. The ultimate goal: design a dress that is a fabulous, fashionable, must-have garment for today’s high school prom girl.

Our own Jan Bohn (co-owner of Margaret's and couture handling expert) will be a sitting judge in this year’s competition!

Gordana Gehlhausen

The other judges are Gordana Gehlhausen of Project Runway and owner/designer of Goga by Gordana; Elena Han, owner/designer of Va Lena Valentina Couture; and Jodi Kodesh, event emcee from NBC San Diego News.

The night will include a fabulous show and attendees will also be treated to a special menu of cocktails and delicious appetizers. There will be a silent auction with items donated from local businesses.

For pictures from last year's show, click here.

4th Annual Princess Project Runway

March 29, 2012

6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Fifty Seven Degrees wine bar   

1735 Hancock Street

San Diego, CA 92101

Prepay: $20; At door: $25

Top Fashion Designers Show Off "Real" Sizes on "Real" Women

To top off New York Fashion Week, celebrity stylist Derek Warburton and Bottomless Closet present "Real Fashion. Real Women," a runway show that merges prominent fashion designers and "real" women (sizes ranging from 4 to 12).

Photo courtesy of New York Daily News

This show proves that fashion designers create ensembles with both glamor and their consumers in mind. Fashion designers include Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, Rachel Comey, Ivana Helsinki, and more.


A Little Bit of History
Derek Warburton has a four-year working relationship with Bottomless Closet. His workshop, "How to Be Derek Fabulous" empowers underprivileged and homeless women  with the skills and confidence to nail job interviews. When Warburton was 14 years old, he and his mother were homeless for eight months. Because of his experiences, Warburton's mission is to help women in similar situations.

What is Bottomless Closet?
Bottomless Closet is a nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged New York women get back on their feet by providing interview-appropriate attire at no charge to the recipient. The organization works to help women who are facing difficulty, whether homelessness, abuse, or job loss.

For more stories about these real women, read the full article from New York Daily News.

The show takes place tonight (February 16, 2012) at the Empire Hotel (NYC) at 8 p.m.

New York Fashion Week Showcases Top Designers and Affordable Styles

Marc Jacobs runway show; Photo courtesy of LA Times

It's Valentine's Day and that means love is in the air! So is there really a better week to celebrate fashion?

Versace for H&M; Photo courtesy of Fashionista

If you love fashion, you’re probably following this year’s New York Fashion Week in New York City. This year, some of the most famous fashion designers from all over are crossing runways with mall brands and chain stores, such as Levi’s, Kohl’s, and J. Crew.

If you haven’t noticed while shopping at your favorite store, more and more elite fashion designers are pairing up with department stores to offer affordable items for the everyday fashionista. Missoni designs garments for Target, Versace has a line at H&M, and Diane von Furstenberg is creating dapper duds for Gap Kids.

Why are these top designers making moderately priced clothing for the everyday customer?  "That, analysts and insiders said, is due to the fashion elite's tighter embrace of top bloggers, live video streaming by a growing number of designers and the explosion of social media allowing anyone with a camera phone to tweet from the once-insular world." Basically, fashion designers are making an effort to reach out to more people.

Michelle Obama; Photo courtesy of Shiny Style

Diane Kruger; Photo courtesy of Style Frizz

Remember Michelle Obama's glamorous Inaugural ball gown? Or how about the gorgeous mustard-yellow gown that Diane Kruger sported at the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards? Those beautiful gowns were designed by Jason Wu, who recently brought a signature collection to Target stores. His Target collection includes fashionable and affordable sweaters, dresses, bags, and more.

Jason Wu for Target; Photo courtesy of Target

Jason Wu for Target; Photo courtesy of Target

Alexander McQueen (1969-2010) said it best: "It’s a new era in fashion - there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together."

New York Fashion Week runs runs February 9 - 16, closing with the Calvin Klein show. Find your favorite designer and follow his or her trends. For a complete NYFW schedule, click here.

Donate a Prom Dress to Help a Young Woman

Donate a formal gown to The Princess Project and make a young woman’s prom night extra special.

The Princess Project will be at the Carlsbad Bridal Show collecting formal prom dresses and accessories to give to high school girls who otherwise can't afford them.

What is The Princess Project’s goal this year?
This is San Diego's 4th year, and The Princess Project's goal is to give 1,000+ dresses to San Diego high school girls through dress giveaways this spring.

Was The Princess Project at this bridal show last year?
This is The Princess Project’s first dress drive at a wedding show. Dress drives are usually held at retail and consignment shops and high schools.

How many dresses does The Princess Project receive at a dress drive like this?
About 10 to 30.

How many dress drives does The Princess Project host each year?
February is a busy month for The Princess Project! The organization holds about 15 dress drives during the month of February, and around 5 to 10 others throughout the year.

What does The Princess Project do with any dresses they can’t give away?
Any dresses that aren’t prom-appropriate (cocktail-style or casual dresses) are sold for $5 to $10 per dress to raise money for the organization. The Dress Sale will be held at Horton Plaza on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (more information to come).

Does The Princess Project provide receipts for tax purposes?
Yes. Because The Princess Project is a nonprofit 503/c, all donations are completely tax-deductible.

Do I get anything in return for my donation?
If you donate a dress at this event, you'll receive two FREE tickets for admission into the show ($30 value). And, of course, you'll also receive free warm fuzzies for making a girl's day brighter.

When is the Bridal Show?
Sunday, February 26, 2012
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where is The Princess Project drop-off location at the Brial Show?
You will find The Princess Project dress drop-off in front of the bridal show.

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa
5480 Grand Pacific Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Are there any donation guidelines?

• Dresses MUST be from 2006 to present.
• Dresses MUST be dry-cleaned and on hangers.
• Dresses MUST be prom dresses, formal gowns, or fancy party dresses.
• Accessories and dresses MUST be stylish, clean, and in excellent condition.

Is there anything The Princess Project will not accept?

• Garments that are out of style (i.e., purchased before 2006)
• Garments that have not been dry-cleaned
• Shoes
• Make-up
• Casual or semi-formal clothing
• Wedding dresses
• Tuxedos or men's clothing 

I can’t make it to the Bridal show on February 26, but I still want to help this great cause. What can I do?

Make a financial contribution! Or drop off your dress at any Margaret's location.

Did you know: The Princess Project receives about 1,000 dresses annually from Margaret’s drop-offs. Overall, The Princess Project receives about 2,000+ dresses from all various dress drive locations. That means that you, our wonderful Margaret’s customers, are making a difference!

Margaret’s Cleaners
5150 Convoy
San Diego, CA 92111

Margaret’s Cleaners
7511 La Jolla Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037

Margaret’s Cleaners
3790 Via De La Valle, Suite 213
Del Mar, CA 92014

Margaret’s Cleaners
1831 Westcliff Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660

How can I volunteer for The Princess Project?
For more information on how to volunteer or donate, email The Princess Project or visit the website.

What other ventures does The Princess Project have planned this year?
This month, The Princess Project is partnering with My Girlfriend’s Closet to collect donations at the Westfield Shopping Center-Horton Plaza. The downtown mall donated storefront space for these two nonprofit organizations to collect prom dresses, shoes, and other apparel (see list below). Bring donations to the second level between Gymboree and ALDO on Feb. 11-12, Feb. 18-19, and Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All clothing should be in good condition.

What can I donate at the Westfield Shopping Center-Horton Plaza donation drive?
Gently worn jeans, pants, shorts, shirts, sweaters, jackets, pajamas, dresses shirts, sweatshirts, shoes, and accessories. Dresses can be formal gowns, party dresses, or cocktail dresses, but they must be in excellent condition and they should be dry-cleaned and on hangers upon donation.

Get a Head Start on Spring Cleaning with These Specials at Margaret's

Did holiday spending put a dent in your wallet? Take advantage of some amazing specials happening at Margaret's Cleaners and get a head start on your spring cleaning.


 

Spring Cleaning Special

Right now, take 20% off the cleaning of your drapes, curtains, slip covers, or blinds. No coupon required; simply mention this blog post. We offer take-down and rehanging services. Hurry! This offer expires on February 29, 2012. Call now for a free estimate.

Handbag Special

Bring in two or more handbags for a professional cleaning from our Pulito Purse Service and take 20% off your total bill. This offer works with our CleanByMail service as well! No coupon required; simply mention this blog post. This offer expires on March 31, 2012.

Before

After

Contact Margaret's Cleaners at (866) 454-2375.

Peek into celebrity closets!

I have about 20 pairs of shoes, ranging from running shoes to sandals to heels. I only have one closet-full of clothing, and I still have difficulty deciding what to wear for almost every occasion.

Imagine if you had over 1,000 pairs of shoes from which to choose, or several closets of clothing! Oh, the decisions. I don’t think I would ever be ready on time.

If you’re one of those people who tunes into the Academy Awards solely to check out “who” your favorite celebrity is wearing, you’ll love this Fashion is My Drug blog post that features images of celebrity closets. 

Photos from Fashion Is My Drug blog

Store clothes like a celebrity!
If you don't have the same kind of space that these celebrities have in their mansions, a great clothing storage option is Garde Robe. Garde Robe is a luxury wardrobe storage and valet service that stores and cares for your clothes in a climate-controlled, protected environment. It's also the perfect service for seasonal clothing storage.

Donate a prom dress to The Princess Project

When I was growing up, my parents had a rule that when you get something new, you should donate something from your closet. The weekend before every Christmas (and birthdays and back-to-school shopping), my brother and I would sort through our toys and clothes to select items to donate, making room for Santa’s new gifts. This lesson was two-fold: It helped clear the clutter (which equaled sane parents), and it also taught us gratitude and generosity (something my brother and I continue to this day). 

Although the holiday season is over, the giving doesn't have to stop. This month, San Diegans have the opportunity to help a young woman attend her prom. Dresses and accessories are great donations that will help a young woman enjoy what should be a day full of happy memories.

The Princess Project will be at the Carlsbad Bridal Show collecting formal prom dresses and accessories to give to high school girls who otherwise can't afford them.

Bonus: If you donate a dress at this event, you'll receive two FREE tickets for admission into the show ($30 value).

Goal: This is San Diego's 4th year, and The Princess Project's goal is to give 1,000+ dresses to San Diego high school girls through dress giveaways this spring.

DONATION INFORMATION

When
Sunday, February 26, 2012
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where (You will find the Princess Project dress drop-off in front of the Bridal Show.)
Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa
5480 Grand Pacific Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Donation Guidelines:

• Dresses MUST be from 2006 to present.
• Dresses MUST be dry-cleaned and on hangers.
• Dresses MUST be prom dresses, formal gowns, or fancy party dresses.
• Accessories and dresses MUST be stylish, clean, and in excellent condition.

The Princess Project cannot accept:

• Garments that are out of style (i.e., purchased before 2006)
• Garments that have not been dry-cleaned
• Shoes
• Make-up
• Casual or semi-formal clothing
• Wedding dresses
• Tuxedos or men's clothing 

Can't get to the bridal show to donate? Make a financial contribution! Or drop off your dress at any Margaret's location:

Margaret’s Cleaners
5150 Convoy
San Diego, CA 92111

Margaret’s Cleaners
7511 La Jolla Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037

Margaret’s Cleaners
3790 Via De La Valle, Suite 213
Del Mar, CA 92014

Margaret’s Cleaners
1831 Westcliff Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660

For more information on how to volunteer or donate, email The Princess Project or visit the website.