Purse Purging

Is your handbag weighing you down? Do you find you can't find anything in your purse because of all the clutter? Follow these seven simple tips to help you clean out your bag, lighten your load, and still have the essentials you need when you need them.

1. Empty it Out

Remove everything from your bag, empty the pockets, and shake it thoroughly over a trash bin to remove any dust and debris. Turn your bag inside out and use a lint roller or brush to remove any leftover crumbs.

2. Clean it Off

Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and inspect for any holes, tears or loose threads that need repairing. If you find anything in need of mending, don't delay. Many shoe repair shops do an excellent job in minor handbag repairs.

3. Streamline

Only carry one or two credit cards and keep the rest at home in a safe place. Your wallet should contain your driver's license, health and vehicle insurance cards, AAA card, and any frequent shopper's cards you use on a regular basis. Everything else should be left at home until needed, including your social security card, birth certificate, and passport. It can be a real problem replacing items when a wallet is stolen, so the less you have in it the better.

4. Hold the Change

Make a habit of emptying change into a dish each night. At the end of the month, take the coins to your local Coinstar machine, available at most grocery stores, and convert into bills. You will be surprised at how much it adds up and how much lighter your handbag is.

5. Reign in Your Receipts

Keep an envelope in your wallet just for receipts. This keeps them from cluttering up your bag and you can easily pull them out at the end of the week and file them in the appropriate location.

6. Manage Your Makeup

If your handbag starts to look a lot like your makeup bag over time, set some ground rules for yourself. Only carry the essentials, which should include a compact, lipstick and lip gloss. Any other makeup products should go in your cosmetic case. Then, when you know you are going to need to reapply your makeup (and only then) you can pack your makeup case with you as well.

7. Use it or Lose it

Finally, if you haven't used an item you have been carrying around with you for a week or more, leave it at home. Especially things like pocket knives, scissors and other tools, as they are rarely needed and can usually be borrowed in an emergency.

If you have questions, or suggestions for a future Better Beauty Blog, email Kelly at AskKellyQuestions@yahoo.com, it just might get used on air!

Top Five Fall Fashion Trends

Just because we live in Florida doesn't mean we can't enjoy a change of wardrobe with the change of seasons. We might choose to skip the heavy wool coats and fabulous fur pieces some of the designers are showing, but there is still a lot to love in this season's offerings. Here are my top five picks:

1. Plaid

You can find plaid in just about every form of fashion, from dresses to jackets and shoes to handbags. Create a preppy look by pairing a plaid blazer with basics, like a white button-down shirt and khakis, or try a plaid strapless dress for a fashion-forward look.

2. Vests

Menswear inspired pieces have been big the past few years and this season the vest is getting a lot of attention. It is perfect for our fall weather as it creates a layered-look without adding a lot of bulk. Try wearing one over a ruffled blouse or a flirty dress for a more feminine look.

3. Florals

Most of us think of floral designs as a spring or summer print. To make it work for fall just look for bolder, deeper colors (like purple and gold, red and magenta, or black and white), bigger prints and heavier fabrics. Designers sent jackets, dresses, skirts and shoes down the runway in an assortment of rich florals.

4. Rich Colors

Choosing one great statement piece, like a handbag or shoe, in a color like magenta, aubergine, or blueberry can really add pizzazz to your basic fall wardrobe. In case you haven't heard, PURPLE is the color of the moment. This season you can also find great dresses, skirts and blouses in wide array of eye-popping colors.

5. Boots, Boots, Boots

When the temperature starts to drop even the die-hard flip-floppers start re-thinking their footwear. The one option that, if chosen properly, can take you through fall and winter, can be casual or dressy, and work with both dresses and pants -- boots! All the department stores are currently stocked with the hottest boots of the season and this year there is a lot to choose from. The most fashion-forward are wearing cutout booties which work great in Florida but can be hard to wear. If you are more of the conservative type, try a version of the knee-high boot that is available in a variety of heel heights from the very high to super flat. Shop early for the best selection and stick to neutral colors for maximum versatility.

What To Wear To A Wedding 

When planning what to wear to a wedding, keep in mind the time of day, location and formality of the event (informal, semi-formal, formal, or white tie).

Here are some basic guidelines to help you make the right decision:

• Do wear floral prints, pastels, or festive colors.
• Do wear a dress or feminine pant or skirt suit/
• Do wear comfortable shoes, especially if you are unfamiliar with the venue and/or terrain.
• Do check with the bride if you have any concerns. She will appreciate your effort in helping to make her day perfect.
• Don't wear white. Save this color for the bride.
• Don't wear anything too revealing. Leave the plunging necklines and see-through garments for another occasion.
• Don't wear black, rhinestones, or sequins during the daytime.

Check out our video segment below.

How To Shop Your Closet 

Largo, Florida - Certified Image Consultant Kelly Machbitz says that by making a few simple changes, you can actually shop your closet instead of a store.

She says the first thing is to get rid of what you don't wear.

Kelly Machbitz, Certified Image Consultant

“You don't want anything in here that you can't wear immediately. If it doesn't flatter you, if it's not your style, if it's not your color, if you don't look great in it, then get rid of it ”

Kelly says it's even OK to give away a gift. She says you can donate it or consign it, but just get it out of the closet. And for client Christi Kinman, this is the hardest part.

Christi Kinman, Closet makeover client

“It's very tough! You get used to having so much in your closet you think if you have a lot to choose from then it's easier to get dressed, but it's overwhelming to see all these go. Usually, I just stand there with my hand on my hip and stare until something comes to me and then I change about 10 times!”

In just a matter of minutes, Consultant Kelli can clear up that clothing confusion.

Kelly Machbitz, Certified Image Consultant

“So here's how you want to organize your closet. You're going to start with the smaller garments in front and work your way back. We have sleeveless, short sleeve. 3/4 sleeve and then long sleeve that way you can see everything at a glance ”

Kelly says clothes should be organized from lighter to darker and all facing the same direction. Shoes should be organized in clear, plastic boxes and stacked up top. That leaves room for all those accessories that can now be neatly stored in the hanging organizer.

The idea is if you can see what you have, you're more likely to wear what you have.

Check out the video link below.