by The Perennial Style | Nov 18, 2013 | Dwell, Uncategorized
Meet Katie Oswald: founder of Dallas Closets – your go-to organizing goddess who will help turn your oh-so-drab spaces into oh-so-FAB! As a fellow SMU grad, I have witnessed Katie’s organizing skills grow from a helpful hobby to a successful business over the years. During her years at SMU, Katie would often help friends and family organize their spaces. After seeing how much everyone enjoyed the helping hand, her skills were requested from friends of friends all over, leading to the launch of Dallas Closets! Dallas Closets provides clients with stylish, customized spaces tailored to their unique lifestyles and organizing needs. Whether you are looking for a full closet renovation or just a quick organizing touch-up, Katie has you covered. I recently spoke with Katie to hear her ins and outs of the business. Here’s what I learned:
What is the first thing you do with your clients when you meet with them to help organize their space?
The first step is always a consultation, which typically lasts about an hour and is free of charge. I come to the client’s home, observe the room/space needing help as well as the client’s interior design/style, take pictures, talk about what has and hasn’t worked in the room in the past, and discuss a budget for the project.
Who is your typical client?
I work mostly with moms who want a system in place that allows the whole family to stay organized. Not just closets, but kitchens, playrooms, kids rooms, garages. A big part of what I do is implementing systems to stay organized into the existing interior design of a home.
I also work for clients who don’t need a complete organizing makeover, but rather “organizing touchups,” or just a few hours of Dallas Closets’ organizing service opposed to a multi-day booking. With the holidays approaching, a lot of clients want to get their house organized before friends and family arrive. This past week I organized a playroom in under 4 hours for a family who was hosting a party at their house the next day.
How long does a closet take?
Anywhere from 6-10 hours. Once I observe the space to be organized during consultations, I tell clients how many hours it will take and we set up a budget around that number.
Do you have any tips you can share with our readers?
The time to clean out your closet is not the end of a season when you can see what you did and didn’t wear. Rather, you want to align with consignment store schedules and selectively get rid of items before the season starts. For example, Clotheshorse Anonymous on Preston Road (one of my favorite places to consign) will start accepting Spring items as early as January.
We heard you sell on eBay as well, is that true?
Yes. For clothes I advise consignment, but for designer handbags (and sometimes shoes) I do sell on eBay for clients. I can set a higher price on eBay then what they would sell it for at a consignment store, and I retain a smaller percentage than what a consignment store keeps. Between those two factors, my clients are always finding purses and shoes for me to sell on eBay… if not only so that they can justify going shopping!
To schedule a consultation with Dallas Closets:
Website: Dallas Closets
Email: dallasclosets@gmail.com
Twitter / Facebook / Instagram
by The Perennial Style | Nov 14, 2013 | Style, Uncategorized
Statement necklaces are a must-have to complete any outfit this season. I am in love with this black and gold statement necklace (c/o Milk and Honey Boutique), and I thought it would add just the edge my chambray top needed for a night of live music in Dallas.
chambray top / vegan leather skirt: this one or this one / Milk & Honey necklace or this similar one / ray-bans / wedge sneakers: these or these / tights / earrings / bracelets
by The Perennial Style | Nov 11, 2013 | Style, Uncategorized
“BE•SPOKE \ BIˈSPŌK \ ADJ A TERM EMPLOYED TO DESCRIBE AN ITEM CUSTOM-MADE TO THE BUYER’S SPECIFICATION, HISTORICALLY APPLIED TO TAILORED CLOTHING, SHIRTS, AND OTHER APPAREL INVOLVING MEASUREMENT AND FITTING.”
When it comes to closet staples for Fall, a solid pair of comfy flats are key. I just picked up a pair of these navy and orange Hadleigh’s smoking slippers from Bergdorfs to give my favorite Revas a break for my recent trip to Destin. These shoes not only feel like I’m walking on clouds, but they are absolutely adorable as well! The smoking slipper is a classic, preppy shoe that has been around for ages, but Hadleigh’s has reinvented the slipper with their array of fun colors and textures to add a little pop to your shoe collection.
Though Hadleigh’s slippers are carried at retailers around the nation, such as Neimans and Bergdorfs, the company actually began in Dallas in 2009. Ed and Gable Shaikh took their knowledge of the fashion world they gained from working with Ralph Lauren, Stanley Korshak, as well as other large names in fashion, to start their own line four years ago. Named after their oldest daughter, Hadleigh’s has quickly gained fame for their quality products. What differentiates Hadleigh’s Bespoke from other luxury retailers is their focus on individually, customized tailored clothing. So whether you are looking for a classic pair of slippers or a full new wardrobe, Hadleigh’s has you covered. If you are ever in the Dallas area, be sure to stop by their flagship store in Highland Park Village – you will not be disappointed.
by The Perennial Style | Sep 6, 2013 | Style, Uncategorized
The British are coming! In less than one month, my favorite online retailer Topshop will be opening a boutique within the Dallas Nordstrom stores. Considering I’m rather old school and prefer to visit the brick-and-mortar locations over online shopping, I am beyond ecstatic of this news! Topshop mirrors the audience of Zara and H&M with trendy, high fashion pieces at affordable prices. Though the British retailer has flagship stores in NYC, Chicago, Vegas, and LA, this new concept within Nordstrom stores has already proved to be a huge success for the company. Mark your calendars for October 3rd – This is a launch you do NOT want to miss!
Check out some of my favorite Topshop pieces right now:
Neon Scribble Dress
Strappy Step Hem Dress
Contrast Hem Skater Skirt
Heavy Crepe Biker Jacket
PAGO Buckle Chelsea Boots
AMOURE Neoprene Stiletto Boot
Plated Holdall
Let the countdown begin!
by The Perennial Style | Aug 8, 2013 | Dwell, Style, Uncategorized
Fashion has always been a passion of mine, which is why I spent years working and interning within the fashion industry. During this time, I was fortunate enough to work for Dallas native, Lela Rose. If you haven’t heard of Lela Rose, she is one designer you definitely want to get to know. Not only are her pieces one of a kind and attentive to detail, but they are all manufactured within the United States.
Lela Rose began her career in art after studying painting and sculpture at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Lela spent her spare time designing vests she created from vintage scarves, which inspired her to enroll in the Parsons School of Design in New York City. In 1996, Lela launched her first collection of women’s clothes from her apartment. Though Lela worked mainly with private clients, her line gained fame in 2001 when she dressed Jenna and Barbara Bush for their father’s inauguration.
Each of Lela Rose’s ready-to-wear collections is inspired by a particular artist, which is shown through the patterns and detail of each dress. Lela’s designs are dedicated to the feminine silhouette, and by using precise tailoring on architectural lines, these dresses are made to accentuate a woman’s figure regardless of size.
Lela Rose is headquartered in New York City, and her one and only boutique (flagship) is in Highland Park Village in Dallas, TX. If you aren’t living in Dallas, no worries, her collection is carried at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and other luxury retailers. What I respect most about Lela Rose is despite how well-known her line has become, she still remains hands on in every aspect of her company. In fact, I received a personal email from her welcoming me to the company on my first day. It’s little details like this which makes me fall head over heels for a company.
Calling all brides! Not only is she an amazing ready-to-wear designer, but her bridal line is to die for! The beading on her gowns is absolutely breath-taking and sure gives Vera Wang a run for her money. She has also collaborated with Dessy to create an affordable line of bridesmaid dresses.
Pictures from the Neiman Marcus Conclave hosted at Lela Rose’s mother’s house in Dallas:
Pictures from Lela Rose’s Mother’s Day Luncheon in Dallas:
Lela Rose and her daughter, Rosie
Rosie and I wore matching skirts to the luncheon
Click here to shop Lela Rose!
