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 13, 2013 | Style, Trends, Uncategorized
“No self respecting New York City woman would be caught dead running around Manhattan in a scrunchie.” – Carrie Bradshaw
Well I hate to break it to Carrie, but scrunchies are back! Designers like Marc Jacobs and Missoni have brought the scrunchie back to life in their newest collections. Though the idea of these fluffy, fabric hairbands may initially make you cringe, celebs have already jumped on the scrunchie train. Take a peek at some of the chic new ways to rock this 90’s throwback:
Vanessa Hudgens
Selena Gomez
Jennifer Lopez
Cressida Bonas
I don’t know about you, but I am excited to stock up on some fun scrunchies for the season! Check out my top picks:
by The Perennial Style | Nov 12, 2013 | Style, Uncategorized
There’s nothing I love more than adding a little fur to my Fall wardrobe. I snagged this fur vest at Saks a couple years back, and I believe it is the perfect addition to any outfit for any occasion. To get the look, try this or this – if you prefer faux fur, try this or this.
Saks Fur Vest (similar) / Vince Blouse (similar) / Paige Jeans / Kendra Scott Earrings / Hermes Watch / David Yurman Bracelets / Louis Vuitton Tote
Shop the Post:
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 | Nov 5, 2013 | Style, Uncategorized
It’s hard to deny that backpacks are anything but practical. I mean, who doesn’t love taking a break from a heavy purse every now and then and tossing all their necessities behind them. Whether it reminds me of my childhood adventures or my first day of school, mini backpacks just bring back happy memories. Though this trend may not be for everyone, I’m beyond thrilled to pull out my Gucci mini backpack I picked up in Cannes years ago. How do you feel about this 90s throwback?
