Hey, guess what? It’s Fashion Friday! I’ve totally been slacking in that department lately, so when Colleen emailed me yesterday asking if I’d be interested in sharing a fashion guest post of hers, I read it, immediately loved it, and just had to share it. Her post now has me wanting to re-do our office and turn it into a big ‘ol walk in closet. Oooof.
I think you guys are gonna like this one…enjoy!
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Hi, Sweet Tooth Sweet Life readers! I’m Colleen and I blog at Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill. I share my latest style finds, healthy meals, and more often than I’d like to admit, embarrassing stories (like how I accidentally replied to my boss’s email when I meant to forward it to my sister).
As a 21-year-old college student interning in New York City this summer, my life is a little The Devil Wears Prada meets The Nanny Diaries. While my daily tasks don’t include balancing an entire design team’s non-fat, unsweetened, iced coffees and whipping up French cuisine for a toddler, I am working for a major fashion label and managing a weekend babysitting position.
The fashion industry can be ludicrous, which is why I need your help! I’m excited to have been selected as a CollegeFashionista representative for Towson University in Maryland, but I need to collect over 100 email addresses before I begin. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have that many friends and my relatives are getting a little tired of hearing from me. You won’t receive any spam mail—just an email when CollegeFashionista launches to help spread the word. CollegeFashionista allows students and other adults to view photographs of what their peers are wearing on campuses all around the country. I would be so grateful if you would leave your email address in the comments section, or if you want to keep it private, feel free to email me at jimmychoosonthetreadmill@gmail.com.
Being that it’s Friday, a fashion post is in order. For those of you who aren’t cramped in a shoebox-sized apartment with a nonexistent closet, I have some tips for creating your dream closet. I strongly believe that creating a stylish outfit from head-to-toe requires you to know exactly what’s hiding behind your doors—even if it’s a hideous jacket from high school that you refuse to donate. Jellies and neons are back in style, you know.
I transformed my brother’s old bedroom into a walk-in closet and it has easily become my favorite space in my parents’ house. Organization is key; it makes getting ready at the crack of dawn while you’re still half-asleep as painless as possible.
Use the same type of hangers. Not only is it much more visually appealing, but it also helps to save space. Opt for hangers that will work with all materials; I personally prefer wooden ones as they don’t snag crochet tops, and silk tanks don’t slip. I like these hangers which I found at Target for about a dollar a piece.
Utilize shelving. Shelves are the best option for shoes and handbags. One or two shelves can be easily installed above the racks in your closet; store out-of-season items there since they may be hard to reach. To preserve the shape of your boots and large purses, stuff them with tissue paper while they are not in use (leather riding boots can become slouchy if they’re not standing up straight!).
Your day-to-day beauty products should be easily accessible. To cut back on primping time in the morning, my most frequently used cosmetics are set out on my vanity table. I’m never scrambling to find my favorite mascara or accidentally putting lotion in my hair instead of Moroccan oil.
Jewelry should be separated. When I’m in a rush, I like to be able to choose my accessories quickly. Watches, rings, and bracelets are kept in bowls (I found mine at Anthropologie) while necklaces are hung to avoid tangling.
For more pictures and a DIY guide to building a closet of your own, head over to Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill!
Brooke says
I’d love to help!! brooke0920@hotmail.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thank you, Brooke!
Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says
Colleen, I want to steal your closet room.
That is all.
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Set aside a room in your new house (just don’t tell your husband what you’re using it for)!!
Julie says
Great post! I am currently moving to a new apartment and I have like zero space so I will try to utilize these tips as best I can! I am envious of all the space and cute clothes you have. :)
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks! The best way to utilize a small space is to keep things organized–it’s tough, but do-able!
Heather@YSP says
yummysushipajamas AT Gmail d0t com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Heather!
Sarah says
So excited to read this! Big fan of Courtney’s blog and I work full time in Towson and go to Towson University part time (I’ll have my bachelors after next summer hopefully) such a small world :) In any case I’m glad to help!! srolli3@students.towson.edu
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thank you, Sarah! And yes, it definitely is a small world!
Hayley @ Running Down the Runway says
Your closet is absolutely to die for. My email is runningdowntherunway@gmail.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Hayley!
Brianne says
As a Towson Alumni I would LOVE to help!! And I LOVE your closet!! So neat.
bruch728@gmail.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thank you, Brianne!
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says
just sent a link to this post to my husband. no words needed. :)
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says
oh and my email is pbfingers@gmail.com :)
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Julie! Let me know if you have him convinced!
Ashley @ Sweat for Sweets says
Umm can I have that closet? Please and thank you! :)
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Maybe you could just come over and live in it?! :)
Lauren @ Chocolate, Cheese and Wine says
Your closet is absolutely amazing! I love the idea of putting your accessories into bowls. What a great idea!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Lauren! It makes picking out jewelry so much easier!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
O.M.G. Looks like you’ve walked in to a boutique!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
That’s the look that I was going for!
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
Love this post! I’ve been wanting to turn an extra room into a closet (although now it will be my baby’s nursery!) or at least give my closet a little makeover. Heading on over to Colleen’s blog!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
If you clean out your closet, you’ll have space for some new purchases! :)
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
I love Colleen’s blog!! She is so fantastic :) And so inspiring!!!
Love this guest post!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Liz! You are awesome!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
I want a closet room!
Love the tip on keeping your accessories separate, all my watches/bracelets/necklaces/everything else I own is just kind of in one jumbled pile on my jewellery rack – does not make it easy to pick out accessories in the morning!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
I used to have that same problem and would just give up–I hardly ever wore my jewelry when it was a tangled mess!
Rachel says
omg your closet! I wish mine looked like that :)
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
I’m not looking forward to the day that I move out of my parents’ house!
Annette@FitnessPerks says
Love the organization tips!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks!
Allison says
LOVE your closet! I would love to receive an email about the new site!
allison.canard@gmail.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Allison!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Love all of your watches! I’ve been eyeing a similar white one recently!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
I love my white ceramic watch–it’s perfect for the summer!
Lindsay says
LLLindsayy@aim.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Lindsay!
Tiffany says
I would love to help! Tiffd1129@yahoo.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Tiffany!
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
Love the closet and all of your ideas! Feel free to email me at hungryhealthygirl@gmail.com.
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Kim!
Shannon says
Great post, Colleen. Your closet looks straight out of a fashionista’s apartment. You shared some great tips- I should tell my mom about the bowl idea. Sometimes, when she’s out the door, running late, her jewelry can be in a jumble.
I wish the best of luck to you in the fashion world for the future. I’m sure you’ll do great out there! :)
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Shannon! Yes, tell your mom to use bowls for bracelets, rings, etc. I have a cute hook where I hang my necklaces and it makes putting on jewelry in the morning so easy.
Molly@This Life Is Sparkling says
Um, canI have your closest please? :) It looks like a little boutique!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
When I was designing it, I wanted it to have a boutiquey feel!
Diane says
Great post! :) Definitely agree with you about getting the same hangers to hang all your clothes! So much easier to handle..
I’d love to help out too.. My email’s posterised@gmail.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Diane! It used to drive me nuts having different hangers–clothes would slip off or get stuck in between each other and it looked awful.
Alyssa says
If I had a space, I would love to have a closet like yours! And I would love to receive your emails; mine is alyssaholt26@gmail.com :)
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Alyssa!
Jessamy @ The Rambling Asian says
I would love to help!! :)
jba0930@gmail.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thank you, Jessamy!
melissa says
Here’s mine:
missamelissa52@yahoo.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thank you, Melissa!
Taryn says
I’d love be of help! : )
tarynishii@gmail.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Taryn!
Michelle @ Blogitness says
I need that closest!
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
You should recreate one of your own! :)
Bec says
Great closet! Love to be of help: rebeccagillies@hotmail.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Bec!
Margaret says
mmullen515@aol.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Margaret!
Bek @ Crave says
I wish I could make my brother’s room into my closet. But he still lives with us haha.
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
I lucked out and was able to convince my brother to move into the guest bedroom! :)
Lizzie j says
I would love to get emails from you. I’m always looking for something cute to wear to class!! Ejansen4@slu.edu
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Lizzie!
Marci says
Very Jealous of that closet of yours!!
MarciBlum@gmail.com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thanks, Marci!
abby f says
AAWESOMESTUDENT at Hotmail Dot Com
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Thank you!
Emily says
This is the best closet/room I have ever seen! I am so jealous!
Allison Ward says
You have a beautiful closet room for your stuff. They are so organized. So, love it.
Nick says
This looks all well and done but the first thing Silke wanted to know is where to put all her shoes! You mentioned putting them on shelves but I’m thinking volume here. Where could I find like a rack or garment bag to accommodate a few extra pair?
Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill says
Try an inexpensive tall bookcase! Or, you could use a shoe garment bag that hangs on the back of a door–try Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Amazon, or even Target.