I’ve written several posts on closet editing. Why it’s fab and why fewer wardrobe options are a good idea. Getting into the habit of regular closet editing is a very worthwhile exercise.

Following guidelines to edit a closet seems like a simple task. The tricky part is deciding to let things go. Sometimes it is obvious: the item is unflattering, it is uncomfortable, it doesn’t fit, it is the wrong colour or the wrong size, or you simply can’t stand it.

The decision gets harder when it was an expensive item, when you know it’s wrong for you but you wear it anyway, when it might fit again once you’ve lost or gained weight, or when it’s a closet orphan that is still in great condition. The initial reaction in these situations is often “I’ll just keep it anyway”, especially if you find it hard to be ruthless and typically hang on to stuff longer than you should. This is not a good solution. The operative word here is “edit” and that means ending up with fewer closet items at the end of the process.

There is a simple way to overcome this problem: If you are in any way unsure about parting ways with an item, create a hidden holding zone. Pile up the stuff that is questionable and store it away from your closet and out of sight. Give yourself 6 months to gauge whether you miss any of the items. If you do, welcome them back into your wardrobe. But if you don’t, then pass them on permanently.

It is very important that your holding zone is hidden. You are testing what it feels like to let go of the items. There is no use in holding them somewhere close by where you will see them and they won’t get a fair chance to disappear from your life. A box in the garage, attic or basement is what most people choose.

This strategy has been an absolute saving grace when I edit closets for clients. Do you create hidden holding zones, or do you have another strategy for questionable wardrobe items? Has this strategy worked for you in the past? Do you generally find it hard to let go of closet items? If you do, I’m paying a visit.

Almost 2 weeks ago my hair stylist, who I adore, cut my pixie do shorter than usual. This was not planned. It just sort of happened. I left the hair salon feeling a little like a Star Trek Vulcan, my fringe a good inch inch shorter than the last bang trim. That’s a short fringe on my already super short hair and I wasn’t used to it.

I walked in the door and to my amazement Greg loved the super short crop because it was more edgy and mod-looking than usual. Although I also liked the shorter do, I didn’t feel it was as attractive as when my hair is a tad longer in the same style. It’s softer and less severe that way.

Surprisingly, the severity of the extra short fringe started growing on me over the next couple of days. Now it’s almost two weeks later and I love the shorter layers now that they have grown a bit and relaxed into shape.

Thank goodness hair grows and bless Greg for being complimentary straight off the bat. Positive feedback and two weeks grace did the trick. Sound familiar?

I rarely post about celebrities, but I was mesmerized by some of the photographs in InStyle.com’s feature on “most iconic swimsuits ever” and wanted to share my thoughts.

I might be in the minority, but the old Hollywood stars steal the swimsuit show hands down in my book. And I can’t pinpoint why that is. Perhaps its the visual integrity of black and white photographs. Perhaps it’s my passion for 50’s and 60’s fashion and movies of that era.

More recent stars like Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson, Demi Moore and Jessica Alba also look breathtaking in their swimsuit movie roles. However, there is something special about women’s swimsuit shots taken 50 years ago. Just look at Elizabeth Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Ursula Andress and Raquel Welsh. Their beauty blows me away.

21 Pictures made the iconic swimsuit list. In the spirit of Summer swimsuit fun, take a look and let me know what you think. Elizabeth Taylor is my favourite. Who is yours?

Click these thumbnails to see larger images at InStyle.com.

I seldom shop at the Gap, but occasionally they come up with a killer item and I’m all over it. Right now I’m totally smitten with their hot off the press legging jeans. They are super soft, comfortable and a pretty good fit. The rise measurements are not available online, but the rises on the pair I bought are 8.5 inches in front and 13 inches at the back. A decent length of rise.  Remember that you can have the waist adjusted if that part is too roomy.

They are available from sizes 00 to 20 in regular, petite and tall in both blue and black denim washes. That’s an incredibly deep assortment of size and colour! They are $69.50 full price but with a 45% off coupon I managed to get them for about 39 bucks.

Don’t let the super tapered detail of these legging jeans or “jeggings” scare you. I plan to wear mine tucked into all sorts of boots (from over-the-knee to mid calf lengths) which makes the tapering ideal (no bunching!) I shan’t be wearing them with ballet plats, pumps, sandals or booties because I prefer a bit of hem scrunching volume on my skinnies when they aren’t tucked into boots. And these leggings jeans clearly don’t scrunch.

I sized down because I wanted them extra snug. They are quite stretchy so nothing is cutting off my circulation yet.