The Roman Philosopher, Epictetus was on target when he said, “Know first, who you are, then adorn yourself accordingly.”  Getting to know ourselves and our bodies begins with self-acceptance and appreciation of the person we see in the mirror.  Instead of spending hours of frustration trying to create the bodies we too often would like to have, let’s begin by getting acquainted with what we already have.  The perfection we often seek, is the beauty that exists right within each and every one of us.  It is up to us to find it and to celebrate it!

As we assess our bodies honestly and creatively, we are able to proceed with our own individual adornment; as the philosopher so distinctly says.  There are individual ways of creating our very own silhouette.  When we begin to discover and accept our bodies as they are, we will be able to express our uniqueness by creating  illusions and effects with the clothes we wear.  One is capable of learning ways of minimizing challenges while at the same time enhancing what we love about our bodies.  This outer self exploration allows one to make the most out of clothing selections, avoiding costly mistakes that will sit in our closet taking up precious space.  This is the beginning of discovering one’s individual style!

Having a small wardrobe of just the right pieces is infinitely better than over-full closets and dressers that are stuffed with trendy or cheap items.  It really does pay to invest in basic classics made of quality, excellent fabrics and fine workmanship.  In the long run you will save money!  Be conservative about buying on sale.  In fact it can be dangerous since you will probably be motivated by the thrill of bargain hunting instead of necessity.  Such bargains seldom pay off.  Before investing in this “fabulous buy,” ask yourself if this is something you would buy at full price.  If so, by all means buy it.  If not, leave it alone!

Update your basics with accessories.  Scarves and more scarves, jewelry, shoes and bags can be great wardrobe extenders.  Quality pieces in a classic design are always in style and can easily be updated with a fun accessory that will also express your own style and creativity.  Belts, scarves and jewelry add variety to your wardrobe while creating illusions of wearing a different outfit every day.

Shoes and bags are great accessories that can add flair and style to any outfit.  Here again, buy the best quality you can afford, and make sure the shoes are the best possible fit.  A pair of strappy shoes and/or a dressier pair of earrings will change the look of a business basic suit or dress instantly from daytime to after-five.  Keep in mind that pumps remain the best shoe choice for business.

A closet audit is the fastest way to having more to wear.  Once you rid yourself of what no longer serves you, you quickly find and see that your wardrobe is more appealing.  Decisions are so much simpler when the right pieces are no longer surrounded by the old, worn pieces that have been taking up precious space.  The gaps that you have left after your audit, will give you a better idea of what you need to buy the next time you shop.  You will now have a point of direction instead of running into the store grabbing a few things that you hope will go with what you think you may have in your closet.  A trimmed closet makes it easier for you to function on a daily basis.

Make “Less is More” your mantra and always remember that it is best to own a few quality pieces than a closet full of mismatches that will not go with anything and continuously cause you frustration and confusion.  You will know what it is like to open the doors of your closet and have just the right thing to wear for any occasion.  Gone are the days of lamenting, “I have nothing to wear.”

Make 2012 the year you create calm and order in your life.  Treat yourself to a closet audit, and the decluttering of your wonderful life.

Need assistance?  You will find more information in my book, “Be the Rage at any Age – Style Wisdom to Last a Lifetime,”  or a personal consultation w/Ruth.  www.ruthromero.com