Whether you are planning a big closet purge or a minor cleanout, do you ever wonder where in the heck you should donate clothing and other items you no longer want or need? I don’t know about you, but sometimes there is freedom in just throwing unwanted clothing in the trash. But that’s not the answer, as it adds an unwelcome burden to our overflowing landfills. Check out this information from the EPA website:

Donating your unwanted clothing will keep it out of a landfill

Where are your donated goods really going? I get asked this question a lot. Here is the rundown on where you can bring your clothing so they can have a second life.

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store accepts clothing donations. This is from their website:

“When it comes to men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, St. Vincent de Paul – Twin Cities eliminates the decision to donate or toss. “

“If you would give an item to a loved one … we would love it! If your item is torn, stained, out of style or has a broken zipper … we’ll take that too!“

This last line is music to my ears! What? They will take torn and stained clothing?!

​​St. Vincent de Paul volunteers sort each piece of clothing – keeping quality items for Thrift Store sale, Parish Free giveaways, or shipment to missions abroad. Items that don’t make the cut are recycled to produce everything from insulation, stuffing for cushions, wiping rags, or soundproofing material. They will do home pick-ups too.

Arc’s Value Village shops, take clothing and even stuffed animals. Some number of years ago, I needed to donate a few garbage bags of stuffed animals and it was tough to find a donation site. I can thank Build-A Bear and my daughter’s desire to be a vet when she was young for all stuffed animals that needed a good home!

Goodwill and other charities want items that can be reused and resold in order to make a profit to further their missions, like community causes and job training.

Local Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and Savers Stores will recycle any textile that is not sellable in their stores.

Many charities have free donation pick up; Arc’s, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Goodwill, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent de Paul.

Another way to recycle is to think about selling or consignment

If it’s worth your time, sell it. Did you know that you can ship your consignments to a Turn Style consignment shop? Items that don’t sell after the consignment period has expired get donated to the Salvation Army. They also offer a pick-up service for a $60 charge. 

Poshmark, is a new and used clothing online platform where you can sell your clothing. Posting secondhand styles for women, men, kids, pets, and home goods, can put a little cash in your wallet.

ThredUP, is an online consignment and thrift store. ThredUP will send you a cleanout kit that includes a bag to put your stuff in along with a shipping label. It’s that easy. They list it and sell it for you.

Donate goods for good

Stay local and swing by Select Resale store, in Plymouth. Your donations of clothing, Jewelry and much more, are sold to the public with proceeds benefiting Interfaith Outreach or are made available to low-income neighbors free of charge. It’s a great feeling to know that your donation will benefit a local family in need, right in your own community.

Drop off unwanted items at stores that will help recycle, restore and resell

There are even some big-name stores that will accept your unwanted clothes and recycle them for you. American Eagle Outfitters and Eileen Fisher stores will take your old clothes and shoes for you, recycle them, and even give you a reward for it.

Madewell will happily take any denim jeans off your hands. They partner with a green company that turns denim into housing insulation. Drop off a pair of pre-loved jeans in any cut, style, or color, and you will receive a $20 credit to use toward a new pair of jeans.

DSW will take your used shoes and in return give you a $5 reward to use on your next purchase and 50 points for those in the VIP program. Just drop them off at any DSW store. SOLES4SOULS organization takes the shoes and repairs and donates back to low-income communities across the world.

If you don’t want to drop your items off, try shipping them

Give Back Box is an easy way to just ship your goods. They work with retailers and individuals. Reuse your own cardboard boxes, to ship up to 70lbs. Nordstrom Rack & American Eagle stores use this system to recycle.

Things to consider when you are decluttering your closet

Do you love this piece?

Have worn this clothing item recently?

Will you really ever wear it again?

You don’t have to love everything you own. Holding on to particular pieces for specific purposes like travel, seasonal wear, or for the Holidays, only makes sense if you will not want something new when the next event rolls around. Be honest, if that’s the case, let someone else have it. Letting things go in your physical space can also free up emotional space too. I know for me; the clutter can make me crazy! Just ask my husband.

See you soon to help you navigate a new way to let go!

https://lynnekehne.com

Lynne@LynneKehne.com

612-708-2244

BE EMPOWERED | BE PROACTIVE | BE PINK!

I am partnering once again with Park Nicollet Foundation and Park Nicollet Jane Brattain Breast Center. Throughout October, I will donate $20 for every “Closet Consultation” or “Personal Shopping” appointment booked in October. The proceeds will benefit the Jane Brattain Breast Center Mammo a-go-go Community Outreach Program.

This unique community program brings no-fee 3D screening mammograms, diagnostic services and education to underserved women in community settings via their mobile Mammo a-go-go truck. Women supported are ineligible for other programs, have limited access or transportation barriers to care or are uninsured.

Mammo a-go-go travels to locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area, giving women convenient access to the latest screening technology in a tranquil environment. Walk-in and scheduled mammograms are available, including same-day appointments. The mobile mammography units have provided more than 30,000 mammography screenings to women at hundreds of screening events since 2014.

You can also make a direct donation at this link:

https://app.mobilecause.com/e/qXsm8Q?vid=m446g

Thank you for opening your hearts!

Lynne

https://lynnekehne.com

Lynne@LynneKehne.com

612-708-2244

Oh, you know I’m joking. After more than a year of virtual meetings, you might be thinking about getting your wardrobe prepped for fall.

Clients I have talked to say the dress code has changed in recent months, and a less formal look is needed. I say this new look should be refined and comfortable. Make it look easy and relaxed with a bit of structure somewhere in the outfit.

When you are meeting in person your personality and style can be easily detected. When you are behind a computer screen, things get magnified and not always in the best light, so purchase a good desktop ring light. If you have a window in the room that you are working in, be sure the light is coming from in front of your computer, shining natural light on you. You don’t want the light coming from behind you.

Virtual calls require a mostly solid look. Wearing a stripe can be too distracting, as is a large bold print. A little contrast is good, but keep it simple. Just as if you were in person, wear what best represents you. Your clothing should not detract from what you are saying.

When you have meetings in front of a computer all day it can be draining. The good news is you only have to dress half of your body. When considering what to wear, think about it as if it were a headshot photo shoot.  The color you wear and accessories do make a difference. Putting a little thought into what you wear shows that you care. It can be a balancing act between a relaxed, yet professional outfit.

For women, try wearing denim on top. This denim dress is a great choice. The modified puff sleeve is on trend and looks sharp for work or going out.

A pop of color and some fun texture in this little top make it perfect for a Zoom meeting.

This navy knit has just the right amount of ribbing to make it interesting.

Buying the basics is not always as exciting as buying statement pieces – a solid collared shirt is timeless and seasonless.

A simple look with this vest will transition into fall.

For the men a 1/4 zip seems to be the new norm for replacing a shirt and tie. If a dress shirt feels a bit too formal in these more casual times, try a performance dress shirt, it will provide the comfort without being too casual. Vests are making a comeback for both men and women. Throw one over any long sleeve tee or dress shirt to elevate the whole look.

Creating a professional look that shows off your individual style can be fun. Just look at this knit blazer; it’s all about comfort. A solid tee shirt would also be great under this jacket. How easy is that?

If you really must wear a hoodie, wear a bold, not muted color.

Wearing a shirt under the hoodie makes a statement – no tie needed.

A refined sweater jacket is a classy, yet casual look.

Many of us are dusting off things and quickly finding out that some of the outfits you thought you liked, feel somehow, not right? A bit too formal?  Too loose? Too tight? “Looking good and feeling comfortable” is what clients are looking for. Dressing more casually can mean many things, depending on your work environment. That said, dressing for success will never go out of style.

Fashion is fun, and sometimes a risk-taking adventure. Try something new. Maybe a tie and hoodie are in your future!

Let me help you get your game plan set for fall!

Lynnekehne.com

Lynne@LynneKehne.com

612-708-2244

** Click on Images for Link to Products **

We have all found some comfort in wearing stretchy pants this last year, and “dressing up” has been mostly abandoned. That said, I’m convinced the pendulum will swing back. But how we shop and how we produce fashion in the future, will be forever changed. The large fashion houses are not making as many collections to push out to consumers. They are listening to their customers about how they are shopping and what they are shopping for.

Designers and manufactures are having to be more sustainable and work in a direct-to-consumer market. Gone are the days of designers creating unnecessary pieces and falling under the pressure of retail buyers. The fast-paced fast fashion cycle might be broken. The upside is that we will all benefit as seasonal demands will lessen, therefore making way for designers to go back to designing for body shapes and lifestyle, rather than for an unrealistic demand and over the top runway shows. I guess you could say maybe we’re getting back to basics.

The fashion industry has battled the surplus problem for a number of years, and this last year, thanks to COVID-19, the problem has not improved. Even deep discounting hasn’t helped with the surplus of unwanted inventories. Somehow, manufacturers must find a way to absorb the excess volume through upcycling in creative ways (meaning turning unsaleable mountains of clothing into treasures).

You may have heard the story in 2018 of Burberry burning unsold clothing in order to keep their brand “pure” – or prevent their products from being discounted and possibly cheapening the Burberry brand. Burberry has since joined the Make Fashion Circular Initiative that aims to prevent waste in the industry and support sustainable alternatives to throw-away fashion. Many notable retailers like Nordstrom have signed on to make the fashion world accountable.

Many retailers have gone out of business due to the pandemic in part due to reduced mall traffic and the rise in people working from home. Authentic Brands Group is a company that buys up struggling Iconic retailers including Brooks Brothers, Lucky Brand, Forever 21, and Barneys New York. ABG brokers deals to license their intellectual property out to other firms for big profits. It will be interesting to watch where these clothing lines will be in the years to come.

So, what is the future of fashion and how will we dress?

First off, I am hoping that malls make a comeback, as that is where I have spent the better part of the last decade!

I do not have a crystal ball and I won’t pretend I can predict what you might be wearing this season. Well ok, I can’t resist! Here are my picks… Tie-dye 2pc loungewear, wider-leg high-waisted crop pants, boxy cardigans, and hands-free fanny packs.

Let’s talk about trends. Have you been listening to the chatter about skinny jeans? Are they on their way out? Trends are often made up by the clothing designers and manufacturers to force a shift in our focus and make us covet a new look. Let’s face it, if something becomes too popular, we grow weary of it and want something new. Being part of a trend gives us a sense of belonging, especially in our social media driven society.

True confession; I wear joggers to fit in. I would much prefer to wear a black fitted ankle pant and a cute sweater. That would be my uniform pre-COVID-19. And as long as I am confessing, I still think that leggings should be saved for yoga classes and Peloton bike rides!

I say trends are just that – trends! Not something to get crazy over, especially in these uncertain times. Some trends are lasting and some flit in and out so fast it makes your head spin. That said, a fine line can be drawn between being fashionable, and wearing outdated looks. Trends are also tied to how we see our place in society; fitting in and feeling like we are a part of something. The good news about trends is that they can become new classics – that’s why it’s important to pay attention, remembering to wear what’s true to your own personal style.

Will we go back to the old days of buying clothing for their good quality and lasting style? Will we want to stop buying disposable fads and count on our own good taste to dictate what we purchase?

It’s hard to believe that we are coming up on a year of wearing sweatpants. I do believe we will go back to dressing up. My husband stumbled upon a pair of dress shoes in his closet, noting that they hadn’t been worn in a year! He was thrilled! I guess it’s hard to tell how quickly we will get back to the office and to our social lives again, but, one thing for sure is I can’t wait!

You might find this story about how department stores can change the landscape of a city interesting:

Macy’s Windy City blues

The department store is closing its Magnificent Mile location in Chicago. Some who remember Marshall Field’s wish it had never arrived.

https://www.retaildive.com/news/macys-windy-city-blues/595578/

Finally, here is a bit of inspiration for those of you heading out of town on a spring break soon!

–Click on images for link–

There is no better time than the present to embrace the outdoors

Well, this time of year I would normally be writing about fall colors and trends. Not this year. I’ve been on my own personal quest to find clothing that will help me to withstand Minnesota temps below 70 degrees. You might think I’m joking, but anyone that knows me can understand how much I hate cold weather. I bet many are tired of hearing me complain that I am cold all of the time. Yes, I’ve had my thyroid checked! I can thank my grandfather for this trait. He would work in his garden on hot, muggy afternoons, in his long pants and a flannel shirt, loving every moment of it, with the rest of the family asking him “aren’t you hot?”

It’s all about wearing layers. I’ve been hearing that for years and evidently not listening. My advice to my clients has always been that comfort is not the key; Come on, we want to look good! I would get a chuckle when I would see my very fashionable Italian neighbor coming out of her house wearing a down jacket in May, as I thought to myself, “Wow, doesn’t she know it’s spring for gosh sakes?”

All of you skiers already know this, you dress for the weather not the season. Call me late to the party, but now I get it!

Here we go, winter gear for the hardy and not so hardy.

Heated Vest

This vest from Ororo has a rechargeable battery that slides into an inside pocket. It will keep you warm hours out on the trail! I bought this last winter and it’s my saving grace for winter walks.

Base layer

Layering is the key to staying warm, and merino wool is the best base fabric; it’s non-itch and breathable. Smartwool is my favorite.

Outerwear

I find a windproof jacket keeps me the most comfortable. If you tend to run hot this might not be the best for you. In that case, choose a down jacket for its flexibility and breathability. New to me is the Killtec brand of ski apparel.

Boots

Bos. & Company boots have ice grip technology soles with a Primaloft and wool lining that keep your feet toasty.

Ice Grippers

This item is not to keep you warm, but safe. These are lightweight, and pull over your tennis shoes or boots for a little extra traction. Who knew I shopped at Fleet Farm? Desperate times call for desperate measures! Truth be told, I shop at Fleet Farm once a year around the holidays to find ice fishing lures for my fishing-obsessed son, and I always seem to find some other useful items as well.

Visit Fleet farm for pull on traction for tennis shoes or boots.

Tights

Hanes footless tights are easy to throw on under jeans, dress pants or sweatpants.

Sweatshirts

Just for fun, try this Vuori sweatshirt from The Foursome. They now are carrying women’s sportswear for the outdoors. Perfect timing, I would say!

Resources:

Smartwool

Bos & Co Boots

Ororo

Fleet Farm

The Foursome

Killtec

Sun Ski and Slope Wayzata

Wishing you all a memorable Thanksgiving! I know I have more blessings in my life than I can count, including all of you!