How to Build a Personal Fashion Emergency Kit

We’ve all had it happen. Out and about, doing our gathered business, and suddenly... your pants rip. Or your top button pops off. Or you’re needed as a last minute guest on Ellen. Your nail chips, snags, or pops off. You spill chimichurri sauce on your brand new one-of-a-kind vintage shop top. These, my dears, are fashion emergencies. Yes, I provided a lot of examples. Yes, from mostly from personal experience. Don’t judge me. Learn from me.

On this very fierce fashion Friday I am going to give you a step by step guide to building a personal fashion emergency kit. Filled with myriad items, some you probably have lying around the house, some you don’t, this baby can bail you out again and again in life, and I’m of the opinion that every gathered woman should have one or two fashion emergency kits lying around. Whether you’re a power professional, a mom, a socialite, an activist, emergencies arise. 

So what are some super smart and savvy uses for your custom emergency kit?

- In your purse or tote. Duh!

- At work. No more leaving work in a panic or begging the office rival for a tampon.

- In the car. If you’re a fashionista on the go, you probably spend a lot of time driving.

- Travel. Going on a trip? Place in your carry on with a sigh of relief.

- Special occasions. Getting married? Dance performance? Public speaking engagement? Do you really want to be unprepared for the unexpected?

- Moms, teachers. You know what terrors await. Be prepared. Hear my battle cry!

I think I’ve made my point. You can use this! So pay attention. Or you will look like this... 

1. Find a cute bag. Not too large, definitely not too small. Although you’re going to pack this bag full of stuff, it’s going to be small or trial-sized amounts of the things that you need. A clear bag or one with tiny compartments is nice, if you’re the organized type or forgetful of what you’re tossing in the bag. For my travellers, a clear bag is also a bonus because you can just toss it on the belt in the airport security line and it’s compliant with TSA regulations.

2. Make a List. Check it twice. The key to a really awesome kit is putting a bit of thought into it. This step is the most important because you have to start with thinking of the purpose of this kit. (Use the list above.) For the purposes of showing what it’s all about, I will use examples of what I stock in my own little bag of wonders, but feel free to personalize and be creative.

General

- compact mirror

- extra pair of tights or panty hose (if you wear them)

- trial size perfume

- tweezers

- 5 q tips

- 5 cotton pads or balls

- 2 pantiliners

- 2 tampons

- small pack of tissue

- 4 aspirin or other pain killer (tylenol, excedrin, etc)

- 1 alka-seltzer

- any emergency meds (inhaler, benadryl, insulin, etc)

- bandaid

- antiseptic pad

Hair Emergency

 - 5 bobby pins

- scrunchie or 2 elastic bands

- trial size or travel container hair gel (or any other essential hair product)

- headband

- mini hairbrush

Clothing/Shoe Emergency

- fashion tape

- 5 safety pins, varying sizes

- foot petals

- sewing kit

- strap perfect

- stain remover pen

- febreeze

- city slips

Makeup Emergency

- makeup remover wipes

- nude lip gloss

- black eyeliner

- mascara

 Nail Emergency

- nail file or mini nail kit

- polish remover wipes

- 1 bottle clear or black polish

3. Toss it in. Zip it up! So this is the part where you get it all to fit in the bag. Remember, you don’t need full packages of these things. You really only need to include enough for 1 or 2 pinch uses. I suggest you make multiple kits at once and put them in different places.

Last tip: I suggest you restock the kit with the thing you used at the first opportunity. Otherwise, your kit will run low on certain things, and you will be "caught out there" like Kelis. You have been warned.

How to Go Thrifting

By hownowdesign on FlickrOver the past couple of years, thrifting has become a bit of a thing (an understatement, I know). Several of our favorite gathered ladies (and many a hipster besides) source thrift stores for some of their funkiest (not literally) vintage and coolest statement pieces. But shopping for thrift is quite different from regular shopping, and it can be difficult to learn how to triumphantly conquer this latest fashion frontier. Below I’ve compiled some tips on how to get the most out of your next thrift store outing.  

What success looks like by hownowdesign on Flickr1. Set yourself up for success. This is no regular shopping expedition. Thrifting takes some time. You’ll be combing through piles of junk in search of fashion treasure, so make the thrift store (or stores) your first stop of the day. You’ll still be fresh, and won’t be bogged down with a bunch of unwieldy shopping bags. Opt for one of your smaller purses (I sometimes like to go sans purse and cram my lip gloss, phone, cards and cash into my front pockets) and wear comfortable shoes. You don’t want your feet getting tired midway through your second rack! 

2. Select you targets carefully. Every city has thrift stores of varying levels of quality, and that quality is usually determined by the mission of the thrift store and the income levels of the people that live near it. Some second-hand shops are “boutiques” that cater specifically to those thrifting for fashion. They only take designers items, so you won’t have as much junk to sift through, but their prices are generally a bit higher than your standard Salvation Army. Traditional thrift stores are still great places to shop, although it may take more time to find what you’re looking for. Try looking at stores in your town’s high-rent district(s). After a couple of trips, you’ll begin to notice where you’re finding the goods and you can target those stores exclusively in the future.

3. Keep an eye out for quality, condition and cleanliness. Look for well-made pieces that likely cost their original purchaser a pretty penny. Ask yourself, do I like how the stitching is done, the quality of the fabric, and—if it’s something like a blazer—is the garment in question fully-lined? If it looks cheaply made or is barely hanging together, keep it moving. You don't want to waste your money on clothes that won't survive their first washing.

Make sure you spot any imperfections before handing over your hard-earned cash. If an item is stained or needs to be altered, take the additional cost into account when considering whether or not you’re actually getting a good deal. And you should be pretty confident that you (or a professional) can get a stain out or successfully mend a garment before purchasing. After all, that flaw might be the reason it ended up in a thrift store in the first place.

One last note on cleanliness. Whenever you’re bringing something into your home that previously lived in someone else’s home, you have to think about hygiene. The analogy I like to think of is picking up a couch left on a street curb. Thrifting is a little different, but not by much. Carefully look over anything you want to buy and if it looks suspicious (I’m thinking of bed bugs and just the thought is making me itchy), leave it. Wash all new purchases ASAP. If you were looking for an excuse to buy a steamer, you’re welcome. That musty, vaguely unpleasant smell all thrift stores seem to share should tell you everything you need to know.

4. Shop for statement pieces and high-end designers. Now that I’ve scared you sufficiently, let me tell you one of the best reasons to shop at thrift stores. They are a great place to find designer pieces for far less than you would pay for them anywhere else. I once found a Kate Spade attaché for $10 in a thrift store on Melrose in Los Angeles. You always want to keep an eye out for great finds like this, but be careful to make sure you don’t end up with a fake. Become familiar with the calling cards of your favorite designers (and the common shortcuts employed in knock offs), so you can recognize them right away. Remember, you aren’t necessarily looking to fill your entire closet. Instead, shop for pieces that make your pupils dilate when you first see them. One great piece can make the entire expedition worthwhile.Don't forget homewares! By ex.libris on Flickr

5. The best thrift is always free... This is especially true if you have older, stylish women in your life. My late grandmother had an extensive collection of gorgeous costume jewelry, which I have been slowly acquiring through selective poaching every time I go home to visit my mom. Who knows what vintage goodies are tucked away in the basement, attic, or storage unit of a close relative? It’s amazing what people keep around (and in good shape) for years and years. Vintage jewelry, belts, coats (particularly furs) and even home furnishings may await you, and your loved one may want nothing in return but the extra space they’ll gain from you clearing out some old “junk.”

What's your favorite thrift store find? Send it to us, and if we love it, we'll share it!

The Gathered Fashion Spread (June 1, 2013)

Happy Saturday! I'm sure you were bummed about missing our spread last week, but no worries, we have a super spread full of Memorial Weekend fashion! If you didn't know it, LA was poppin! The hiphop party of the year Grits & Biscuits came to the west coast at the House of Blues in Hollywood. Not only was it a fun night with banging music, the fashion did not fail to impress. And because the party targets college alumni, it was a mostly gathered event. Hot? Heck yes. A few technical problems? sure. Worth it? Yezzur! If you are just now hearing about this event, there's always next year. Thanks to our friends at Watermelon Democracy (yes, the same brand that made Bree's super cute Love Dont Lye tee!) we were in the loop! Check out their blog for the latest and greatest hip-hop music, news, style and assorted dope content!

As for the Grits and Biscuit fashion...check out the fashionable crowd below. We saw several styles being rocked from previous posts. Oh how we love that!

  We told you shades of emerald was the color of 2013!Again, we said leather was hot this season, and these ladies proved us right! Hot!How to rock shorts and rompers with style.Classy and sassy dresses and skirts.Trendy cut-off shorts and tribal print tops on the scene.Blazers looking gathered on women and men. Love these gathered gentlemen.Pretty girls in pops of color and statement tanks.

But the fun didn't end with Grits & Biscuits Party. Sunday kicked off the annual Jazz & Reggae Festival at UCLA  featuring one of my favorite artists Santigold and of course Common. Although there were some ungathered individuals roaming about, they were the minority! We loved all of the different casual cool styles out in the sun. Check out these hot women who made our spread! Also, major props to the gathered gentlemen who impressed us and made the cut!

 Nothing says hot summer style like cute printed sundresses and pants

 Cool summer ways to rock denim

 Fabulous printed boho skirtsFedora LoveFashion recognize fashion in friends!

Great ways to rock tanks with skirts and pantsFunky hip hop swagHow to rock a maxi! Yes!Aviator shades and cute style. Hot!Gathered groups

Do you and your friends have style when you go out and about? Submit your fierce pictures to thegatheredlady@gmail.com and you may make our weekly Gathered Fashion Spread!  

Style. You have it. We Love it.

Professional Style Inspiration for Summer!

Summer’s here and it’s getting hot! For us professionals and nine-to-fivers, what to wear to work becomes an enigma as we try to balance out sweltering heat with icy air conditioning. In today’s workplace, the game has changed for women, and so have the dress codes for the most part - more fluid, flexible, and permissive. Fashionistas can have fun with it, and still dress to impress and win that promotion or recognition that you so richly deserve. Today’s post looks at style inspiration for summer work looks and some tips to help you style your way through summer. 

The Power Player 

As a power player, you aren’t dressing for the job you want --  you’ve already arrived. Tailored lines, bold color, and rich details and accessories are the order of the day. A classic and conservative dress code can benefit from playing up the season’s hottest colors and adding textured fabrics like the jaquard in the skirt pictured above. Like most power players, your work obligations extend past the workday, so transitional pieces need to go from day to night with little more than taking off your blazer.

A tip: Carry a edgy wristlet or clutch in your tote to hold your essentials and you’re ready for the cocktail party in two shakes!

The Trendsetter  

A trendsetter is most at home in a creative industry like design, but also thrives in less strict and conservative work environments. Edgy hair and nail colors are safe here. Also, props and unconventional accent pieces make your style distinct. Another place to distinguish yourself is makeup - feel free to play up your eye or lips with color (not both... and for goodness sake, no glitter!). Because you’re never boring, replace that boring work cardigan with a leather motorcycle jacket and keep away AC frostbite.

A tip: An alternate flat shoe can save your tootsies during the day so that you can dance the night away after a full day at the office.

The Casually Chic 

A casual workplace is even more of a playground - the world is your oyster. Take risks and wear those fun patterned pants, even jeans (no rips, please). What we at TGL discourage is taking the “business casual” look to the rock bottom by wearing yoga pants, sweats, and the like. Avoid! Even in a casual work environment, a snazzy dresser has an advantage. Everyone will know your name and secretly hope that you will chose them to bless with a makeover.

A tip: bolder colors outside of the basics will look amazing and show off that sparkling personality!

In Transition

Okay, so you’re looking for a J-O-B... keep your head up! We here at TGL suggest that you give the prim and proper business sheath a try for interviews. (It works for Michelle Obama!) Update the basic black to a power blue, and you’re guaranteed to turn heads. The key here is not to overwhelm all those brains, skills, and knowledge with distracting makeup, jewelry, or hair in an interview. Remember, most hiring managers make decisions based on emotion (whether they like you and can imagine you in the workplace) and then justify that feeling with logic (your amazing resume says you have skills and education). That means that you have to display your amazing self in its best light. Confidence and poise win major points with men and women.

A tip: Interviewing and job searching is a head game. This is a case where your attitude can create opportunity out of thin air. Keep your spirits up with style inspiration! This is also an excellent time to step up your bargain shopping game if your interviewing attire needs a boost and the budget is tight.

So? How did we do? If you care to share, please do in the comments below! You can also email or facebook us to share your style, and if we like, we’ll share with the world. What are you waiting for?   

9 Heavenly Items For Your Beach Bag

Well, well, well fashionistas... June is swift upon us, and things are heating up all over this great nation. Anybody else hearing the waves calling? I sure am! The beach is one of the best things about summer.

I’m not going to go there about whether you’re body is “swimsuit ready”, but I would like to point out 9 heavenly items for your beach bag. It’s a hard job, because there are actually way more than 9 essentials, and your beach bag should be big enough to fit way more, so look for updates throughout the season. Here we go!

1. Statement Shades

Duh. Like, you need shades. This season, big ‘ole statement shades are the bees knees, so let your imagination run wild. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen on your face, however, or you will deserve the raccoon circles in your future. You have been warned.

2. Sun Hat 

This is one of my favorite, versatile summer accesories. A huge hat to protect you from the sun and make you look demure, yet bold and fabulous! Go for a hat made of raffia, a hardy material that can stand up to crumpling and folding and still maintain its shape and flexibility. Invest well, these hats never go out of style. 

3. Summer Reading

Oceanside is a great place to catch up on your reading.  Snag the latest beach read, bestseller, magazine, library book... whatever tickles your fancy. Also, books also make excellent face shades when catching a nap on your back. It's a win-win! 

4. Barefoot Sandals

Ah, the perfect beach “shoes”. If you’ve never invested in a pair of beach sandals to show off that perfect pedicure, you really should. There are so many materials and variations, you have a plethora to choose from. For one-of-a-kind designs, check out etsy.com. 

5. Summer Scent 

Right about now you should be starting to wear a summer scent, with warm notes that evoke happiness. Toss a trial-size or solid perfume or lotion into your beach bag so you don't wash of the good smells and end the day smelling like seaweed. Personally, for summer I love citrusy, clean scents with jasmine notes... what's your pleasure?

6. Fan

The beach is hot, but you don’t have to suffer. Pick up a personal fan. I like to go high tech with an electronic personal misting fan, but you can even go vintage with a ladies’ hand fan (perfect for slapping the wrists of those overly-familiar suitors surrounding you on the sand). These come in very handy, when the beach is crowded and the breeze disappears.

7. Long Skirt

Consider this the beach cover-up reimagined for 2013. The long skirt trend provides a fresh update and cover while scoring you major style points. Letting your freshly pedicured toes and glittery barefoot sandals peep from the long hem qualifies you for automatic sirenhood- sexxxy! La vie boheme come to life.

8. Portable Speaker

What’s the beach without tunes? With wireless bluetooth technology, no prep is needed. Just connect your ipod or smartphone and you can stream away! Better start making your playlist now.

9. Sandless Beach Mat

Ah, the wonders of modern technology. Instead of or in addition to a conventional towel or blanket, upgrade with a sandless beach mat. Consider this the end of the “hate” part of your love/hate relationship with sand. This mat is made of special military-grade material that filters sand through the mat and away from your tender parts. No scritchy-scratchy... forever! Romantic beach nooky just became an option again. Upside: risky pleasure. Downside: potential arrest. The choice is yours... 

Did we miss anything? Of course we did! Let us know in the comments below, or email or facebook your thoughts to us. We’ll be sure to include your suggestions in our next post!