~Friend Friday...A method to the madness

This week's Friend Friday dissects how we (fashion bloggers) put together our outfits.  I wish I could say that I  am very organized and give a link to a spreadsheet or something that I use; but alas, I'm not that good!  Here's what I've come up with:

1.  How do you determine what you will wear on any given day?


It really depends alot on the weather.  I've been missing my heels because of the snow and junk on the ground.  I can wear what I want to work; so for the most part, I don't think about "appropriateness".  It's all about what I'm feeling good in that day.

2.  Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month, weekend?

Absolutely!  Then I have an accordion folder organized by day of the month.  On the last day of the previous month, I take pictures of outfits for every day of the next month.  Then I file it in the corresponding day in the aforementioned file.  I also include pictures of alternate "inclement weather" outfits.   ******We now return you back to the REAL Serene as we leave "dream sequence" Serene*****  I don't plan further than the next day.  And then, it's not so much a plan as it is an idea........a "mental suggestion" if you will.

UPDATE:  I was joking about the folder thing....I guess my sarcasm doesn't translate into the blog.  Please don't think for a minute that I plan out my outfits to this degree.  I truly don't plan further than the next day.
3.  Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already worn so you don't repeat?

Wouldn't that be a great idea?!  Honestly, I have to reign in my passion for clothes and all the pretties sometime.  I have the mental self admonition, "Hey Serene!  You're not stinkin' Anna Wintour!  You see any paparrazzi?  No?  Alright then!  Pick out an outfit already; put your clothes on and MOVE ON OUT!!"  Fortunately for that little voice in my head, I'm very obedient!

4.  How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet? (Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)

Actually, I find that when I come home from work and am changing clothes.....that's the perfect time to try on different things.  I try to look in my closet and think of something outrageous (which is usually NOT, but I'm always trying to get myself out of a "rules" mentality when it comes to my wardrobe); and then try it on.  To be quite honest, shoes always trip me up (no pun intended).  I seem to have a mental block that I have to have JUST THE RIGHT PAIR of shoes for each outfit.  Which is CRAZY!  Meg in Another Day to Dress Up is great at creating wonderful outfits and she seems to favor one particular pair of Frye shoes to wear with everything.  So, I try to remind myself to loosen up.  You can probably tell by now, I'm in my head ALOT!

5.  To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do to cut down your dressing time?

But I don't WANT to cut it down!  I love the whole grooming process!  My dream would be to have my own dressing room in my home (probably never going to happen; but wouldn't that be FABULOUS?!).  I remember when I was in High School getting ready for Friday and Saturday night dates.  The music would be on.  I'd be dancing in between picking out clothes.  There would be much perfume and make up remnants in the air.  It's such a girly time!  Why would I want to shorten that?  In fact, I'm looking for ways to have more time to do that.....to every morning feel like a teen girl getting ready for a first date!

Hey girlies!  Friend Friday is the brainchild of Katy at Modly Chic.....so definitely be sure to check her out and sign up!  It's soooooo easy and a great way to meet other sweet bloggers.  A bonus:  Katy is so kind and helpful.  Truly a blogger's blogger.