Dressing Well Resource Guide

A Word About Our Resource Guide

In today’s modern society, closet organization, fashion and shopping help are typically only a click away on your computer. Yet sifting through the volumes of websites available in each of these categories can be overwhelming.

In designing a user-friendly resource guide, we honored our “less is more” philosophy and limited the amount of categories and resources in this guide to help keep you focused. If there’s a topic that you don’t find included in this guide, I suggest going to your favorite search engine to do your own search. We go to google.com most often to search for specific information on behalf of our private clients.

If you know of any unique websites that feature hard-to-find closet organization, fashion and shopping resources, we’d love to know about them. Send us an e-mail at info@dressingwell.com. We’ll be updating this information on our website on an ongoing basis. Happy surfing!

Wardrobe Organization

Bag Mate www.bagmate.com
Do you ever feel like a pack mule schlepping both a purse and a briefcase everywhere you go? Do you ever wish that your tote was a little more structured or had a few more pockets? Do you find yourself constantly digging in your bag for your lipstick, a pen or your keys? Do you keep people waiting behind you while you dig in your bag for your badge to access your building? Reasonably priced at $30, the Bag Mate might be a great solution for you!

Ballard Designs www.ballarddesigns.com
If you are in the market for whimsical fashion-themed prints and accessories to help decorate your dressing areas, check out their fun wares.

California Closets www.calcloset.com
One of several national companies offering custom storage solutions. They are on the high end, but the service and product speaks for itself. The Closet Factory is another reputable company in this category. Do a search for “Closet Design Companies” on your favorite search engine for a comprehensive list of what is available in your area.

Closetry www.closetry.com
Mark-Alan Harmon designs and installs one-of-a-kind closets to meet your personality and needs.

The Container Store www.containerstore.com
They claim to be the most organized site on the web and we agree. They have hard-to-find and unique items at good prices.

ElizabethW.com www.ElizabethW.com
A small perfumery in San Francisco that designs and handcrafts fragranced gifts for bath, body, and home. We particularly love their linen drawer liners and items for the closet, including shoe inserts, lingerie bags, sweater cases and hanger covers.

Expo Design Center www.expo.com
The place to go if you are a do-it-yourself type organizer.

Garde Robe New York www.garderobeonline.com
If you live in NYC and need some extra closet space, this high-end clothing storage and delivery service may be for you. They will pick up your off-season and infrequently worn clothes, have them professionally cleaned and then store them in a climate-controlled facility. Next, each item is photographed and cataloged for you to access anytime on-line. Items are delivered to you when you need them. Thanks to this service, closets really have gone cyber!

Hold Everything www.holdeverything.com
Great source for closet accessories such as baskets, shoe racks and out of season storage solutions.

Lillian Vernon www.lillianvernon.com
Lillian was in the business of organizing long before it was fashionable. Her cost-effective and fresh product mix each season is the reason for her success.

National Association of Professional Organizers www.napo.net
If you need hands on organizing help, their database of professionals who will come to your home and work with you is invaluable.

Purseket — The Purse Organizer http://www.purseket.com
Getting organized? Start with your purse! The Purseket creates fashionable pockets for purses of all sizes. No more digging around in your purse for lipstick, keys or cell phone! The Purseket comes in a variety of colors and sizes to fit in any size purse.

Handy Fashion Sites

Angelica’s Upscale www.angelicasupscale.com
High-end designer accessories such as Chanel, Prada, David Yurman and Judith Leiber. Some new, some used, some consigned.

Anne Reagan www.annereagan.com
The Anne Reagan brand promotes fast fashion while maintaining classic construction techniques, a consumer friendly price, and accurate fit. We love Anne and her style!

Athletique www.myathletique.com
Provides custom clothing of all kinds for athletes of all sizes. Specializes in fittings and consultations and custom designs.

City Finds www.cityfindsinc.com
A new concept in home show shopping. Host a party and have your home transformed into a gallery boutique. In an intimate and private setting, you and your guests will have the unique experience of browsing, learning about and purchasing these distinctive finds from hand-made textiles and pottery to NYC jewelry and trendy handbags from LA.

The Clothing Doctor www.clothingdoctor.com
The ultimate guide to caring for clothes.

Constance McCardle www.constancemccardle.com
One-of-a-kind evening gowns and special occasion ensembles. Many of her designs have been worn to red carpet events such as the Oscars and Emmys. All handmade and truly unique.

Consumer Review www.mouthshut.com
Gives consumers a chance to review brands of clothes, shoes and accessories.

CoutureCandy.com www.CoutureCandy.com
See what your favorite celebrities are wearing and then link to hip designer sites to purchase the looks for yourself.

The Daily Candy www.dailycandy.com
Subscribe to their free daily e-mail service, and you'll soon be the insider telling everyone what’s hot and what’s not.

Dependable Cleaners www.dependablecleaners.com
We often turn to our friends at Dependable Cleaners to help clients with questions about caring for all types of clothing. If you would like to benefit from their clothing care wisdom, visit their website and sign up for their monthly e-newsletter, @ Your Service.

EBay Resources www.auctiondrop.com
Always wanted to sell your clothes on eBay but couldn't deal with the hassle of uploading photos, processing payments, and shipping? Let an eBay drop-off center do it for you. Bring your unwanted belongings to the nearest drop (www.auctiondrop.com lists more than 3,000 locations), and the service will try to sell your things on eBay, taking 20 to 38 percent of the selling price for doing the legwork. Similar services include www.quikdrop.com, which donates unsold items to local charities, and www.i-soldit.com.

EllaBelle Creations www.ellabellecreations.com
Beautiful handcrafted reversible belts for women and girls

Fabric Care Foundation www.drycleaningconsumer.com/drycleaner.htm
The mission of the FabriCare Foundation is to lead the growth and future of the dry cleaning industry and its professionals through public relations, research and education. Check out their handy “What to Look for in a Drycleaner” guidelines posted on their site.

Frenchlink Tours www.frenchlinks.com
Personal advising and custom itineraries for independent travelers to Paris. The webmistress is the author of “Best Buys to French Chic: An Insider’s Savvy Shopping Guide to Paris.”

Fun Boiled Wool Handbags from Norway home.online.no/~hk-haug/
Mary Lou’s sister-in-law from Norway turned her onto this site after she admired her jazzy handbag with personalized photo insert. All bags are made of wool and you can get them with your own photo incorporated into the design. View a sample of the bags via this link. All purses are handmade to order. Ordering information is posted on the site.

Gail Schneider Designs www.gschneiderdesigns.com/index.html
Sassy, trendy, classic, contemporary T’s and Tanks that complement women of all ages. And because no top is ever exactly duplicated, you can be confident that you’re wearing a signature piece.

Good Feet www.goodfeet.com
Custom made insoles that can be inserted into shoes for more comfort.

Grand Style www.grandstyle.com
Great meeting place for women size 14 plus. It links to every plus-size retailer and fashion designer imaginable.

Knit Alteration & Design www.knitalteration.com
For over 18 years Knit Alteration & Design has provided quality knit alterations and sweater repair to better clothing stores and retail customers. They work exclusively on knit clothing and their services are available to anyone in the world. Simply visit their website, download an order form, fill it out and send it with your knits for repair or alteration. They will contact you with the cost and ready date. Items are returned via Priority Mail unless you request another service. It's really that easy and the results are fabulous. For those women with St. John Knits that need alterations and repairs, this site is a gold mine.

Luxwear www.luxwear.com
This site features new and vintage authentic designer handbags and accessories. Featuring brands such as: Hermes, Prada, Tod's, Smythson, Louis Vuitton and more.

Manhattan Wardrobe www.wardrobesupplies.com
One-stop wardrobe supply Supplies shop for designers, stylists and the general public.

Margaret’s Cleaners www.Margarets.com
Southern California-based Margaret’s Cleaners is one of the nation's finest dry-cleaning establishments. Their website is full of great information if you are interested in high-end cleaning techniques and resources.

Men’s Fashion www.mens-fashions-tips.com
The aim of this website is to provide information and tips on men’s fashion, men’s clothing and men’s accessories.

Nina McLemore www.ninamclemore.com
A line of high-end clothing sold at trunk shows across the US and Canada for smart, confident women on the go.

Petite Fashions www.shortstuff.org.uk
There’s not much exclusively for petites on the web, but this site does give good petite wardrobe tips and links to petite retailers.

Sassybax www.sassybax.com
Sexy, comfortable bras the eliminate bra lines!

St. John Wholesale www.stjohnwholesale.com
Classic St. John’s knits at discounted prices.

She-Tech.com www.she-tech.comm
A collection of stylish laptop computer cases for women who want fashion and function.

Silkies www.silkies.com
Stock up on hosiery at reasonable prices.

Soft Surroundings www.SoftSurroundings.com
Offers soft, comfortable, at-home clothing, sleep-inducing bedding and the latest developments in skin care.

Talene Reilly www.talenereilly.com
Handy totes that solve every professional women’s business vs. fashion dilemma.

Tall Couture www.tallcouture.com
Caters to taller women. Unique and funky styles.

Tory Nicole www.torynicole.com
Custom photo purses and totes. Send them your favorite photo and they will incorporate it into the fabric of a stylish, bamboo-handled tote, bag or wristlet.

Winter Silks www.wintersilks.com
Great source for silk long johns. We love them for layering without bulk in the winter.

Smart Packing Sites

International Travel www.journeywoman.com
Great site for figuring out what to wear in various cities throughout the world.

Magellans www.magellans.com
Since 1989, travelers around the world have relied upon our superior products and world-class service to make their travel more comfortable, safe and rewarding.

Travelsmith www.travelsmith.com
Features clothes that travel and pack well. Lots of styles made of wrinkle-resistant microfibers.

Weekenders www.weekendersusa.com
Pack light with these versatile mix and match pieces that are machine washable and don’t require ironing. Sizes range from extra small to Plus 2. These clothes are only available at home presentations or by phone. Check out their website for more information.

Tried and True Shopping Destinations

Ann Taylor www.anntaylor.com
If you are a petite or missy size, stock up on handy tops and blouses for work here.

Bluefly www.bluefly.com
This website brings the outlet store concept directly into your home. It features great deals on end-of-season, excess and closeout products from name-brand designers and resellers. Because of the unpredictable nature of the acquisitions, inventory is always changing and size ranges may not be complete.

Chico’s www.chicos.com
Easy to fit and wear casual clothes.

Coach www.coach.com
Sturdy, reliable totes and leather accessories that always set a business tone.

ebags www.ebags.com
Selection combined with competitive pricing is their edge. Brands include Samsonite, JanSport, The North Face and Eagle Creek. From backpacks and carry-ons to computer cases and handbags.

Eileen Fisher www.eileenfisher.com
Easy to wear, easy to pack.

Gap www.Gap.com
Great for active-wear and casual clothing. Offering a variety of sizes and lengths for tall and petite men and women.

J. Jill www.jjill.com
Great selection of casual clothes for various sizes.

Kate Spade www.katespade.com
Contemporary totes for all sorts of lifestyles.

Lands End www.landsend.com
A godsend for our taller and shorter clients. You can have the length of the pant cuffed to your exact requirements.

Liz Claiborne www.lizclaiborne.com
Affordable career and casual clothes for petite, missy and plus sizes. Great style advice, too.

Nordstrom www.nordstrom.com
Best shoe selection on the web. They wrote the book on customer service.

Sierra Trading Post www.sierratradingpost.com
Representing quality manufacturers Ralph Lauren, Cole Haan and Calida of Switzerland at 35-70% off retail.

Talbots www.talbots.com
Classic women’s clothes in missy, petite and women’s sizes. Basically the same merchandise found at the store in a well-organized format that is easy to navigate.

Victoria’s Secret www.victoriasecret.com
Good source for bras for average size women. We particularly like their racer-back styles.

Feel Good Sites

Angel of Hope Jewelry www.angelofhopejewelry.com
Inspired by a brother’s battle with cancer, jewelry designer Deb O’Toole designs beautiful necklaces which help raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The Cinderella Project www.thecinderellaprojectofnh.org
They provide low-income young girls with formal wear to attend social events they would not otherwise be able to attend. Although this particular site is located in New Hampshire, it lists sister organizations in other states.

Dress For Success www.dressforsuccess.org
This is a non-profit organization that provides interview suits to low-income women seeking employment. Their web site lists the names, addresses and telephone numbers of specific "sister" and "cousin" organizations across the country (and in many other countries!) and how you can make a donation at a location near you.

Morgan Memorial www.goodwillmass.org
The Clothing Collaborative enables job training graduates to learn the basics of how to dress for work. They are also given vouchers to the Goodwill Stores for obtaining work appropriate attire for their interviews and for their first year of employment.

The Shoe Club www.hellostilletto.com
The Shoe Club is an informal gathering of individuals of all ages who love shoes. Originally based in Boston they also have events in Chicago, Atlanta, Providence, Los Angeles, and Southwest Florida. There's nothing at all serious or formal about the group. Nor is there any cost to attend their events. They organize the date, place and time of a fun foot-featuring outing with venues ranging from bars and restaurants to salons and shopping malls. You turn up wearing your favorite shoes. Sometimes there's even a best shoe competition and prizes are awarded. Put your best foot forward and network in style!

Shop Well with You www.shopwellwithyou.org
This is a non-profit, one-on-one personal clothes shopping service for women battling cancer. Visit their website for more information.

Spirited Sisters www.spirited-sisters.com
Founded by three sisters who were undergoing cancer treatments at the same time, this company is the originator of The Original Healing Threads™, a line of garments equipped to handle the wear and tear of a radiation or chemotherapy treatment while making the women who wear them feel dignified, beautiful and strong.

Tangible Karma www.tangiblekarma.com
Need a little extra motivation to de-clutter your life? Consider registering your cast-a-ways via this inspirational website and people on the receiving end of your donations can choose to thank you for your goodwill.

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Consumer Reporting Agencies

(to track your credit history and safeguard your credit cards)

Equifax www.equifax.com
1-800-525-6285

Experian www.experian.com
1-888-397-3742 (formerly TRW)

Trans Union www.transunion.com
1-800-680-7289

Social Security Administration www.ssa.gov/oig
1-800-269-0271 (fraud line)