We can't all have Nanette Lepore's closet (as documented by Elle Decor), BUT we can have much, much better.

I used to snub my nose at the idea of a personal stylist, shopper, or wardrobe consultant. Not because I’m the coolest girl around town (I’m not), but because I’m bossy and independent and I like to do everything myself. (Including shopping and selecting outfits.) Then one day I shocked myself. I took a peek in my closet, turned to my dog and said, “I have nothing to wear.” Oh the horror! What a cliche I’d become. A closet full of clothes and “nothing” to wear? How painfully uninspired I sounded. Then I met Dallas Wardrobe stylist Amy Havins and completely changed my tune.

Amy does a combo of things to make stepping into your closet exciting again, and although she’s fully capable of doing some damage with a Black Card, it doesn’t have to include maxing out your Mastercard at department stores around town. She can tackle family styling (like getting your 13-year-old to dress appropriately and stylishly), special occasion dressing (got a gala? no problem), wardrobe makeover (giving old garments a fresh start with new ideas), and closet design and organization (pull out the weeds and make your closet work for you). Jump to learn a little about Amy, why I’m a believer, and get her three biggest pointers fo’ free.

It’s no surprise Amy became a wardrobe consultant. She was already pointing out the flaws in her teachers’ ensembles as a kid. She went on to study fashion and business at Baylor and started with personal shopping before founding her own company, Dallas Wardrobe. Today she’s an affordable closet expert who helps people clean our their closets, fill in the blanks, and build and maintain a wardrobe they love. The process is easy. Meet with Amy. Consultations are complimentary. You’ll discuss your style, how your closet and wardrobe disappoint you, and how much you’re looking to spend. (Pricing is based on each scenario, but she’s an affordable bet in town.) Then you’ll meet to do some clutter control, take a look at your existing wardrobe, see what’s missing, and then, “hit the stores if needed.” Above all, the mission for Amy is to make shopping fun and discover how easy it is to love your closet and all its glorious contents.

1.

Mix up your garments. Physically. Simply moving hangers around on the racks can inspire new looks and uncover hidden pieces you once loved.

2.

Organize your closet. “If your closet doesn’t work for you, you can’t work with it.”

3.

Feel comfortable. If you’re not comfy in an outfit, you’re never going to wear it. Period.

photo of Amy Havins courtesy of Dallas Wardrobe

click to enlarge

I love shopping events. There’s nothing better than sipping champagne to numb your guilt so you can buy all kinds of beautiful things (that you shouldn’t) for your closet. Plus, if your memory gets a little fuzzy, you get to re-enjoy all your new purchases the next morning. Wahoo! Hemline’s got your Thursday happy hour taken care of with free bubbly and local style consultant Elisabeth White in house to help you put together some summer ensembles. If you purchase an outfit she assembles, you’ll get it for 10 percent off. All Yoana Baraschi clothing will be discounted, too, for 20 percent off. This event starts at 5:30 pm on Thursday. See you there.

-Smile big
-Stamp one finger (Raychel recommends the ring or middle finger) with the cream blush, and dot it onto the fattiest part of your cheek (the “apple”). To find this, imagine a vertical line running through your pupil and a horizontal line running across your face at the tip of your nose. Where these lines intersect, stamp away.
-Using a clean finger, blend outward, using up, out, and down motions. (Cat whiskers, if you will.)

I’ve avoided cream blush like the plague to avoid looking like a Nutcracker doll (or a cockatiel), but I tell you, very honestly, after getting this pointer, I went home with my sample and applied it to myself and my sister, and was pleased. Not only did it smooth out quite evenly, but it gave me and sis a natural flush that literally lasted all day. I’m now using La Prairie’s cream blush on a regular basis and I’m thrilled. The downfall is the price tag. La Prairie is one of the most expensive skincare and cosmetic lines I know. The upside is they’ve earned it. Sciencey stuff goes into each product, and results match the claim. Plus, with this $55 blush, it’ll last you until your 70 years old. Find it at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks 5th Avenue.

orange = eyeliner

That brings me to this week’s “Ask Raya” question. A reader wrote in, asking, “How do you get the perfect shaped cat eye? Is there a trick to getting the liner in the right place every time?”

To that we answer, yes, and Ivan Castro gave us the key at our last week’s meeting:

To figure out where to put the winged tip, follow the shape of your lower lash line. (Notice in our illustration how the orange line is basically an extension of the natural curve of the lower lash line.) If you use this technique, not only should you be able to create the same shape on both eyes, but you should also be able to repeat this every time you’re in the mood for this sultry look. I like that this trick adds a dash of flirt, making the liner look like a lash extension. Go home and give it a shot. If you’re looking for a great liner, try Le Métier’s seriously smudge-proof formula.

Bobette says:
“Have patience and be prepared to dig through a bunch of junk.” She suggests setting aside plenty of time to sort through all the things you’ll see in a vintage shop.

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Charlotte's skirt is a thrift store find.

Charlotte says:

“Observation is key. I found a Christian Dior bag on a random table in a thrift store in Denton after who knows how many people walked by without seeing it.”

“Don’t go in searching for a specific item. I have found the more openminded I am, the cooler and more unique things I discover.”

Check the label. It can help you discern a few things:
a) whether or not the item warrants the price it’s given
b) how authentic the item is
c) how to care for the item (“For me polyester is a no go, which rules things out.”)

“Try the garment on, even if it’s over your clothes. You don’t know how it will look unless it’s actually worn.”

Charlotte's belt is a Salvation Army find.

“Don’t be discouraged by minor signs of disrepair. Broken zippers and the like can be cheaply repaired and might be a factor in driving the price down. (It never hurts to ask!) Also, if the garment is well made, tailoring is always a option, especially if it is a piece that you will be able to wear forever.”

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I say:
If you’ve found a piece with fabric you love in a shape you hate, and you’re into sewing, why not try what Bobette does and rework garments into something more modern?

If you’re looking for vintage shops in the area, hit up the vintage and resale section of our shopping guide. Check back often. We’re constantly updating it!

Skip wearing vintage clothing and decorate with them! Get inspiration from Cath Kidston’s book, Brilliant Ideas for Using Vintage Fabrics in Your Home. I picked up a copy at The Gypsy Wagon.

Gratuitous cuteness that has nothing to do with eating.

Here’s a list of places and menus for Easter day dining.

I turned to stylist Stephanie Quadri, who has dressed everyone from models to celebs, and here’s what she has to say:

“Suede can be worn any season. Just think of it like leather. You wouldn’t necessarily wear leather pants in the summer (way too hot in Texas), but leather and suede shorts are a big hit this summer. Just be sure to pair them with a lightweight t-shirt and sandals.

Jerome Dreyfuss "Billy" suede tote

I was just at Neiman’s doing a pull for a swimwear editorial and came across several suede shoes. My personal favorite and must-have for the season is the YSL cork wedge in mustard. If you aren’t comfortable wearing the material in dark shades, there are plenty of bright colored options out there that are well-suited for spring/summer wardrobes. Wear a pair of shoes or a bag in lilac, orange, green, or yellow to add a pop or color to neutral looks and you’ll be right on trend for the season.”

Thanks, as always for your genius, Steph. Got a question. Ask away!

More Expert Advice:
-Should you tip your makeup artist?
-Can I be any hair color I want?
- What’s the best tinted lip balm?

Genetic Denim has an impressive celebrity clientele that includes Reese Witherspoon, Cameron Diaz, Diane Kruger (love her), and more.

Ali Fatourechi, founder and creative director of Genetic Denim, will be in town tomorrow, gracing us with his presence, drinking, helping shoppers shop, etc. You know, the usual designer appearance thing. The best news, however, is that not only is there a cocktail reception at FIG (details to follow), but a stop at Elements, too, where he’ll help you squeeze your hiney into a flattering Genetic Denim fit. (There’s really nothing better than getting styling advice from the designer himself, is there?) Head to the Lovers Lane boutique from 2 pm to 4 pm tomorrow to nab some of Ali’s expertise and grab any piece of GD for 20 percent off, and then meet him again at FIG, where there will be cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, and duh, his jeans from 5:30 pm to 8 pm.

I got sunburned this weekend. Spare the lecture. I’ve already kicked myself for forgetting the sunblock. What do I do with my face NOW? Do I aloe it? Do I moisturize it? Do I exfoliate? Are there any products I should hold off on using until the burn has faded? –Lobster Face

We asked resident expert, Renée Rouleau.
“The goal is to reduce heat and give it time to repair and heal,” she says.
Jump for the cure.

Don't let this happen to you. (Kim Kardashian shows off her burn via her Twitter.)

DO:
Apply cool compresses to the skin, a soothing gel-based mask (like Renee Rouleau Azulene Gel Mask) or even a frozen bag of peas. Lowering the temperature will constrict capillaries and lessen visible damage to the skin, as well as making it feel better.

Use a moisturizer with calming ingredients like Aloe, Chamomile, Sea Whip, Japanese Green Tea, or Azulene, but not one that is too heavy or greasy as these can create an occlusive seal that trap heat in the skin keeping the skin red longer. Use something lightweight, breathable and calming. My favorite is Renee Rouleau Stress Recovery Lotion.

DON’T:
Avoid any kind of exfoliation. Your skin is extremely inflamed so facial scrubs and acids will only increase inflammation. Wait at least a week before using any exfoliating products as at that time, it will help remove surface flakiness caused from the burn.

Avoid using any blemish products as ingredients such as Benzoyl Peroxide, SD Alcohol 40, Tea Tree Oil, Sulphur and Salicylic Acid will all be too irritating to already inflamed skin. Just keep the routine really gentle and avoid any product that stings when applied.

Thanks, Renée!

Ps. The Azulene Gel Mask is the bomb.

Terri Tomlinson prettied the punims of these two lovebirds for the cover of D Home.

Terri Tomlinson, 20-year veteran in the magical world of makeup and founder of The Makeup Training Academy, is opening up a DIY makeup class. Come in, learn some techniques step-by-step, and then practice on your own face at organized play stations. There are dozens of “instructional” events held at stores and makeup counters, but they rarely help you do it yourself. You watch, buy products, get home and paint yourself unlike you look like a 90s Glamour Shots portrait. That’s why I’m loving this event. Two looks will be taught: The Graduated Smoke and The Classic Contour. Both can be tailored for day or night and will utilize Terri’s own 8-color palettes (6 shadows and 2 face colors) in “Concrete Chic” and “Bronze Bling.” Once you feel like you’ve nailed the look, you’ll be able to purchase the palettes for a discounted price so you can repeat it at home as many times as you want. (You’ll also walk away with an eye chart of both looks.) The class is $45 per person. Send an email to reserve your spot at terri@makeup101.com. Refreshments will be served. April 9, 1 pm to 4 pm, at Bolt Productions. 1350 Chemical Street, Dallas

photography courtesy of Who What Wear

“Bare midriffs” is the featured trend on Who What Wear today. I’d like your thoughts.

*Update: I’ve plugged in a new poll. Let’s see if this one works better.