It's Moving Time

I cannot believe it has been two years since we moved from Boston to Bethesda! After living in a rental home for two years and searching for a new home for over a year we have found a home to call our own. 

I have to tell you about our amazing builder Carole Sherman. Carol is a Stanford educated entrepreneur  and one of the few women in the United States in home construction.  In fact only 7 percent of the members of the National Association of Homebuilders are women. Carole has won eight awards for excellence from the Montgomery County Builders Association and she is the first woman to become President of the organization. 

Carole did an amazing job with this home. In fact when I walked in and saw the luggage closet, master bath with two toilets, an ample-size prep sink in the kitchen island, and a huge pantry,  I knew a woman built this home. 

We are packing up today, squeezing in some much needed family time for Thanksgiving, and then moving on Saturday. It is going to be a crazy busy but exciting week but we are so grateful and have so much to be thankful for. 

And I guess this move means more stylish interior design posts on the blog in 2014! 

STYLE PROFILE- Neat Method DC

Name: Catherine Zinn {right} and Raelynn Johnson {left}

Current Title/Company: Owners and Luxury Professional Organizers / Neat Method DC

Location: Washington DC metro area

Welcome to the new Style Profile series where once or twice a month I will profile stylish and creative women in business. Since I started STYLE'N over three years ago I have had the pleasure of meeting so many creative, stylish, and intelligent women along the way and I am excited to introduce some of these fabulous women {and friends} to you as well.  If you're a regular reader of STYLE'N you know that I like to spotlight my favorite items and collections from various jewelry and clothing designers.  I will definitely continue to share more of those posts but this new series is about profiling and learning more about the stylish women behind these successful brands and businesses. And first up in this new series is Catherine Zinn and Raelynn Johnson, the owners and luxury professional organizers with Neat Method DC.  

I hope you enjoy the new series. I may tweak it as I go along so please feel free to provide feedback and your suggestions about the types of questions you would like me to ask in the future. Thanks! 

1. What does a typical day look like for you?

C&R: Our day always begins with coffee.  Whether we are networking with a potential partner, working from home or preparing for a big organizing job, our first order of business entails a warm caffeinated beverage.  The rest of our day is always dictated by  a bulleted list and our calendar.  We are typically juggling networking meetings, social trips to the Container Store (our second home), and helping others live the NEAT life.  event You can find us out and about in every DC neighborhood.

2. How would you describe your personal style?

C: Comfortable, casual and classic

R: Modern Chic, polished and trendy

3. What are your favorite items in your wardrobe and why?

C:  My American in Paris dress that is the perfect combination of classic, edgy and formal. I also adore my Louis Vuitton bag and Zara nude heels.

R: My black suede Cole Haan pumps that yield plenty of toe cleavage.  Also, my black blazer from Club Monaco with gold and leather accents. Lastly, my cream colored blouse from JCrew that can be dressed up or down.

4. Do you have any style or beauty secrets to share?

C: Wash your makeup off every night, no matter what (I use cleansing oil to remove impurities followed by a foaming cleanser).   Also, invest in pieces that are timeless and can be mix-and-matched for years to come.

R: Every girl should own a great statement necklace. Beach wavy hair is the perfect compliment to any outfit (use texturing spray infused with sea salt).

5. How do you spend your "me" time?

C: My "me" time is always spent with my English Bulldog, Mr. Juice, a glass of wine and a magazine.

R: Catching up on any Bravo reality TV shabookand reading with a side of salted dark chocolate.

6. What is the most important thing you have learned through running your own business?

C&R: Be patient, disciplined and learn to think outside of the box.

7. What is your mantra? 

C: Just keep going.

R: A place for everything and everything in its place.

You can follow Catherine and Raelynn on Twitter @NeatMethodDC and learn more about Neat Method and their organizing services at www.neatmethod.com

life lately

Happy Tuesday! Life lately has been busy and so fun with styling new and existing clients,  hosting a couple of fall fashion TV and video segments, and attending wonderful networking events in the DC area. I admit it has been hard to keep up the blog as often as I would like but I do frequently post updates on Instagram. If you're not already following on Instagram you can follow along here.  

I cannot believe we are off to Toronto Friday for another fun family wedding! xx 

MUST HAVE BAR ACCESSORIES

A well-equipped bar is key to making great cocktails. From unwinding with a Manhattan after work to sipping mimosas over brunch, these accessories are must-haves for every home bar. 

Must Have Bar Accessories 

1. Bar Spoons {Kaufman Mercantile, Urban Bar}: stir without disruption for beautifully clear cocktails. 

2. Muddler {PUG!}: mash fruits, herbs, and/or spices to release their flavor right into your glass. 

3. Pitcher {Marquis by Waterford}: whip-up a large batch ahead of time so you can relax with your guest(s).

4. Tray {Aerin}: keep your bar organized so you're ready to enjoy a great cocktail any time. 

5. Juicer {Chef'n}: there's nothing better than a splash of fresh-squeezed citrus. 

6. Cocktail Picks {Christofle}: garnish with a couple olives or skewer a few pieces of fruit. 

7. Ice Bucket {Monique Lhuillier Waterford}: keep ice cold and convenient. 

8. Jigger {Urban Bar}: enjoy a well-balanced cocktail, every time.

9. Strainer {Calabrese/Urban Bar}: remove ice, fruit, and pulp for a smooth cocktail. 

10. Shaker {Urban Bar}: mix drinks and chill to perfection. 

Sarah Mehta is Founder & Principal of Savormaker, a Washington, DC-based boutique food + lifestyle consultancy that enhances home dining experiences. Combining her love of good food and flair for luxurious style, Sarah helps clients eat well, entertain effortlessly, and truly savor everyday moments. For details, visit savormaker.com.

Style Tips: How to Make Your Closet Beautiful And Functional

Unless you’re ready for a complete closet re-do and the construction that comes along with it, you’re closet’s design is what it is going to be! And because the closet you have is what you have to work with, you have to make sure it also works for you!

Here are 5 easy ways to make your closet beautiful and functional so you can make the most of all your clothes, shoes, purses and accessories.

1. Work with the season. Unless your closet is big enough to store summer and winter items with room to spare, you should always switch out clothes as the seasons change. Being able to shop your closet and create outfits effortlessly is all about being able to see what you have.

2. Edit at least twice a year. As the seasons change you should edit your wardrobe. When you pack up and store your winter or summer items try everything on. Get rid of anything that doesn’t fit or that you didn’t wear all season, only keep the things you love and feel great in.

3. Group like with like. Take this tip beyond pants with pants and dresses with dresses. Within these groups also group clothing by color and type (dressy, work, casual). This will save you so much time!

4. Streamline your hangers. Get slim felt hangers, they create extra space in your closet and they are non-slip so your clothes won’t disappear to the floor.

5. Create systems that work for any budget. Use products to properly store items. Clear shoes boxes work great for both shoes and accessories and hanging sweater bags are great for folded items. Make sure to take an inventory before you go to the store so you only buy exactly what you need.

Thanks to Rachel Strisik of Rachel and Company for these wonderful style tips! 

Rachel Strisik of Rachel and Company is an organizing extraordinaire – Rachel uses creativity, style and a little elbow grease to help clients get their homes, offices,  schedules and lives in order. As a professional organizer, Rachel empowers her clients to live more organized, productive lives. Rachel and Company is a full-service professional organizing company specializing in client organization, closet design and organized moves. Rachel also works with businesses to improve productivity and efficiency through organization and has helped over 600 clients since her start in 2008. Rachel works nationally with clients, is based in Bethesda, MD and has been featured in publications such as Washingtonian, The Washington Post, NBC4, Fox5 and most recently in the Huffington Post. Rachel can be reached at: info@rachel-company.com and 202.669.3719 or through her website: www.rachel-company.com.