the wardrobe workshop image consulting by ketura persellin june 2, 2009 in this issue :: Looking cool in the heat Greetings! Summer vacation is just a few weeks away, and I can't wait. I'm planning low-key afternoons with my kids, lots of trips to the pool, and walks in the neighborhood. The kids have just discovered Chinese jump rope and can seemingly play it for hours, so I also plan to watch them having fun with that while I sit and do a whole lot of nothing. You get the idea: plenty of down time.  What are your plans for the summer? I'd love to hear about them. And keep in mind that whatever you've got on the calendar, you'll feel better when you're wearing clothes you love that express your own personal style.  To help you stay cool this summer, I've put together a few tips for looking (and feeling) your best, no matter how hot it gets. Plus, scroll down for a few of my favorite ways to declutter your closet, fast. Best wishes, Ketura P.S. Wondering how much mileage you can get from your basic, neutral dress? I answered that question recently in a guest post on DC Goodwill's fashion blog. Take a look! P.S. If you've just subscribed to this newsletter, welcome! If you know someone who's ready to make some changes in her personal style, please forward this newsletter by clinking on the link below.   Looking cool in the heat Keeping your cool is as much a state of mind as it is a matter of the mercury. Knowing what makes you look cool will help you actually feel cool. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 1. Choose lightweight, natural fabrics. Natural fibers breathe, so look for cotton gauze, linen, and tropical wool. 2. Lighten up your accessories. Look for accessories in white and ivory or made of materials that scream "summer." Switch your leather handbags or totes to canvas, microfiber, or straw. Look for shoes made of canvas, rope, and even plastic. (Check out these great shoes, for instance.) And pare down your jewelry for a breezy look that suits the hot weather. 3. Go with the 50/50 rule. If you're wearing one close-fitting garment, like a skinny jean, balance it with a top that's looser. If you're wearing a close-fitting summer knit top, wear a looser skirt or full linen pant.   4. Don't like to show off your arms? Throw on a cropped, lightweight cardigan and push up the sleeves -- you'll have coverage but still look (and feel) cool. 5. Carry a shawl. It can be great over bare arms for protection from the sun and also gets the job done in air-conditioned restaurants and on air planes. (Some of my favorites are here and here.) 6. Update your sunglasses. Pick a pair in a current style (aviators are on trend this summer). They could be your defining summer accessory, especially when the rest of your outfit is a more minimal, pared-down and summer-ready. 7. Make time for grooming. Your toes are a wonderful way to add a pop to your everyday look, so you'll want to get regular pedicures. And have fun experimenting with the color! 8. Consult an expert who knows how to beat the heat and add just the right ingredients to make you look great this season. I can help you shape up your summer look so you'll look cool no matter how high the mercury rises. If you'd like to learn more, I'm accepting new clients; call me or send an email and we'll make it all happen before you even think of muttering the words "fall fashion." Closet decluttering made simple I see lots of closets. Lots of clothes. And lots of closets overflowing with clothes. Recently I worked with a client who had hundreds of pieces of clothing (not including her lingerie and T-shirts). She was moving and needed to pare down in a hurry. We went through each and every piece of clothing, with her trying on almost everything. Some were too big and some too small. Some still had tags on them. Does any of this sound familiar? If so, you'll probably be interested to know that we got rid of half of it -- 50 or 60 pieces, maybe more -- in the course of a few hours. Gone! Everything that was left fit her and looked great -- and was something she'd actually wear.  That's my goal for all my clients (and for myself): When that closet is thrown open in the morning, all you should see are clothes you love (and clothes that love you back). (That means those sweaters need to be in your attic or basement by now -- anywhere but the middle of your closet.) That's one secret to getting the style you always wanted. Here are three more: Organize your clothes according to type of garment and color. (For instance, group jackets together, then tops, skirts, pants and finally dresses -- with each category arranged by color.) Getting dressed will feel like browsing your favorite boutique. Get rid of everything you haven't worn for a year, no exceptions. (Okay, some exceptions, and they should be stored out of the closet: things with sentimental value or that are so special they can never be replaced. That denim skirt that last fit before you had your first of three kids? Trust me, there are more where that came from, and you'll be happier without it rebuking you every time you look in your closet.) Ruthlessly discard pilled, stained, torn or otherwise damaged clothes. It's hard to feel good knowning there's a little ink stain on your pocket. You most likely  haven't worn them anyway since they were damaged, so let them go. These are the first steps I recommend to women wanting to zero in on the style they've always wanted. For even more ideas, email me to get my checklist "101 Ways To Look Your Best." You can also visit me at the Ladies Paradise or follow me on Twitter @KeturaP for up-to-the minute ideas about fashion-related trends, sources and news.