anatomy of a bedside table

I'm going to go so far as to say that styling my new apartment is almost as important as styling my outfits each day. I find that a cozy, styled home is a happy home, but it's the tiniest details that really count. With that, I give you the anatomy of a bedside table.

lamp | I think this item needs little explanation. For those times when you can't put down your favorite book (or catalogue) or when you just want to find your chapstick in the middle of the night. Plus, I believe you can never have too much light in a room.

hand cream | Is it just me, or is it a great feeling to slather on the hand cream right before bedtime? Dream Cream is from Lush, and it is super moisturizing and natural smelling. Did you think I could go one blog post without mentioning Lush?!

techy stuff | I love a quick bout on Pinterest before bedtime, hence why my iPad has a prime spot on my bedside table.

most used scents | Some may prefer to have their perfumes on display on a dresser or in their bathroom, but I prefer to have them right next to my bed. The bottles provide a nice visual appeal and the scent seems to linger around my bed after I do a few sprays. Maybe it's weird, but I love when my comforter smells like my signature scent!

trinket tray | One of the most underrated home accessories of all time, the catch-all trinket tray. I love having one of these at my bedside for bobby pins, earrings, and small perfume bottles. I also don't mind the pop of color this one gives.

candles | I am a total candle lover. I find that they provide a sense of relaxation and warmth in any home. I like to light my bedside candle on a lazy Saturday morning or a half hour before I fall asleep.

light reading | At any given moment, you will find a small stack of catalogues on my bedside table. When I'm sick of the internet and need some fashion inspo, I turn to some favorites - J.Crew, Land's End, Anthropologie. The list goes on and on.

any other goodies that make you smile | I decided to accessorize a bit further with the metal "G" from Restoration Hardware, which is so heavy it doubles as a paper weight. I also added a macaron trinket case, a gift from my friend Courtney (below the word "used" in the photo).

I think bedside styling is pretty important for everyday convenience and visual appeal. So choose the items that you use regularly, or that just make you happy.

xoxo,
G

my tips for a happier closet

I'm a huge believer that half the battle of getting dressed lies in how well you organize your clothes. I must admit, after following these simple tips I have found myself saying "I have nothing to wear," a lot less and my closet is much happier.

1] Hang all shirts on the same type of hanger. This small tip has been a game changer for me. This summer, I decided to ditch any hanger that wasn't a thin huggable hanger. It makes me closet look much more neat, and because these hangers are so thin, my closet can also fit more items! Win-win. In addition, I decided to hang all my blazers on wooden hangers. This gives heavier items more structure, and again, keeps my closet more uniform.

2] Don't buy something simply because it is on sale. Buy an item because you love it, it fits well, and you know you will wear it time and time again. Otherwise, that item that seemed like a good deal is just taking up valuable space in your closet. Some of the time, sale items stand out in the store simply because of the low price tag, but end up being an item that is forgotten about once it's in your closet. In the end, you are not saving money if you never wear the item. Instead, put your money towards an investment item that will last you years to come.

3] Always fold your heavy sweaters. If sweaters are hung, their weight tends to stretch the sweater downward. I always fold my heavier sweaters so that they keep their shape and refrain from stretching.

4] Use an old bookshelf to display your shoes. There is no need to buy an expensive shoe rack when an old or inexpensive bookshelf works just as well! When I can see all my shoes at one time, I feel a lot less overwhelmed. I can quickly scan the shelf, grab my shoes, and be out the door.

5] Be brutally honest with yourself when you purge your items. Every season, I try to go through my closet and donate items that I no longer wear or need. If something has a hole in it, an unremovable stain, or simply doesn't fit the way it used to - pitch it or donate it. This frees up space for something new and exciting in your closet!

What is the best way that you have found to organize your closet? Please let me know by commenting below! Also, stay tuned for a post in the future about how I found my personal style - it's going to be a good one.

xoxo,
G