5 Tips for Spring Cleaning & Organizing Your Home

Hey everyone, I’m so disappointed in myself for how few blog posts I’ve published so far in 2020, but we all know this pregnancy has been a whirlwind of change for me. I hope to get better about publishing more blog posts as I have a whole list of posts I owe you. Even though there hasn’t been much action over here with the blog, I’ve been super busy at home organizing our home and preparing for this baby so I thought I would share some of the ways that I’ve been preparing our house starting with the purging unnecessary items and spring cleaning. Fortunately, I didn’t have to do this alone. I had the help of Sara West from South Coast Organizers.

When Sara reached out to me with the idea of collaborating together on home organization, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. I’m actually a pretty well-organized person, but everyone has areas in their homes that could use some improvement including me. In fact, our garage has been a disaster for the past year and with the all of the new baby gear and equipment arriving, we knew we needed to make more room. Also, our pantry along with a few kitchen cabinets definitely needed some attention too. Once Blake and I made a decision together, Sara visited my house and took photos and measurements of each of the areas. Then she sent me some proposals with different options for organization products, tools and storage bins.

I was able to look through the proposal and click on individuals products links to approve them before she ordered. While I love a clean look, I also like to see what is inside of the bins, so we went with a combination of clear and grey bins with labels of course. Scroll through this post to see before and after photos along with 5 tips from Sara on how to get your home organized.

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Garage Organization:

5 Tips for Spring Cleaning & Organizing Your Home by Sara West:

Start small!

Once you organize a small area in your home like a drawer or closet, you will get the momentum you need to tackle bigger spaces.

Be intentional with your space.

Give everything you own a home from you clothes down to batteries and lightbulbs. Decide where every necessary item you have will live and make space for it.

Declutter 2-4 times a year.

We tend to focus on getting organized at the beginning of each year but it is a process. Choose a few times a year to comb through your entire house and donate items you aren’t using or don’t need anymore. Smaller decluttering sessions will take less time then having one big purge each year.

Don’t put an item down, put it away!

The key to staying organized is putting things back where they belong. If you’ve taken the time to give everything a designated spot, tidying up with go quicker and your home will stay organized.

Ask for help when you need it.

If you have tried and failed to get organized, call an expert for help. A professional organizer will take into consideration your space and lifestyle to create and execute a plan for the organized house of your dreams.

Pantry Organization:

I know that woven baskets look so much prettier when it comes to storage, but I like how you easily you can just wipe out these plastic Y-Weave Basket Binsin the case of accidental spill or food explosion in the pantry.

Coffee Cabinet Organization:

This clear riser made all the difference in my coffee mug cabinet. It’s great for dish cabinets too.

This Bamboo Expandable Step Shelf makes it so much easier to see all of my spices at once while cooking.

I hope you found these organization tips helpful. Next up, the baby room!

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| Shop Wardrobe Organization |

| Shop Bathroom Organization |

Refreshing Guest Room Update

January 30, 2020

Morning everyone, I’ve been doing a lot of nesting around the house lately to prepare for Baby P’s arrival from wallpapering the nursery and cleaning out all of the junk closets around house to updating our guest room and making space in our room for baby gear. We plan to have our moms, my sister and a night nurse help us out during those first few weeks so updating our guest room was huge priority to make sure our helpers have a comfortable place to sleep. Additionally, the guest room is directly next to the baby room so once the baby starts sleeping in his own room I’m sure we’ll spend a decent amount of time in the room right next to him. Just like our room, I wanted the room to feel fresh and clean with crisp white bedding and soft colors so we decided to get the same Serena and Lily bedding that we have on our bed.

I always get so many questions about the paint color in our house. We have the same paint color in every room throughout the entire house and it’s the Sherwin Williams color match to Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172.

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Details: Lanai Mirror, Solana Sheet Set, Leighton Pillow Cover, Sutter Linen Quilt, Mar Vista Matelassé Duvet Cover, Solana Shams, Square Leighton Pillow Cover c/o Serena & Lily | Ivory and Blue Abstract Medallion Area Rug | Similar Marble Accent Table | Pastel Tufted Velvet Storage Ottoman

I always like to place towels in the guest room for my guests to use. Serena & Lily makes the most luxurious bath towels. We have the Sonoma Collection.

Serena & Lily has the most beautiful coastal chic bedding collection that gives your home that fresh and clean feeling.

We don’t have a headboard for the guest room so I hung this decorative mirror from Serena & Lily above the bed to create the illusion of a headboard. Plus it makes the room appear larger too.

Blanket ladders are the most beautiful way to store and display your blanket. I love turning storage into decor. My exact blanket ladder is sold out, but Serena & Lily makes a beautiful teak ladder and here is a budget friendly option too—>5 ft ladder

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How to Wear Sleeveless Tops Now & Later!

August 12, 2019

Hey everyone, I hope you all had a nice weekend. As promised, today I’m sharing my latest Evereve try-on session + how to style each look for both summer and fall. I can’t beleieve we’re already taking about fall, but I’m so ready for it! It’s been 95+ degrees here in Louisiana lately so I’ve been turned down the AC super low in my house lately and dreaming of fall. I’m sure my husband doesn’t appreciate it, but a girl has got to dream right?

Scroll through this post to see how I styled each look two different ways. All of the pieces from today’s post are available at Evereve. You can also head over to my Instagram stories for videos of the try-on session.

For size reference, I’m 5 ft | bust size: 34 B | Tops & Dresses size small (2-4) | Bottoms 26/27 in jeans.

How to Wear Sleeveless Tops Now & Later!

Outfit 1 for summer: Rolling Stones Tee (wearing sz s)| Parker Shorts (wearing sz 27, but the 26 fits too— these run a little big, but I got the 27 for comfort) | Greece Sandals (size up a half size)

Since I’m petite (5 ft), I always like to knot the front of my tees for a cute cropped look because it helps lengthen my legs when wearing high waisted bottoms. This rolling stones inspired tee is so comfy and cute for casual everyday wear.

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Outfit 1 for Fall: Rolling Stones Tee (wearing sz S)| Good Legs Crop Fray Hem (runs TTS —wearing sz 4/27) | Grey Jenny Cardigan (wearing sz XS)

To style the tee for fall, I did swap out the cutoff shorts for some jeans and added cardigan. I would also throw on some ankle booties to complete the look.

Alteration Note: Since I’m only 5 ft, I did get both pairs jeans cut and tapered at the bottom!

Outfit 2 for Summer: Tiger Face Tank (wearing sz S) | Parker Shorts (wearing sz 27, but the 26 fits too— these run a little big, but I got the 27 for comfort)

I picked out this Tiger Face Tank because I thought it would be perfect for an LSU game day look.

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Outfit 2 for Fall: Tiger Face Tank (wearing sz S) | Black Good Legs Jeans (wearing sz 4/27 — runs TTS) | Spirit in the Sky Cardigan (wearing sz XS/S) | Wide Brim Hat | Black Raven Booties

Outfit 3 for Summer: Tegan Fray Edge Cami | Parker Shorts (wearing sz 27, but the 26 fits too— these run a little big, but I got the 27 for comfort)

| Shop This Look |

Outfit 3 for Fall: Tegan Fray Edge Cami | Good Legs Crop Fray Hem (runs TTS —wearing sz 4/27) | Spirit in the Sky Cardigan (wearing sz XS/S) | Wide Brim Hat | Lida Wedge Sandal (these shoes go with everything and they’re so comfortable!)

I absolutely love this orange colored tank because it transitions so beautifully into fall and I’m all about a pop of color. I also love this cardigan because it’s nice and airy for those early days of fall when when you don’t quite need a sweater, but you want to wear your fall clothes anyway.

Outfit 4 for Summer: Jordane Leopard Cami (wearing sz S) | Good Legs Crop Fray Hem (runs TTS —wearing sz 4/27)

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Outfit 4 for Fall: Jordane Leopard Cami (wearing sz S) | Black Good Legs Jeans (wearing sz 4/27 — runs TTS) | Grey Jenny Cardigan (wearing sz XS) | Wide Brim Hat | Black Raven Booties

Outfit 5 for Summer: Leopard Strappy Cami (wearing sz S) | Parker Shorts

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Outfit 5 for transitioning into Fall: Leopard Strappy Cami (wearing sz S) | Parker Shorts| Grey Jenny Cardigan (wearing sz XS) | Wide Brim Hat | Lida Wedge Sandal (these shoes go with everything and they’re so comfortable!)

For outfit 5, instead of showing you how to wear it for fall, I thought I’d show you the perfect kind of outfit to wear during that awkward phase in between summer and fall.

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This post is in partnership with Everett, a brand I love. All opinions and selections here are my own. Thank you for supporting the affiliate posts who make this blog possible.

Nordstrom Sale 2019 Public Access Top Picks

July 19, 2019

Happy Friday everyone, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 is finally open to the public! This sale is known for offering some of Nordstrom’s top pieces like the BlankNYC suede moto jacket, Vince Camuto Booties and the AG Ankle Legging Jeans from last year! Oh and we can’t forget the cozy Leith cardigan and and softest Barefoot Dreams Wrap! I love the Anniversary Sale because Nordstrom isn’t just marking down items that didn’t sell over the summer, they’re selling brand new closet staples and on-trend items at unbeatable prices. It’s the ultimate time to go crazy on pre-fall denim, booties, jackets, Zella leggings, sweaters, shoes, you name it! With that being said, I’ve rounded up my top purchases from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale to help you fully maximize your shopping experience.

Also, be sure to check out my first round of top picks from the sale here—>My Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 Picks

Also you can always navigate the sale by using my exclusive shop page in my dropdown menu under “shop” too—>Shop My Top Picks from The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Nordstrom Sale 2019 Public Access Top Picks | The items in the below style board are still in stock!

Sale Schedule Info:

July 12th: Early access begins for Nordstrom cardholders
July 18th: LAST day of early access
July 19th: Public access begins
Sale ends August 4th!

HOW TO SHOP THE SALE:

SHOP ONLINE!

You don’t live near a Nordstrom? No problem! Neither do I! Fortunately, the best way to shop Anniversary Sale is online because it allows you easily navigate all of the sale items and categories. Plus why would you get dressed and leave the house when you can everything in your pajamas on the couch! LOL

Additionally, their online shipping and return policy is amazing because they offer both free shipping and returns. So you’ve got nothing to lose!

USE ME AS YOUR GUIDE!

I traveled to Houston before the sale went live to cardholders a couple weeks ago to scope out the sale early to round up all the best pieces and review the live from the dressing rooms in Nordstrom! You can check out all of my try-on sessions on my Instagram stories (@hauteofftherack) as well as my blog post updates and I am happy to answer any of your questions about sizing, quality as well as my overall opinion.

| Shop These Looks |

The boho girl | 1. Snakeskin Trim Wool Panama Hat (also like this hat Joanna III Wool Felt Hat ) | 2. Softly Structured Knit Tunic | 3. Hiltin Knee High Boot

The everyday girl | 1. Wubby Fleece Pullover | 2. Faux Leather Leggings | 3. GrandPro Sneaker

The edgy girl | 1. Faux Leather Crop Moto Jacket | 2. Midi Slipdress | 3. Raven Bootie

| Shop This Look |

Outfit: Suede Mini Skirt (wearing sz 26) | Snakeskin Gigietta Bootie| Similar Lace Cami| Snakeskin Trim Wool Panama Hat (This hat works great too! → Joanna III Wool Felt Hat)

5 ITEMS I RECOMMEND INVESTING IN DURING THE SALE EACH YEAR:

1) Cozy Cardigans & Sweaters — I love the Barefoot Dreams, Leith and BP cardigans each year during the sale

2) Designer Denim — This year I would keep your eyes out for Kut from Cloth, AG Jeans, Good American and Frame.

3) Boots & Ankle Booties — I always love the Marc Fisher, Steve Madden, Sam Edelman and Jeffrey Campbell booties

4) Activewear — Zella leggings are the best, but I also love All Yoga too.

5) Shoes, shoes and more shoes! I probably buy 10 pairs of fall shoes from the sale each year and I use them all season long! Last year, I scooped up some of my favorite shoes of all time that I still receive compliments on!

Try-on Haul

Scroll through the rest of this post for my try on reviews! Also, head over to my Instagram (@hauteofftherack) and watch my try-on haul under my N Sale highlights for videos!

Sizing Info: For size reference, I am 5 ft, 34 B and I normally wear a small in tops and a 26-27 in jeans.

Outfit: Leopard Print Crop Hoodie (wearing sz XS) | Leopard Print Jogger Sweatpants (sz S)

Outfit: Lambskin Leather Biker Jacket (wearing sz US 6)— I sized up! | Ribbed Scallop-Trim Henley Bodysuit (wearing sz S)| Button Fly Ankle Skinny Jeans (wearing sz 4)| Raven Bootie (runs TTS)

Outfit: Ribbed Scallop-Trim Henley Bodysuit (This lace cami works great too! → Lace Trim Satin Camisole Top ) | Long Leopard Jacquard Cardigan (wearing sz S)| Button Fly Ankle Skinny Jeans (wearing sz 4)| Raven Bootie

Outfit: Panama Hat (great fit— only $38) | Soft Sweater Tunic (wearing sz S) — I’m only 5 ft so I can wear it as a sweater dress! It’s so soft and cozy, but most average height people will need to wear bottoms with it. | Suede Knee High Boots (TTS)

Outfit: Snakeskin Trim Wool Panama Hat ( This hat works great too! → Joanna III Wool Felt Hat ) | Ribbed Scallop-Trim Henley Bodysuit | Longline Cardigan(wearing sz XS) | High Waist Ankle Cigarette Jeans | Tan Gigietta Bootie

Outfit: Faux Leather Crop Moto Jacket (wearing sz US 4) — fits amazingly and not too heavy! | Midi Sweater Dress — (wearing sz Small — TTS) | Black Stretch Booties (TTS)— I got these in nude last year from sale and wore them all fall and winter long! Such a great buy!

Outfit: Open Cardigan (wearing sz XS) —bought this cardigan in 2 colors because it’s so soft and warm! | Lace Trim Satin Cami (wearing sz S) —this top is a closet staple! | | Kut From Kloth High Waisted Jeans (wearing Petite sz 4) — these jeans are so comfy and stretchy!

Outfit: Snakeskin Trim Wool Panama Hat ( This hat works great too! → Joanna III Wool Felt Hat ) | Ribbed Scallop-Trim Henley Bodysuit | Longline Cardigan | Button Fly Ankle Skinny Jeans | Snakeskin Gigietta Bootie

Outfit: Wool and Cashmere Long Cardigan (runs TTS—wearing the XS small regular here, but I ordered the petite XS online so it wouldn’t be so long) | Midi Sweater Dress — (wearing sz Small — TTS) | Black Stretch Booties (TTS)— I got these in nude last year from sale and wore them all fall and winter long! Such a great buy!

Krystal from A Pinch of Lovely and I styled this leopard print midi slip dress two different ways to show you how to take this dress from day to night and also to show that it works for both tall and petite gals.

Krystal’s Day Time Look: Longline Cardigan | Midi Slip Dress (wearing sz M) | Suede Booties

Jenn’s Night Time Look: Faux Leather Crop Moto Jacket (wearing sz US 4) — fits amazingly and not too heavy! | Midi Slip Dress (wearing sz Small — TTS) | Black Stretch Booties (TTS)

Outfit: Velvet Headband | Midi Slip Dress (wearing sz Small — TTS) | Tan Amina Sandals | Gucci Belt (wearing sz 80)

Activewear: Zella Sports Bra (runs TTS) (I like this sports bra too) | Patagonia Fleece (wearing sz S— runs TTS) | Al0 Airlift Highwaist Leggings (I also love these Zella leggings)