January is synonymous with organizing and I’m all about it. Whether it’s the influx of new stuff from the holidays or the release of Marie Kondo’s new “Tidying Up” show, I feel like my closet is overflowing with all the things and I’m itching to streamline, organize and keep only what “sparks joy.” (Thanks, Marie!)

I spent last weekend happily clearing out my closet and separating my clothes, handbags and accessories into piles: giveaway, sell and toss (this is the smallest pile typically designated for solo socks). The “sell” pile is by far my favorite – who doesn’t want to make a little bonus money while organizing at the same time? Plus, it’s important to me how the act of donating or selling my clothing has a positive eco-impact.

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It’s no secret that I love to shop at Crossroads Trading to find both on-trend and investment pieces (I talk about this in my recent post, “5 Ways to Buy Designer on Discount), and I’m not alone. I read recently that about 1/3 of women shop secondhand for clothing. As a seller, there’s a huge market to make a little money by selling your previously loved clothing and accessories. Crossroads Trading has a sell by mail option that makes it possible to do that without even leaving your home. I’ve always sold my items in person at a store location, so I was excited to give this a try.

It was so easy to request a Sell By Mail bag online. I received it in the mail days later with a pre-paid shipping return label. Next up: Fill it up, mail it back and wait to receive a shopping credit or check (it’s your choice!). I’m opting for a check this time around.

“When you buy something old and previously-loved, you’re extending its lifespan and reducing its carbon footprint.”

– Emily Farra, Vogue editor

Tips To Help Make the Most from Your Sell By Mail Bag:

1. Only include pieces you’d want to buy. Check for any missing buttons, snags, holes or broken zippers. Make sure everything is freshly laundered and folded. First appearances count, after all!
2. Pay attention to the buying guide. Crossroads Trading outlines the styles and trends they are buying this season which, right now, includes denim, silk, plaid prints, metallic, red, slip dresses, embroidery details and neck scarfs.
3. Keep it on-trend, but don’t forget the classics. Crossroads Trading is known for being a destination for current trends and styles (within a year) so it’s important to keep that in mind when you’re filling your bag. That said, I’ve had success selling classic pieces like a J.Crew blazer with detailing or a BCBG cocktail dress.

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I love a good closet clean-out where I can make a little pocket money to reinvest in clothing for the kids. I also feel good knowing that I can contribute to the eco-friendly secondhand solution and help extend the life of my clothing and accessories.

Are you cleaning out your closet this winter? If so, how and where do you donate or sell your clothing?

XOXO,

Emily

*This post is sponsored by Crossroads Trading. All thoughts and opinions shared here are my own.

In looking back over this past year of content sharing here on The Style DJ, it’s interesting to see that, for the second year in a row, my most popular post and most pinned on Pinterest is a decor-centered post, “Small Spaces Inspiration: How to Create a Vanity in Your Closet. ” Since then, I’ve continued to slowly work on projects around our house, but I haven’t really shared many updates. So, in line with “Small Spaces” decor inspiration, here is a glimpse at the before and after journey of a small sunroom located off our main living room which I like to call my “office.” 🙂

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I adore this vintage palm print removable wall paper so much that I’ll be using it in my next small spaces decor update – a tiny powder room located on our first floor. I can’t wait to share that room refresh with you in the New Year!

Do you have any decor updates planned for the New Year?

XOXO,

Emily

Here are a few trinket ideas for the lovely ladies on your holiday list this year who seem to have it all and definitely deserve it all.  From faux fur details to glittery baubles, these gifts and stocking stuffers are the kind of things they’ll want to receive and all for less than $100.

Velvet Bow Scrunchie

Luxe Faux Fur Robe with Hood

Agate Coaster Set (4)

Lacquer Metallic Square Tray 

2019 Desk Calendar   (I love a fresh, pretty calendar for the New Year! I often save my favorite prints from old calendars to use in frames and collages around the house)

Gold Stacking Ring Set

Kate Spade NY Belt Bag

Cozy Leopard Print Slippers

Monogram Mugs (These are my all time favorite! I’ve both given and received these as a gift and love them.)

Ombre Faux Fur Throw (Another favorite! You can never have enough of these throws. One for every room in my opinion.)

Faux Fur Fingerless Gloves 

Multistripe Socks

Monogram Wrap-Around Ring

Lip Gloss Set

Faux Fur Earmuffs

Have a fantastic gift you’ll be giving your BFF this holiday? Please share!

XOXO,

Emily

It’s that time of year! School events, special dinners with family and friends, Santa adventures and holiday celebrations galore. As we prep for these special moments, I’m also planning the kids’ outfits. I don’t typically buy an entire new outfit for these kind of occasions, but they’ve outgrown most clothes from last year and are in need some new sweaters, pants and dresses to outfit them for the season.

Enter KIDBOX, a personalized style box filled with on-trend kids clothing that’s delivered to your door. When I learned about KIDBOX, I was instantly intrigued. I loved that it was a convenient way to discover new clothes for my little ones, at a significant discount (you know I don’t like paying full price!) and without a shopping trip required. 

KIDBOX offered me a chance to review their Limited Edition Special Occassion Box, filled with clothing geared for the special events of the season, and I was thrilled to put it to the test. Honestly, I’m a little particular when it comes to the quality and look of the clothes my kids wear. Could I really let someone else choose clothing for my kids that I, and most importantly, they, would like??

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Before we get into my review, here’s how the shopping process works:

• You fill out a brief survey about the child you’re shopping for which includes some fun personality questions. You also can share what you want or don’t want see if your box. You can get really specific, if you want, or in my case, I shared my kids’ favorite colors, but decided to leave it open to the discretion of my stylist!
• Delivery fun! Each box is filled with 6-7 items chosen by a stylist and based on your completed survey. 
• Pay for what you love. If you love one item, keep that and return the other items with a pre-paid shipping label. Love everything? Keep it all at a major discount. The baby box is a total of $68 and the boys and girls boxes are $98 each.

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Teddy and Sloane were so excited to dig into their very own boxes. Teddy loved the handsome navy toggle sweater and cozy corduroys which is an “old man” outfit I would typically purchase for him (nice job, KIDBOX stylist!). His box included two sweaters, including this cool antler head black crew neck sweater, three pairs of pants (including Paper Denim & Cloth skinny black jeans) and two knit tops perfect for layering with the sweaters. His Thanksgiving and Christmas outfits are set!

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Sloane’s box included a 7 For All Mankind brand outfit (the jeans and top alone would cost more than the total price of her box). Also included: a dress (which she put on right away), two pairs of stretchy leggings, Disney-branded Minnie Mouse top with a matching legging + skirt combo and a fuzzy pink purse. She promptly stuffed the purse with her My Little Ponies collection and requested to wear her new dress (two days in a row!). 

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We didn’t forget about little Sebastian! His box included some “street style” baby pieces including four adorable onesies, lightening bolt printed pants, a Mickey Mouse pajama set and a beachy tunic (perfect for that post-holiday warm weather trip). 

Five Reasons to Shop From KIDBOX

1. No subscription required. You order when you need new clothes. No need to worry about joining and cancelling a subscription by a certain date to avoid unwanted charges and unnecessary shipments.
2. Shopping for a cause. If you decide to keep the entire box, KIDBOX will donate to a child or family in need. You get to choose, from a list of charities, where KIDBOX will donate on your behalf.
3. Access to 120+ premier brands at a super discounted price. While I’m kind of a control freak about the styles and brands I buy for my kids, it’s refreshing to relinquish the decision making to a pro stylist. I was surprised to see familiar designer brands (like 7 For All Mankind and Paper Denim & Cloth) and excited to be introduced to cute new brands.
4. Convenience! A few minutes is all it takes to complete a survey and order a box that has enough separates to mix and match and create many outfits. All from the comfort of home. 
5. A new take on gifting. Not sure what to gift the kids in your life? Looking for a gift for your bff’s first child? Ordering a KIDBOX is a fun way to surprise a little one with a variety of clothes and accessories to wear now and later. If you’re always looking for a new “gift” idea, this is one to add to the list!

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SHOP HERE! Get your shopping done for the holidays early and make sure to have some new outfits for those special events. Use code StyleDujour to save 15% off your first box.

It’s safe to say KIDBOX is Style DJ- and kid-approved on our end. Have you tried KIDBOX before? If you give it a try this holiday season, please let me know what you think! (And remember to save with code StyleDujour). 

XOXO,

Emily

*This post is in collaboration with KIDBOX. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Working out after baby…I’m not quite there yet. Even after my third, I haven’t mastered a regular exercise routine while juggling motherhood. And you know what. That’s OK. I’ll get there. Eventually. 

There was a time I was so committed to working out that I swam laps at the gym by 6 a.m. or spent a good portion of my Saturdays running. There was even I time that I ran the Chicago Marathon. The picture is proof! 

With the ebb and flow of pregnancy and postpartum healing, a steady workout rhythm isn’t quite there yet for me. But there’s no doubt about the mood-boosting feeling I get from exercising and how it positively impacts my day. 

So back in July, I jumped at the chance to try out a class through Fit4Mom. As it turns out, it’s the nation’s leading prenatal and postnatal fitness program to support every stage of motherhood. With two little kids and a third on the way at the time, this felt like the perfect way to ease back into a group exercise class. At nine months pregnant, I attended their Stroller Strides class for a month. (Here are my thoughts the morning of my first class).

Here are three things I loved about the class as a pregnant mama:

1. Kids are welcome to join! In fact, they play an integral part of the one-hour class which includes a combo of strength training, cardio and core workouts while entertaining your tot in tow (in a stroller, of course!) with songs and interactive activities. Child care has always been a workout obstacle for me, whether I wasn’t crazy about a gym’s child care option or they simply didn’t have one, so bringing my child to a workout class made it that much easier to get my butt there. 
2. The class caters to all fitness levels. I hadn’t worked out in months (and then some!) when I attended the class this summer. Plus, I was carrying an extra 30+ pounds of baby. Yet, I felt like I could participate in all the activities and the instructor always had an alternative exercise.
3. The class is all about positivity and encouragement. I left every class feeling uplifted. Plus, it was a bonus to connect with other mamas of young kids. 

I’m now eight weeks post-partum and ready to continue Stroller Strides with my littliest one in tow. As a new mom (again), I’ll share an update in a Part 2 review later this fall on my experience with the class.

For you fellow moms out there, do you follow a regular exercise routine? If so, what works best for you?

XOXO,

Emily