Rag Tag by Nelline

Closet systems

2008-08-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a great video on closet systems and what to look for... whether you're going to DIY or get a custom closet built. (the video's a bit slow at the beginning, but has helpful info towards the middle) Enjoy!

Those great clothes you wear often.

2008-07-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Most of us have clothes we *really* like wearing… ones that make us feel good. Not only are they comfortable, but we rock those outfits because they fit us just right! We wear them over n' over again.

Take care of them, and they’ll last longer. Buy similar clothes – maybe it’s a good idea to stick with the same brands or styles. And always remember to use a Rag Tag to make sure you’re not being seen in them too often ;)

eBay, my new friend

2008-07-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

I've sold my first thing on eBay! I had a pair of Pradas I hardly ever wore. They were just sitting in my closet collecting very expensive dust. I finally decided to do something about them! I posted them on eBay and they got snatched up! I'm thrilled. And I can honestly say, I don't miss them one bit. Aahhh, it feels good to purge.

(Yes, this is one of my expensive & irrational purchases that never got used. See my last post.)

The super expensive garment you never wear

2008-07-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one who has done this?

...drop a few bills on something you love in the store, and take it home to never wear it again? Then, to make matters worse, you hold on to it forever hoping the magic will come back (which of course it never does).

Our bodies don't change that much… our tastes don’t change that much… why do we think we’ll eventually like it? And sometimes fashion changes enough over time that it's no longer in style. We end up donating it. How sad. (I just wanted to rant a bit)

Walk of Shame

2008-06-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

The idea of the Rag Tag started when I didn’t want to get caught wearing the same clothes too soon. Now... the Walk of Shame is a whole other matter. When you’re forced to wear the same thing two days in a row, the Rag Tag can’t help you there honey!

Clean out that closet

2008-06-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, Spring is over, but it's never too late to clean out that closet.

Step 1 Identify
-Check your Rag Tags to know what you no longer wear
-What doesn't fit you anymore
-What is no longer your style
-What is out of style!

Step 2 Get it out of your house
-Donate... there are many shelters that would love to have your clothes!
-Sell on eBay or at a consignment shop (best for high-end clothes because they sell better)
-Swap... attend a clothing swap and pick up "new" clothes
-Give to friends & family

Step 3 Organize what you have left
-Get rid of bad hangers
-Throw away empty cleaners bags and other trash that just seems to accumulate in all of our closets over time
-See video posted on 17 June for more organization tips

Step 4 Marvel at your roomy & organized closet!
(yes, it's that easy!)

Gentle wash

2008-06-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hands down... hand washing your precious & delicate clothes is the best way to clean them. There are many benefits to taking good care of your clothes. The most obvious is that they'll last longer. Secondly, it could save you money by not having to spend $ on dry cleaning or machine washing (when that's an option). But something more subtle happens when you hand wash them... you feel with your hands that you're taking good care of them... you handle them with care. This, my friends, helps you appreciate them. And that feeling will transfer to when you wear them out. It's a great cycle! (no pun intended)

As you can see in the video, all you need is a basin, water, a cleanser, and a towel. In terms of cleansers, there are several options. Of course, many swear by Woolite, but now there are many eco-friendly products if you're into the "green thing". Personally, I use Ecover and it works great! For more ideas on green products, click here.

Happy washing!

Consignment shops

2008-06-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

A great way to make room in your closet, get $ for your clothes, be green by recycling/reusing, and best of all... with little effort on your part.

How it works:
1. Identify the clothes that no longer fit you or your needs. (Note: Clothes should be in very good condition, and the higher-end brands sell better.)
2. Drop them off at your local consignment shop. You'll sign an agreement. They'll display your clothes for a couple of months and do all the selling!
3. When your garments sell, they split the revenue with you. It's that easy! (If your clothes don't sell, they give them back to you @ no fee.)

Consignment shops are also a great way to pick up “new” clothes... until you're tired of them and return them to the consignment shop for some $$. Round and round the clothes go. And it’s great for the environment!

If you're in SF, try my favorite consignment shop Cris on Polk. They have beautiful clothes and even carry couture. Enjoy!

Great video on closet organization

2008-06-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

The best shopping in NYC!

2008-06-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, you like to find great clothes at reasonable prices. This is heaven on earth for shoppers... Century 21 Department Store in NYC. You can find every day clothes (think $15 for a cute top) and incredible designer stuff (think casual jacket for $650) at greatly reduced prices. And to top it off, the store is huge! Happy shopping!

Stylehive - A place for all things fashionable

2008-06-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

I'm back from NYC and it's a good thing because I was going through withdrawals from Stylehive. (If you're not familiar with it, check out my page here) But watch out... it's addicting! It's a place to "bookmark" all your favorite stylish things (from clothes & accessories to hotels & restaurants). Very fun! And you can find other people with your same taste and "follow" them (like a bee). Have fun! Buzz, buzz...

Still in NYC

2008-06-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

Just checking in to let you know I'm still in NY, but will return to SF later this week. When I get back home, I'll be able to blog, blog, blog. Things are going well here. I've visited many fabulous shops! They don't call this the fashion mecca for nuthin'.

Nelline is NY bound

2008-06-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

I'm headed to NYC tomorrow to promote the Rag Tag, and I'm thrilled!! What better city for "fashion's perfect accessory"? I'll be hitting all the hot shopping districts: SOHO, NoLita, The Village, East Village and Brooklyn. Fun, fun. I might have to do a little shopping myself. Aaaah, the disadvantages of my work.

Clothing swap & SATC!

2008-05-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I'm thrilled to be going to tonight's "Swap in the City" event put on by www.clothingswap.org. The night includes a cocktail party, fashion show, the signature clothing swap, then a group viewing of SEX AND THE CITY!!! What an awesome night! I can't wait.

For those of you not familiar with a clothing swap, it's a great way to de-clutter your closet by getting rid of duds you no longer wear, and picking up gently used fab "new" clothing. The process is really simple: You drop off your old clothes, walk around a room filled with clothes picking up anything you want, and then you leave with your "new" clothes. It's awesome! In SF, swaps happen every month. If you're in another city, do a google search and I'm sure you'll find something. It's becoming a popular way to renew your wardrobe while being green at the same time. Good stuff all around!

Imitation... flattery?

2008-05-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Annyeong haseyo! ("hello" in Korean)

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Well, that might be true, but it can also be creepy. I was doing some research on google and found my product on a Korean auction site! That's right, the Rag Tag is selling on a Korean website. Am I happy about this? Aniyo! ("no" in Korean) But, I guess I'm flattered that someone liked it enough to rip it off.

(BTW, I'm working with eBay to remove the posting. I'm hoping it's inactive.)

How it all started

2008-05-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

In 1998 I was in grad school (at LMU) taking a course in Entrepreneurship. It was a wonderful class! For one of our major projects, we had to come up with a new product, write a business plan and present it to a panel simulating investors. That's when I came up with the Rag Tag. I got an A on the project, but never intended on launching it because I was on a path of Finance in the corporate world.

Nine years later, having done the "corporate thing", I decided to create & launch the Rag Tag. Also having lost my mother a few years earlier, I knew I wanted to name my business after her... hence Nelline (for Nelly).

This is how it all came together. I'm happily running my own small business now. The challenges have been invigorating and the process extremely rewarding. And thanks to Ladies Who Launch (a women's network for new entrepreneurs) I've gotten lots of support.

How to use the Rag Tag

2008-05-26T12:48:00.001-07:00

With fashion becoming ever so important, and people investing in their wardrobes, the Rag Tag helps organize and document the fabulous things we wear.

Simply hang a Rag Tag on the hanger of a special garment in your closet and keep track of:

when & where you've worn that garment (helps avoid a fashion faux pas and helps calculate the price per wear)

trips to the dry cleaners (know when it's time to send it to the cleaners)

complimenting accessories (save time by not having to experiment to find the right accessories)

where you purchased that garment (so you can re-visit that fab boutique)

The Rag Tag can be used on cocktail & party dresses, seasonal outfits, power suits, formal gowns, coats & jackets, unique couture, fabulous tops & jeans, and even lingerie (perfect for women who date a lot!). The Rag Tag also makes a great gift!

Introducing the Rag Tag

2008-03-19T15:10:00.000-07:00