Life Lessons from the Costume Shop (A Bolt of Trim does not a Gown Make)

There have been times when working in a shop that a designer seems to pick all the excess ribbons, lace, and bobbles from the shelves and throws it at a dress. "Sometimes less is more" as the saying goes. 

Learn to edit your life. From your daily outfit as Coco Chanel was famously quoted, to your contacts list on your phone, edit. This allows you to see through the glittering sequence of things in your life to the important garment. It keeps you organized and helps to clear up any muddled brain. You shine through. 

Why have ten different types of black pen floating around in your purse when you know one would do you just fine for a month. Editing allows you to go from point A to point B rather than going from A to C to Z to F back to A only to find that B was right there in your pocket the whole time. 

Learn to appreciate the base of something before you try to snazzy it up. Yards of fringe will not hide an ill constructed dress, nor will it enhance a beautifully tailored one. Trim is nice, but like cake frosting should complement, not be heaped on top.