OrganizingLA Blog

Typepad to Celebrate The OrganizingLA Blog 4th Birthday This Wednesday!

2009-07-14T14:32:38-07:00

We've just been given a head's up that the OrganizingLA Blog will be featured in tomorrow's Typepad Small Business Center Series July 15th.

Such a wonderful birthday present, seeing that our blog is now 4 years old this month (while you're at it, why not check out our first post, July 5, 2005?)

Top 5 tactics for a successful small business blog

July 15, 11:00 am PST - Worried where you'll find the time to blog or how make yourself heard online? Andy Wibbels and Denise Wakeman (pictured, right) of the BlogSquad will take you through the 5 key points that will power your blog, and your business, to the next level.

We honored that our blog is being featured as an example of a professional business blog with entertaining content. We've been a member of Typepad for four years now and we couldn't be happier. Of course our blog will not be the only blog featured, we'll obviously be among many, many examples of how a blog can showcase your business.

Register Now:

To register for this free webinar class or the whole series, click here.
To review past Typepad webinars featuring fearless host Andy Wibbels, click here.
To read the bio of webinar leader Denise Wakeman, click here.
To check out Denise's blog, click here.

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If you're just joining us please know our blog serves as our business hub, but we're everywhere. Why not connect with us where you want, the way you want?

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Luxury Organizing for Skyscrapers

2009-07-08T03:00:00-07:00

Los Angeles may not be the king of the skyscrapers, but we have a fair share.

In our expert opinion, organizing a high-rise residence is different than organizing a house on flat ground. You must focus on the view, not the stuff. Many people move from a flat ground residence and realize how much they need to get rid of before they can live in tighter quarters, way high.

In an interview we did a while ago for Estate's West Magazine on downsizing from an estate-size property to a high-rise, we had to explore our fair share of working up, how to sort through life's memories and negotiate what needs to stay, and what needs to go.

It's all about the view.

Here are some of the questions and answers from that interview.

What are some important tips that homeowners should keep in mind when downsizing their belongings from a large estate to a smaller high-rise living area?

In a high-rise space there is no room for mediocrity! The City of Los Angeles has its share of high-style, high-rise buildings: Wilshire Corridor, Century City, Marina del Rey, the exclusive Sierra Towers and the burgeoning new Downtown. High-rise living has definitely come into vogue and so has space and storage planning.

If the trend is to move up, what do people gain, and lose, in their space?

Why does Hollywood’s A-list give up their homes for a “room with a view?” They have little to take care of and amenities are within arm’s reach. Just lock the door and leave. But the price can be big, even for a small space— dwellers must significantly leave memories and larger furniture behind in favor of straightforward simplicity. It may surprise some, but the high-rise homes we’ve organized seem very casual, but they are indeed carefully considered. Everything kept serves an important capacity.

Is there a past, present and future for space planning in high-rise living?

The American home may typically be getting larger, but today’s high-rise spaces still remain relatively small. For the past 3 decades, the theory on space planning included heavy, uptight cabinetry, bookshelves and storage from floor to ceiling, wall to wall, all jutted up against the windows where you’re “supposed” to enjoy the glorious views. The renaissance of mid-century style has changed all that. Now, storage in a high-rise space needs to be gently built around the view, with creature comforts hidden from sight, still within easy reach.

In our next post, we'll feature some tips for downsizing a large home (or estate) for easy high-rise living. Stay tuned. In the meantime, no matter where you live, we'd love to hear your thoughts on organizing for a view.

Read More:

Related Posts:

Lindsay Lohan avoids getting organized (9/06)

image of Sierra Towers West Hollywood courtesy Bryan Chan, LA Times and Russ Filice, The Filice Group

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Organize Your Home with Luxury Good Logo Boxes and Bags

2009-06-29T03:00:00-07:00

Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Tory Burch, Christian Louboutin and Tiffany.

These names bring up thoughts of luxury, success, quality, beauty and prestige, for the organized home?

We were checking out The Peak of Chic this weekend and got inspired by Jennifer Bole's view of decorating with luxury good logos. She points out that decorating with luxury goods divides people (some hate, some love). You can purchase a tray painted with the Hermès logo, a pair of Louis Vuitton lamps (pictured left), an LV Kleenex tissue box holder (a friend of ours has one), a dressing screen, a Fendi couch... well, you get the point.

No matter what people think about the use of luxury goods logos, what seems appropriate is the use of logo boxes. This got us thinking, could you organize your entire home (or at least bits and pieces) with these boxes, bags, covers, protectors and pouches you seem to acquire but never really know what to do with? They're too nice to toss. Besides, some people feel half the retail cost of luxury goods is for the packaging. So why not try and re-use them as organizing accessories around your home or office?

So where could you use your boxes? Try these, to start:

Gucci tie box to hide your pens
Tiffany glass bowl box to store your winter hats and gloves
Harrod's shirt box to store stationary
Hermès box for the Tivo remote
Godiva chocolate box to protect your cummerbund
Dom Perignon champagne box for magic markers
Coach box to store CDs on your desk
Luxury soap box to hold paper clips
Michael Kors jewelry pouch for men's collar stays

So when you're yearning to get organized, reuse and recycle, why not make it fun and think outside the box?

Image of Louis Vuitton residence in Mexicali, Mexico courtesy Guanabee.com. LV wrapped lamps courtesy John Vaccari Antiques.

Read More:

The Peak of Chic

Related Posts:

Quality vs. Quantity - Our LV Abbesses Messenger Bag (2/07)
The $10,000 Magic Marker (2/07)

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The Many Closets of Paris Hilton - Video

2009-06-26T03:00:00-07:00

MySpace Fashion ventures into the fully-stocked, hard-to-believe closets of socialite Paris Hilton.

We definitely have seen closets this big, but not devoted entirely to shoes, And another to sunglasses. And another with jewelry. And another with clothes. Ever wonder what shoes Paris wears to the Playboy Mansion? What pumps she wears when wears on her MTV Show My New BFF. How about the shoes she loaned to Avril Lavigne for an MS fundraiser, or the pair of Louis Vuitton she wore in Cannes to Quentin Tarantino's film opening. Check out the YSL Eiffel Tower shoes, which are her favorite.

This is Paris Hilton's "fun" jewelry closet. Not only does she wear the fashions, but she donates them to a variety of fundraisers. She also points out her line of personally designed jewelry.

Paris Hilton calls this her "real" closet, full of clothes and purses. She's obsessed with gloves and Madonna. She very modest about how many tights she has, in fact, we think she is a little embarrassed when she opens the drawers and realizes she has four drawers full of tights. She also shows off her new fragrance award and various dresses she's either designed or wore on television in guest star roles like My Name is Earl.

Click below to play the 5-minute video:

MySpace Fashion Presents The FIT with Paris Hilton

See Paris' Closet Video:

Related Posts:

Images courtesy MySpace

So, What do you think about Paris' closets? Do you think enough is enough? Do you admire that she uses her collection for charity purposes? Is she over the top, or has she hit rock bottom? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. You never know who's reading them...

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Welcome Self Magazine Readers!

2009-06-24T21:01:24-07:00

Self Magazine devoted the entire July issue to the latest healthy trends from Los Angeles. We were featured on page 67!

Along with Siel Ju's cool eco blog, Green LA Girl, and Sharon Rose's vegan food blog To Live and Eat in LA, we were highlighted in author Christina Tudino's Healthy Trend Report piece-- "Self's insider's guide to new, L.A.-tested ways to get you healthy and happy (however far you live from Tinseltown)!" Here's a snippet from the mention:

"Get Organized!

Tidying professional John Trosko offers creative solutions for clearing cluttered spaces while spilling Hollywood habitués' domestic obsessions.

One neat revelation: Reese Witherspoon spends hours sorting her socks!"

With Biggest Loser Jillian Michaels on the cover, Hollywood Insiders spill all their secrets for the best exercise, the best self help ideas, tips for great red carpet hair, and amazing style finds. You can have Hollywood style wherever you call home, all for $3.99.

Well, it's all in good fun anyway. Check out the July issue of Self Magazine at newsstands nationwide now.

What kind of healthy organizing trends do you see this summer?

image courtesy Self Magazine

Read More:

Reese Witherspoon Loves Folding Socks

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Organize Your Spring Before Summer

2009-06-21T22:07:31-07:00

The weather in Sunny Southern California has not been so sunny.

June Gloom is what they call it, when the inland skies are overcast, temperatures mild, and urban hipsters enjoy fog and the occasional drizzle until noon when the sun burns off the marine layer.

Because there's a silver lining in every cloud, the weather makes us think: why not spend your own June Gloom-kind of day and organize your backyard for the summer? Often, the summer backyard is the most neglected place to pull together. Don't let this happen again.

The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day can be more enjoyable if you spend a little bit of time planning your outdoor cribs now. Outdoor spaces require the same questions your inside spaces do. Ask yourself- How do you want your space to function? Do you want to entertain, play, outdoor cook-- and then make sure all the toys and tools are close by for quick access. A gloomy day is an excellent time to pull-out some indoor furniture (yes, we said indoor furniture) and take advantage of the storage they can utilize (chair cushions, pillows, plastic serving ware, beach balls, extra electrical plugs, those fun Tiki torches and lighter fluid). You'll want all your gear to be within arm's reach so you won't have to be going back and forth for what's forgotten.

Use your casual summer style and creativity when finding storage options. Who doesn't have that odd family hand-me-down dresser or vintage kitchen table in the garage? Now is the time to enjoy it. After all, if the stuff you love isn't close to you, you won't use it-- and it just becomes clutter. We once went to a brunch off Mulholland Drive and the owner installed a Venetian chandelier in an outdoor Gazebo. Just make sure the furniture you pull outside are not family heirlooms-- they'll get wet or sun-damaged.

What interesting furniture did you pull outside that normally would not be thought of as an outdoor piece? How did you use it? What did you store in the piece? Please share your creativity, we're listening, and patiently waiting for sunnier skies ahead.

Image of the world famous Santa Monica Pier courtesy Duck Studios Blog.

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Patti Stanger Organizes Your Love Life

2009-04-25T12:03:45-07:00

We stopped by The Grove on Friday night to celebrate our friend Patti Stanger's first LA book signing. Successful third-generation high-end matchmaker and star of The Millionaire Matchmaker on Bravo, Stanger helps couples connect for love much in the way we help folks organize their life. Her no holds-barred formula and bawdy opinions get results, when you follow the rules. If your love life needs a little organization, join Patti's relationship revolution.

In her new book published by Simon and Schuster, Stanger brings those rules to the masses. Part friend, confidante, and relationship counselor, Patti dishes out easy to follow advise in a non-preachy style. She's layed out red light/green light tips, advise on communication, how to leave your baggage behind, and how to separate marriage-minded men from not. Here's a quick video (click here for the link if you're reading this post on RSS or Feedblitz.)

If you happen to be in Los Angeles for the next few weeks, Patti and her team will be appearing at these venues for book signings and special launches:

Sunday, April 26th @ Here Lounge (West Hollywood)
Tuesday, April 28th @ Nessah Synagogue (Beverly Hills)
Thursday, April 30th @ Foxtail Lounge (West Hollywood)
Saturday, May 2nd @ Fred Segal Fun (Santa Monica)

In the weeks ahead, we'll try and feature some relationship roadblocks when it comes to different styles of organization. And maybe Patti will be listening?

If you're a fan of the show (or not) leave a comment and share with us your thoughts on her relationship revolution.

Connect with Patti Stanger:

Official Website

Check out the book on Amazon

Follow Patti on Twitter

Patti's Fan Page on Facebook

The Millionaire's Club matchmaking service - official company website

Related Posts:

Jeff Lewis of Bravo TV's Flipping Out

Experts Guide To Doing Things Faster

Phyllis Morris Showroom Organizes Martini Mixer Benefit Saturday - We'll Be There

2009-04-23T16:41:51-07:00

If you're in Los Angeles this weekend why not treat yourself to very organized Martini Mixer at the Phyllis Morris Showroom on Robertson?

Held as a benefit for the West Hollywood Elementary School, we are donating to their silent auction one fabulous in-person four-hour professional organizing session for your desk, office or home. Not only would you be helping a good cause by supporting the school, you'd be getting a personal glimpse of the fabulousness of Phyllis Morris.

About Phyllis Morris, the location of the benefit:

Phyllis Morris reigned for over 40 years as Hollywood's interior designer. Her-over-the-top "bigger is better" baroque style was beloved by Liberace, Elvis Presley, Howard Hughes, Aristotle Onassis, Lana Turnover, Barbra Streisand and Cher through the 1980's. Morris' new showroom on Robertson Boulevard (now run by daughter and talented designer in her own right, Jamie Adler) continues the Morris family tradition of exquisite custom furniture as well and a newly added complementary furniture and accessory line. The Morris design aesthetic includes decorating in silver and 34K white and yellow gold leaf, in mega sizes, such as the $75,000 top selling Grande Venetian bed, nicknamed the N.B.A. bed, because it's a gigantic 9-feet deep (bed is pictured above.)

About West Hollywood Elementary School, the event host:

West Hollywood Elementary School is West Hollywood's only public elementary school and arguably, the most ethnically and socio-economically diverse grade school, public, or private in the entire country. The school "encourages the free flow of diverse ideas and perspectives that inspire innovation and hold that all children, regardless of their economic, ethnic, cultural or linguistic background, will achieve not only academic and social success, but reach their maximum potential while they enjoy being a really great kid." Friends of the school are hosting the benefit.

Hope to see you there.

West Hollywood Elementary School - 2nd Annual Martini Mixer

A sample list of organizations we've donated or supported:

Greystone Estate in Beverly Hills

Covenant House

Southern California Ronald McDonald House Charities

American Cinematheque

Wonderland Avenue School

Professional Organizers Convene for Conference in Orlando

2009-04-21T11:38:07-07:00

We're in Orlando Florida beginning next week to attend the NAPO Annual Conference. We'll be meeting up with lots of colleagues from around the world, networking and getting educated in the latest and greatest organizing techniques.

There are two big highlights of the Conference. We're participating in the "Business Dreams Come True" General Session Panel. Moderated by Los Angeles Professional Organizer and Real Simple TV Expert Jodie Watson, panelists include Katherine Attebury, Allison Carter, Leslie McKee, Lorie Marrero, Cindy Swan and yours truly John Trosko.

Business dreams do come true no matter where you live. Whether you’re from the rolling plains of Montana, the Texas Hill Country, the heart of Beverly Hills, an island in the Atlantic, or the hip city of Atlanta, you can grow a successful business. Learn how the panelists did it by following their instincts, making mistakes, adapting their work to their environments, marketing themselves, and embracing change.

In addition, local Los Angeles colleagues Jodie Watson, Chris McKenry and myself have been nominated for the prestigious "Founders Award." The Award is presented to "a member or group of members acting in concert whose outstanding contributions have helped move the organizing profession forward. Through the Founders’ Award, the association says it admires and respects the recipients’ professionalism and achievements and is proud to have them as industry colleagues." Jodie, Chris and I are nominated as a group for our work on the Los Angeles Organizing Awards.

Michael Port is giving the key note speech. So we're excited about it all.

Drop us a note if you're going to be joining us at the conference!

Picture above of Wonderworks Museum, Orlando Florida. Image courtesy Jackie Craven

Related Posts:

2007 Conference

2007 San Francisco Conference

2008 Conference, Call Me "Crutches Trosko"

Melissa Reiff Believes You Must Be Reasonably Well Organized To Accomplish

2009-03-02T11:56:28-08:00

Melissa Reiff, President of The Container Store has spoken about her own personal closet. In a message to email subscribers today, Reiff says (of her own closet) "it's pretty well organized." ~~No news if the picture above is her own personal closet though.~~ [Picture shown is actually her closet] But beyond her own personal closet, Reiff speaks about being productive in general:

"I really do believe that we have to be reasonably well organized in this fast-paced world to accomplish even one-half of what we want..."

"[Organization] can transform any room in your home into an organized oasis - your closet, pantry, kid's room, garage - the possibilities are endless."

We really like that Reiff said "reasonably organized." Don't listen to messages about how your home or business should be run. If a system works for you, and you''re productive enough for your own needs, then you're good to go. To speak to consumers wanting more storage space, The Container Store is offering more of it's ELFA inventory at a substantial discount. 30-to-50-percent off through May 10th.

Has being organized helped you accomplish something lately?

Update 3/2/09: We're received an official email from TCS today letting us know that this is indeed Ms. Reiff's actual closet.

Read Reiff's message.