Shop Your Closet!

 

Today’s economic situation is forcing some of us to take a step back and analyze our priorities.  We are buying fewer frivolous items and honing in on what we really need.  Though fashions on the runway this season were mild, we still feel the need to feel fresh, and to not FEEL like we are holding back.  I know that at home I have heaps and heaps of clothing but yet I am always wanting something new.  So, I decided to take stock of what I have and make the effort to be creative with it.  Right now is a great time to be simple, analyze what we have and appreciate it.  Dust off those neglected items and bring them back to life! I wanted to make my closet look like a chic boutique, organized by colors and styles with an effortless warmth.  

           My closet had become in complete disarray.  It was filled to the brim with things that didn’t belong.  Sports equipment, memorabilia and an overabundance of things I didn’t want or need.  I was lost, so I called in the professionals.  Yes!  There are some wonderful souls out there devoted to giving us the push we need to get our closets beautified and accessible.  My professional told me, “Your closet is a place you enter within the first hour of starting your day.  By having this ‘secret place’ organized, it creates a huge impact on your day and in many other areas of your life.”  She helped me to see that by rearranging and streamlining my clothing, accessories and shoes I can create multitudes of new outfits and bring forgotten items to the forefront.  I had forgotten how nice some of my hand bags were and that I actually did have some beautiful scarves and sunglasses.  Together we went through everything- keeping, tossing and donating/reselling.  I got rid of things I would never wear again and was able to create space in my closet I didn’t know I had.  Before, there were shoes piled on top of each other, pairs scrambled in disharmony.  My organizer effortlessly created room for a rack and even got my husband to do his share in tossing his old t-shirts.  It was like a hurricane blew threw for a few hours but the calm after the storm brought accessibility and a renewed vigor for a place that I thought was gone forever!  Everything was color coded and neatly hung and we rearranged things so that they resembled buffet line- slip on pants, shirts next, belt or scarf if needed, slip on shoes and grab a pair of shades and a handbag on the way out!  By utilizing this system I was able to make use of accessories better and piece together outfits I had never worn.  

            Here are some tips I learned to help you get started on renewing your space.  And don’t forget, if you get overwhelmed – Call in the experts! 

1. Prioritize your outfits by work and play. 
2. Catergorize your clothes by seasons.  Store out of season clothes in bins you can slide under the bed.  Then, put like with like.
3. Edit- Toss torn clothes, donate well worn clothes and sell unworn or gently used clothes to a resale shop. 
4. Use matching hangers.  These can be stocked up on at the dollar store and really make your closet look unified.
5. Use great containers.  Your favorite shoe boxes or shopping bags make great holders for things like scarves, belts or headbands.

 Lastly- remove all things not utilized in your dressing routine.  Going through this one closet will lead to going through others.  Make a purpose for each closet and stick with it. I learned not only how to simplify my life but how to KEEP it simple.  Now I have an arsenal of tips and tricks while doing laundry and cleaning that I can use to keep my closet looking like a swanky midtown shop!