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Closet Confidential

11/1

             Case No. 302

Conquering the closest.  Easier said then done.  For years I have gone down that road of no return, clothes everywhere, accessories scattered, shoes thrown to the corner. 

I can tell you today that I am a born again closet cleaner!

Think about it, how many times do you rummage through piles of clothes searching for that dress or that tank top only to feel even more frustrated by the time you find it , and then completely unsatisfied with your choices. 

Its all in the mind, and if your mind is having to play search and rescue every time you want to get dressed for work, a cocktail party, or even a day at the market, its time to do yourself a favor and begin building a solid foundation for your closet and for your confidence!

Tips on getting organized…

#1 Go through everything.  I know this can be painful and time consuming, but if your closet is a jungle it probably means you have to edit.  Editing is to determine what fits, flatters, and is still wearable.  I highly recommend Nina Garcia’s Books on Style to help in this department.

#2 After you have purged and rescued missing gems from your closet cave you are ready to reorganize.  Determine the space you have to work with and add tables, shelves, hooks, lighting and any other technical function that will help you maintain your small or large closet space.

#3 Buy high quality wooden hangers.  I cannot say enough about this.  Who wants a 2-ply cashmere sweater hanging on a ratty plastic or even worse metal hanger!  Also it’s so unflattering.  Your closet should feel like an intimate treasure chest where all of your favorite pieces are beautifully displayed.  Visit www.ikea.com for a selection of high quality bargain wooden hangers.

#4 Display your most cherished items to add character to your closet.  As you can see I have displayed my handmade hats by local milliner Deanna Dibene www.deannadibene.com as well as my suede stiletto booties.  I also have displayed a pair of mink earmuffs I purchased on my first visit to NYC.  In addition I have placed a black and white wall hanging to add a bit of ambiance and sexiness to my closet.

#5 Consistently hang, fold, and put away your clothes.  This can be a challenge, but not if you adore your clothes and want them to last awhile.  Habits can be formed.  I personally have the habit of putting away clothes in the evening while I am winding down, its less stressful and feels less like a chore. (Bonus: it can be a breeze if you color coordinate your closet with like colors.  I also place the items I consistently wear in the middle of my closet for easy access)

Style is definitely not about perfection.  Its about knowledge, individual flair, and most of all a solid foundation to build upon.  Part of building that foundation starts with what is in your closet and ends with the care you give to your pieces.

Perks to keeping an organized closet:

•      You know what you have to choose from.
•      You know what you need (make a list before you forget!)
•      It feels like your shopping at a really nice boutique.  Surprise! It’s your closet bursting with a hand picked collection.