May 21, 2012

Operation Closet Clean Out




I may be a bit late for spring cleaning but organizing your closet is an ongoing process and now that I'm finally able to get shove some new summer pieces into my wardrobe I thought I would share some tips with you on how to maintain your clothing madness!  

Stylist Diva’s tips on obtaining a fab closet!

Before you start you should hit up your local discount store or IKEA and purchase some medium & large plastic containers or pretty, patterned storage boxes. These will come in handy when you start to sort. Also pick up some sticky labels and a sharpie.

• Set aside 2-4 hours to attack a small closet or 4-6 hours to wrestle a walk-in!

• If you can convince your best friend to come over and make it an event, that’s even better! Whether she helps or just laughs at your old 80’s hypercolor shirts, it’s all worth it. So put on your fave cd and let’s go!

• REMEMBER: If it hasn’t been worn in over a year and it’s not sentimental, sensational, vintage or special occasion, DUMP it, SELL it (isn't that what Ebay is for?) or DONATE. If you have been a size 16 for 5 years STOP holding on to those size 10 jeans! If you lose weight then you can treat yourself to a brand new pair and if you stay the same size then stop torturing yourself! You are beautiful no matter what size you are!

• Ready? Take everything that's not on a hanger out of your closet. As you remove each item, sort it into one of 6 piles:

1. TRASH: This means if it’s stained, old, ratty, out of style and UGLY…DUMP it!

2. SELL: Anything without holes or isn’t worn out and you know you can make a little cash on, you will need a cash stash for a few new pieces to add to your wardrobe. I am a firm believer in this!

3. DONATE: Charities always need different types of clothing in various styles and sizes. Do your part.

4. PROJECTS: That little black dress that you are hanging on to even though you are too lazy to sew
the button on. Sew it! In the wise words of Tim Gunn, Make it work!

5. STORAGE: Spring is here and summer is just around the corner! Pack up all those winter sweaters and coats for next season and bring out the bright skirts and sandals!

6. KEEP: Once your closet has had it’s makeover then you can carefully put your good clothes back in their new places.

• You should have nothing in your closet that is NOT currently wearable. Yes, toss the spandex, overalls and your high school prom dress! If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it! Make sure everything in your closet goes with something else.

• SEPARATE!
{Color: from light to dark}
{Type: jackets, blouses, pants, skirts, etc.}
{Style: short-sleeve, long-sleeve, etc.}

• Say NO to wire hangers! (take them to the dry cleaner’s for recycling)
 

• Use padded hangers for your delicates and wooden hangers or colored plastic ones. (stick with one color)
for your other pieces

• Place baskets in for laundry, dry-cleaning, and alterations/mending.

• Use double-hanging rods for shorter items.

• Get rid of dry cleaner plastic covers as they clutter up your closet.

• Store small loose items in drawer systems or plastic tubs.

• Put purses and bags on shelves or hooks inside your closet.

• Take shoes out of their original boxes. {be crafty & cover shoe boxes for decorative storage}

• Use a shoe rack to keep shoes in sight and organized.

• How does that old cardi really look on you?  If it makes you look like the great pumpkin…you know what to do.
• Take into consideration that your closet is the home of your most beloved (material)  possessions. Personalize it. Prettify it. Add ruffle trim to the edge of the shelves to “foof”-erize. Create your own space with your own style using a painting, a vase or your grandmother's gorgeous jewelry box. When you take the time and add that little touch you will feel glamorous even when you slip on your yoga pants for your morning workout! 

• Congratulations on a job well done! Now take a hot bath, put on your favorite dress, go out and celebrate! The least you can do is treat you friend to dinner. She does have all of your fashion secrets to keep under wraps, ya know.

{to maintain your fab closet you should repeat these steps every 6 months}

(images: instyle, bh&g)

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