SPRING CLEANING (CLOSET ORGANIZATION)

How to clean your closet? 

Take a look at the before and after pictures of my clients wardrobe audit aka closet organization. You  can also read her testimony below. 

It's a tough question to ask, but it may be time to say good bye to a lot of things you can't remember wearing since God knows when, items that don't fit, damaged, outdated, or some you have too much of. The bulk of the work is weeding through your wardrobe to see what works and what doesn't. I promise you chances are, you will find some great things that you don't even remember having. 

Overstuffed closets take a lot of the fun out of getting dressed. How can you expect to look your best every day when your clothes are disorganized, wrinkled, or missing in action in a messy closet? Balled up under your bed, stuffed in a corner, or jammed on a hanger. Your clothes won't be good to you unless you're good to them. A thorough closet organization is the best place to start. Although this is a big project, and it can be a big mess, let alone very time consuming, maybe you'll get inspired to start on your own or hire me to help. 

First I started by taking all the hanging items out of the closet in piles, going through them one by one. Checking for damages, sorting through the sizes that were too big for my client, having her try things on to see if it fits, then grouped them into categorized piles. Here are three things you need to ask yourself for each item if you get inspired to clean your closet.

1. Does it fit?

Try it on! If it fits, put it in a pile of other things a like. i.e...Pants with pants, sweaters with sweaters tops with tops, etc.

2. Is it damaged? 

If there is a button missing, or a fallen hem, put it in the fix it pile. If it has extreme damage beyond repair get rid of it. If it has sentimental value, pack it up, don't let it take up space. For those sweaters with lint balls you can clean those up with a shaver if need be. 

3. When was the last time you wore it? 

Can't remember? Can't think of anything to wear with it? Not sure if you like it anymore? Put it in the give a way pile. Either for charity or recycle them at a consignment shop.

After all the sorting, shopping and organizing we ended up with 15 bags to donate to the Carol Adams Domestic Violence Foundation. 

Once you've sorted through everything in your closet, it's time to put the things you're keeping back in a way that make sense to you. I organized her closet from left to right starting with scarves, sleeveless tops, short and long sleeve, skirts and pants. Adding all the clothes that were right for the current season, that way she can get to them easily. I strategically place them in a way that would work best for her. These were all of her every day casual and office wear which she utilize most. 

Everything was grouped according to their function. This makes finding what you're looking for a snap. Then I hung them according to color. For example, browns hang with beige and tan. Baby blue and navy share the same space. Color coordinating your closet lets you see what works together, and may give you new ideas about outfits and how to coordinate colors in your wardrobe. Last, but not least once the closet was complete, I moved on to the shelves. Repeating the same process and then put the keepers back in neatly or on a hanger.  

This process is tedious but well worth it in the end, making getting dressed a whole lot easier, saving time and frustration. Get your closet organized once and for all! Need a makeover? Get your sexy back! My services are style enhancer, wardrobe organization/curator, and personal shopper. Email me at CuteUniqueTrendyEssentials@gmail.com references are available upon request. Stay tuned for the next blog post, of before and after pictures for the transformation of her wardrobe organization. 

Remember your style is your story! 

LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

HER TESTIMONY

When I contacted Vanita and ask her to help me revamp my closet I wasn’t sure what to expect. I recently lost weight and found myself frustrated with the selections I had to work with in my closets.  I had a lot of clothes but often stood in my closet saying, “I have nothing to wear”.  I had too much clothes that was taking up space. I wasn’t wearing a lot of them and often felt lost and over whelmed in my closets. I was tired of wearing the same outfits over and over again and they weren’t making me feel fabulous when I stepped out.  I had no idea that I had so many treasures hidden in there. Lol…

The transformation of the closet was the first step. Vanita asked me to trust her, not to get hung up on holding on to stuff, I did just that with a little apprehension but once we got started there was no turning back. I felt like a kid again playing dress up. J I tried on and she made different piles, it felt as if I was on the set of what not to wear…. But five hours later, 15 bags of clothes to donate, and a bed with a sea of hangers, the closet redo was done I stood in my closet and was now able to see everything I had.   

I have to say that the scariest part of the process for me was when Vanita separated all my suits and outfits that were a set.  I am now embarrassed to say that I seldom mixing and matching outfits but simply stick to wearing it as is with little variation.  She clearly opened my eyes and made me see the possibility of creating multiple outfits with a few pieces. I saw my clothes now in a new light. What I once thought was drab has gained new life just by pairing them with other pieces. This made me so excited, with Vanita’s assistance I now have so many more variation of outfits that I would not have ordinarily put together, and the best of all, I do not need to go out and buy all new clothes.   YEAH!!!

I have to say that I am so happy that I made the decision to do this. The makeover and glamour shots made this whole experience even more rewarding.  It was such a freeing experience and needless to say I had so much fun.  If you know me, you know that I do not lack confident but this made me feel more confident than I have felt in a long time. This experience has ignited a light in me that I did not realize was dim but now it shines bright.  What’s that song, “Shine Bright like a Diamond” Yes that’s me! Lol… Much props go out to Vanita and the glam squad, she is a pro at what she does and her glam squad is amazing. It was a pleasure meeting them and they made it so easy to let go and trust them to work their magic.

Donna James