STYLEnosh

SIMPLE WAYS TO DETERMINE WHICH CLOTHES IN YOUR CLOSET WILL LAST FOR YEARS TO COME

I recently received a Facebook message from one of my dear readers, Nicole, who had a wonderful question.

"I have a question for your blog. I'm not sure if it's a stupid question or not. When purging your clothing how do you determine what's a piece that's going to be wearable for years to come? Thanks, Nicole"

First, all questions are worthy of being asked. Always. Secondly, I'm glad you asked! Determining what will be "wearable" for years to come may seem challenging but it doesn't have to be. Ask yourself three questions and you should be able to come up with a sound answer that works for your wardrobe and most importantly, your lifestyle.

1  Can you fit it?

Typically considered a no-brainer, you have to stop and honestly ask if the clothing in your closet fits your body AND looks good on you. Just because it fits doesn't mean you should wear it. If you love the piece and you know you will wear it (meaning you can come up with at least 3 ways to wear it without including jeans), get it altered.

This pic shows a great example of pants that I love that are wearable from season to season. But they just don't fit right on my body type. I look too shorty and squaty. Off to Goodwill they go. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2  What's your personal style?

Does this jacket, dress, shirt, or pants look like you? Or better stated, does it project the image you want for yourself? If the clothes look frumpy or reminiscent of your college days, they probably aren't good choices to keep over the next few years.

The blue and white patterned shirt shown here by Thakoon for Target is a fun print. But the shape of the shirt doesn't seem to work for me now as well as it did two years ago. It's in the donate pile. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Is it a classic or a trend?

I like to think that these $2 thrift store pants are a classic. But the bold print and tight fit pretty much ensure that they will not be in my closet three or four years from now. But note they only cost $2, which is exactly the amount of money you want to spend on trends and fads.

Your classic pieces like a great fitting pair of dark wash jeans or a black blazer or a comfy, soft v-neck sweater can be paired with all the in one day out the next trendy clothes that flow through every season. And those should be the clothes you keep as the foundation of your closet. Toss the trendy pieces soon after they lose their luster. (Leggings, I'm giving you the serious sideeye.)

And the key point to remember is this: while the item in question may be wearable for years to come, does it work for your body and your lifestyle? If the answer is no, the item must go. :-)

 

 

 

Related articles

• Fashion Friday: Closet Restoration (missalaneyus.wordpress.com)
• Just now now: out of the closet (justherejustnow.wordpress.com)
• Closet Organization: Is It Time to Clean Out Your Closet, Again? (stylenosh.com)

 

CLOSET ORGANIZATION: IS IT TIME TO CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET, AGAIN?

I can always tell when I really need to do something because the resistance to the task is so strong, I'd rather do something I hate like six loads of laundry or mop my never-ending hardward floors. And as I gaze at my bulging closet and additional clothing rack (which is dripping with clothes), I know it's time to get rid of the excess. How can you really utitize what you have if it's buried or crammed in between things you never wear?

Signs it may be time to purge your wardrobe

1. You're out of hangers. Contrary to common sentiment, if you run of hangers that's not a reminder to add hangers to your Target shopping list. If you run out of hangers it usually means you have too much crap. No, no. I'm sure there are no exceptions. 

2. You shift through a mountain of clothing on a chair in your bedroom looking for that one particular shirt. Or worse, that mountain of your beloved clothing is on the floor!

3. You have over 50 pairs of shoes but you only consistently wear the same four pairs. I know a lot of women love to brag about how many shoes they own. But is it really worth bragging about if you never wear them?

4. You've been  shopping a lot lately and the clothes keep piling up. I'm guilty of this one. Let's just say, I've become a regular at the thrift store. It's definitely time to get rid of a few things.

5. Looking at your closet makes you want to throw your hands up in air and head to the mall to buy something to wear instead of finding something in your own closet. Someone actually told me this is how they feel most days when they think about facing their not one, but two extra large closets. An intervention is definitely needed. 

Remember, it's always easier to discard unused items or clothes you no longer want from your closet on a regular basis. Implement this practice at least once a year, though most people could benefit from a closet clean out two to three times throughout the year. The goal is to have a wardrobe of clothes you look good in and actually wear. And a nice streamlined closet is one way to reach that seemingly elusive goal.

Related articles

• Do Not Open That Door! (merrymerryquitecontrary.wordpress.com)
• Guest Post: Paris Changed Everything (bucklebuttonzip.com)

 

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO WEAR TODAY? TRY CLEANING YOUR ROOM!

 

No, I'm not your mother. But moments like this let me indulge my maternal instincts. Here's what I'm suggesting. Before you declare, yet again, that you don't have anything to wear, check out that stack of laundry molding on your closet floor. Or that pile of clothes that now permanently resides in that reading chair in the corner of your bedroom. If you complete three easy steps:

a) Clean your room - Especially your closet. It's extremely difficult to know what you have in there when everything is scattered about the place.

b) Do your laundry - I mean all of it. Wash those five or ten loads of dirty clothes. Take that bag of clothes to the dry cleaner. And oh, don't forget to pick it up.

c) Put the clean clothes away in their proper place - Don't let your freshly laundered wardrobe languish in the laundry basket for a week or two. 

I think you'll be amazed at how many wonderful clothes you actually own. And once your room is nice and tidy, make an effort to keep it that way. Well, at least for a few days. Then the cycle starts all over again.

 

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU WANT TO SET YOUR CLOSET ON FIRE

My wardrobe has officially become a pain in the be-hind. The consternation began when I started packing to move. For as much talk I give about purging your wardrobe and streamlining your closet, I sure do have a bunch of unnecessary crap hidden in the crevices of my lovely walk-in.

It wouldn't be so annoying if I could fit the stuff I have. But a good portion of my clothes need to be altered, which means if I try to wear them now they'll be hanging on me like a potato sack. And what's left after several clothing donations (I'm on my 4th trip to Goodwill this year, is one sorry looking collection of garments? I knew I was in trouble when I tossed undies that I've had for at least 7 years but haven't any considered wearing in the last 5 years. So now what?

What we know- packing sucks. No disagreements there. Luckily, I just found a fantastic video on how to pack your clothes for a move.

How To Pack Clothing For a Move on Howcast

Now, packing sucks less. Maybe I won't torch my wardrobe afterall.

If you're still reaching for the matches, slow down there firestarter. (Remember that movie? Shout out to Drew Barrymore.)  If the disdain for your closet is mounting, you may be struggling with one of these wardrobe challenges:

• Boredom - We often get bored eating the same meals or doing the same activities. So it's only natural to get bored wearing the same clothes. One easy, free thing to do to reduce wardrobe apathy is to switch up the way you normally wear things. If you always pair your gray trousers with a button-down shirt and flats, try a blouse and heels instead. Or a quick flip a fashion magazine can give you plenty of fresh ideas and push you past the clothing blahs to clothing aah ha's. (My go to magazine for fashion inspiration is Lucky. But I think you already knew that.)
  
• Improper fit - Lossing or gaining weight can greatly impact your love or hate for your clothes. Pick one or two key pieces like a great pair of pants or the perfect jacket to get altered immediately. Sometimes just fixing your favorite piece of clothing can totally change your outlook on your closet's potential.
  
• Wear your best stuff - When you get in a slump you usually have a tendency to dress like you're in slump. (Yes, you're not fooling anyone.) Why not wear that dress that makes you look and feel awesome? Or what about those beautiful shoes that you only wear on special occasions? I think the desire to light a fire to your wardrobe is a pretty special enough. 

See, it's starting to look better already. Now back away from the lighter fluid.

PROCRASTINATORS, GRAB THAT BAG OF CLOTHING REPAIRS TODAY...

AND FINALLY FIX THEM!

Last month I did a series of posts on easy steps to a better wardrobe. And step four in the series was the dreaded make necessary repairs to your clothes.

Well today I grabbed a stack of shirts with missing buttons and sweaters with holes in the armpit, and I broke out the needle and thread. It took more time for me to find the correct button than it did to actually sew the thing on the shirt.(Notice my extensive button collection above. The shirt I mended was from like 2001 and I still had the extra button that came with the shirt! And yes, that is a button from Casual Corner. Seriously?)

So what's stopping you from expanding your wardrobe by making a few repairs? Are you lazy (like me), lacking skill (you don't have to be a seamstress to fix a button), or just indifferent (you have bigger fish to fry than sewing holey shirts)?

Why not take 30 minutes to add two new pieces back into your wardrobe. For free! It only requires a little sew equity.

FINALLY, MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS!: EASY STEPS TO A BETTER WARDROBE PT. 4

I've been talking about simple things you can do to improve your wardrobe today. And previous posts, buy a mirror, straighten your closet, and purge the junk have motivated you to start taking steps in the direction of a better wardrobe. (You've at least started taking action in your head, right?) It feels great doesn't it? Now it time to tackle one last easy thing you could do to give your current wardrobe a boost. Grab your sewing kit (I know you have one) and let's fix those minor, albeit pesky, wardrobe repairs.

Image: morguefile.com

Let me start by saying, I'm a gy-normous hypocrite when it comes to getting pants hemmed and taken in or getting those straps re-sown on my impaired strappy sandals. The problem is, let me see how I should say this, I'm lazy. Yeah, that sums it up. I really don't have another legitimate explanation for my lack of action. But if you take the time to get the alterations or make the repairs yourself, you'd be amazed at how quickly your closet will expand with viable clothing options.

COMMON PROBLEMS = QUICK SOLUTIONS

Too Long Pants   If you're on the shorter side (don't be ashamed), you most likely have pants that require you to walk on stilts so you don't constantly step on the bottom dragging behind you. Yes, you can take them to be altered by your friendly neighborhood tailor. Or you can do the dirty work yourself. Outside of grabbing your own needle and thread, you can use products like Stitch Witchery tape or Topstick hairpiece tape (thanks Lucky magazine April 2005 issue for this fantastic tip).

PURGE THE JUNK!: EASY STEPS TO A BETTER WARDROBE PT. 3

No one really likes the arduous task of pulling stuff out of the closet and determining if it's a keeper. It's just easier to leave everything in there and fish out what you plan to wear each day.

IF you choose to be brave and venture into your closet on a fashion finding mission, you will be amazed at the fantastic wardrobe your already own but just couldn't quite see. Here are a few tips for making the most out of your valorous (fashion can be dangerous) effort.

Try on everything   Wear a white tank (fitted, not slouchy) because it will complement just about everything in your closet. While you're trying on everything, check for proper fit (e.g. you can lift your arms in that jacket) and personal style (e.g. I'd never wear this shirt now. It looks so 1995.) Other wardrobe killers you should be on the lookout for include:

• Rips
• Holes
• Fading
• Too tight
• Too baggy (like the skirt pictured on the right)
• Threadbare
• Pills
• Missing buttons
• Under arm stains

CLEAN YOUR CLOSET!: EASY STEPS TO A BETTER WARDROBE PT. 2

I know. Not exactly what you want to hear. My first suggestion in this series on a better wardrobe was buy a mirror. Pretty simple, right? And now I'm merely suggesting that you clean up your closet. Not clear it out. So what do I mean by clean it up?

Pick up anything thrown on the floor.

Hang clothes that should be hanging on the rack instead of strewn across a chair.

Get rid of the lingering clothing mounds on your shelves. Fold all sweaters, jeans, and t-shirts neatly.

BUY A MIRROR!: AND 4 OTHER EASY STEPS TO A BETTER WARDROBE PT. 1

People, for the sake of all things associated with looking put together when you leave the house, buy a mirror!

I used to have one of those full-length mirrors that you're supposed to hang on the back of your door but I always just propped mine up against the wall in my bedroom. Well the last time I moved, most of my belongings survived the trip unscathed but sadly, my full-length mirror did not. And I never replaced it. Until this past weekend.

Now you may be thinking, I have a mirror. It came with my bathroom. Yes, I have one of those too. But if you have to stand on a step stool to see your entire body in that mirror, it's not working for you. No, it's really not.

Why a full length mirror?

ORGANIZE YOUR JEWELRY, FINALLY!

Recently one of my faithful readers, asked what she should do to tackle her jewelry collection. So thanks Karla K. for asking that excellent question. Here are my thoughts on jewelry storage.

I'm a visual person. Which basically means, if I can't see it, it doesn't exist. This personality trait led me to choose a jewelry storage option that catered to my need to see my crap. The behind the door organizer completely works for me. The Container Store has these and plenty of options like the jewelry tray pictured here too. The tray is on sale for $6.99.

Or if you want something more formal, consider a jewelry armoire. The one pictured above is from Wal-mart for $79. Click here to see other storage choices in different finishes.

For some creative ways to display your jewelry collection, check out this article from MarthaStewart.com. I can total see me hanging my necklaces from an actual tree branch. If you don't want a piece of outdoors housing your accessories, check out these tree replicas from Urban Outfitters. I love the green lollipop tree stand shown above for $24.

The final word: There infinite options when it comes to jewelry storage, from the fun to the serious. The easiest way to decide which method works for you is take note of what you need to store (e.g. 10 necklaces, 4 rings, 20 earrings, etc.) and pick a solution that effectively handles your jewelry collection.

VIDEO: STORAGE TIPS FROM SHINE ARTICLE

Here's a great clip from the Yahoo! Shine site. If you're not familiar with Shine, give it a try. There's some good tidbits on fashion, beauty, and other important life issues. This video is all about spring cleaning your bulging closet.

AN EASY WAY TO DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR YOUR WARDROBE

I've been trying not to trip over a two boxes and one bag full of clothes that needed to be taken to Goodwill. They've been in my bedroom for three months. Just taking up space. Serving no purpose at all but to drive myself batty. But the donation pile nemesis is no more! I dropped them off the other day. Proud of yet another example of my productivity, I drove up to the Goodwill store near me and felt a little silly when I saw this sign:

Wait, you mean I could have dropped this stuff off, without getting out of the car weeks (er, months) ago during one of the at least 10 times per week I pass Goodwill? Now I realize my productivity was just a cleverly disguised burst of energy.

Okay, so I can't hide from my innate laziness. But I can assure you that finally getting these items out of my way has opened space in my closet and my life in general. I can no longer waste time digging through these boxes trying to fit into things that hang on me like large cloth sack. And even sweeter, I have room in my closet for those future items that I will most certainly be looking to grab. Maybe my productivity is better described as wardrobe visionary....

Check out these organizations if you'd like to finally drop off your donations:

Goodwill 

Salvation Army

Society of St. Vincent de Paul