Yes, it’s true. It has taken me a month to go through my closet. I’m not a big proponent of cleaning out a closet in one day. I know that works for many people, however, it doesn’t work for me. It’s an overwhelming task even if you aren’t a clothes collector. I like to take section by section and toss what is worn or damaged. I like to take time to mull over what is left. Today I’m not going to go through a closet cleanse with you…today I want to talk to you about what I learned over the past month!

10 Things I learned...

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Don’t take other peoples “hand me downs” if you don’t think you’ll wear them.

My mother-in-law has unbelievable taste! I love going to visit her and we inevitably wind up cleaning her closets! (Right, Mimi?) She will often pass things along to me and most of them I wear and love. Some things, I have never worn and feel terrible that I haven’t. I know when I give someone something from my closet I hope they will get use out of it. I think we all want our items to be worn and appreciated. Before you take someone’s “hand-me-downs,” ask yourself if you will use it. If you don’t think you will, let the donor pass it along to someone who will get wear out of it.

Don’t just assume people want your “hand me downs.”

Sometimes I think passing down my “in good condition, almost like new” clothing is such a nice thing to do. However, this may just overwhelm people and put them into a closet overload. Ask them first…is this something they really think they could use?

Learn from your mistakes.

When you decide to toss or donate an item, ask yourself why you are you letting that particular item go? If you made a mistake and put money towards something that you aren’t wearing, you don’t want to make that mistake again! Download my "Stylist In Your Pocket."
Carry it in your wallet and ask yourself the 10 questions before you purchase another item of clothing. I still keep this in my wallet and it helps!

Don’t let your closet get out of hand.

If you go through your wardrobe often, your closet will never get out of hand. Keep on top of it and take a few minutes to go through sections to help you from becoming overwhelmed. Start with an easy section, like bathing suits or pj’s, to help keep you motivated.

If you haven’t worn something in over a year it really might be time to let it go.

There are certain things I can’t let go of and these aren’t the things I’m talking about. I’m talking about items that you pass over time and time again. If you pass by an item without giving it a second glance and you continue to choose something else to wear, it may just be time to let that item go.

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Life is too short for uncomfortable shoes.

Period. They hurt when you wear them so you inevitably pass on wearing the outfit that goes with them. Don’t hang onto uncomfortable shoes. Find a replacement.

Stay on top of caring for your shoes.

Think of caring for your shoes like brushing your hair. Take the time to polish and resole/reheel them. Leaving the house with tired looking shoes is like leaving the house without combing your hair.

Don’t save “clothes that are too tight” or “clothes that are too big.”

Clothes that are too big or too loose don’t serve a purpose. They only take up space in your closet and more importantly, in your head.

Keep a running list of what you “need” and what you “want” because there is a difference!

Filling in the “needs” should trump filling in the “wants” especially if you’re working on a tight budget.

Sometimes altering an item isn’t the answer.

I have purchased things in the past that needed too many alterations. I never wore the item once it was altered because it still didn’t fit well. Finding a good tailor is key. He/She will tell you if an item can or can’t be tailored to your liking. I learned this the hard way. Not everything can be altered. If something is too large or too snug it is probably a good idea to pass on it.

There is such a feeling of accomplishment to cleaning out our closets. I only recently thought about why I was letting things go. It has saved me from making similar mistakes and therefore money. I hope it does the same for you! I’d love to hear what are some of the reasons why you’ve donated clothes!

Fashionably yours,