The Pre-Shop Purge

So far, I’ve given some advice about style and fit, but what about putting your fashion knowledge to the test and actually hitting the stores? Before you run to your fashion hot spot, I want to share with you a few tips to get your closet organized and maybe even save you a little money.

So here’s the real question, and answer yourself honestly. Do you really know what’s in your closet? And I mean, tucked way back in the dark corners? Or what about in the backs of your drawers? Most people have a handful of clothing that they immediately gravitate towards, leaving the rest hanging or folded, rarely to be worn. So what I want you to do is take everything, and I mean EVERYTHING out of your closet and all your drawers. It’s going to look like an episode of Hoarders for a little while but trust me, it will be worth it when you’re done.

The next part could take a little while so I suggest dedicating a snowy, lazy Saturday for this. I want you to go through all your clothes, trying most on (especially the ones you haven’t worn in a while) and start editing. You’re going to get a few piles going and this what they’ll consist of:

- Anything ripped, stained or unfixable

- Anything that can be fixed or tailored

- Things that you don’t like, fit, or don’t think you’re going to wear anymore (and if you haven’t worn it in the last year, trust me, it’s only taking up space and you probably wont miss it anyways

- And finally, your keep pile.

Before you start your editing, it may look overwhelming but make it fun! Invite your friends over to help you! Remember that scene in Sex and the City? It doesn’t have to be stressful if you’ve got friends, music and maybe even a little Champagne!

So now that you’ve got your piles, lets do something with them.

-    The first, your unwearable clothing, they can be pitched (unless they are salvageable for a Good Will or Value Village type store).

-    The second pile, the fixables, either take them to your tailor or fix them yourself. But try and do it soon before they end up in the back   of your closet again.

-    The third, throw a clothes swap party with your friends! You all know the saying ‘one person’s trash is another person’s         treasure’, you might get some great additions to your wardrobe! Then what ever is left can be shipped to the thrift store.

-    And finally, the last pile, your keep pile. Organize everything into jeans, tanks, tees, pants, skirts etc so you’ll know what your wardrobe actually consists of therefore when you go shopping, you wont end up buying multiples of things you already have.

Now here’s where the fun, creative part comes in and you can really bring out your inner fashionista. Put together outfits, shoes and jewelry included, and photograph it. That way you’ll have  a data base of great outfits already put together. It will take out the stress of finding something to wear when you’re not feeling very creative or are in a hurry but still want to look great. Start with your staples (once your finally organized, you’ll get a good idea if you even have all your wardrobe staples) and build from there. Here are a few examples that I’ve done from my own wardrobe so you get the idea.

Once you’ve taken all your pictures, put your clothes back so they’re all organized and easily accessible. You’ll be surprised at the great things you already own that you forgot about! And any missing pieces or items you’d like to add to your wardrobe, create a wishlist on your phone. That way when you hit up your favorite store, you won’t be overwhelmed by everything and forget what you went there for in the first place.

I know this seems like a lengthy process, but trust me, it’s worth it to do. You’ll feel refreshed once it’s all done and you’ll save yourself time and money in the end. I’ve done this process not only for myself, but for others as well and it’s truly a great feeling once you’re finished.

Thanks for reading and stay posted for more fashion and styling tips!

Whit.