Closet Makeover

Closet Makeover

What does it mean when a man says, ”I have nothing to wear”? More than likely, it means he has nothing clean. For a woman . . . the significance is altogether different. I have nothing new is what we really mean!  

So there I was, standing In front of my wardrobe, after losing 30 pounds of baby weight, plus an extra 20 pounds I had carried for several years, the stark reality hit—nothing fits me anymore. I'm so tired of the dresses I once loved, and, payed dearly for. I have plus sizes in my closet, and at 5’ 3” 118 pounds, my new weight, size “10” is not my friend anymore.

It seemed everyday I would open my wardrobe and try on various dresses, with my fashion show ending in my being upset and disappointed. Finally my husband saw how I was suffering, miserable about my lack of choices, and offered to buy me a new small size wardrobe. But. In order to get this new wardrobe, I would have to make room for it by getting rid of my old things, things I loved. I didn't know where to begin. I was sick of feeling as if my clothes owned me. 

When I was single, traveling the world with Carnival Cruise Lines, making good money, and with no expenses, I bought what I wanted, and clothes were a big part of “what I wanted”. I’d spent so much money investing in these beautiful garments, but . . . enough is enough. No more crying about old clothes that didn’t fit anymore.  Importantly, they were too big! So, I put on some great music and started counting my blessings. It was time to clean out my closet, dramatically, and once-and-for-all. 

Make room for things you’ll really love was going around and around in my head. What a smart husband I have, incentivizing me to let go of the past by offering to buy me a new wardrobe. Proviso—if I would just let go of the past. Fine!

 

Let the energy flow! (Create proper Fung shui in my closet!) Enjoy my hard earned trimmer figure. And this is what I discovered in the process: 

Let it go . Don't hold on too tightly to your memories from a time in your life that doesn’t sync with today. Be honest with yourself—a lot of people have closets for the person they were or the person they want to be. And if you haven’t worn something for the last 6 months—toss it! Reality is, you don't need so much stuff! Usually I have my favorite pieces and I wear them a lot. Hanger Trick: I heard from my fashion blogger friend,

“When you get out your summer or seasonal clothes, put the hangers in backward on the rod but then when you wear a piece of clothing, hang it up facing the front. At the end of the season you'll know what you've never worn”. 

Take everything out.  Throw away wire hangers, leave the good ones that keep your clothes in shape and doesn't destroy them. Wipe  surfaces. Vacuum if needed. If you like aromatic soaps or candles for a sensual smell, get them for your closet, plus soap will help you to rid off bugs! 

Sort by type, putting each piece back in your closet, one by one. Put skirts together and jackets together, light to dark. Or rainbow your closet, from red to yellow, be artistic! Separate winter things from light summer dresses. Use space bags to store big pieces. 

As a kid I grew up in small apartment, with two sisters sharing one closet. We used to be very creative in dividing our storage, space bags really helped. The clothes then take up much less space and can be placed under a bed, a couch, or on a high shelf.

What to do with all the pallets of clothes? Get garbage bags and fill them up. I'm not a fan of keeping boxes in my storage, so, I prefer to give them away. Maybe your neighbors’ daughter, or some crafter who always looking for new materials. If you donate—you’ll get tax benefits—or consign for money. Recycle, reuse, or give it away to people in need. Or, host a Clothing Swap Party. Get together a group of friends , ask everyone to bring clothes they are not using anymore. Have a little cocktail party with appetizers (Think Trader Joe’s) and everyone gets new clothes without spending 

money. 

At the end of the day, when everything is organized get yourself glass of Pinot Noir, play some soft music, and enjoy the beginning of new page in your style history!