Closet Cleansing

How To Have A Healthy Closet

It’s totally possible to create a space that provides you with emotional well-being. As a matter of fact you can turn your closet around to be your personal treasure chest and new best friend.

“Make Every Day Dressing A Breeze”

FIRST AND FORMOST: Ask yourself, what is the first impression, you would like to convey? Do you look the part? What do your clothes say?
When your answers are truly favorable, confidence follows, and you are ready to focus with the task at hand. By dressing well, you eliminate distractions and can move forward being confident and feeling good about your choices.
Examine the fit and condition of your closet’s contents on anything you haven’t worn in the past six months.
(Note what does and doesn’t work and why)
Now divide all your wardrobe into four categories:

1)    Items that will never be worn again or are in irreparable condition

2)    Pieces that may be worn again if repurposed or reconstructed by a tailor, consider this option if you have recently gained or lost weight

3)    High-quality classics that you use most often and should stay in rotation

4)    Whether you wear them or not, designer clothes that will increase in value , don’t toss your Alaia!

Get rid of everything in the first category. If you’re certain you’re never going to wear it again or if it’s in extremely bad condition, let it go.
Category two contains clothes that still have potential. Maybe they will work mixed into a new look or maybe they are the look that has to come back in style. Often, items can get an instant update with the help of a tailor (give your 80’s-cut oversize blazer a fitted makeover).
Analyze the items in the third category. These are your most frequently picked pieces, so bring them to the front.
The clothes in the fourth category should be cataloged and stored properly, as they are of potential value. If you think you might be sitting on a treasure, have it appraised by a vintage expert. You can always sell it when you get into a crunch. You never know: One day your name might be called from the Birkin-bag waiting list and a vintage Courreges shift could be worth the sacrifice.
Now organize. Pants, button-ups, sexy-tops, and skirts (by hem length) should all hang in their own group. Sweaters should be stacked. Consider your everyday thought process and your lifestyle – do you choose outfits by color? Or do you think in terms of work wear and weekend wear? Sort accordingly.

How Not To Panic

Most important, to avoid a what have I done panic attack; consider the reasons that are compelling you to clean out your closet. Make certain your decision isn’t a whim. You don’t want to have to buy back your favorites items.

And if you are up to having a play day invite your friends to join you for a closet cleansing, which can be riot. Surprises often appear in closets that will make you LOL or at least have a good chuckle and laughter is the best medicine for feeling good.

Friends are great therapy just be sure they are on your team. Lastly remember we all go through this, you are not alone and in the end you will have a well-organized closet and maybe even inspire others to follow in your footsteps.

Susan Minser Will of Classic Design brings over 20 year of experience as a personal and professional image consultant with Carlisle’s private collection. Her practical and well needed advise on how to arrange and conquer the closet is certainly a godsend.

Susan Minser-Will/Classic Designs

www.carlislecollection.com