While going through my closet to pack for an upcoming trip, I realized my personal fashion portfolio needs some “refreshing.”  Working in the fashion industry, you can imagine the accumulation of clothing that I end up with: never worn or worn once clothes, all stuffed to the back of the closet for another day.  I decided to take my own organizational advice and take a “spring fling” with my closet!

If you find yourself overwhelmed by your array of apparel and in need of 1) space 2) organization and 3) new looks for the upcoming season, take these steps to free you from clutter and renew your faith in fashion!

• Store – Slip fall and winter (past season) clothing in acid-free boxes or airtight bins. Before storing make sure each piece is clean, repaired, if necessary, and folded. Use small bins for gloves, hats and scarves. Use larger bins for coats. If you’re storing a fur coat, check with a reputable furrier such as Mano Swartz for complete storing and care. For boots, store a few pair in long bins that will fit under the bed and put the rest in larger bins in a storage unit or hallway closet.

• Sort – Pull everything out of the closet entirely and organize into groups: trousers, skirts, tops/blouses, blazers/jackets, short day dresses, short evening dresses, long formal dresses, hats & scarves; divide purses into two groups – handbags and clutches.

• Stash/Trash – Stash items you either wear regularly or those worn for a very special occasion like that long sequined ball gown. Trash all items that have stains, pilling, or have stretched or torn beyond repair. (Consignment stores won’t take these worn items either.) You can donate what you don’t want to keep for a write-off to the Goodwill or The Salvation Army. Remaining items you haven’t worn in the last six months — or same season last year — should be tried on. Afterward, edit!! Decide if you still “love” it, if it’s flattering to your current shape, if you have other clothes to go with it, and, if necessary, if you have the time or energy to “fix” it to make it wearable again. If you have gently worn clothes that you are merely “over” consider donating them to non-profits that supply at-risk or under-served job seekers with interview outfits and work attire such as or Dressed for Success or House of Ruth.  You also may consider donating items such as designer gowns or cocktail dresses you’ve worn a few times to luxury consignment stores such as Love Me Two Times or taking them to a specialty store like Octavia II where you will receive a credit toward a new purchase. For all of you fashionistas who dream of your own boutique and want to have control over your recyclables and make some money from your “trash,” create your own site on Poshmark.com!!
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