I received a fantastic email from a loyal reader for this issue of Ask Steph. Melanie writes:

"Dear Steph's Beauty Buzz,

Congrats on your relaunch! I'm so so so so excited you are back. I had a question for the Ask Steph column. I am a total shopaholic, and have a closet jam packed with great basic pieces, super trendy stuff, more shoes and bags than I can count, and accessories galore. But somehow every morning I get up and say the same thing - I have NOTHING to wear!!! I just dont know how to keep my collections organized in any sort of logical way so that I can really see my choices well. Everytime I do laundry I find myself saying, "I totally forgot about this dress!" or "Where was this scarf when I was trying to find something for that jacket last week." Im getting very very frustrated with it all. Any suggestions (OTHER than downsizing, cause really, thats not going to happen :) )"

What a fantastic question Melanie (and for being selected for this edition of Ask Steph I'm going to be sending you a gift basket of mark cosmetics goodies, ON ME!) So what CAN we do to conquer the closet craziness?




Purge Purge Purge

So Melanie was right to assume my main tip would be to purge that closet of items you dont wear. And honestly, it is still the best tip I can give you. Take a Saturday, a close girlfriend, and a bottle of cheap champagne, then throw on your favorite iMix and go through that collection piece by piece. The champagne will help keep you feeling loose, without over thinking any one piece, but the friend will help keep you honest about what really works for you in your current stage of life. A great rule of thumb: if you havent worn it a minimum of 3 times in the last year, consider tossing it. Make a pile for items you would like to donate and a pile for items that should simply be tossed if they are permanently damaged in any way. You can also make a pile for items that can be taken to a drycleaner or tailor to fix any minor issues or stains, to take in or take out the sizing as needed, or even to be repurposed into a more useable piece. I've seen ripped jeans repurposed into fantastic bermuda shorts and a horribly unflattering blouse turned into a lovely vest with the help of the right tailor. You can also consider attending an event like a Clothing Swap, or you can even get your girls together and host one of your own. This way you can turn your closet bench warmers into new favorites for your current style.



Get On a Rotation

Another important way to keep your closet clutter free is to keep 1-2 seasons at time in your closet, and keep the rest in storage. And in today's organization friendly world, there are a plethera of boxes, garment bags, and storage systems to choose from. Make sure to clearly label all your storage boxes, so that you can easily switch from one season to the next when the time comes. A great tip? Place dryer sheets or sachets of lavender into the boxes to keep clothes smelling fresh from the dryer when you open them again months later.

Maximize Your Space

The best closets are not your typical horizontal hanging bar from A-Z. The truly wonderful closets are the ones that maximize both the horizontal and the vertical space to create a variety of storage options for every possible need. Check out your local organization store or even the closet systems aisle at your local home depot for ideas. You want long hanging space to at least one side, for dresses and trenches and such, but most hanging items only need about half the vertical space we give them. So think about using the other space more efficiently by adding shelves, drawers, or even a second bar. Keep in mind in your designs that you will want the items you use most often at eye level, with other accessories or less used pieces ideally stored either above or below.



It's All In the Hangers

Why do celebrity closets and department stores always look so picture perfect? They always always have matching hangers. If you can afford to upgrade, give your closet that department store feel by using only luxurious wooden hangers on all your garments. Even if you cant afford to splurge though, you can make an incredible difference on the overall feel of your wardrobe simply by deciding on one uniform type of hanger to use. It can even be the plastic tube hangers available at your local walmart or target for just a dollar or two a pack. The only type of hanger you should NOT find in your closet are wire hangers, like the type you receive from your drycleaner. These hangers can damage your precious garments, and are bes used for making smores not for hanging clothing. Whatever you choose, just keep it consistent for a clean and streamlined look. 



Forget Highschool: Cliques are Good

Your closet should resemble every poorly made movie Hollywood has ever made about high school: there should be a clear clique system evident from the moment you walk in. Start with the type of garment: shirts, pants, dresses, etc and keep similar styles grouped together. Then move into the color: tans together, blues together, and so on and so on. Not only will this save you time in the morning, and help you find matching items faster, but this too will give your closet that department store look and feel. And really, who doesnt want to feel like they've gone to the mall every morning to get dressed? Its your daily shopping fix without every having to spend a dime.



Don't Forget The Details

Finally, fill in the last little spaces of your newly organized closets with the pieces that really complete you: the accessories. Find ways to hang belts and scarves so they are displayed like the beautiful collection they are. Use jewelry organizers in the unused drawer for that "one stop shopping" feel. Line up purses along the shelves like the luxury counter at your favorite department store. You shoe racks and cubby holes to display all your finest footwear without those flimsy boxes. Invest in a good set of matching boxes of different sizes for all your additional storage needs. The beauty really is in the details.




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