Something Comes In, Something Goes Out!

As the self professed, Queen of the Bargoons, last week I bought a pair of gold Halston platform sandals for...wait for it... $33.  Regular $355! Thanks of course to a markdown plus an extra 50% off ,plus some money left on a gift card.  Who doesn't love a good bargain?

When I got them home I had to go through the painful task of figuring out which shoes I was gonna have to let go of. You see, I live by the rule that when something comes in, something goes out.  It helps me keep my home very streamlined and organized and when you live in a small space, that's crucial!  These days, I'm very conscious of what I spend my money on and what I have in my closet.   I have to love it, look and feel good in it and most importantly, wear it or else it has to go.  That's why every month, I go through my closet to see what I can donate. Anything that's taking up valuable real estate gets put in a bag and out it goes.

They say we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time.  If that's the case, do you really need a closet crammed full of stuff that you can't even see, let alone barely wear?  Do you really need 6 pairs of black pants?  Well... in my case yes, because they are all different styles.  Yes, I wear them all!  How many pair of jeans does one really need?  I have one pair of jeans in every cut.  Boot cut, straight leg, wide leg, trouser cut and a "skinny" jean.  That's all I need...umm...except for a white pair of jeans which I have not been able to find this season!  I did say I have a pair in every cut, not colour!

Ask yourself this:
Have you worn everything in your closet in the last 12 months? 
Do you know what's in your closet?

If you answered no to either or both of these questions, then perhaps it time for a closet intervention.
If you take the time to build a wardrobe of the basics (yes, you're allowed to spend good money on these items since you'll have them for a long time), you can just fill in the blanks every season with some trendy items.  Of course though, why would you want to pay full price if you don't have to? As the Queen of The Bargoons, I've been able to find many quality pieces at bargain prices because that's just how I roll! My friends will tell you!

When you have the essentials, with the help of some key accessories, shoes and bags, you should end up with a well curated closet full of clothes.  No more multiples, no more buyers remorse and no more of the forgotten (unless they are hidden gems)

Some rules that I live by that you might find helpful:
1. Before you buy anything, ask yourself what 3 things could you wear with the item? And NO, buying something to go with it does NOT count.
2. You should have 3 tops for every bottom you  have in your closet.
3. Try to avoid buying anything that is FINAL SALE.  You need to go home and play dress up and if for some reason it doesn't work out, at least you still have the option to return it.

So if you have a closet full of clothes and feel like you have nothing to wear, ask a friend to help you clear it out and organize it.  A pile for donate, toss,  alter and keep.  Make it fun with music and maybe a little vino but be ruthless.  Actually, on second thought, forget the wine as it might cloud your judgement!  Once everything is back in your closet, remember the golden rule when shopping...something comes in, something goes out (this should be your mantra for your entire home!)

If you'd like to know what essentials I think should be in every women's wardrobe, email me to find out!

info@theurbanorganizer.ca


Cheers,

Marie