I was so glad that today’s guest poster was able to find time to post for me. I’ve long been a fan of Lisa’s blog. She has got to be one of the most real, honest, and compassionate people I know, which carries through with each and every one of her amazing blog posts.
Lisa just recently began her journey through nursing school, so I was thrilled that she was able to find the time to guest post for me today. I think you’ll all enjoy…seeing as though it is Fashion Friday and all!
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Hi Sweet Tooth Sweet Life fans! I’m Lisa from a little blog called I’m an Okie. It’s a fun and honest blog about my life. I blog about food and fitness, but most importantly my quest for healthy relationships, loving myself, and working through life’s daily struggles. I pride myself on holding nothing back on my blog and I strive to write honest posts about all of the ups and downs in my life.
When Courtney asked me to write a guest post while she was off having fun in the sun (lucky girl!), I was thrilled. Courtney is one of my favorite bloggers and her big smile always brings a smile to my face. I will be rooming with her for the Healthy Living Summit and I can’t wait to meet The Fashionista herself.
Courtney and I have a few things in common: she loves fashion and I love attempting to be fashionable. My efforts don’t always work, but hey, at least I am trying right?!
Courtney gives amazing tips on how to be the most fashionable “you.” I can’t even begin to help you with that, but I CAN help you organize and master your closet. All of those clothes and accessories will do you no good if you can’t find them in your closet.
I’m a firm believer that organization can lead to a feeling of calm. If I see my closet disheveled with clothes everywhere, it can lead to immediate stress.
In an effort to “organize” my life and make it a little more “Zen”, my closet was one of the first places I tackled. It’s an important place in your home—you ARE in there everyday making important decisions. A clean and organized closet will only HELP you become the fashionista you wish to be.
The first step to becoming a fashionista is to declutter that closet.
Without further ado, here are my tips to “mastering your closet.”
1. Take every single piece of clothing/accessories/shoes out of your closet. Make sure you have a clear workspace for a large duffle bag, two smaller bags or totes, and some trash bags.
2. Try every single item on. You need to see what fits you, what you like, and what you want to get rid of. Once you have tried the piece on, go to a mirror to evaluate.
a. If you try anything that’s ripped or stained beyond repair, it goes in the trash bag.
b. If you try on something and you’re over it at first glance, place it in a second, separate trash bag, which will go to a charity, like Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
c. If you try something on that’s ill fitted but still cool, put it in a tote bag, which is destined for a trip to the tailor’s.
d. If you try it on and it’s not great on you, but would be perfect for a friend, place it in the second tote bag.
e. If you try on something and realize you haven’t worn it in at least a year, but don’t feel quite ready to part with it, place it in a duffel bag.
f. If you try on something that is a clear winner, put it back in the closet.
3. After you’ve tackled your closets, move on to your drawers and do the same process.
4. Decide what you wish to do with all of those clothes.
a. Break up with your clothing (give to Goodwill)
b. Organize a Clothing Swap with your friends
c. Cash it in (Consignment Stores, EBay, Blog, etc)
d. Taking it to the tailor
5. Remember that duffle bag full of clothes that you haven’t worn in over a year, but couldn’t quite part with it. Leave it. Put it in a corner in your closet. After a couple of months, open it up. If you haven’t even remembered or missed those items of clothing, then it’s time to part with them. If you thought of wearing them at some point, put them back on a hanger.
Those are the first steps in getting that closet organized. I will be featuring additional tips on my blog in the near future regarding selling your clothes, hosting a clothing swap party with your friends, tailor-talk, how to organize, fold, hang, and maintain your closets and drawers.
I hope that this was helpful in getting that closet looking organized and fresh.
Question from Lisa:
What are your closet “declutter” and organization tips?!
Thank you Courtney for letting me occupy your space today! You can find me at http://www.imanokie.com, on Twitter, or on Facebook.
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
Gah! I’m the worst when it comes to my closet. Seriously, It’s a mess. I’ll try to tackle it… One day. Thanks for the post!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I need to do this! Great tips. Now just to find a day to dedicate to it!
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
I had to go on a major closet organizing spree when I moved, because I went from having a walk in closet to having a smaller regular sized closet. NOT easy!!! But it was good because it forced me to get rid of a LOT of clothes. None of which I’ve missed :) And I sold some at a consignment shop and made some extra $$!
Colleen says
Tackling my closet is one of my goals for June because I think it’s the source of some stress in my life that I can’t quite pinpoint! Thanks for the tips!
Lindsay says
I like to organize my closet by type of clothing- so all the tanks, tees, long-sleeved shirts, pants, etc. all go together. This way I can easily find things!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I just cleaned out my closet the other day and fortunately followed all these tips! I haven’t quite organized it just yet though..
Cait @ Urban Fencepost says
Thanks for the tips! Cleaning out my closet is on my to-do list right now. It’s a complete disaster area. I’ve got to figure out a better solution for my scarves, belts, and purses.
Julia says
One thing that helps is I buy the type of hangers that can hold 4 things on one hook (I hope this makes sense…they have 4 levels of clips) so that I can hang all my skirts and pants together. That way the closet is filled with less clutter, and I can easily find and pick which one I want to wear.
Leanne (Bride to Mrs.) says
I just did this recently to my closet and its SO nice now, knowing that everything in my closet fits & looks good on me :)
Andrea (Run. Learn. Repeat.) says
What a good reminder that I need to do this! My closet is way too over-stuffed right now. Thanks for the great post!
Ashley says
Hi! I stumbled across your website and it’s so cute! I immediately thought to myself, wow this chick is really attractive so she’s probably not even a nice person at all. I just watched your vlog and you are totally SWEET and I can tell you are a nice person! I am having a tough time right now with medical problems and I see you use noxcema cream cleanser. I used to use that in middle school and it brings back so many memories! I think I am going to go run out now just to get some! Don’t worry about losing your job. You are young and resilient and you will bounce back. This is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Best of luck!
Khushboo says
Wow this post couldnt have come at a better time! I am going on holiday soon and wanted to declutter my closet beforehand, starting from tomorrow actually! Thanks Lisa!
Heather says
Great tips, in the process of redoing my closet, what a project!
Sara says
I love your blog, but I immediately recognized these tips from Lauren Conrad’s book on Style. The writing is word-for-word in some sections, and I just think that you shouldnt sell off these tips as your own if they aren’t really.
Lisa @ I'm an Okie says
Hi Sara!
First of all, I appreciate that you enjoy my blog. That’s a very nice thing to say.
Secondly, you are probably right. I did this post a few months ago on my blog and redid it for Courtney’s blog because I thought it fit nicely.
In the post on my blog, I do just as you say. Talk about Lauren Conrad’s book, the tips, etc. I have included the link here if you’d like to see!
http://www.imanokie.com/2011/05/mastering-your-closet-pt-1/
I guess I’m a little off my game these days with Nursing School and didn’t quite think to put this in here.
Thanks again!