| Do you get frustrated when you reach into your | | | | are:o Is this shape still in style?o Is this garment in |
| closet only to find you have nothing to wear? Do | | | | good shape?o Is the color faded?o Is the fabric or |
| your clothes seem outdated and appear worn? Are | | | | print dated? |
| you still wearing the same polyester suite form 2003? | | | | After the evaluation you should be left with |
| This year; with the current condition of the | | | | functional garments. Give yourself a few days to |
| economy, consumers are more budget conscious. I | | | | adjust to your modified and clutter free closet. Think |
| decided to put together some tips on how to | | | | about the wardrobe you currently have and what |
| freshen up your current wardrobe and add some | | | | new styles you are drawn to. Do you wish you had a |
| stylish pieces that compliment your closet and is easy | | | | pair of chocolate suede boots or a belted dress with |
| on your budget. | | | | vintage hardware? Pick up a few magazines and see |
| As a rule of thumb you must first make room in | | | | what current trends is age appropriate that you think |
| your closet for new items. Schedule a day to | | | | you may like to try. It's important to have an idea of |
| re-organize your closet. Start by pushing your | | | | what new trends are being worn and what styles |
| favorite garments from last year toward the front | | | | specifically catch your eye. |
| of your closet. Because they are the most current, | | | | Places like Target, H&M, Anne Taylor Loft, and |
| they get precedence over the older garments. Pull | | | | Banana Republic carry trend conscious items that are |
| the rest of the clothing out the closet and place | | | | affordable. Take your photos from the magazine and |
| them on your bed. Make four piles consisting of: | | | | stop by one or two of these stores to find a similar |
| 1. Damaged garments or things that need to be | | | | style. Think about how these items will fit into your |
| tailored | | | | current wardrobe. Don't buy crazy colors if your |
| 2. Clothes that don't fit | | | | closet is already full of them. Go with neutrals to |
| 3. Clothes that fit | | | | balance out the color spectrum. If your closet is full |
| 4. Donate | | | | of neutral and black shades then try getting some |
| To evaluate pile #1 you will need to do the | | | | subtle colors to brighten up and balance out your |
| following:o Separate this pile into clothes that fit and | | | | wardrobe. Stay away from trendy trends like skinny |
| don't fit youo Things that don't fit will not need | | | | jeans and empire dresses. They are a bad |
| repairs and can go into pile #4.o Take the garments | | | | investment and ultimately will end up in pile 4 by next |
| that fit to the local dry cleaner for repairs. Wearing | | | | year. Try to recognize more timeless items that will |
| clothes with holes or torn hemlines is unacceptable.o | | | | ultimately maximize your investment. Sometimes our |
| Evaluate the garments left over - this will be the | | | | personal style feels dull and drab because people are |
| clothing that fits and does not need any repairs.o | | | | creatures of habit and we all like convenience. It's |
| Simply put all the garments you have not worn in the | | | | easy to wear something over and over that you |
| last 2 years into the donate pile. If you have not | | | | know looks good, rather than taking the time to pull |
| worn it in two years, chances are it will not be worn | | | | old and new items together to create a fresh |
| in the next 2 years.o Having a closet full of clothing | | | | personal look. Try to make a purchase that pushes |
| that you don't wear is simply pointless. It also helps | | | | you out of your comfort box. Wear it a few times |
| you to make more room for new items that you will | | | | to get some feedback and I think you will be |
| periodically add into your wardrobe. It also helps | | | | pleasantly surprised at the results! Doing this each |
| alleviate the clutter when you are creating new | | | | time you make a clothing purchase will result in your |
| outfits | | | | own fashion makeover! |
| Keep in mind some good questions to ask yourself | | | | |