Closet Clean Out 101

The new year is upon us which means it's time to clean out my closet! As you know, I aim to keep my wardrobe at a minimum and only fill it with classic, high quality essentials that I can mix and match for endless possibilities. To maintain this approach, it's crucial that I clean out my closet at the start of each year with a critical eye. This yearly purge allows me to donate, sell or trash any pieces that are past their prime and to see which pieces are in need of mending or tailoring to extend their lives. Plus, a January clean out helps me create space for any Christmas additions from December and to start planning for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Staying on top of this "one in/one out" mentality each new year ensures I am never left with an overflowing closet of wasted items and can instead enjoy my wardrobe to the fullest. To help you tackle your own closet clean out and start the year off on a streamlined foot, I have outlined the steps I take below. 

Step 1: Empty Your Closet and Drawers

The first step in a quality closet clean out is to completely empty everything. Remove all the clothes from your closet and drawers and lay them neatly in piles on your bed to sort through. I like categorizing my clothing in like piles to make the next steps easier - i.e. blazers with blazers, t-shirts with t-shirts etc. This helps the next step move more quickly and feel less overwhelming. 

Step 2: Try Everything On

The second step in this process is definitely the most time intensive, but it is critical to ensure that you have a successful clean out. To make this step as painless as possible, I typically put on music or a movie to keep me from feeling trapped in the task and go to town trying everything on. To help me keep everything straight in my mind, I try on like with like - all of my t shirts or blouses and then move to blazers and jackets followed by pants, skirts and shorts and then finish with shoes and bags. I also try to try on blazers with shirts and sweaters underneath so I can accurately evaluate how they wear. Finally, while trying on each item I try my best to evaluate it with an honest, critical eye and ask myself a series of questions before making a final decision. These questions are as follows.

1. Do I love it? 

2. When was the last time I wore it? If I haven't worn it in the past month or so and it isn't out of season, (i.e. a spring piece I haven't worn in a few months because it's January) then it goes. 

3. How many other items can I wear it with? I like to be able to mix and match as much as possible so it is imperative that all of my clothes can be worn with at least two other pieces. 

Step 3: Sort Your Clothes Into 5 Piles - Toss, Keep, Donate, Mend or Tailor and Revisit

As you go through step 2, sort your clothes into 5 separate piles for the third step. 

1. Toss: This pile is for anything that you no longer wear and is beyond repair for resale or donation. 

2. Keep: These are the items you love and do not need to be tailored or mended. These are typically the essentials that you come back to time and time again and are the first to pop in your mind when you envision your wardrobe. 

3. Donate: This pile is for anything you either no longer love or doesn't suit your current lifestyle, but is still in good enough condition to be loved by someone else. 

4. Mend or Tailor: This category is self-explanatory but is crucial for maintaining a well-rounded, timeless wardrobe. Whether an item has a small tear, you have lost or gained weight or it just needs a little oomph to be perfect again, tailoring and mending helps to extend the life of your wardrobe without having to buy a bunch of new items.  

5. Revisit: In this pile, put any items you don't instantly go crazy for, but can't part with yet. I like to put these items in a suitcase or at the back of my closet and then revisit them a few weeks to 2 months later. During this waiting period, I can usually distance myself enough from the piece to re-evaluate objectively later. Another thing I like to do when I revisit this pile is to honestly gauge how many times I thought about each item while they were out of sight. If the answer to this question is none, I know it's time to say goodbye. 

Step 4: Put It All Back and Plan for Tomorrow

The last step is certainly the most fun and rewarding. Now that you've successfully sorted the items that you will keep, toss, donate and mend, you can effectively evaluate where the holes in your wardrobe are. It's at this time that I pull out my pen and paper and list out what I need to extend the versatility of my existing items, as well as which classic and trendy pieces I need to keep everything current for the upcoming seasons. Once I'm confident that my list is complete, I put everything back in the closet and dresser and start mentally preparing outfits while I enjoy my new organized wardrobe. 

 

Until next time, happy closet cleaning! 

Travel In Comfort (And Style)

When it comes to traveling, comfort is key. Whether I'm flying for two hours or eight, I prefer lightweight, breathable pieces that allow me to move and sit with ease, while still looking put together. To accomplish this goal without a lot of thought, I stick to a fail proof "uniform" of stretchy skinny jeans and cotton t-shirt. To round out the outfit and keep me warm on the flight, I either throw on a blazer or cashmere cardigan depending on the season and where I'm headed. For footwear, I like to wear either riding boots or ankle boots and socks. This combo ensures I can walk (or run) comfortably to my flight while also protecting my feet from the airport floor when going through security. 

Navy Long Sleeve T: J. Crew / Navy Blazer: Brooks Brothers / Jeans: LOFT / Scarf: Hermes / Boots: Salvatore Ferragamo / Purse: J. Crew 

Until next time, safe travels! 

Make Basic Plaid Festive With Accessories This Holiday Season

One of my favorite parts about having a downsized wardrobe, is the creativity it takes to keep things fresh - especially when the holidays roll. With all of the parties and get-togethers its easy to feel like you need a whole new wardrobe to cope. To work around this, I have found that I can always count on a strategic mix of basic plaid and festive accessories to get me through all the festivities. To demonstrate just how easy it is to upgrade your plaid for the holidays, I put together a look that I will certainly be wearing this season.  

When worn with a vibrant shawl, statement necklace and sparkly earrings, my basic plaid shirt instantly feels party ready. I opted for pearls because I love them but you can wear whatever statement necklace and earrings you have on hand (If you don't have any and don't want to invest in any just yet, don't hesitate to check stores like Forever 21 which often have great festive options this time of year). 

To keep the look more casual I paired it with black skinny jeans and fun bow flats, but you could easily wear it with a basic skirt and heels for a dressier feel. Or, if you will be spending the holidays in a cooler location you can swap out the shawl for a red cardigan or pull over, black slacks and ankle booties and you are good to go. 

Shirt: Ralph Lauren / Skinny Jeans: LOFT / Flats: Salvatore Ferragamo / Shawl: A gift from Rome / Necklace and Earrings: J. Crew 

Until next time, Happy Holidays!                            

Last Minute Thanksgiving Outfits You Already Own

Since adopting a minimalist wardrobe, I have found dressing for special occasions and holidays easier than ever. I accredit this ease to having fewer selections that I know fit and flatter me. This allows me to visualize and plan outfits without having to empty my entire closet and try everything on - a huge stress reliever and time saver. 

With Thanksgiving just two days away, I have started to think about what I will wear and wanted to share my top three picks in case you're still undecided. These outfits include a dressy option, casual option and really casual option so you can pick whichever suits your plans the best. The best part about these looks, is that they consist of basics you probably already have in your closet, so you can spend your time enjoying family instead of shopping for something to wear. 

Look One 

The first outfit on the far left, is semi-casual and what I will likely wear this year. To me, there is nothing more festive than plaid so this look utilizes a basic plaid button down shirt, simple a-line black skirt and black wingtips. The red scarf adds a nice pop of red that will also keep me warm and I will likely add thick, cableknit tights as well. If you don't have wingtips or brogues, you can easily wear ballet flats or ankle booties instead for the same effect. 

Look Two

The middle look is the dressiest of the bunch and features basic black pants and a cream cashmere sweater as the base. To accessorize, I pulled out my multi-strand J. Crew pearl necklace and Hermes bracelet, but any statement necklace and simple bangle will do. For footwear, I picked my  go-to Salvatore Ferragamo Vera flats that are dressy and classic while still being incredibly comfortable. If you don't have bow flats like these though, any dressier style or a great pair of heels will work perfectly. 

Look Three

The last look is the most casual of the three and is the only one with jeans. Like the first look, this one features a basic plaid shirt but you can also swap it out for your favorite white shirt. To keep the look cozy and fall-themed, I paired the button down with a quilted vest, loose jeans and brown loafers. 

I hope these looks inspire you to shop your closet this Thanksgiving for classic combinations without the stress - or an added shopping trip. 

Until next time! Happy Thanksgiving! 

Make Your Basics Anything But Boring With Accessories

In my journey to streamline my wardrobe, I have found that carefully curated accessories can completely change an outfit. Armed with this, I am able to maintain a lean, versatile wardrobe while adding fun and often inexpensive accessories each season to keep me from getting bored. For this and many other reasons (PSLs, sweaters, foliage, pumpkins!!), fall is one of my favorite times of the year. 

The fluctuating temperatures, cool breezes and cozy vibe are the perfect excuse for scarves, hats, gloves and more resulting in endless outfit combinations. Take this outfit for example. The foundation pieces consist of my favorite skinny jeans from LOFT which are the perfect weight, color and length for year-round wear, a classic white Brooks Brothers button down and a cream cashmere cable knit sweater. Worn together or individually these basics perfectly compliment a versatile, streamlined wardrobe of classic pieces that will never go out of style. But, that doesn't mean I don't want to mix it up each season and be able to participate in trends that suit my lifestyle and tastes. Hence, my love of accessories. Both the fedora and this amazing Southwestern printed shawl are from Forever 21 and were inexpensive but still really good quality. 

When thrown over my shoulders and secured with a classic leather belt, this shawl instantly transforms this outfit and makes these timeless basics feel more current. Worn with the fedora and the look is transformed once more from casual to cool, allowing me to participate in the Southwestern trend without the remorse of a closet full of trendy pieces once it passes. 

Skinny Jeans: LOFT / Fedora: Forever 21 / Blanket Scarf: Forever 21 / Belt: Old Massimo Dutti, Similar Here / Boots: Salvatore Ferragamo, Similar Here and Here / Shirt: Brooks Brothers / Cashmere Cable Knit Sweater: Old, Similar Here (on sale!)

Until next time! 

Minimalist With A Classic Twist: Tips For Cultivating a Streamlined, Classic Closet

It's official, minimal living is all the rage and I am fully on-board. From Marie Kondo's incredibly popular "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing" (if you haven't read it yet, you must!), to capsule dressing, I have adopted this lifestyle whole heartedly and can honestly say it has changed my life. 

Before I jump into why I choose a streamlined wardrobe and a quick overview of my new fall 2015 additions, I must say that I have always been a minimalist of sorts. Long before this trend spread like wild fire through the blog, insta and pinterest-spheres, I favored cleared shelves and counters over much else. That said, I never realized how much I could still declutter and organize my home and wardrobe until I read Marie's book, watched every one of Jennifer L. Scott's "Ten-Item Wardrobe" videos, and also read her delightful and informative book. 

So, why have I chosen streamlined, capsule dressing? My interest in the concept was first piqued when I started to pack for Paris last year. I knew I didn't want to overpack and after countless hours on Pinterest, the endless pins and tips all seemed to point to a simple solution - the "10 Piece French Wardbrobe." After reading a few blogs and seeing the endless possibilities capsule dressing provided, I decided to give it a go for my trip and see what happened. Needless to say, I WAS HOOKED. 

After carefully planning the few items I would bring, I traveled to Paris with no more than a small carry-on and never once wished I had more clothes. In fact, I found myself dreading the return to my overflowing closet and vowed to fully adopt capsule dressing the moment I got back to New York. Almost immediately upon returning to my apartment, I cleared out my closet save for only a few key pieces, and have never looked back. 

Now for the fun stuff. In this post, I will include links (when available because some of my items were thrifted) and pictures of the new core items that make up my streamlined "capsule" wardrobe. Also, I want to call out that this list only consists of my basics - pants, skirts, jeans, sweaters, shirts (not t-shirts) - and not my accessories, overcoats or shoes - though I have only a few and haven't made any additions to either category yet this season. I also want to acknowledge that I have chosen to opt out of any specific capsule, minimal wardrobe model (Project 333, 10 Piece French Wardrobe etc). Instead, I have aimed to simply streamline my closet and only make a few carefully planned additions at the start of each new season - fall, winter, spring and summer. Lastly, I will of course style each of these items over the course of the fall to show you just how versatile a small clothing collection can be - with the right accessories and shoes. Without further ado, here we go! 

The Perfect Skinny Jeans

These are the LOFT jeans I raved about here and wore here. 

Cream and Navy Fisherman Sweater

I love fisherman sweaters so much and they are definitely a fall/winter wardrobe staple for me! My old fisherman sweater was a little worse for wear this year so I purchased two new ones from LL Bean and couldn't be happier with them. 

Black Cashmere Cardigan

I adore this J.Crew cashmere cardigan. It goes with everything and is the perfect weight to carry me through fall, winter and spring.

Black A-Line Skirt

This is the incredibly comfortable and flattering LOFT skirt I mentioned here. Stay tuned for an outfit featuring this skirt soon!. 

As you can see, my additions this season are simple, streamlined and versatile and I have already worn them a ton and it's only the start of the season! Be sure to check back in for picture posts where I style my new additions with existing core items and accessories for looks that keep on giving. 

Until next time, happy minimizing!