STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

ViViDogWear · Kate Spade

Small Closet/Space Issues???

Kitty · Hermes

Can you store all off-season stuff under your bed or something?

atlgirl · Gucci

Do you really, really, really wear it ALL? I kind of have to agree with your dad...and this is, of course, coming from a girl who has most of our master closet, half of the back bedroom closet, and stuff in bins under the guest room bed...*sighs* Our closets in this house are tiny but we have a fair number of them. But I always feel that I need to edit more than I already do. Usually I do one or two big purges a year and I always feel better when those items are gone. And I never miss them.

I do wear almost everything in my closet(s), though. A few years ago I started paring down my wardrobe and I'm happier with less items but more thoughtfully chosen ones.

I'd try taking a long hard look at what you have now, and see if you're still holding onto anything that's just not working in your life or wardrobe. Make it a challenge to yourself to see how little you can make work for you - it's not a crime to wear the same pieces of clothing (paired with different things) more often. :)

Lilykind · Hermes

atlgirl wrote:

Do you really, really, really wear it ALL? I kind of have to agree with your dad...and this is, of course, coming from a girl who has most of our master closet, half of the back bedroom closet, and stuff in bins under the guest room bed...*sighs*

ITA.

The apartment that BF and I lived in before we bought our condo had a fabulous walk-in closet. The condo doesn't have a walk in, so I was forced to edit and get rid of a ton of things. Like atlgirl, I don't miss the things I've given away/donated over the years. Now, I'm confined to

* 2/3 of the master bedroom closet (mixed in w/BF's wardrobe)
* 5 coats in the second br closet
* the Rakku shoe wheel.

In all honestly, I realize that I really wear the same few favorite pieces over and over again, just with different shoes and accesories.

If you need inspiration and motivation to do the purge, maybe try catching an episode on Mission Organization (on HGTV or Fine Living). Every time I watch that show, I have a strong desire to purge.

ViViDogWear · Kate Spade

Yeah - I did clear out about 40% of my stuff from the time I moved back home (not counting new things I have pruchased). I think now is just harder to get rid of better items because some things I never wear are good quality and shape. I DID stay up til 3am though cleaning more stuff out. 1 more bag for donating! :) Makes me feel better too.

-- Edited by ViViDogWear at 15:04, 2007-11-17

kenzie · Chanel

I absolutely agree with atlgirl and lilykind. I have way too many clothes. I just recently got rid of 9 huge trash bags full of clothes and I still don't have enough room in my walk-in closet. I added a rod, a rolling rack and an additional rolling rack outside the closet in my bedroom. But, since I am moving in with SO in a few weeks and there will be less closet space because we have to share, I have to get rid of more stuff.

I, too, have realized that I only wear a few select things and the rest just sits there. Of course, there are special items that I only wear once in a while and won't get rid of, but normal, every day stuff that just sits there has to go.

Suasoria · Chanel

Don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like your living arrangement is part of the problem. Is a permanent house anywhere in the future? It's something to work towards, anyway. The "some nights here, some nights there" thing would make me utterly schizophrenic.

I have no idea how women in space-challenged cities do it either. I'm in L.A. and when we remodeled our house in 2005, I made sure we had his-and-her closets in the master suite. I guess the property values in thiose places make up for the lack of space...

Try calling some consignment stores to see if they have recommendations for off-site storage. "Fur storage" is a pretty typical service here since our weather doesn't necessitate having a lot of winter clothes, yet if you live bicoastally or have places in L.A. and, say, Vail, Moscow, or Munich, you might want clothing storage. Of course you'll pay for this, but it could be an option.

And as said above, the simplest solution to this complex problem is a purge.

ViViDogWear · Kate Spade

Suasoria - You are COMPLETELY right about the living arrangement. It does make me nuts and schizo. I can't even get dressed properly every day, even though I should since I work in fashion.

Looking toward the future, I will move in with the fiance officially after our wedding. Although I am here basically 5-6 days of the week. He is not ready for me to move in to his compact condo or any re-decorating I'd like to do (a whole nother post). I've kind of resigned myself to the fact that I will have to leave most of my stuff and what's left of my furniture at my parents' house until we can buy/move to a new house (which will be a couple of years at least in this market).

This feeling comes and goes (on about the same cycle as my other monthly visitor, LOL) but I just continue to purge and purge. It's taking me a while to edit years of having a place all of my own. :(

KaffeeKlatsch · Marc Jacobs

Just a couple suggestions that work for me...I'm space challenged also, but have found a way to make it work.
The vacuum space saver bags are a wonder for sweaters and thick-fabric items. I bought a hand steamer so it things come out of the bag in gnarly condition, I can fix it right away. I tend to use them all year long...so once I do the laundry I fold them and put them back in the bags.
I'd go through and just force yourself to take items out...I give myself the 'every third hanger' rule: basically every third hung up item gets taken out and put away. If in 3 months time I haven't missed it, I donate it.
Since you are between places, I'd pick out two weeks worth to have in the closet in both locations and store the rest.

halah · Kenneth Cole

when I moved to NYC I gave up a huge walk-in closet and have had such a hard time adjusting. Like Leah mentioned before a lot of items I'll put in trashbags and ...if I don't miss anything in there I take it to Salvation Army. I also am a lot tougher on myself because I've learned I rarely remember or regret giving items away after I've done it. Sometimes it helps to have an objective friend go through things and force you to throw stuff out.

Otherwise get creative with your storage. I use underbed for seasonal items. The suitcases for coats/flip-flops, swimsuits and hats. I have three dressers including one in the "living room" which is TVStand/DVD/clothes storage. I have been known to keep up to 8 pairs of shoes in my filing cabinet at work too ;) and have considered storing things in my car since I pay so much for my parking spot anyway, might as well take advantage!