Fall in Line Part 1

Alright kiddos, it is officially fall!  It doesn't feel like it in West Texas today - this 95 degree temp isn't exactly agreeing with my 39 week pregnant self.  Once you are this pregnant the weather should never be over double the weeks you are along.  Agreed?  Agreed- I have to agree with myself on this one.

Photo courtesy of http://www.crystalkiss.com/fall-into-the-autumn-journey-with-mother-nature-with-these-beautiful-photography/

Back to fall.  I know that some of you have been dreading it but it is time to edit and purge again!  Those strapless summer dresses and linen pants will need to be packed away soon or moved to the less accessible areas of the closet to make room for all of those fabulous skinny cords, sweaters and boots.  I heart fall fashion to the point of silliness, as I know many of you do too.  Here are some tips for those feeling a bit overwhelmed as where to start...


1. To thine own self be true- go through those summer duds and pull out anything and everything that you did not wear this summer.  If you didn't wear it this season chances are that you won't wear it next summer either.  I know what happens (everyone does this!) you hold stuff over from the previous year(s) because you used to love it, paid a fortune for it, got it for a steal or it is that size that you know you will one day wear again.  Don't let that tube top take up anymore space in your life or your house!  Donate it and be done with it.  You will want to shop at the beginning of the season next year anyway so make room for the future pieces that you will actually wear.

2. Get it out - I'm a firm believer in editing ones wardrobe at the beginning AND the end of every season.  If that is too much for you stick with one or the other but don't cheat yourself by not editing at all.  *Tip* If you are going to consign your rejects you will want to edit at the beginning of the season.  Most consignment shops only take the current season's clothes.*  

Now take out everything that is out of season and if you can, try it on!  Wash or dry clean what needs it and fold it up for storage.  If you have the luxury of having another closet where you store "out of season" clothes than make sure that clothes are on proper hangers and are in appropriate garment bags.  I personally keep my out of season clothes in Space Bags nestled inside of under bed containers.  

 Fold those sweaters! You don't want the Lady Ga Ga look of pointy shoulders from your hangers.  Natural cotton garment bags like the ones above are great for storing leather, wool and other natural fibers as they allow the fabrics to breathe.  You can even find under the bed storage options in cotton, like the one below from Rubbermaid.

Rubbermaid Under-the-Bed Storage

Cedar planks are another great thing to put in under bed boxes and garment bags.  I love these from The Container Store. 

3. Welcome the new season - as you are pulling out this season's wears edit as you go.  Try on those clothes before you put them back in your closet.  If they don't fit or need to be tailored get on it!  Don't waste time hanging it up and risk not wearing it again.  Put those items in a bin to be taken to the dry cleaner or tailor and if it doesn't happen in 2-4 weeks donate it.  If you aren't willing to take the time to get it fixed you probably weren't all that excited about wearing it in the first place.  Also, items can get musty and wrinkled after months of storage - wash, steam or iron it now so it is ready to wear.    

4. Get your kicks - on Route 66...or not.  Fall isn't just about denim and sweaters it's about boots and cute flats!  Time to retire the flip-flops and sandals for a while and fish out that fall footwear.  Boots do take up considerable room in a closet; far more than flip flops.  In order to prevent what I call the "ankle break" in your tall boots and to keep them in order I like to use a couple of different boot shapers.  These are all great for keeping your boots looking their best and to save you time by not having to search for mates. 

• Our Boot Box from The Container Store

•  Boot Stand from The Container Store

•  Boot Holder from The Container Store

 

That should be enough to get you started for now, I will be giving you some more tips in the week to come.  You can de-clutter and give yourself the closet you have always wanted.  If you need a hand to hold or a trained eye, just contact me and I can help.  Happy fall! 

This blog is in no way sponsored or endorsed by The Container Store

Bathroom Clutter Buster

If you're like 95% of people in the world your bathroom cabinets are probably a little disorderly. Don't feel bad or guilty, it happens. You use your bathroom multiple times a day, every day. Things are bound to get a bit out of control. Fear not, you can conquer the bathroom clutter and in-turn get out the door faster with a more peaceful attitude.

Here is where you start. Open one cabinet or drawer, hear that? One. There is no need to overwhelm yourself and your space by emptying everything onto the floor of your bathroom only to shock yourself into fleeing. Pull out every single thing in that drawer and begin sorting.

Sorting: It's just like kindergarten; likes with likes, trash in the trash. Make yourself a mess of piles: hair stuff, face stuff, makeup, nail care, teeth care, first-aid, travel-sized goodies, back stock and extras (for those of you who shop Sam's and Costco you will have a large back stock pile).

Now that we have sorted, it is time to purge. Out goes the two-year old, half empty tube of toothpaste and the makeup foundation from three years ago. It doesn't matter how much it cost, expired is expired and old make up especially can carry all kinds of nasty germs and bacteria.

Here is the basic breakdown for when to kick things to the curb:
Foundation & Concealer - if it's a moisturizing or stick formula you're good for 18 months; oil-free and liquid varieties need to be pitched after 12 months due to bacteria from your face to the bottle. change/wash your applicator regularly to keep bacteria at bay

Eye Shadow - liquid 12 months, powder lasts for 2 years

Mascara - 3 months but if it starts to get dry and clumpy or smell weird pitch it before 90 days

Lipstick - 2 years

Blush & Powder - creams toss after 12 months but powders can last for 2 years

Nail Polish - it is still up in the air, some say 2 years or earlier if it gets thick and discolored; best way to make it last is to keep it upright, in your fridge and never to shake it. instead roll the bottle between your hands before use, it creates fewer air bubbles that will ruin your manicure

Lotion - typically lasts 1-2 years but if like everything else, if it starts to smell or turn color get rid of it

Sunscreen - there should be an expiration date on the bottle, if not stick with the one year rule if it has already been opened

Medications - always stick to the expiration date on the bottle; active ingredients can expire leaving the pill ineffective or possibly harmful

It can be hard to see expensive products going into the trash but it will help you in the future from over-buying and making better use of what you have. For example, there is a tendency to only use the same eye shadows or lipsticks when you have so much that it overloads your brain. You inevitably use the same thing you did the day before because it requires less thought than going through every color in the drawer and then having to choose from multiple options. Same goes for the clothes in your closet, unless you have well-planned organization to start.

There is no need to live in clutter and slow yourself down in the morning. Get it out, sort it, purge it and organize it. One drawer, one cabinet, or if you're feeling ambitious and have a buddy, one room at a time.

Go from this:

To this:




Label makers are fabulous too. If it seems like more than you can bear to handle solo, give me a shout! It is what I do and coincidentally, what I love.

Closet Clutter

Don't we all have a closet (or two, or ten) in our house that piles up with misc. junk? You know, the closet that you walk by and just the close proximity makes you shudder. It happens to the best of us. You start by shoving something random in there and then another and before you know it there is an unwanted sink and a year's supply of Modge Podge. Just in case.

Here is a before and after to get you going.



Don't let excess clutter happen to you. Hire me to tackle it for you or just burn it all. Happy organizing!