simplify your life: spring cleaning (your closet!)

Spring is finally here in NYC - it was a pretty brutal winter to say the least!  In honor of one of my fave seasons (Fall is pretty close to my heart...) and the renewal it brings, I'm all about doing a little spring cleaning...especially in my closet!

My winter closet seemed have stuck around longer than I would've liked.  Looking at the dark colors, boots, leggings, etc. in near 70-degree temps is just depressing.  Here's what I typically do in order simplify and lighten my load for the season ahead:  

First, you need four trash bags labeled... 

1.  Wash 
2.  Mend   
3.  Donate
4.  Toss

Then, ask yourself the following questions:

•  What did I wear?  These items should be thrown in the "Wash" bag.  (Don't forget to check your hamper!)  If I know there's something that's a go-to all season, I inspect for broken zippers, missing buttons, sequins, etc.  These items belong in the "Mend" bag.  Inspect shoes/boots as well!  Your footwear can go a very, very long way if properly cared for...  (even a broken heel can be fixed quite easily!)  When washed/mended, these items can be placed in whatever space you store your out-of-season garb.

• What didn't I wear?  Whatever is left hanging in my closet (literally), is usually donated to a local charity or passed down to a lucky friend or family member that would put it to good use.  Same goes for shoes and boots - my closet is teeny-tiny, so the newfound space will be treasured! Throw these in the "Donate" bag.

• What is permanently damaged?  Sadly, there's clothing that I hold onto in hopes that stains can be removed or a huge rip can be mended.  As stated above, space is super limited, so with these items, I bid farewell.  Some people believe that they can still be donated, but I don't think anyone would be pleased in receiving a damaged piece of clothing.  I suggest these items be thrown in the "Toss" bag.  

•  What can be used this season?  Here is where you save some of that hard earned cash...  Light sweaters, blazers/jackets, sleeveless dresses (paired with sweaters/jackets) can be used year 'round if worn properly.  These items can stay in your closet!  It's also a time saver if you tend to "shop" in your closet for those impromptu occasions.  (If you want to conserve space, these items can be folded and put on a shelf or  transferred to your dresser drawers if you know they won't be used that often for a particular season...)

By now, you should have some semi-full trash bags and some room for your seasonal clothing.  Don't be afraid to donate/toss items you haven't worn...if it doesn't make you feel fantabulous, move on!  =)

Happy Spring!

simplistically yours,
xoxo andrea