Closet help - The Style Studio by Keri Blair

At this point in the season, Stella and I need some closet help. I get so busy that sometimes I just put our clothes away without keeping them perfectly organized. I know, I should have our closets looking amazing everyday given this is what I do and preach to my clients but mid-season, our closets start to look disorganized and in need of some attention and love. For me, it’s a simple afternoon of re-organizing everything. If you haven’t organized or cleaned your closet for awhile, it will take longer. Below are my recommendations.

The first thing I would recommend, is to purchase and read the book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.” There is a reason this book has been a best-seller for a long time. A client told me to read it awhile ago because it shares my philosophy on decluttering.

I love that her advice is that if something doesn’t bring you joy, get rid of it. Most people have clothes in their closets that they haven’t worn in years and yet they keep sifting through these old clothes everyday to find something to wear. My one word for you is … PURGE! It’s time to let go of those pants that don’t fit, that top that never looked good and that outfit you wore ten years ago on your favorite vacation. Oh, and don’t get me started on the t-shirts from old concerts or races.

Here are a few of my favorite tips for your closet help:

Step 1: If you want to do it the right way, take everything out of your closet.

Before putting anything back in, try it on and ask yourself if you love it. In the book she uses the phrase, “bring you joy,” but you’ll get the same result. If you don’t, get rid of it. Also, if you do this step right, space will no longer be an issue for you.

Step 2: Organize everything by category.

All pants, skirts, dresses, tops, jackets, etc. are hung together by color from lightest to darkest. This is important as it allows your eye to flow and find exactly what you want to wear. I also like to organize by sleeve length.

Step 3: Make a list of items you need.

This keeps you on track and avoids unnecessary clutter and over shopping.

Step 4: Shop for those times.

My favorite products to keep you organized.

Huggable Hangers. I love these because they save space and keep your clothes looking great.

Joy Mangano Huggable Hangers 34-pc Combo Pack, $39.95

Boot inserts. These are a must have for your tall boots as they keep their shape until the next time you wear them.

Moneysworth & Best Deluxe Boot Shaper, $11.66

Shoe organizers. Whatever you do, please organize your shoes. Don’t just throw your shoes at the bottom of your closet or in a plastic tub and think they will last and look good.

Seville Classics Resin-Wood Composite Utility Shoe Rack, $29.99

Purse organizers. Whatever system works for you, find a way for your purse to keep its shape when you aren’t using it.

Misslo Hanging Handbag Closet Organizer, $12.45

Jewelry Organizers. This is a cute jewelry tree for your necklaces. Find a divided box, traditional jewelry box, cool frame to hang things in or find a another great idea on Etsy. Just keep them organized so you can find them at a moment’s notice.