When it comes time to do a closet edit what do you do with the clothes you are ready to let go? Donate, re-sale or consignment, throw away?
First, let’s quickly discuss editing your closet. I recommend doing this seasonally. Some women do it a little more —others less or hardly EVER! I’ve always loved organizing, re-working my closet. That’s why this piece of my styling services remains one of my favorite ways I help my clients. Many personal stylists focus on helping you buy more. I’m all about making a plan and using what you have first. Then shopping for what you need after this is completed.
I evaluate each piece with this criteria and make categories: Keep (to style differently) Donate,Throw, Resale
The Evaluation Process:
1. If it’s in good condition, do I still love it?
If I’m simply tired of it, how can I wear it differently? This is the challenge I enjoy, and quite honestly my forte when I help other women. Each season several pieces go in a holding pattern— I want to see if I can find something to give it new life.
2. Donations:
Evaluate these pieces carefully. Good Will doesn’t want your stained, pilled items either. Plain and simple: There are certain things you need to throw away (despite the fact that recently I read a staggering statistic about how many tons of clothes go into the landfills each year!)
3. Re-sale or consignment.
I cycle out at least 10-15 pieces every season that are worthy of resale.
Every blog or magazine article you can possibly find about closet edits will tell you to get rid of whatever you haven’t worn the last year. I don’t agree with that completely because there are other varying factors each year to consider–weather, lifestyle changes, job changes etc. I’d give it two years.
These questions go through our minds when organizing:
-Will I wear it again if I lose weight?
-Can I find something to go with it if I’m not wearing it?
-Is it worth altering?
Don’t spend too much time debating. Chances are if you part with it, you probably won’t miss it. If you just can’t decide, put it in a section of your closet and decide later. I do this and it’s helpful. Recently I had a questionable item and I wore it one more time and realized I was over it. I let it go.
And it’s Ok to have a “sentimental” category. There are things you may never part with for reasons that I simply call SENTIMENTAL
I thought I’d show you some pieces that were part of a recent edit so you’d get an idea of my thought process for resale.
This is an Eileen Fisher piece from 2014 that I wore like crazy when I worked at Nordstrom. I only had a few of her pieces. You sell what you wear and I tried to show ways to wear it especially with scarves. I had the perfectly coordinated scarf and spent much time giving scarf tying “lessons” to interested customers. I’m over this style personally (although it’s still in fashion) and the resale boutique likes Eileen Fisher so it’s going.
This top is Cabi 2014 or 2015. Admittedly I didn’t wear it much as it never fit quite right after I gained some weight. It’s too bad. It pairs nicely with so many colors.
Raincoats really don’t go out of style. For some reason I thought I needed another one so this older one is going.
I’m in debate mode over this dress. I certainly don’t wear this, but as I’m start going to more networking meetings maybe I will. On the other hand one of my nieces needs clothes for her job with a dress code. I may give it to her. It’s in the holding closet for now.
This jacket doesn’t breathe well, so I was always warm. This was mostly when I was running around the floors of Nordstrom. I thought maybe I’d wear it more the last year, but I just haven’t. It needs to go.
This is a picture taken a year ago with an outfit I put together using two pieces I almost parted with. The blouse is very lightweight and the button placket just never laid right. It bothered me every time I wore it. But that doesn’t show when you layer it under a pleather vest from 2013! I received so many comments on this outfit. Yes, I wondered if the vest was still current. Recently I found this one from Vince Camuto if you want to duplicate my look. You can wear any type of blouse underneath.
This gives you a taste of the process. It’s different for everyone. Dig in and take a section at a time. I promise it gets easier!
