Closet Cleaning 101 (Part 2)

Now that you've taken those first major steps in cleaning your closet, take a step back and marvel at all the space you've made for new items (or maybe for a place to put those 5 pairs of shoes that have been living in the front hall because you couldn't fit them in with the rest)!

You've come a long way, Baby! But, there is still more to do. Add these tips to your process and you will find even more room still in that vortex that is your cluttered closet.

Tip 5: Alterations Pile

When sorting through your items, you may come across a few things that are almost perfect, but they just need a little alteration or two. Cleaning your closet is the perfect time to identify those items and haul them to the tailor all in one shot. Now those pants that were too long, and the jacket that needed new pockets are both as good as new and fit perfectly with your wardrobe!

Tip 6: From Do's To Shoes People!
As our fabulous name indicates, a wardrobe is a head to toe package. Getting rid of old jeans and tees is only half the battle. Sort through belts, shoes, purses (if your a woman, or a tres chic dude), scarves, hats & gloves too! Most of the time, these items are keepers because truthfully, a good belt can last longer than a few decades (just take a snoop in my Grandma's closet and you can see that)! But some times, those things need to go. That shoe that gives you blisters; that belt you bought on impulse that never gets worn; those gloves with a teeny hole that you constantly reject for a better pair - TOSS! Bonus: those gloves might help a homeless person or a kid who needs winter-wear.

Tip 7: Garbage or Give Away

It is really important that you make two separate piles when you are tossing things - garbage and give away. Things like underwear, gross socks, pit stained t-shirts and the like, are garbage. Despite that fact that you might think that someone might someday love the item as you once did, thats a false hope because no one wants stuff like that. Its a wonderful feeling to know that someone else is going to feel good because of you (trust us, we know!), but please don't just give them everything just so its out of your hands. After all, what kind of charity would that be?

Tip 8: Touch it Once

As our good friend Dee always says "touch it once". This is a good motto day to day to keep clutter from multiplying. But for closet cleaning, it might as well be rule numero uno. What does it mean? Well it means that once you bag an item to go to charity, you can't go back and retrieve it. Make calculated, yet firm decisions when sifting though each item, and then stick to them! Believe us when we tell you that when your closet is clean, the item that you might have retrieved will stick out like a sore thumb in an other wise perfect-for-your-life wardrobe.

With these 8 tips, you should now have a closet that glimmers with the hope of becoming perfect. You can now see your sweaters, your pants and your shoes and can select outfits ever day that you feel good in that fit in with who you are and the image you are trying to project. 

Always remember to dress for the job you want, not the job you've got!

Stay Chic,

From Do's To Shoes Styling

Closet Cleaning 101 (Part 1)

The truth is, in this age of over consumption, we all have things in our closets that we never wear. Items that we see and instantly think "oh I forgot I even had this!" and shove back into the pile of stuff spilling out of your shelves.

The thing about cleaning your closet, is that its a hassle. It takes time, energy and decision making power that seems can be a very daunting task to go at alone. And then of course is the question that keeps our stuff stuffed in the first place - "what if I need it one day?"

From Do's To Shoes Styling is (if we do say so ourselves) the best way to get this item checked off your infinite 'to do' list. But of course, if you live outside the GTA and you can't get our reps out to you, then you may have to tackle it solo; with these tips of course!

Tip 1: Sentimental = Be judgemental
If it is an item that has real sentimental value, don't argue with yourself. You know that your Grandmother would do back flips in her grave if you gave her lucky red sweater to Goodwill (note: all used clothing should be donated), then for goodness sakes, keep it!
However, the flip of Grandma's sentimental is the kind where silly objects become more than their worth. The tee shirt you wore on that first date that now has holes in the seams and a stain on the front - TOSS!

Tip 2: Inner Struggle: Which side wins?
This is part of the "war" From Do's To Shoes Styling's slogan is talking about. You have a perfectly good item that you've worn a few times and it looks pretty good, but for some reason you rarely pick it up in the morning to put on. You can't see a good reason to get rid of 'a perfectly good item', but you know it doesn't get to the top of the pile enough. So what to do? Usually the answer is toss it (the less clutter the better), but try to ask yourself "what don't I like about this item?". Whatever the answer is, try to remember to steer clear of similar items in the future when shopping to fill your newly made gaps in your closet.

Tip 3: Stains, Smears, Holes and Ruined Fabrics
There is nothing worse than a person trying to look their best, with a hole in their clothing! If your items are not strictly lounge around the house items, then any of the above are strictly prohibited in the wardrobes of any From Do's To Shoes Styling Clients! If the pits look a little yellow, if the fabric gets those little balls (called pilling), if your shoulders/ribs/hips/butt/leg/arm/collar has holes... TOSS! Regardless of the item, it can usually be replaced by something more chic and more appropriate.

Tip 4: Skinny/Fat Clothes
Women (and many men) keep a one or two (or 6) pants and tops that fit them in their "better body". Though this is a semi-norm of society, From Do's To Shoes Styling believes deeply that the body you have is the body you should dress for. Lets face it, you keep those clothes because you feel best in them. So go out and get some stuff that makes you feel even better. If you aren't the size you want to be, at least you should feel great in your clothes! Tossing might be tough when it comes to these items, so the best recommendation is to store them some where else in the house so you don't get taunted by them. Who knows? You might even forget they are there and forget all about trying to get to that size again!

These starter tips are the first of many to come on how to de-clutter your closet. Hope these helped! Keep checking back to our blog for updates on all the latest news.

Stay Chic,
From Do's To Shoes Styling

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