09 January 2013

Lost in Organization

I would like to think that I keep pretty up-to-date with the contents of my closet. I do have a lot of clothes, shoes and accessories and I enjoy shopping for new things, but I try to balance that more or less with donations, giving to friends or selling pieces. 

pinks

If you're familiar with my clothing storage though, you know that I keep clothes all over the place. I don't store away seasonal clothes and try to stay organized, but I've got half the main bedroom closet which includes a bunch of plastic pull-out drawers, an entire dress, plus the closet in the guest room. I've also purchased some jewelry display cases and leave that out on a desk, and hang some of my purses up on hooks. 

Which pretty much means that as good as my intentions to be streamlined are, I end up in situations where I can dig four navy blazers out of my closet. And about 4,562 striped tops, an ever-multiplying number of leopard print shoes, a retail store's worth of costume jewelry - but seriously, cruise ship activity directors aside, who needs more than one navy blazer?

pinks  pinks

I lose track of stuff all the time, which sucks. There are pieces that I love in my closet that I haven't worn through most of 2012 because they got lost in the racks. Sweaters buried under other sweaters. The perfect pair of shoes that I know I have for an outfit but cannot locate to save my life.

Now I know I'm not the only gal here who has got a lot of stuff, so I need some advice, ladies. I want to make sure I'm giving the proper love to the clothes I've got and I can give as many pieces "their time in the sun" as I can. How do you get the most wear out of your clothing? How do you keep up-to-date with your own wardrobe and make sure that things don't get "lost" in the closet?

And yes, my shirt is new. You may or may not ever see it again when I put it back in the drawer and it gets suffocated by all my other striped tops vying for attention.

pinks  pinks

Vest: J.Crew excursion herringbone (worn here - same solid, sim, sim)
Top: Loft striped drop shoulder (sim, sim yellow, blue or purple)
Scarf: Loft exotic bullseye (sim, sim, luxe)
Jeans: F21 (worn here - sim, pricey, steal)
Earrings: J.Crew (sim, sim)
Bracelets: J.Crew wildflower (sim colors, pricey, pastels), Asos (set, set)
Bag: Kate Spade quilted signature ellen (worn here - sim, flap, sim, luxe)
Boots: Type Z (worn here - sim, pricey, luxe, steal)

68 comments:

  1. This is a great post, as always! Nope, you're not the only gal who has a lot of stuff!! I use Pinterest and Polyvore to help me organize outfits, as well as to keep those pieces that I love in sight at all times. And, I've started snapping pictures of outfit combinations as well so that I can remember all of the details.

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    1. One thing that has really helped about blogging for me, is that I kind of have a record of what I've worn - I've been Pinterest-ing my outfits so I have an easy reference, which helps a bit.

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  2. I have a lot of stuff but I donate once month or so to make sure that I am actually wearing what I own. It's hard to part with some things but I would rather donate to someone that could actually use it. I love this outfit on you!

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    1. That's a good point, I need to do a thorough scrounge-through of my stuff!

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  3. Cute boots!!I don't know if I've seen these before - hahaha, which I guess is exactly what you're talking about :) I make sure things don't get lost by going through my closet every once in a while and getting rid of things I don't wear anymore. I think your blog sale is perfect for this and that's why I started one of my own. Also, by selling some old clothes I can use the money towards new ones and not feel guilty about spending.

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  4. I hear you girl. I tend to just get overwhelmed and start just pulling things out helter/skelter. I have a huge pile of sell/donate in my little boys room this minute! You are exactly right, I have to be very organized and put things away properly to make sure I know where things are. And even then things get lost. Polyvore helps.

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  5. I just pulled out the majority of my wardrobe and really saw how much I have. Since our place is so small organizing and making better use of our space is on my list for 2013. And I le the new stripes... :)

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    1. My big sis has a small closet at her home (NYC living!) so she is so well-edited in terms of her pieces and organized. I need to be more like that!

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  6. I dont have a lot of space,so i am always weeding things out(to sell on ebay or give away).This helps to see everything,but i would rather have more space and "display" my stuff like in a store.
    Great Blogpost!

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    Replies
    1. I know, I'd love to have one of those open plan closets that span the wall of one room and you can see everything all at once and you're forced to be neat because it's all out there ... hm, can you do open plan with doors, hehe?

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  7. I have the same problem. My clothes are in such disarray that I keep losing things to the bottom of my closet and it drives me nuts! I am vowing to clean it out soon and get rid of things I'm not wearing that are taking up valuable space. Luckily though I have a pretty good mental inventory of what I own for when I go shopping for new things :)

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Datevitation Giveaway!

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    1. Hehe, I apparently don't have this mental inventory thing down ...

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  8. This is the cutest outfit! Love all the pattern mixing, but how the colors really pull it together! I have this vest too, I'm going to have to try styling it like this :)

    Jamie
    forevereightyone.blogspot.com

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  9. This is exactly what I've been wondering, how people organize/store/stash-under-the-bed (oh wait, that's me) their clothes. Thanks for linking back to your pictures and asking the question. I wish everybody would share their closets/drawers! (Wait, not that kind of drawers, sheesh.)

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    1. I know what you mean, I am totally curious to how some gals store their wardrobes - I guess that is me being nosy, but it's all in the name of research, right? ;o)

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    2. I just emptied my closet this week and culled stuff out, and now (after a trip to The Container Store) have organized it. Did same for my dresser. Wow. I'm going to take pictures because it will never look like this again.

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  10. Your organization sounds like mine - I have half of my clothes in our guest bedroom too! Unfortunately, that means I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to stuff, so I have very little advice.

    I really love the vest you are wearing!

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  11. Loving all the color in this outfit!!

    xo Rach
    Rach.E.Cakes

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  12. I recently went through my closet too. I have 13 LBDs. 13!!! And most of them don't even get a once a year wear because they are fancier. But I can't let go of them!

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    1. Yes, but if you have a fancy dress party, you are totally set. I did realize the other day that I have no fancy dresses - what does that say about my casual life!

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  13. 1. Love this outfit today. 2. Here's what I try to do in my closet: I put things together by type, then after I was it I put it at the end of that type and try not to wear it again unto its closer to the front of that type again. It works pretty well for me. Another idea is Turing you hangers around so they face in instead of oyt. Then as you wear it, put it back the correct way. At the end of a season you'll know what you've worn and what you haven't. Then, it's easier to see what to donate.
    Ginny
    mynewfavoriteoutfit.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. I totally need to think up something like this - and remember that I did it so I am not sticking stuff back willy nilly - great idea!

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  14. I don't pack clothes away according to the season either as I just don't need to living in the UK. I can pretty much wear the same stuff all year round & just dig my hot hot weather stuff from the bottom of my drawers if I need them. I have three wardrobes, one for dresses so that's easy. One in the spare room is coats/ jackets/blazers. My main wardrobe in our room is tops/ skirts/knitwear/ jeans & trousers. Oh & shoes. It's huge. Floor to ceiling. I need a stool to reach up to the rail to get stuff down. I keep am my skirts hung together in length order, tops are in sleeve length order. Knitwear & other tops on separate coloured piles. So basically I know exactly where to look fit stuff as long as I put it back in the right place!

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  15. First world problems right! So I at times have trouble with this issue particularly because we (as a couple) don't have a very big closet so I have to share :0 the tragedy!! Which means that I have to place out of season items in storage, which is so much fun when we decide to explore a tropical destination in the middle of winter! Anyhoo, what I have found helpful for my folded items, because hello! I have multitudes of striped shirts as well, is to place a just-worn top at the bottom of the folded pile so that what's most visible are the tops I haven't reached for as often. Hope that helps! I do the same thing with pants and sweaters, which are all folded.

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    1. Haha, exactly, first world problems! Tomorrow, I will write about how my iPhone case isn't exactly right for me. ;o)

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  16. that scarf is such a beautiful print!!!!! love it with the striped top!

    xo. c & v
    cake & valley

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  17. IMO, the solution is to buy and have less stuff. You don't need a million striped tops or navy blazers. But, it's still hard to stay organized, I know. I just try to keep like items together. Striped tops all in the same pile, turtenecks together, cardigans together. It works pretty well.

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  18. I LOVE your boots...and I love all the colors in this outfit!
    Meredith
    createthatoutfit.com

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  19. I had this problem until I started actually making the effort to keep organized. It's not perfect yet, but I'm down to a more manageable sized wardrobe. I hang up everything I own so I can see them and i know immediately what I need and what I already have and what works with what. Good luck!
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights

    the shop of worldly delights



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  20. When u figure out a way please let me know!!!

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  21. hey lisa! i change my closet out according to season. i also like to hang (hanger) and pair tops with bottoms making a complete outfit (takes up less room in my closet). i purge my closet by selling gently used items on eBay and donating. i just recently started a pinterest board cataloguing my winter and summer wear. i also keep a secret pinterest board and pin items that just come out in stores. it really helps to pair clothes up (colors). also when a store has a sale, i don't have to fumble to remember what I wanted from their. when an outfit is complete, i just transfer it to my summer/winter pinterest board. my philosophy is when new items come in, something has to go. love your top! i was thinking about purchasing it.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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    1. Ooh, I didn't know you could do hidden Pin boards, that may be a good idea to "store" pics of pieces I've got.

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  22. This outfit is SO cute. Love all the color and that Kate Spade bag is adorable! I have a little system in my closet (although it certainly wouldn't work for everyone). It's organized by tops and bottoms - and when I wear something, I put it to the right of the closet, so when I go to pick out clothes in the morning, I try and reach for things on the LEFT (meaning I haven't worn them in a while). It seems to help my wardrobe get evenly worn - plus it's fun to mix and match things you didn't think would go together at the end of the pile. :)

    Morgan
    seemomogo.blogspot.com

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    1. I wish I had the space to do that, but I like your thinking of putting aside the "just worn" pieces so you have a quick handle on what has yet to be worn - I need to figure out a way to do something similar, thanks!

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  23. I kind of have the same problem. I think I am organized, but really not. While I do change out my clothes by season, things still get lost. That's my goal this year, to purge, donate, not buy anything new, and use what I already have. Although I don't think you can ever have too many striped tops or leopard shoes :) Heather

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  24. I so love that vest! Every once in awhile I do a closet cleanout, but besides that I have no real advice lol

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  25. I love your new striped shirt!

    "cruise ship activity directors aside, who needs more than one navy blazer?" - Hahahhahaha, you're too funny!

    xoxo

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  26. I put away spring/summer stuff for the winter. I live in Canada, so we have distinct seasons. Usually, in the midst of these seasonal transitions, I purge and reassess pieces. However, sometimes I feel like I'd rather sell the item and get some money back, but it can be time-consuming and clog up space until it sells.
    (Confession: for years I held on to my fat-size-designer jeans in case I got pregnant. lol. But even now they're dated and I wouldn't wear them even preggers!)
    But you always have good insights, Lisa. It's true: if you can't find it, is it worth the closet space?!

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    1. I know, I need to stop holding onto stuff just because I like it. Because I like it doesn't necessarily translate to liking to wear it. So if I "find" something I've forgotten about in my closet and still don't wear it, it probably doesn't belong!

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  27. I recently gave away and sold 2 closets full of clothing. I love to shop and I never seem to be satisfied. Love the vest even against the colorful stripe. Would love for you to check out my blog to see how I paired a j crews sequins top with leather leggings:

    www.StyleDeLaCreme.com

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  28. Honestly, I am not organized at all! I have a storage unit that I like to take my off season clothes to, but it rarely happens on time. I wish I had a way to be organized, kind of like Cher's closet in Clueless!

    xo

    Ashley

    Southern (California) Belle

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    1. Cher's closet - yes, please! But if someone else can do all the organizing and cataloging for me, hehe.

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  29. the bracelet is so pretty :D nice outfit :D

    Join my first giveaway and win Thboxes accessories of your choice
    http://luchluchcraft.blogspot.com/2013/01/international-giveaway-win-thboxes.html

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  30. the bracelet is so pretty. nice outfit ;D

    Join my first giveaway and win Thboxes accessories of your choice
    http://luchluchcraft.blogspot.com/2013/01/international-giveaway-win-thboxes.html

    ReplyDelete
  31. we live in an old house with the tiniest closets ever! I have the whole master closet and Ian has the guest room closet and we are still bursting at the seams! I have no choice but to make a donate pile every time I bring something new home because we simply have no room! Maybe we should invest in a bigger house with bigger closets before investing in anymore clothes! HAhaha!

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    1. My sis has a tiny closet but still has a ton of clothes and it's really helped her because she's great at editing her wardrobe and staying organized. I've got loads more closet room, and instead, I urban sprawl out ...

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  32. Two things:

    1. The good news is - stripes are still very much on the radar for this year, so you're golden with your 4,562 stripe tops.

    2. I will gladly send you my address to try out your "old" items. ;) haha

    Sequins&Stilettos

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    1. I know, good thing I don't have a closet full of penguin sweaters or something!

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  33. I recently gave away about 3 bags of clothing to Goodwill and I have one more to sell. I try to stay organized, but it's hard to remember what I have in my closet while I'm shopping. I'm definitely going to curb my shopping habits this year and use what I already have in my closet. I really don't need to buy anymore clothes.

    Moody Girl In Style

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  34. Lisa - this is exactly what I've been thinking about lately! I just found a pair of earrings in my gym bag and it was like getting a new pair of earrings for free - totally forgot I had them. :)
    I just reorganized my drawers so instead of piling items on top of each other, they're kind of rolled/folded and lined up in rows that go from front to back. I was amazed at how much more drawer space I have when I do it that way - what barely fit in one drawer now fits with almost half the drawer to spare. The challenge will be to upkeep the system! Still trying to figure out how to rotate items so I don't wear the same thing all the time - but I found some great suggestions in the above comments that I'll have to try out. :)
    This mix of prints and colors is so cheerful - and those boots are great!

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    1. I have the most problem with drawered stuff. They're all folded in there, but that means I totally can't see everything. I'll try your idea on rolling/folding to save space and maybe be able to see more stuff at a time.

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  35. whaaaaat- wow- I love how all these elements work together. the prints, the colours. sigh. this is why we *need* so many different pieces! I use polyvore to keep track of some things, trying to mix old and new, plus all my tops and sweaters are in a glass door wardrobe so I can see all the prints and colours at any one time (except for the sleeves hanging down etc.) Last spring I had a little notebook to keep track of ideas, noting things I hadn't worn in awhile that needed to come out again...I need to reinstitute that!

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  36. the print and color of your scarf = gorgeous! :D

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

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  37. i have the EXACT same problem. i can never find anything. and i have clothes in THREE rooms now. i REALLY need to have a sale. like really. =(

    p.s. i love that vest. i had it on a wishlist and never ended up getting it. =(

    xoxo, jenn
    the stylish housewife

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  38. I have a lot of clothes that I don't wear, pretty much all of it I gave to my friends and relatives.I'm kind of messy with my stuff most of the time so I try to organize my clothes from every day, for occasions/events, my go-to and special dates, shirts to shirts, skirts to skirts, dresses with dresses and so on.I do mix pieces of clothes every week so I'm not bored with wearing the same outfit.That way I can use each and one of them without the hassle of picking what to wear for the moment.I also tried taking pictures of my outfits so I can track every single one of the pieces and have a 'look' as a reference if I'm in a hurry to get dressed or just have an idea what look I would go for.And making 'week themes' would be helpful too~ like, in a week the theme is all about 'navy', next week would be 'summer' something like that.It would feel overwhelming at first but things will be easier for you I'm sure~ just know what it works for you.You'll be okay! :D By the way, love your outfit! :D Xx

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  39. Guilty, guilty, guilty is me! Polyvore helps some and putting things away in categories helps some but mostly I have to depend on my memory and that's not going well.

    You look adorable!!

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  40. I'm crazy about that scarf!

    I'm bad at forgetting about items in my closet. But when I rediscover them a few months later, I'll wear them for weeks on end!

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  41. I have two navy blazers. Cruise ship activities director sounds fun :)

    Sal at Already Pretty says put stuff where you can see it, so I've been trying to do more of that - as well as be honest about what I don't absolutely love, so I can consign, gift, or donate it. To make room for better stuff, dontcha know.

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    1. I totally need to put stuff where I can see it - I wish I could do one of those awesome open plan closets that span a whole wall of a room or something!

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  42. I have to put away things each season so that allows me to edit my clothing multiple times a year (when putting away and then when I take them out again). I complain about the lack of space but have now realised it's a blessing in disguise as I am working towards a well curated wardrobe of items I truly LOVE and wear often - as opposed to just because they look good on me or someone else.

    I also need to see everything I have - if I don't see I don't wear it.
    I think constantly going back to see what you have is a good start - and edit edit edit.

    Also this is harder but before you buy anything new, work out whether you already have something similar in your closet. How often will you wear it? Does it go with your lifestyle etc etc etc..

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  43. That's a truly amazing bag, love it!!
    Other than that, I am a fan of downsizing and only keeping stuff you actually like, that fits you and are right for the season in my main closet, so I don't have to look through tons of stuff that I can't wear for various reasons before I find what I need. And organizing the stuff is a constant process for me, I work on it very actively. So I have no easy way to solve it, just to let it take time until you find a way that works for you :)

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  44. What works for me is to hang most clothes, excepting underthings, tights and pjs. Everything is on a hanger; to avoid stretching them out of shape, I fold and hang sweaters like dry cleaners do: over the hanger bar. I also completely empty my closet at least twice a year, and rearrange things periodically - most recently, tops are arranged by sleeve length.

    For shoes I invested in a rotating rack. It looks a bit silly, and it def doesn't work for boots, but it's a quick way to see what I have.

    I store out of season clothes in sweater bags on a high concealed storage shelf above my closet.

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  45. Girl I'd love 4 navy blazers ;) haha but seriously, I feel you on the clothing storage. Whenever I run out of closet hangers, I pick a few things out I haven't worn in months/years (whoops) and put them in a bag to pass on to my family members. I always feel a little less guilty since I won't be staring at these clothes I never wore, and someone gets some use out of them :)

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  46. I'm a bit compulsive so I organize and reorganize pretty often and I still forget about certain pieces. I think hanged clothes are much easier to maintain than those that are in drawers, though. And by the way, I absolutely love your outfit. Great pieces!

    -FashionEdible (your newest follower)
    http://fashionedible.blogspot.com

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