Cleanup Quiz

Answer YES or NO to each of the following statements and tally the number of YES responses you have.  Once you have the number, read below to identify what closet cleanup stage you are in, and where to go from here.  Enjoy!

 

 

1. I have to 2 or more closets packed with clothes.    
YES     NO

2. There are clothes in my closet I purchased over 10 years ago.    
YES     NO

3. There are clothes in my closet that I haven't worn in over a year.    
YES     NO

4. When I receive a last minute event invitation I feel anxious about what to wear.     YES     NO

5. There are clothes in my closet that still have tags on them.

YES     NO

6. I have clothes that I love, but never wear.

YES     NO

7. I keep multiple clothes sizes together in my main closet.

YES     NO

8. I hang my clean clothes wherever I can find space for them.

YES     NO

9. It would be difficult for me to tell you exactly what I have in my closet.

YES     NO

10. My closet is organized but I still feel like I have nothing to wear.

YES     NO

If you answered YES to 7-10 questions you likely put value on your clothes and treat each piece as a little memory.  You have closets bursting with clothes, yet often feel like you have nothing to wear.  You also have some really great pieces that could be altered to fit you better.  Your closet cleanup would start with gentle coaching to help you part with some of your pieces while learning new ways to hold onto the memories.  Afterward, you will feel like you have more to wear.

If you answered YES to 4-6 questions, you are likely pretty good at purging but need some help organizing your closet, figuring out what you have, and identifying those pieces that would best pull your wardrobe together.  Your final step would be organize some outfits so you feel confident you have something to wear no matter what type of event comes up.  Your closet cleanup and shop your closet combination would focus on organizing your closet and your wardrobe.

If you answered YES to 1-3 questions, your closet is in good shape!  You have most of the items you need, but you may struggle getting ready in the morning.  Likely there are a few key pieces you need help identifying that will pull all the others together.  You would definitely benefit from spending some time putting together go-to outfits for each aspect of your lifestyle.

*** Spring Cleaning Special ***

Wendy's Words: A Fully Functional Wardrobe

Over the years I've had many women come out of the closet, and admit they need help purging, organizing, and letting go of some of the hidden items they have in their closet.  After a while it became very apparent to me that closet cleaning was the most personal service for clients.  The clothes in every closet represent gifts, memories, and money spent - they act as remnants of a life that once was, and now is.  

Although every closet is a little bit different, and every client is a little bit different, there are patterns.  I've noticed 5 different types of closets, and therefore, 5 potential cleanup phases a closet needs to go through in order to be fully functional for a client.  

1. Purging old pieces. I've spent hours with clients just tackling the purging of dated and worn-out clothes that they don't even wear anymore.  These pieces are just clutter in a closet that prevent you from getting to the good stuff!

2. Perfect Fit. Everything in a closet needs to be tried for fit at least twice a year.  If something doesn't fit it needs to be altered or let go.  For those clients who's weight fluctuates often, I suggest taking the sizes that don't fit out of their closet and storing them in marked containers.  When their sizing changes they can easily do a swap.

3. Organize. The best way to organize a closet is first by item - ie. pants, skirts, blouses, etc. - and then by colour.  This way a client can easily see what she has, and go straight to what she wants to wear.

4. Take Inventory - Once a closet is organized by item and colour, it is easy to take inventory and get rid of multiples of things.  My general rule is that 5 of something is more than enough! For example, if a client has 7 black skirts it's time to pare down and take at least two out of the closet.  This is also the time I take inventory of the "holes" in a closet and make a shopping list of the items needed to complete a wardrobe.

5. Filling in - Shopping! Time to head out on a focused shopping trip for the pieces identified in phase 4 to create the fully functional wardrobe. 

At any of these phases I suggest building outfits that work in my client's lifestyle.  I highly recommend every woman have a bunch of go-to outfits that make them feel great, and are already put together.  I makes getting ready in a rush so much easier!

If you're unsure what phase your closet is in, and therefore where to start, you can complete this online quiz, or give me a ring to help - 416.262.4116.

REFINED. tv: 16 outfits

Wendy Woods from THE REFINERY shows you how to create 16 amazing outfits from only 7 items of clothing. 

All you need:

2 bottoms that match...

4 shirts that match...

1 layer piece (cardigan, blazer, vest, etc.)

Wendy's Words: Cleanout Jitters

Opening any part of your home to someone can be a nerve-wracking thing to do, especially when you're asking that person to help you clean things out! I recently had my kitchen cupboards cleaned out by a nutritionist. She rid me of all the unhealthy foods I had in my cupboards - knowingly or not.  

I was QUITE nervous before she came to the house.  What was she going to say about the past choices I made?  Was I going to have any food left after she was done?  How would I let go of some of my most favourite food choices however terrible they were for my health?

It was a great exercise for me, as I realized that this must be what some of my clients are thinking before I come over!  Here are a few things I learned from being on the other side of a cleanup consultation, and what I know my clients realize after their experiences:

1. A professional consultation is designed to help you, which means a good consultant creates an open and accepting environment.  There is no need to worry about judgement!

2. It is likely that you've made quite a few great choices along the way!  If, by chance, you need to replace a few items that are not the best for you, a great consultant will give you the tools you need to find those replacements.

3. A good consultant will let you make the final decisions.  She can give you as much reasoning and knowledge as possible, but in the end if you really want to keep something it's your choice.

My kitchen closet cleanup was a few months ago.  For me, the end results were well worth the bit of nerves I felt before the consultation.  I've taken everything I've learned and applied it to my daily life.  I feel happier, healthier, and a few pounds lighter - sweet! 

*** THE REFINERY Spring Cleaning Special ***

Spring 2010: Trends for your Personality

The Spring magazines have hit the newsstands with all the new must-have pieces for 2010!  The fashion world encourages us to pick up all the new trends seen on the runways.  This is what the fashion business is all about!   

This year, show off your REFINED. sense of style by choosing one or two new looks that go with your individual personality.

Classic Personality Style:  You love simplicity. The clean lines available this spring will resonate positively you.  Get the pulled together look you love so much with a high quality white collared shirt, crisp white pants, or a simple white dress. 

Alluring Personality Style: Pieces that are body-conscious are the most comfortable for you.  You will love the sheer fabrics available this spring in a wide array of blouse styles.  Pair your new sheer blouse with slim black pants or pencil skirt.

Romantic Personality Style: Feminine pieces are right up your alley – flowers, lace, frills to name a few. The spring season always has a wide array of floral printed pieces, but this year you can mix things up by adding a floral purse into your accessory mix.

Natural Personality Style: You love down-to-earth fabrics and colours, which means you will be drawn to the canvas safari pieces this Spring 2010.  One such piece that will add depth to your wardrobe is a canvas jacket that’s easy to pair with all the jeans you have in your closet.

Dramatic Personality Style: You love high contrast pieces, so the bold geometric pieces out this season are perfect for you.  A boldly printed dress is an easy way to add this trend into your wardrobe, and you can wear it all summer!

Sporty Personality Style: You are drawn to clothes that are highly functional.  With the winter Olympics so close to home, designers focused more than usual on this style.  Look for sports apparel inspired skirts, pants, and accessories like sweatbands.  

Creative Personality Style: Colour is everywhere!  Get your creative juices flowing by mixing and matching multiple bright colours.  Whether you have some of these brightly coloured pieces already, or you buy some new ones being playful is key!