when it comes to shopping...

the best advice to take with you...is buy only what you truly love...

having been through my share of closets...what i usually find are racks full of clothes of items that should never have been purchased...

"it was a great deal"

"but look at the designer name"

"i still hope to fit into it"

"i'm sure i will find something to wear with it"

believe me...i've made the same mistakes...and cleaning out my closet is no fun task...but as i have been purging and purging...i can see the items that should have never made there way home to my closet as well...

first things first...it just doesn't matter whose name is on that label...and it surely doesn't matter what the price of the item was...even if it was marked down 10 times...

what matters...

do you love this piece?  does it flatter you...now...does it make you feel confident...powerful...beautiful...thinner...(fill in the blank)...

that's what matters...

when it comes to shopping...buy what you truly love...buy what truly fits you...buy less...buy better...be picky about your selections...in the end...you will have a closet full of endless potential...trust me...

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closet clean out 101...

call it what you want...closet clean out...closet audit...purging session...the thought of cleaning out the closet...or a chest of drawers...for a lot of people is not a fun event...and for many...it can be overwhelming...but if you are not ready for a professional wardrobe consultant to come in and help you...here are some easy steps to get you started...

believe me...sometimes the hardest of tasks are easier when they are broken into manageable steps...when it comes to your closet...think of how you want to start...by categories?  for example...just your pants...then your tops...etc...whatever method you choose...here are three easy questions to ask yourself on every piece...and if the task seems huge...which it might be...scale it down to baby steps...

how about looking at 5 items a day...or work on the closet for an hour a week...you choose how you'd like to proceed...i think you will be amazed at the progress that is made..even in baby steps...

so...closet clean out 101...pick an item...and ask yourself these 3 questions...

1.  would i buy this if i saw it in a store today?

2.  does this article of clothing fit my life today?

3.  is it helping me in the image i'm trying to portray?

if you answered no to any of these questions...do not put the item back in your closet...

simple closet clean out 101...try it...purging can be SO freeing....

and if even taking these simple baby steps seems too much to bear...consider calling a wardrobe consultant that can walk you through these steps...and help you get your closet in tip top shape...it will be some of the best money you've spent...really!

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exchanging bad habits for good habits...

truth be told...we all have a few bad habits...and we know that a habit is formed by doing something over and over...so think about your bad habits...the way to get rid of them...is to replace them with another habit...a good habit...

in my newsletter last month...i used it as a time to reflect on the new year...in with the new...out with the old...but these habits need to be monitored...as it is so easy to slip back into an old routine...so being that february is the month of love...and a great time to focus on YOU...start nourishing a loving attitude towards yourself...YOU deserve it!

here are some examples to get you started...and if you think of some others...please share them in the comments...we can all use some reminding...and encouragement...right?

old habit:  criticizing your body when trying on clothes that don't flatter your body type

new habit:  discovering clothes that naturally flatter your body type

old habit:  buying random pieces and feeling bad because you never wear them

new habit:  shopping with a purpose and a list

old habit:  throwing on the same old thing day after day

new habit:  taking time to create "new" outfits from your wardrobe and use more of what you already own

old habit:  adding new items to an already stuffed closet

new habit:  having a well-edited closet by eliminating clothes before adding new ones

old habit:  trying to dress younger that you are

new habit:  showcasing your personal best assets and looking great at any age

old habit:  running out the door without your makeup on

new habit:  scheduling enough time to put your best face forward

old habit:  being envious of what others are wearing

new habit:  studying well-dressed women and trying new styling techniques

old habit:  putting on clothes that you "sort-of" like

new habit"  enjoying how you feel in clothes and accessories

and last...but certainly not least...

get out of the habit of feeling stuck...

get into the habit of giving me a call to help you get unstuck

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i have nothing to wear...

one of the most famous lines spoken...by those who are wealthy...and those on a strict budget..."i have nothing to wear"...heck...if we are being honest...i have said those words...on countless occasions...the thing is...these words are usually spoken while looking into a closet that is full of clothes...

so what gives?

the bottom line...one thing needs to take place...and one thing only...and for most...this is a chore that they avoid...but the problem is not solved...

so whatever the reason...for all those items in your closet...

 - they don't fit...

 - doesn't go with anything else in my closet 

 - they are pieces from my old life

 

my advice?  take each of those items...do it by section...whatever works for you...but that means...all your dresses...all your blouses...pants...coats...sweaters...you get the idea...take them out of hiding...and decide...once and for all...are you ever going to wear them?

if not...consign them...give them to a shelter...donate them...give them to a friend or family member that would enjoy them...but whatever you do...DO NOT put them back in your closet...

and if it is something that you love...but have no idea how to incorporate it into your current wardrobe...ask for help...maybe you have a stylish friend...ask them to help you...or seek a wardrobe stylist...as my business page on facebook stated today...

"create a wonderful wardrobe without spending a dime on new clothes! book a wardrobe update session and let's 're-style' your current wardrobe...you'd be amazed at how many 'new' outfits we can make from clothes you already have and those you don't wear..."

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fashion funnies: i have enough...

"i have enough clothes and shoes, i don't need to go shopping", said no woman ever..." =)

enjoy your weekend!

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going through the accessories...

while i post a lot about going through your closets...and going through your drawers...quite often...as i feel that it is a necessity...not only to remind you of what you have...those items that you haven't worn...because they have somehow moved to the farthest recesses of your closet...

same goes for accessories...

i recently quickly perused through one drawer of mine that holds a lot of my jewelry...it was time to get rid of some of it...and what do you know...while i was looking through this drawer...i came across some pieces that i just forgot about...and realized that i need to do a thorough audit of what i currently have...

for me...as for many...i don't have a lot of space for my baubles...but i have lots of baubles...so they get crammed in a drawer...because if i stored them out in the open...like i would like to...my room would be taken over by jewelry...

the point is...your accessories need to be analyzed from time to time...this includes your baubles...your scarves...your handbags...pick one and start with just that...for instance...if you start with scarves...take them all out...look them over...start sorting...

 - do they currently go with any of the clothes in your closet?

 - do you have all the scarves you need - think casual, dressy etc?

 - do you have too many of one color?

 - are you missing a key color that would work well with your items in the closet?

one of two things will/should happen...you will either find some that you just know you won't be wearing...get rid of them...no reason for them to take up space...or...you will find some that you had forgotten about...and start rotating them into your wardrobe...

then pick another accessory...jewelry...do the same...as with your clothes...everything needs to be looked at...and decided on...whether to keep or donate...

but the funnest part...is when you see pieces that you had forgotten about...and now can proudly wear them...again...

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do i need one in every color?

let's face it...i've been in a lot of closets...been through many drawers...and one thing that happens more than i'd like to admit...is the need to buy an item in 15 different colors...whether it be a sweater...a t shirt...maybe even a certain pair of shoes...i get that the fit was too perfect to pass up...but when i see a perfect fitting sweater in 15 colors...do you really need one in every color?

while that is an easy way to shop...it is also a very easy way to get bored with your daily attire...although the color is changing...most will think you are required to wear this "uniform"...and who wants to be wearing a uniform...when they don't need to?

now the other way that i see a culmination of the same item...is when new ones are bought...and old ones are not thrown out...when you replace your dingy white t shirts...or your worn out _______ (fill in the item)...the right thing to do is to take the old...and get rid of it..."replace" is new in place of the old...

when drawers are barely closing...and closets are jam packed...this is one of the easiest things to fix...look through and see what can be removed...do you need one in every color?  i think not...

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jewelry analysis...

i spend a lot of time on this blog talking about closet clean-outs...purging...trying to create new outfits from items that you've worn only one certain way...these same rules apply to your jewelry as well...just as in your clothing...over time...things that you bought may have worked for your life style...but your style either changed...or your profession or life style may have changed...and in that...your clothing style changes...

this also applies to your jewelry...and i do recommend going through it every so often...and see if the pieces you have...are working with your current life style...just as you analyze the items in your closet...do the same with all your jewelry...lay it out on your bed or a nice clean table...

- does the jewelry work with your current outfits?

- does the color and style match your current style?

- do you have a lot of one (ie: earrings) and not enough of another (ie: necklaces)?

then start looking at your outfits that you have put together...how many different choices do you have with one outfit?  as i always say with your clothing items...that each item should be worn at a minimum of 3 different ways...so should you try and mix up the jewelry you wear with each outfit...

mix it up...have fun and experiment...put two or three bracelets together...or necklaces...make new "statement" pieces just by combining...and for the pieces that are just lying around...because they don't go with your current style...is there a way that they can be updated?  if not...it might be time to say good-bye...

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fashion funnies: getting organized...

saw this comic strip in the sf chronicle a few weeks back...all about organizing...and how easy it is...

dad:  why is your room such a mess, luann?  i thought mom spent all day yesterday helping you get organized...

luann:  she did.  we sorted all my clothes by type - pants, shirts, dresses - then by season, then by color, hanging light on the left, dark on the right...

luann:  we put my undies in top drawers, tees midlevel and sweaters below...we hung my belts, scarves and jewelry on hooks, we lined up all my shoes from casual to dressy, we folded my - 

dad:  ok, i get it.  so why the mess?

luann:  'cuz getting organized is easy...staying organized is impossible...

luann by greg evans
sf chronicle

enjoy the weekend...

the 8 questions to ask yourself for a closet with endless possibilities...

do you dream of having a closet with endless possibilities?  while the pic below...is a close representation of what i would like my closet to look like...currently...my space does not allow it...but...no matter the size of your closet...YOU can still have a closet with endless possibilities...a closet full of "keepers"...

so...how does one achieve this?  it starts with answering some questions...truthfully... =)  while you may have some pieces in your closet that are fabulous...if you are not wearing them...how fabulous can they really be?  perhaps they were fabulous at one time...but your life style has changed...possibly you have changed...whatever the reason is...if you aren't currently wearing it...why is it in your closet?  so here are some questions to ask yourself...and remember...by telling the truth...you will be able to move past mistakes...has-beens...clutter...and end up with a closet that suits you...perfectly...

does it fit, NOW?

tell the truth!  is this something that a little diet and exercise will do in a month or two...or have you been telling yourself for years...that you plan to get back into this item?  by the time you lose the weight...this item may not be in style...move out the things that don't fit...and free up space...

does it flatter my figure?

has your figure gone through some changes?  perhaps you have items in your closet that at one time...served their purpose...but now...are either too boxy...too long...too short...fill in the blanks...think of the new shapes and silhouettes that will flatter your figure today...

does it make me feel sexy, attractive or confident?

if the answer is yes...then this is a keeper...and better yet...make sure that it is put into a constant rotation of items to be worn...and if a piece makes you feel dull...dowdy or invisible...why why why is it still hanging in your closet?  get rid of it...stat!

does it bring out my favorite qualities?

clothes are an amazing thing...in that they can really shine on qualities that you possess...are you flirty and fun?  are you edgy?  classic?  bohemian and laid back?  whatever YOU are...your clothes should reflect those qualities...

was it made for me or someone else?

oh...this is a touchy one!  perhaps your friend or mom...(whoever) gave you a piece of clothing...whether it was a swap...a gift...doesn't matter...but if that piece of clothing describes more of the giver then the receiver...it is not a keeper...there is a big difference between...just okay...and just right!

is this the right piece for my current life style?

if you take a peak into your closet...and see clothes that fit a life style you no longer have...why why why are you keeping these items?  when i left corporate america...i had a closet full of suits...starting my business...and working from home...my life style didn't require suits any longer...while i kept a few...there was no reason to open up the doors to my closet and see it packed with suits...it was not my current life style...

has it lost its luster?

at one time...this piece may have been your favorite...but after a while...with cleanings...and wear...fabric does lose its pizazz...as much as you love it...time to replace...

would i buy it again?

this is a biggie!  let go of the guilt...of buying something that was a "great deal" or an impulse buy...if it is truly a piece that you would never even consider buying now-a-days...it shouldn't be in your closet...

after answering these questions honestly...and getting rid of what you know you need to get rid of...you are on your way to that closet of endless possibilities...and if this task seems a bit overwhelming...a wardrobe stylist may be just what you need...

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what do your clothes say about you?

have you ever given it any thought?  clothes speak volumes...whether we mean to or not...what we wear...displays a perception of a person...the question would then be...what do your clothes say about you?

clothing is one of the easiest ways to bring out a personality...a message...and even a sense of being approachable...or not...depending on your dress...and in some instances...for example...those who do public speaking...need to think about the colors they are wearing...because certain colors demand attention, authority...depending on your profession...your talk...what you are trying to convey...much of it will start with your dress...and the colors...

so...how about the basics...when you are standing in front of your closet...thinking...i need to do some cleaning...some purging...dare i say it...what goes through your mind as you look at each item...deciding their fate...

with my clients...we talk a lot about their style words...the words that best describe you they are...or possibly who they are trying to get to...and are using their clothes to get them started...it is a way to stay on focus...of where you are...or where you want to be...

so think about your daily life...your profession...your personality...and how you want to be portrayed...for example...let's say that you are in a profession where you don't want to stand out as feminine...and yet you look in your closet...and you have ruffled blouse after ruffled blouse...hanging...this look screams feminine...nothing wrong with that...if that is the image you want...and just as a ruffled blouse can bring out someone's feminine side...an  architecturally designed dress can say, “i’m edgy and modern...” if clothes in your closet represent an outdated image of you, they should go...period...

i dealt with this on my own...when after many many years of working in corporate america...and wearing suits every day of the week...i found myself...working from home...working at establishing my own business...and i knew that suits were no longer going to be a part of my attire...so i went through the exercise of removing them from my wardrobe...while i kept a few of my favorites...because honestly...there will be an occasion or two that will still require me to wear a suit...i knew in my heart of hearts...that i didn't need the number that hung in my closet...

when you are going through these pieces...think about this...when you try an item on...does it look like it’s just right for you? some of your clothes may be better suited for your sister...cousin, or your best friend... recognize the distinction between “just right” and “just okay” and pass those items along...

and lastly...let go of the era that you (for whatever reason) thought you looked your best...yes...you may have gotten lots of compliments when you wore that dress in 1980...but that doesn't mean that same dress today...is giving you your best look...let go of that era...and work on the best you that you can be today...

let your clothes say wonderful things about you!

 

 

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saying good-bye to the "no" pieces...

i don't think i have ever stepped foot into a closet...where there weren't one...if not several pieces of clothing that hung...literally never worn...with the owner knowing full well that they weren't going to wear them...but yet...there they hung...in the closet...waiting for??  not quite sure...

now...before i get into this...let me just say...i have been guilty of this as well...but i have gotten really good at...well...basically...saying good-bye to the "no" pieces in my closet...

there is a difference between having things in your closet that you don't wear...not because you don't like them...but possibly because you just can't figure out how to wear it...in this case...it needs to become a priority...whether done by yourself...with a friend...or a wardrobe stylist...get that piece of clothing in an outfit or two...and into rotation of fabulous outfits that you wear...

but then...there are are those pieces...you know the ones...perhaps you try these items on...and then hang them back up...what is the reason?  it is either that you don't like the way it fits you...how it makes you feel...or you just plain don't like it...nothing wrong with that...but why keep it hanging in your closet...only to go through this lovely exercise...over and over...

perhaps you skip right over these items like something that has been in the freezer so long...you no longer want to eat it...

you've just said no...too many times...

it's time...just let these pieces go...say good-bye...and make room for the pieces you will love to wear...over and over again...

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april showers...taxes & your closet...

this is an excerpt from my april monthly newsletter...enjoy!

what do you think of when you think of april?

spring? april showers? taxes?

while we have had an abundance of april showers these last few weeks...actually more like storms =) i keep thinking about how good my yard is looking...and then i don't mind it so much...

a few weeks back i finally met with my tax guy...while this is usually not a thrilling exercise for me...it feels good when its done...and my tax guy loves how prepared i am...truth be told...the days when my life was consumed with accounting...and the world of finance...ends up helping my tax guy...because he loves how complete my spreadsheets are that i present to him...

while preparing these lovely spreadsheets...of income & expenses...of assets and liabilities...of hoping and praying that i am once again...not in the red...

makes me think about your closet...yes...there is a correlation...how is your closet looking...are there assets or liabilities hanging behind those doors...

read on...to find out the five checkpoints to assess YOUR fashion equity...

when it comes to assessing your "fashion" equity...the goal is to maximize your assets...and minimize your liabilities...let's face it...we all want a nice portfolio...or in this case...a nice wardrobe...one that will take us through every area of our life...whether we are at work...being the soccer mom...or on a date...

here is a five-point checklist...to get you started...

1. are you utilizing your assets? think about your most valuable assets...the thing that makes you...you...is it your curves? perhaps your long legs...a tiny waist...great cheekbones...once you know what your assets are...you are then able to make sound purchases that naturally highlight what your assets are...just remember...assets do change over time...so be sure you're focused on what's working for you now...rather than what has worked for you in the past...


2. is your inventory low? it is nearly impossible to be able to put great outfits together if your inventory is low. so before each season begins...whether it is spring/summer or fall/winter - do an inventory count. and be honest with yourself! do your clothes fit and flatter you? if the answer is no...then it is time to get rid of these items...and restock your inventory. set aside some time for a thorough edit and create of a list of what you need. and while you are at it...take a look at your basics...for example...tees only look good for so long...replenish them when needed...and if there is inventory in your closet that is not currently working for you...cut your losses...it is time to write them off
(on a side note: think about consigning these items to re-coop some of your loss...fabulous finds consignment boutique was started because i wanted to help clients get back some of the money they had spent on items that weren't right for them)

3. are your liabilities handicapping you? sometimes we get into a buying rut...an end up purchasing items that are wrong for us...here are some helpful tips...
- shopping for a lifestyle that's no longer yours.
- giving up on shopping because there are too many choices and it's overwhelming.
- inaccurate or out-of-date self-image.
- getting all your fashion advice from an opinionated friend or family member but never finding your personal style.
- investing in high-end fashion without a wardrobe plan.
- using shopping to fill an emotional void and never feeling satisfied.
- buying too many novelty pieces that don't go with anything else you have.

4. is your fashion portfolio diverse enough? when you take a look at a smart investor...they have a nice diversified portfolio...smart dressers have clothes for every part of their life...what does a diverse fashion portfolio look like? it would include outfits that touch on every area of your life...the perfect dress for a party...informal social gatherings...work clothes...weekend clothes...exercise clothes...and great travel capsules...just to name a few off the top of my head...if your wardrobe is not meeting your needs...there is help available...

5. are your fashion choices accruing interest? your clothes should be a shining example of your personal style...they tell the story of who you are...and you should be getting results from investing time and money into your wardrobe. and...there should be results...whether it be a confidence boost...compliments...or just plain feeling good about yourself...it could also result in a promotion...a new job offer...new opportunities...that is the accrued interest you are looking for...

another way of looking at accruing interest...is what i call good ole fashioned "fashion accounting 101..."

so...what did the checklist reveal about your fashion equity? are you feeling like you are in a fashion fog? whether you need to maximize your assets...or minimize your liabilities...by taking note of those liabilities and taking responsibility for them...get out of your liability debt by getting help...making a plan...and breaking out of habits that aren't benefiting you...perhaps you need to diversify...or accrue more interest...hopefully the check-list will help discover where your strengths and weaknesses are...and if you fell short on any of the checkpoints...don't fret...they are easy fixes...and i am here to help...don't let any more time go by...call me for an appointment so that we could start working towards getting the most out of your fashion investment...

fabulous finds
elena daciuk
wardrobe stylist
fabulous.finds@yahoo.com
415.577.6133


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what to do with the "not right for me" pieces...

so you've done the hard work of purging your closet...maybe you did it by yourself...with a girlfriend...or hired a professional to help you out...doesn't matter how you did it...but that you did!

but now you are looking at your pile of "get rid of" items...and you are going through some guilt...not because you are getting rid of it...but maybe because you know that the pieces are still in great condition...or that you paid a pretty penny for it...or that it is a great designer brand...

whatever the reason...not everything necessarily needs to go directly to the donation center...although those places are great...and need donations...when you have some pieces that are...well...in a higher category...there are other options...and options that might possibly reap you a small reward...think of it as a reward for cleaning out the closet...

one possibility is to have a swap party...if you've never done one...they can be loads of fun...and your discarded items may just be the perfect item that one of your friends is looking for...and some of your friends may bring some items that are perfect for you...a complete win win...and the fact that you are helping the environment...a bigger plus!

a swap party can be done on your own...just don't overwhelm yourself...invite the number of friends that you can accomodate...and put a maximum on the number each person can bring...(you don't want someone showing up with 45 items) or maybe you do...you know what you can handle...come to think of it...i may do a swap party tutorial blog post next week...so stay tuned for more details...

and if the idea of a swap party excites you...but you don't want to handle it yourself...look to hire a wardrobe consultant that will facilitate it for you...they are out there...believe me...

if the swap party is not your idea of fun...look into consignment stores to sell your items...but be picky about where you take your items...go to several places...check out how they price items...to get a feel for what you could get in profit...most consignment stores offer a 60/40 or 50/50 split...nothing better then dropping off some items...and receiving a check in the mail a month or two later...again...think of it as a reward for cleaning out that closet...

or if you've got the time...try selling your items on ebay...it takes some time...photographing & listing the item...but the profit is all yours (less ebay & paypal fees)

so don't feel bad about that pile of beautiful clothing that you know in your heart is not right for you...let it go...and with your rewards...get some pieces that are right for you...

so...what have you done with your high-end discarded items?

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the master cleanse...

the other day i was reading a rather thought provoking article "the master cleanse" by annette tapert in the wall street journal...the top caption caught my attention...

If you lost your entire wardrobe, how would you rebuild it? Annette Tapert ponders the minimalist's ultimate fantasy with designers and style arbiters

we have all had the occasional blurting of "i have nothing to wear" while staring into a closet jam packed with clothes...ok...most of us have...if we are really honest...but for me that changed...when i started taking a serious look at my closet...and getting rid of the items that i knew i didn't wear...and most likely wouldn't wear...that is when you start looking at your clothes differently...loving the pieces that are in your closet...

and then there are the few people that i've met...when they hear what it is i do...have this vision that hiring me is going to be some real life episode of "what not to wear"...where i will come in...throw every piece of clothing out that they own...(for the record...that has never happened...and most likely won't...)

this article however made me think about...a "what if" situation...what if..for whatever reason...my clothes were all gone? how would i start rebuilding my clothing? would i buy a lot of what i had before? would i stick to a more classic approach? what would be the first ten pieces that i buy?

this article has several designers answering some of these very questions...

do you think that you would shop differently to replace your current items?

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the keep pile...

about a month ago...i was going through the closet of one of my new clients...once we were done...she told me that she was surprised at some of the items that i told her to hold on to...

i don't know if it is the whole "what not to wear" fear...that a wardrobe stylist will come in and get rid of every stitch of clothing one owns...or just not understanding the difference between style & trends...but most importantly...fit...

i do talk alot in this blog about cleaning out the closets...purging...getting rid of the items that don't serve a purpose anymore...but there are definately pieces that i will tell my clients to hold on to...

so...what, when you are weeding through your closet...should you absolutely...positively save...even if you haven't worn it recently? here are some definates...

- the item that makes you look ten pounds thinner...even if it's out of style...say for example...you have that skirt (insert whatever the item may be)...a supremely flattering item is always a keeper...even if it looks strange or dowdy for a season or two...you never know...fashions do change...and then again...so may your body...the key here..is the fit of that item...

- classic evening wear...silk pants...an embroidered kimono...a charmeuse tunic...anything that still fits and is in good shape...even if you had a baby two years ago and haven't been out after midnite since...the next time you have to attend a once-every-five-years formal event (and believe me...they do come up when you least expect it) you may not have to buy new clothes...

- high quality classics in good condition...what i'm thinking of are things like tweed blazers and cashmere sweaters...that one year may fit a little too tight for the style...or may have a cowl neckline when everyone's wearing turtlenecks...or may have collars that are a little too wide or too narrow...for a short time...these so-called classics may look out of place to you...but if they're in good shape...hang on to them...because the style standing of these sorts of details always changes...and they'll look good again someday...

- the skirt or pants that fit last year...but now are a little too snug...or a little too big...some of my clients...whenever they gain or lose ten pounds...tend to think this is it forever...and out with everything that reminds them of their former shape...but if your weight fluctuation is recent...and if you tend to go up or down a size consistently over time...it's smart to keep items that fit in your normal range...even if they don't fit right now...

and sometimes...items that are in your closet are kept but changed...perhaps a skirt is shortened...or the sleeves are changed on an item...a good tailor truly can perform miracles on items that don't serve their purpose in the current state...but tiny tweaks...can make an old un-used item...a new improved item...



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a well manicured closet...

if you were to only to mow your lawn...i don't know...let's say...once a year...what would it look like? ok...maybe a bit far-fetched...but for a moment...think of your closet like you would your front lawn...regular maintenance is the only way to keep everything under control...

you must weed it...mow it...nurture it...and in the closet world...same rules apply...we call it purging...

it means...removing from your wardrobe unworn...worn out...and out-of-date clothing on a regular basis...many do a closet purge about once a year...some...don't do a closet purge at all...i say...a closet purge should take place consistently...like the seasons...four times a year...yes...you read that right...four times...

if you want to keep things fresh...fun...and reminiscent of the you that you are today...you must make the time to purge your wardrobe...over and over and over again...well...at least four times a year...it is by far...the best method to part ways with items that aren't working for you...you'll find out what looks become you...and what looks don't work for you...and ultimately...hopefully...break you of your binging or nonshopping habit...

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hanging onto useless items...

over the years...i've seen many closets...some small...some medium...some huge...some very orderly...some...not so much...and with these closets...comes the time where things need to be thrown out......

when you're cleaning out your closet...what to save is usually more obvious than what to toss...but hanging onto useless items can blind you to the real gaps in your wardrobe by giving you the illusion of plenty...clothes...clothes everywhere...and not a thing to wear...

i thought i would share with you my list of all those items that finally and absolutely deserve to die...yes die...

white shirts with yellowed armpits, brown cuffs, and ring around the collar...you may love white shirts...and it may be hard to admit when one has met with terminal dinge...and don't use the excuse that "i'll keep my jacket on" come on...you deserve better then that...

the perfectly nice piece that makes you feel fat or ugly...whether the color is wrong...or it's the wrong style...give it to someone else who will appreciate it...and then move on to that perfectly nice piece that make you feel fabulous...

gifts that were never you...we all get them...the well-intentioned lacy blouse or lime green polyester dress that we'd try to avoid wearing if they were the last clothes one earth...and yet...we keep them...thinking we'll put them on when the giver comes to visit...or maybe we think...that if we throw them out...the giver will be angry...come on..really?

the item you bought when you were deranged and have never seen fit to wear...we all make mistakes...but if a few years go by and your mistake still seems entirely like one...let it go...and rid yourself of the reminder...

that beautiful silk blouse with the big grease stain on the front...yes...it may be a fairly new piece in your wardrobe...but if in fact it has been ruined...why hold on to it? better to throw it out...save up for a new one...and be more careful...

the skirt or pants that only fit for two weeks...do you really need a constant reminder that for one brief shining moment you actually wore a size 4?

those stretched out, holey, or saggy socks, hose, underwear...out...once and for all...with those droopy drawers, baggy bras, worn-out socks, and tights with the crotch that always ends up at your knees...

and finally...

the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth set of old clothes you're saving to wear when you paint the house...yes...while it is smart to hang on to tattered tee shirts and jeans for sloppy jobs around the house...do you really need an entire house-painting wardrobe?

can you think of any others? please feel free to share in the comments...

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what do i do?

yesterdays post was all about our need to weed...and what stops us from doing so...and for many...this could be too overwhelming a task for one to handle...whether it be because you are tied emotionally to your clothes...or maybe because you just aren't quite sure on what to keep and what to get rid of...or perhaps...you just have better things to do...

i've spoken to many who became clients...but it was only after they became clients...they told me that they hesistated in calling me...simply for the fact that they weren't quite sure what it was...i would do...

i joke alot about the whole "what not to wear" idea...where a stylist comes in and gets rid of every shred of clothing...and basically starts anew with a whole new wardrobe...not only is this really far from reality...it is also a big bite on ones wallet...

so i thought i would share a little of how i personally work...

before the closet doors are even opened...i like to first sit down and talk with my client...this is the time where i find out what your life activities are...what you like & don't like...what you need...where you want to go with your style...and in this...we work on a style recipe specifically for you...it then gives us a point to work towards...to get a handle on your ideal theoretical wardrobe before tackling your actual one...

next we tackle the closet...the right way...is to go through each item...one by one...making decisions of what's in...what's out...what might be possible...

are there pieces that aren't being worn? can we make some outfits out of them...

if needed...we work on ways of creating space in the closet that is needed...or finding creative ways to store your precious items...

a list is made of needed items...and the hunt begins for those...

and therein begins the start of a beautiful relationship...

so for those in the san francisco bay area...if you are ready to begin...let me know...i look forward to working with you...or if you have questions...feel free to contact me...

elena daciuk
fabulous finds
wardrobe consultant/stylist
415.577.6133

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why is it so hard to weed?

...your closet...that is...

there you stand...in front of your jam packed closet...you've tried to get rid of those items (you know the ones)...really you have...you've torn your closet apart...hardening that heart of yours as you toss everything that doesn't fit...doesn't flatter...or isn't in style anymore to the side...maybe...you've even gone as far as having bundled all your rejects and looked up the goodwill phone number...

the problem?

those little voices...crying out to you from the garbage bag..."you can't throw me out! you paid $250 for me and you wore me only once" or "how could you get rid of me? your mother gave me to you for christmas!"

believe me...i've been there...getting rid of clothes...even those you're sure you'll never wear again...can be a difficult task...why is it so hard to part with what are...pieces of clothing just taking up space in our closet?

it truly is a struggle to weed out your own closet...mostly...because there is so much emotion attached to our clothes...you basically remember what you paid for each item...where you wore it...who gave it to you...

the flip side...getting rid of things that we are not...and won't be utilizing...can be very liberating...but you need someone to tell you how to do it...or you need someone to help you...who will be objective and not emotionally tied to the garments...

for those that truly want to leave the task to a professional...to weed out and reorganize the closet...but have that little bit of fear...maybe from watching too many episodes of "what not to wear"...where they feel they will have nothing left to wear...i will share with you how i...as a wardrobe consultant work...

...but you'll have to tune in tomorrow...

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