Winter Wardrobe Overhaul pt. 2

Now that we've all had time to do our Winter wardrobe overhaul from my previous post, it's time to tackle that dreaded 'had-to-have-but-have-not-worn pile'... These pieces may have been a gift, expensive, or just pretty to look at, but whatever reason you're holding on, does not negate the fact they are creating clutter, and dust. Our goal today is to go through each piece and see what actions we need to take in order to create a wardrobe that we love, and that loves us back.

Step 1: Go through each item and identify WHY you do not or have not worn it.

Ask yourself these questions before fighting to put them in the keep pile: 1. Are they in good condition? 2. Do they fit well? 3. Are they YOUR style?

I ask this last question because sometimes we receive gifts or make an impulse purchase on something that we don't typically gravitate towards. I'm all for stepping outside of your fashion comfort zone and experimenting with new styles, but many of us have a go-to style. For me its a pair of skinny jeans, lace up booties, graphic tee, scarf, and my wool coat. This is why I had no problem donating my never worn before, beaded tank.

It's most likely that you only wear 20% of your wardrobe on a regular basis, so what about the other 80%? If your go-to style does not involve boyfriend style denim, then you don't need more than one great fitting pair. So try to think of your own everyday style and pair down and minimize anything that does not fulfill that need.

I would also like to point out the option of alterations. If your pants are too long or the waist is too big, the cost of altering a great pair of pants is usually $15-$20. So worth it if that's whats keeping you from wearing them.

Let's say you answer 'yes' to all of the above questions, but you can't seem to find a complete outfit. If you have nothing in your existing wardrobe that you feel works, can you think in your head of what you do need? I sometimes look up outfits on Pinterest or on other fashion blogs to get inspiration. If you can identify something that you need to complete the outfit, does it go with other items in your closet? It's all about getting mileage out of every piece. Don't try too hard to make something work, because even if you do find one debuting outfit, you're most likely still never to wear it more than is worth the time or money.

Step 2: Once you've identified the reason for having never worn the item, what action needs to be taken (alterations, purchase a matching top, take to dry-cleaner etc.)? If you're not willing or able to fulfill that request, throw it in the donate/sell pile.

Step 3: Take action! Make a trip to the dry cleaner- many do alterations, and pick up whatever missing items you need in your wardrobe. You have now successfully created a complete wardrobe that works with your lifestyle! Now let's try to keep it that way :)

Winter Wardrobe Overhaul

A few weeks ago I decided to do a Winter wardrobe overhaul. It was taking way too much time to get dressed in the morning, in fact I would end up trying on 3 different outfits all to end up scattered on the floor before I found one that was satisfactory. And the fact that my dresser drawers couldn't close got me feeling guilty. I just had too much STUFF. With the holidays around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to donate and get a little extra cash to spend on gift giving.


Below are the steps I took to de-clutter and better my wardrobe. The result: A clean closet, more time in the morning, and extra money in the bank. What are you waiting for?!

Step 1: Make sure your seasonal clothes are sorted and separated. Now that it's Winter, all your Spring and Summer pieces should be stored away from the clothes you would wear now. Do a quick look through to see if there is anything you can donate, otherwise keep them folded in bins, or hanging in a separate area of your closet (if you have space).

Step 2: Create four piles to place your clothes as you go through them one by one.

1. Keep: Items that you wear frequently, fit well, and have several outfit options to wear them with.
2. Sell: Anything that you have not worn in a year should definitely go in the Sell or Donate piles. Items that don't fit but are in good condition or that you have barely worn are great items that you can sell and get extra cash for, especially if they are designer or a high price brand.
3. Donate: Anything that you would not miss if it wasn't in your closet should be donated. I would donate anything that I felt wouldn't sell for much money, otherwise selling may be a good option to get some extra cash (if you feel like taking the time to do this step). 
4. Have not worn but can't seem to part: This pile is for those special items that you HAD TO HAVE yet you can't seem to figure out what to wear them with (story of my life)... we will go over what to do with this pile in tomorrow's post.

• The hardest part of this process is taking the time to go through EVERY piece. Really think about  whether you NEED the item or not. If you just quickly graze over your closet, you will not make much progress- talk about a waste of time!
• I know it can be hard to get rid of your clothes especially if you have barely worn them, but they are just creating clutter in your life! It does seem like a waste to get rid of something that you spent decent money on, but having gone through this process will help you make better buying decisions in future shopping trips- you'll realize how much money you had wasted on those previous impulse purchases. I feel way better with fewer items in my closet, and have not missed a single item that i've gotten rid of!

Do the same above process with your shoes, handbags, jewelry and other accessories. Once your piles have been created and you feel that you've made great progress in simplifying your wardrobe, jump in your car and head to the nearest Goodwill! Do not take the time to create these piles just to leave them sitting on the floor of your bedroom...

Step 3: The last step is to follow through with the process and take your donate and sell bags out of the house! Items you wish to sell can be taken to Crossroads, Buffalo Exchange or other Buy Sell Trade shops in your area. For your high-end designer duds, I would suggesting taking them to a consignment shop. You will get more money for your goods but you will not get paid until it sells, so it depends if you want fast cash or not. I went to both Crossroads and Buffalo Exchange, as what one shop didn't buy, the other did. I also offered to take my boyfriends clothes... I made over $300! 

RESULT: Free groceries and more money to spend on holiday gifts! WARNING: DO NOT go straight to the mall just to buy more closet fillers! 

Tomorrow, I will go over what to do with your had-to-have-but-not-worn pile to complete your wardrobe- that is until Spring Cleaning... Looking forward to it! 

black & gold

black & gold by jonesforfashion featuring gold makeup

Holiday Gift Guide: Under $50

1. Rabbit Electric Cocktail Shaker; $20

2. Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment; $23

3. Nike + ipod Sport Kit; $29

4. The Sriracha Cookbook; $12

5. Gorjana Graham Metallic Leather Wrap Bracelet; $48

6. Beer Making Kit; $40

NYE: Stand out in Sequins {Under $100)

Every year for New Years, I tell myself that i'm going to find the perfect look, head-to-toe. It's always more fun when you're looking and feeling your prettiest- especially when you don't have to break the bank to do it!  Try one of these festive sequin options to help you ring in the new year in style and budget.