Spring Cleaning

April 14, 2009

Most of us only have a few precious moments to get ready in the morning, so don’t waste them trying to find things in your giant mess. Clear the clutter and save those moments to ponder whether the turquoise necklace or the onyx strand will work better with your outfit.

Most of us have developed our own effective ways to get the job done, but if you need a little help Mahalo offers a thorough guide, Style Phyle offers a simplified box method and Threadbanger’s Meg offers fun closet organization ideas on Décor it Yourself.

Although rules can be helpful, remember that there are exceptions to every rule. No matter how tattered your favorite cozy pieces become, hang on to them if you still love them. It takes a long time to wear a great hole in a pair of jeans that have been molded perfectly to every nook of your body.

If something looks amazing on you, do not let it go. Regardless of fashion trends, if a dress makes you look like a million bucks, what more could you ask from your wardrobe? If the piece is so far out of style that you aren’t comfortable wearing it, be sure to store it. Fashion is constantly re-cycling itself and just when you throw it out, it’s back in Vogue. If shoulder pads can make a comeback, I am betting anything can

Now, what do you do with the closet discards? You can:

RECYCLE

If you love the fabric, pattern, cut, buttons, etc on something then hang on to it for a while, you may be able to use it in a Recycled Style Project, but definitely get it out of your closet and into your crafting or sewing spaces.

SELL

Selling your goods is a great way to pad your spring shopping budget. Fashion items can be sold online on Craigslist and E-bay or you can always host a good old fashioned garage sale.

TRADE

Host a clothing swap party. After all your friends have completed their spring cleaning invite them and their clothing to a party where you can trade for new-to-you items that won’t break the bank. Getcrafty.com offers a great Naked Lady Party guide to help you plan your party. Don’t have the space or the right circle of friends for such an event check your local media outlets to find larger parties being organized in your area or join the Swap Party Online.

DECORATE

Some discarded clothing might work really well for interesting home décor. I used my un-wearable Betsey Johnson strappy heels as decorative eye candy for my book shelf. Try reincarnating snuggly sweaters into pillows and frame vintage t-shirts to give your walls some interest. Since fashion is art the ideas are endless.

DONATE

At the end of the day the best thing you can do is donate your gently used goods to those in need. Find local shelters and organizations that accept clothing donations and get a tax receipt as well as good karma. Dress Your Best in Toronto helps people from marginalized communities by preparing them for the workplace. New York City’s Housing Works Thrift Shops work to end the crisis of AIDS and homelessness. Find a cause you would like to support and and put your old goods to some good work.

Now on to the rest of the house….