Closet Revamp/Organization

Posted on: Monday, August 30, 2010

My latest project has been reorganizing my clothing. I'm trying to edit, and create a new storage system. If you're thinking of undertaking something like this the following article sets some solid ground rules.

The five-step game plan image via Style at Home

1 Assess your needs List the categories of items that will go in your closet. “Some people have very little storage space, so they might put other things in the clothes closet,” says Estelle,like sports equipment, an iron and ironing board, extra linens and photo albums.

2 Purge “Be ruthless,” says Estelle. “Women wear only about 20 percent of their wardrobes. We tend to wear clothes that are comfortable, make us look good, and fit.” Yet many of us keep clothing that doesn't fit, we don't look good in, isn't fashionable, holds old memories and so on. If purging sounds tough, hire a pro for a supportive, objective opinion, or ask a friend to help.



3 Deal with roadblocks Your closet should reflect who you are now – both your self-image and your lifestyle. The purging stage can bring up regrets about yesterday (Why did I buy that?) and hopes for tomorrow (Maybe it will fit again). When dealing with those items that bring up emotional stuff, Estelle suggests you ask yourself these questions: • Do I feel comfortable/good in this? • Does this fit? • Does this make me look good? • Is this still stylish or does this accurately represent my personal style? • Is this easy to maintain? • Does this suit/reflect my lifestyle (for instance, if you've had a career change or become a mom)? If you answer no to any of the above about a piece of clothing, let it go.

4 Design the space The infrastructure of your closet should accommodate your clothes and other items so that they're visible and accessible, as well as flexible enough to change as your wardrobe changes. The design of the space should take into account any physical limitations, such as back or knee problems, that will affect the height at which your clothes should be stored (in order to avoid reaching up or bending down).

Begin by sorting your clothes into shirts/ blouses, pants, skirts, sweaters, jackets, long dresses and so on. Estimate both the amount and type of storage you need – shelving, drawers/cubbyholes for foldables, rods for hanging items, and assorted accessories like tie hooks and shoe racks. You can also sort your clothes by colour, season (store off-season items elsewhere), use (work, casual, formal) and person (for shared closets).

Then, it's time for you to go shopping. Closet-organizing retailers often offer design services, as well as a variety of organizing systems for different budgets, and many nifty organizing accessories. Estelle works with Toronto's Space Age Shelving. For DIYers, Estelle says, “Don't overlook stores such as IKEA, Home Depot, Zellers and Canadian Tire – there are lots of organizing tools out there.” Some of her favourites include wooden or good-quality plastic tubular hangers (all in the same colour); a valet rod or hook, so you can put an outfit together the night before; IKEA's hanging nylon shoe organizer (it can also be used to store baby clothes, accessories and kids' toys); a slide-out tie and belt organizer; and clear bins and boxes (if you're using opaque ones, paste a picture of the contents on the outside of each box).

5 Keep up the good work“Do a major purge once a year if the structure is working, your closet is meeting your needs and you're not a compulsive shopper,” says Estelle. “If you're more ambitious, do it twice a year when you're doing the switchover of the seasons. Do a little every day – take five minutes to hang up clothes and throw the laundry in a hamper (preferably in the closet) – then it doesn't seem like such an onerous task.”

(Excerpted from style@home.com)

Picture Walls

Posted on: Friday, August 27, 2010

The perfect picture wall continues to elude me.
These two images are from an adorable home featured on style@home.com. I would love to have a picture wall like this some day. Not a contrived one, but one rich with stories behind each piece of artwork chosen. I love that below the children's artwork is mixed in with other paintings, photos, and even posters. I guess I should simply begin my own collection? I hope to create the aesthetic displayed in these images.
You can find the full spread here

So Domestic

Posted on: Wednesday, August 25, 2010

I'm FINALLY back in b-moe! The first thing I tackled was hanging my inspiration board! I previously blogged on the DIY process here. I love the way it turned out and am slowly starting to fill it up. It's become abundantly clear to me that I am obsessed with the color blue.
The board hangs over all of my jewelery (which I have yet to unpack). I hung it all by myself which is a feat as I don't usually like to tackle "man jobs". I did use my "phone a friend" lifeline and asked a boy some questions about the supplies I needed. I also allowed three lovely men to help me at the hardware store but other than that I flew totally solo. It took a few tries (there are six separate nail holes behind the board) but I got it in the end.

Did you notice the blue Oxfords & Oysters postcard? Love it!
Don't for get to grab your tickets for the upcoming (Sept. 18th) event here.

This is laughable...but I love it.

Posted on: Monday, August 23, 2010


During my recent vacation to the outer banks I discovered two very important things about myself: I am ridiculously good at ping pong, and I absolutely love Golden Oreos. I've been wondering how and when I'll be able to to display my ping pong talents? When I came across this spread on Martha Stewart my jaw dropped. I totally should have been invited to this shindig! Kevin Sharkey christened his NYC apartment with this over-the-top housewarming. Above the bar is stocked, and guests enjoy playing ping-pong while donning black tie attire.

Please take note of the monogrammed paddle above.
Score was kept "casually" on the mirrored wall with none other than...
Chanel lipstick!
Guests indulged in this Oreo tower topped with sparklers!
(Should have been Golden Oreo's but hey, no one asked me.)
Above Kevin hangs out with Martha's daughter, Alexis Stewart.
Check out the entire spread here. The bathtub is referred to as an "inventive ice bucket" but seriously, who hasn't gone to a party where there wasn't beer in the bathtub?

Gypsied.

Posted on: Friday, August 20, 2010

Today, what began as a routine trip to the mall quickly spun out of control. As I followed my sister around like a lost little puppy I was lured over to a counter by a modern day gypsy, who was cleverly disguised as a YSL employee. She somehow duped me into 190 dollars worth of products I don't know how to use, my cell phone number, and a goodbye hug. (She clearly had a past selling cutco knives door to door)
It began innocently enough... some colored mascara, maybe a lip gloss? Yet somehow it spiraled completely out of control and the next thing I know it's 3 hours later and I'm willing to give this woman my first born in exchange for her highlighting my cheek bones. As my YSL fairy godmother worked on my face, I began to realize that being completely makeup inept in my late 20's just isn't quite as endearing as it was when I was seventeen. Therefore, I purchased it ALL and will spend the better part of the fall season honing my craft as I attempt to execute a beauty regime that includes more than applying chapstick. So my story ends better than most getting gypsied. I did not lose my passport, or find that my euro rail pass had been stolen. Nevertheless, consider yourself warned.

Loving Madewell

Posted on: Monday, August 16, 2010


One of my favorite recent purchases for fall is the above brass studded belt from Madewell. It retails for $60.00 and comes in brown as well as black. I plan to wear it not only with dresses but have a great jacket that it looks really good over. The belt itself just screams SJP to me

Euro Shams DIY

Posted on: Friday, August 13, 2010

I'm so excited to be able to give these shams to my little sister. I hope she enjoys them
The shams needed to measure 26x26"
I cut two front panels that measured 27x27" (allowing room for a 1/2" seam on each side)
Next I needed to cut pieces for the backs
(2 pieces per pillow to create the envelope backing)
2- 27x19 pieces
2- 27x16 pieces
You will need to hem a 1/2" seam on the exposed envelope edges (as shown below).
Lay all of the fabric facing in. Pin then sew the edges!
I marked the 1/2" seam with a pencil and sewed right along that line.
Turn the fabric right side out and you're done!
The envelope back closure
I used some of the leftover fabric to replace the fabric I previously had framed.
Love it.

Special thanks to Abby for helping me with the shams!
If you love the shams but don't feel like making them I randomly found a pair for sale here!

Shop Furbish!

Posted on: Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Jamie, of i suwannee, has just launched her online shop. She actually has a ton of items that I have previously blogged on for sale. There is even a set of pillows exactly like the pair I made yesterday! (I'll blog on the DIY process Friday)
Needless to say I'm obsessed with the store.
Check it out for yourself here.

DIY Fabric Dahlias


I saw a DIY tutorial for the Dahlia garland pictured below on me oh my! I decided that making these little flowers would serve as a great way to use the leftover fabric from my other projects. Above are the flowers that I made the other night. I am going to string them over the entryway to my classroom. So excited!

Find the tutorial here.

Fabric selection for my next DIY project

Posted on: Monday, August 9, 2010

How ridiculous is this fabric! I will be making two euro shams out of it tomorrow. Unfortunately, they are not for me. I'm thinking I may want to just buy a big frame and place a large piece of the fabric in it for some bedroom art ( I like it THAT much).

Still Traveling...

Posted on: Wednesday, August 4, 2010


I've been living out of a suitcase this summer, but I wouldn't have it any other way! It can be annoying realizing that you have the perfect ensemble for an occasion back home in your closet but it's a small price to pay for the freedom and fun I've enjoyed during these summer months. Today I'm hopping on a plane to the Outer Banks. I have a few good books for the beach and am ready to relax. I'll try to keep up with my running, but we'll see how that goes.
I'll be back next week!
xoxo

Mag Must-Haves

Posted on: Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The July/August issues of Elle Decor and New England Home are incredible! I'm generally one to go online rather than purchase the issues themselves but I couldn't pass these up. There are tons of pictures I want to cut out and add to my inspiration board.

Below are images of a Nantucket cottage (if you can call it that) featured in New England Home. I'm beyond obsessed! Find the entire spread here.

Wardrobe Change

Posted on: Monday, August 2, 2010

It's still blazing hot but I can't help but think of those first few chilly fall nights where you get to change up your wardrobe. When it's still warm enough to get away with a yellow bag but you can be more than comfortable in something other then a barely there dress.
Are you looking forward to fall clothing?
Shop the above set here.

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