How to Get the Most Out of Your Closet - Part 2

OK, here we are, this is Part 2 of yesterday's post about the Wardrobe Project, where I discuss the process I used to do a simple wardrobe overhaul, therefore saving me time, money, worries and giving me new ideas.

4. By now, I've pulled everything out of my closet and pointed out what I wore most, what I didn't wear and why. I sent some items to be altered by a professional and I took care of the ones that needed minimum work, which I could take care myself. For example, I shortened the straps of a cotton dress that did not fall perfectly. 

5. My next step is a rather fun part: shopping. First, for the missing pieces that would allow me to get more wear out of existing items. For example, I have a pair of blue Ikat shorts which I can't seem to match with many shirts. I keep my eye out for good deals, for unique market finds or for inexpensive accessories that will last and will be worn on many occasions.

6. Then comes shopping for duplicates of the most worn items. Maybe in a different color or pattern, or with a different cut. For example, I want to stock up on more button-down shirts. Especially from Uniqlo! Loooooove Uniqlo. And I definitely need a new pair of shorts. Black. Mid-waist.

7. Afterwards, make sure every single item has its own hanger, so that they don't get lost and skipped over while you're scanning your closet in the morning. Also, if you wish, you could try out new combinations between your existing, modified and new items to have fresh outfit ideas for future occasions. No more wasting time while getting ready! So far, I can say this whole process has helped and has given me fresh ideas. And it didn't cost much, which is always nice!

I really do hope that you find this helpful! Even though, I didn't concentrate on this step in my process, the most important is to get rid of anything you're not using anymore. Make such to donate the items to a worthy charity. This is an exercise I do 1-2 times a year. 


Let me know how your process goes! 


Photo by Dee & Duke. 

How to Get the Most Out of Your Closet - Part 1

I've been reading about wardrobe re-organizing projects around the interwebs and I actually have been doing a project on my own. I would like to share some of my very simple process in the hopes this could inspire others to do the same. Sorting out a full closet (containing clothes for many seasons) will be slightly more tedious, but the reward is worth it: saving time, saving money by avoiding futile purchases, recycling.  Heck, maybe even making some money, if you decide to sell some of your stuff. Also, as a final big "plus", I find that de-cluttering can be very therapeutic and helpful in any aspect of life by making some physical space. I get the feeling it helps clear my mind. 

Wardrobe organizing could seem futile to some. But you'll fast understand the benefits. Considering my current somewhat awkward lifestyle, I had brought the very minimal amount of stuff with me for this move to the other end of the world. I'm one who prefers to pack light and avoid headaches of lugging around heavy suitcases. And so, after a few weeks here, I found myself thinking that I literally had nothing to wear. 

Due to my restricted budget, a shopping spree was out of the question. So I decided to get creative. 

1. First, I pulled out of my closet everything I had. I singled out every piece I wasn't wearing often or wasn't wearing at all. I tried everything on. I put aside everything I would not wear again and could not be modified to fit my needs/tastes better. These items could be donated or sold. Look up charity organizations. Or Ebay.

2. Then, I identified why my forgotten items were not getting enough wear. Does it need to be mended? Tailored? Or maybe I don't own enough complementing pieces that can be worn together. What would these pieces be? I jotted down some ideas and made a list. 

3. I also identified my MVPs, to be able to see patterns of what I wear most, and what are the occasions I wear these clothes to. Daily wear, meetings, nights out with the man friend, partying with friends... In this case, I realized my long-sleeve button-down shirts were on high rotation, due to their ability to protect me from the sun and keep me cool (as much as this is possible, in the Bangkok humid heat). For night time, my simple little black dress gets lots of wear. I took notes, as these are pointers for future buys. 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the process, to be posted tomorrow! 

If you would like to check out more elaborated, and very inspiring, projects from other bloggers, do check out the following:

Geneva from A Pair and a Spare and her Wardrobe Rehab

Jess from Makeunder My Life and her Makeunder my Wardrobe

Photo by Dee & Duke. 

How Do You Get Things Done?

Do you use To-Do lists? Are you a compulsive list maker, like me? I've read some content on the web lately regarding getting things done. There are various methods that work for people. I started using the To-Do List app on my Blackberry as soon as I got the phone. But before that, it used to be good ol' pen and paper. My pocket agenda, that is. But I went to see this app I've been hearing about, TeuxDeux (as in "To Do", get it, get it?). I opened an account and tested it. And I am pretty pleased with the result. It can be used on smartphones, or on your web browser. You quickly cross out things by one click, drag them to a different to reorganize your week and modify entries on a whim. I think it's great! 

I know many more apps have been popping out recently to help us better organize our lives. What are you using? 

Photo by Dee & Duke.