new year, new you

It is mother effing 2015. Can you believe it!? We are older, wiser, and have accumulated another years’ worth of memories, people to love (the tiny fat ones are my favorite), and STUFF.  We have all made our resolutions and should be almost a month in to eating healthier, pumping iron, keeping the nails manicured, solidfying our 30-something personal style, and purging the overstuffed apartment of all unnecessary things.  Just me?

No, it can’t be. I don’t know a single woman who couldn’t use a little purging in some aspect of her life. Namely, her closet (and maybe underneath the bathroom sink). The arctic winter months are a perfect time to do it.

I recently met up with a THS friend who is moving to Singapore to launch an anti corruption wing of her company (she’s a bad ass). In preparation for her move, she requested our help with a much needed closet purge. This might be a daunting task, but it can be relatively painless if you follow these simple ground rules. Before you begin:

1. MUSIC: Plug in the bluetooth and turn up your most upbeat and fun playlist (hopefully featuring lots of Robyn).
2. LAUNDRY: Do your laundry. Part of purging is taking an inventory, and it won’t work if half of your stuff is hiding in the depths of your hamper.
3. SPACE: Make sure your room/closet is tidy enough so you have surface space to sort into piles: keep, toss, and donate.
4. TIME: If you don’t have an entire day to devote to the project, start with a small section of your closet, drawer, or specific type of clothing, like pants. You will hate yourself if you destroy your entire closet and have to live with it for weeks. If you do have 8+ hours, dig in and don’t stop until you have shamelessly judged every last sparkly belt and pair of sz 2 jeans from college.

Next, decide on an approach. The right approach will depend on your end goal – basic clean up or complete overhaul. Lannie was looking for something in the middle, so we did some serious editing based on her new lifestyle, environment, and space while still allowing some flexibility. Here is a glimpse of what it went like:

Lannie:  “I got this dress in (insert emotional connection location) and it is soooooo pretty.” [As she twirls around in a dress fit for a 12 year old.]

Helen: “That is cute, but you look five.  And you are a bad ass, international anti-corruption agent bringing down bad guys across Asia and Europe.  Get rid of it immediately.”

If you are on your own, here are a few guides that we have vetted so you can be the Helen of your own purge:

1. Keep it Simple – If you want to fly through your closet, there are a variety of simple questions to help with decisiveness. Try these guides by The Everygirl or Popsugar.

2. Minimalist – If your resolution is to be a minimalist in 2015, check out Into-Mind: How to Build the Perfect Wardrobe. She is a smart lady and lives simply – like, 40 items in her closet simply. This is great, but also kind of gives me hives.

3. Over-thinkers – Tico & Tina have an approach that is a less strict, more personalized way of looking at your closet and is our personal favorite. It allows you to keep that tutu from years ago, you know…just in case. This list also has a great tip for items that find themselves in limbo – box them up and tuck it away in your closet.  Either you won’t miss them one tiny bit, or you’ll find yourself clawing at the box 15 minutes before you need to be out the door. Finally, try the WhoWhatWear blog for great tips to implement by clothing type. For example, here is their advice regarding T Shirts: ‘Is the neck stretched out? Donate it. Does it smell odd? Donate it. Does it belong to your ex-boyfriend? Donate it.’

The truth is, most of us have too much. If anyone knows that, it is the people who dig through thrift stores. But, not everyone has this problem, and there are people in need, so if you are on the fence – get rid of it. Donating to Dress for Success or any of her counterparts supplies free clothes to people with low income and in need. Win, win.

We understand it is no easy chore, so if you are a person in dire straits and maybe in need of extra motivation, momentum, or accountability (I see you trying to keep that previously nixed sparkly belt), we are here to help you through your closet purge and redefining your personal style. Send us a message and we will be over ASAP!  It is one of the most liberating ways to feel like a NEW YOU in the NEW YEAR!