How to Move a Wardrobe

Whether or not your move takes you across town or across the country, cleaning out and boxing up all your belongings is the perfect time to take inventory. I'm a big believer of William Morris' philosophy "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." Which leaves me with one question: How did this get here? ; )

Over the years it is easy to acquire items in our homes that  we neither need nor love. The same can happen in our closets. So the first step to moving your wardrobe is to take inventory and edit.

Step 1- Edit

To begin editing your wardrobe examine each piece ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I wear it?

2. Do I like it? 

Leaving sizes that are either too big or too small in our wardrobes leads to frustration and the "I have nothing to wear" concept. If babies are in the future it is perfectly fine to have in between or growing baby sizes of clothing, but there is no reason to hold onto larger sizes after weight loss. The same goes for clothing that is too small. Stockpiling "skinny" jeans for future days can lead to annoyance and disappointment. If you are planning to be a different size, store the too small item, boxed away and out of sight for one year. If the item still fits poorly the next time you pull it out leave it behind. 

If your clothing fits and looks fine but it is not making you feel happy, this is a great chance to give it a new home. You may even be able to sell the item to someone who will love it. Many times people are afraid to let go of items they think they should be wearing, afraid they won't have any clothes left, but the reality is most of us have our few favorite pieces every season and rotate through those. Leaving items we don't like in our closet leads to the closet full of clothes with nothing to wear concept. 

Step 2- Rotate

If your move is taking place during a seasonal transition, rotate your clothing before you move. If you are a few weeks early, chances are you will not be needing your fancy dresses and date night outfits until after you are settled in the new place. Rotating now will make unpacking at the new place easier. For Arizona weather, I rotate three times a year. Once for fall, once for spring, leaving cardigans, light sweaters, and pants at easy access, and once for summer where I live in skirts and tops that don't require layering. This move will put me right between my fall and spring wardrobe.

Step 3- Box

Begin by boxing socks, exercise clothes, hosiery, and all items that belong in drawers and on shelves. 

Next wrap shoes in tissue paper or shoe bags to avoid scuffs and scratches. Label everything with what the item is and where it will go at the new place.

Step 4- Hanging clothes

There is no need to create more work for yourself by removing clothes from hangers. Simply wrap your hanging clothes in plastic wrap or use garment bags to keep them all together and carry them straight into the new closet.

See you at the new place!

Do you need help with a closet edit of your own? Schedule a session today.

We're Moving

In the past we have explored packing lists for many different life occasions from the beach to the theme park. But what 

happens when a move obliges you to pack up your whole life? Follow this handy guide from U-pack for helpful tips to keep moving organized and effortless. Then come back soon to learn some new tips to packing up your entire wardrobe.

U-pack

Feel-Good Friday

"Decide what you are, what to express by the way you dress and the way you live."
-Gianni Versace

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Feel-Good Friday

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Happy Friday!

Happy Love Day

When it comes to holidays, I'm a believer that a little goes a long way. You don't need to be covered in hearts or wear red from head to toe to bring the festivity to your Valentine's Day look. What's more romantic than a gondola inspired striped top? How about a flushed face of bright blush? Add hearts and flowers to your accessories or keep the signature red in your shoes only for a look that subtly says, "Happy love day." 

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Feel-Good Friday: Blushing Beauty

Do you remember the scene from My Girl where Vada's step-mother tells her, "A girl can never have enough blue eyeshadow." This is how I feel about peach blush. Take a look at this handy guide from StyleUnited and have a happy Friday!

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Style Showcase: Katie

Today I'm excited to introduce Katie from Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Katie says, " I am 22 years old and married the love of my life 2 years ago this May. When I was 3 years old I knew I wanted to be a ballerina and graduated with my BA in dance last April. I have the perfect job teaching and performing 6 days a week but I am going back to school for a nursing degree... because I am a nerd and LOVE learning. The hubby is in dental school and so I spend a lot of my time cooking/baking and trying to get him fat... it doesn't work. I am from South Carolina and I am so proud of where I grew up and the lessons I learned in hospitality and sass."

Tell me about your personal style-

Honestly, I love anything. And I can't lie, as a dancer I am often in sweats and t-shirts, but I find any excuse to dress up when we go out! I really love dress because it gives you a canvas to add on your own style. My go to item is always SHOES! I love them so so much and find any excuse to buy a pair. I probably have 5 pairs of black heels. :/ haha

 Outfit 1- Usually I am not hitting F21 for my main fashion piece; usually it's the shoes and accessories. But, this time I scored this gorgeous feminine dress and paired it with a navy blazer for some added color contrast. 

                

Dress & Belt: Forever 21, Jacket: Talbots, Shoes: Gianni Bini

What are your beauty secrets?

I always wear sunscreen when I am out and make sure it's in my make-up. I also really love buying a fashion item that will last through the trends. I am really into classic pieces, but I pick up a trendy item here and there too.

What is your beauty must have?

Volum' Express The Falsies blackest black mascara by maybelline NOT waterproof!

Outfit 2- This simple dress was a perfect steal at Banana Republic on sale and in my size, I just about died! I love dresses that I feel could be worn for years or passed down to my future children and never go out of style. It's a twist on the (LBD) with the slimming white outline. 

 Dress- Banana Republic. Shoes- Charlotte Russe. Belt- Vintage.

Where do you get your style inspiration?

I love the timelessness of Audrey Hepburn and her big hats and I wish so bad that everyone wore hats more often! I also love seeing something in a store and making it my own.

Outfit 3-

Outfit 1- My nerdy self came out in this prep argyle sweater. I loved the pops of color to brighten up fall. Argyle is just one of those classic patterns for me.

Sweater & Boot Socks- Target. Shirt- Levi's. Skirt- H&M. Tights- Forever 21. Boots- Steve Madden. Purse- Tommy Hilfiger at Ross.

Thanks for sharing your sassy and sweet style, Katie! To see more outfits and maybe even try a new recipe, check out the Mr. & Mrs. Smith blog.