The Plan

Ok, this is important. Well at least I think it is. Although I'm a gal who enjoys the occasional spontaneity, my brain (and sanity) needs things mapped out. I like knowing where I'm going and responding to modifications needed along the way. With a solid plan, even when there is an unexpected detour, the plan helps me realign and refocus. So, in the quest for simple elegance and intentional purchasing and closet use, this is where I began.

The First Steps (you've got to start somewhere)

I like options. Everyone does, and everyone's time, commitment and personalities are different. These "first step" options are designed to fit your individual needs and make this work for you.

Option 1: The All or Nothinger

This is my husband. He has a job he has decided to get done and it's getting done and nothing else is (including eating, sleeping and engaging with anyone) until the task is completed. If this is you, here are my first steps.

1. Empty your entire closet and drawers. Yep . . . everything.

2. Decide how you want your closet to be organized (see organizer suggestions below)

3. Get ready for "the sort"

Option 2: The Multitasker

Personally, as a working mom of 2 kids, time is an issue. I also really enjoy doing things in blocks. I block time for our family, time for exercise, time for chores and time to OMG just relax. I prefer and require balance to my day. If this is you, see option B.

1. Choose a section or style at a time to attack. If your closet really has no order at all (it's ok, that's why we're here) focus on a certain number of items in the time you have blocked.

2. Even if you are only going through small sections at a time, you still need to plan how you want to have your closet organized when the fog clears. (see organizer suggestions below)

3. You will use "the sort" whenever you block your time to commit to this.

Organizing

If you are looking for guidance as you navigate your first steps here is a little guide from my closet organization:

Closet:

*work clothes

*nice tanks tops and camis

*short/long sleeve dress shirts

*dresses

*skirts

*outerwear (jackets and sweaters)

*shoes

Drawers:

*undergarmets

*casual pants (jeans/leggings)

*shorts and casual tops

*pajamas

* athletic wear

The Sort

Here is where you may need to recruit some help. Not right away, but eventually. I'll explain.

Whether you are going through a section or it looks like a natural disaster occurred in your room, you want to go through each item and "sort" three ways:

1. Use the algorithm "LESS": Love, Everyday, Staple, Style. If you LOVE it, well then by all means keep it. If you use it every day (or almost) that sure would be silly to get rid of. If it's a staple (did someone say black tunic?) please keep it. Now for style, I mean your style right now. Not your 20 something style, not your pre-baby style, not your 10 pounds ago style - let that all go and meet yourself where you are now and embrace it. When we focus on "LESS" it actually becomes more because you can see it!!!

2. What to do with the rest?

   1. Donate

   2. Toss (rips and stains nobody wants)

   3. Can't decide . . . this is where your recruit comes in (daughters, sisters and husbands can be brutal but forthright choices). Try it on and see what the recruit thinks. If it's a thumbs up, consider keeping the item around. Thumbs down LET. IT. GO.

After "the sort" you can start putting things back in your closet according to the categories you established in Step 1.

The Fun

This is my favorite part!!!

When I put the LESS items back in their categories, I do two things.

1. Color code. Yep, all the work stuff that is red goes together next to the work items that are yellow and all outerwear that is blue are next to the outwear that is green. Sound crazy? It looks lovely (and helps you realize you may never need to buy another black shirt for work again LOL)

2. Turn the hangers around Why? Because as I wear them I put them back the "regular" way and it helps me see items I haven't worn and may want to consider parting with.

3. Goal setting. Below are mine, but you need to make your own. We are all on a different journey, with different circumstances and resources. Maybe going through all these steps you already hit your goal - AMAZING. Maybe you are looking for more because this is what you enjoy, this is not what you enjoy and you want to improve it or maybe it's just a "why not" (that's how I started this blog)

My Goals

1. Seasonally, wear or toss everything in my closet. If it is the same sweater I keep staring at (I'm looking at a bright salmon colored one right now) and chose not to wear it by the end of the season, it needs to go.

2. Purchase only 33 items during the year to add to my wardrobe. This is my version of Project 333. Intentional purchasing of only what I truly want, to supplement what I have. This does not include staple replacements such as a white tee that gets a stain or worn/damaged shoes that fall in the "almost everyday" category.

3. Share this journey with you. Interests and passions often require enrichment and support. We need to share our gifts, talents and ideas, while working through our challenges. When we take little pieces of who we are and what we have to offer and put them out there, someone is waiting to absorb, to hear what you have to say and to help us on our journey, whatever that may be.

Whether it's your closet, your kitchen or your mind, find intentionality.

Join me with your intention.

***For closet/fashion services contact liliesandlace11@gmail.com