" TIME TO CLEAN OUT THAT CLOSET "

Looking well put together, effortlessly: A statement that carries a lot of weight for many busy women. Whether you are wooing a potential client with a power point presentation, at the park with your children or out for date night you want to look and feel fabulous, right? Of course!

Well fabulous darlings, it starts with your closet. I have two words for you, Closet Audit. Yes, you have overworked, overcommitted, stressed-out, and taken care of everyone else’s needs in front of yours. Now it’s your turn to be fabulous. Get ready to tackle or should I say torch your closet with bags in hand for those unflattering, ill-fitting pieces in your wardrobe that don’t do you, miss fabulous, a bit of justice! As your quintessential fashion fairy godmother, (or, as my clients say, “the little birdie on their shoulder”) I give you permission to purge, merge and splurge! They are the keys to detoxing your closet and renewing your style.

Purge: Go through your closet methodically. Start with one end and go right through to the other. Do not skip anything. You may just find that “wardrobe gem” in the back of your closet. If something needs to be purged, place it in a donation bag and toss those pieces that are worn out. Make another pile to send to the tailor for minor tweaking. Purge those pieces that make you look outdated or simply don’t fit. Someone else will look fabulous in them! The outdated jeans that you hate, but wear everyday because you have nothing else, toss those too! Darling, I’ve got you covered, read on!

Once you’ve purged, you must re-organize and clean out your space. One of our mottos at Urban Darling: if you can’t see it, you won’t wear it.
Put the things that make you feel great when you put them on and reflect your style where you can see them the best. Place black tie, holiday or off-season clothes in the back. Keep the sentimental or designer pieces you once coveted. Fashion will always circle back.
Shop your closet: Organize your space like a boutique. Like clothes together: pants, tops, skirts and dresses. Then divide with current season in front and sort by color. Place accessories and handbags where they can be seen and are within reach. Jewelry should be in one place so you don’t have to search for the perfect finishing touch. Shoes should be in boxes with a picture or kept on shoe shelves.

Merge: It’s all about shopping your closet and using what you already have. Try to put together outfits that mirror your style. Ask yourself: What is my style? Clean and Minimal? Uptown and Classic Chic? Whimsical and Eclectic? Boho and Gypsy? Sexy and Bold? A bit of each?

Spend some time in your closet and mix it up darlings! Look for inspiration in the pages of the latest fashion magazines. Mix casual pieces with dressy and separate your suits for an unexpected edge. Add a pop of color with a dramatic shoe, coat, belt, scarf or fabulous statement jewelry to instantly update a classic look. A well-edited closet will keep you organized and of course, looking fabulous!

Splurge: Shop your style and hone in on your best asset. Buy quality shoes and handbags and don’t spend a lot on fads. Buy a signature piece, something that you will wear a lot and just says “you.”

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EILEEN NELSON is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist with Urban Darling/DC, Fashion & Style Blogger and W Worth Collection Stylist. Eileen is a native Washingtonian and lives in Northern Virginia. To schedule your Closet Audit consultation email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 703.216.5494.