If you are like me, you own a couple of different wardrobes. Casual, work, bling, and boating – in all four seasons – and multiple sizes. Some clothes cross over, so it’s not like you can just have separate closets, and after a while, it can all become a blur. You know you have a problem when you are in the store, and you see a blouse you just HAVE to have, only to realize, when you get home, you have two of them already. I blame Costco for this. If you are there and see something you like but you think you should wait…..you go back, and it is gone. Never to be seen again. You had your chance.
I know many of you are reading “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondo. This #1 New York Times bestseller explores the KonMari Method of bringing more joy into your life by making peace with your stuff. So when it comes to your clothes, some may say you are a clothes horse, trying to fill a void or, perhaps, a mere hoarder. I, on the other hand, believe that I am a collector. I greatly respect my clothes; I do not leave them on the floor, they all have their own hangars, and I derive great joy from “getting ready” in the morning.
With that in mind, I have been experimenting with a new App called Pureple. The idea is that you take photos of everything you own so you have your entire wardrobe in your smartphone (think Cher Horowitz in “Clueless”). Several Apps do this, like Closet+, Stylicious, Stylebook ($3.99), and Cloth which uses real-time weather data. These apps provide suggestions of pieces that may go together, pieces that are missing from your wardrobe and the opportunity to share looks with your community. It may seem overwhelming but just start with one outfit at a time.
It gets even better. If you decide that you would like to part with some of the pieces in your collection, you can use apps like Crossroads (formerly Bib + Tuck) or Twice (recently purchased by eBay) to sell your excess clothes, shoes and bags. If you can’t be bothered selling online, donate to Dress For Success; this amazing organization helps women get back into the workforce.
Just in time for Spring cleaning, I plan on implementing some ideas from KonMari and “cleansing” my wardrobe and mind. I believe in the Law of Attraction; sometimes, you must let go of things that no longer bring you joy to make room for things that do. However, my Oleg Cassini pantsuit and Oscar D skirt are not going anywhere.
