Create A Working Closet, Part 5: Remixing

I have had the hardest time writing this post. Not that I can’t usually string a few words together in a logical sentence (well....) but for some reason I hit a block on this post. How ironic. Remixing is the name of my game. Literally (cough, the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge, cough). So why can’t I write about it? Why can’t I give you tips on how to remix? What’s wrong with me?!!?*

Then I figured it out. No matter how many cups of coffee I go through this morning, I will never be able to tell you how to remix your closet. I can give you tips (and I will) but ultimately remixing is a habit that you have to form on your own. That’s the best part of remixing -- it’s up to you. It’s up to you what you remix, how you remix and why you remix. I can not tell you any of those things, it’s just something that you have to decide. With that said, I will tell you how I go about remixing. These are my own theories that I’ve tried out and that work for me. This may or may not work for you, heck it might not even make sense to you. But that’s okay. Figuring out your closet is what you need to do. Figuring out my sick, twisted brain is not what you need to do.

Before I start let me explain some lingo that I use here in Kendi Land (different from Candy Land, but not too far off). Remixing is simply a word that I use to describe the mixing and matching of the contents of your closet. Since that definition is a bit bloated, I just say remix. I did not make this word up, however. I think Stacey and Clinton made that up.

At this point, we have purged our closet, assessed the inventory, organized the mess, shopped for essentials and now we are ready to remix. This is the ultimate skill in order to have a working closet. If you learn to work you closet by remixing, your closet will work for you.

1. Remixing starts when you buy an item. I know that we've already covered shopping, but it's an important element to remember. Because of this, it takes me a long time to shop. If I am ever rushed, I usually make a bad decision. This is why I tend shop by myself. So what takes me so long? Before I spend money I have to decide if it fits in my closet. I am that girl standing in front of a rack of clothes staring into space. (I'm thinking okay, leave me alone.) I picked this tip up along the way: If I can’t remix an item at least 5 times, then it doesn’t belong in my closet. Let’s be honest -- 5 times isn’t a lot. But it’s a good basis for me to start with on a new item. If I can easily think of 5 outfits off the top of my head, I know it will be a great addition to the closet. (Your number might be different than 5, it's up to you.)

2. Shop your closet. No really. Look at your closet as if it were someone else’s. Look at your closet as if it were the cutest boutique on the block and you get to wear anything you’d like. How lucky are you??Take a few minutes and try on some things. Try crazy patterns together, try different color combinations, try something that you haven’t worn in a really long time. I think one thing to remember when remixing your closet is that no rules apply. If you want to wear a striped top with a floral skirt, try it. It just might work. Take the rule above of “5 outfits” and see if you can make 5 outfits out of each item in your wardrobe. If you have 30 items in your closet, that’s 150 outfits! (the bold means I'm screaming at you right now) That’s 40% of the year covered by just 30 really good pieces. You see where I’m going with this right? If you fill your closet with good, quality pieces that match your style, you don’t have to worry about getting dressed. This is your closet working for you.

3. Make a plan, each week. I say start weekly with your plan, since that’s normally when you wear clothes, during the week, right? I’m assuming that most of you take the weekends off from wearing clothes like I do. Your plan can involve a pen and paper, an excel spreadsheet (don’t hate) or simply by hanging outfits together in your closet. Normally I do laundry and start planning on Sunday. I start with my events for the week and plan accordingly. I usually plan about 7 outfits each week, so that I can have a few fall backs. And I usually hang them at the front of my closet, by outfit.

By simply making a plan, taking 30 minutes or so on a Sunday, my mornings are that much easier. I can walk into my closet on Monday and not have the usual routine of pulling items off of the hangers in anger and then walking out in a mish-mash of an outfit.

Just how do I go about making this plan? Well, I will tell you. If I am working all week, I know that my remix will consist of mainly skirts and pants. So I pull a few skirts and pants to the front. Let’s say I end up with 4 skirts, 2 pairs of pants and a dress, just to be crazy. I like to think of the bottom part of the outfit as the base or foundation. So I take a skirt and find 1-2 tops that I could wear with it. Then I hang them together with the skirt. If I’m feeling good, I’ll take some accessories and hang them on the hanger as well. That way I literally have to get up and get dressed without thinking. I do this over and over until I get my 5-7 outfits.

4. Be inspired. Sometimes all it takes is a little inspiration to help you out. I keep a folder on my computer for outfit inspirations. Sometimes it’s the color that inspires me to put a combination together, other times it’s the pieces. I might not have the exact piece, but that doesn’t mean I can’t build a similar outfit. Seeing how other people wear an outfit is extremely helpful when putting outfits together in your own closet. Style blogs keep me on my toes when it comes to inspiration. The internet is filled with inspiration, so there is no excuse in being bored with your clothes. Sometimes it just takes one outfit to get that creative spark going.

{photo cred: Elaine, J.Crew, Altamira, Into the Gloss}

So that is my humble list of tips on remixing. I am by no means an expert on this, but I am an expert in my own closet. Just as you are the expert of your closet. So experts, have any tips you’d like to share? Don’t hold out me. I will find you.

(And if you want to jump head first into remixing, join the 30 for 30 challenge starting February 1st)


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Part 1: Purging
Part 2: Assessing
Part 3: Organizing 
Part 4: Shopping



*Don't answer that.

Create A Working Closet, Part 4: Shopping

{photo}

Ah, shopping. One of my favorite words. If shopping were a person, we'd be frenemies -- as I only talk to her when I either need something or I need a good therapy session. Plus, she gets mad at me because I only treat her to lunch at the food court.

I digress.

Anyways, this week in our Working Closet series is shopping. So far we've cleaned out our clothes, assessed our needs and organized our mess so we are very well prepared to go shopping. Remember when I told you to make a list in the assess section? Well get that list ready, girls and boys, we're going shopping.

1. Get your list on. Just like I mentioned before, create a closet shopping list much like you would a grocery list. Obviously, it will not be necessary to fulfill this list each week (no matter how you look at it, you won't starve without clothes) but it is necessary to know what you need for when you do go shopping. I keep my list on my phone, so that I can remember what I need versus what I want.

2. Be intentional. I know I sound a lot like Jess here, but it's true. If you are using shopping for anything other than fulfilling a need of something to wear, then you are abusing the privilege. I know this because I abuse shopping all of the time. I love it -- it's my vice. Everyone has a vice, for some it's smoking, gambling, drinking too much. For me, it's shopping. But that doesn't mean that I can't find a balance between enjoying shopping and using it to my advantage. And although I have not quite conquered this yet, I know the truth. And the truth is when you are intentional with shopping, you spend what you budgeted and you get only what you need. Be intentional. Don't make me say it again. (be intentional)

3. Shop more, not less. Wait -- what did I just say? You heard me. Shop more, not less. No, the world economy and all of the retailers in it are not paying me to say that. What I mean is this: Shopping intentionally takes time and energy. I am constantly "shopping" but I'm not spending a dime. Since I like stores like J.Crew, Loft or Gap, I have to keep an eye out for deals or sales. I rarely buy something full price at those stores. Since I live an hour away from the closest mall, creeping by every day and asking "having a sale yet?" isn't an option. Instead I keep an eye on sales by signing up for their emails and getting on their mailing list. Just this week I got 4 coupons in the mail alone and even more emails telling me about their sales. Now, if I needed something and I have money for it on my budget, this would be the time to shop. But my list has been checked off and I have no more money to spend this month. So I will by-pass these savings, as you aren't really saving money by buying it if you don't need it.

*I should also note that this really applies to shopping retail. If you prefer shopping thrift or second-hand, the best thing to do is to know when they stock their items (as this will guarantee that week's best selection) and what days they have their deals. Most thrift stores have the same deals each week (Saturday is $5 bag day at my local Salvation Army), so be sure to ask when they have their discount days.

4. Choose quality over quantity, every time. Some people ask how I can afford the items that I do and at full-price I can't sometimes. But this is something I've learned over my years as a shopper, I believe Shakespeare said it best: "tis better to by 1 really nice item you will wear a lot, than 5 really crappy items you will wear once." It took me a lot of wasted money to figure this out. I would spend $100 on 5 or 6 things that I never wore and then lust over 1 skirt at J.Crew that I would probably wear all of the time, saying I could never afford that $100 skirt. Well that was true, because I was literally throwing my money away on cheap items that I only bought because they were cheap. When you spend money on a nice piece, it is an investment. Therefore you want to treat that piece well and wear it as many times as possible. For me anyways, I have to watch what I buy and make sure that it's the quality I'm buying and not because it's on sale. I try to stick with higher quality items that I know will stand the test of time. Even if that means I can only buy 1 or 2 items that month. Here is a good rule of thumb that I use when something is on sale: "Would I buy this item at full-price?" If the answer is yes, then I have no heartburn in buying it on sale. If I waiver on it, then I put it back.

There is no magic scale of quality. My quality could be J.Crew or Gap while someone else's could be Coach or Tory Burch and someone else's could be Target and Old Navy. Or perhaps you like to only shop vintage or thrift stores. Listen here: It does not matter. Just make sure that what you buy, you understand is an investment that you are making into your closet. Therefore buy something worth wearing many times and don't waste your time or money on things that you'll never wear. (Shakespeare didn't write that one, I did.)

5. Set a budget. (This perhaps should have been the first rule. Oh well. Mix 'em up in whatever order you'd like.) Everyone's budget looks different, just make sure you have one. Maybe you can spend $100 a month on clothing or $100 every three months. Whatever your budget is make sure you know it and most importantly that you follow it.

It helps me to let my husband know each month what I can spend. Because he will call me on it every time if I try to go over. The responsible part of my brain calls this accountability, the irresponsible part of my brain calls this annoying. Either way it's good to stick to my budget. And please know that building your wardrobe does not happen with one shopping trip nor does it have a specific time tied to it. Building your wardrobe is a constant cycle of ebb and flow, so don't worry about finding a complete wardrobe in one day. That would be exhausting.

6. Whatever you buy, make sure it fits. And I don't mean on your body. Well I do -- it should fit your body, do not buy clothes too big or small that would be ridiculous. But I mean it should fit into your wardrobe immediately. If you have to buy 2-3 other pieces just to be able to wear something, then what the heck are you doing buying it? If it doesn't naturally fit in your closet, then you probably won't wear it. I've proven this fact over and over again. Who knew that all my years as a shopaholic I was just doing research for my blog to help you guys?

You are welcome.


Part One: Purge
Part Two: Assess
Part Three: Organize

Create A Working Closet, Part 3: Organize

Since I took a week off, we've got some closet business to catch up on. This week the topic is Organizing. After I thought about it, it might be easier to organize then assess. But that would change my PAOSR acronym. And I hate changing a good acronym. So I guess do whatever makes sense for you. But leave my acronym alone.

The best way to actually see what you have is by getting organized. This is coming from the mouth of a girl who could live under a pile of clothing and not once complain. So trust me -- the weight of this message is huge.

Exhibit A:

This is what my closet has looked like at it's very worst. I snapped this photo one day when I realized that I in fact had a problem. Now I only post that to show you my true habits -- which are that of a slob. I would live in a shed if I had enough floor space to pile everything on. But my natural habits are not my best habits.

I know this more than anyone -- getting organized will you help you get dressed in the morning as well as help save you money. Remember when you thought you needed a black skirt but really you just needed to find it in your closet or under the bed or it somehow ended up in your pantry? Yeah, that happened to me too.

So please know I am by no means an expert on organizing one's closet. I just know how much of a help it is as compared to Exhibit A. This is simply how I do it and how I like it to look. Go at organizing your own closet in your own way. Just be sure to do it. You'll thank me later. And I, Kendi Lea Everyday, promise to never go back to Exhibit A ever again. Mainly because you'll call the health department on me.

Exhibit B:





See? I'm not a terrible human being after all.

1. Start with the shoes. To me, shoes are the easiest things to organize. I like to organize by type, so I showcase mine from flats to heels to heels to heels. I know I have a problem, I love heels. Since I have three pairs of boots, I place them on my top shelf, so they have enough room to stand up and keep their shape.





You want to know a hint? Put a few clean and empty wine bottle in your boots to help keep them upright. Want to know another hint? Don't drink wine while organizing your closet. Your methods will not make sense.You'll thank me later.





2. Next hit the racks (or rack in my case) of clothing. I have one rod in my closet so I have to maximize as much space as possible. I push all of my jackets in the back, I don't know why. There is no reason to organization, only rhyme. Then dresses, pants, skirts, sweaters, then tops. I don't color coordinate, as that doesn't really help me. But if  it helps you, go for it. Again it's your closet, this is mine. I like to pull outfits I've created to the front of my closet, so that in the morning I can have an idea of what to wear.

3. After that gather all of your accessories and get them in order. I like to place all of my scarves on a belt holder that I bought at Ikea as well as my belts. That way I can see what I have and they aren't tangled in a drawer somewhere.





I roll my tights and place them in a divider that I also found at Ikea. Then I stash my purses in a basket underneath my clothes. Out of the way, but I know they are there. This helps me sleep at night, knowing my purses are tucked away from harm.





4. Jewelry is one of the hardest things for me to keep organized, so with the help of my Necklace Showcase made by the lovely Jennie Claire I am able to keep them organized. I use this for my earrings and smaller, more delicate necklaces and I am able to keep them un-tangled. I can get pants tangled, so you can imagine what I can do with tiny chains.





Then I use a few racks to hang my hats and large necklaces on at the back of my closet. I call it my Accessories Wall, just like in Project Runway. Except smaller and less impressive.




5. Next I like to keep an inspiration board in my closet. Why? Why not is what you should be asking. Mostly I pull ideas for colors and pattern mixing. And I keep my inspiration board in my closet because I wasn't allowed to hang posters in my room as a child. This practice has carried with me into my adult years. Somehow I'm still pining for a particular Garfield poster. Something to do with lasagna.

6. And you're done! Well I'm done. You've just now started. And as always if you have any organization tips, PLEASE leave them below! I'm much better at collecting clothes instead of organizing.

AND if you are really into looking to blogger's closets, head on over to The Good Life for Less. After reviewing her post, I think she's naturally blessed with the organization gene. Don't be jealous.


For my scarves and belts: Ikea Komplement Multi-Use Hanger
For my tights: Ikea Skubb Box with Compartments
For my hats and large jewelry: Ikea Logga Hanger with 3 knobs
For my earrings and small necklaces: Jeannie Claire's Necklace Showcase

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Part 1: Purge
Part 2: Assess

Create a Working Closet, Part 2: Assess

{via Pinterest}

So you've purged your closet already right? Of course you did! What else were you doing the week before Christmas?

Since you've done step 1 to creating a working closet, let's keep going. Step 2 is assessing your closet's needs. I didn't say YOUR needs, I said your closet. There is a difference. Your needs are simple: to be clothed. But your closet on the other hand has a responsibility to cloth you every single day. This can only be possible if you stock your closet accordingly.

1. Take inventory of what you have. This could just mean figuratively or literally, however your brain works. I take a mental inventory of everything in my closet every once in a while; it's a nice reminder of what I have. I am Kendi and I have short-term closet memory loss. It's nice to have a refresher of what I have.

2. Make a list of closet needs. So let's say you went through your closet and you discovered that you don't have a black pencil skirt that fits any longer. A black skirt would work perfectly with what you already own,  so this would be a basic need. Create a list of items that would really tie your wardrobe together. Everyone's is different but mine would looks something like this:

black pencil skirt
high-waisted khaki trousers
cable-knit sweater
flats

Put this list in your purse or type it into your phone. That way the next time you are out shopping you will know what you really need. It's just like a grocery list, you don't need three loaves of bread just like you don't need three black identical skirts. Also, it helps to have direction when you are shopping. Misguided shopping leads to a misguided closet.

Make sure that everything on your need list fits into your current wardrobe. Remember, you want a working closet -- a closet that you can walk into and create an outfit by simply choosing a few items. If everything works together, then this is possible. (Working together doesn't mean everything has to match. It just means that you don't throw something random into your closet that you'd never wear but you bought because it was one sale.)

3. Now make a want list. I treat this list as a splurge list. Maybe there is a new trend I want to try or maybe I just want something that isn't a direct need. That goes on this list. So my want list looks like this:

full a-line skirt from Anthro
brown suede heels from Urban Outfitters
drapey cardigan from Gap

You notice that I got really specific on this list. These are my wants -- I've seen these items online and I know that I'd like to add them in. But they are not essential to my working closet, although they could work. Your Want List should also be saved somewhere. But this list does not get fulfilled until your Need List is fulfilled. Once you buy your basics, you will find that your wardrobe will be easier to build upon.

I like to think of the want list like the frosting on a cupcake. It's the first thing you taste but the last thing you need.

4. We touched on this a little bit last week, but set your two lists aside and step back into your closet. Since you've assessed what you want and need, now look at what you have. Put your remix skills to work and start creating outfits. As you are putting items together, try them on and make sure the outfits work. Yes, that's right play dress up in your closet. Or as I like to call it "Kendi's going out and trying to figure out what to wear". Just be sure to hang up your items after you take them off and don't toss them on the ground like I do. Not that I do that, I'm just saying that to help you, of course.

5. Wear some of your experiment outfits that you put together. You'll quickly figure out what you like and don't like to put together. This also helps with your need and want lists. Maybe you hate pencil skirts after all. Mark that off your list and figure out a new style. Maybe you love them and want more. You get the idea. But mainly get to know your closet and figure out what you expect from it. Soon you'll be on your way to figuring out your style and telling your closet exactly what that is.

As always, leave your tips below! Seriously. You guys have really good tips. Leave them, or else.

Read:
Part 1: Purge

Create a Working Closet, Part 1: Purge

One of my missions in life is to create a working closet. What do I mean by this? Well since we can't all be lucky enough to live inside of my creepy litle head, I'll explain. 

When I say working closet, I mean a closet that works for you so that you don't stand in front of your closet and feel lost.  A working closet is one in which you can remix what you own into infinite cute outfits. A closet that doesn't scream "go shopping now!" at you every time you walk in. One that knows when a new piece is needed and when it's time to let an old one go. In my experience (I've been conscious of my closet and wearing clothes since I was 5, so I'd say I have a good 21 years of experience) I've found a few ways to go about creating such a thing as a working closet:

Purging, Assessing, Organizing, Shopping, Remixing. Or PAOSR. I love a good acronym.

So over the next 5 weeks or so I will show you each week a step in the process. Hopefully, this crazy plan doesn't just work for me but can work for you too. I am NO EXPERT on this. I've just done this too many times to not share.  So we start this week with Purging. (Closet Binging is not a pre-requisite for this course.)

How to Purge Your Closet (and still have things to wear)

1. Go through your closet with a fine-tooth comb. Take inventory of everything you own and start evaluating if you need to keep an item or not. I have a few guidelines that I use to see if it's worth keeping or it's ready leave my closet.

It no longer fits. 

You don't like it or you've never worn it. 

It has unrepairable holes or tears in it. 

You haven't worn it in 6-12 months (or within the appropriate season). 

You get confused by just looking at it. 

You've never seen this item before and you're not quite sure how it get in here. 

If you answered yes to any of the above, there is only one answer: purge it. Get it out of your closet. 

Keeping items that you will never wear in your closet does you no good. Think of these items as junk mail, when you clean out your inbox you can see your other emails a lot better. Same with clothing you don't wear, clean it out and you'll begin to see your closet for what it is and can be.

2.  If you are struggling with throwing a few things out, start a "maybe" pile. I keep a (small) box in my laundry room, so when I find something that I just don't wear anymore, but I'm not ready to give away it goes in the box. If it's still there in a month or so (meaning I haven't missed it), then I donate it, sell it or swap it with a friend. If you are unsure about a few items, pull them to the side and try them on. If it fits and you can pair it with 3-5 other items in your closet, then keep it. If it doesn't, purge and move on.

3. Next, go through the clothing you've decided to give away. Figure out where these clothes are going to. Is it a thrift store like goodwill or salvation army? Is it to a friend for a clothing swap? Will you sell it to a consignment shop or online? Find a place for these clothes to go somewhere, don't just toss them out. If you can't wear them, someone will. Donating creates a great cycle. The more you donate, the more people can buy which creates more jobs. See? Who knew that cleaning out your closet could do so much good?

4. After your purge, go through your closet and start to pair items together without the clutter of the unworn clogging your creativity. Pair things together for the coming week and hang them in their respective outfit pairs.

Have any purging tips to share? Lend some below in the comments. Next week we will talk about Assessing Your Closet. I know, you can hardly wait.