Since announcing my 2012 Wardrobe Resolution, I hadn't taken many steps toward accomplishing my goal, unless you call selling a few pairs of shoes on eBay a tiny step. Little did I know my husband was planning to install a closet system in our master bedroom (we've been renovating for 9 years and we're finally down to just the details).
There's nothing like a fancy new wood slat and metal closet system to make a girl question her clothing choices. Did I really want my favorite Rachel Roy dress hanging next to the outdated "dress-I-throw-on-when-I'm-in-a-hurry" or the various items that don't fit me anymore that I haven't gotten around to replacing? Talk about motivation!
Here's an embarrassing, cluttered, messy before photo.
The first thing we did was remove EVERYTHING and tear out the bowed wooden rod and swayed shelving unit.
In just one weekend we transformed our cluttered master closet into a sleek, organized wardrobe. We chose the ventilated wood slat closet system in cappuccino, designed and sold through Lowe's called Allan + Roth. These systems are great because you can mix and match the pieces to really customize it for yourself.
Even my husband's side of the closet looks organized!
And the best part? I tried on every piece of clothing before it went back in the closet. Many pieces I thought were OK just looked outdated and blah when I tried them on. I ended up with about 50 pieces of clothing and 20 pairs of shoes that I took to Armadillo Consignment. I also had about 15 items that went to Goodwill, and a couple of things I just decided to cut up and use as raw material.
As a celebration of my disciplined approach to the net zero wardrobe, I actually did buy a few new pieces. I found a couple of great Simply Vera Wang pieces on the clearance rack along with a colorful pair of platforms by Candies at Kohls. And at Forever XXI I found a boho long sleeved top and one of those great high-low hem skirts that I've had my eye on for weeks. But we're talking maybe 7 new items in exchange for the 70 items given away. At this rate, I really will be at net zero by the end of the year!
Inspiration! My closet needs a cleaning, too. I keep saying I'll do it one of these days, when I have enough energy to face the closet. Hasn't happened yet this year. Sad face.....
Posted by: Antoinette | April 21, 2012 at 07:11 PM
Ooh la la! Looks great!! Bet it feels so good to have it all cleaned out and organized. I'm a neat freak about my closet, so I know. Enjoy! :)
Posted by: Cindi Brooks | April 23, 2012 at 05:27 PM
You took fifty items and 20 shoes to consignment? Wow, that's amazing; I don't think I could ever part with so many things at once. Sad thing is that I didn't think your before-closet looked all that bad!
Posted by: Jhitomi | April 24, 2012 at 01:40 PM