Category Archives: closet clean out

Closet Clean Out Challenge: Step Three — Creating a Smart Buying List

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If you’ve been following along with the Closet Clean Out Challenge, you’ve already done some important work.

You’ve organized your closet.
You’ve created space.
You’ve let go of items that no longer serve you — without regret.

And now, you’re ready for the part most women skip…
but the part that actually changes how you shop.

Tonight at 6 p.m., I’ll be going live with Step Three of the Closet Clean Out Challenge, and this is where your newly cleaned-out closet really starts working for you.

Why Step Three Matters So Much

Most of us clean out our closets and then…
head right back to shopping the same way we always have.

Impulse buys.
Duplicate pieces.
Items that don’t quite work with what we already own.

Step Three is designed to stop that cycle.

The goal of this week is to begin creating a Buying List — a simple, intentional guide that helps you shop smarter, avoid repeat mistakes, and build a wardrobe that actually functions.

This is not about buying everything at once.
It’s about knowing what to buy when the time is right.

What You’ll Learn in Step Three

During tonight’s Wednesday Wardrobing live video, we’ll talk through:

✨ How to identify the true gaps in your wardrobe
✨ Why most women buy trends before basics — and how to reverse that
✨ How to stop buying “almost right” pieces
✨ How to use your closet clean out to guide future purchases
✨ How this list helps you save money long-term

This step is where clarity replaces guesswork.

A Shift in How You Shop

Instead of walking into a store thinking,

“I just need something new…”

You’ll start shopping with intention:

  • Knowing which basics need replacing
  • Knowing which pieces need a match
  • Knowing which trends actually fit your lifestyle
  • Knowing which colors work best for you right now

And when you shop this way, fewer items end up back in your donation pile next year.

Join Me Live Tonight

🎥 Step Three airs live tonight at 6 p.m. as part of Wednesday Wardrobing
📍 Live videos take place inside our VIP Facebook Group

👉 Join the VIP Group here to watch live or catch the replay:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/fashioncrossroadsinc

Even if you’re still working through Steps One or Two, I encourage you to join.
Each step builds understanding — not pressure.

And for those participating in incentives, I’ll also be sharing reminders about how to track your progress.

You’ve done the hard work.
Now it’s time to make it pay off.

— Kyleen 💛

Closet Clean Out Challenge: Step Two — Letting Go Without Regret

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If you’ve completed Step One of the Closet Clean Out Challenge, chances are your closet already feels calmer.

You can see what you own.
You have breathing room.
And now… the hard part begins.

Step Two is not about getting rid of everything.
It’s about letting go intentionally — without guilt, panic, or second-guessing.

This week, we move from organizing to evaluating, and we do it in a way that protects your confidence and your wardrobe.

Why Letting Go Feels So Hard

Most of us don’t struggle with organization — we struggle with the stories we attach to our clothes.

“I might wear this again.”
“I paid good money for this.”
“This used to fit me.”
“I need this just in case.”

These pieces — what I lovingly call “sacred cows” — are the items that linger in our closets year after year, quietly draining space and clarity.

The goal of Step Two is not to force decisions.
It’s to ask better questions.

The New Goal: Letting Go Without Regret

Instead of asking, “Should I get rid of this?”
We ask, “Does this still serve the life I’m living now?”

When you let go with intention:

  • You avoid creating wardrobe gaps
  • You stop rebuying the same pieces
  • You make space for things you’ll actually wear
  • You stop carrying guilt in your closet

That’s what we’re focusing on this week.

Common Reasons We Hang On (And How to Reframe Them)

You may recognize a few of these — I certainly did.

“I might lose weight and wear this again.”

Ask yourself:
Is this within one size of where I am now?
If not, it’s not motivation — it’s pressure.

“I just need to get this tailored.”

If you can realistically take it to a tailor in the next 10 days, keep it and put the date on your calendar.
If not, it’s not a plan — it’s a postponement.

“It’s still in style, I just don’t wear it.”

Try it on.
Is it itchy, clingy, unflattering, or draining your color?
If it doesn’t feel good on your body today, it won’t magically feel better later.

“This is sentimental.”

Sentimental value doesn’t require closet space.
If it won’t be worn again, consider a keepsake box or another place to store the memory.

“I might need this for a vacation or event someday.”

If you don’t have a specific event planned, this piece is creating mental clutter.
Part of the fun of events is choosing something new.

“I can wear this at home or camping.”

Most of us already have plenty of these items.
Choose the best and release the rest.

“I live in Wyoming — I need all these coats.”

You don’t need all of them — you need the right ones.
If it wasn’t worn last winter, it’s likely not needed.

“It’s a classic.”

Even classics evolve.
If it hasn’t been worn in two years, it’s probably dated — not timeless.

“I’ll keep this as motivation.”

Clothing should support you, not shame you.
If it doesn’t fit your body today, it doesn’t belong in your daily closet.

“I just bought this last year.”

Buying mistakes happen to all of us.
If you consistently pass it by, let it go — keeping it doesn’t recoup the cost.

Want Help Walking Through This Step?

This week’s Wednesday Wardrobing video is dedicated entirely to Step Two of the Closet Clean Out Challenge — letting go without regret.

🎥 This video airs live exclusively in our VIP Facebook Group at 6 p.m.

Inside the live, we’ll:

  • Walk through these questions together
  • Talk about emotional attachment to clothing
  • Help you avoid over-purging
  • Give you permission to move at your own pace

👉 Join the VIP Facebook Group to watch live and participate:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/fashioncrossroadsinc

Even if you’re still finishing Step One, you’re encouraged to join.
This challenge is designed to meet you where you are.

Progress over perfection — always.
— Kyleen

Closet Clean Out Challenge 2025: Tame Those Accessories

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This is Step Five of our Closet Clean Out Challenge for 2025, and today we’re tackling organizational strategies for your accessories. A true fashionista’s style is never complete without the finishing touches, and disorganized accessories can be just as frustrating as disorganized clothing. Let’s jump in!

For shoes, I recommend grouping them by category: tall boots, shoe boots, heels, casual/sporty, and flats. I also separate my summer shoes from my winter shoes, using a cubby organizer for summer styles and shelves for winter boots. Some people prefer labeled shoeboxes or clear plastic containers, and over-the-door shoe holders remain a great space-saving option. You can also store off-season shoes in a bin.

Pro Tip: While organizing, check the condition of your shoes: How is the tread? Are they scuffed or outdated? Do you actually wear them? Sort them into a trash pile and a donate pile. If you eliminate a style, jot it down on your shopping list if you need a replacement.

My Before and After The Closet Clean Out Challenge

When you’re finished, take stock of what you have—are you overstocked in one style but missing another? Also, evaluate if your colored shoes align with your best colors. If you’re an autumn, for instance, bright cherry red heels might not coordinate with much in your closet, whereas a wine-colored pair would be more versatile. Be sure to write down what you need on your shopping list so you don’t forget!

For necklaces, organizing by length and color makes the most sense. I use a multi-pronged hanger in my closet, arranging them from shortest to longest and grouping similar colors together. During my annual closet clean-out, I assess which pieces I haven’t worn and why. My earrings are stored in a jewelry box with small compartments, and I keep my dressy jewelry separate from my everyday pieces.

For handbags, I arrange them on shelves by color, mainly sticking to neutral shades like black, brown, tan, and gray. Smaller bags and wallets are lined up in baskets, which can fit under clothing if you don’t have shelving.

Pro Tip: Apply your best color principles here too—getting rid of handbags that don’t complement your palette ensures a cohesive, put-together look. That way, you avoid the hot pink purse with a red coat and olive pants mismatch!

For scarves, I recommend a drawer. I roll mine into small circles and line them up inside a dresser drawer, but a slim basket under the bed works well for small spaces. Avoid piling them too high, as that makes searching difficult—especially at 6 a.m.! Organize them by color and type, keeping outdoor scarves separate from fashion scarves and wraps. I store my wraps with my sweaters, folded on the top shelf of my closet.

My Step Five Live Video is airing Wednesday, February 5 at 6 p.m. MST on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Be sure to watch and ask questions!

Pro Tip: While we’re on the subject of organization, planning outfits the night before can save time and stress in the morning. Choose your outfit, including shoes and accessories, before bed. If needed, switch handbags and select the most appropriate coat. Feeling put together boosts confidence—it’s worth those few extra minutes!

And that’s it! You made it! Congratulations on your newly organized closet. I know you’ll enjoy getting ready so much more now! If you have items to donate, consider giving to Dress for Success. They support women re-entering the workforce by providing professional attire. Please note: The time for earning store credit for your donations to Dress For Success ends on Wednesday, February 5th. If you’re dropping off clothing for Dress for Success, you must pre-schedule your drop-off by calling us at 307-237-9221.

Stay tuned for February’s blog and live video series, where I’ll discuss Spring 2025 fashion trends, including color, style, and fabric updates. I’m also heading to market this week on Saturday—join our VIP Facebook group to follow along with my market journey, enjoy some laughs at the best and worst fashion finds, and participate in “Be the Buyer” posts where you help me decide on new arrivals! All this and more is available on Fashion Crossroads Fashionistas.

Closet Clean Out Challenge 2025: Step 3

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Closet Clean Out Challenge 2025: Step 3 – Refresh and Renew

Welcome to the next phase of our 2025 Closet Clean Out Challenge! With Step 1 and Step 2 behind us, I hope you’ve already experienced the joy of an organized closet. If you missed the first steps, you can catch up by watching the videos on our Facebook or Instagram pages.

This week, we’re diving into Step 3: Refresh and Renew. It’s all about taking a hard look at what you kept during the first two steps. Let’s tackle those “sacred cows” — the items you held onto but haven’t worn in ages.

My Closet Clean Out Story

I completed Step 1 on Sunday, and wow, it felt amazing to walk into my newly organized closet. This morning, I wore an outfit I’d forgotten I even had! Eliminating 20 items that were cluttering my space has not only made me feel lighter but has also opened up room for some exciting new additions (wink).

Now, it’s your turn to evaluate what’s left in your closet. This week, I’m challenging myself—and you—to wear those “sacred cows” – the things that you can’t seem to let go of – to see if they still work. If you can create an outfit you love with them, great! If not, it’s time to let them go.

Top 10 Rationalizations for Keeping Clothes

Here are some of the reasons we convince ourselves to keep certain items. Do any of these sound familiar?

  1. I might lose weight and be able to wear this again.
  2. If I get this tailored, I’ll wear it again.
  3. It’s still fashionable, and I love it—how can I let it go?
  4. I wore this for a special occasion, so it has sentimental value.
  5. I might need this for a party, vacation, or special event someday.
  6. I wouldn’t wear this out, but it’s fine for around the house.
  7. I live in Wyoming, so I need all the sweaters, coats, and vests.
  8. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.
  9. It doesn’t fit now, but it’ll motivate me to lose weight.
  10. I just bought it, so getting rid of it feels like wasting money.

The Refresh and Renew Process

Gather all your “sacred cows” and any items you didn’t wear in 2024. Take them out of your closet and into another room. For each piece, ask yourself these questions:

  • Weight Changes: Is it your current size, one size bigger, or one size smaller? If not, let it go.
  • Tailoring Needs: Can you commit to tailoring it in the next 10 days? If not, donate it.
  • Fashionable but Unworn: Try it on. Does it fit well? Is it comfortable? If not, it goes.
  • Sentimental Items: Do you have the space to store it elsewhere, like a cedar chest? If not, it goes.
  • Special Event Items: Are you sure you’ll wear it for an upcoming occasion? If not, donate it.
  • Around the House: Do you already have enough “comfy” clothes? Replace worn-out ones and donate the rest.
  • Seasonal Necessities: Do you really need so many coats or sweaters? Keep only what you truly wear.
  • Classic Pieces: Have you worn it in the last two years? If not, it’s time to say goodbye.
  • Too Small: Be realistic about your current size and let go of anything that doesn’t fit.
  • Recent Purchases: If you pass it over every morning, it’s a sign it doesn’t belong.

Watch and Win

Want a more detailed explanation? Join me live tonight at 6 p.m. MST on Facebook or Instagram. I’ll demonstrate the process.

💳 Challenge Perks: Don’t forget that we are hosting a special after hours shopping event for all of you who donate clothing to Dress For Success! I will give you $1 in store credit for every business item of clothing donated, up to 20. Then, you will receive a special invitation to our Fashion With A Purpose Event on February 6th from 6-9 p.m.

Let’s refresh and renew together—your perfect closet awaits! 🌟

Closet Cleanout Challenge 2024: Refill

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So you have faithfully gone through three key steps in your closet cleanout challenge.  You have Got Organized: Part I and Part II.  You also got rid of some of those clothes you have been holding on to in Refresh and Renew.   Now, you are truly ready to take advantage of your newly organized and cleaned out closet.  I will be airing Step 4 live tonight at 6 p.m. and announcing our weekly Closet Clean Out Challenge $20 winner.  Use the links for our Facebook and Instagram pages at the bottom of this post to watch! I hope you have participated in at least one challenge so you can get in on our BIG $100 giveaway.  You have one more week to do that!   

The goal for this week’s time spent in your closet is to create a “Buying List” where you will record all the things you need to shop for in the future.  I recommend that you carry this list with you in your purse for those unplanned shopping days.  It will keep you on track to purchase the things you need, and, as a result, you will be a smarter shopper who avoids bringing items home that have to be eliminated in your next closet clean out!

Please grab a piece of paper and divide it into 3 Categories:

  1. Basics I Need
  2. Items that Need Matches
  3. Trends I Want To Buy
  4. My Best Colors

BASICS I NEED:

This section of your list should include all the core basics that are missing from your closet or need to be replaced.  Basics include solid neutrals such as grey, black, white, tan, navy, brown.  Take a moment to take stock of your sleeved and sleeveless tops, jackets, skirts and pants.  Are there any that you didn’t pull out but that are wearing out? If yes, write this down on your list.  Other items in this category might be classic prints and fabrics like Hounds-tooth,  tweed, some basic plaids, etc. Also consider your layering pieces.  Are there any jackets that need basic tops to complete them? Do you have any basic slacks that lack a coordinating blouse or top? Do you have a good white blouse? Do you have a basic black dress that can be dressed up or down? Do you have a nice pair of black work slacks? What about your shoes? Do any of these need to be replaced? This step should produce the biggest portion of your list because these are the core items in your closet that work back and forth with everything else.  These are the things that you should spend more money on and focus on getting quality that will last.

ITEMS THAT NEED MATCHES:

This section of your list is for all those printed items that need a match to make them work.  Is a there a jacket that you don’t wear enough because you don’t really like the top that goes with it? Write that down.  Is there a printed skirt that needs a top to match?  Maybe you eliminated a top that you always wore with that skirt in steps one or two of this 3 step process.  Now you need to replace that top.  Write it down on your list.  It is also helpful to take pictures of any printed items so when you get to the store you can remember what colors are in the print.  Better yet, however, is to set some time aside to go “match shopping” and bring all of your items with you so you can see not only how the colors work but also how fabric textures and styles work as well.  Try new items on with your old items and see how they work together before you buy them.

TRENDS I WANT TO BUY:

Make sure you leave some room in your closet for current trends that will keep your wardrobe updated.  Take some time to read trend reports (I’ll have one coming in the near future), and identify your favorite trends of the season.  Write these down so the next time you are shopping, you can pull out your list and remind yourself what you need to look for.  Trendy items can be less expensive because they are the most likely to come and go quickly and won’t need to stand the test of time.  Just keep in mind, the lighter the fabric, the more it will show your figure flaws.  Usually, the thicker (not stiffer) the fabric, the better the drape will be and the better job the item will do of disguising extra weight.

MY BEST COLORS:

If you have ever had the chance to have your colors done, you know how important it is to wear the right colors for your skin, but did you know that changing your hair color or going grey will change the colors you can wear? Your best colors do no stay static your entire life.  If you noticed that your closet is filled with a myriad of different warm and cool colors, that is an indication that you might not be sure what you are.  Honestly, this topic deserves a blog post all on its own, but let me summarize the steps to determining your best colors, according to the Color Me Beautiful method (Richmond, JoAnne.  Color Me Beautiful: 4 Seasons of Color, Makeup, and Style. Taylor Trade Publishing, 2008.)

  1. Are you warm (desert panorama) or cool (snowy mountain scene)? One clue you can use is your hair.  Warms usually have golden blonde, strawberry blonde, copper, red, or chestnut brown hair.  Cools usually have ash blonde, grey, silver, medium or dark brown, and jet black hair.
  2. If you identified yourself as a warm, you are either a Spring or Autumn.  Likewise, if you identified yourself as cool, you are either a Summer or Winter.
  3. Next, categorize yourself as a light or a dark based upon your hair color.  Lighter colors of hair like blonde, light brown, light red will be a considered a “light.” Conversely, darker colors of hair like brunette, dark red or black will be a “deep.”
  4. Putting all of this together then:
    1. Cool and Deep = Winter
    2. Cool and Light = Summer
    3. Warm and Deep = Autumn
    4. Warm and Light = Spring

So that’s it.  You’ve made it!  Wow! Great job! I’d love to hear your feedback on your biggest “ah ah” moments from going through this process.  And now…happy shopping!

I will announce the winner of this week’s challenge and our BIG winner next Wednesday at 6 p.m. on our Facebook and Instagram pages.  

Closet Clean Out Challenge 2024: Refresh and Renew

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I hope you have enjoyed your newly organized closet! If you missed my Closet Clean Out Challenge Step One: Part II and Part II, you can watch the video for those on our Facebook or Instagram pages. Tonight, I will be recording Step Three: Refresh and Renew.

I performed step 1 on my own closet Sunday, and it felt good to get things organized. I totally enjoyed walking into my closet this morning and putting my outfit together. Everything looks so organized, and I am wearing a new outfit today that had gotten lost in the chaos!! ! I eliminated about 20 items that I knew I would never wear again.  They were cluttering my closet, and having the extra space feels good! Heck, now I have the room to buy more…smile!

For those of you who are ready for step 3 in our Closet Clean Out Challenge, 2024, this week’s step is called refresh and renew because we are going to take a hard look at what you kept.  I am guessing there were some items that you didn’t pull out because you just can’t bring yourself to get rid of them or because you rationalized their value in your wardrobe and the potential that you will…someday…wear them again.  I know you did this because I did the same thing.  This week, I have challenged myself to wear some of those “sacred cows,” as I call them.  If I can create an outfit that I like with them, they get to stay, but if not, they have to go.

As I have analyzed the top 10 rationalizations I used to determine which items to keep, I think they are probably some of the same ones you use too.  For me, these are the main arguments for hanging on:

  1. I might lose weight and be able to wear this again.
  2. If I would just take this to a tailor and get it altered I would wear it again.
  3. This is still fashionable, and I still love it, so how can I let it go?
  4. I wore this item for my anniversary with my husband so I should keep it for sentimental value.
  5. I might need this for a party, vacation, or special event some day.
  6. I wouldn’t be caught dead in this any more, but I could wear it around the house or when I go camping.
  7. I can’t have too many sweaters, vests and coats; I live in Wyoming!
  8. This is a classic that never goes out of style.
  9. I can’t fit in this anymore, but I will use it as “motivation” to lose weight.
  10. I just bought this item last year, so it is a waste of money to get rid of it.

Do any of these excuses seem familiar? Building from this, I think we can create a list of corresponding questions that will help you determine if the items you kept really do need to stay in your closet another year.  So, here is what I want you to do: go through your closet and gather up all your “sacred cows” (the items that you have probably considered letting loose before now but always talk yourself out of) and every other item you did not wear in 2023.  Take them out of your closet into another room and then, one by one, answer the following questions for each item:

  1. I might lose weight and be able to wear this again. Is this item either my current size, ONE size bigger,  or ONE size smaller than I wear today? If the answer is “no,” it goes.
  2. If I would just take this to a tailor and get it altered, I would wear it again. Can I take this item to a tailor in the next 10 days? If the answer is “yes,” put this date on your calendar and keep it.  If the answer is “no,” it goes.
  3. This is still fashionable, and I still love it, so how can I let it go?  If the item is still in fashion and you still love it but haven’t worn it in a year, you need to evaluate why.  Take a minute now and try it on.  Maybe there is just a fit issue that you don’t like.  Perhaps it clings too much in the wrong places.  Maybe it is itchy.  Maybe it drains the color out of your face.  If you discover any issue with the item that has been keeping you from wearing it, it goes.
  4. I wore this item for my anniversary with my husband so I should keep it for sentimental value. This one is tough.  We tend to attach sentimental value to items we wore for special events, and we hold on to them for that reason.  For me, the decision to keep these items is really about space.  Do you have the space to hold onto items that you will probably never wear again? If the answer is no, it goes.  Is there another place that you could store them, say perhaps a cedar chest? If the answer is yes, move it.
  5. I might need this for a party, vacation, or special event some day. So I am particularly bad about number 5.  I had dresses I hadn’t worn in more than a year (and that I didn’t wear on my last beach vacation) that I was saving for my next beach vacation.  I had a hard talk with myself and they ended up in the “donate” pile.  After all, part of the fun of a vacation is buying something new for it.  Do you know for sure that you are taking a vacation or having a special event in 2020 that you would wear the item to? If the answer is “no,” it goes.
  6. I wouldn’t be caught dead in this any more, but I could wear it around the house or when I go camping.  Do you already have enough “wear around the house” or “painting” or “cleaning” or “camping” items? (I’m guessing your answer will be “yes.”) Are any of those worn out? (probably yes again.) Consider adding these items to your comfy group after you have thrown some others out.
  7. I can’t have too many sweaters, vests and coats; I live in Wyoming! Yes, hoarding coats and sweaters when you live in a state that has 6 months of winter seems to make sense, however, how many coats do you really need? Let me help you out: 1 long dress coat, 1 3/4 length dress coat, 1 casual coat, 1 sport coat (like a skiing jacket), and 1 spring coat.  Okay, okay…maybe you can add 1 trendy coat, but I’m giving you that one, coat hoarder….I’m speaking to myself here.  Coats are especially needed by the poor and disadvantaged, so that is even more incentive to get rid of them.  As far as sweaters go, if you didn’t wear it last year….guess what….it goes.
  8. This is a classic that never goes out of style. Another particularly tempting rationalization for me is the “you should never get rid of a classic” argument.  Well, here’s what I know about clothing from having been in this business for over twenty years.  Even when manufacturers and designers bring back a classic like the blazer, they change it just enough to make the older ones seem out of date.  The changes are small things like length, number of buttons, collar style, sleeve length, etc., but they are just enough to cause your “classic” item to become “vintage.”  Here’s my rule for “classic pieces:” if you haven’t worn it in the last TWO years, it goes.  Oh, and just in case you need to know what items qualify as “classic,” here is a list: blazers; solid collared, button up blouses; layering pieces like tanks, turtle necks and light weight sweaters; suit skirts in neutral colors; slacks in neutral colors; basic black dresses.
  9. I can’t fit in this anymore, but I will use it as “motivation” to lose weight. Okay ladies, I’m going to be in your business a little here.  Pardon me.  I have your best interests at heart, I promise.  Our bodies change as we age.  At 52, I am going through this very thing myself.  There are certain aspects of my body that will never look the same as they did five or ten years ago.  I am a BIG advocate for staying active and healthy, however, I am also realizing that I need to let some expectations about my body go.  Size 4 is gone for me, and I desperately trying to hang on to a size 6, but sometimes I wear a size 8.  If it is too tight or too small for me to get into, it goes.
  10. I just bought this item last year, so it is a waste of money to get rid of it.  We ALL make buying mistakes.  Who knows why we do it? Maybe we were influenced by a shopping partner or we were in the mood for something new or out of the box that day.  Whatever it was that caused us to buy it, we have questioned that decision ever since.  As an example, I pulled a pair of floral wrap pants out of my closet during the first step of this process that I just bought last summer.  I wore them once and then passed them up the rest of the season.  Why? They really weren’t me.  If it’s new, but you keep passing it by for other things when you get dressed in the morning, it goes.

Okay, that’s it.  These are the top 10 rationalizations I have made (and I’m guessing you have made) and my answers for them.

If you want to watch my video explaining this process, watch my live video tonight at 6 p.m. MST on either Facebook or Instagram. I will also be announcing our winner from last week’s challenge as well as sharing this week’s challenge. Our challenge winners get a $20 gift certificate to the store. Participating in just one challenge gets you entered into our big drawing of $100 at the end of the four part process. You only have two remaining chances to get in that big drawing, so get started now!!

Closet Clean-Out Challenge 2024: Get Organized Part I

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It’s a New Year.  How about a New You? With a year full of possibilities ahead, why not shake off that dead weight? I don’t know about you, cleaning out the old and bringing in the new feels like a great way to start the year.  That’s why I am doing a Closet Clean-Out Challenge.

Best yet, this year I am incentivizing you not only to START but also to FINISH this process! There are four videos in the series, one video for each of the four parts. Each video will have a CHALLENGE attached to Everyone who completes the challenge will get entered to win a $20 gift card. There are four opportunities to win!  Everyone who completes ONE of the challenges will get entered to win a $100 gift card. You get an entry for every challenge completed, so you can have up to four entries to win the big gift card!! to someone who completed at least one challenge!

The Step One, Part I Video aired Wednesday, January 10th. You can watch that here: Closet Cleanout Challenge 2024; Step One, Part I. You have until Wednesday, January 17th at 5 p.m. MST to complete the challenge and get entered to win the $20 gift card.

There is something about getting organized that is so refreshing.  Shedding clutter makes me feel lighter, what about you? One of the most important places to get organized is in your closet.  We all know the frustration of searching for an outfit in the morning and pulling out item after item that is worn out, too big, too small or out dated.  Ugh.

I have a four-step system that I use every year in my own closet that is very effective in weeding out the items that I don’t wear and identifying items that require a match or another item to make them work more efficiently in my wardrobe.  I also find that when I take the time to apply these four simple steps, when I am finished, I can clearly see what I have and what I need.  Suddenly, I see new outfit options that I hadn’t noticed before because everything is organized in a way that makes sense.

This blog post is the first in a series of four Closet Clean-Out tutorials that will take you through this process, and hopefully, have you feeling lighter and de-cluttered as well as excited about your closet and shopping opportunities again.

So let’s dig in.

First, do me and yourself a favor.  As you complete the following steps, if you come across an item that you KNOW you will never wear again, pull it out now.  Don’t get bogged down yet in trying to decide about those scared cows…you know, the things you just can’t seem to let go of even though you haven’t worn them in 3 years.  We will deal with those in our next video.

Now, down to business.  The first step is to organize your closet by type.  First, separate your tops from your bottoms.  Put dresses in a separate section.  Now, organize your tops by sleeve length – short, ¾ and long.  Next, separate your tops by type.  Within the sleeve length grouping, separate the collared blouses from the pull overs.  If you have more than one season in the same closet, also separate summer from winter within each of the groups.  When you are finished, you should have your sleeveless tops grouped together.  Next should come your short sleeve tops and then your long sleeved tops, summer together and winter together.

Now do the same thing with your bottoms. Start with shorts and move to capris, ankle pants and long pants.  Then, within each group, separate by fabric.  Put your denim together, cottons together, slacks together, etc.  Then tackle your skirts, and organize them from shortest to longest.

I bet you feel lighter already!

Now, go have a glass of wine! You did it!

Watch for my next blog post and video called Closet Clean Out Challenge Step One, Part II.  In this next tutorial, we will build upon Step One and color code your categories as well as look as some nifty ways to organize your accessories.

To watch my weekly Wednesday Night Wardrobing live videos where I will explain in more detail each of the steps, follow and like my Facebook Business Page, Fashion Crossroads Inc., and tune in Wednesday night at 6 p.m. MST. 

Happy organizing!

Closet Clean-Out Challenge 2023: Step One

Posted in closet clean out, how to, tips and tricks by

It’s a New Year.  How about a New You? With a year full of possibilities ahead, why not shake off that dead weight? I don’t know about you, cleaning out the old and bringing in the new feels like a great way to start the year.  That’s why I am doing a Closet Clean-Out Challenge.

Best yet, this year I am incentivizing you not only to START but also to FINISH this process by offering a $250 gift card to one lucky winner! To get entered to win this amazing prize, you will need to join the challenge. You can do that here: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/pages/closet-clean-out-challenge-2023. The sign up deadline is this Saturday, January 7, 2023. Next, you will need to watch all four videos, complete the steps and post pictures of your progress. That’s it!

Are you ready? Read on…

There is something about getting organized that is so refreshing.  Shedding clutter makes me feel lighter, what about you? One of the most important places to get organized is in your closet.  We all know the frustration of searching for an outfit in the morning and pulling out item after item that is worn out, too big, too small or out dated.  Ugh.

I have a four-step system that I use every year in my own closet that is very effective in weeding out the items that I don’t wear and identifying items that require a match or another item to make them work more efficiently in my wardrobe.  I also find that when I take the time to apply these four simple steps, when I am finished, I can clearly see what I have and what I need.  Suddenly, I see new outfit options that I hadn’t noticed before because everything is organized in a way that makes sense.

This blog post is the first in a series of four Closet Clean-Out tutorials that will take you through this process, and hopefully, have you feeling lighter and de-cluttered as well as excited about your closet and shopping opportunities again.  I’ll be recording a video of today’s blog post during my weekly Wednesday Night Wardrobing Live Video broadcast within our VIP Facebook Group, Fashion Crossroads Fashionistas. You can watch that video live or watch the replay here.

So let’s dig in.

First, do me and yourself a favor.  As you complete the following steps, if you come across an item that you KNOW you will never wear again, pull it out now.  Don’t get bogged down yet in trying to decide about those scared cows…you know, the things you just can’t seem to let go of even though you haven’t worn them in 3 years.  We will deal with those in our next video.

Now, down to business.  The first step is to organize your closet by type.  First, separate your tops from your bottoms.  Put dresses in a separate section.  Now, organize your tops by sleeve length – short, ¾ and long.  Next, separate your tops by type.  Within the sleeve length grouping, separate the collared blouses from the pull overs.  If you have more than one season in the same closet, also separate summer from winter within each of the groups.  When you are finished, you should have your sleeveless tops grouped together.  Next should come your short sleeve tops and then your long sleeved tops, summer together and winter together.

Now do the same thing with your bottoms. Start with shorts and move to capris, ankle pants and long pants.  Then, within each group, separate by fabric.  Put your denim together, cottons together, slacks together, etc.  Then tackle your skirts, and organize them from shortest to longest.

I bet you feel lighter already! One more step! Now, within each group, organize them by color using the acronym ROYGBIV.  This stands for red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.  Group like colors together.  For example, your pink tops will go next to the reds and your turquoise tops will go next to green or blue, depending on what hue the turquoise is.  Put your black, white and brown at the end.  Group your ivory and cream after white.  Next come the tans and browns.  Last, put your greys after the blacks.

Now, go have a glass of wine! You did it!

You have a week to enjoy your newly organized closet.  Watch for my next blog post and video called Closet Clean Out Challenge Two: Renew and Refresh.  In these tutorials, we will take a look at what you have and figure out what you need to get rid of and what you need to keep.

To watch my weekly Wednesday Night Wardrobing live videos where I will explain in more detail each of the steps, join my Fashion Crossroads Fashionistas VIP group page on Facebook and tune in Wednesday night at 6 p.m. MST. 

Happy organizing!

Closet Clean Out Challenge Step Four: Organize Those Accessories

Posted in closet clean out, dressing your best, fashion, fashion trends, how to, organization tips, tips and tricks, women's clothing tips by
Chilling in Downtown Casper

In this last step to creating an organized closet, I am tackling organizational strategies for your accessories. A true Fashionista’s style is never complete without the finishing touches, and dis-organized accessories can be as frustrating as disorganized clothing. Let’s jump in.

  1. For shoes I recommend trying to group shoes by their category: tall boots, shoe boots, heels, casual/sporty, and flats. I like to separate my summer shoes from my winter shoes, so I have a cubby organizer for my summer shoes and shelves for my winter boots. I have friends that also use shoe boxes with labels or clear plastic shoe boxes to organize their shoes. You can still find the over the door shoe holders as well if you are limited on space. Perhaps you can use a bin to store your summer shoes when it is winter and vice versa. While you are organizing, make sure you are also examining your shoes. How is the tread? Are the toes scuffed? Do they look worn and outdated? When was the last time you wore them? Get rid of shoes that are outdated, worn out or so uncomfortable you never wear them. Create a trash pile and a donate pile. As you eliminate a style, write it down on your shopping list if you need to replace it. When you are all done, take stock of what you have. Are you over stocked in a certain style like shoe boots but don’t have a single tall boot? Additionally, with your colored shoes, consider if they are in your best colors. If you are an autumn and have bright cherry red heels, you are probably not going to find much in your closet to go with those. Wine colored heels would be a much better choice.
  2. For necklaces, I think organizing them by length and color makes the most sense. I have a multi-pronged hanger in my closet that I have my necklaces hanging on. They are organized from shortest to longest. I have grouped similar colors together as well. When I go through my annual closet clean out, I consider which necklaces I haven’t worn and analyze why. I have my earrings in a jewelry box with several small, earring sized boxes. I also keep my dressy jewelry separate from my more casual pieces.
  3. For handbags, I have them sitting on shelves and organized by color. I tend to stick to neutral handbags so mine are black, brown, tan and grey. I keep my wallets and smaller bags lined up in small baskets and these can sit underneath your clothing if you don’t have shelves in your closet. I highly recommend that you apply the principles of your best colors to get rid of handbags that are not in your palate. When you build your wardrobe around your best colors and buy those colors in your accessories, handbags and coats, you end up with a very put together look that always matches. You avoid the hot pink purse with a red coat and olive pants debacle.
  4. For scarves, I recommend a drawer. I have mine in small circles lined up in a dresser drawer. A slim basket that you can slide under your bed also works if you are short on space. Having them piled so high that you have to dig through them isn’t very efficient, especially at 6 a.m. Organize them by color and type. Keep your outdoor scarves separate from your outfit scarves and your wraps separate from those. I put my wraps with my sweaters which are folded on the top shelf of my closet.

I have posted before and after pics of my accessories in my own closet in our discussion for my Closet Clean Out Challenge: Step Four Live Video which will air tonight. You can see those pictures of how I have organized things there or join us tonight at 6 p.m. MST to watch the video live and ask questions!

At the end of the day, an organized closet will save you time getting ready in the morning. And, while we are on that subject, a well thought out outfit rarely happens with sleep in your eyes. Choose what you will wear at the end of your day before you go to bed. Get everything ready, including what jewelry and shoes you will wear. Take the time to change your handbag, if needed. Consider what coat will look the best so you don’t pair your puffer jacket with a dress, as an example. When you feel put together, your confidence will go up exponentially. It is worth the extra few minutes to do this before bed.

Well, that is it!! You made it!! Congratulations on your newly organized closet. I know you will enjoy getting ready ever so much more now! Tune into next month’s blog and live video series where I will be talking Spring 2023 fashion trends, including color, style and fabric trends. I am also headed to market next month, so you will want to join our VIP Facebook group so you can follow along with my market journey and have a good laugh at the best and worst things I see each day. I will also be posting “Be The Buyer” posts so you can help me decide when I am unsure! You can get all of that on Fashion Crossroads Fashionistas.

New Year New You, Closet Cleanout Challenge: Re-Fill

Posted in closet clean out, clothing, clothing, quality, value, dressing your best, dressing your figure, fashion, how to, organization tips, tips and tricks, women's clothing tips by

pearsonphoto2020_196

So here is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak, and this is why you have faithfully gone through Get Organized: Step 1 To A Closet That Makes Sense and Refresh and Renew: Step 2 To A Closet That Makes Sense .  Now, you are truly ready to take advantage of your newly organized and cleaned out closet.  If you would like, you can join our VIP Facebook Group, Fashion Crossroads Fashionistas , and watch my videos explaining the process.  I will be airing Step 3 live tonight at 6 p.m.  You can get entered to win free gifts by watching the videos and commenting with your biggest take-away.  

The goal for today’s time spent in your closet is to create a “Buying List” where you will record all the things you need to shop for in the future.  I recommend that you carry this list with you in your purse for those unplanned shopping days.  It will keep you on track to purchase the things you need, and, as a result, you will be a smarter shopper who avoids bringing items home that have to be eliminated in your next closet clean out!

Please grab a piece of paper and divide it into 3 Categories:

  1. Basics I Need
  2. Items that Need Matches
  3. Trends I Want To Buy
  4. My Best Colors

BASICS I NEED:

This section of your list should include all the core basics that are missing from your closet or need to be replaced.  Basics include solid neutrals such as grey, black, white, tan, navy, brown.  Take a moment to take stock of your sleeved and sleeveless tops, jackets, skirts and pants.  Are there any that you didn’t pull out but that are wearing out? If yes, write this down on your list.  Other items in this category might be classic prints and fabrics like Hounds-tooth,  tweed, some basic plaids, etc. Also consider your layering pieces.  Are there any jackets that need basic tops to complete them? Do you have any basic slacks that lack a coordinating blouse or top? Do you have a good white blouse? Do you have a basic black dress that can be dressed up or down? Do you have a nice pair of black work slacks? What about your shoes? Do any of these need to be replaced? This step should produce the biggest portion of your list because these are the core items in your closet that work back and forth with everything else.  These are the things that you should spend more money on and focus on getting quality that will last.

ITEMS THAT NEED MATCHES:

This section of your list is for all those printed items that need a match to make them work.  Is a there a jacket that you don’t wear enough because you don’t really like the top that goes with it? Write that down.  Is there a printed skirt that needs a top to match?  Maybe you eliminated a top that you always wore with that skirt in steps one or two of this 3 step process.  Now you need to replace that top.  Write it down on your list.  It is also helpful to take pictures of any printed items so when you get to the store you can remember what colors are in the print.  Better yet, however, is to set some time aside to go “match shopping” and bring all of your items with you so you can see not only how the colors work but also how fabric textures and styles work as well.  Try new items on with your old items and see how they work together before you buy them.

TRENDS I WANT TO BUY:

Make sure you leave some room in your closet for current trends that will keep your wardrobe updated.  Take some time to read trend reports (I’ll have one coming in the near future), and identify your favorite trends of the season.  Write these down so the next time you are shopping, you can pull out your list and remind yourself what you need to look for.  Trendy items can be less expensive because they are the most likely to come and go quickly and won’t need to stand the test of time.  Just keep in mind, the lighter the fabric, the more it will show your figure flaws.  Usually, the thicker (not stiffer) the fabric, the better the drape will be and the better job the item will do of disguising extra weight.

MY BEST COLORS:

If you have ever had the chance to have your colors done, you know how important it is to wear the right colors for your skin, but did you know that changing your hair color or going grey will change the colors you can wear? Your best colors do no stay static your entire life.  If you noticed that your closet is filled with a myriad of different warm and cool colors, that is an indication that you might not be sure what you are.  Honestly, this topic deserves a blog post all on its own, but let me summarize the steps to determining your best colors, according to the Color Me Beautiful method (Richmond, JoAnne.  Color Me Beautiful: 4 Seasons of Color, Makeup, and Style. Taylor Trade Publishing, 2008.)

  1. Are you warm (desert panorama) or cool (snowy mountain scene)? One clue you can use is your hair.  Warms usually have golden blonde, strawberry blonde, copper, red, or chestnut brown hair.  Cools usually have ash blonde, grey, silver, medium or dark brown, and jet black hair.
  2. If you identified yourself as a warm, you are either a Spring or Autumn.  Likewise, if you identified yourself as cool, you are either a Summer or Winter.
  3. Next, categorize yourself as a light or a dark based upon your hair color.  Lighter colors of hair like blonde, light brown, light red will be a considered a “light.” Conversely, darker colors of hair like brunette, dark red or black will be a “deep.”
  4. Putting all of this together then:
    1. Cool and Deep = Winter
    2. Cool and Light = Summer
    3. Warm and Deep = Autumn
    4. Warm and Light = Spring

So that’s it.  You’ve made it!  Wow! Great job! I’d love to hear your feedback on your biggest “ah ah” moments from going through this process.  And now…happy shopping!

Next week, I’ll be adding a bonus step focused on getting your jewelry, scarves, handbags and shoes organized too!