Tag Archives: organization

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 Are they scuffed or outdated?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 Clean Out Challenge 2024: Get Organized, Part I

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Closet Clean-Out Challenge 2024: A Fresh Start for Your Wardrobe!

It’s a new year, and with it comes new possibilities! Why not take this opportunity to declutter your life, starting with your wardrobe? 🌟 Cleaning out the old and making room for the new is not only refreshing but empowering. That’s why I’m inviting you to join me in the Closet Clean-Out Challenge!

This year, I’m offering exciting rewards to help motivate you to tackle and complete this process. Here’s the scoop:

New for 2024: Closet Clean-Out with a Purpose

As part of Week 3, I encourage you to donate your gently used, business-appropriate clothing to our local Dress For Success affiliate. To thank you for your generosity, you’ll receive:

  • $1 in store credit for every item donated (up to 20 items).
  • An invitation to our exclusive event, Fashion With A Purpose, on Tuesday, February 6th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

At this private after-hours event, you’ll enjoy:

  • Wine and hors d’oeuvres. 🍷🍴
  • A chance to spend your store credit. 🛍️
  • An opportunity to learn more about the Dress For Success mission.

Please note: Accessories are welcome donations but won’t count toward the store credit.

Why Organize Your Closet?

Let’s face it: a disorganized closet can be a daily frustration. Sorting through worn-out, ill-fitting, or outdated items wastes time and energy. With my four-step system, you’ll:

  • Remove clutter.
  • Identify gaps in your wardrobe.
  • Discover new outfit possibilities.

Step One: Organize by Type

Here’s your first task:

  1. Separate by category: Tops, bottoms, dresses.
  2. Organize tops by sleeve length: Sleeveless, short, ¾, and long sleeves. Then sort by type (collared vs. pullover) and season (summer vs. winter).
  3. Sort bottoms: Start with shorts, capris, ankle pants, and long pants. Within each group, sort by fabric type (denim, cotton, slacks, etc.).

Feeling lighter already? Celebrate your progress with a well-deserved glass of wine! 🍷

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for Step One, Part II, where we’ll dive into color coding your wardrobe. This is where the magic happens!

Want detailed explanations and live demonstrations? Join me every Wednesday at 6 p.m. MST for my Wednesday Night Wardrobing live videos on Facebook. Don’t forget to like and follow Fashion Crossroads Inc. to stay updated!

The first video is tonight at 6 p.m.! Let’s make 2024 the year of a clutter-free closet and a more confident, organized YOU. 🎉

Happy organizing,
Kyleen

Closet Clean Out Challenge 2024: Get Organized, Part II

Posted in dressing your best, how to, organization tips, tips and tricks, What to wear, women's clothing tips by

I have curated a closet clean out system that is effective in getting an organized closet that saves time in the morning when you are putting together your look for the day. This is done through a systemized approach to organizing your clothing and your accessories. Each year in January, I host a Closet Clean Out Challenge for our Facebook and Instagram followers. I call it a “challenge” because each week has “homework” that needs to be completed so you can break your closet clean out into four separate chunks, making it less overwhelming. BUT, I also incentivize you with the chance to win $20 gift cards to our stores. Each week, you will have the chance to win if you complete the challenge. Completing just one of the four challenges will get you entered to win a $100 gift card at the end. Sound good?

Last week during my live Wednesday Wardrobing video, I covered step one of the system called Get Organized, Part I. In it, I taught you how to organize your clothing by type. If you missed it, please watch that video before proceeding.

Now that your clothing is organized by type, the next step is to organize by color. To help with this, I use the acronym ROYGBIV.  This is a nifty way to remember the colors of the rainbow and stands for red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. 

Within each group that you created, you will organize them by putting all the reds together, all the oranges together, all the yellows together and in this order. So, for example, if your first category is sleeveless tops, you will color organize them. Then, for your next category, short sleeve tops, you will color organize them also. You may not have a representative for every color in the acronym, so if you need to, just skip that color and go onto the next. Once you get through violet, next add your grey and black, then your whites, creams and browns. 

Why, you ask, would you go through all of this trouble? Believe me, it is worth it!! When you are finished, you will clearly be able to see what you have and what you have too much of. This will also make mixing and matching outfits in the morning infinitely easier!! You will naturally put together items that you have never matched before, creating even more looks from your closet and maximizing your wardrobe. 

One thing you will run into is variations of a color. The ROYGBIV is focused on PRIMARY colors, so you will have pink, coral, turquoise, lavender, etc. Just put these with their closet primary color. For example, pink would go with the reds. I usually put lighter colors first and then darker colors.

Another thing that may trip you up is prints. When you come to a print, ask yourself what the dominant color in the print is and add it to that color family. You will amazed by the fact that once you are done, you will easily be able to see if something is in the wrong place. That is the beauty of this system. 

Also a part of this step is organizing your accessories. There are many different ways to do this, but the same principles apply. First separate by categories and then by color. For example, put your short, medium and long necklaces together in those categories. Then, organize each section using the same color acronym ROYGBIV. I like hanging my necklaces and have a fixture in my closet where I can do that. In previous closets, I have used a peg board for this purpose. 

I organize my shoes in two ways. I have shelves where I put some and I have a shoe organizer where I have others. I separate them by type. My shoe boots are together; my long boots are together; my tennis shoes are together; my sandals are together. 

I like putting my scarves in my dresser drawer, and I roll them around my hand to create little circles and then set them inside the drawer. This way I can clearly see what colors they are. I start at one side of the drawer and go to the other using the ROYGBIV acronym. 

For my handbags and wallets, I use baskets for my smaller items and then line up my larger handbags on the top shelf of my closet next to my folded sweaters. This allows me to clearly see what I have. I also use baskets for my belts and create circles with them like I do my scarves. I try to separate my wide belts from my skinny belts. 

I also only hang the clothes I wear to work or for dressed up casual. I fold all of my exercise wear, pajamas, sweatshirts, etc. and put them in my dresser or the drawers in my closet. This keeps my closet from being overcrowded and keeps it focused on when I need to be able to mix and match and layer easily. 

If you would like to see me demonstrate the color organization or any other part of this blog post, you can watch me in tonight’s LIVE Wednesday Wardrobing Video at 6 p.m. MST. I will also be announcing the winner of last week’s challenge as well as the challenge for this week during this video. 

Closet Clean Out Challenge One: Get Organized

Posted in closet clean out, clothing, fashion, how to, organization tips, personal style, tips and tricks, women's clothing tips by

pearsonphoto2018_102It’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 “New Year New You Closet Clean Out Challenge.” Want to know more? 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 New Year, New You, New Closet 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. Here’s a link to join the class: https://fb.me/e/2adC8R5Bm

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.  I’ll be doing some fun giveaways at the end of the four part series which I will explain in this week’s video.

Happy organizing!

Purse Fetish? Let Me Count The Ways!

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I love handbags!  If you think about it, a purse is a girl’s best friend.  What else do you have with you wherever you go that can always be counted on to have everything you need right when you need it?   A quick inventory of my purse demonstrates my point. Wallet, hand gel, brush, hair spray, makeup, Tylenol, allergy medicine, planner, tissue, sunglasses…no wonder my kids and husband are always asking me to produce what they need out of my magic bag.

I’m an organization freak, so my handbag either needs to have compartments or I use various small bags to keep everything handy.  I love it when my handbags have a key finder (long cord attached to the side of your purse that attaches to your keys), since keys are notorious for hiding so well you have to take everything out to find them.  A key finder allows you to just find the cord and then run your hand along it until, eureka, your keys are at the end.  Ingenious.

Another essential for me (and every other woman I know) is a handy cell phone pocket so you can get to your phone before it stops ringing.  Since my world is on my phone, I need to be able to find it…FAST!

Aside from those few necessities, I choose a handbag based upon what makes my heart sing.  If I am going to carry it every where I go for at least six months at a time,  I want to love looking at it.  I move in phases between carrying neutral purses that go with everything to carrying a handbag that is truly eye catching and makes a statement.  My go to statement purse is Anuschka.

My mom and I discovered this brand exactly the way every woman should discover a purse…we saw another woman carrying one, and after we had oohed and awed over it, asked her the name of the brand.  We have been selling these little beauties ever since. And when I say selling, let me just tell you that we have already sold 30 this year.  At an average price of $150 to $400 in a town of 55,000, that is no small accomplishment.  But the reason they sell so well is because they are truly the perfect combination of beauty and function.

Let me explain.  First of all, they are hand painted with beautiful designs in everything from landscapes and florals, to abstracts and nature.  After 12 to 18 months of use, a print is retired. Once this happens, it is never used again.  At this point, your handbag becomes wearable art. No one will ever be able to get your specific handbag again. Second, the leather is second to none.  It just gets softer and softer over time, making you want to hug it just to appreciate the utterly smooth lusciousness.  No kidding.  But my favorite thing about Anuschka is the attention to detail on the inside of the purse.  These handbags have the most well thought out insides of any purse line I have used or seen. The pockets are well placed and appropriately sized, making them utterly useful.  Often, Anuschka will add built in wallets and divider pockets that appeal to type A personalities like mine.  And, especially in their larger bags, they throw in little extras like coordinating make up bags and sun-glass cases.

Believe me, this is a purse to have a fetish over.  Just ask any Anuschka purse owner you know.