Like most women, you probably have items deep in your closet with price tags still on them, forgotten and dismissed.  You might even have items intentionally hidden from your significant other, and inadvertently, lost to memory.  And of course, there are the items you bought when you were on that mad spending spree, also known as “emotional shopping.”  Why have that little bit of precious closet space be filled with things you don’t love or hardly remember?  Instead, recharge your closet by emptying out the old and the ugly and replacing them with timeless pieces you’ll love.  Be conscious of what you add to your closet and you will happier with what you have instead of dreaming of the next item.  It’s not good for the environment or your wallet if you keep buying useless junk.

As we get older, we have a clearer idea of who we are.  Or so we hope.  Our fashion choices reflect how much we know about ourselves. Fashion exists everywhere, and style will never go away.  It is an individual expression of oneself.  So who you are is outwardly dictated by the type of jewelry you wear or how you wrap your hair.  A fabulous closet requires a touch of reality with a splash of excitement.  Here are ways to start loving every inch of your closet.

Clean it out. You really need an entire afternoon and perhaps some wine to get this done.  Go through your entire closet and look at every article of clothing, accessory, and pair of shoes.  Try on everything! If you don’t love it, toss it or give it away.  Stick with the pieces that work with you now.  Times have changed and so has your style.  Two years ago, you may have loved your foxy red jeans, but not anymore.  Throw them out.  By emptying your closet of the things you don’t love, you can start filling it in with pieces that work with you now and hopefully in the future.  If you want a second opinion, invite a friend over who has a clear idea of who you are and has similar fashion tastes to help you make the tough decisions.  Then reflect on how much you got rid of and realize that how you might have been spending and collecting is not the way to lead the rest of your fashionable life.

Give it away. Once you have cleared our your closet, immediately distribute your items to Goodwill, consignment shops, Dress for Success, friends, and thrift stores.  It’s better to immediately release them into the wild rather than keep them close, for fear that one terrible night you have an urge to keep it all.  Just do it.  Move on and let it go.

Go shopping.  This is the best part.  But definitely make sure you have a list of the things you feel are missing from your closet.  This is the time to find what will make your closet complete. Be very specific about what you want and do not stray. The economy is tight, so don’t run up your credit card bill over the latest trends.  And when you do go shopping, make sure you truly love the item.  Don’t fall prey to sales, no matter how inexpensive an item is, especially during this holiday season.  This is not the time to refill your closet with crap again.  You are different now.  You have refined your style and what you love, and this moment to go shopping is to add only the essentials.  Really be aware and conscious of how you spend your money.

Organize.  Then wear your stuff and love it. The next thing is to use what is in your closet by making it easy to see where all your beautiful items are.  Don’t hide items in garment bags unless they are truly special occasion items.  Let your handbags and purses be easily accessible on a shelf.  Invest in a gorgeous jewelry box that allows you to grab and go before you walk out the door.  If you can’t see what you have, how can you appreciate it?  If things are within easy sight, you can instantly look over your closet in the morning and know what to wear.  Having a cluttered closet is similar to having a cluttered desk.  You’ll never find what you need and everything becomes a jumbled mess.

After these steps, you are sure to look into your closet and smile.  But the journey does not end here.  It has just begun.  Every time you shop, you have to make sure to be conscious of what you add to your wardrobe.  The time and energy spent shopping excessive goods adds little or no value to your life.  But putting time to find satisfaction in key pieces, along with your own unique look, will make a lasting impression on your happiness and image.  Let’s avoid adding trash to our sanctuaries and enjoy what we can truly call ours.