Last week in NYC we were blessed with some seriously warm weather. Friday and Saturday were up over 70 degrees. That is the perfect temperature in my opinion. Since it was so beautiful and my husband was away, I decided to tackle the project of pulling out our spring and summer duds and putting away our winter wardrobe (for the most part, of course, I left out some sweaters and a coat for each of us!!). Each year I proceed to take on this task a little too soon, but what can I say, I’m an eternal optimist and once it hits 70, I believe spring is here to stay….

We moved from Tribeca (where we were fortunate enough to have an enormous walk-in-closet) to Brooklyn (where we now have two small closets, which reside in the kitchen) last year. We are 100% happy with the move. We love the neighborhood, we love our neighbors (we particularly like knowing our neighbors!!), we love living in a brownstone, having real grocery stores AND gourmet markets, being near to the park and the list goes on. The one thing we (and this is mostly me) don’t love, is the closet situation, but, we have managed to make it work. We purchased space bags (which, if you are lacking space, these things are BRILLIANT and are currently saving the day at my house) and are able to store most extras (winter clothes/coats, extra sheets, spare linen napkins, etc.) under the bed pretty easily. However, in a smaller space, life is easier if your are super organized. And that was the plan for last Friday and Saturday.

So, I purchased some plastic containers, had some baskets, pulled out the label maker and the Diana camera (with the polaroid function) and got to work on the closets (desk organization pics to come soon). 

Later in the week, I plan to post some simple instructions on how to organize your closet as well, but in the meantime, thought I’d post the final outcome of my weekend project.

I’m quite pleased with the outcome. What do you think? Not bad for such limited space, right?

Here is a pic of the entire closet. There is a second closet the exact same size (just to give you an idea of what we are working with), which I also re-organized. On the top shelf I tried to leave a little room to grow & the big basket is the keeper of all my boots.

This is wall of bags. We added small hooks to the inside of the closet door and then hang the bags inside. We also space bag the obviously winter bags (like dark suede and velvet).

On the next shelf I labeled two baskets for socks and panties and put my scarves, tights, wallets/clutches and slips/spanx into the plastic containers. This keeps everything neatly stacked and it is super easy to access what I need when I need it.

Next up, we have clothes that can be folded like jeans, pants, tops, tees, pjs, tanks, work out clothes, sweaters, etc. This isn’t my ideal situation but it works for our space. In order to keep it looking good and be able to find what I’m looking for, I need to be diligent when taking things out and putting them away. 

Now, this is my favorite part…..SHOES!! Keeping shoes in shoe boxes is truly the best way. It keeps your shoes in the best condition and helps them to last to their full potential, it is easy to locate what you are looking for and it is aesthetically pleasing. I love it!

I decided to take polaroid style pics to easily identify the shoes from the outside of the box. I love the way this turned out. And, although it was totally unnecessary to write the style on the pic as well, I really liked the aesthetic and so I did just that!

In the other closet are Dan’s clothes and shoes, both of our coats, my dresses and jackets, the vacuum & floor cleaner, and other miscellaneous goodies. On this door, we also put extra hooks which hold a tie/belt organizer, the pooches leashes, Dan’s hoodie & a shoe organizer which we use to house things that have no other place in our APT. It’s rather brilliant!!

During this process I was able to figure a few things out, things I knew, but this process made it crystal clear.

First, I have a large collection of shoes that are animal printed (leopard printed heels & flats, snakeskin pumps, black, sliver & gold croc…….so yeah, I don’t need any more of those!!), several cage pumps (black lace up, brown leather, taupe suede, black sling backs……again, probably enough of that style!!) and though this one I definitely knew,I really have a thing for bows on shoes!

Second, I can go into spring/summer (once the shopping ban has ended) and shop with intent because I know exactly what I have, what I need and what I’d like to have. Many of the spring trends that I am drawn to right now, I can fill with pieces already in my wardrobe. And that is a good feeling. If you shop with intent, you purchase items that actually belong in your wardrobe (creating a cohesive look & an understanding of your personal sense of style), that actually fill a “hole” that YOU have identified, things that make getting dressed fun. 

So here is my spring wish list thus far. Check out how many of the items I already have in my closet (noted with *CHECK*). So excited to put it all together!!

• Floral printed dress *CHECK*
• Black Ankle length skinnies *CHECK*
• Printed skirt *CHECK*
• White Jeans *CHECK*
• Wedges (I do have a few wedges but I’d really like to add an updated pair)
• Nautical Inspired Tee/Pieces *CHECK*
• Bold Necklace *CHECK* (See last post here for a peak)
• Leather/Faux Leather Jacket in Cream (there is one at JCP for only $30!!)
• Trouser Jeans
• Chambray Oversized Shirt *CHECK*
• Floral Patterned Wedges *CHECK*
• Brightly Hued Clutch
• Chanel Inspired Jacket
• One shoulder-ed dress or top
• Cage Heels *CHECK*
• Nude/Blush Top
• Lace Top
• Shirt Dress *CHECK*
• Boyfriend Jeans *CHECK*
• Military Inspired *CHECK*
• Jean Jacket *CHECK*

Not too shabby, this means out of the 21 things/trends I’ve been eye-ing, I can accomplish 13 of those looks without buying a thing. Boy will my husband be happy to read this post!

Check back over the next few days for a great how-to post on organization and letting go of stuff you no longer love. There are few simple rules to live by that make the process easier.

In addition, if you are in NYC and your closet needs some TLC, shoot me an email. Everyday Chic NY would love to reorganize your closet and help you to shop with intent too!!

XoXo

M