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Organize Your Life

Wear What’s In Your Closet

July 20, 2015



I wanted a closet with only items I use. So I got rid of clothes I did not wear.

My inspiration was Caroline, author of Un-fancy, a minimalist fashion blog. She writes how to create a capsule wardrobe with just 37 pieces of clothing per season. Yes, that just 37 clothes. Total. Then you mix and match, creating endless outfits.

Her trick? She only has basics that work with each other. She does not have many prints.

My problem? I did not have enough basics – the black T-shirt, the white tank top – and I had too many prints.

I worked with Jennifer Ward, Raleigh Green Gables’ new clothing consultant. (A big announcement on her joining the Raleigh Green Gables’ team is coming this week.)

Jennifer helped me clean out clothes that no longer served me. I took them to Fifi’s, my favorite consignment store.

Jennifer then helped me put together outfits with my remaining clothes and created a list of basics I needed to buy. They included a white button-down shirt, short shorts (no more Bermuda), a basic black dress, and black and white T-shirts.

My moratorium on buying new things ended in June, so I bought the basics she suggested.

I now have 50 pieces of clothes for spring/summer. That includes shirts, shorts, dresses and skirts. I probably got rid of more than 50 items. I plan to see what I wear and get rid 0f more at the end of the season. I am determined to get to 37.

Even with this amount, I have so much room in my closet. I moved my winter clothes from another closet and put them with my summer clothes. This includes my thick winter coats, plus all my shoes. Here is my closet now:

IMG_4353

I will never again have a closet stuffed with things I don’t wear. I love how my closet feels. I no longer wear yoga pants every day. It’s easy to get dressed in a cute, casual outfit.

This month I started a new 6-month buying moratorium on “things.” (Try it. It’s very freeing to know you have nothing to buy. You can still buy experiences like going out to dinner and the movies.) When it ends, I will create a 37-piece capsule wardrobe with my fall/winter clothes.

I can already tell I need basics.

Filed Under: Closet, Our House

(919) 623-1160

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Leah Friedman
Hello!
I'm a professional organizer in Raleigh, North Carolina, helping people declutter their homes and work spaces.

Testimonials

I love the way my master closet looks, and my husband is very happy, too. Thank you so much for helping me through the whole process. I still can’t believe how much work we got done.
BeckyDurham
Leah helped me to organize several spaces in my home that have been on my “to do” list for years. She arrived on time, ready to tackle the projects, and made something I dreaded doing lots of fun! She never judges, is always encouraging and gets the job done in a reasonable amount of time. I highly recommend her!
Anne ShermanChapel Hill
After working with Leah Friedman, the room looked and felt calm, rather than chaotic. When I am overwhelmed again, I will certainly hire her expertise and energy. What an investment in order, calm and piece of mind!  
Lucy KeenanRaleigh
Leah Friedman turned a wretched job into fun! It’s true. She even had me laughing. She is worth every penny. We plowed through two closets. They are now nicely organized, and I know where to find my clothes. I even know what I own. Leah hauled about six bags of give-aways to Interact. I heartily recommend Leah. She gets the job done! She a combo of firm, gentle and fun. Just what I needed.
Judith TillmanRaleigh

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