New Year, Same You (With a More Organized, Intentional Closet)

Happy New Year, Birdies!

Can I still say that? Happy New Year, that is.  You all are Birdies fo’ life, that is not optional.

I am about three weeks overdue on sending my New Year wishes and about the 1,000th person to tell you (you’re welcome)…but to be fair, it is the first time we are chatting in the New Year, so I wanted to say it…Okay?  Great!

The New Year often elicits something in all of us; ranging from excitement to anxiety to motivation or, even more likely, a combination of all those feelings within a span of days (or honestly, maybe, even hours).    

So how did I start my 2020 New Year?  In super sexy fashion, cleaning out my closet (closets, plural, again, if I am being honest).  It was not the original intention for my day off, but I woke up on the 1st and had this overwhelming urge to reset my own wardrobe.

[There was also probably a small part of me wanting to clear out clutter & take control in the new year because there is this weird pressure to be productive.  Ya feel me?!]  

In retrospect though, kicking off this year with a purge was just what I needed - - it allowed me to set an intentional plan for what I want communicate with my outward appearance in 2020 and tie it in with my overall strategy for the year.

Like most organizational tasks, cleaning out your closet can seem nearly impossible especially if you do not have a clear vision for where to start or are not in the right headspace to let go.  With that in mind, I decided to share my top 3 steps to prepare for and execute your closet clean-out!

Of course, you can always enlist me to help facilitate this process for you BUT if you are dead set on DIY’ing, continue reading.

ONE: USE YOUR 2020 WORDS AND TRANSLATE THEM INTO YOUR STYLE VISION

Example: my guiding words for 2020 are: Focus, Consistency & Unapologetic

I decided to zero in on “focus” because in the wardrobe department I already approach my style unapologetically; I got that part down, lol.  In all seriousness though, focus felt appropriate to help guide me towards curating an intentional wardrobe with “must-have” essential pieces.

If you do not already have a word or two, take time to brainstorm now on how you are planning to (or already are) showing up in 2020.  Once you have them, spend time articulating how those specific words translate to your style and/or fashion goals for the coming year.

TWO: SET YOUR GOAL FOR THE SESSION – WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?

Goals are important.  They surround us everywhere and your wardrobe is no exception. I find it extremely helpful to start with at least one end goal in mind, as it will help guide your decision making.

You do not have to stop at one goal, per se.  Typical goals may include, but are certainly not limited to, reducing closet clutter to decrease your anxiety, understanding what you have, saying goodbye to those pieces you no longer love, and/or FINALLY deciding to repair or resize clothes that need it.

For me, I took my “focus” and zeroed in on letting go; letting go of those adorable items that will never fit again, letting go of those pieces that are past repair and letting go of items that no longer represent who I am.  I am proud to report I was able to donate more clothes, from one clean-out, than I ever have before in the past. 

I also set my goal to be more intentional by first understanding what pieces I have in my wardrobe and then creating a list for what I need to round out my wardrobe.  This will allow me to have a purchasing plan and help me target where I am buying clothes from (thrift store, resale, new) and what impact those purchases have on the environment (material composition, source, lifecycle).

I will not be perfect here (I seriously love dresses), but again, I am going to start making more intentional decisions and changes in 2020 that will help me grow each year beyond.

THREE: ACTUALLY CLEAN-OUT YOUR CLOSET

Okay, time to move from the theoretical and act!

At a high level, I recommend reviewing each piece and asking yourself a series of questions, for example…

• What is the role of this piece in my wardrobe?

• Does it fit?

• Do I even like it?  (This is where an independent party can be helpful… ask my clients, lol)

• Does it have any damage?

• Does it support my style goal and future style vision?

• How versatile is this piece? 

The best part about reviewing each item is that it also allows you to take inventory of your “new” closet and creates the new base to curate SO many new outfit pairings. Viola!

There you have it; the start to cleaning out your closet and creating a wardrobe that will make you FEEL your best + give you the confidence to tackle ALL of 2020 (in style).  What’s better than that?

One last reminder, if you made it this far and still feel lost (or just do not want to go this alone), remember I (jonnellebird) am one quick email away from helping you navigate and achieve all your style goals!

Xoxo,

jonnellebird

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