For the record, this is not a picture of our closet, but in all honesty, we were perhaps only one or two shirts away from this potentially becoming our closet. (Does anyone else forget to take "before" pictures?)
One of the blogs I read regularly is Cardigan Empire. Reachel is a fabulous local stylist here in the Phoenix area. (She also happens to be the fairy godmother to NieNie's children.) Reachel has been encouraging readers to not allow their closets to become "a dumping ground of fashion memorabilia". I am so guilty of this offense, several offenses actually.
Offense #1: Adorable shoes, vintage cutie classics and real silk slippers joined by SEVERAL other blister inducing pairs that I will never wear, but sadistically enjoy looking at. Seriously. Enter my alter ego, The Closet Nazi. She said that they must go. Pure torture.
Ditto on the pile 'o purses that are (in my best Goldilocks voice) too small ~ too big ~ too itchy.
Offense #2: Because I love and actually wear vintage clothing, I am often gifted with pieces found by others. Sometimes they fit.... sometimes .... well, this gold lame shell fell into the "too big" category. I absolutely adore the person who gave it to me. The blouse had become a monument to that adoration for over three years. I kept telling myself "I am going to alter it." The Closet Nazi made made me get honest with myself. The reality was that even if I spent the time required to alter the blouse, in my heart of hearts, I am not a gold lame girl. Therefore, it has been decided that this shirt will now go forth and bless someone else with it's fabulousness.
Offense #3: The deal of the decade! Do you ever succumb to this? I am in semi~recovery. Yesterday, I managed to pass up a $5 sundress at Marshalls. I knew that even though it was adorable, it was made of a man made fiber that would totally lock in the heat during brutal Arizona summers and therefore would become a $5 decoration in my closet.
But what to do about the items already purchased and hanging in the clothing graveyard section of my closet ? Fashion greats such as a fantastic For The Republic blazer that was also the deal of the decade and I love how it fits, but have NEVER worn it. Or the totally cute, ultra soft Kenzi sweater. Why? Why are they not being worn? 
I studied the blazer, tried it on, and came to this conclusion. "It's the color." I then looked at the fabric content of the tag. I thought of Emily at Some Girls Wander. Can I take a moment to tell you how much I love Emily? Her fashion sense is so spectacularly whimsical and bright and brilliant. What I wouldn't give to spend a day in this girls closet. I aspire to have but a fifth of her moxie. So, Emily subscribes to the theory of "if it's a natural fabric, but in a not so swell shade, then DYE it". Breaking out the RIT, I dyed the blazer. Then switched out the buttons. Wore it all day yesterday. Got compliments. A closer inspection on the sweater revealed that I just didn't like the look of the hook and eye closure. Solution: a pretty broach to cover up the plain metal hardware . Wearing it today. Love it. 
Offense #4: Things that should be not be in the closet, but are. I bought these pillows a few months ago at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. Scrumptious vintage linen fabric. They have lived on every chair and couch in my home and HAVE NOT WORKED~ Arghhhh! (Yes, the decorator made an impulsive purchase ~ it happens ~and I'm woman enough to admit it. :) Same with the rose picture. The Closet Nazi said that they are to pretty to remain in my closet unloved and can now be found at my Etsy shop for a wee bit less than what I paid for them. 
Same offense. I collect dolls and recently found a second Pepper doll and case to become a twin to my first. Because you never know when you might NEED two Pepper dolls. The Closet Nazi informed me that it seemed almost greedy to have two. Pepper can now be found on Ebay.
So the vintage pieces are headed off to appreciative places. The 3 other over stuffed Target bags will go to the domestic violence shelter. The majority of my clothes are name brand and relatively new, and I could probably make a few pretty pennies from selling them. But, I think about a time when I had no self confidence and even less money and was given something lovely. It was indescribable joy. In this way it truly becomes a gift for two people. Now that is a good thing!
I am guessing that you want to see the closet "after". Ta da!
The white boxes (Ikea) hold my collection of antique and vintage dolls. (Someday, they will have a display case.) The baskets hold purses and scarves. Not to worry, I didn't forget Mr. Decor. His side of the closet got a makeover too. I like to arrange things light to dark, short sleeve to long, etc. (The leather satchels were purchased when we lived in Crete. I know someone will want to know. :)
Are you feeling inspired to get organised? This week's Friday Freebie is the book "Mission: Organization~ Strategies and Solutions to Clear Your Clutter". I will also throw in some chocolate and a box a tea. After all, a girl has to have a reward for clearing clutter. 
This weeks contest is open to everyone. Leave ONE comment. I will select the winner sometime next week.
UPDATE! The Random Number Generator has selected Monica of The White Bench. Congratulations! I hope the book helps. Maybe we'll see an "after". :)
