November 2011 Newsletter - Closet Organization and Clothing Care

Ask Judi

If you have an image issue that is getting in the way of accomplishing your goals, email me about it at judith@conselle.com. I'll do my best to get back to you with a solution that will help move you forward. Please include a contact phone number in case the answer is a bit long, so we can really talk it through.

Closet space, or the lack thereof, is an age-old problem.  Closet organization is an action-oriented strategy that logically follows wardrobe evaluation.  Logical or not, many people avoid organizing their closets, possibly because it's behind closed doors, out of sight, out of mind, until you need to find something. 

Your closet is a very small room, one that ought to be one of the most valued spaces in your home if it contains all the clothes that make you look and feel fabulous!  Like any room, it's up to you to clean, decorate, and arrange it.  Make your closet a place to inspire you to clothe yourself the way you want to feel and be seen to achieve your goals.  When you open the door and see an organized closet that simplifies and speeds the decision of what to wear, what goes with what, and allows you to see new mix-and match possibilities, you will be delighted by how positive you feel.  Not only will you use your clothes more efficiently, but I'm going to give you a way to organize your clothes that will allow you to use them more effectively! 

1. Remove anything from your closet that does not help you getting dressed each day.  Halloween costumes belong in a storage closet or a plastic storage container under the bed.  Extra pillows and blankets belong in a linen closet or storage container under the bed.  Luggage belongs in the basement, attic, or under the bed.  My married kids raised their beds on blocks to accommodate these things and safeguard their closet space.  DVDs, old mail, or newspapers don't belong on shelves in your closet taking up space.   
2. Hang as much of your clothing in your closet as you can, where you can see each garment and easily put together a complete outfit.  In a drawer out of sight, out of mind they seldom get worn.  This includes jeans and t-shirts -- a whole denim cluster is an option in your closet.  Keep active athletic wear together, separated by a closet rod divider.  Keep special occasion and more dressy or formal evening clothes together and move to one end of the closet, also separated by a closet rod divider.  Keep seasonal clothing together and ideally, move to another closet or storage area when not in active use.  
   
   If hanging space allows, do hang your sweaters on retail hangers.  Attach adhesive foam strips on the hanger shoulder curve to hold the shoulder shape.  Or, fold the sweater in half vertically and hang the crook of the underarm around the crook in the hanger as illustrated.  Clients love how well it works.  Otherwise, fold neatly on adjoining closet shelves.  If shelving allows, fold foundation garments, underwear, and nightwear in the closet.   
3. Position the retail hangers as discussed the November 2010 Newsletter, with clothes facing you or in the same direction as you look into your closet.  A ticky detail, the continuous rhythmic motion as you survey the contents of your closet is inviting.  
4. Do organize your closet by clusters, a denim or at-home cluster, one or two professional or leadership clusters, a dressy day or evening cluster, a seasonal travel cluster--whatever clusters work for you.  (For a recap on clustering, refer to the September 2010 Newsletter)  Within each cluster, organize garment types together--jackets together at one side, vests together next, sweaters next, dresses next, skirts, pants, then tops at the other side.  Within each garment type, organize each piece in the order of my Personal/Professional Style Scale®.  It's relatively easy once you actually start arranging the pieces.  For a complete detailed listing, see Closet Organization & Clothing Care.  
5. When you want or need to appear more authoritative, like you know what you're doing, you'll reach to the higher authority side of the garment group.  When you want or need to appear more approachable and friendly or relaxed, you'll reach to the lower authority side of the garment group.  It works!  You'll get so you know where every garment is located in your closet and can match or mix the garments according to their mood or message to help you express yourself and achieve your purpose or goal.  Of course some clothes work for more than one outfit, type of mood, or occasion.  Knowing where it is generally hung, you can always borrow it, returning it to the original place when the occasion is over.   
6. Within the cluster it works to hang the needed belt, necklace, or tie on the hanger of the piece it goes with.  You can always borrow it for another outfit, but do return it so you can find it later.  Small jewelry can go into a baggy and be hooked over the hanger.  People are amazed that I do this and delighted when they see how well it actually works.  Jewelry stuck in a jewel box gets tangled and forgotten.  It makes sense to keep it exactly where it is used.  
7. Ideally, shoes and handbags belong on shelves next to, above, or below the appropriate cluster.  In terms of the Style Scale®, arrange them from high authority styling and colors to low authority--leather to fabric, dark to light, and high heels to flats.  You'll be amazed by how much faster you can select what you want to go with what according to your purpose or goal.  You are in charge of how you look and feel and how others perceive you.  This is strategic dressing at it's best.  Enjoy! 

To get all the details about organizing your closet, with instructions and examples regarding people just like you, order Conselle's wardrobe strategy Book #11 Closet Organization and Clothing Care at $27.97.   You'll find charts that will summarize information and simplify your learning and application.  Order through Conselle's Store or call 801-224-1207 and order directly through Kathy or Sarah.  Order Closet Organization and Clothing Care here!  

Consumer's Corner

Children by three years old are capable of sorting their own dirty clothes into bins, bags, or baskets for darks, lights, and delicates.  When the wash is dry, they can sort out and fold their own clothes, then put most of them into their drawers.  

One reason children don't appreciate their clothes is because they have no part in the making or care of them.  Put laundry tasks on the family calendar and lead children to learn by doing.  

Consultant's Corner

If you're looking to give a gift to your clients, consider our Snag Repair Tool.  Priced at $5 each, it's a handy little gadget to easily pull snagged threads to the inside of clothing, allowing the garment to look like new.  

Another gift option is the Fuzz-A-Way or d-fuzz-it tool that removes pilling, balling, or matted fuzz balls on napped or knitted fabrics of wool, cashmere, and especially acrylic, for just $5 each.  With the onset of winter, these are timely tools for keeping your winter clothes looking good.  

Order soon by contacting the Conselle office at 801-224-1207 or judith@conselle.com.

In Closing

With Thanksgiving just days away, I am thankful for clothing as a resource, a tool we can use to look and feel ready and able to face the world--authentic, appropriate, and attractive at affordable prices.  It takes just minutes to ready ourselves, enabling us to forget ourselves and get on with the worthwhile roles and goals in our lives.  I hope you will learn to use your clothing to celebrate everyday of your life!  If I can help, contact me.

Sincerely,

  

Attend Conselle's 15-Day Educational-Training to become a certified image consultant.

Receive comprehensive image education and materials to 

launch a full-service image business.

A great image education is an investment you can never lose!

Winter Session

February 4 - 18, 2012*

October 2011 Educational-Training from L to R: Ne'Shaun, Linda, Karissa, Judith, Janet, Sarah, Diana

   

Seats are filling up quickly, reserve yours today!

Rave Reviews for Conselle's Educational-Training:    

"Required or not, learning from and working with Judith Rasband has always been high on my list. The curriculum developed by Judith is by far the most comprehensive educational program in the industry. Having trained with several of the world's best known image professionals, no other course delivers the same depth of knowledge as the one offered through the Conselle Institute of Image Management." 

Diana Jennings, Costa Mesa, CA

"Outstanding! Well worth the investment. Judith is a truly inspiring educator-in her passion, knowledge, determination and the scope of materials given. Extraordinary area & great hospitality."
Rachel Dee, Boulder, CO 

Click here for detailed information or call 801-224-1207 and talk to Kathy or Sarah

*If you would like to make arrangements to attend an Educational-Training sooner, please contact Conselle and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. 

Conselle "Fabulous Fit" Retreat

Women whose passion is fashion sewing to achieve a custom and fabulous fit are invited to an exceptional 6-Day hands-on retreat.  Spend high value, personalized time with our Master Fitters!  Each brings her own unique sphere of interest and expertise to the fitting and fashion makeover experience.  Learn revolutionary new methods in fitting and alteration, taking home custom-fitted bodice, shirt, and pant patterns that fit!  

Next "Fabulous Fit" Retreat   

January 23 - 28, 2012

For detailed information and testimonials go to Fit Retreat Information or call 801-224-1207 and talk to Kathy.