The other day I came home from meeting with a client feeling inspired, and performed what I can only call a ruthless Closet Rescue. On my own closet.

Laying Down the Law

When I go through a client's closet, I'm clear about what stays and what goes. Often people try to sell me on what they should keep, and a common argument is pure emotional attachment. As many of you know I'm pretty strict; just because something triggers a good memory doesn't mean it belongs in your closet.

Separating Memories from Material Objects

Of course when these decisions are personal, it's tougher to stay strict, but I held the line. For example, I still had the skirt I wore to my first interview at Nordstrom when I was trying to decide if being a stylist was my thing. A cute pleated taffeta skirt complete with fond memories, it simply doesn't work with my look these days. Into the giveaway pile.

I found the swimsuit from my first trip to Australia -- a milestone trip that triggered years of wonderful travel adventures and inspired me to start my business. That swimsuit felt like a poignant reminder, but a closet is for keeping clothes, not memories -- so it was time to pass it along.

Finally I pulled out an adorable pair of shoes. They were in great condition but I hadn't worn them in years. You know these shoes -- the ones that sit in your closet and sparkle but somehow never make it to your feet and out the door. They didn't work for me, so into the giveaway pile they went.

And Now, the Fun Part

Tough decisions made, the sorting began. I had such a great time making bags for different friends, full of things that might spark their interest or fit their young adult daughters. It felt good to pass along these pieces knowing they'd be new to someone else. Not to mention the feeling of lightness that comes with my rescued closet, full of only things I love. (Now with room for new items this season!)

Making Smart Choices in Your Own Closet

Ridding your closet of items that no longer work for you can be tough. But when I visualize these items as new, intriguing pieces for other people, I find the process is a lot easier. Who knows who might step into my shoes or try on my taffeta skirt and feel like they've found themselves a whole new look. Maybe they'll arrive at The Real You!

When I'm in a consignment shop, I get excited about adding the treasures I find to my latest look. All I have to do is transfer that feeling over to my Closet Rescue and I'm much more effective.

So clean your closet ruthlessly. The payoff is you get to become the next iteration of The Real You.