Dear Friend,
School's back in session, the pools are closed, and September is upon us. Since I'm a huge summer fan, this time of year is always bittersweet for me. However, I can't help but get excited about fall clothes. That cozy, familiar feeling of a soft sweater and beautiful leather boots is one of my favorite indications that it's time to hunker down and get in the mindset of the coming months. Gearing Up for "The Switch" To that end, every September I do what I call The Switch. During the summer I keep my sweaters and strictly winter things in storage bins. Come fall, I swap everything out. This year as summer began, I swore to myself that I would only store for winter the things I actually wore this season. By summer's end if I hadn't worn something or when I wore it I didn't love it, I would get rid of it. If you have done a Closet Rescue with me, you know that I can be ruthless in YOUR closet. But can I be ruthless in my own as well? This was a solid test! Set Clear Rules and Stick to Them I did The Switch last weekend. Because weeks like this one (wow!) can still sneak into September, I kept out a few pieces that would work through the transition of seasons. But for the most part, I packed my summer clothes away. With each piece I pulled from my closet, I asked myself, "Do I love this? Did I wear this?" If either answer was no, it went into a separate pile - one pile of consignable pieces, one pile to give away. Less Is More Sticking to a commitment like this is always challenging. It's tough to see your hard-earned money (read: clothing purchases) go into a bag. But it's also surprisingly freeing. As in all areas of life, why hold onto what no longer works for you? Letting go is fulfilling in itself, and also gives you space for new opportunities. I encourage you to consider doing The Switch for your wardrobe this weekend! Enjoy the beginning of fall and the start of a new (school) year. Keep moving forward and don't be afraid to send some of your clothes packing. | 
