The Accessories Closet Continued...

(note: these are progress shots)

I wanted to show you how we reused a few things for the accessories closet from the previous post.

The existing tie rack is now holding belts. The belts that couldn't be hung, sit nicely in a box the client already had. We used the built in drawers to hold handbags. If you look closely, I placed a shoe box in the drawer as a divider.

The rug was rolled up in the coat closet and was on it's way out since she's redecorating. This small one fits well enough in here and she has a larger one that's now in the walk-in clothes closet. I love a rug in a closet; it gives a finished and elevated look to the space...

The Accessories Closet

(before)

This client has a fourth closet (1. walk-in clothes closet, 2. coat closet, 3. linen closet) that she wanted to make an accessories closet exclusively for shoes, belts, and bags. Since it's a rental, the built-in cabinets needed to be kept but I removed the one shelf and installed custom cut wood shelves up to the ceiling.

These shoes aren't frequently worn so we put them in clear shoe boxes to keep them from getting dusty, and they're organized by type; off-season, special occasion, heals, flats, boots, then by color light to dark.

Much better right?

Reader's Questions: Building a Wardrobe Part I

(bangles by giles + brother)

(dries van noten)

(sigerson morrison, leoffler randall)

Abbi asks "I would love to know more about your wardrobe! It always looks so lovely in photos. You mentioned a few posts ago that you invest in your clothes over other things like fine art, etc. I'm trying to revamp my wardrobe (with basically no money) and am wondering what your tips are for shopping and what types of pieces you think are essential. To borrow from the book "Nothing to Wear?" I have too many (cheap) "frosting/flair" pieces and not enough "cake/foundational" pieces."

Abbi, check out my series 'How To Build and Edit Your Wardrobe'. This should give you a good basis to start, but I'll do a post(s) elaborating on how I did it with my own wardrobe. Though I'll warn you, I don't love most of the 'Must Have Lists' out there as I personally don't own a white button down shirt or a blazer...

Making Moving Easier Step I

Moving can be stressful (if you let it) and a lot of readers have asked how it can made easier. With a couple tweaks to my process, here's how:

1. DEFINE VISION + FUNCTIONS FOR NEW SPACE

2. CREATE LOOSE FLOOR PLAN

3. EDIT + SORT

4. MAPPING

5. TIE UP LOOSE ENDS

Step #1: Define The Vision + Functions For New Space

you need: pad and a pencil

Ask yourself the following:

• How do you want to feel in your new space?
• How do you want to function in the new space?

Example feelings: I want a fun, inspiring space, that is colorful and bright. Or rather a zen, minimal, 'hotel feel'...

Example functions: I want to start a book club that can meet in my apt, have overnight guests, start exercising at home, cook more, have dinner parties for 6...

This step gives you a logical, reason-based framework for deciding whether to keep or get rid of something, rather than just going by the arbitrary "if you haven't used it in X amount of time, get rid of it".

I'm Still Here...

I've been incredibly busy over the past month with barely any time off so I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. Working with clients, trying to finish my apartment, and helping my mom in her new place has me spinning! Hopefully you'll be patient and understand that I don't want to just give you quick 'filler' posts but rather do meaningful posts which take time to write.

Check back soon cause I'm working on some posts on making moving easier coming soon...

:O)

It's Time For the Closet Switch

(my off-season clothes reside in the canvas boxes and

hanging garment bag in my small coat closet)

Mid September and it's time to plan for the season switch. Since many clothes are appropriate for all-year round, you should be able to transition easily while you find the time to do it.

The first step is to clean everything before packing it away whether tossing it into the wash or sending it out to the dry cleaner. This not only prevents clothes moths (moths are attracted to fabrics soiled by sweat, skin, hair, food, etc), but to help unseen stains from setting. And don't forget to get any shoes repaired so they're ready to go when the time comes back around.

When you do pack things away, it's very easy to over-edit so be careful. Remember! When in doubt, keep it...

Here are some great storage options, and these clear boxes are perfect for under the bed if you don't have closet space.

My Idea of 'Original Art'

Since I showed you the art I made for my bathroom, my friend Kate who's an art consultant, wrote about it on her awesome blog Art Hound. While I appreciated the post, I have to respond to her statement "As Laura would undoubtedly agree, original art is ideal but just isn't an option for her at this time."

While I live on a limited budget, it's not that 'original art' isn't an option, it's just not a priority and that's a big difference. Art comes in many forms, not just paintings, drawings, or sculpture. The 'art' that is most relevant to me and I opt to invest in is the design of everyday things, clothes and jewelry. Case in point, my recent purchase of this necklace by Etten Eller.

Not saying that Kate meant the statement viciously, she's very lovely and I didn't take it that way. I just thought it was a good opportunity to repeat what I've said before and will say again; figure out what matters to YOU, whatever that may be, and don't be overly influenced by what other's think is important.