Being a stylist means that I get access into the deepest depths of my clients souls...AKA their closets A true stylist will more or less pull your inner most self out, and then dress you in a way that brings that person out from you in the most flattering way (and a great one is under budget when that happens too!) As someone who has collected clothing for over a decade, I know how easy it is to build up quite the archive of clothing and accessories. However, I was one of those people that fell into "A closet full and nothing to wear." I've recently remedied that, and want to share with you (in my opinion) what should and should not be in your closet so we can avoid that awful cliche of being perpetually late and chronically under dressed!
Step one. Pull everything out, and try it on.
I know this sucks. I really do. Remember, I just went through this myself! But, I don't think what most people realize is that the reason they never have anything to wear is because nothing fits them! For me, I had a difficulty getting dressed and feeling great about what I was wearing because nothing fit me!
Step two. Make piles!
OK, now that you've gone through the emotional roller coaster of trying every single piece of clothing you own on, pour yourself a drink (I got myself an iced coffee to take the edge off for this one) and let's begin shuffling! Make piles that fall under the categories as follows:
- Keep. These pieces fit you immaculately, and are ready to wear as is right now, or have extreme sentimental value to you. For instance, I won't ever throw away the very first vintage dress I ever bought, (because it created my obsession and later, my career) but I did donate all of the rest of the unwearable vintage mini polyester dresses (because they aren't flattering, and I'll never wear them again!)
The dress that started it all.
- Sell. Maybe you have some designer gems hiding in there that you don't wear any longer. Guess what? They might be considered vintage now! There are several specialty stores that may buy them, or you can even open your own Ebay store! Hello, extra money!
- Donate. These are items that don't fit you any longer, and have no street value, but would make someone else's day. Donate these to your favorite thrift store. And don't leave the bags in the backseat of your car until they drive you crazy (like I did.)
- Mend/Repair/Tailor. This pile was rather large for me. Having lost weight, naturally, my clothes fit differently. I had a pair of high waisted Chloe jeans that I just couldn't part with. In my case, I am teaching myself how to sew, so when I feel ready, I will tackle that hurdle. Find a Mom and Pop tailor (make sure you read Yelp! reviews first) and make friends. Everyone should have a good tailor on hand!
Step three is fun. Make your list. And then let's shop!
There are things in every one's closet that they should own. When you look at your closet, your clothing should be friends, as opposed to relatives at an awkward family reunion. Believe it or not, most stylists are in favor of their clients having a uniform of the same silhouette that flatters, but is also slightly varied so you don't look too stuck! This is where I recommend hiring a professional to be an extra eye, and to be your tour guide in the world of fashion. Here is my basic list of things that every woman needs!
- Two pairs of dark denim that fit you properly. I adore Rachel Zoe and Paige jeans in dark denim. Buy dark denim, and buy QUALITY denim! Even if you go to a Nordstrom Rack, or a TJ Maxx. Invest in your jeans. Keep your cuts classic and not too trendy in this case. Once you have your two pairs, then you can play with trendier cuts and washes when you have your basics! Which leads me to...
Rachel Zoe in her own denim. This is how I style mine more or less...minus the adorable tiny human!
- Basic tops and tees. I know it seems like shopping for basic isn't nearly as fun, but this was actually fun for me! After I purged my closet, I purchased designer tops in white, navy, and black (at under $5 a pop! Bonus of being a stylist who knows where to shop!) I have actually come up with more ensembles based on a simple top! I personally love People Like Art, a local company run by a lovely woman named Shannon. She lovingly hand dyes and makes every single garment from luxurious, yet casual fabrics. They can be styled effortlessly from day to night. And her model may look familiar to you too!
- Two little black dresses. One for day made out of a jersey knit or a cotton, and a more formal. These will get you through every single events you will ever face. Dinners, dates, weddings, and funerals are all appropriate LBD occasions. My favorites are DVF wrap dresses. They are classic and are the perfect transitional dress from office to cocktails. Invest in these. They can be styled a million ways to Sunday, and you will get the mileage out of them.
How could you not want to wear a creation by a woman like that?
- Black knee high boots. Get ones with a little heel. They can be worn dressed up or down...with a trench and skinny jeans, or a dress in the fall. Nothing says classic sexy like black knee high boots!
- A black bag and a brown bag. It doesn't have to be a designer bag. It just needs to be quality! Don't skip out on quality with these...you will carry your life around in them! This is where vintage comes in handy. I have many vintage designer bags that I have picked up for under $20.
- One formal gown you feel beautiful in. Check out your local consignment shops for these. You never know when you will be given an extra ticket to the symphony, or need a black tie wedding ensemble.
- A clutch that is versatile. My favorite is a little gold vintage one that I picked up at a vintage boutique down the street. It's from the 60's, and is gold...I often pair it with jeans as well for a pop of sparkle.
- Sunnies in black and brown. You wouldn't believe the extra boost to your outfit you'll have when your sunglasses match.
I prefer over sized and gradient, but pick whatever works for your face shape that makes you feel glamorous.
- Jewelry that is a conversation starter. I have my grandmother's vintage fox cuff bracelet from the 70's that never fails to be a subtle attention grabber. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it needs to make you feel special every time you put it on! When I need a little oomph to my outfits, I always try to throw on a few vintage pieces to guarantee that no one else has my exact outfit. It doesn't have to be vintage. Maybe it's a pair of diamond studs, or some colored shoes...whatever makes you feel a little extra special!
My newest and most favorite clutch, a gold cuff, two vintage onxy rings (one is actually a lipstick holder) and the fox bracelet! It's become one of my signatures!
I highly recommend making a list of what your closet needs, and either keeping it on your phone or on a post-it in your wallet. That way, when you're out and distracted by all the things you tend to normally gravitate towards, you will have a reminder to stay on your game. I also suggest that if it is possible, for you to hire a stylist or a personal shopper to walk you through this process. I am a stylist, and even I will bring a long a stylist when I shop sometimes! It's always great to have a trained eye with a taste level and aesthetic similar to yours, or what you would like to aspire to be. Make inspiration boards on Pinterest, or actual boards with magazines and a cork board! I have one for the upcoming seasons so I will have a look that is consistent and gives me a streamlined vision for the pieces to incorporate into my Fall/Winter looks.
My board has fabric swatches, notes, magazine clippings, and all sorts on it!
Feel free to contact me at www.ThePaytonProject.com/contact to schedule a closet consultation (I also do Skype meetings!) and personal shopping trips.
Happy shopping, readers! Go out and own it!
And remember to throw a leopard print in the mix while you're at it! Some days just call for it.
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