May 2010

What To Wear!

by Susan on May 23, 2010

in Bedrooms,Organizing

Every day I go in my closet to get dressed, and ask myself that question. But I don’t always get an easy answer.  Now if I’m only wearing 20% of my wardrobe (the norm), then I’m wasting a lot of time looking at the other 80% in pursuit of what to wear! What a waste of time!

So this season, rather than just shuffling clothes back and forth for the new season, I took a long hard look at what’s in my closet, and ended up with what feels like a brand new wardrobe!

So are you game? If so, block out about 2 hour…no…make that a 4 hour chunk of time. This is serious work! But having a functional closet of clothes that make you feel good is worth it!

Full Disclosure: Anything that covers your bottom has to audition to be featured in your closet or to qualify for storage. Pants, skirts, dresses, suits. Yes…try them all on. If you don’t feel good in them, donate them. Life’s too short to wear ill-fitting clothes that don’t make you feel good, and there are so many people in need who would truly appreciate what you have. So put on your best undergarments and turn up some motivational music. We’ve got some work to do!

Still with me? Ok. There are two parts to this project: 1) storing the off-season, and 2) bringing in the new season.  The first part is actually more time consuming. But that extra effort will make next season’s changing of the closets much easier and it will prep your closet for this season.

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Got a Tween? Yea, it’s (mostly) a girl thing.

If she is too old for bunk beds and trundles, then it’s time to ban the bunnies and butterflies from her room. The key is to be adaptable! She’s going to change her mind many times.

What is a “Tween?” This Tween Definition from the Urban Dictionary really nails it:

A girl ages about 9-14…too old for toys, but too young for boys. Very easy to market to, will usually follow any fashion trend set for them, will most likely go through the phase of ‘finding themselves’ as they ‘grow up’.

In other words, they’re a moving target (and hold on to your wallet!). They want to express their individuality, yet also fit in with their friends. It’s a confusing time! Their opinions are driven primarily by pop culture, friends, and hopefully tempered by her family’s values. And they will change their mind more than YOU do.

Fear not! Here are some helpful tips in finding a fabulous design to make your tween happy and keep you sane (within reason).

Adaptable color

Unless you personally enjoy painting, pick a neutral color for the walls. Spice up a neutral base with funky colors for trim, expressive rugs, throws, pillows and dramatic wall decals or murals.  Oh, and be sure to opt for a comforter with a duvet. ;)

Here’s a great example of a neutral room that can change on a dime!

Photo source: House Beautiful

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