The Closet of My Dreams and My Organized Reality by Guest Blogger Oksana, the Order Maven

Monday, June 20, 2011

The Closet of My Dreams and My Organized Reality
by Oksana, the Order Maven

I am sure I am not the only gal with closet dreams. I am inspired by organized, well thought-out spaces that contain only loved and edited clothes, shoes, and accessories. Do you have a vision of what your ideal closet would look like? Here is a lovely closet that is calling my name:



However, regardless of the closet you have, big or small, whether it is the exact realization of your dreams or not, an organized closet can be achieved by everyone. Here are my tips on how to get your closet in tip top shape:

1. LOVE MATTERS: Before organizing even begins, it is key to invest only in the items you love. Buy quality pieces, which flatter your body. I have learned over the years that clothes, shoes, and accessories I barely wear are the ones about which I was sort of unsure or had to buy for a function. If you invest in the ones you love, your editing and organizing will be simpler going forward.
2. LESS IS MORE and EMPTY IS GOOD: Be a ruthless editor! Do not keep items that you have not worn in months or longer, are no longer in style, that are worn, that do nothing for your figure, or do not fit. If you have a hard time with editing, bring in a friend, whose fashion sense you admire, to assist you in editing. I edit my closet at least 2-3 times per year and each time I find things that I can live without. Also, as I buy something new, I try to remove clothes to make room. As you edit, edit, and edit, you will find empty space. Embrace it! You should be able to eye-ball your wardrobe, not get lost in it.

3. COMPARTMENTALIZE and STYLIZE: Bags should be with bags, dresses with the other dresses, shirts with shirts, and so on. That way, looking for a button-down white shirt will be simple as you will have all your shirts in one section. I get a high from the way an organized space looks. The times when it not only meets my functional, but also fabulous requirement, I am more likely to maintain it.
4. HANGERS MATTER: Invest in good quality matching hangers. Get rid of the dry cleaner's hangers and the mismatched plastic ones. I personally like wood hangers from Ikea. Some people swear by the Ultra Thin Velvety Smooth hangers that promise to keep your clothes from slipping.

5. PROTECT: You have invested in items you love. Now take the time to care for them. Storing your winter wardrobe properly is critical. Rotate your wardrobe as seasons change (I have dedicated a blog post to this matter, check out: Editing and Storing Your Winter Wardrobe. Promptly mend the clothes that are requiring repair. Keep a canvas bag or a small basket in your closet to collect clothes for dry cleaning. Designate a basket or a spot for clothes that are still clean, but need to be ironed.

6. GET INSPIRED: I love to shop my own closet and put outfits together, especially with items I kind of rediscover. Take pictures of newly found combinations and pin them on a bulletin board in your closet or office so that next time you are not sure what to wear, you can turn to some fool-proof outfits to save you time.


Oksana V. Bellas is the Founder and Chief Organizing Maven of Order Matters in Vancouver, BC. She holds an MBA and has many years of experience in operations and management of organizations. Through organizing individuals, entities, and their schedules and space, Order Matters’ goal is to bring balance and order to people’s lives. Check out Order Matters blog and LIKE us on Facebook for regular tips and inspirations for leading an organized life.

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12 comments

  1. A true dream closet...adore the light fixtures

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  2. Nice post. Closets are a girls dreams.

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  3. I really like how you organize your closet and yes I always dream about what my dream closet would look like.. That and all the clothes and accessories that would be in it!

    Al the best, Angel

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  4. hi hon. thanks for stpping by. thanks for your wonderful words.AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS POST! Now i know i got alot of organizing to do!!!

    KISSES

    http://glamourillustrations.blogspot.com/

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  5. love love love this. hope you had an amazing weekend. Stop by to see pictures from my weekend in Laguna Beach. xoxo

    www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

    Don't forget to follow on twitter for all the latest celebrity fashion news from an LA stylist.

    http://twitter.com/#!/fashboulevard

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  6. yay to another Jersey girl - ur newest follwer now! - and i'm ALL about REALLLLLLY good hangers - i actually went and bought $100 worth of velvet hangers yesterday! - :o)

    *kiss kiss*
    Erika~Tiptoe Butterfly~


    Please stop by and join~Light as a Feather Necklace Give-Away~ Open to EVERYONE! Almost $50 value!

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  7. Wow, that closet is absolutely delicious! I think that you should really LOVE everything that you keep. That really helps in the editing process! If you don't LOVE it, you'll probably choose something else over that outfit anyway, so it's just taking up room in the closet! Thanks for sharing all of the fabulous pointers in creating the perfect space for our things! xo

    Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou
    http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

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  8. These are great tips, I already use much of them in my own closet (which I've kept organized the longest period ever now since a couple of months;). Thank you for your visits and comments, I really appreciate it. I'd be happy to follow you back, seems like your blog is full with beautiful inspiration.

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  9. Ooooh, love that first closet! What a dream!!

    ciao from Newport Beach

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  10. OMG! I love that closet! Stunning!! Thanks for the kind words/advise on my blog, you have an amazing blog as well! :)

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  11. Group your items according to frequency. This is one of the easiest ways on how to organize a closet without spending. Take out everything from your closet and group the items as according to the frequency you’ve used them. In one area of the room, put all of your office attires in one pile. Choose another area of your room for your day clothes; then do the same for your night clothes; and etc.

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  12. This is indeed a very lovely dream closet! The actual one that you have is also lovely and very organized. Thanks for sharing because a lot of people will surely be inspired to organized their own.

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