A Change in Seasons
With Fall just around the corner, you can feel change in the air. In general, I like to think of change as a positive endeavor. We can either make a change because we want something to happen or change can happen by inaction on our part. Before a new season begins, I go through my clothes closet to evaluate what I have, what I want to keep and what I want to donate. I usually try to make an effort to wear every piece I own, along with shoes, handbags and accessories. Granted this is not always easy as some clothes are for special occasions and that occasion may not happen. But I tend to wear some of my things a lot and some not so much, which probably means I have too many. I have come to the conclusion that all my things should look great and be my favorites or else they are not worthy to be in the closet and someone else might love them more.
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Gail Gabriel
Life Styled Editor
LIFE STYLED
So now is the time to “Fall Forward” NOT “Fall Backward.”
Take the challenge and see how refreshing a task this can be. Notice I didn’t say easy. It is not because we get attached to our clothes for many reasons—memories, they feel good, etc. We have read over and over how to do this.
1. If you haven’t worn something in 6 months to a year, put it at the end your closet. I suggest you wear it and decide whether to keep it or take it out of the closet. Why have it take up space?
2. Take one outfit at a time, be it a dress, skirt, pants or suit. Put it on with different combinations of accessories and shoes, try new color combinations and write down in a notebook which looks the best. That way when you want to wear different outfits you don’t have to sort through all of this when you don’t really have the time. You could even categorize the outfits by activities, so you know what to put on for dinner out, casual looks, upscale looks, wedding attire, lunch with friends, night out with the girls, etc.
3. If you love something but it seems a little dated, watch the Fall Trends and see what you can put with it that will be less expensive than buying a new outfit. This will give you a unique look.
When I recently read Marie Kondo’s book on decluttering, she makes some interesting points about clothing in particular. For instance: - what you wear in the house does affect your self image - wearing clothes you love reinforces a positive self image
So, what do you want your image to be? What will you keep? What will you discard, recycle or give away? It is a lot to think about, but once you make some basic decisions, it will make future decision making much simpler.
FUSE BOOK REVIEW by Gail Gabriel
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up — the Japanese art of
Decluttering and Organizing
by Marie Kondo
This little book caught my eye as I was writing my article on the subject of evaluating your wardrobe. It has some wonderful information and criteria for going through the “things” that we possess. While not all of it works for me, I have adapted some of Marie’s ideas along with my own to make for a more personalized process of decluttering my life. One of the most important points she makes is that you pick a category that you want to declutter, for instance clothing. Then you gather all your clothes from the different places that you store them, i.e. closets, drawers, back of doors or on a chair, shelves, etc. and put them in one place. Then you sort them by categories: tops (shirts, sweaters, blouses), bottoms (pants, skirts, shorts, capris), clothes that should be hung (jackets, coats, suits, dresses), socks, underwear, bags (handbags, messenger bags), accessories (scarves, belts, hats, jewelry), clothes for specific events (exercise, tennis, swimwear, yoga), and shoes.
And then you start by picking up each item one at a time and ask the question “Does this spark joy?” “If it does, keep it. If it does not, dispose of it.” Now by dispose she says you can recycle it by giving it away or donating it.
There are lots of other bits of information and tips in this small book that can be read quickly. So enjoy, declutter and surround yourself with only the things that “spark joy.”
LIFE STYLED -- FALL 2016
WILLIAMS-SANOMA
Moving day is exciting: You’re (hopefully) upgrading from your shoe-box-sized New York, NY, studio to a better abode, you get to decorate a brand-new pad, and you’ll have a whole new neighborhood to explore. But moving can also be incredibly stressful. How can you possibly pack up every single thing you own (and then unpack it!)? What if the movers break your one favorite piece of heirloom furniture? What if they hit you with an exorbitant bill? The list of concerns goes on and on and on.
Since 40 million Americans are expected to move this year alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, it’s time to take some of that anxiety out of the equation.
Here are Five Money Saving Moving Tips to make the task as painless as possible.
$MONEY TALK$
1. Hire Professional Movers
You may think you’ll save money by doing it yourself (or begging your friends to help you), but trust us, you’ll pay in other ways — like with a sore back. “However long you think it will take, multiply it by four,” says Josh Cohen, founder and CEO of Junkluggers and Luggers Moving & Delivery, a junk-removal and moving company in Stamford, CT. “Plus, you may need things like a certificate of insurance to move into your new building. That’s something a moving company will have already taken care of.” Before hiring any mover, read their reviews online or check with the Better Business Bureau, advises Cohen. You can also check the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website to confirm a mover’s license is up to date.
2. Size Up Your Stuff
Before you start packing, make a list of all your belongings — it’s also a good time to start throwing stuff out or selling it. Not only will this itemized list be
helpful when telling your movers how much stuff you have to move, but it also will give you an opportunity to assess the value of the items you no longer need and you would be amazed at the number of dollars you will have in your purse simply by editing your list of Must-Haves.
3. Pack Logically
While it’s tempting to just throw everything into boxes and sort it out later, having a method to your madness — er, packing — will pay off in the long run. Write detailed descriptions on each box and color-code boxes by room, which will make it easier for you to unpack when the time comes. “Take pictures of the way your electronics are set up and then label the cords accordingly,” says Chip Wade, star of HGTV’s Curb Appeal and a consultant for Liberty Mutual Insurance. “This will making hooking everything up in your new destination much simpler.”
4. Keep Essentials
Close By We recommend creating a “tool kit” full of items you’ll need as soon as you get to your new home. Load it with basic items such as a hammer, nails, and drill, as well as cleaning products, toilet paper, snacks, water, phone chargers, a power strip, and toiletries. If possible, take this box in your car to ensure you’ll be able to find it when you need it.
5. Familiarize Yourself with Your New Space
Not only will this help determine the order in which you pack and unpack the truck, but you’ll also be able to visualize where your furniture will go in your new home, and you can direct your movers accordingly. If you’re unsure if an item you currently own will fit in your new place make sure to measure it before schlepping it across town. You may find it won’t fit in your new home, and you can sell it in advance. Then once you get through the move, all that’s left is to settle in and unpack your boxes — which will be placed in the correct rooms!