Having a business called apartmentjeanie, it is safe to assume I am a manic organizer. In fact, I have been guilty of over systemizing, which is really of no help to anyone, but we all have our compulsions. I have been indulging in my aesthetic addiction since early childhood.
When I was home sick from school, I would feverishly re-arrange and assemble the contents of all the kitchen cabinets to what I considered a more efficient and better effective use of space. Of course by dinnertime my gorgeous groupings would be gone in favor of convenience.
I finally learned that the only space I could control was my own which is why I have always possessed impeccably pristine clothing closets. As an adult, I am fortunate enough to live in an apartment that has multiple closets, which encourages seasonal storage.
Twice a year I transfer wardrobe from the current bedroom closet collection with the season in waiting fashion housed in the hallway closet. During this day of spiritual closet cleansing, I try on every single item to guarantee proper fit and fashion sustainability. Over the past few years I have become quite ruthless with my editing. There are only few items that make it onto the “purgatory” rod, which gets re-visited at the turn of the next closet cleaning.
Having a wardrobe of ill fitted, unfashionable and unkempt clothing impresses no one and prevents you from leading a productive and fluid lifestyle. It is also down right selfish. A friend or stranger could benefit from your closet cast-offs.
After a quick assessment of what is appropriate for whom, I arrange the garb into bags for the chosen recipients – friends may receive trendy items that I have (unfortunately) outgrown, the cleaning woman appreciates handbags that I no longer fancy and any outerwear is donated.
As I indicated earlier, I am a tad compulsive, so these parcels must leave the premises tout suite. If my besties are not interested my recycled garments, I then donate them to the Lower East Side Girls Club – since my style tends to veer dangerously close to “youthful”, the contribution is welcomed.
As many of us leave the corporate and professional job market and opt for an independent career, our suits and office appropriate attire may be hanging listlessly on hangers. Dress for Success is an excellent opportunity to bestow your uniform from bygone business to empowering a woman in need.
Wherever and whomever you decide to bequeath your closet clutter to will appreciate the gift of your generosity and isn’t that what the holiday spirit is truly about?
Keep giving til it hurts!
xxoo.
ps: if you clean your closet today, you might find that misplaced Christmas gift you intended to give last year, but couldn’t locate.
I’m so glad you tweeted this blog again – it’s exactly the inspiration I need to get some spring cleaning going! I’d like to add that over the years, when I’ve finally gotten the courage to be ruthless with a closet clean-out, I’ve never missed anything I’ve gotten rid of! “When in doubt – think of how perfect apartmentjeanie’s closets are!” That’s a motto to live by.