Clothes, closets, and creativity

~ aprildbest

A few weeks ago I wrote a post called Rest in the Mess. After moving I was highly motivated to organize, purge, and be okay with mess. The past two weeks I’ve been taking serious inventory of my closet. While I haven’t fully bought into the Capsule Wardrobe craze that seems to be dominating fashion blogs and Pinterest fashion links, I did dramatically reduce the size of my wardrobe.

I went through and gave away everything I haven’t worn in a VERY long time as well as anything that doesn’t fit me the way I want it to. I also really liked the idea of making your closet space or dresser space pretty so I cheaply spruced things up too.

Here’s my closet now. Sorry I don’t have a dramatic before shot! I was a little impulsive when I went for the purge and didn’t think to take a photo.

I kept 3 long sleeve dresses and 3 short sleeve/sleeveless dresses, 12 tops, 7 cardigans, 2 sweaters.
I kept 3 long sleeve dresses and 3 short sleeve/sleeveless dresses, 12 tops, 7 cardigans, 2 sweaters. Not pictured I kept 7 teeshirts/tanks, 3 pairs of jeans, and 3 pairs of shorts. It’s a little more than the capsule wardrobe, but that’s partially because I have kids and need a little more versatility in the type of clothes I wear as well as living in Michigan where the weather is dramatic and unpredictable.
I used an old frame and an old poster I had hanging around as decoration and put my hat and favorite purse on top of the shelf to add some glam.
I used an old frame and an old poster I had hanging around as decoration and put my hat and favorite purse on top of the shelf to add some glam.
I fancied up an old bookshelf with some wrapping paper taped to the back.
I fancied up an old bookshelf with some wrapping paper taped to the back. Not pictured here are my 2 other pairs of sandals and tan flats that I’ve been wearing all summer.
Here's my mini capsule wardrobe. After purging most of my clothes I took $75 and challenged myself to clothe myself for the fall. I found all these secondhand for just under $75. Each of the tops was $6, the dress was $10, the jeans were $12, and the sweaters were both $5.
Here’s my mini capsule wardrobe. After purging most of my clothes I took $75 and challenged myself to clothe myself for the fall. I found all these secondhand for just under $75, tax included. Each of the tops was $6, the dress was $10, the jeans were $12, and the sweaters were both $5.

Here’s my favorite find from the whole trip:

Found this for $12 - can't wait for brisk, cool days to wear it!
Found this for $12 – can’t wait for brisk, cool days to wear it!

All in all, I feel a lot freer and less stressed when it comes to getting dressed. I have been wearing necklaces and other accessories and jewelry more. Over the next few weeks, I’m going to try as many different outfit combos and post the result!

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