As someone who helps people clean out their closets for a living, I have heard a LOT from my clients about Marie Kondo and her bestselling book, The Life- Changing Magic of Tidying Up.  So, when I heard there was a new Netflix show centered around her and her unique methods, I knew I would be adding it to my watchlist. And it was just the inspiration I needed for my annual New Year's clean out.

I am not alone in this. Many people have a New Year resolution to be more organized, get rid of stuff, and live a less cluttered life to leave space to focus on what they want to do with their lives.

In a lot of ways, Marie Kondo's message of having your things serve the person you want to be really aligns with our message of Functional Fashion. Here at The Closet Edit, we want you to show up and represent the person you want to be and the life you want to live. Even though we are there to help guide our clients along the path to a more functional wardrobe, there is always more work to be done.

“The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.”

― Marie Kondō

Jewelry

umbra terrace jewelry tray

After editing the clothing in a closet, the natural next step would be to tackle the accessories that complete your outfits. However, those can be the toughest to let go of. And the hardest of all is Jewelry.

Whether you have a little or a lot, jewelry can be tough to part with.  Many love the options that jewelry adds to an outfit. But you will find that by being selective about what you keep, you will clarify your style and find it easier to get ready for any occasion. And then there is of course the sentimental value that is often a factor when it comes to cleaning out your jewelry box.

When going through your jewelry, follow these steps:

1. Identify your go to pieces  - these are the ones you wear most often. Separate them from the rest of your jewelry and place them prominently on a separate jewelry tray or display that shares a space with where you get ready - either in your closet or where you do your makeup in the morning.

2. Store the sentimental items - if there are a few pieces that you can't part with because they hold sentimental value, but you don't wear them, find a way to keep them safe and store them away from your everyday jewelry. You can still take them out for special occasions, but they don't need to be taking up prime real estate in your wardrobe.

3. Be critical -Think of your lifestyle and where you are going in your life. If a piece is dated, you have a better version of it, or in rough shape - then maybe it is time to let it go. It will open up a space for you to find something that you love even more!

“But when we really delve into the reasons for why we can’t let something go, there are only two: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future.”

― Marie Kondō

Undergarments

orgnaized simplicity

Look, we all do it, hold onto underwear just a bit too long. Especially if it is the kind that no one will ever be seeing. Or maybe you still have a bra that is super uncomfortable, but looks pretty or cost a lot of money so you tuck it in the back of your drawer instead of tossing it out. But, WHY?

A while back I decided that I was fed up with wearing disappointing undergarments. I am too old to have uncomfortable underwear, ill fitting bras, and itchy socks. I had a good number of great pairs of underwear, but they were always hard to find. I was always rifling through the mediocre pairs to discover an acceptable pair to wear. Then I realized - I didn't have an underwear problem, I just needed to edit and organize.

Tips for a better organized underwear drawer:

1.  Fit, Comfort, Function - Take it all out and only keep what fits you properly, is comfortable, and functions for your life. You need different undergarments for different occasions and outfits, so make sure you keep the ones that work for you for each part of your life.

2. Make Sure You Can See Them - Purchase some organizers that allow you to see each item so you can quickly find what you need and get ready with ease. Organizers also help you to not over purchase new things by limiting your space.

3. Put Like Things Together - organize your drawer the way it makes sense for you and keep like things together. I organize by style or function and then color to make getting ready super easy.

“Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest. By doing this, you can reset your life and embark on a new lifestyle.”
― Marie Kondō

Beauty Products

the container store

I am not a makeup or beauty product person at ALL! But, somehow, I still tend to have a lot of stuff. Some things were given as gifts, samples, part of a subscription box, or just from a time when I was feeling like I needed to expand my products (but I had no clue what I needed). And its not just makeup, its all the related brushes, skin care products, etc.

I recommend cleaning out your beauty products at least once a year. Most have shelf lives around 12 months. Also, you should have a good idea of whether or not you liked the product based on how often you used it that year. This is also a good time to visit a makeup counter and ask for a refresh on your look. I love having the advice and help of an expert when I really don't know what I need. You may discover new techniques or products that will really serve you moving forward. When you know what you are looking for, you make smarter purchases.

As you go through and get rid of things, you might find you run into a similar situation as the 'pretty bra' problem. A lipstick that is fancy and a beautiful color, but isn't really your style or dried out your lips. An under eye cream that was super expensive but you hated the smell or never used it. Don't feel bad letting go of something that you aren't using. It is just taking up space and distracting you from the products you really do use.

Once you edit it all down, follow this guide:

1. Make Everyday Products Accessible - Identify the things you use the most and put them in an easy to access organized area. I have mine in a smaller cosmetics bag separated and tucked in the drawer closest to my sink. You may have enough space to have a pretty organizer on your counter or a vanity.

2. Keep Brushes Clean and Organized - Anything that is going to touch your face and skin should be kept clean as possible. A clean and organized space for your brushes and applicators (however many you have) is a must.

3. Store Occasional Items - When you do have an occasion that calls for bigger lashes and a bolder lip, you want to have those items on hand so you aren't making a last minute purchase. So keep those occasional items stored away but easy to access when needed.