YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shiny's Fall closet clean out

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shiny's Fall closet clean out https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 04 May 2026 03:11:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php amiable on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-1344989 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 03:05:50 +0000 amiable 1344989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow - seriously great work, and fun to read your progress!  I'm about to start adding fall/winter items to my closet, and have been contemplating how to do it - I like your method of deciding colors first. Alassë on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-1344736 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 21:44:23 +0000 Alassë 1344736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations again, and the updates were great to read! Janet on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-1344568 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 16:23:24 +0000 Janet 1344568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, this has been very enlightening to read. Great approach to editing. I will be inspired by this the next time I feel an edit coming on! Debbie on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-1344520 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 14:57:49 +0000 Debbie 1344520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I skimmed through this I am going to read the thread closely. Good advice here. What an accomplishment ! Anonymous on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-1344482 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 14:01:35 +0000 Anonymous 1344482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great, well-thought out plan!! jackiec on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-1344481 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 13:59:30 +0000 jackiec 1344481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow - thanks for sharing! What a big job and big accomplishment! I really enjoy these posts - very motivational. I've been working on my closet throughout the summer so it's in pretty good shape. We'll see how it works out through the fall. Love all your detail lyn67 on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-1344455 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 12:46:41 +0000 lyn67 1344455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, such a great work you are doing, Shiny! Thanx for the picties and detailed color analysis, now off to get sunk in it deeper:-). Staysfit on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-1344446 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 11:58:25 +0000 Staysfit 1344446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shiny, well done! Funny, how I also used color as a sorting tool for my closet Cleanout. When I saw your post this morning after happily finishing my tees last night I laughed. By the way, if you read my response to you, I ended up adding red/rust tees also. So now my closet is pretty much done. Even though I used a different method to sort and purge, as I made progress, a clear color theme came out. This motivated me to start purging by color. I used a several step method because I had some questions about style and whether I should purge some items. I'm still working on the style part but I have the colors I want. I'm sure the rest will take time to evolve, I must say that the dust lurking in closets is universal. As I went through each section, I discovered more than I thought could ever exist! If I make this a yearly or even twice yearly process, I would probably use your method. Oh, I am reminded by your description of your coat closets, which sound remarkably like mine, that I still have one area to tackle and that is my coats. Sadly I do keep mine stuffed in among all the other gear in the hall closet. So congrats on your project and finding a wonderful sorting method. It has been nice knowing that someone else is also busy cleaning their closet this holiday weekend! Sveta on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-1344309 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 03:30:53 +0000 Sveta 1344309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, I did get tired just from reading this! I am going employ this tactic with my closet when I am back from my vacation in October (and with kitchen cabinets, and with the laundry room...) Thanks for the inspiration! Anonymous on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-1344305 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 03:29:19 +0000 Anonymous 1344305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That sounds seriously comprehensive. Nice job! You (and the rash of other inventory and clean-out posts) actually encouraged me to start small and go through all my shoes today. Some of my shoes, especially dressy ones, had been sitting there for years without being worn, and I'd just never bothered to look closely at them before when getting rid of stuff. And I know what you mean about how much easier it is to give stuff up when you're physically putting things into somewhere rather than just looking at something that's already all set up and seeing what can go. I swear, the only time I ever get rid of books and random decorative household thingies is when I'm moving. shiny on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out/page/2#post-1344296 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 03:13:26 +0000 shiny 1344296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL, Ummilla! I am married to a hoarder-- I have given up on his closet... and the basement, etc...   Honestly my next project would be to tackle the kitchen cabinets next. In same exact way.. take everything out... move back in only what we need... like moving to a new house and unpacking. Only we didn't move. As for DH's designated permissible hoarding areas of the house, I just close the door. I learned long ago that it's better for our marriage if I just do that. shiny on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344290 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 03:05:52 +0000 shiny 1344290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Donna- having tackled the storage items, I just treated myself to these camel Sloans: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1009310&vid=3&pid=656152192">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=656152192</a> I have the black & white ones already, which fit me like a dream, and are going to be core part of my Fall wardrobe. Cross fingers the camel version fits well too. :-) Also while tackling the storage items, I found my favorite camel sweater shell ... I have had it for 15-20 years... beautiful quality... it had a matching cardigan (purchased when twinsets were all the rage) but  I didn't love the cardigan so much,  so long ago let go of it. But kept the shell. It's funny but I thought I had let the shell go a few years back. Apparently I didn't. Back into rotation it goes! Alana in Canada on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344288 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 03:04:47 +0000 Alana in Canada 1344288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow! You are amazing--and so inspiring. Makes me itch to get rid of things.  UmmLila (Lisa) on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344284 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 03:00:54 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1344284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Can you come over and make my husband clean out his closet, please? shiny on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344281 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 02:55:20 +0000 shiny 1344281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, I moved into this house in 2003. I have not done a "remove everything" decluttering since that time, but I do frequent editing all the time. I keep a donate bag handy in the bottom of the closet, and toss in items here and there, donating when full. Then every season I pull out my season refresh box from storage, and do a mini-cull...  What I realized today is that is the wrong way to do it. If I bring up a box or two from storage, I am looking to assimilate items in that box into an already full closet. I wind up not always making the best choices about what to stash away, what to cull, etc. I wind up just trying to squish everything all in together, because you never know. Or things go back into storage but then I find I'm rummaging in storage trying to locate an item I realize I need.... which ultimately makes me more emotionally attached to the storage items, and less willing to let them go... so they accumulate. In other words, it's more of an additive process, rather than a true editing. Does this make sense? If not, try this approach, and you'll see. I know this thread was long but it's for posterity so I can remember it next year. :-) In a nutshell: 1) The most exhausting part was pulling every last dang thing out. Not just physically exhausting, since I walked everything into the dining room, but also mentally, because I spent a day prepping to motivate myself to do it this way. 2) The most exhilarating part -- the best part -- was deciding what went back in. I really loved that part. It was like shopping, only better. And the end result, is like my own personal clothing store. :-) 3) What is usually the dreaded part -- the culling -- turned out to be the quickest & easiest part. It never is quick or easy, hence why so dreaded. But this time around it was an absolute breeze.  bj1111 on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344254 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 02:31:50 +0000 bj1111 1344254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am exhausted just reading your process. Ps. Kudos for putting aside the box for fluctuating weight. No need to open that particular can of worms now. I would get comfortable with the current closet, wherever that ends up. Anonymous on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344242 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 02:25:18 +0000 Anonymous 1344242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are doing a great job - this has been an excellent read! Jaime on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344238 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 02:24:34 +0000 Jaime 1344238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Running out of steam? I ran out of steam reading your thread. You are awesome. Suz on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344232 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 02:19:01 +0000 Suz 1344232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great job, Jennifer! You're going to feel so much clarity going forward. There is nothing like a good closet clean out.  (She says....with some guilt. I'm a reasonably frequent "editor" but It's been a while since I pulled everything out of my closet and truly cleaned it and dusted. And...um...I need to do that.) shiny on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344212 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 01:58:03 +0000 shiny 1344212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ UPDATE Working in one hour bursts -- and adding wine for the most dreaded part -- is just the ticket for a major project like this! DH pulled out all my storage boxes and lined them up on DD's bed (she's off at college and not home again until Thanksgiving). He opened them all up too. That, plus a glass of wine and some trash bags, is just what I needed. I whipped through each box and quickly culled about 75% of it - did not try anything on. Didn't have to.  The 25% I didn't cull: - deep winter refresh seasonal items. Two full boxes, one was full  of MORE sweaters and sweater dresses, I did not go through this yet; will wait until winter.  And one with fall/winter blazers/pants/etc... I culled every last item, except a pair of awesome wool lined herringbone slacks, and black velvet slacks. Everything else went without a second thought. Why? Because I already had better in my closet, OR it did not fit my color scheme. It took me a millisecond to decide for each. Nope. Nope. Nope. Done. - a box for fluctuating weight. Here's the thing: half of it was filled with items for when I'm at the weight right now. Summer items, like white dress slacks, and khaki capris, and shorts. D'oh. I totally forgot I had stashed these, since it's been years and years. Had I known they were in there... I could've used this this summer. The other half of that box is now filled with skinny stuff. It's not a lot of clothes. It's my safety net. I know you're not supposed to keep this type of item around, but I can't help it. Maybe I'll let it go tomorrow. But this one box got me stuck and slowed me down, so I moved on to the next...  - a box for gear, already mostly empty, but I culled a few more items. There is now plenty of room to rotate out the warm weather gear and get it out of my dresser. I will hold off on that for now.  There was a full box of spring/summer clothes that I didn't love enough this year to move into rotation. I didn't hesitate in tossing every last item out, out out. Ultimately I wound up with *four* empty boxes!   I then filled two with all the items on the dining room table. I probably will wind up culling many of these out next spring, but since I have the room... they can stay for now, just in case. I still have two boxes left for summer stuff, which is more than enough - I probably only need just one box. Then I tackled the rest of my shoes and did a pruning. That took just a couple of minutes. DH has been taking the full bags out to the car all day long, so I lost count. I asked and he says I filled 6 bags -- four of those were from the items in storage alone. 95% of the storage items are clothes I've owned for years and years... some longer than I've been on YLF. So that is a good statistic to keep in mind, next time I am debating about "toss" or "hold."  I'm done for the night - tomorrow I'm going through my summer wear & gear & pajamas. DonnaF on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344138 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:35:53 +0000 DonnaF 1344138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can so TOTALLY see you in camel slacks, cream blouse, and cranberry sweater!  I hope the perfect versions for you come your way soon. Anonymous on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344115 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:59:20 +0000 Anonymous 1344115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jennifer, to answer your question about quickly differentiating between black clothes, I find it much easier now that they are together. One problem was knowing if a pair of trousers was hemmed for a bit of a heel or flats. I used a black Sharpee to mark the tag inside with an S for short (for flats) or with an L for long (heels). Another problem was that at first I went with colors from light to dark, which put ink blue next to black and they are hard to tell apart, especially as I have some pieces in each color. I ended up separating them with browns and greys. I have more black than anything with 3 sleeveless shells, 3 black jackets, etc. I use the flat felt hangers with little hooks that can be hung vertically. The three black shells are hung one below the other. Same with jackets, black buttondowns, etc. This really keeps things easy. I highly recommend it. Caro in Oz on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344114 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:57:51 +0000 Caro in Oz 1344114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That makes total sense J I've done a rough calculation of minimum numbers for my basics - everyday tops, bottoms, layering pieces etc. but for everything else the only reason I keep something is if I love it & wear it or it's the only one I have. I currently have 184 items but that includes footwear, coats & all accessories - the only things I don't count are underwear & sleepwear. I am looking for tops for summer (a thankless task for me too). shiny on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344102 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:18:16 +0000 shiny 1344102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Caro, I did not have any particular number in mind. I love that idea in theory but not in practice. I based the number purely on how much room I have in my closet.  I just counted for you: not counting formal wear (which is tucked back in the most "out of sight/out of mind" nether regions and is only a sparse handful), I've counted exactly 100 hanging items. I was surprised it was exactly 100! Is that too much or just right? To me it seems just right. This is not just Fall, mind you. The items hanging right now span all 4 seasons, but I've then got one moving crate's worth in storage for summer refresh, spring refresh, deep winter refresh, and gear refresh.  The 100 hanging items include: - Dresses: including anything summery that can transition for Fall, and sweater dresses for the depths of winter.  - Skirts: only 5 made the cut - 2 VC ruched, 1 black suit skirt, a charcoal stretchy pencil skirt, and stretchy black lace skirt I've had for years which is also a midi length, has a blush liner, and can be dressed up or down - Pants (but not jeans) - no duplicates - Blouses - sleeveless to long sleeved. Includes a handful of "skirt length" tops. Lots of patterns in this category.  - Better knit tops & tees - only the ones that deserved hanging privilege. This includes three striped tops. - Sweaters of all types (except not the bulky ones: anything that looked like it could survive a hanger!) - pullovers, BF cardigans, crew neck cardigans, v-neck cardigans, etc etc... including aforementioned sweater dresses (2 black, 1  cobalt, 1 black with rose print 1 black & white striped... omg, just realized I have yet MORE sweater dresses in storage! I  <3 my sweater dresses!) - Toppers of all kinds (blazers, jackets, leather/pleather jackets, jean jackets, army jacket) - Outerwear: for Boston I need a lot in this category, so it is a capsule in its own right. I did not hang all my coats in the closet, only the nicer ones that I don't want hanging on a hook or squished with DH & the kids coats -- Burberry trench, a black packable puffer, a blush packable puffer, the Jcrew cobalt wool coat, and a cream car coat I got in Spain. These are the ones that if there was a fire and I had to grab a handful of coats, I'd grab. :-)  Caro in Oz on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344082 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 22:25:42 +0000 Caro in Oz 1344082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great work!! Just a question. How did you decide the number of items you needed? Windchime on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344080 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 22:19:21 +0000 Windchime 1344080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, Shiny, you have definitely labored in your closet during Labor Day weekend! I'm really impressed that you took everything out and cleaned. You will enjoy the results of your work for months to come! Every time I work in my closet, I figure out new outfits from pieces that were there all along. I also find I shop more wisely because the contents of my wardrobe as well as any wardrobe holes are fresh in my memory. I share your difficulty with culling. Except you probably do better than this: Yesterday I put three things back in the donate bag. They'd been there before; then I changed my mind and put them back in my closet where I found them yesterday, unworn, and attempted to donate them again! shiny on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344079 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 22:16:50 +0000 shiny 1344079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deb, the need to purchase list is not that long.  The holes I've identified: - Perfect camel slacks :-) - long sleeve cream blouse (prefer crepe); this would essentially be my version of the classic white button down.  - a cranberry red V-neck cardigan (I ordered one from Jcrew yesterday, so cross fingers it works) - something new to add to the formal capsule Items hanging there now, but that I'd like to replace or upgrade: - white leather jacket, or something that would play the same role  - a wool coat to replace my cobalt coat - a black velvet blazer, or a tweed -- i.e., something with texture - replacements for a handful of blouses/tops that  I have kept because they serve a purpose for layering etc. I still wear them, but they've seen better days (see my other thread about my frustrations with blouses & tops) or just don't seem modern enough. Not ready to part with them until I find replacement, so they are staying for now, to keep my eye focused.  As for shoes, I still have to de-clutter my other shoes (non-booties & boots). But I'm pretty rigorous here already, due to lack of space, so this shouldn't take long. I use a back of the door shoe holders for a total of 24 pairs. I'm probably going to part with some shoes that worked in theory, but not in practice -- they hurt my feet so they are going. Meanwhile I have some pairs that are super comfortable but don't look on trend right now. I am on the fence about keeping or culling. I may tuck these away in storage, since comfortable shoes are just so hard to find. Otherwise, in the shoe category, mostly what I need most is stylish FLATS. I'm slightly too heavy on heels right now. I did some online shopping in that category yesterday as well... but we'll see. Not holding my breath on that, as I tend to return 98% of the shoes I order online.  shiny on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344075 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:53:11 +0000 shiny 1344075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Clare!  It's possible I'm not feeling taupe at the moment simply because I associate it more with spring, not fall, so I am going to hold on to my BR 3-piece taupe suit for now, but it's going into storage. As for camel.... I have to confess that after my mental pre-prep yesterday, I wound up dreaming all night long about how I should buy a pair of camel slacks. I was dreaming about a beloved pair of perfect camel dress slacks I used to own, and wore into the ground. How I used to pair them all the time with cranberry red tops and leopard mules, or with a black cardigan and black patent driving loafers plus red handbag... or with just a simple cream pullover sweater....  It occurred to me that while I'm totally done with beige, a rich camel pair of slacks is just the ticket....  So..... when I woke up this morning I told myself if I get this closet clean out done, and if at the end of it, I can still see infinite mix-and-match value in camel slacks, then I will treat myself to the perfect pair! deb on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344071 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:48:07 +0000 deb 1344071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great job!! I love reading these posts. I tried the sort by color for six months and I liked it in the beginning but think that was because it was a new way of looking at my closet. I recently changed it back to type then color and I am so much happier. I would not know this if I had not had both ways to compare. Is you need to purchase list very long? Are you including shoes on this list? Anonymous on "Shiny's Fall closet clean out" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shinys-fall-closet-clean-out#post-1344066 Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:40:47 +0000 Anonymous 1344066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jennifer, awesome work! There is nothing like removing everything from your closet and starting from scratch. I did this just a week or two ago and I couldn't believe the dust either! With an empty closet I didn't want to mar the perfection by putting anything back that I didn't truly love, so a few of my things went into a holding zone, and the summer items that were worn out got retired. For some reason, this method feels SO different than just going through the closet and culling a few things. It really feels like a brand new start.  I love your colors and I wear a lot of the same neutrals you do. And I love the prints you have! You can have the camel, and I'll take the taupe. I hang my coats in my bedroom closet too, for the same reason you do. Kudos for all your hard work! :)