Signs It's Time to Clean Out Your Closet

Tina, here.

I'm on a budget. I'm moving this weekend (3rd time in 4 years - it's a disease). I'm saving up for our Paris Shopping Trip. And other more boring things I won't go into here. But the point is, I, and probably you, don't have endless funds to spend on all the fab things quickly arriving in the stores this time of year. So frustrating.

But some of my favorite fall staples are wearing out, and I either need to repair them or replace them.  I bet you do, too.

Dolls, let me share something with you.

Most of your clothes are tired, dated or just plain wrong for you.

SignsIt's Time To Clean Out Your Closet

Amy and I are going through a client's closet together and discussing the pros and cons of her dearest held boxy skirts and shapeless tops. The truth can hurt, but then it can set you free. And we make the truth even fun to hear - just ask any of our clients and they'll tell you we made them laugh after we made them cry.

From eight years of being in almost 1,000 closets, I can safely say that you are wearing 20% of your clothes 80% of the time, and the rest of the stuff in there you don't even see anymore. And unless we've been in your closet in the past few years, that 20% needs updating. Simple statistics, dears. But, we got this.

Signs It's Time To Clean Out Your Closet

We employ a safely-guarded algorithm and a series of equations to determine when, if and how you replace or add new fall pieces to your fall wardrobe. And neither you nor I can afford to mess this up, because once you spend a dollar on something, it needs to go to work for you. So you can retire it when its end comes and celebrate the gifts it gave you, like making you feel pretty, or five pounds lighter, or smugly in style. And then happily move on to greener pastures

Any of this look familiar?

If this looks like some of what we might find in your closet, slouchy boots from five years ago, old pinstripe work pants, worn-out shoes, etc, it's time to clean out your closet.  It's time for us to clean out your closet, because no one can do it 100% successfully without us.  You know it's true.

It's Time To Clean Out Your Closet If...

1. You are wearing jeans older than 2 years.

Spoiler alert: I have news for you. You need to update your jeans WAY more than you think you do. Denim rinses and washes have a much shorter shelf life than you probably think.  It's probably time to replace your jeans.

If you’re asking if your jeans are still in style…No, no they are not.

If your jeans look like this, they are outdated. Toss them. Or garden in them. But don't wear them in public, k? And if you can't tell why, trust me. It has to do with the rinse, how the denim has worn over time, and how they fit. And this means you need us more than you realize. Image.

But guess what? You don't have to pay $200, or even $100, for your jeans.  Not with us you don't. We're putting the final touches on the September Style Vault, which has my favorite new jeans, both skinny and bootcut. You'll love the price.

2. You wear fuzzy sweaters.

Do your sweaters have those fuzzy balls all over them caused by pilling?  Don't toss them!  You can de-fuzz them with a sweater shaver. But, let's be honest, you do have sweaters that need to be tossed.

This sweater is not worn-out. It simply needs de-fuzzing with a sweater comb. And no, you may not wear a vest like this - but the picture makes the point. I have vests coming up in a blog post that you can wear, though!

Sweaters (and knits) become boxy over time from repeated washing and dry-cleaning. It's time to toss them when this happens. Try to buy natural fibers. But buyer beware, ALL natural fibers, including cashmere and merino wool, will pill. The higher quality cashmere sweaters take longer to pill, but they will pill.

3. You are wearing stained and boxy tees and tops.

These shrink and get boxy. They start out great - all nice and rectangular. Then bit by bit, without your even realizing it, one day your soft and favorite long sleeve winter t-shirts are big squares. Big boxy squares. And guess what you look like when you wear a square? A square. Not an hourglass.

The t-shirt on the left is brand new. Perfect. The t-shirt on the right is the exact same t-shirt that has been repeatedly washed to illustrate what happens over time. It's so gradual that you don't notice it until we get in your closet and show you all the squares you've been wearing. Toss them. Image.

4. You're still wearing black nylon shoes.

I don't care how comfortable these are. They are so bad that you won't be able to consign them when we tell you to get rid of them. But don't worry, we'll replace them with a better pair that's comfortable and good-looking. And you'll get our discount. Oh, and we're bringing Vault members a bonus issue this September, Fall Shoes Must-Haves.

Are the tips of the toes scuffed on your shoes? Are there holes in the soles? Don't toss them! A cobbler can repair the soles and shine the scuffs so they're almost as good as new.

Save the shoes! For a DIY project, try nail polish remover (the kind with acetone) on patent leather to remove stubborn scuff marks.

But if your shoes have chunky heels, square toes (we don't like squares), or are generally tired and dated, time to toss.

These seem pretty harmless. I think they're ugly, and here's why. A round toe is never flattering. Either pointy or almond toe is what you need. And the kitten heel is not dainty or pretty - it is chunky. A chunky, clunky heel is not feminine and attractive no matter how stable it is.

5. You haven't been through your jewelry box in 3 years.

Jewelry and shoes are the things women hold on to forever because they always fit. But the quickest way to age yourself is to wear outdated accessories. If you bought a piece of jewelry that was all the rage 5 years ago, or even 2 years ago, I hope for your sake you did not overspend on it because of what I'm about to tell you. You need to toss it. Wearing an outdated trend, whether it be jewelry or anything, is a surefire way to age yourself. This is why we are so adamant about not overspending on certain items.

Have you bought any of these double-sided earrings yet? If you do, make sure you don't spend much at all, because in a couple years we'll all think they look ridiculous. Image.

Did you buy one of these Michael Kors watches a few years ago? Oops. It was great back then, but, dolls, it's done. Time to toss.

6. You haven't updated these in a few years: your coat, handbag and boots.

These are the Big Ticket Items you need to think about updating this fall if you haven't in the last few years. And when you let us shop for you, not only will you end up with the perfect coat/boot/handbag that you'll love and use for years to come, but you might save up to 20% with our exclusive in-store discounts reserved for our clients. Huge.

Tina Adams Wardrobe Consulting

Don't delay. Our calendar is filling up and it's not even September. Fall arrivals are in the stores and we love what we are seeing! Leather skirts! Fabulous suede boots! Cozy plaid flannel! Wait - I'm starting to get into fall trends - that's coming next week. But now you better email us to get an appointment for your closet and to shop with the pros who know how to get you the best, and how to give you the perfect wardrobe for the way you love to live.

Want to shop all our must-haves? Need just a few items at a time? Become a member of the Style Vault and start shopping. All new September issue drops next week! And its HUGE. Plus, that bonus issue on shoes I was telling you about has all the styles you need this fall. 

Buy our annual membership here to get one month free, plus never have to worry about updating your cc.

Thanks for reading. Our Nashville Wardrobe Consultants are ready to meet you and find the service right for you. Email us at [email protected]We've just added 2 new packages, so you'll find the one that fits your lifestyle.

Since working with Tina
['s team], I’ve had numerous compliments on my style and outfits. The wardrobe Tina created for me makes it easy to look stylish when I travel, both on stage and on camera. Tina even found some pieces hiding in my closet she could use! Thank you, Tina, for helping me feel put together and teaching me how to bring out my own style.
Rachel Cruze
Author and Speaker

Best,

Tina

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