Happy Anniversary.

Just realized that it's been a full year since I started this thing. Crazy to think just how much has happened in my life over the last 12 months. Lots of change, some good, some scary...But life is good and I wouldn't change a thing. However, I wont bore you with my life story, you come here for fashion and that's what you're going to get ; )

My closet has changed quite a bit over the past year as well. In July I did a massive purge of anything and everything that I hadn't worn in the past 12 months. Amazing the amount of stuff I threw out! I know what you're thinking...that you could never do that. I mean what If you wanted to wear something that you purged and it was gone forever?? Allow me to debunk the myth. If you haven't worn it in a year you will NOT miss it. I promise you, I haven't gone looking for anything that I donated to the Salvation Army. Not to mention, the Great Purge (as it will hence forth be known) has allowed me to more easily see what I have and what I don't have, which makes my shopping excursions far more effective.

So, in honor of my one year blog anniversary--I am going to reveal what my closet looks like post-purge. That's right, I'm rolling back the doors of my life and taking you deep inside. Probably deeper than you'd like quite actually! Hopefully you get some ideas, and maybe feel encouraged to do some closet purging of your own. Enjoy : )

Living in an apartment--I have the standard sliding door mirrored wardrobe. However I did luck out with TONS of cabinet space in this place, and don't worry I have used every inch of it!

Here's the right side...

And the left...You will notice that I have no shortage of shoes...I'll spare you the ones under the bed : )

Some of my favorites include:

To help me keep things clear and uncluttered, I've organized my closet based on season. I move the current season to the front to help keep my regularly rotated items at easy reach. I know--it sounds annal but it really does keep me sane on Monday mornings.

I have my sweaters and cardigans in the front--mainly because I wear them so much. Also, because sweaters tend to be bulky, I prefer to keep them together and not interspersed with the rest of my closet.

Next I have my tops and button-up shirts. I think I have an oxford shirt in every color and pattern possible. They are my staple piece. You can wear them with anything and instantly feel put together. I wear them in the office, on the weekends--with dress pants or denim mini shorts. They are always a sure bet.

Pants and skirts are next on the list. Pants are always over a pant hanger and skirts are two to a clamp hanger. With my pants, I try to make sure the basics are covered every season with regard to cut and color. This season, I have my boyfriend ankle cuffed khakis, the ankle skimming narrow leg high-waist black trouser, the high-waist grey trouser, the white ankle skimming cigarette pant, my FAVORITE JCrew match stick cords in navy and brown, my crazy-lady JCrew yellow cords (yes they are yellow and yes they are a stretch, but I rock them proudly) and my stand-by linen pants. Skirts are similar but not quite as strict--I have a few circle skirts, my "all business, all the time" high-waist grey pencil skirt, a couple of tulip shapes and always fun patterns as you can see in the picture :)

Next are dresses. These are all of my summer styles--short and simple . I love this navy blue one that I snagged at The Gap. The longer sleeves give it a great feel when paired with the short hemline. I like to wear it with my white All Stars on Saturday mornings when I walk to Borders : ) Don't you love that? How outfits have stories? There are things in your closet that just lend themselves to specific activities and events and they become synonymous with memories and emotions--like that blue dress. Makes me feel immediately relaxed and peaceful as I picture myself pouring through a fantastic novel and sipping on coffee in the morning sun...

In the back is my winter wardrobe and my coats...why I have coats (as in plural) in Southern California, I may never know. Dresses for fall are darker..lots of black, brown and navy. I actually want to try and brighten things up this fall. Winter fabrics do exist in more eye-popping hues and I need to integrate some of them into my current color pallet. Thinking oranges, purples and I have been searching everywhere for the perfect electric blue...

Last, but never least--is my purse cabinet. I warn you--it's bad, so prepare yourselves. If you are a true purse lover, this may not be for you. Warning: Purses not in dust bags.

I gave you fair warning! This is my upcoming project. To rescue these poor guys from the hell hole that I currently have them crammed in. We'll see how it goes.

Well, there you have it. Way more of me than you probably ever wanted to see! But, hopefully a walk through my closet has helped give you some ideas for better ways to organize your own. And I hope if nothing else--I've encouraged you to think about making a trip to your local Salvation Army...to donate, not shop!

To those of you who have been reading for the past year or the past day--thank you so much for joining my ongoing conversation about life and fashion. This blog would be a personal diary without you : ) Here's to another year of life, love and fashion ponderings...

xoxo,

acceptingwhoiamnot