PURGE LIKE A PRO
With spring cleaning season upon us, I want to dissect one of the most important steps to getting your space spick and span: purging!
I know, it can feel overwhelming. But, I’m here to share some easy and efficient tips to help you purge like a pro. And, I asked some of my stylist friends to weigh in with their go-to purging hacks along with their thoughts on which pieces you should never part ways with.
WINE AND PURGE
The first step to purging is making the process enjoyable! Pour a glass of wine or brew some tea and put on a great podcast or playlist.
BREAK. IT. DOWN.
Second, break down your wardrobe into more manageable sections, like trend pieces, professional items and formal wear. From there, style some looks. Have fun! If there are pieces that just aren’t working, aren’t a necessity or that don’t give you a sense of excitement, get ready for the next step!
HAVE A SYSTEM
Third, create three separate piles (divided hampers or bins also work well). Use one for items you want to sell (pieces you love, but no longer wear and want to get a return from); one for donations (business appropriate, tailored items in good condition for charitable organizations); and, one for trash (items with stains, holes, or irreparable damage). Be decisive and don’t look back!
Now for some savvy stylist suggestions:
Amanda Reno
*Clients include Sophia Bush, Jenna Ushkowitz and Carmen Electra
Purging tip:
I love to purge once a month. Make a pile for TheRealReal and a pile for donations. It’s OK if the pile is small. Once a month is ideal to check in with your closet and make sure it isn’t becoming unmanageable. Sometimes you won’t have anything to purge but once a month check in is a must.
One item you’d tell clients to keep:
Chanel. And to keep expensive outerwear jackets and coats that are luxury rarely go out of style.
Daniela Romero (assistant to Brad Goreski)
*Clients include Jenna Dewan, Lea Michele, Sarah Hyland, Rashida Jones
Purging tip:
If you can’t remember the last time you wore it and it doesn’t make you happy anymore then — TOSS IT!
One item you’d tell clients to keep:
Anything classic, an amazing leather jacket, a great black blazer, your favorite pair of jeans!
Joanne Gruber and Nima Ghassemian of The Closet Stylist
*Personalized shopping, styling, and home organization services
Purging tip:
Once you get rid of something get it out of your house as quick as possible. People tend to go back through the “to go” pile and keep things that need to go. We also tell them to do it seasonally as the accumulation can pile up. Then they get overwhelmed and never get to it.
One item you’d tell clients to keep:
The one thing we could tell them to keep would be something from a loved one that has passed. Just a few items that can make them happy when they see it. We also would say keep the Chanel! Keep your Chanel!
Maeve Reilly
*Clients include Hailey Bieber, Khloe Kardashian, Ciara, Ashlee Simpson Ross
Puring tip:
If you haven’t worn it in a long period of time purge it!!
One item you’d tell clients to keep:
keep classic items. Jackets. Blazers. Denim. Things that are never considered trendy.