Please, Don't Get KonMari'd with Your Wardrobe

NOTHING to Wear!

“I’m revamping my life and closet” is a statement I’ve recently heard so much since Netflix started airing “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.”

I’ve also had so many people tell me that they are literally left with nothing to wear after getting rid of everything that “didn’t spark joy.” -- Hmm, interesting! Might be related?

But I’m perplexed that so many would entrust their wardrobe and style to an organizer. Would you hire a podiatrist to check out your heart condition? Ms. Kondo is a fantastic organizer but not a stylist or any type of expert when it comes to fashion.

Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of her organization skills. I love having a tidy place and easy access to everything I need. I even employ her drawer filing system for my whole family -- Genius! I love her even more because she is filling up the thrift and second-hand specialty stores with simply amazing items for just about everybody.

I’ve seen the “joy” of having an incredibly tidy place wear off and the reality set in that there is NOTHING left to wear -- literally and figuratively.

An emergency shopping trip is now a must, but . . . as going to the grocery store is a bad idea when you’re hungry, desperate shopping is a very very very bad idea. You will end up right back at the start with a lot of pieces that don’t “spark joy” and a lot less money in the bank. 

Even if money is no object, you still need to be strategic about creating that fabulous wardrobe you covet. 

So, BEFORE doing anything drastic, please remember that it’s your day-to-day style that should spark joy, not the individual pieces that make it happen.

Here are some basic rules to help your inner joy shine through your wardrobe: 

• Start with the basics -- It’s not just about the WOW pieces, but about having a solid foundation. Some may already be in your closet now but need a little hemming or fixing. Some may not need anything at all and are really good building blocks.

• Fit, fit, and then fit -- It could be the prettiest thing, but it’s just a NO if it doesn’t fit right. Once you have the fit, the possibilities are endless.

• Fabric and quality -- Sometimes these pieces start out with a higher price tag, but the price per wear will end up being less in the long run. One quality shirt is worth at least 10, looks way better and lasts you so much longer.

• Accessories -- Find the pieces that speak to you. A great pair of earrings, scarf, necklace, bracelet, hat. You can dress up a great fitting but plain basic tee that doesn’t spark complete and utter joy with an awesome scarf that does and POOF -- Joy! Magic, spark isn’t it?

• Be a discerning and savvy collector -- Pick the star pieces along your travels. These type of pieces will usually speak to you when you see them. You will almost never find them when shopping in desperation. That’s a formula for settling for less.

• Opposites DO attract -- Mix the stars with the staples. It becomes a bit costume’ish if everything is screaming on stage, but mixing bold and sublte will create a sharp and balanced look. The key to having a great closet is having the ability to build different outfits using a variety of elements.