The Rx For Nothing to Wear: Here’s Your Capsule
By: Julia E Hubbel
Tags: Style, Fashion, Women, Money, Clothing

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If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet and wailed, “But I have nothing to wear!” you’re in good company. Often we’ve collected too many items that don’t match. Your closet’s a little queasy, perhaps from an overdose of season’s- end sale shopping. A great comedienne once said, “There isn’t a man in the world that can make a woman feel as good as a 75% off sale”…the problem is that after we’ve gone overboard feeling good about saving money, we still have nothing to wear.

I can relate. I had a huge collection of fashion “orphans”, sale pieces that seemed like a good buy, but later had to say good bye to because nothing matched. Oh that hurt. Giving Goodwill or a consignment shop a Prada skirt that retailed in the thousands, but I scored for $100. Yah. There was a reason for it, too. It was impossible to put with anything.

To fix a bulging, frustrating wardrobe I turned to stylist and closet-decluttering expert Sonja Motley. Sonja’s been in the fashion business her entire life. These days she consults executives, entrepreneurs and downsizers on how to do it best.

Your Easy Wardrobe Fix

The answer is a “capsule wardrobe.”

Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called “Wardrobe” in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don’t go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces. (Wikipedia)

Especially today Sonja pointed out, the notion of an easy-to-manage wardrobe that makes us look and feel great is on the rise. Also, fashion is the second largest polluter after the oil industry. Landfills are full of “fast fashion:” poorly-made, cheap, trendy clothing worn once and discarded. The bigger trend is a few quality pieces which make work, travel, packing, and looking amazing a breeze. “Besides,” Sonja says,” that ease gives you the gift of time.”

A few, perfectly-fitted and matched items with “character pieces” to add color and energy transforms your closet. No more morning wails. You’re out the door looking and feeling terrific in minutes.

Sonja Motley

Your Closet RX

“I’ve been styling for my clients for many years,” Sonja continues. “I’ve seen the pleasure, delight and stress reduction that a capsule wardrobe brings. Whether you’re a college student working part time or a retiree cleaning out those items that no longer give you bliss, establishing your go-to basics can eliminate time and frustration every single day.”

Sonja suggests this simple closet Rx for women to get you started:

· Pants (two pairs) Narrow sport crop and Full-length trousers

· Dress (two) Solid, short or long, and print, short or long

· Cardigan: or Jacket, short or long

· Skirt: (for your silhouette) Solid color

· Blouses: (three) Your best color, one print, one dressy white

· Shoes: (two pairs) Quality flat, one fashion comfort 1/2 “ heel or above

· Boots: Either a half bootie or tall boot

· Scarves: (three) One large solid and two daywear prints

· Jeans: One pair dark

· Jeans jacket: Denim, optional

Space, breathing room, simple choices. Time to play rather than agonizing over what to wear.

Spring for a Stylist this Spring!

“If you’re not sure what colors work best for you, engage the help of a stylist,” says Sonja. “Their job is to ensure that what you put on makes you look and feel your best every single day. In addition, they can help you find and purchase perfect pieces that enhance your body style, and guarantee compliments.”

Sonja styled my closet and solved many of my worst color and fit problems. She even saved some of my orphans from consignment shop hell. Her advice saved me a lot of money, as well as ensured my ability to wear some treasures I’d almost given up on for good.

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If you consider a stylist, make sure that s/he:

· Listens to you. Your stylist should ask lots of questions about your lifestyle and how you use your clothing.

· Aligns with your preferences. A good stylist doesn’t impose their style preferences on you. They may challenge your thinking to get you out of a rut or to try a new color. This is about you, not them.

· Has extensive knowledge of and experience with fabric, colors, textures, styles, designers (and that also means low-cost brands like a Gap tee), jewelry, accessories, shoes, handbags. The best stylists can scan your outfit and your jewelry and pick the very best earring or necklace to set off your outfit. Or, suggest what would.

· Knows and understands how to dress all body types. Let’s face it: we’re not all models. We’re everyday men and women. Your stylist needs to work with you as you are, not as you think you’re going to be in six months. Plan to look terrific today. When and if your body changes, then you can consider other options.

· Works within your clothing budget. Communicate what you can and will spend. However, be open to getting top quality items that will last you years. That’s a solid investment that will pay off handsomely for years.

This spring, let’s live and travel lighter. Give your closet and your lifestyle the capsule RX it deserves today!

For more information visit www.clutterfreecloset.net.