One of our most often asked questions…. What exactly is a closet audit, and why would I do one rather than just moving on with the shopping and styling part? Here is what we will say on the matter before we delve a little deeper into the purpose of a closet audit… The majority of our clients come to us in the first place because they want ease of everyday dressing… Auditing one’s closet is truly the most efficient and sensible first step towards easing the process of dressing each day and achieving the concept of effortless style. So, let’s talk some more about a closet audit: and why you should invest in one!
A Closet Audit: Why You Should Invest In One
For every reason a client gives not to have a closet audit, we can list five reasons why they should invest in one. We totally get it! An audit of any kind doesn’t exactly sound like a good time (no offense to our accountants out there), but our low-pressure closet audits are a lot like inviting a girlfriend into your closet… Someone who can approach it in a fun way, while at the same time being tactfully honest about your wardrobe and style.
TOP FIVE THINGS WE HEAR WHEN SPEAKING TO CLIENTS BEFORE A CLOSET AUDIT
We have compiled some of the most common misconceptions we hear people having about closet audits… Thoughts commonly expressed both before and during the process.
1. “I have recently gone through my closet and done a self-audit. I’ve purged a bunch of things myself.”
This is a great first step for sure! However, our experience tells us there is probably more work to be done. By saying the words out loud, “I haven’t worn this in two years,” in front of someone else, you realize that it’s a little silly to have it still hanging in your closet. We may also notice details that might otherwise go unnoticed by you because it’s your favorite piece…. For example, a sweater is pilling, or a silk blouse has a pull, or a tee shirt has a stain.
2. “I don’t like anything in my closet anyway, so I think I can skip this step and jump right into shopping.”
While the latter may be very true, a closet audit is still important! Let’s talk about why you don’t like the items in your closet. Let’s talk about how you are currently wearing and pairing them, and let’s talk specifically about what is missing from your wardrobe and what pieces you want to add. Most importantly, we are known for giving new life to things you think you’re ready to pitch.
3. “My closet is a mess! I’d be embarrassed to have anyone in it.”
We know how you feel! It’s like cleaning your house before the cleaning service comes. But trust us: we’ve likely seen worse, and our closets aren’t perfect either. Don’t waste the time… Because we’ll tackle the process together.
4. “What if I’m left with nothing to wear? My shopping budget isn’t big enough to replace an entire closet.”
We are not going to leave you with an empty closet. Baby steps. Hold on to the piece that is working for now, but once it’s replaced, it should be phased out. We know it’s not realistic to buy an all-new wardrobe in one shopping trip (although wouldn’t that be fun, like Pretty Woman?!)… So we’ll make recommendations for a priority list that fits your budget, and go from there.
5. “I definitely want to do a closet audit, but I’m going to wait until I lose more weight.”
Okay. We’re women, and we’ve all been there before throughout the various phases of life. So here is what we tell clients… Even if you are hoping or planning to lose weight, it’s still important to dress for the body you are in now! It’s oh so important to feel good in whatever skin you are in, whether you have goals of changing or not. Feeling good in your clothes changes your entire perspective and how you approach each day.
TOP FIVE THINGS WE HEAR ONCE WE’RE IN A CLIENT’S CLOSET
1. “I bought this last month and have never worn it, because I don’t know what to do with it.”
We talk a little bit about styling in our closet audits, especially if there is a piece you are struggling with. Make sure to tell us about it when we get to that piece, and we will make some suggestions.
2. “I wear the same things over and over. I like to pair this top with black pants, but that’s it.”
This is closely tied to #1. We’ll help you think outside the box to create pairings you maybe haven’t thought of before.
3. “I’m emotionally tied to this piece because it was my mother’s. I don’t want to get rid of it.”
We know the feeling. And we would never encourage you to get rid of something that you are emotionally tied to. But if it’s a piece you are keeping because of a memory instead of because it’s something you wear, then maybe there is a different place for it. Preserve it in a plastic bin on a shelf, for example.
4. “I bought this because it was on sale for $18 marked down from $99, but I’ve never worn it.”
We all love a good sale, and we understand that a deal like this is hard to resist. But, just because it’s on super sale, doesn’t mean it’s the right piece for you. We’ll assess the piece together and decide if it’s right for you, and if so how to style it. And if it needs to be tossed, there is someone out there that it’s perfect for!
5. “I love this piece, but it doesn’t fit me. I’m going to keep it for when I lose 10 more pounds.”
It’s important to be realistic. If you are taking the steps you need to lose the weight you desire, then that’s one thing. But, if it’s just a plan for down the road, then let’s dress for your body type now, and deal with the new figure when it gets here!
We hope this blog post has helped you understand the value of a closet audit and why you should invest in one. If any of this resonates with you, let’s talk! Contact us here.
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