Spring Cleaning!

It’s out with the old and in with the new for my closet

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This past weekend, I finally embarked on a long overdue closet overhaul. I gutted my 5’x3’ closet, spilled out the contents of my trunk, and cleared out my armoire to help start from scratch. Luckily, I was in a cutthroat mood. After seeing the overwhelming piles of clothes, bags, and shoes consuming every inch of my room, I started axing with abandon.

I’ll admit, I own a ridiculous amount of stuff. Seeing it all laid out made me want to get rid of at least half, just to make my closet and my room feel manageable again. Something shifted in me during the process, a new sense that I’ve grown up while my closet was only about one third of the way there in this journey.

I have evolved my style over the past few years and it feels more pointed and mature and finally me. I have found my distinct taste and i want my closet to reflect that 100%. Sexy to me means something entirely different than it did 5 years ago so that plunging backless body suit had to go.

My criteria were simple: anything I hadn’t worn in the past year had to go. I made no excuses and tossed the patterned going out tops, too small jeans, and every bodysuit into either the sell or donate pile.

My system was straightforward. Higher tier pieces think Toteme, Khaite, Magda Butrym, TWP, Tibi, and vintage designer go to The RealReal. Mid tier items like Veronica Beard, Re/Done, Reformation, Sezane, Vince, and Ganni go to my local consignment shop. Anything Zara esque gets donated.

With a pile of empty hangers staring back at me and a few clear gaps in my wardrobe, I made a list of everything I wanted to replace or thoughtfully add to my newly refined closet. Going forward, I’ve promised myself to be more intentional (a tale as old as time), but this time I’m framing it differently: my money, space, and taste are precious and not to be wasted on the cheap thrill of an impulse purchase.

Buying:

Silk Black Dress:

I love a dramatic sleeve, and when I saw this Khaite silk dress on The RealReal, I actually gasped. I was disciplined and slept on it, which is especially difficult when you are fighting for pieces on The RealReal, and when it was still available the next day, I pulled the trigger. I love that I can dress it up for a wedding or down for a day out.

Beaded Bag:

I waited too long and missed the boat on the last Tory Burch beaded bag (in my defense, it was in stock for maybe two days). So when I saw this one in store while holding a gift card, I knew I had to jump on it to fill the void. It’s the perfect elevated evening bag for a night out.

Silk Fringe Scarf:

The second iteration of the viral silk fringe scarf from Maison Magdalena features an embossed texture on the body, with the signature silk fringe. In a moment of weakness, I bought a cheap Zara dupe that ultimately went back, and I’m so glad I waited because this beauty dropped just a few days later. I can’t wait to receive it. A silk scarf is endlessly versatile and can be worn as a belt, a wrap, or traditionally around the neck. The styling options are endless.

Peplum Jacket:

This was a sneaky Zara find that’s 50% cotton and 50% linen, so the natural fabrics sold me. The quality feels great, and I adore the Mugler inspired silhouette. I’m a sucker for an evening jacket, and I wore this one on date night the day I got it and felt incredible.

Vintage Jacquard Trench:

Like many, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect brocade coat. Conner Ives set the bar high. While I’d love nothing more than to own a Dries or Ives brocade piece, I decided to focus on finding a vintage one that actually fits my budget. Don’t sleep on Etsy. I’m linking a very Conner Ives inspired one here.

Tuxedo Shirt:

Nothing is more trigger warning chic to me than a woman in a tuxedo shirt. I absolutely love it. I have a fabulous Ralph Lauren version, but that one is more dramatic, complete with ruffles, and I wanted to add a sleeker option to my collection. I’ve searched high and low, both retail and secondhand, through men’s and women’s styles, and I think I finally found “the one.”

Handmade in Spain, Maison Treize is dedicated to perfecting timeless essentials. The brand produces only five styles, each crafted with care, and the Opera Shirt is one of them. I can’t wait to receive it.

Silk Blazer:

I ditched most of my black blazers during my closet cleanse. I’ve been wanting a tuxedo blazer for a while, and when this one from The RealReal came across my desk, I pulled the trigger. It’s a silk number from Magda Butrym with that exaggerated lapel I’ve been searching for, crafted in my favorite fabric.

White Trench:

I use and abuse my Tibi trench. It’s a true workhorse. I wanted to expand on its versatility and practicality, and also give it a well-earned rest, so I picked up this Susumu trench. I love the car coat silhouette and the folded, structured cuffs. The crisp white color drew me in too, especially since I don’t have any white coats in my current rotation.

Eyeing:

Cargo Shorts:

I’ve had my eye on the CO. pair for a while, but the price tag is hard to swallow. I recently found a great similar version from Aligne, and I’m obsessed. I love a good culotte and anything that leans a bit more masculine yet can still be dressed up.

Silk Drawstring Pouch:

Becky Malinsky mentioned on Fashion People that she’s been loving her little pouch bag, and I am in complete agreement. I love the juxtaposition of the casual drawstring silhouette that reminds me of the sporty backpacks from soccer practice, done in an elevated silk fabric. This Prada version in baby pink is an absolute dream. Linking another one from Hunting Season that I love here as well.

Sheer Skirt:

This skirt is the stuff of dreams. It features a cummerbund waist, delicate lace, and an organza overlay. I did order it, but fair warning, it runs tiny. The large fit more like a small, so I tragically had to return it. If it works for you, know that I’m thoroughly envious.

Satin Pumps:

A pointed two + satin = sexy to me. Added bonus for the red color and Le Monde Beryl has made the perfect shoe that is top of my wishlist.

Tote Bag:

I’m in the market for a new elevated tote. I want something roomy enough to use as my personal item (aka my second carry-on) when traveling and practical for work too. Essentially, a mini suitcase. This one from Zara is exactly what I’ve been looking for. It’s 100% leather, but I’ll need to order it to suss out the quality, especially if it’s going to be tossed around every day. My dream version, of course, is from Metier.

Balloon Pants:

I held out for a year on these to make sure they weren’t just a fleeting trend, and a year later, it’s safe to say I’m officially a fan of the balloon pant. I’d love to eventually add both a black and a white pair to my wardrobe, but for the season, white feels like the more practical choice.

Loafers:

I need these croc-embossed Chanel flats. If I never get a text back from the sales associate, I’ll continue my hunt elsewhere. I’ve had my eye on the pair from The Row that my friend Taylor Barnett raves about, and my other friend Sonia GD just posted them in a red colorway that perfectly scratches my Chanel itch. I’m also linking an alternative here that’s under $250.

Cummerbund:

It’s no secret that this is the accessories du jour for me. This belt from Andrea Ricci brand Atelier Jéa is perfection. It is the traditional cummerbund look but adjustable with ties that have the added fringe detail. I will be checking everyday and praying for a restock

And there you have it folks! Everything I am buying and eyeing post closet overhaul. I implore everyone to lean into the spring cleaning and purge whatever is no longer sparkling joy for them. I feel lighter and more like me than ever before!