Less Is Much, Much More

You’re no doubt familiar with this old adage:  In crisis there is potential opportunity.  When the tsunami warnings sounded, I cleared my closet of everything that had been collected with Hawaii in mind. 

Once home I began the sometimes-tedious/mostly-terrific practice of putting together what I termed, "accessory packets."  Why?  Simply so that I could be much more organized when I returned.  My goal: far less stuff/far more thoughtfully constructed combinations.  The process was so enlightening and so incredibly satisfying that I’ve decided to sound the alarm at home as well.

 I began by asking myself what components typically define an outfit.  This meant a handful of the following:  necklace, earrings, bracelet, scarf/for waist or shoulders and shoes.  Possibly a purse.  Occasionally a belt.   

What I’m about to describe will sound silly/like total overkill/to some.  But for me, the following system simply makes sense.  Here’s why: 

Since I almost always try to squeeze as much as possible  into a day, I’m inevitably on the brink of running late.  With my/your pre-packaged AP in hand, getting dressed and out the door is a cinch.  You simply superimpose your accessories over a column of color (black or white/I’m currently loving leggings and leotards as a base) and you're ready to go.

Another benefit?  Packing for travel becomes a Total No Brainer.  Accessory packs can be stuffed into colossal/oversize Ziplocks and stored until worn.   Or, as on a recent trip, I left the bags in my suitcase simply b/c there was no place to unpack.  When I was searching for a particular item, the giant Ziplocks glided effortlessly across each other so I stayed organized for days, which was pretty remarkable.  I was one happy camper.

 You can place your AP, as I often do, on a hanger.  Or pack it all in a purse.

Organza drawstring bags help corral components.  Search online for these handy holders that could, if it makes sense for you, accommodate shoes as well as the other pieces.  My top two picks:  6 X 9 and 6 X 15. Alternatively, an attached, punched picture helps track pieces that go with multiple outfits/jewelry, shoes, belt. 

Where to start?  Spread your stuff out on a table.  Begin the process of partnering, starting with a favorite scarf, earring or shoe/sandal… 

You’ll quickly discover One More Big Benefit:  Those items that need to be discarded, disassembled, shared with someone else or donated will be left standing alone once you’ve assembled your packets.  You’ll also find “orphans” that simply need other “family members” to become fully functional components of your closet.  Choose carefully/purge regularly.

Final recommendation:  Be a savvy shopper.  No need for Neiman Marcus when you can find far more interesting, hand-crafted treasures from your travels around town or elsewhere in the world.  Favorites:  Local farmer's/craft markets and Cost Plus finds/shown below.

Dinner deadlines are no longer an dilemma.  I can be ready to go in two seconds flat.  Time me tonight!

Update on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 8:43PM by Lois

Truth is/on vacation this past week/I've worn precisely the same thing every evening to dinner.  It's so much easier to pick up and put on what's already on the counter rather than opening the closet. 

AND, I have to say, that it's tremendous fun when there's time, to mix it up a bit. 

I'm enjoying both ends of the spectrum.  No need to obsess about one end or the other.