Spring Refresh

Now that spring is officially here it's time to switch those closets over.  See you later boots and sweaters, hello sandals and bare legs!

Today I thought I'd share some tips with you all to help with the closet switch as well as how to decide what to keep, toss, and add to your wish list.

I personally have a lot more winter clothes than spring and summer, due to the fact I'm in shorts and simple shirts for most of the summer, so I put away far more than I pulled out, and that's ok. The first thing I recommend doing is looking at each piece, one at a time and deciding if you still like it and if it's still in style. Set aside the pieces you're unsure of. Also, check for rips, stains, or excessive piling and throw those pieces away, not even a second hand shop will want them.

Next, with your tops, put on a basic bottom that fits well, like blue jeans or white jeans or shorts, then try each top on. Decide if it still fits in a way you like and is flattering. Take the pieces you don't like and put them in your donate pile.  Next, do the same things with the pieces you're unsure of, you might find you still like a few of them. Put the rest in the donate pile.

Now put on a basic top that fits you well and try on all your shorts, skirts, and ankle pants. When trying them on, pay attention to length, are the shorts too short, is the length of your ankle pants or chopped pants awkward? Try the on with shoes too. Separate them into keep, donate, and throw away piles. Do the same thing with summer dresses.

Lastly, check out your shoes and sandals. Do any have excessive wear? Throw them away. Are any really uncomfortable? Donate them.

So you're sorted your clothes, what now?

• Check out your toss pile, are any of these closet staples you need to replace?  Start a wish list. 
• Next check your donate pile, are any of these closet staples that don't fit, but you'll need to replace? Add them to your wish list as well.
• Check your "keep" pieces, Are there any noticeable holes in you closet? Missing colors, types, styles? Add them to your list too.

Once you have your wish list, try to tackle the priorities first, and stick to your monthly budget. I also sign up for emails from my favorite stores, then I shop once the items I need are on sale.  

Here's what I found when I did my own clean out:

• I have plenty of shorts, skirts, and dresses, but only had two pair of jeans, (neither of which I'm crazy about) so I really needed to add a pair I love to my closet. I also didn't like the way my white jeans fit (too low on the waist), so I got these on 40% off at Loft.
• My basic white tee and basic black cardigan are far past wearable. Both need to be desperately replaced. I found a this tee at Target and this cardigan on sale for $15 at Old Navy, perfect!
• I have very few tops I can wear solo or that are in spring/summer colors and weight. I found this top and this top at Target and the one I'm wearing today at a fashion swap. 

I have a little story to share about the jeans I'm wearing today. I said I needed jeans, and I've been wanting a pair of boyfriends jeans for awhile. I tried on these on and liked them, but was kind of hemming and hawing in the fitting room. I decided to stop by Goodwill for the first time in six months or so only to find these ones I'm wearing for $.99, in my size. They were probably last year's version, which is fine my me. Problem solved and $28 saved. : ) I also found a pair of like new Banana Republic skinny jeans for $3, which a a great dark wash and fit me like a glove. Double score! My monthly budget is $125 (this isn't just for clothes, it's also for pedicures, haircuts, dinner with friends etc.) I was able to refresh my closet for $93, which worked out perfectly!

Oh, and check out my tabs above, I updated my "About Me" and added a few more tabs to help those of you who are newer to my blog out. : )

Cardigan: Kohls similar

Top: similar (fashion swap)

Necklace: Edith Marie Jewelry c/o same

Jeans: Mossimo similar

Watch: Wristology same c/o Get 25% off

Shoes: Aerosoles similar

Bag: Kate Spade  similar via thredUP (use this thredUP link to get $10 off your first order) 

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Still Being Molly