Archives for The Closet Manager

Closet management 101.

Keep all your clothes and shoes in the same general area, organized by function. Divide messy drawers with custom-fit partitions made of foamcore board. Add some structure, and capacity, by adding a rod at the top of your closet for shorter items like ...

Vacation essentials, part 2

More packing tips for your getaway from Smartertraveler: Sunglassses offer more than panache, good ones protect your eyes from UVA and UVB burning rays. What would summer be without sandals? Trade up from flip-flops to dressier summer footwear that’s as suited for an upscale restaurant as it is at the beach. Fold in a summer-weight cotton or linen sweater for blustery boat rides, napping in a shady hammock or taking off the chill of hotel AC. Invest in an easy-breezy summer dress for on the plane, beach coverup or dressed up with heels and jewelry for a night out. When you get back, let us clean your vacation clothes – you’ll be ready to go again.

Vacation essentials.

Packing tips for your summer getaway from Smartertraveler: Start with a packable hat to avoid overexposure, you may look like you’re on safari, but you’ll be cooler and sunburn-free;  a one-piece swimsuit will suit activities from bodysurfing to snorkeling; waterproof shoes from rain boots to aquasox, depending on your destination. Be ready for almost anything with a white cotton or linen shirt for coolness from beachy coverup to dressier dinner. Pack a couple of lightweight scarves for dressup, cover up or warmth against evening breeze. Speaking of inclement weather, be prepared for the inevitable with a lightweight waterproof anorak or windbreaker Make the most of your summer – pack light and smart.

The secrets of men’s underwear.

Ten percent of men have underwear in the drawer that’s at least ten years old, have designated a “lucky” pair or wear the same underpants up to four days in row! 35% have their partner or mother buy their shorts. 65% wear different underwear for sports and 30% admit underwear has caused a wedgie. What do men wear? 43% boxers, 32% briefs, 19% super-briefs and 5% go commando. Men’s underwear is a booming business that’s gone well beyond the classic whitey tighties. Bright colors, technical fabrics and graphic patterns are popular.  No matter what the trend, 91% of men look for comfort and good fit.

Spring (closet) cleaning, part two.

Spring (closet) cleaning, part two.  Here are ten ways to be sure “it’s gotta go.” 1-2, truly stained or stinky. We can do a lot, but some stains and smells are forever. 3. Damaged beyond repair, even by a talented seamstress. 4. Would you buy it right now?  5. It does not fit.  Not now, probably never. 6. Wrong look, wrong image. 7. Brings up bad memories. 8. It simply outlasted a trend. 9. Have yet to wear it. 10. It is worn out, stretched, faded or pilled.  Toss out the mistakes and make room for what you love and what makes you look your best.

Spring (closet) cleaning, part one.

When surveyed, American women admitted to over $500 worth of never-worn clothing hiding in the closet. That’s one of every five items: shoes, dresses and coats. Why? 75% said they just liked other pieces better, half said their friends didn’t like it, and a third admitted the item was out of style. Three ways to resolve the hidden problems? Sell them in a consignment shop or website like threadflip or tradesy. Ask us about local charities with thrift shops, or find more at excessaccess. Or swap your extras in a private Pinterest or Facebook group, or at swapstyle.

Six pairs is enough.

According to fashion expert Brock McGoff an adult male only needs six pairs of shoes for almost every day. Start with white canvas sneakers and light brown boat shoes for warm weather casual. A pair of medium brown dessert boots (chukkas) for jeans, cords or chinos. Dark brown loafers for business casual, brown wingtips for business downtown. And a pair of black cap toe oxfords for special occasions from black tie to funeral. If you’re a country guy, add boots for work.

Hello Spring

Hello Spring. If you’re ready to store away your winter clothing for another year, be sure that’s everything’s clean. Even minor splashes and spills will oxidize and discolor over time. Body oils, perspiration and food or beverage stains can attract insect damage. After cleaning, store everything in garment storage bags that allow your clothes to breathe, and keep stored clothing where temperatures don’t get extreme. Damp basements can lead to mildew and funky smells. Ask us about storage and packaging options.

Way beyond wire.

When only the finest will do, or when it’s time to splurge on your closet, check out HangerProject.com.  Its founder, Kirby Allison, sells solid maple $25 suit/jacket/overcoat hangers in four widths, three profiles, so the garment is supported evenly and rounded edges prevent snagging. These luxury wooden hangers have been featured in Esquire, The Wall Street Journal, Robb Report and more. Kirby sells more than hangers—there’s Saphir shoe care products, handmade Italian umbrellas and shaving goods. And hangers for men, women, and accessories.

Room for nostalgia.

Is there room for nostalgia in your closet? Too often, keepsake garments take up valuable space and get crushed in the process. Christening gowns, letter jackets, costumes and ceremonial garb, military dress uniforms, even Grandma’s afghan all crowd available storage. … Continue reading