Closets and Caverns

Too many clothes, monster closets, what’s with all the shoes, and don’t even get me started on the pedicures!

by Nikki Willhite

They say that kitchens and bathrooms sell houses. If that is true, I think closet are probably next in line.

Is it really necessary to have a closet that looks like a small bedroom? We do need closet space. Whatever happened to putting a few clothes in another room, or even buying a wardrobe for extra storage? Do we have to be so extravagant?

Most of us live on tight budgets. In the “old days”, there was a saying:

“Use it up, wear it out, Make it do, or do without”

That seems to have changed to:

“See it in the store? There’s always room for more.”

Has the world really gotten so affluent that we can afford this luxury?

Can there be any doubt that our huge wardrobes are a symptom of our materialistic society? What a waste of money that could be put to much better use.

Most people wear 20% of their clothing 80% of the time. No matter how large your wardrobe, you are going to have your favorites. You will reach for them most of the time, and all your surplus clothing will become nothing but closet decoration.

How much better to have a few pieces that you can mix-and-match, and wear them over and over to the point that they have served you well. Even if they are not the most beautiful pieces of clothing, you learn to appreciate them for how useful they have been to you.

When you look at a piece of clothing hanging in your closet that you have not worn, for one reason or another, it does not give you a good feeling. It you start having money problems, it will make you really unhappy. Excess spending does not reflect well on us as a society. There are just too many other places where money is desperately needed.

How could this money be put to better use? Let me make a few suggestions: How about donations to:

– Charitable, religious, and community organizations.

– Medical Research, hospitals, and other organizations that help people in need, such as food banks, the homebound and the elderly.

– Organizations that improve the living conditions in impoverished countries.

– And finally- how about putting some money in your children’s (or future children’s) college fund, assuming you are planning on Dick and Jane, and not Fido and Fluffy.

How to Save Money on Clothing?

How much better to fill your closet with clothing that you wear over and over.

There are certain items of clothing that stretch your wardrobe. Some people think the “little black dress” is essential. I believe “the little black skirt” is even more useful.

It is true that a lot of people need a dress in their wardrobe that they can always have ready for special occasions. However, a black skirt has more versatility, and can be worn more places.

What kind of looks can you achieve with a simple black pencil skirt? Here are some of them:

– Casual: Top with a sweater, or blouse and sweater, and a flat shoe or sandals.

– Conservative: Wear with a blazer and a fitted blouse.

– Country: Wear with a sweater and jacket and boots or loafers.

– Dressy: Top with an evening sweater or fancy blouse and heels.

– Preppy: Top with an argyle sweater, or shirt and a vest and wear penny loafers.

– Professional: Wear with a blouse, with or without a blazer, and dress shoes.

Once you wear a dress, everyone has seen it. The “little black skirt” can be worn over and over, and it never looks the same.

One of the keys to the perfect skirt is to make sure that it is cut well, but has no memorable detailing on it.

It should have classic lines. It is just a backdrop for the other clothing worn with it.

The great thing about a black skirt is that you can wear any color you want with it. If you want to go dark, you can pair it with a black sweater. If it is a warm, summer day, you can put on a pastel blouse.

You not only have the versatility of wearing it with any color your want, you can wear it with most prints, of any color, size, or scale.

One last thing, it is timeless and age appropriate for all women. It is worn by both young and older women.

While these clothing strategies work well with another neutral colors, nothing can replace the versatility of black. Make good use of “the little black skirt”. It is a wardrobe staple and it can save you a lot of money.

Use your resources well. Your use of your money reflects your heart. Make your heart sing.

Author Bio: About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate,