Style IQ’s motto is LOOKSMART, LIVESMART, so doing a closet audit on a regular basis makes the best of sense. When done, you’ll be able to go into a space that feels good and allows for peace of mind, which in turn makes getting dressed so much easier. I ask you, what could be smarter?

Our styles evolve over time, as they should, so keep that in mind when auditing your closet. At Style IQ we call it a closet180. Think about it like that, a complete turnaround, and you’ll go in with a fresh eye.

1. Go in with a very open mind, snacks, and maybe a glass of wine, a friend, or a professional (shameless plug), and enough time to finish the job (3-5 hr)
2. Be very honest! If you are serious about lightening your load these are some questions to ask yourself: last time worn, comfortable, in good shape, have duplicates, and if shopping now would I buy, even if it wasn’t on sale? If you try most things on it makes the honesty part much easier! When Style IQ does a closet 50%+ gets tried on. So stay hydrated!!
3. Pitch (by this I mean donate, giveaway or consign) anything with stains, tears, scuffs or just doesn’t fit. The, “when I lose 10/15 lbs” section just needs to go. It really does! WHEN (think positively) you do lose the weight you will be so excited about the new you that you are going to want to reinvent your look and treat yourself to new duds! Trust me we’ve seen this a million times…ok not a million, but a lot! Unless of course you’re preggers and will most likely get back to where you were, you can just ignore the above. Come to think of it, you probably won’t be doing a closet audit at this point in your life, so forget the whole thing about the preggers part. And on we go!

At this point …

You’ve kept the things you feel great in. You’ll want to add to that category the basics, which are pieces you mix with the “trendy” stuff you are currently into. These items are usually “never go out of season things,” like denim, collared button-ups, T-shirts, tank tops or camis, unadorned sweaters, and leggings.

Other great staples: a great leather jacket, denim jacket, and one or two warm coats (puffy or otherwise. It is C.O. after all).

The Style IQ team is shoe/boot crazy and for us, you can never have too many pairs. No, really! So If you have the room (crucial piece to the puzzle) and you have quality kicks, the more the merrier. If the room is spare invest in 2-5 pairs of stylishly classic houses for your feet.

If, in fact, you have little room, or you have plenty of room and just can’t deal with too much stuff, accessories will be your besties.

Scarves, hats, belts, and jewelry can transform any plain jane outfit into something magical. You can add to that wraps and blazer type jackets. Just mix and match and you grow your wardrobe 10 fold. Storing in baskets and on hooks are perfect hangouts for these items.

This next subject matter could have possibly been one of the numbered tips but we thought it needed to stand alone to show you how serious we are about it. Those treasures in the back of the closet…you know what we’re talking about…the ones that you spent bank on (that you’ve worn once or quite possibly never worn) and the sentimental pieces (from your sons wedding, your wedding, or any other important event) that you’ve worn once (forever ago). The ones you can’t get rid of because of the sentimental-ness (our word) or because of the amount you dropped on them.

We need to have an honest conversation about these.

Ok, closets are very personal places in our lives and we understand that. Some people have oodles of room so what are those “treasures” hurting. If that’s you, we say, keep em, if you must. BUT, if, as was mentioned above, you have limited facilities, or you can’t stand the overwhelmed-ness (another one) of stuff, it’s time to say sayonara. If these items are still relevant there are several places in town that you can consign them to take the sting out of the money you dropped on them. Chances are the sentimental items will just have to go to charity. Whew, nuff said.

Speaking of charities

These are our favorites you should donate to! Ones that help the community in which we live, I mean really help!

• Regroup on Greenwood. Benefits kids, animals & Hospice.
• Humane Society on 3rd. Benefits our animals.
• Teen Challenge Bend on 3rd. Benefits our future.

There are others but let’s be smart about how we donate. Some, not naming them, make it very easy to drop at their truck sites, but take an extra 10 minutes and give to those that really help our local scene.

Depending on the style of your clothing we have 2 favorite local consignment shops.

1. Cosa Cura
2. Truffle Pig Trading Co

You may have lots of pieces that are in great shape and less than 12-15 months old, but just don’t work for you anymore. Those are the ones, if you have the time and inclination, that should go to consignment which will add to your clothing budget!

Another recycling idea

I’ve been invited to many a clothing swap and they are really fun. You will enjoy lots of fabulous, never enough, girlfriend connections and who knows, you may even walk away with a couple groovy, new-to-you pieces!

To wrap this up just remember, when you look into your closet you should feel inspired, not overwhelmed. Keeping the things you love, wear regularly and define your style, pitching the excess, clutter, and the things you bought but never wear will do just that –  inspire! It will give your head space and your physical space just what you need to have clarity (and dare I say it… FUN) to put together the outfits that are YOU! Whatever your style.

Remember, LOOKSMART, LIVESMART!!