Thrifty Tip #4: Do Not be a Hoarder!

In thrifting, consignment, and resale, it is so easy to come home with ARMFULS of preloved and gently used beauties to update your wardrobe.

However, to supplement this, I have to purge. The last thing you want is to be one of those people on the television that a host has to come rescue, especially from a mountain of fashion. 

Depending upon the amount by which you shop will depend how often you purge. I like to do a seasonal purge, usually mid spring (to prepare for summer) and mid autumn (to prepare before winter) And a few random purges when i feel like Im getting way too much stuff in that impossibly small closet (sometimes, that's a lifesaver).

I organize my clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry in the following categories:

What to keep:

- things I have worn in the last 60 days

- things I absolutely LOVE (meaning, if your closet was a store, you would TOTALLY buy THAT again)

- outfit completers, like a good black camisole, or that perfect cardigan, or those reliable good condition flats (another reason why it's crucial to buy quality pieces, they will last forever.)

- classics! The little black dress, the well crafted pair of jeans, that one awesome blazer that fits you just right, stuff like that.

What to give away:

- we all have that one girl/guy friend that we know could fill out a certain piece or par of shoes better than we do currently...dont be a hater, give THAT person THAT item.

- things that certain people have admired you in, you've had your wear of them, and now it's THAT person's turn. Share the style!

- things that no longer fit. (If you gained weight and want to get back to that size, pack these items away, BUT PLEASE BUY ITEMS THAT ARE YOUR CURRENT SIZE! As Clinton Kelly often says, " Dress yourself for the body you have, not the body you want.) If you lost weight and want to keep it off,  celebrate! Get yourself some items in your new size and get rid of the other stuff!

- things that you haven't worn in the last 60 days (with seasonal items, I could last season, for example, "Did I wear that sweater last fall or winter at all? Only once? Twice? Give away."

- things that are not your style anymore. Trends change, so do people. The older we get, the less trendy pieces we want and the more classic looks we crave

What to sell:

- items I haven't worn or haven't worn as often as I like, but are in REALLY good shape

- items with tags on them

- big name items that you have no use for (my Marc Jacobs sunnies that are great but I'm in love with my ray ban aviators right now...sold!)

What to toss:

-  ruined stuff, any items with holes, tears, stains, etc

- out of style stuff, things that have NO chance of ever coming back (or even if they do, will you want to necessarily pull out your dusty version of a returned trend)

Keep these tips in mind when updating your own wardrobe and remember, HAPPY THRIFTING!