Becoming Fashionably Inspired

I don’t know whether it’s the focus on work, the odd temperament of the spring season, or overall city exhaustion, but lately I’ve become disinterested in updating my closet. On the streets of New York now, it’s hard to become inspired when we’re dressing in shorts and light sweaters one day (last weekend) and heavy black wool coats the next (today).

After making some plans over the past few days for some fun upcoming warm weather events, I’ve gotten the swift kick I needed to start paying attention to my wardrobe again. Now all that awaits is a massive closet clean out, some research and – the best part – shopping.

Here’s a few ways I like to get fashionably inspired, if you don’t know where to start:

The three part closet clean out – I’ve overhauled my closet three times over the past season, I’m about to do it once more as I plan for my move. While one overhaul can feel like enough, I often find that I’m STILL keeping clothes I shouldn’t after the first or second clean. Three is my sweet spot. When you’re done, you may find that you have only kept some basics and really crisp, clean quality items, but that’s all you should have anyway. The $19 trend top from Forever21 is OK for a couple weekends, but don’t expect to run that baby out for seasons on end.

Notice what catches your attention – Obviously, like any blue-blooded American girl, I love Pinterest and tumblr for fashion inspiration. To keep my fantasy closet organized, I’ve started to pick out particular details that move me and stick them together. Whether it’s thin, dainty gold jewelry, pops of pink or patterned short suits (love), I try to keep all the categories in one place.

Write before you shop - I always utilize this trick. While looking online and dreaming are great, sometimes it can confuse me as to what I really want and need to build my closet. Before I go shopping, I sit in front of my closet, look at my Pin boards and write out what I really need when I shop. I get specific too – well fitted denim jacket, bright color cross body bag, canvas flat espadrilles in neutral colors – it all helps when you’re out with all the shiny new things, looking to bring everything home as you own.