2016 Already?

Jackie Walker

Guest post by Jackie Walker

Happy New Year! Yes, a little late, I know, but it is hard to believe that 2016 is already here. I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season! We did and I want to share thoughts on one of my favorite gifts that I received from my children. It is a book called Worn Stories by Emily Spivack. I was captivated by the variety of memories that were attached to the items of clothing that each contributor relayed. Of course this appeals to me as I have dedicated my career and brand Closetology to the psychology of clothing. So in this “New Year” I want to share a story with you about an article of clothing that was so dear to my heart!

We lived in Philadelphia and my mother was working at the time. She worked every Saturday and that was the day my dad and I would take off and share a fun adventure. Being an only child and 9 years of age this was exciting.

This particular Saturday we shared lunch at a favorite restaurant and then went window
shopping. There we were standing in front of a very elegant children’s clothing store. In the window was the most beautiful coat I had ever seen. It was beige and a faux fur called Borgana. I pleaded with my dad to go in and just try it on. It was a challenge for the sales associate to remove it from the window and take it off the mannequin. I had it on and twirled in front of the mirror with a huge smile on my face. I pleaded and begged for my dad to purchase it for me. Dad asked the price and was told that it was $100.00!!!!! That was a fortune and at the time money was very tight and this was not possible. BUT......one look at my smile and constant pleading the coat went home with us.

“Hide the coat and don't tell your Mother,” he cautioned. I stayed in my room loving my new treasure when I heard the words from downstairs! “You what?” My mother then asked me to come down and show her the coat. She smiled and I knew that I could keep this beautiful piece.

The coat was full length and through the years I wore it that way....then as a three quarter length piece ....and then as a much shorter jacket.

Many, many years later it hung proudly in my mother's hall closet and she wore it to walk the dog on cold mornings. When I lost my Mom it still hung proudly as a memory.

When I close my eyes I can still see the lush beige softness with the blue and silver stripe lining and I smile!

Now it is your turn! I would love to feature your clothing memory in my monthly newsletter. Please Closetology! These will be special edition Newsletters in addition to my regular Tips and Trends! Excited to hear!
email me a picture of the item and your memory. I will include your name or not depending on your preference. For the first ten people that submit a memory to jax6014@aol.com I will send you a copy of my CD

Jackie

Jackie Walker is the author of the best-selling book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet. Visit Jackie’s Web site by clicking here.

Wardrobe Cents-A-Bility

by Jackie Walker

"Shop in your own closet" has been my philosophy for many years and now with the economic situation everyone has jumped on the bandwagon. With frustrating clogged closets sending us back into the stores it is high time to discover who you are and what you need right at home. These are the pieces you craved and purchased time after time so why not take a new view of them and yourself.

Fact: Nationally, women wear only 20% of the clothes in their closets!

Take the emotion out of clearing the clutter in that room by planning the work and working the plan! Take out your calendar and do one classification everyday or once a week.

Order of Appearance!

• Jackets are the place to start. They are the most expensive part of a wardrobe. Try them on. If they are tired, retire them! Try each one on and ask yourself if they still are a part of your current life and make you feel great. If not they certainly will make someone else smile.
• Pants are the foundation of your closet. Do you really need all of those black bottoms? Do they fit?
  Be reasonable and keep only the ones you really need.
• Skirts may have been sitting there for a long time because 98% of all women wear pants more than skirts. Be realistic.
• Tops! Tops! Tops! 75% of your closet should be in tops and 25% in bottoms. A top driven wardrobe makes more options. Clear out the past lives and  keep only what is modern and age appropriate.
•  Dresses! Try them all on and picture yourself entering the room at a prominent event. Time to pass some along. 
• Accessories! Clean out the old handbags. Did you find any money? Throw out the old belts that belonged to pieces that disappeared long ago. Untangle the chains and rid yourself of earrings that are missing the pair piece. Yes I know about all this as I have been there and done that!

Not Wanted
Last week I sold my home in Florida and spent time watching all the things I just had to have go out the door by way of an estate sale, garage sale, and charity. It was a wonderful lesson on collecting. Even the antique basket that I had to possess was not wanted by anyone else. Keep that thought in mind as you clear out your clothes.

Finally take a realistic look at the pieces that are left that fit, you love, and work! Make new options in your closet. It just takes time to make this happen. Now make a list and when you go shopping your dollars will go so much further and your closet will reflect you and your budget!

Jackie Walker is the author of the best-selling book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet.

"Closetology" wine tasting at South Loop Wine Cellar

Wednesday March 10

6:30-8 pm, $20

South Loop Wine Cellar 

Jackie Walker, the Dr. of Closetology, will be presenting another installment of Closetology, the psychology of your closet at South Loop Wine Cellar, 1442 S. Michigan Ave.  

The event starts at 6:30 for a wine tasting followed at 7:00 by the Closetology lesson and discussion.  Learn the ins and outs of your wardrobe!

Walker is an author, speaker, fashion consultant, and a Chicago resident. Her book I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet is a bestseller and is available at Amazon.com and bookstores everywhere. To order a copy from Amazon, click on the link below.

For a video explanation of Closetology, click here.