Celebrity closets can be more impressive than the wardrobes they house. Mariah Carey‘s wardrobe? No thanks. Mariah Carey’s closet? When can I move in? Besides space, the biggest difference between a star’s closet and yours is just shelving and organization. Yes, organizing your clothing by season, by color, by item, and all the rest is time consuming. But it’s usually worth it when you open those doors and everything is at your fingertips.
The most luxurious thing about a celebrity closet is personalization and customization. Christina Aguilera groups her shoes by designer, Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon groups hers by color and type, and Khloe Kardashian’s shoes are organized by type.
“It definitely helps to put one shoe facing front, and the other to the back. It saves space, but it is also nice to be able to see the back-side of the shoe,” she told Elle.
Take some time to think about how your ideal closet would be organized, and get as close to that as possible. Make the space fit your needs, don’t just let 4 feet and one hanging bar be your limitations. Is there room for shelving above or below your hanging clothes? Shirts only hang halfway down, so take advantage of the space beneath for shoes or sweaters. Even consider taking your closet … well, outside your closet.
Shoe shelves are the dream for many women. But if you really love your shoes, who says they have to stay in your closet? Amber McNaught over at Shoeperwoman turned her office shelving into a shoe display, and was delighted with the result.
Image courtesy of Amber McNaught
If you have empty wall space next to your closet, why not put some shoe shelves there? You can get an affordable shoe rack or shelving at Target or use a bookshelf you already have. If handbags are more your obsession, display them on shelves as well – like Kyle Richards does with her collection of Hermes Birkin bags. It’s okay if yours are from Topshop.
The closet outside a closet isn’t just for accessories, either. Many women who like the idea of displaying their wardrobe are incorporating rolling racks or hanging bars of clothes into their bedrooms or other areas of their homes. Take a look at this example, or how J. Crew‘s Jenna Lyons arranges her dressing room.
One small thing that can make a big visual difference in making a closet look more organized is to use all of the same type of hanger, whether they’re plastic, cushioned, or wooden. It’s your preference, though wood is best for your clothes. Cedar hangers help keep moths away, but since sweaters shouldn’t really be hung (it can ruin their shape), I’d recommend folding them. A bureau always works, but I think sweaters look pretty folded on shelves, and you can see all your options better and make better use of your wardrobe. Or, if you’re out of shelves and drawers, buy some canvas bins to store sweaters or jeans under your hanging clothes. Buy or make a cedar chip sachet to keep moths as bay. Lavender sachets also help keep pests away from wool, and makes your closet smell wonderful.
The rich and famous often display favorite pieces. Try putting some pretty fabric on a side table and leaving out your favorite jewelry. Hang a hook on the wall for a special vintage dress, or a grouping of petticoats – whatever fits your style. TheCoveteur.com is a great resource for getting unique closet inspiration from some of the most stylish tastemakers. After seeing some of their photo shoots I decided to display a pair of my favorite Marc Jacobs metallic brocade sandals, some of my grandmother’s vintage jewelry, and a glam clutch mixed in with the tchotchkes on my living room bookshelves. My nice things get to be admired even when they’re not being worn.
Image via AllTheMagicWeMade Tumblr
Check out The Coveteur or search for closets on Tumblr or Pinterest and I promise you’ll be full of cheap or free ideas for your own closet space. Store up your ideas and implement them when you make your transition to your fall wardrobe. You’ll be organized and ready to rock fall fashion.
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