Appleshine: Coat Closet

Hi friends!  This week, I Appleshined a coat closet.  My client was already halfway there with good intentions (note the matching hangers, wicker baskets and large bins) but needed a little direction in order to complete the look.

The main goal was to get everything off the floor, except for shoes.  And I even limited those to 'utility shoes' like sneakers, rain boots, snow boots, etc.  Anything else (ie- nicer) went into their bedroom closets.  Luckily, the green bins were a perfect size for the job and the bendable material allowed for a little give with the odd shoe sticking out.

The baskets on the top shelved housed outerwear accessories like gloves, scarves, hats and umbrellas.  I arranged the jackets by seasonal weight, the lighter, warmer-weather jackets in the front and the heavy, winter coats in the back.  The kids coats were moved into their own sections in the family mud room.

Like I said, all the key tools were there but needed that organizational finesse to make it functional.  Sometimes, it just takes a little extra time to think through the flow of the space to create a truly organized system.

Tell me, Appleshiners, what tricks do you have for organizing your coat closet?

PS- Check back tomorrow for a very cool post on some very cool, space saving furniture!

Cozy Duds

Are you still enjoying your three-day weekend?  I certainly am.  A cozy cabin in snow-filled Vermont is a lovely way to spend a winter weekend with friends.  Whether I'm cuddling, reading or baking (everybody has a sweet tooth on vacation), I wear my favorite loungewear to keep me comfy cozy:

Snuggly thermal and sweater from J. Crew.  I love the bright orange and navy combo and the layers keep me extra warm.

These pants are so soft and flowing and more importantly, have a stretchy waistband ;)

My parents got me these for Christmas.  The shearling lining keeps my toes happy.

No cozy outfit is complete without a great blanket.  The aqua chevron pattern is classic and the blanket travels well.


Tell me, Appleshiners, what keeps you cozy and warm?


PS- While the guys were out taking late runs on the slopes, we made a batch of Caramel Witch Brownies.  So good!  I've been obsessed since I had one from Chelsea Market last week.

Quick and Easy Packing

I'm off to a ski weekend in Vermont which means...I have to pack.  And I hate packing.  I always procrastinate and then do everything I can to distract myself once I've started.  I know, I'm awful!

In an attempt to stay focused and keep timing to a minimum, I'm giving myself a few packing guidelines:

1) Think about how long you'll be gone and what type of activities you'll be doing.

2) Then prepare your outfit for the bigger events (like skiing, fancy dinner, beach, etc.)

3) Pick out two bottoms- one to wear while traveling- and add tops and layers from there.  These great composites from Miss Renaissance show how to incorporate layers for warmer, cooler, dressier or more casual outfits.

4) Keep all your travel toiletries together in a quart-sized ziploc.  Store it inside your suitcase and when you get ready to pack, you'll only need to add your makeup and hairbrush.

5) Remember- if you forgot to pack it, you can buy it when you get there.  This really keeps me in check when I'm worried if I packed enough or brought the right things.  Chances are, if you really do need something you didn't bring, you could find a place to buy it wherever you're vacationing.


Tell me, Appleshiners, how do you pack for a trip?

Rainy Day Closet Raid

Well, ain't it a dreary day.  When the weather keeps you inside, why not plan a productive activity to keep you busy?

I sorted through my closet today, plucking out old pieces that I no longer wear.  In the end, it makes me feel like I have a whole new wardrobe.  I enjoy wearing everything left behind knowing it looks good on me and it's either the current trend or a classic piece.

If you're up for appleshining your wardrobe, here are some rules to follow:

1) Pull out anything that you did not wear this season, including items you tried on but didn't wear or anything you wore and felt not-so-great in.

2) Organize your remaining clothes by sleeve length, color and function.  When you go to grab a long sleeve spring sweater, all your options will be grouped together making it easier (and faster) to choose.

3) Bag up your old clothes for donation and remove them from your home asap.  Don't let them sit around and create more clutter. 

4) I realized I hadn't been wearing these because they needed to be hemmed.  Gather your clothes for the tailor and make an appointment this week.  When they're ready for pick up, it'll be like going shopping :)

5) If you're struggling with keeping or tossing an item, use this guide (from Mimi and Meg) for that extra nudge towards the donation pile.

Tell me, Appleshiners, what are your tips for appleshining a closet?