Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Closets Revealed!

Readers have asked to see my closets to learn about my organization strategy, so this post is a tour of my closets and storage.


The walk-in closet off the master bath holds my clothes, small clutch bags, hats, and most of my jewelry. That black object in front of the blanket basket is a stool.

I organize clothes according to color and dressy or casual. Jackets are on the top, and tees are on the bottom of the right side. Pajamas, dresses, tunics, winter pants, and jeans are in the center. (Summer pants are in an upstairs closet for now.) 

You can see the left side in the mirror reflection, which holds blouses and tank tops and casual jackets and sweaters.



The folding doors are fully mirrored, and there is a built-in chest to the left. I keep jewelry in the chest and in the mahogany jewelry box on top, which was a gift from Mr. Mickey. Clutch bags are in those colorful storage boxes, and hats are in the round hat boxes. If they aren't so large, they won't fit in them. (Never wear a hat wider than your shoulders.) The one hat that you see is almost there. I have never found a box to fit it.



The best silver cleaner ever is in the gray jar. It can be found at Target. Look for Connoisseurs® Silver Jewelry Cleaner.



Shallow trays for organizing an office drawer are great to keep jewelry from getting tangled. They can be stacked in deeper drawers. You can usually find them at Walmart or any office supply store.

I bought that mirror in an antique store for $5. It was matte purple! I took it apart and painted it to look like rococo Italian carved wood. 

I store my shoes and scarves in the closet of a small upstairs bedroom I've named my dressing room.

I found both of these shoe storage systems at Bed Bath and Beyond.


On the back of the door is more shoe storage. 

  
The guest bedroom has shelves along the sidewalls, perfect for storing larger daytime bags and tote bags.



I keep bags stuffed with tissue to hold their shape. 


I hope you enjoyed the tour. Have a great week! 

13 comments:

SusanG said...

You have a beautiful setup! Thank you for sharing it with us!

Donna said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Donna said...

Oh yes, thanks ever so for sharing! What a marvelous closet system...it would be wonderful to not have to move a dozen things to find the one active of clothing (or shoes) you need. I have a strong feeling you are not an emotional shopper who brings home something you will never wear. Another important feature of your closet is that everything has room to breathe and is well-protected.

Anonymous said...

Thank you! I recently had a brain-wave to organize my clothes by type, then color, as I do my fabrics. Your post is confirmation that it is "meant to be" ;-)

I believe it was your blog that was my inspiration for not continuing in the frumpy mode, plus the "Eat to Live" book... thanks for that, too!

JoyceP in Wisconsin

Irene Helms Designs said...

What a wonderfully organized closet you have Susan! Thanks for sharing.
Irene

Anonymous said...

I worked as a professional organizer for a few years, but you really know your stuff! Gorgeous and so colorful!!! Love it.

NotaSupermom said...

Wow, this is cool! Loved seeing your closet and especially your shoes!

Judith said...

So organised - well done, and thanks for sharing! No wonder you always look so stylish and in control - it really starts long before you step out the door...J

Sheryl said...

Judith's comment about your style and confidence was nicely worded, and I agree with her. My clothes are arranged by color, but my closet space still needs better organization. We (the closet and I) remain a work in progress. :) Thanks for giving me ideas on how to better arrange my closet space for function and beauty.

Anonymous said...

How do you recommend storing and organizing belts?

Susan said...

Belts can be stored on a special ring which has a hook (like a hanger). They can be found at Bed Bath and Beyond. Belts are also pretty rolled neatly and placed in a basket so that you see the buckles at a glance.

JacquiG said...

I've been following your blog for some time and have loved your style and your choice of clothing and jewellery. I'd also been wondering for some time how and where you keep all your clothing. Going back through your posts I found the answer. You closet is amazing! I would so love to have a closet like that but unfortunately I don't. We live in an old house (1850's) and our closet is under the eaves at one end of the bedroom, and I share it with my husband. Doesn't leave much room, but I can live vicariously through your closet! :)

Joanne said...

A bit ago I had requested pictures of your closet. You let me know you had posted these last year. I am just now finding them. Not for lack of trying, believe me! I LOVE it! I cannot wait until we are able to settle into our home in western NC. The closets are small, but with similar organization, I know we can make it work. Thank you for the tips & tricks! Next trip to the Wally I will purchase a couple desk drawer organizers!!