Reinventing the Wheel
You've worn it all. Day in, day out. For years and years. And you're bored to tears with every item. So, here's where your pal's good taste and good opinion becomes valuable. With his/ her fresh eyes and creative re-construction of your gear, you can create a whole new wardrobe without spending much more than a dime.
Get a Polaroid camera. Some of us have that certain je ne sais quois which enables us to put together a fabulous ensemble almost without thinking, but frankly my dear, most of us just don't have a clue. A photographic record will help to remind you what goes with what - down to the shoes and all accessories.
Start the fashion show. Try on combinations of clothes you hadn't considered before. Dare to wear a red shrug with a hot pink shift or shiny patent tuxedo shoes with chinos from The Gap. Put together outfits you've only seen in fashion magazines (like a mini dress over pants or suspenders over a wool vest over bare skin) and don't be surprised at how good they look on you. Remember to accessorize your shoes, scarves, hats and jewelry at the same time and when you've picked a winner, photograph it.
Re-think items that just aren't in fashion anymore or fit like a feed bag. With a trip to the tailor can they be remodeled or adjusted? If you change the buttons or dye it a different color will you be able to transform it into something explosive?
Do you just want to say *@#+ fashion! and wear your much loved junior high duds in spite of media pressure? Terrific! Strike out on your own and sport a trend that's yet to be.
Turn a bright eye to your spouse's closet (after he/ she has cleaned it, of course). Can she wear his silky pajama bottoms out to dinner? Can he wrap her sarong around his hips? Can they mix and match tops and bottoms to increase the options for all? Think outside the box.
Shoe business
Have a baby? Your feet get bigger. Jog every day? Your feet get wider.
Donate your too small, too narrow, out of style, duplicate (I once re-organized the closet of a woman who had four pair of black pumps and didn't know it), and generally unwanted shoes to a worthy cause. Then store the rest (especially the seldom worn, too dressy for every day, or seasonal) in their original boxes. Tape a Polaroid to the outside and you'll always be able to put your best foot forward.
