Spring Cleaning
An Opportunity to Elevate Your Style and Well Being
As the end-of-season parties in Palm Beach beckoned, each calling for whimsical dress—Sultry in the Souk, and Palm Royale—I was confronted with a daunting task: a major closet refresh that was decades overdue. Recognizing the need for professional guidance, I enlisted the help of Lauren Solomon from LJStyle, a global fashion consulting firm.
Lauren came with enthusiastic recommendations from a friend who has truly transformed her style. She looks absolutely fabulous, and it has been delightful to see her embrace a newfound playfulness in her fashion choices—a facet of her personality that complements her intellectual depth beautifully. With Lauren’s discerning vision, I embarked on a journey to declutter and elevate my own style.
The Rescue Mission
Lauren swooped in to the rescue, and with a keen eye identified things that just had to go, encouraged keeping a few sentimental pieces while negotiating around the whimsical ones.
We even discussed the idea of a separate costume closet—a necessity in Palm Beach, where themed dress codes can appear weekly.
A vintage Alaïa had to stay as it worked perfectly for Gatsby themed parties, so too did my sequin-fringed Oscar. Several fascinators, colorful hats and my collection of kimonos stayed, and so did my vintage Pucci dress—a pajama I fished out of my mom’s give-away box in my family home and repurposed. It was proudly worn to the girl’s night a la Palm Royale.
The Perfect Solution: A Costume Closet
In a previous article, I expressed my love for whimsical fashion and received inquiries from readers on how to keep such pieces ready without cluttering their main closets. The answer? A costume closet or trunk. By moving the fantastical out of my everyday wardrobe, I decluttered my space and created a sense of physical openness, with more room to move and breathe. Now, everything has its place, and I no longer rummage through creased dresses due to overcrowding, making it easier and more delightful to get dressed.
Beyond the Closet
Interestingly, this newfound sense of control and organization spilled over into other aspects of my life. The flow and ease of locating my clothes extended to my daily routines, leaving me empowered and uplifted. A clutter-free environment allowed my creative energy to flourish.
Whether writing, working, or simply relaxing, the absence of chaos sharpened my focus and inspired me with its simplicity.
Clearing out the clutter was liberating, and stumbling upon forgotten treasures brought a surge of joy. These pieces rich with memories and stories, were now either back in the spotlight or on their way to new owners, to whom I hope they bring immense happiness.
A Fresh Start
As spring unfolds, I invite you to embark on your own style journey.
Embrace the whimsical, declutter with purpose, and elevate your fashion sensibilities.
You may find that this act of spring cleaning benefits more than just your wardrobe—it could bring a breath of fresh air into various aspects of your life. Bid adieu to the superfluous and make room for joy and inspiration, and the next time you receive an invitation with a whimsical dress code, be charmed and elevate the evening with your style.