As I read the back of the book, What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life, I made a text-to-self connection: I woke up one morning and couldn’t believe my life. I had turned fifty…. Not only had my life changed, but my body was changing without my permission! I had to rethink the way I had been dressing for the last thirty years. It was time for a fresh start.”
Even if you’re not fifty (or more, like me), you might relate to these words! This book called to me from its shelf at Barnes and Noble. Soon it was sitting on my nightstand for bedtime reading. Not only did I read it; I also responded to the book by taking action. I “shopped in my closet!” I took an honest look at what I already owned.
All my friends know that I love organized stuff (almost as much as accessories)! This book just helped me kick it up a notch. I got to work in my closet. First, I created a “Feel-Good Closet” as suggested by the author, Kim Johnson Gross. She says that most of us only wear 20% of our clothes over and over again. So, I took the things I love and always feel good in and put those in a separate part of my closet. Then I added a good full-length mirror in good light nearby. I also folded all my tanks and ts and put them on a shelf (just like in the cute boutiques). I color-coded everything to make it easy to locate. (I had sorted my clothes by color before, but I’d mixed in things I rarely wore with stuff I wear all the time. Now that infrequently worn stuff is in another part of my closet.)
I love it! And it makes me feel good. I’m guaranteed to feel good by grabbing something from this section. Nearby, I have my favorite shoes in a Target-shoe holder. And I hung a few of my favorite accessories on a cute rack from Anthropologie. A while ago, I hung all my earrings on a screen from Lowe’s Home Improvement to make them easy to find, too. I’m ready for summer with my new “Feel-Good Closet!”
My "Feel-Good Closet" as response to literature!
Some favorite accessories hang where I can easily see them.
Earrings organized on a sliding window screen are propped in plain view.
Shoe organizer from Target displays favorite shoes to make accessorizing (and packing) easy!
Debbie Diller 
I love this blog. One of my summer to do’s is reorganize my closet. I have avoided it for too long. This blog made me want to get in there right now and do it. I love what you have done with your earrings. I would have never thought of it. Thanks.
Thanks so much Debbie for your wonderful remarks about my book—What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life. I love your Feel-Good Closet. It’s very happy looking. The screen idea for earrings is terrific too.
Kim, it’s a thrill to find you on my blog! Your book, What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life was amazing! I was in Talbot’s just the other day looking for some basic slacks. Knew what I needed after organizing my closet. I didn’t find anything, but I helped 3 other ladies using tips from your book. It gave me more confidence as an “older” shopper who doesn’t want to look matronly. Thanks for responding!
Debbie, I came by to read about reading instruction and got some fashion advice. Love it!
I too have been working on my wardrobe. At 47 I feel unsure about the right thing to wear. You know? What’s too young and what’s too old pops in my head frequently. Where do you enjoy shopping for “school” clothes?
Thanks, Stacey! Here are some of my favorite places:
-for basics: Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, J Crew
-for fun and funky: Anthopologie (try on stuff in store and look for it online on sale!)
-for shoes: DSW
-for accessories: unique stuff at boutiques
-for “trendy touches:” Target, Gap, Old Navy
Happy summer organizing and shopping!
Debbie
Finding pants that fit well is always a challenge. Let us know ultimately know where you find them. Also love your places to shop.
My fab summer finds:
Target: a 3/4 sleeve cardigan in a fabulous pattern of blues. It looks way more expensive than the $24.99 I paid. A long cotton sundress in a black & white pattern (also $24.99) that I had altered for $15. A classic royal blue fitted sleeveless dress that I also had tailored for $15.
Fun faux jewelry from PKCollections.com: a gold cuff, a long crystal & pearl necklace that I can double up, & dangly crystal earrings that cast a flattering light to my face.
Magaschoni: A chartreuse (fav summer color) 3/4 length ruffled cotton/cashmere sweater to wear on my book tour along with skinny white James jeans, & magenta suede flats w/ major toe cleavage from DVF.
Also I discovered Chico’s! Great accessories & a fabulous travel collection—bought a black boatneck top hemmed on the diagonal that I LOVE. Also a gorgeous white cotton jacquard jacket w/ a bib of gold beading (CHIC w/ my white jeans), & cotton shirts w/ 3/4 length sleeves in wonderful colors that are fitted but don’t hug my Alien (menopausal middle).
Debbie,
I was at your training in Houston this week, and came by to check out your blog and what you had shared about the book you mentioned. It sounds great, and now I too am encouraged to tackle my unorganized closet.
When I was crawling on the floor of my closet last night trying to find that certain pair of shoes that would match my now wrinkled pants, I realized I needed a change!
So, I really wanted to know more about your shoe organizer, I’ve scoured the Target website and haven’t had any luck finding that one.
Thanks for sharing, and providing encouragement to create that “Feel Good” closet!