Closet case: Purging puts wardrobe back on track

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From time to time, I get enlisted to help people purge their closets. In my day-to-day life, I’m a bit of a Pollyanna, but when it comes to wardrobe editing, I’m ruthless – don’t believe me? Ask my best friend. Things got a little tense there, but I feel better just knowing that there are fewer pilly sweaters and spangly synthetic knits lurking in the recesses of her wardrobe. Don’t get me wrong. My best friend has great style. But she asked, and I delivered.

Recently, a local woman won my wardrobe-editing services – along with a $250 shopping spree – in a charity auction. At first, I worried that she didn’t know what she had gotten herself into. But as it turns out, my fears were entirely unfounded. Though she did not wish to be identified, she agreed to let me share her story.

This mother of three enjoys the outdoors, going to her children’s sporting events, and spending time with her husband – she made it very clear that family comes first. But she also has a demanding, high-profile professional life. Her office dress code is relatively conservative, but since she enjoys classic clothing, this isn’t a problem.

She confessed that, if anything, she may have too few clothes.

Now that’s one I’ve never heard. In the past, I’ve dealt with women who hang on to embroidered Christmas sweaters from the ’80s. Gals who refuse to toss stained white blouses. And then there are the dieters, who keep their too-tight jeans in the hope that they may fit into them once again.

These are the challenges I relish. But when you’re dealing with someone who has a closet full of classic clothing, excellent taste and a slender, petite frame, it’s pretty easy. Or is it?

Well, yes and no. Everyone has a “toss pile” – hers just happened to be a little smaller than most. I urged her to donate a few sweaters – some dated, some too big, some a little tired-looking. Anything she prefaced with, ‘I don’t really like this, but it’s a classic” also got the boot. We eliminated a few well-worn belts, a couple of ’80s-style headbands and every pair of off-white hose in the house.

Her work wardrobe was chock-full of Talbot’s, Jones New York and Liz Claiborne, most in neutrals, all in gorgeous fabrics. The only thing missing was a soft cashmere sweater or twin set and a few pairs of pants for casual Fridays. For weekends with the family, she needed new jeans.

As we discussed accessories, she mentioned that she normally totes a Vera Bradley backpack as a purse – which is fine for the weekend, but not quite right for the office. Her well-loved ballet shoes were beyond repair, but flats are all the rage this season. She recently had to part with her favorite pair of brown shoes and replaced them with a pair from Target. Now, I love many things about Target, but faux leather pumps aren’t one of them, especially for a woman in her field.

For once, the purge was easy.

It was the binge that was difficult. Now, I shop for a living. I pride myself on being able to find something for almost everyone. But as we found, trying to find petite clothing in the Bangor area is like trying to find a parking spot in downtown Bangor at lunchtime.

We started simple: with shoes. At Macy’s, we found a pair of elegant brown slingbacks with a kitten heel – perfect. And WAY better than the Target shoes. I have a mantra: never skimp on shoes and bags. Ever. And if you find a pair of jeans that fits, don’t even look at the price tag. Just buy them.

That’s what happened at our next stop: Gap. She found one pair of ankle-length jeans, with a medium rise and wider leg than she’s used to buying – adorable. She liked them so much she ordered a similar, darker-wash pair in her size. We also stocked up on ankle-length trousers, which are just right for petites. Casual Friday anxiety may now be a thing of the past.

We perused the offerings at New York & Co., which also offers petite pants, before heading over to T.J. Maxx ‘n More. There, we loaded up on shoes – four pairs in all, including to-die-for copper patent leather flats. She bought a reversible belt – brown on one side, black on the other – and a gray cashmere twin set on the petites rack. She even bought a handsome leather doctor’s bag by Etienne Aigner.

Like the rest of her wardrobe, it’s a true classic. And by the looks of things, she won’t need to clean her closet again for a long, long time.

For a list of petite clothing sources – or to post your own petite favorites – visit my blog at http://communityv1.bangornews.com/blog/4.

Closet cleaning tips

Toss:

. Anything you don’t love

. Anything that still has the tags on it after a year

. Anything stained, snagged, pilled, worn or torn

. Anything too short, too tight, too big or too ugly

. Anything that doesn’t flatter your figure – you may need to enlist the help of a brutally honest friend for this one.

Keep:

. Designer items

. Classic sweaters, such as Irish fishermen’s sweaters

. Items with sentimental value

. Items acquired on international vacations

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. For exclusive online shopping tips, click on the ShopBlog icon on the bottom of the BDN homepage: bangordailynews.com.