Slowing down and making life feel more relaxed and simple is my goal for summertime. Here are some things I’m doing for myself right now that may help you to get into the summer mode, too.
Cleaning and Storing the Fall/Winter Stuff
I’ve been helping clients with these tasks for the past couple of months and now it’s time to make sure I’ve done all of these things in my own closet:
hand wash cashmere sweaters and depill with my new favorite little gadget. I use a delicate soap and then after rinsing completely, squeeze the water out (don’t wring) and then lay the sweater on a bath towel, roll it up and press water out. Lay sweaters flat to dry on a drying rack then store in clear plastic bin with cedar bricks.
take any wool sweaters/blazers that really got a LOT of use to the dry cleaner. If there are pieces that I haven’t worn often, I hang them on a rolling rack (outside of my closet) to air out for a day or two before storing in my off-season closet.
remove any PLASTIC coverings when I get the dry cleaning returned. Use cloth coverings if a garment needs extra protection. The plastic can actually damage clothing if left on for an extended period of time as moisture can get trapped within the plastic bag.
wash all my heavier denim/dark wash jeans. I wash them inside out, throw in the dryer for 5 minutes to steam, then hang them to finish drying (still inside out). Once completely dry, I store them in my off-season closet—when I’m ready to wear them next Fall, it’s always so nice to see them inside out and remember that this means they are clean!
take any boots/heavier shoes to the cobbler this month. Gives them plenty of time to fix the heels, shine and condition the leather and I won’t miss them at all in the next few weeks. This is also a great time to clean out any dust on shoe shelves and containers in my closet.
Preparing Outfits for Upcoming Weddings, Parties, Trips
If you read these emails in any type of regular fashion, you already know that planning ahead is my best suggestion. Try everything on ahead of time—it really won’t take that long. Make sure the undergarments work, the handbags are there (one client just realized her favorite navy clutch was borrowed by her daughter and it now lives in another city!), the shoes are still comfortable and your cute Fourth of July sweater is still in good shape! This will alleviate last minute panic-shopping ☺️
Look at the calendar and really think about when I’ll want something special:
Fourth of July
Weddings or Parties
Trips
Here are just a few ideas for you. Click to shop or create similar outfits by using pieces you already own.
Confirming Everyday Go-to Pieces are Ready and Waiting
I like to go through my everyday garments and make sure things are still looking good and fitting well. In the summer, my daily outfit is typically a dress—more casual for everyday or a bit more polished for seeing a client. But I also like to have lightweight pants and T-shirts on hand for those days I just don’t want to wear a dress. To be honest, my body has changed a lot in the last couple of years (can anyone out there relate? 🙋🏻♀️) and so I’ve had to update many of my everyday pieces recently.
Release items that don’t fit as well as they used to (including many long-time favorites. It’s hard in the moment, but feels so good to know I’m not trying to wear things that aren’t working for me anymore. Forward is the only way to go!)
Buy updated replacements for these items so I feel prepared. Don’t put this off! For me that’s meant: updated everyday dresses and cute, lightweight pants and T-shirts.
Speaking of T-shirts, make sure my white T-shirts are actually white (release the ones that aren’t—even if they are some of my favorites)
Update everyday shoes. Clean sneakers and fun variations on flip-flops and Teva-style sandals are simple ways to make everyday summer clothing feel stylish yet still easy.
My best recommendation to you in terms of everyday dressing is to decide what your signature look is for summer and make sure a good amount of those items are ready to go. If you’re mostly in bathing suits during the day, make sure your cover-ups are updated, fresh and stylish. If you’re in an office during the summer, make sure your ‘office cardigan’ or lightweight blazer is updated for the freezing A/C. Whatever that important daily outfit is for you, make sure you have good options now so that you can get through summer feeling positive and relaxed.
As always, thanks for reading these letters! Wishing you all a great summer ☀️