Creating Your Closet like a Clothing Boutique

Like many of you, I have a deep passion for second-hand and sustainable fashion. As someone who enjoys creating and putting together outfits, whether it's for myself, clients, or store displays, I find great joy in the process.

As the owner of a consignment/small business, my ultimate goal is not solely profit-driven. I believe that without passion and a drive for change, a business cannot thrive in the long term. Today, I wanted to share some valuable tips I've learned over the years.
I've accumulated and worn numerous "never-go-out of style" pieces in my own closet, some of which I've cherished for over a decade. It's incredibly convenient to be able to shop at my own store, where I have the first pick and can make purchases before items hit the sales floor. However, I always make a point to explore and shop my own closet first. If I do decide to add something new, it must seamlessly integrate with my existing wardrobe and have the potential for long-term use. Just as I curate each piece that comes into my store for consignment, I curate my own closet in the same meticulous manner.

Today, I'd like to share some tips on how to transform your closet into a boutique and shop your own "closet boutique" before considering consignment or donation. Ultimately, I encourage you to treat your closet as if it was your favourite boutique. Here are 6 key tips:

Tip #1: Sort through your inventory each season and curate it into four groups/boxes:
1. Consigning Box: Items that are in good condition and can be resold. This allows you to earn money back. Bring them to a consignment shop for extra cash. I'd suggest to enquire about the store's consigning policies first before bringing them in. Prepare them the right way would save your time and the store's time. 
2. Donating Box: Items that no longer bring you joy but are still usable. These can be donated to a local charity, benefiting your community while making you feel good.
3. Out-of-season articles: Create subgroups for each season (Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring). Sort and store them accordingly.
4. Unsure/Undecided Box: It can be challenging to let go of certain belongings. If you're uncertain about an item, store it in a bin labeled for review in the next 3 or 6 months or when the right season comes. If it remains unused during that time, you'll have a better decision to make—consign or donate. Both choices are beneficial as they clear up space and either make some money or give to those in need.
*Special tip: To protect your clothes, hang them on hangers and place them in clear, large bags to prevent dust and odors. If you're extra cautious like me, you can add a few drops of Peppermint oil on a tissue inside the bag to keep it smelling fresh and repel insects.
Tip #2: Display in-season items prominently. Once you've sorted through your inventory, arrange and display your articles. For nice and expensive pieces, I prefer hanging them up. If you have a spacious closet, consider hanging one item per hanger for easy visibility and a neat display.
Tip #3: Organize items by color palettes and distinguish between solid and print patterns. If you're unsure where to start, consider arranging your colors in rainbow order. You can even create a color chart and attach it to a wall in your closet. Once you've decided on the color palette, hang the solid color items first, followed by the print pattern items. If you're a regular shopper at my store, you may have noticed this practice in the store.
Tip #4: Group similar styles together. For instance, start with sleeveless tops and arrange them by color palette (solid colors first, then prints as mentioned in Tip #3). Next, sort short-sleeve tops and long-sleeve tops. Apply the same method to blazers, jackets, coats, shorts, skirts, pants, jeans, and dresses. Hang short articles first, then longer ones. This way, the shorter articles are easily visible, but you can still see the longer ones behind them. Always display smaller items in front of larger ones. By ensuring visibility, you're more likely to reach for and utilize your items, while delicate materials won't get lost in the closet.
Tip #5: Place everyday-used items at the front and center of your closet, at eye level. This saves you time in the morning by allowing you to quickly grab and go. Streamlining your morning routine reduces stress and makes you feel productive and ready for the day ahead.

Tip #6: Arrange your clothes according to your profession or lifestyle. For example, if you work in an office, prioritize organizing your work clothes and place them front and center. This saves time and reduces unnecessary stress when getting ready.

Tackling your closet may seem daunting and time-consuming. However, once you've devised a plan, the process becomes easier, and you'll complete the task quickly. Seek inspiration from platforms like Pinterest or your local small clothing boutiques, and let your imaginations guide you. Ask yourself how you envision your closet transformation. Once you've turned your closet into your favorite boutique, you'll be more inclined to shop from your own collection, making you a happy person. Not only will you enjoy seeing your favorite items more often, but you'll also become your own stylist, looking your best every day. This approach may even save you money, as you'll discover new ways to mix and match your existing wardrobe. My advice is simple: transform your closet into your favorite boutique and always shop your own closet first. When you do decide to add a new piece, you'll know exactly what you need and how it can work with what you already have.

Having said that, it's important to note that my own closet is still a work in progress. The task of curating and organizing is ongoing, and it's essential to become skilled in this practice. 

At last, if you have any tips that have worked wonders for you, I'd be happy to hear about them. Sharing is caring, my friends! The more we learn together through stories, tips, and tricks, the more inspired we become to improve. Remember, having fun while tackling this task is important! Thank you for your time.