Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I have a standard-size walk-in closet but it seems like every time I buy something new I have to throw two things out just to make room! I donate old clothing regularly and I'm pretty good about making smart choices when I do buy something so I don't believe I'm a closeted hoarder (pun intended).

I want to try out a closet organization system, but I don't want it so organized that I can't get to things when I need them! What do you suggest?

Signed,

Woman on the Verge of a Closet Breakdown

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Dear W.V.C.B.,

A few years back I reorganized my closet and it made a WORLD of difference. Not just organization wise, but also aesthetically. I replaced all of the plastic "thank you" bags I would store my shoes in - I was convinced they helped saved space and made the shoes easier to stack! - and started using sterilite storage shoe boxes instead. I then took all of the dry cleaning bags, wire hangers and mismatched plastic hangers and tossed them. I opted to go with all white hangers - thinner ones for hanging collared shirts and light weight jackets, thicker ones for winter coats and jeans (denim seems to warp thinner hangers by making them sag in the middle) and those with clips for dress and casual pants. Everything else is folded down into organized color-coordinated stacks. With visibility and reachability not an issue, I can get dressed without making (too much of) a mess.

As the weather changes, so does my closet. Seasonal clothing is cleaned and then stored in clear containers until they are reintroduced into the closet as the now out-of-season clothing goes though the same "clean-and-store" process. This saves me from having to sift through impractical clothing options and makes for better use of my closet space.

I also found that the shoe boxes I use are great for storing accessories that can't be hung (bowtie's, gloves, wallets, some hats, etc.) which makes them easy to find and keeps my closet looking that much more organized and contained.

This approach to closet organization works well for me. Try to use my system as your guide but modify what doesn't work for you. For example, if you're the type of person that would want to try on several pairs of shoes before deciding on one, then individual shoe boxes may not work for you, but this might.

If you want to test your hand at reorganizing any other part of your abode, I found this site helpful.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am in the midst of a fashion conundrum. I will be presenting at a conference in Spain in September, and since I don’t get to travel to Europe very often, I’m going to take a little vacation time, too. On arrival, I will be visiting the south of Spain, Seville and Grenada, for five days (average temperature 90 degrees in September). The remaining five days will be at the conference in the north of Spain, Santiago de Compestela, (average temperature 65 degrees in September and rainy).

I need to travel lightly; I’ll be the one who has to haul my luggage everywhere. I’m hoping to only take a carry-on size bag, but as I think about this trip, it seems that I’m going to need tourist clothing for both summer and fall weather, as well as professional clothes for the conference. Added to these multiple dressing requirements, I’ve noticed that European women dress so stylishly, even when they are being tourists, and I’d like to follow their lead.

I’m in need of some shopping magic.

Signed,

Fashion Climate Control

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Dear F.C.C.,

Allow me to be your tour guide through this fashion crisis. The key here is to "pack with purpose". Everything you'll need for this ten day trip is as follows: two pairs of slacks (one black, one brown), three light weight tops, two collard shirts (one white), three skirts (one professional, two casual - go for neutral colors), three dresses (wrap dresses, preferably - they tend to travel well), two sweaters, a neutral blazer and four pairs of shoes (one sandal, one day-time heel, one night-time heel and a sensible, yet stylish, sneaker).

For the first half of your trip, mix and pair your casual skirts with your light weight tops for day and slip into one of your dresses for evening (or a dress for a different day time look). Wear the sneakers for sight-seeing, the day time heels if anything work-related should arise and the sandals or night heels for dinner, dancing and exploring the city under the stars.

Since the second half of your trip is more work than play per se, now is when you'd want to incorporate the pants you stowed away as well as the collard shirts and professional skirt. The light-weight tops can be layered with a sweater for warmth or with the blazer for a professional look. Make sure the day-time heels you pack are versatile enough to be worn throughout your conference (the night-time heels could also serve as an alternative).

Notice I did not mention anything about bringing accessories. The idea here is to pack necessities stateside and purchase scarves, jewelry and any additional clothing you "deem necessary" once you arrive in Spain. (Stow away an empty collapsible bag in your suitcase and use it later (if necessary) to carry the additional items back on the plane or as a checked bag.)

By combining your familiar pieces with your newly purchased ones you'll feel comfortable - because at least one thing you'd be wearing would feel familiar - and therefore appear equally as confident, which happens to be one of the secrets to European women's style. (Don't believe me? Check out here and here.) From afar, you would look less like a tourist and more like a woman who's adopted the city - and its style - as her own.

I hope this helps you find your way.

For more tips on traveling efficiently check out Rick Steves' Europe Packing List for Women.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com