Spring Cleaning Photo Contest: Show Us Your Closet for a Chance to WIN!

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

This week, FashionIndie has been all about spring cleaning. We gave your tips on how to purge the old to make way for the new, letting go of pieces that are ill-fitting, worn out or just plain out of style. Then we let you in on our secrets on how to organize your closet  and arrange your accessories, so tearing apart your apartment for a pair of earrings in the morning is merely a distant memory. Now, we want to see all of your hard work in action. Send us a photo of your pristine closet, and you could win an exclusive prize pack! Click for more details.

Spring Cleaning: 5 Closet Purging Tips

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

Trust me, I know this can be difficult, but it’s something we all need to come to terms with. The time for spring cleaning is upon us, along with the big, semi-annual closet purge. As a first class hoarder collector myself, I can tell you first-hand it can be troublesome to part with clothing you once loved, but the time is now. Here are five closet clean-out tips to get your started. Guaranteed when you’re through, you’ll feel lighter and more pleased with your wardrobe than before the purge.

WINNER: Hugo Naturals Vanilla Sweet Orange Travel Kit

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

Last week, we asked you to share what you did during Memorial Day weekend and how this Hugo Naturals Travel Kit could have made it just a bit easier. After reading the amazing comments time and time again, we have decided on a winner. Find out who won this ultimate set for pampering on the go after the jump.

Give and Get Back with Gap & Goodwill

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

If you haven’t spring cleaned since the days of bulky sweaters and boots, it’s time to sort through your closet and decide what to keep and what to toss. We know it’s difficult to give up pieces you once loved, or that once fit, even if they no longer have a place in your fabulous wardrobe. But what if donating your old clothing could help people AND get you something in return? Gap and Goodwill® have announced a collaboration encouraging consumers to clean out their closets for a cause. Find out how you can help after the jump.

Spring Cleaning: Good For Your Wallet, Your Stress Level And Your Soul

Edited by Kirby Marzec

New York City is expecting some thunderstorms this weekend, so what a better time than now for that much needed spring cleaning? Thanks to a little inspiration from my roommate (who just snagged a great summer apartment that she is eager to move into) and an article from Smile Like You Mean It, I’ve come up with a list of before, during and after spring cleaning tips:

BEFORE:

-Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! Take absolutely everything out of your closed and drawers and suck up all that dust that’s been piling up for years. Not only will this safe you from future de-linting, it will also help eliminate that typical closet stench that always seems to linger. If you’re in a cleaning frenzy, it’s not a bad idea to disinfect the shelves and drawers. Why? Dead skin…ew.

-Buy some hangers that are stable enough to last a few uses. Matching hangers will help avoid closet clutter and keep you organized! Sorry folks…tape is a no, no…*cough* Andrea. 

DURING:

-Let it go. If there’s something lurking in your closet that you haven’t worn in over a year, it’s time to say goodbye. In addition, get rid of anything that doesn’t fit properly. We all know you won’t go down 3 pant sizes by May. Though you might be over some of those expensive, classic items, hang onto them…trust me, they will be reincarnated on the fashion scene. Make an “I’m over it” pile and donate it to your local Salvation Army. 

-Organize by type. Though it may seem like a good idea to categorize by color, organizing jackets, pants, skirts, sweaters etc. will help you get a better sense for what you have enough of and what you need. 

-Clean, shine and fix your winter shoes. Trust me, there is nothing worse than a surprise snowfall in September with scuffed up boots! Clean up your winter boots/shoes, taking off dried on salt with water and vinegar, and have any reparations done early. In addition, have any coats or winter garments fixed…I tried stapling something once. Tis pathetic. I am forever embarrassed. 

AFTER:

-This is the fun part. Once your closed is organized and all spic and span, it’s time for an assessment. Anything missing? GO SHOPPING. We all know the spring trends, so it’s time to add them to the mix!

Thanks Smile Like You Mean It!