Cupcakes and Closets

There is a lot you can learn about building a functional and fashionable wardrobe from a cupcake. The first lesson; starting from scratch is best, but not always practical. Last year I went through some major transitions in my life (including a change in size, career, and home), and had the overwhelming desire to go totally Clinton and Stacy on my wardrobe. In other words; I wanted to throw everything out and start all over again. The problem; I didn’t have a corporate sponsor to send me on a shopping spree to replace everything.

Instead I came up with an alternative plan, sort of like baking from a box (something I’m painfully familiar with). I started shopping for capsule pieces; things that mix and match to create multiple outfits. Everything purchased had to work with the items I already had to stretch my wardrobe budget to the max. I watched for sales and online coupons, made detailed wish lists, shopped like a ninja, and about a year later ended up with what I consider a functional, working wardrobe (link to www.pinkchaistyle.com). Now when I step back and look at my closet, I love every piece and can see clearly what was wrong with my old wardrobe; there was too much frosting and not enough cake!

Just like a really good cupcake is built on the foundation of a delicious cake layer, a really great wardrobe is built around some basic pieces. The problem is, most women get distracted by trends, sparkles, and sales, rather than focusing on what they really need when shopping; the “cake” of their wardrobe. That’s how you end up with so many special occasion clothes and never have enough tee shirts to get through the week.

My theory for building a working wardrobe is simple; start with the cake (basics like jeans and black pants), add some frosting (add-ons like printed blouses and a wrap dress), and finish with sprinkles (accessories and statement shoes).

Through my own adventures in re-building my wardrobe last year I ended up by default, with a sort of blue print for the process, which is exactly what I will be sharing with you through this column. And any good closet post wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the big purge – cleaning your closet out and getting rid of the demons! I suggest that you check out this post on the steps I use to purge my closet twice a year, because next week we are going to start talking about the pieces you need to add to your wardrobe.

So stick with me and we’ll tackle one item every week until getting dressed in the morning isn’t painful, and none of us has to stand in front of closet thinking “I have nothing to wear” anymore.

PS: Want to ask me a specific question, or have a suggestion for a future post? Send me a tweet @pinkchai