FabSugar

How-To: Share a Closet With Your Valentine

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:18 PST

In a dream world, we'd all have a custom-built walk-in closet to ourselves, à la Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City: The Movie. But let's face it: wallets the size of Mr. Big's are few and far between. So, we share. Sometimes, unfortunately, sharing a closet with your better half feels like World War III. To lighten the tension and take the frustration out of making two wardrobes fit into one - whilst keeping you both organized and happy - I got a few tips from the experts of closet organizing: California Closets.

Split your closet: ladies 60/men 40. In order to make this work, give your man the hall closet to store his large items, like jackets and suits.
Ladies: If your spouse stores his stinky gym shoes in the closet, add lavender sachets to your hangers to keep your clothes smelling sweet.

For the rest of the tips,

Have a “no clothes on the floor” rule. If your man’s clothes are on the closet floor for more than 24 hours, he has to give you a 10-minute foot massage.
Since women like to display their shoes, add a shoe rack on the back of the closet door and have him use the closet floor.
Couples with a small closet: Remove all accessories as these take up a lot of space. An easy way to store these is in a flat, plastic bin under the bed.

On My Way To a Fab Closet, Part III

FabSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:00:22 PDT

The most fabulous news: My Fab closet is done! I wanted to make sure it was in tip top order before I did my big reveal. I also had to go the The Container Store to get some boot fillers, skirt hangers (the kind with the multiple hang) and some plastic containers for under my bed storage. All my clothes have been analyzed and some have been tossed to the consignment shop curb - buh-bye! There are still a few questionable items - maybe you all can help me determine their fate? So I really didn't need to do much but put on my organizing Philip Treacy hat when filling it up.

As you can see, I am a color coordinator. I also group items by type; dresses together, tops, jeans etc. I fold my jeans, I don't hang them, btw. What are my favorite parts of the newly improved closet? That's easy: The shoe shelves! Also, all the hanging space. I have lots of dresses, tops and jackets and now everything has a home. But the best part of all is that I can see all my clothes. The only things hiding are seasonal sweaters and costumes. The belt rack and scarf rack are cool too; I've been wearing more of both as a result. I must confess that I also have two dressers. The burgundy one houses my sunglasses, underthings, socks and tights. The big purple one hides jewelry, pj's, cotton basics, tee shirts and sweaters. And, I have a coat rack for grab-and-go jackets and hoodies.

To read the rest and to see more pics of my Fab closet,

OK, it's obvious I have a lot of clothes. But this experience has opened my eyes as to what my personal style is. I believe one's style is always evolving - especially for a fashion chameleon - but there were definitely some Fab staples. Allow me to share them with you. I have about ten LBDs as well as oodles of navy and red dresses. Don't let me buy anymore! I love sharp outerwear. Given the foggy climate of San Francisco, I have tons of jackets and coats, but I wear them all. I swear. When I used to live in New York City I had more coats and I started collecting vintage coats and restoring them so I still have a few that I will love forever. I just wear them Carrie Bradshaw style: with a sexy little LBD (see!), strappy heels and a clutch.

Black is most people's neutral, mine is grey. Another thing I don't need to buy more of: grey cardigans and sweaters. I have every kind of pant imaginable: black trouser, black pinstripe, jeans (cropped, wide leg, skinny, black, grey, white), grey trouser, khaki trouser, black cropped, black bermudas. Hmmm, maybe black is my neutral after all. In general, I need to wear more slacks! Carine Roitfeld wears them all the time, so color me inspired. Also, I am more of a shoe junkie than a bag lady. I really don't think I have that many bags, PartySugar. Except, my clutch collection (mostly vintage) is quite fabulous.

Here's the fun part: My favorite brands. I guess there's no other way of uncovering them than raiding your closet. Here goes: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Banana Republic, Theory, H&M, DKNY, J.Crew, Target GO International (lots of pieces from the Proenza Schouler collection last year), BCBG, Miu Miu, Nanette Lepore, DVF, See by Chloe, Paul and Joe, J Brand jeans. As for shoes, I have lots of Marc Jacobs and Marc, KORS Michael Kors, Nine West and Belle Sigerson Morrison. Heels have tapered off for me, I am an official lover of flats. Vintage rules my coats, sandals, clutches and jewelry.

So what's next? I don't have much extra room - this is a good thing. Now that I've been reacquainted with a lot of my clothes I don't feel I need to shop much. But you know me. I have a few shoe slots available, some jacket space and I'm not really happy with my boot collection so come next Fall I may invest in a new pair. Maybe some grey ones . . .

Hallway closet

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Mistress closet

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On My Way to a Fab Closet, Part II

FabSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 06:00:22 PDT

It has begun! The Fab closet metamorphosis is in full effect and my clothes are already thanking me.

First thing's first. In order for the installation to begin, California Closets had a separate construction company come and tear down what is in my already existing closets. They patched up the walls and took all debris away. It was nice to come home to a blank canvas! This cost approximately $560 - a little steep if you ask me. But they did a clean job and showed up on time so moving on . . .

To read the rest and to see more Fab closet photos,

The next part is the installation. Here's where I have to be honest. I have only heard good things about California Closets so I was utterly surprised/bummed when they didn't show up on my scheduled Saturday installation date. That's right, they just didn't show. I was given a window of 10:30 - 12:00 p.m. and once noon rolled around I started panicking. I called my consultant and she was on the case. Only, they totally messed up and I fell through the cracks. As you all know, I work at Sugar headquarters during the week so Saturday is the ideal option for such a major life changing event for me. I was livid. After countless apologies we rescheduled for the following Tuesday but my mom had to make herself available to oversee it (thanks again mommie!).

It only took a few hours and once my mom called to say it was all done I wanted to drop everything and run home and start organizing. I had already been fantasizing about cleaning things out and wondering if all my shoes would actually fit! I got home, said hi to Annabelle and got busy. This is pretty much how I spent every evening last week after work. Life stops when you have a brand new closet.

I was a little surprised the wood frame didn't cover more - I thought it consumed the whole closet space. But I guess once you get your clothes in you don't see the sides and back. I picked out the wood finish and the silver poles to match my floor and matte silver finishes throughout my place. So here is the hardware, installed and ready for my Fab clothes!

Hallway Closet:

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Mistress Closet:

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On My Way To a Fab Closet, Part I

FabSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:00:22 PDT

For a stylephile, closets are a very personal thing. And so, I am about to bare my soul to you, my friends. In case you didn't hear, I moved about a month ago. I upgraded from a studio to a one bedroom - yay! Annabelle and I are very happy in our spacious new digs. I have to admit one of the things that sold me on this place was the two closets. My one before wasn't too bad, but I have dreamed of a personalized closet for years and knew the time had come.

I quickly called California Closets because the existing white wire racks and configurations were not working for my Fab things. My clothes were not fitting well (I don't have that much stuff, I swear) and it was just a bad use of space. I thought it would be fun to share my experience with you. The only other thing I was this happy about investing in was my little furry roomie so here's the scoop.

To keep on reading about my experience and to see more scary before pictures,

There are two closets. One in the hallway, intended for coats, linens, travel gear and the like. This one is OK, do-able. Simple. Then there's the "mistress" (as California Closets calls it) closet, which spans the whole wall across from my bed and has mirrored sliding doors - yes! This is obviously the key closet in which my livelihood will live. Sadly, clothes were smushed and shoes were boxed while I had to get the project done. If I've been moody the past couple weeks, now you know why. But really, it's a big undertaking and expense I'm willing to make for my truest love: fashion.

The hard part is over. Stay tuned as I find my way to a Fab closet!

Mistress closet:

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Hallway closet:

View 3 Photos ›

Unusually Beautiful Chandeliers and Lighting at the Milan Furniture Fair

Guest Writer — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:00:50 PDT

We're back at the Milan Furniture Fair with Ginny Snook Scott, chief design officer of California Closets and our trendspotter. In case you missed it, yesterday she covered storage inspiration as found on the show floor. Today, she reports back on all the cool lighting on display to make rooms and pieces of your home shine. Check out Ginny's Instagram photos and see the new and trendy lighting pieces she spotted.

Instagraming Organizing Trends at Salon Internazionale del Mobile

Guest Writer — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:00:15 PDT

One of these years we're hoping to jet off to Milan for Salon Internazionale del Mobile - but 2012 isn't our year. Luckily, we had a correspondent in Milan to trend spot for us. Ginny Snook Scott, Chief Design Officer for California Closets, hit the show floor and is reporting back on the latest finds and trends coming out of this super chic, international furniture fair. With 24 convention halls total at the fair, there’s no shortage of inspiration, new products, people, designers, and wish list items to explore. Given Ginny’s expertise in custom storage design, Ginny reported back on the pieces that inspire her when creating new designs and storage elements for the brand. Take it away, Ginny!

Top 10 Trends From the Architectural Digest 2012 Home Show

Guest Writer — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:00:48 PDT

Even though CasaSugar couldn't make it to the Architectural Digest Home Show, we had a correspondent in town to trend spot for us. Ginny Snook Scott, Chief Design Officer for California Closets, hit the show floor at the Architectural Digest Home Show and is reporting back on the latest finds and trends coming out of this important industry event. Take a peek at her fabulous Instagram photos, and see her top 10 trends from the show!

Link Time: Small but Stylish Spaces, Spring Picnic Finds, and Awe-Inspiring House Tours

Angela Swinderman Elias — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:20:49 PDT

Have an unused attic? Consider transforming it into a cozy bedroom - Houzz
Get the scoop on how to DIY a cell phone charging station - Stylelist Home
Discover 22 stylish ways to arrange your shelves - Real Simple
See how one versatile sofa can achieve six different looks - House Beautiful
Peek inside of a restored Ohio farmhouse - Country Living
Get inspired by these fantastical closets and dressing rooms - Elle Decor
Get your hands on the perfect picnic basket - Eco Salon
Tour a fashion designer's and movie producer's sexy Palm Springs pad - California Home + Design
Discover which house was dubbed the smallest coolest home in 2012 - Apartment Therapy

Instagraming Trends at the Architectural Digest Home Show

Guest Writer — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:37:16 PDT

While we were dreaming of making an appearance at the Architectural Digest Home Show this week, we didn't have time to hop on a plane to make it to New York. Luckily, we had a correspondent in town to trend spot for us. Ginny Snook Scott, Chief Design Officer for California Closets, hit the show floor the Architectural Digest Home Show and is reporting back on the latest finds and trends coming out of this important industry event. Take a peek at her fabulous Instagram photos, and see what she's loving at the show!

Link Time: The Plantation Style of The Descendants and Decorating With Green

Elka Karl — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:00:06 PST

Find out more about plantation style, showcased in The Descendants. - Houzz
Top your table with these unique candleholders. - Real Simple
Seriously, this is the easiest way to update your cabinets. - Stylelist Home
You'll be decorating with green, thanks to this guide. - House Beautiful
Secrets to a crazy and fun Oscars party. - Shelterrific
Tour a charming northern California Victorian. - California Home + Design
This Real Housewife has a pretty styling closet! - Closet Factory
Transform old books into book pockets. - Craft

Photo Courtesy Fox Searchlight