FabSugar

On My Way To a Fab Closet, Part I

FabSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:00:22 -0700

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, read more

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 ›

On My Way to a Fab Closet, Part II

FabSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 06:00:22 -0700

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, read more

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:

View 7 Photos ›

On My Way To a Fab Closet, Part III

FabSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:00:22 -0700

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, read more

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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Fab Read: Shop Your Closet – The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Closet With Style

FabSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:00:22 -0700

Shop Your Closet: The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Closet With Style by Melanie Charlton Fascitelli ($14) is cooler than most humans I know; it had a party thrown in honor of its birth! The author, a closet expert, teaches you how to make a safe haven for your clothes so that you can, yes, go shopping in your own closet.

Expect to learn the following: how to clean out your closet, shop for items that flatter your body, make the best wardrobe for your lifestyle, rework your closet space, and store shoes and clothes so that they last longer. You'll also get schooled on how to consign your old stuff, keep your closet neat, and pack smartly. But wait, there's more. Who would have thought one could pack so much useful knowledge in 176 pages?!

Simply Fab: Teen Vogue's Closet Tour

FabSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:00:22 -0700

If you thought my closet was fabulous, wait till you take a tour of Teen Vogue's Fashion Closet. It's the size of six of mine combined! Fashion Assistant James Worthington is in charge of managing the closet, which stores a high-heel heaven, sneakers, sunglasses, hats, handbags, shirts, and jewels. The interns make sure clothes are organized, and received and returned in a timely manner. Take a 360-degree tour to see where the gorgeous Teen Vogue ensembles are pulled from and to draw inspiration for your closet.

Fab Site: CoutureCloset.us

FabSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:00:22 -0700

The name, CoutureCloset.us, can be misleading, but it's OK because it's still a really cool concept. Basically, it's a denim haven, built to bring all the coolest jeans to your fingertips. From the left hand side, choose the denim brand you prefer, and it'll provide links of online retailers that sell its jeans. Also, scroll down and you'll find a bunch of eBay denim auctions. Jean-ius, right?!

Fab Site: ChristabellesCloset.com

FabSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 06:00:22 -0700

Are your designer duds not finding a comfy home on eBay? If not, Christabelle's Closet may be the humble abode for you, or better yet, your clothes. This full service luxury consignment e-boutique is the best way to get rid of high-end items without having to carry them in bags to a consignment store. Don't feel bad if you've got nothing to sell because you can always buy! Choose from bags, shoes, dresses, outerwear and more. You'll even find baby items for your little one and menswear for your hubby or boyfriend. But remember, all sales are final so shop carefully!

Style For Style: See Ya, Slippery Hangers

FabSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:00:22 -0700

There's that one dress that always ends up on the closet floor. It's slippery, it's silky - oh, look! It's covered in dust bunnies. Sometimes regular plastic hangers don't do the trick. Sometimes, for those special items, you need to nurture. These Joy Mangano Huggable Hangers ($14-$55) are not only velvet-flocked - providing the necessary tread to prevent slippage - they also come in fun, bright colors. These hot pink ones are for the ultimate girlie girl; Fab will take the bright purple ones. See ya!

Is Your Closet Bursting at the Seams?

FabSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:50:22 -0700

Do You Have to Share Your Closet With Someone?

FabSugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:22:22 -0800

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