How to Clean Your Closet Responsibly

Most of us spend a lot of time thinking about where we’ll buy our next favorite piece of clothing, but we don’t always task ourselves with finding the best home for those no-longer favorite pieces.

Of course, earlier this year, Netflix dropped the “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” series; predictably, Goodwills around the country were inundated with stuff that no longer sparked joy. People donated their no-longer-loved items in record numbers. And, of course, we’re hitting the time of year when we’ll soon put away our sweaters and start to think about what to wear to Keeneland, Easter Sunday, and Derby. I have a few tips that will help y’all make those transitions with a vision toward utility.

Recently, I’ve started to think a lot more about the complete life cycle of a garment, and where things actually go when we’re finished with them. My eyes have been opened by a couple of badass Kentucky ladies whom I follow on social media. Gretchen Hunt, a Louisville-based attorney and advocate for domestic violence victims, runs an instagram account called ThriftingKY that details her adventures in shopping for a thrifted wardrobe. Samantha Moore, a Lexington designer and fellow Transylvania alumna, upcycles vintage garments into stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces for her brand Modern Country Couture. Both Gretchen and Samantha are committed to reducing the issue of textile waste. Both Samantha and Gretchen have made me think far more closely about whether I actually need the things I have or the things I want to buy.

My involvement with Dress for Success over the past few years has made me think far more deeply about the ways in which I discard or donate the items I no longer need or want. Y’all know that I’m committed to both volunteering and raising money for the Dress for Success affiliates in Lexington and Louisville; it is so incredible to see the profound effect that a newer work outfit can have on a woman’s future. Dress for Success has also had an important impact on my consumer habits. The other day, I was volunteering in the Dress for Success boutique when I saw a really pretty skirt. Upon closer inspection, I realized that I’d once owned a skirt — lilac and grey wool from Loft — just like it. It was 15 years old, but it was a timeless style and quite gorgeous. If it were still in my closet and still fit (few of us are the same size 15 years later…), I’d wear it today. Isn’t that what we should all be striving for a little more of? Timeless styles, reduced waste, and keeping ourselves a little healthier and trimmer? Of course, I certainly hope that skirt finds a great home, and I’m so glad that its previous owner was socially conscious enough to donate it to a place where it can be used. I’m embarrassed to say that I have no idea what happened to my own skirt in that style, which is an area where I need to do better.

Here are the rules I’ve come up with for cleaning my closet and responsibly resourcing my items; I hope that they can help you as well. I’m providing specific examples from my closet; I hope these help you with your own decision tree.

Rule 1: Only Keep Clothes that Fit

Photo © Space, Place & Southern Grace.

Last fall, I absolutely fell in love with this navy Draper James dress. It’s so flattering and can be styled for any occasion. It ran a little big to begin with, and then I lost some weight. So, this spring, it no longer fits! My number one rule for cleaning closets is that there is absolutely no reason to keep clothing that is ill-fitting. You just won’t wear it. Now, I seldom do a one-to-one replacement when cleaning out my closet. This was an exception because I know the dress is so flattering and functional, and I found the smaller size at a very reasonable price on eBay. I will consign or donate the larger size; hopefully it will find a home with someone who loves it as much as I do! In most cases, however, I stick to finding a similar, suitable replacement.

Rule 2: Only Keep Clothes that Flatter or Serve a Purpose

Photo © Space, Place & Southern Grace.

We all have things in our closet that we don’t quite know about. Maybe it’s an impulse buy. Maybe someone bought it for you. Maybe it’s from a weird phase when you were trying to make florals happen. And, it just sits there. For me, it was this French Connection wrap dress. It’s a stunning piece. It was perfect for a photo shoot I did last spring. And it’s never quite fit right. So, it needs a new home; it goes to the consign or donate pile.

Rule 3: See if it Could Serve Another Purpose

Honestly, I think this is an important one. There are other ways that our clothing can be used. I grew up with a grandmother who makes quilts, so my mind is never far from that use. Old t-shirts, for example, have a better use as a quilt than as drawer-fillers. (Bonus use: The excess t-shirt material makes THE BEST dusting cloths!!) I have several Derby-themed t-shirts that I plan to eventually turn into a quilt. You can read my t-shirt quilt tutorial here, or visit Louisville-based Campus Quilt to have a more professional-looking version made for you!) Similarly, a piece of clothing that you can’t bear to part with but that has a flaw that makes it unwearable makes a perfect quilt fabric. My granny made me this quilt using fabric from an old Lilly Pulitzer Kentucky Derby print. This would be a great way to repurpose a special dress or skirt into an heirloom!

Old party dresses in not-quite reparable conditions can become great dress-up materials for kids. The possibilities here are really only bounded by your time and imagination!

Step 4: Make a Responsible Plan for Your Discarded Items

If you only have one takeaway from this blog post, I sincerely hope this is it. Be responsible with the way you discard your item. It’s truly not enough to discard anything that sparks joy. The key here is to be realistic about your own situation. Consigning or selling your pieces can be a great way to earn a little bit of spare money, and, of course, donating your pieces to a charity or thrift store can help it find a deserving new home. But, responsible rehoming goes a little farther than just sorting into consignment and donation piles. You need to dig a little deeper to decide where an item goes. Here are my 3 basic rules of thumb:

(a) Assess the item’s value.

We all have some items in our closet that are nicer than others. Sometimes, these things have a higher resale value. Lilly Pulitzer, for example, is a brand for which well-maintained items can achieve a high resale price. You can sell a Lilly item on eBay or Poshmark, at consignment, or in a brand-specific Facebook group for close to its original retail price. Here in Louisville, we several GREAT consignment shops that focus on brand name women’s resale: Stella’s and Sassy Fox are both located in St Matthews, have the sweetest staffs ever, and are fabulous to buy from or sell with. Another great use for higher-value items is to donate to a charity that can turn them into creative fundraisers. Many Dress for Success affiliates, for example, pull higher value items from their donation piles for individual sale or for a higher price at their inventory sales. Goodwill has created the ingenious ShopGoodwill auction site. While these mechanisms have made the old “I found a Gucci bag at a Goodwill in a nice suburb!” urban legends even less likely, they’ve certainly helped to convert more donations into cash to nonprofits!

(b) Assess Your Commitment

Don’t let a whole bag of “this can go to consignment once I wash it and press it and sew on a button” things sit around. The truth is, you aren’t going to do that if you don’t do right now. Similarly, be honest with yourself about your financial motivation for selling your items. If you’d rather have the cash value for your item at the time you release it, go with eBay or a resale store like Clothes Mentor that pays cash up front. True consignment stores pay you when your item sells; this usually means a month’s delay in receiving payment for the item.

(c) Assess a Charity’s Needs

This is so important, y’all. We are so fortunate here in Kentucky, especially here in Louisville, to have an amazing network of 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organizations serving a variety of populations. If you’re going to make a donation of used clothing, please take the time to touch base with the organization and see what their needs and guidelines actually are. For example, I’ve learned through years of grant-matching volunteer work that, as a general rule, missions and shelters will not accept used underwear and socks, no matter how clean. It’s an issue of dignity and basic hygiene, not a reflection on how well you washed your old socks. Similarly, a huge need for Dress for Success is always work-appropriate clothing that does not require dry cleaning. While many of us grumble about our monthly dry cleaning bill, it’s an actual impediment to use for a lot of people who are struggling to maintain basic employment. Remember, too, that donation-based charities like Dress for Success still have to pay rent for their spaces and don’t have a ton of storage space. Because of this, they’re really limited in how much out-of-season inventory they can house. You’d be far better off to donate by wear-now season! Remember to always check with your charity of choice to see what they need and how they can best put your item to use.

Rule 5: Be Honest!

Be honest with yourself when assessing your item’s path. Ask yourself if this item is as valuable as you perceive it to be. A 15 year-old Louis Vuitton bag may have a lot of sentimental value, but will most likely show so much wear as to command a far lower resale price than you anticipate. You may have splurged on a trendy cold-shoulder top two years ago, but many resell venues may deem that look to be, mercifully, past its expiration date. Be honest about the condition that your item is in. Work slacks with a torn hem aren’t immediately interview-ready for Dress for Success. Be honest about the decision you’re making to part with an item, and you’ll figure out a way to give it another use!

Let me know in the comments how y’all clean out your closets and where you donate your items!!

Henry Dry Goods

I recently visited the very cutest shop in Lexington!

Henry Dry Goods is so adorable, y’all! It’s on Jefferson Street, among the most lovely little nook of stores and restaurants. Lexington is really having a moment for shopping and dining! I swear I do more shopping there than I do in Louisville these days, and I LOVE that the area around Transylvania — my alma mater — has gotten so much more fun and trendy!

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Henry founder and CEO, Sherri Henry Wolf, and her partner Dianne Oakes at their shop, and I was enchanted in every way. The decor is so beautiful, and the Henry textiles — pillows and bags at the intersection of preppy and edgy — are simply gorgeous.

There’s a gorgeous camouflage line if that’s your thing!!

As I talked to Sherri and Dianne, the most beautiful theme of second chances kept popping up. Sherri told me how she lost her first company as a consequence of a divorce. Dianne introduced me to this sweet girl, who was one of the dogs displaced by Superstorm Sandy. It was just an amazing vibe of beauty and grace and strength. I’d entered their loft space a fan of their handbags; I left a true believer!

And we haven’t even talked about the monograms yet! Y’all know I love a good monogram, and Henry features some of the most lovely monogram styles I’ve seen in ages!

These vintage-style ribbon straps add an even more personalized touch to your Henry bag.

In case I wasn’t in love enough, Henry has a gorgeous line of UK gear! Sherri collaborated with the University of Kentucky to reimagine the iconic UK Plaid for some gorgeous pieces, and they also carry clear, stadium-friendly crossbody bags! Oh, and Mrs. Calipari has one of those plaid crossbody bags! Is there any better endorsement than that?

I simply fell in love with my Ben Game Day Tote. This would be such a fun bag to pack for the SEC tournament. I’ve already used it as a purse and a work bag; it’s an amazing piece for Wildcat fanatics like me!

Thanks so much to Henry for the fabulous tour, and the gorgeous bag! I can’t wait to share more of their goodies with y’all!

Henry cosmetic bags

{I was provided product by Henry Dry Goods in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!}

What Would Dolly Do Tee

Y’all, Draper James redesigned the What Would Dolly Do? line, and it’s cuter than ever. Of course, I had to get the tee straight away, and the tote is on my wish list! I never miss an opportunity to tell the world how much I love Miss Dolly. (Click the photos below to shop the entire new collection!)

Shop the Dolly line and the rest of the Spring Collection with me at the Lexington Draper James store on Tuesday, February 26th from 6-8 pm and 15% of your purchase will graciously be donated to Dress for Success! I hope to see y’all there!

Gift Guide for Black Lab Lovers!

Lab Door Hanger, c/o ForPetesSake Potter

If you know Bob or me at all, then you know we’re fairly obsessed with our dogs. In our defense, they’re really great dogs. Well, most of the time. But they’re awfully cute.

A lot of folks love their Labs and Lab mixes as much as we do, so I found a few fun gift picks for the black Lab lover!

1. Classic Longsleeve Tee, The Black Dog. Bob and I both have tees from The Black Dog. They’re so soft and comfy, and just so fun!

2. Labrador Door Hanger, ForPetesSake Pottery. Y’all, I love this! It goes ahead and warns people that I’m a crazy dog lady before they even enter my home. ForPetesSake Pottery is run by the sweetest lady, Susan Brown, who just happens to be my neighbor here in St. Matthews.

3. (and 7) Labrador Bourbon Barrel Hanger, Drunkwood. Another great local present! Drunkwood’s owner, John King, makes the most gorgeous installations from used barrel heads. So, so fun!

4. Black Lab Cufflinks, Smathers & Branson. I feel like these need to be Bob’s Christmas present from Max, don’t y’all??

5. Black Lab Needlepoint Hat, Smathers & Branson. I have this in pink which, sadly, is a color they no longer offer. It’s perfect for taking Max and Soph for a walk!

6. Campfire Mug, The Black Dog. I mean, sooooo cute.

What’s your favorite dog breed? Do you

My Favorite Cashmere Sweater

Photo © Space, Place & Southern Grace.

Sweater: Charter Club by Macy’s; Scarf: Barbour (old; similar here); Bracelet: Kendra Scott

My very favorite sweaters are on serious sale at Macy’s right now, and I just wanted to share the secret with y’all! I love these solid, crewneck sweaters for pairing with everything from jeans to dressy skirts. I try to pick up a couple every year; with proper care, they make a comfortable and luxe wardrobe item at a very reasonable price! The red will be the perfect touch for upcoming holiday events!

I wore this blush pink sweater and matching wrap to Churchill Downs last month. I swear, people kept touching my arm because the cashmere was so soft!

Sweater and Wrap: Charter Club by Macy’s; Skirt: Talbots; Boots: Frye

Happy holidays and happy shopping, y’all!

How I Shop Black Friday

{This blog post contains affiliate links. HerKentucky will receive a small, per-purchase commission at no additional cause to the reader.}

Black Friday — love it or hate it, it’s the biggest shopping day of the year. While I’m not one for braving crowds, there are definitely some online sales I like to check out, both for myself for Christmas presents. Here’s a roundup of the sales I like to check out, and a few of my favorite items!

Favorite Stores

Draper James

Y’all know Draper James is one of my very favorite lines and they’re offering a rare 25% off sitewide and in-store through Monday the 26th. It’s a great time to stock up on fun holiday pieces, and I may finally pull the trigger on the Dolly tote!

Vineyard Vines

Everything is 25% off in-store and online with code HOLIDAY18! It’s a great time to stock up on fun holiday pieces and my favorites, the Louisville Stoneware mug and Cookies for Santa set!

Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott is offering a tiered Yellow Friday special — 20% off everything; 25% off purchases of $100 or more; 30% off purchases of $300 or more.

LL Bean

Take 20% off everything, and get a $10 gift card back when you spend $50. I may have already pulled the trigger on my favorite pajamas! Even better, Bean Boots are 25% off with code Boot25!

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor is always a great spot for workwear and dressy event clothing! Everything is half price with code BLACKFRIDAY!

Talbots

Talbots always has great classic pieces that wear so well. They’re offering 50% off one item through noon Friday and 40% off everything until midnight Friday.

Macy’s

I LOVE the Charter Club cashmere sweaters from Macy’s! I wore a crewneck sweater and wrap set to Churchill Downs last week, and I swear, people couldn’t stop touching the wrap. It’s just so soft!! The long-sleeved crewneck sweater is my everyday go-to in the fall and winter. It’s so simple that you can pair it with anything from a fancy skirt to jeans. Best of all, it’s $39 right now. That’s not a typo. Stock up on these, give them a little care, and they’lll last for years!

Local Favorites

Two of my very favorite local stores have some GREAT Black Friday sales you can’t miss!

Logan’s of Lexington

Y’all know I love Logan’s of Lexington, and they have 25% off everything in store! My True Grit Pullover is down to $98!

Stoneware & Company

Stoneware is offering 10% off your entire purchase, with 15% off purchases of $250 or more. It’s a great time to stock up on serving pieces and place settings!

Happy Shopping, y’all!!!

Logan's of Lexington Holiday Gift Guide

Have y’all been to the new Logan’s of Lexington in Lexington Green?

Of course, longtime Lexingtonians know that Logan’s is the best place for men’s suiting. It’s also a great place for preppy gifts for everyone on your holiday list! I’ve teamed up with Logan’s to show y’all some of my very favorite gift ideas. There’s something for your husband, dad, son — and maybe even yourself! The best part? Use code HERKENTUCKY on your online order, and you’ll get 20% off! (This includes Barbour, y’all! I’m pretty excited!)

Clockwise from top left: True Grit Half Zip | Vineyard Vines Basketball Tee | Barbour Scarf | Barbour Fair Isle Sweater | Vineyard Vines Kentucky Tee | Smathers & Branson Kroger Field Needlepoint Wallet | Smathers & Branson Rupp Arena Wallet | Smathers & Branson UK Cufflinks | Barbour Bedale Jacket | SEC Baseball Cap | Barbour Flask

I’ve picked out some great pieces that I know HerKentucky readers will love — needlepoint, UK, Barbour, Vineyard Vines, and more! My personal favorite is this True Grit pullover. I wore it to the UK football game on Saturday, and it was so snuggly and warm! Y’all will love it!

 

The 20% off code lasts through the end of November and is online only. Happy shopping, y’all!

{Thanks so much to Logan’s for sponsoring this post and extending this discount to HerKentucky readers! All opinions are my own!}