2 STEPS TO GET YOUR WARDROBE IN TOP SHAPE FOR SUMMER

Is this you looking for something in your closet? It doesn't have to be this way. Here is a 2-step plan for creating "zen" in your closet.

1. SORT BY SEASONALITY, TYPE AND COLOR

If you don't have enough space to have all of your clothes and shoes accessible (most people don't), then keep just two seasons available -- spring and summer -- to accommodate variable weather conditions (warm one day, cool the next).

Clean and put away the fall and winter clothes -- under the bed, high up on the back of a shelf, or in storage outside of the bedroom.

Purge and donate as you go through the process. Evaluate each piece and ask, "Do I love it?", "Does it look great on me?", "Does it fit?", "Does the color suit me?", "Is it in fashion?", "Do I wear it?" If you cannot answer "yes" to all of these questions, then donate it.

2. CONSOLIDATE / ORGANIZE

Keep likes with likes to make it easy to find things quickly and assess your inventory.

Sort the current two seasons by type (work v. play) -- dresses, pants, shorts, skirts, shirts, light jackets, workout.

Then sort by color. Sounds a bit OCD but if you are needing a white blouse, for example, they will all be in the same place and easy to choose from.

Get your shoes off the floor! Use hanging shoe bags

on the clothes rod and/or on the inside of the closet door.

Put all belts together - in a drawer, a basket, or on a belt hanger.

Put all scarves together -- in a basket, in a drawer, or on a scarf hanger.

Use felt hangers to save rod space and create a beautiful and quiet look in your closet.

Use the inside of your closet doors -- either with hanging shoe bags, hooks or elfa baskets from The Container Store.

Use your ingenuity for storage ideas.

And have a great summer!