STYLE BY SONECA

IMPROVE YOUR LIFE. CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET.

BY soneCa guaDara

Organizing your closet is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It allows you to get rid of the old and make space for the new. The “new” could simply be items you rediscover in your closet. You might think it is an impossible task, but by following a certain structure and a few simple steps, you will have a brand-new closet in no time.

A simple “Cleanse of Your Closet” creates a shift in your mindset, and – believe it or not – kickstarts healthy wellness. Clutter is often a time of stress and can affect every facet of your life – from the time it takes you to do things, to your finances and your overall enjoyment of life. Clutter can distract you, weigh you down and it invites chaos into your life. Tackling something as simple as your closet can reduce so much stress and help you on that right path to wellness.

Follow this simple to-do list to improve your life immediately:

• Empty out your entire closet. • Look at what you have. What are you still wearing? What no longer fits or suits your lifestyle? • Separate your clothes into piles of what to keep, what to donate and what to alter and/or repair. • Start trying on the items you want to keep. If they no longer fit, add it to the donate pile. • Once you are left with only items that you will keep, start organizing your items into style. • Make sure you get your clothes in the repair pile altered at the tailor straight away.

To maintain your closet, every time you buy something new, an item must come out of your closet. Meaning, new items must replace existing items. Another good rule of thumb is to put or hang everything back once you have worn it, instead of leaving it on the floor. Turn all your hangers the same way, then once you have worn an item, return it to your closet with the hanger facing the opposite direction. This allows you to see which items you have not worn in a while, questioning whether they still serve a purpose in your closet. If not, take it out; if yes, plan to wear soon.

When you stay consistent and stick to these decluttering tips, you will find yourself less stressed and, I promise, a lot happier. This may lead you to declutter other areas of your home.

Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who makes her clients feel beautiful and confident. Soneca can be found working backstage at New York Fashion Week, working on location shoots and contributing as an on-air fashion/style expert and style writer.

DON’T LET WINTER WAGE WAR ON YOUR SKIN

When temperatures cool and you start layering on more clothes, you may think your skin is better protected since it’s less exposed to the elements. However, that’s not always the case. Cold, dry winter air can take quite a toll on your skin.

Your skin naturally produces oils that help keep skin supple and soft, but you may need a helping hand if you notice signs of dry skin like redness, itching or irritation. Serious symptoms include flakes and cracks, which can be painful and lead to infection, so it’s important to address any problems before they progress that far with simple tips like these.

DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS

Even when it’s cooler outdoors and you may be sweating less, you can still get dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your whole body hydrated so your skin isn’t pulling from limited resources.

TREAT PROBLEM SPOTS BE SMART ABOUT THE SUN

The sun’s rays may not feel as hot on your skin, but that doesn’t mean they’re not causing damage. Always use sunscreen when you’ll be outdoors for extended periods of time. Also remember snow acts like water and can reflect the sun’s rays back on your skin, which may cause burns.

DRESS WITH CARE

Hands, elbows and especially feet are common danger zones when it comes to dry skin. To eliminate layers of dry skin on feet, try an option like the Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File, which smooths hard skin effortlessly using micro-abrasive particles made with finely ground diamond crystals. When selecting your wardrobe, be conscious of how long your skin will be exposed and do your best to cover it, especially if it’s cold or windy. Pay attention to the fabric, as certain types of material can be more drying and irritating. Cotton, silk and cashmere are skin-friendly fabric options.

Find more tips for winter skin care at amope.com.