Closet Overhaul
What is it about this time of year (besides the barrage of fall fashions in the magazines) that makes me hate my closet? Was just chatting with she she me last week, and she is in the same boat despite being in a new town, which makes pretty much everything in your closet new, to a degree. I'm convinced that along with the pages and pages of glamorous fall dresses, Victorian blouses and embellished jackets (excuse me, but Zac Posen's embroidered creation makes me weak; page 146 in July's Bazaar for all my fashion junkies) that I've begun to save for, it is simply just time for a complete overhaul of my closet. You know the drill - retiring weathered tanks, making sure you have both pointy and round-toe black pumps, replacing your trusty, always-in style fitted button-down with an even chic er one, checking denim lines and, um, sizes - generally giving the room with the highest value per square inch in your home a face lift.

It's really a good exercise in learning to let go, as well as a time to admonish yourself for impulse purchases with tags still attached - am so hating that striped halter I bought just to ensure the a former college 'mate' didn't end up with it - and plot out your plan of attack for fall and next spring. In the old days, before the great desertion, she she me and I would make a day of it, starting off with lattes and Krispy Kremes, then moving to Mojitos and brie (an unlikely combo, I know). Being solo this year, I popped in some John Legend, blocked off several hours for research and only got a half-dozen of the KK's.

Items you should have regardless of season:

• Full skirts. Every girl should have a few of these warm-weather must-haves. A great skirt paired with a tank never gets old. Change it up with your footwear and accessories. (Speaking of accessories, don't stow your wood or turq yet; looks like those boho staples are sticking around for early fall.) Cooler weather usually leads to slimmer, more tailored skirts (paired with boots is my fave fall look), which are equally important to maintain a well-rounded closet.
• Trouser jeans. If you can bear denim trials in this heat, you can't go wrong with wide-leg, almost pant-like jeans.
• A great jacket. It will be the end of your quandaries about what to throw on over your tank, tee or blouse. If you were lucky enough to snag one of Chanel's tweed masterpieces, you're set for life. If not, look to lesser, but equally chic lines like La Rok (www.vermillionstyle.com), Nanette Lepore, or even Banana Republic.
• A coat that is perfect for cocktails and parties. If I had my way, this Easton Pearson jewel would be hanging in my closet. I swear it is the last thing on one's mind when dressing for that swanky social gathering, but the wrong outerwear can RUIN an outfit. (Okay, maybe not ruin, but who wants to be that girl wearing the less-than-chic coat over the fabu dress? Not I.)
• Tailored trousers are never out of style and what else can go to the office, dinner, theater and a slew of other places? It's important to own a well-made pair in the correct size (i.e. trousers should not fit like jeans) for all seasons. Stick with what you know when it comes to pants - I'm a Theory devotee and they've never steered me wrong.
• Pumps are a year-round staple in any and every closet. I operate under (and truly believe in) the mantra that you can never have too many pairs.
• And for the times when you're not teetering in stilettos, you'll need some a fabulous flats. These feet-friendly soles are here to stay. Metallics for year-round (I still live for my MJ silver gems), a chic, but prim black pair for fall, and a fun, bright pair for spring.
• Knockout dresses. I know that pontificating about owning one dress for all occasions would be a touch hypocritical. Let's face it, there's probably a good 7 (conservatively) to 22 (for those of you/us with problems) in our closets. Just be sure to have one for each occasion - dinner with the parents, in-laws, business lunch, wedding, casual cookout and several for first dates.
• Don't overlook lingerie either. What goes beneath your ensemble is just as important - any girl worth her Cosabella's knows that.

Standards like button-downs, cashmere V-neck in black and charcoal (chicly layered over button-downs), a black tank and that perfect white T go without saying. Do be sure to replace those that look too worn to be seen in public - I can't stand seeing a graying T on an otherwise chic girl in her twirties.

Until next month. Good luck rounding out your closets!

Shop Girl.