Kathi,

My hall closet is always a mess! It’s full of coats and shoes and just about everything else. What can I do?

Jean, Encinitas

Jean

The word for the day today is optimize! The average 4×3 foot small hall closet can multi-purpose effortlessly with a little planning. Add shelves and drawers on one side of this closet. Install a rod on the other side for your warm coats.

You can also include a hanging shoe rack or shelves to organize your shoes on the floor below the coats. Consider adding a floor safe or fireproof box on the floor under the hanging clothes if there is still enough room.

If your stereo isn’t already stowed behind closed doors, consider creating a space for it and your CD collection. It’s very easy to run wires through the walls out to your speakers. Use this project to move your speakers off the floor if they aren’t already hanging. Moving your stereo up and out of the way is a great way to add space to your living area.

Build shelves for your CD’s beside the stereo space and add a few drawers below. Shelves running above the stereo can hold photo albums. The drawers below can be used for a multitude of purposes. My personal favorite is to store gifts. Imagine being able to have all of your pre-bought gifts, wrapping paper and cards all in one space!
Most importantly PURGE! If your not using it get rid if it. If you’re not using or wearing it but you want to hold on to it for some sentimental reason get rid of it.

The feeling of exhilaration from ridding yourself of this clutter will far outweigh any emotional attachment.

A small closet that I’ve designed for a client has all of these features. It houses the stereo system, CD collection, photo albums, winter coats, important documents and gifts all-in-one and functions beautifully!

Kathi,

I would like to buy some boots this season. Should I buy them short or tall? I also have a hard time deciding what to wear with my boots once I have them. Are there any standard rules of thumb to follow?

Paula, Encinitas

Paula,

Boots can present a challenge when you are deciding what to wear. One safe choice is to wear longer skirts or slacks with short ankle boots. Short boots and short skirts went out with Madonna’s ‘Material Girl’ image.

If you only wish to purchase only one pair this season, buy tall boots. They are more versatile and will go with almost any length of skirt or dress or pants.

Hi Kathi,

I am 26 and have been in a corporate job for over two years. I feel ready to apply for a managerial position with my company. I know that I need to dress more “corporate” and would like to hear your suggestions regarding what clothing I should buy.

Lindsay, Oceanside

Lindsay,

A mix-and-match wardrobe of separates, suits and two-piece dresses will provide the most mileage as you work your way up the corporate ladder.
To assemble a professional wardrobe, look for power colors - dark and rich. Avoid pastels, subdued and lighter colors.
Make sure to invest in quality fabrics and clothing with clean simple lines. These standards make shopping more time consuming but will always pay off in terms of fashion and durability.

Wear natural fabrics combined with non-trendy accessories. Your accessories should include classic leather handbags, briefcases and shoes.

Overall, go for an uncluttered look. This means simplicity and sophistication in design and lines, fabric and print. Keep your hair and makeup simple and understated. Let your hardwork and dedication become the focus at your workplace and you will attract your promotion.
Remember in the corporate world your wardrobe is more than a fashion statement. If you dress like a manager the people who do the promoting will have an easier time viewing you as a manager. If you still dress like Gidget you will more than likely be rewarded with a challenging career in the mailroom.

Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner based in San Diego California.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
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San Diego Professional Organizer