So, today Blueprint for Style is bringing out the big guns and giving you a few keep tips to prepare your closet (and your wallet) for spring:

1. Make space on your floor (or bed)
2. Grab your tees, shirts and tops — anything with a stain whether on the front, back, side or underarm goes in the first pile called ‘Trash” (it’s no good to anyone….)
3. Now get hold of all of your jeans as they are a wardrobe staple for most (even the ones in the back of the closet) — try them on.  If you have trouble getting them past your knee, put them in the second pile called “Takeaways” (they’re great for someone just not you).  If you can get them past your knee and up most of your thigh but then you start to lose oxygen flow, then put them in the “Takeaways” pile as well unless you’ve signed up for a gym membership already!  If you can jump into your jeans and sitting down reveals more than it should, then put those in the third pile called “Tailor” (it’s the person that will make your clothes look custom-made and 100% better).
4. Suits are next — if you have more than seven suits in rotation that are wool gabardine or crepe, or the likes, you’re lucky!  Any suits with permanently-attached fuzz balls, tearing, appears to have been stretched just past the point of return, or are from your “very first job”, let them go…to the Trash pile!  Suits that are too big, go to the Tailor pile; and ones that are more than a 1/2 size to small, go to the Takeaways pile!
5. Let your shoes get to steppin’ if they make your feet hurt after wearing them for more than two hours, were a sale purchase that you just “couldn’t turn down even though they were a 1/2 size too big and give you blisters”, are a hand-me-down that you took knowing you didn’t love them (so why was the other person itching to get rid of them?), or require some MacGyver-style handwork to leave the house.  If they can be re-soled, let’s put them in the ‘Tailor pile (really a Cobbler pile but….you get the picture!)
6. Dresses — work the same as suits.  Too big = Tailor pile; too small & tattered = Trash pile; and too tight but nice = Takeaways pile.

If you’ve done this correctly, you should have three piles dispersed throughout your room — a fairly small Trash pile, a fairly small Tailor pile, and a pretty hefty Takeaways pile.  The Takeaways should either go to charity (shelters first, then Goodwill or Salvation Army) or consignment (great stuff that someone else will pay to have…and pay you to have)!

If all this seems a little overwhelming or perhaps, your piles consist of only three or four items then you’ve missed something.  Call your friendly Image Consultant & Personal Stylist who can not only schedule a Closet Overhaul to make space and sense of your wardrobe but, can bring partners who have the know-how when it comes to Closet Organization!

It’s ideal in color, cut, material (3% spandex), and styling [available XS - XL]!!

Since the site is “fire”, Blueprint for Style decided to partner with Crazy Hot Clothes to do a giveaway!!  Starting today thru Friday at 2pm EST, you can be entered to win this vintage multi-strand gold necklace simply by (1) registering on the Crazy Hot Clothes website and (2) answering the question posed in the Contest section, “What was Alexander McQueen’s full name and how young was he at his passing?“. 

You can, of course, get an additional entry and increase your odds of winning by (a) following Blueprint for Style and Crazy Hot Clothes on twitter, and another entry by (b) following Blueprint for Style and Crazy Hot Clothes on Facebook!

Show some love for Crazy Hot Clothes….or at least enter to win the beautiful vintage multi-strand necklace!!

Swirl by Daily Candy is having a sale on leatherwear designer, Lyndsey Butler’s goods called Veda….and might I say, she has nailed this ‘tough chic’ feel in her jackets.  There are 11 different styles with prices ranging from $179 – $399. Please click and check them out — the one pictured is called the King Jacket and is going for a cool $319.  You can rock this well into spring with some jeans, leggings, maxi dress, skirt, or whatever suits your fancy!

This Lorna shoe by Hive & Honey brings us one step closer to savvy and a huge leap closer toward spring, and all for just $89!  The color is called “makeup”: it has a 4-inch platform, an almond-shaped toe, and a reptile print! 

For all of us in need of just a hint or glimmer of spring, try this shoe with a skinny pair of jeans, a boyfriend blazer, and a frilly top — or try your Friday-casual straight-leg chinos and an oversized cream sweater with a bright scarf….

Good luck!