Access Your Accessories

Today starts an MCL series on organization.

Behind Closed Drawers

I realize that not everyone out there shares my particular affinity for a well organized closet or pantry, but I believe that might be becuase you don’t realize how much being organized could change your life. No seriously… when pieces of your life are in chaos, it becomes symptom of a greater issue. The clutter grows and multiplies and only causes more mess (be it physical, emotional, financial, what have you). On the contrary, getting a handle on the clutter can do WONDERS for your disposition.

We’re going to start with the closet… the essence of your sartorial persona. Specifically, the jewelry drawer. Ladies (and gents) listen up…  YOU WILL NOT WEAR IT IF YOU CAN’T FIND IT!! And in this economy, you’d be shocked about how organizing, categorizing, and taking stock of what you have already can make you feel like you’ve doubled your wardrobe without spending any cash.

Chain Gang

I’m lucky enough to have two drawers specifically devoted to my jewelry, a luxury for an accessory whore like me! (special thanks to my uber-talented carpenter father-in-law) but today’s re-org project was all about necklaces. I HATE when my necklaces get tangled… I hear my mother’s chiding voice in my head “you don’t deserve nice things if you don’t take care of them” so I finagled my own set up here. I lined my drawer with cork (a whole roll from target was maybe $7) and this allowed me to put in sweet notes from my husband or that tear-out of the Versace shoes I covet, or an inspiring quote (“well-behaved women seldom make history”). Though the real reason behind the cork is that it works so well to hold everything in place… I simply organized by style, color, etc. and laid each piece out neatly and then pinned them in place with thumbtacks (otherwise every time I close the drawer they slide all over hell and Georgia!).

Having a place for everything (and everything in its place) means less time searching for the perfect pendant and more freedom to mix and match and pair things you might not have thought of before. Also, it’s amazing how getting just a small piece of your life in order makes you feel so accomplished and in control.

What about you Chic Readers, any of you rocking well-organized (aka OCD) jewelry drawers like me??