Book Excerpt: The Many Phases Of Eve

It's the morning routine: tumble out of bed, put on the coffee, and stand under the shower jets hoping to wake up. Betcha I know what you are thinking! "What am I going to wear today?" The closet doors open - if only something great would just jump out and jump on (clothing, that is) and solve the dilemma.

Oh, no doubt you have a few great pieces.There is the designer black skirt still hanging with the tags on (you'll wear it soon; you're working on losing those last few pounds), a purple tank that just needs something to go over it, classy navy pants (must get them hemmed), yada, yada, yada.

Do I dare say it: "A closet full of clothes and nothing to wear!" You are a most incredible example of the female species if you have never thought or uttered this comment before. How does this phenomenon happen? We will answer most of these strange questions in our closet- cleaning chapter, Clutterless, but you will be pleased to discover there is a missing ingredient each closet desperately needs.

The missing ingredient: determining your Clothing Lifestyle(s),for the here and now. This allows you to create a wardrobe that works. Gone are the days when you were categorized as a classic, romantic, dramatic, trendy, sporty - bor-r-ring. How old-fashioned is that? You have occasions to be all of those in your life.

For some, romantic can mean pretty and pink, for others it can mean black and beautiful. You may feel sporty in jeans and a crisp white shirt, while your best friend loves a big sweater over tights. Classic may be a tailored skirted suit, but your colleague may prefer a trendy, cropped pantsuit.

So the last century concepts stay there. And did I mention, so does the term classic? Classy is the new motto - tailored or trendy - classy speaks pizzazz.

To have a wardrobe that works for you, your clothes need to reflect your daily activities. The good news is, as you evolve into each new stage of your life your clothing transforms with you. The clothing you wore five years ago is, or should be, outdated. Chances are your clothing needs and styles will differ again, a couple of years from now.

You may retire from an executive position and have a closet full of suits. Hang on to one or two, because a suit is a staple in any wardrobe, but what is the point of keeping them all?

C'mon Eve, I want you to really think about this. You can try and give me a reason your closet reveals your life history, but for every reason, I will give you a rebuttal (and a referral to the Clutterless chapter).

Oh? Would some of your reasons be ...

• I spent so much money on my suits.Good, I bet you were polished and professional in your corporate days. Since you have retired, your occasions for suits are few and far between. Certainly keep one or two, but imagine how grateful a single, working mom would be, purchasing your suits at a second-hand store.
• I won 't have anything to wear.You are not wearing most of the clothes in your closet anyways; why hang on to mistakes that are creating confusion and clutter?
• I might need them some day. Define "some day". By the time your "some day" comes around, chances are your clothes will be out of style.

The following chart will allow you to list your day-to-day, week-to- week commitments for the next month, and sensibly examine your wardrobe needs. Career, kids, classes, clubs, gym - any or all of the above.

Another dated notion was a generic list of what a basic wardrobe should include. According to whom? Each of us differs in our choice of lifestyles,careers,and interests (not to mention our shapes). How can we possibly give a one-list-fits-all?

Enter The Style File's Clothing Lifestyles - a refreshing new approach to determine your current wardrobe needs. No more plunking you in a category and leaving you there. This system changes along with the many phases of your life. Well, that is too darn easy!

Let's look at the five Clothing Lifestyles and see which one(s) fit into your current regime. Most women have a "business" lifestyle and a "casual" lifestyle. For some, the two may intertwine. There is no right or wrong - just what works for you ...

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