I Don't Have a Thing to Wear: The Psychology of Your Closet [Paperback]

The real interest of the book lies in the psychological approach. The autors work with the idea that clothes are emotional stuff hence why you can buy clothes for a fabulous event when you lack a social life, or cheap clothes even if you can afford more expensive ones or "need" to go shopping even when youre broke, why you always seem to end buying things you dont like or need.

Some of the stuff is a bit un-original like parts on how to plan a wardrobe depending on how you spend yout time, how to find your fashion persona, if your clasic, natural.... some basic data on line, proportions (nothing to compare to Leah Feldon's Does this make me look fat?).
But some are original and intriguing ideas like how to find how do you relate to money and wealth, what are your spending habits, what kind os shopper you are, whats your self image and how it affects your shopping habits..

Yet it is hard to part with these things. You never know when the weight will drop off. The big shoulder pad look will come back in style. A fuzzy sweater will come in handy to lend to your mom when she vists. The red vest will cheer the residents of the nursing home up when you go there. The Smithsonian will want to display the first suit you ever wore.

And despite having all these goodies in your wardrobe, its hard to find anything to wear! That was my dilemma till I lucked into finding the book, "I Don't Have A Thing To Wear".

The book begins by having you describe your "circle of life". What activities do you do each day. I realized for example I had a dozen or so gorgeous beaded dresses hanging in my closet, but I hadn't gone to a very formal occasion in years.
Yet for lunching out with friends which I do fairly frequently I didn't have many pairs of nice slacks and usually resorted to dressing up my jeans.

Once you figure out what you do. You can then plan your closet so you have clothes to meet your needs. Judie and Jackie hold your hand as you clean your closet. Inspired by the pair, I was ruthless. Most of the beaded dresses set for the consignment shop, other garments for the women's shelter, some to charity, others earmarked for auction.

They also recommend hanging slacks on clipped hangers not folded. This tip alone had my closet looking sleeker in seconds.
By the time the dust had cleared, my closet had only wearable garments in it.

I also started a box with thin clothes. Clothes I loved but just did not fit and I did not want to part with. If they dont fit in 6 months they are gone.

After your closet purge, Judie and Jackie go on to tell you how to make a beeline for the clothes that will work for you in the stores by learning what clothes will suit your body proportions. Learning this will save you hours of time. They also teach you why you should shop from "the bottom up".

The authors also describe dressing styles, shopping on the internet tips, master plans and more.

Another excellent book on bringing your closet into harmony with your life is, "Simple Isn't Easy" by Amy Fine Collins and Olivia Goldsmith. But the Collins/Goldsmith book is out of print and pricey when you find it.
"I Don't Have A Thing To Wear" by Taggart and Walker is inexpensively priced and will do wonders for your wardrobe if you follow the advice.

The proof is in my closet!
Lee Mellott