Fall.

Fall has officially started.

Traditionally once the kids return to school it has been the time to pull out fall winter clothing and put summer things away. Thankfully, we have moved away from the arbitrary rules of the past. If summer weather persists we dress for the weather and continue to wear our sandals and cottons. Inevitably cooler weather will arrive and we’ll have to make that switch from our spring/summer wardrobe to fall/winter.

This season offers us a special opportunity to not only organize our wardrobes but also to help those in need. First as you sort your summer attire, eliminate the items that you won’t wear again. Don’t keep items just for the sake of having a full closet. As a result of hurricane’s Francis, Jenny, Carl, and Ivan there is a desperate need for the items you don’t want or need any more. People have lost everything and your discards can be useful. No need to fill guilty about eliminating your excess summer wardrobe items. You’ll be doing a good deed and helping the disaster victims and your own closet will be neater and better organized once you have culled the excess. There are drop off centers set up to take these summer clothes and other items . For more information you can call The Grenadian Consulate @416-595-1339 or your local Red Cross.

The other side of this coin is that you can also help your Canadian neighbors who are in need. As you assess your fall/winter wardrobe think of the cold winter days when a pair of gloves, a scarf, hat, jacket or coat, in fact any winter apparel will be needed here and appreciated by some one less fortunate. Often we hoard more than we can use. It might make it easier to let extra items go if you know that these items won’t be wasted. There are shelters and charity organizations that will gladly take your discards and distribute them. Do make certain that what you give is clean and in good repair.

Need instructions on how to clean your closet and make an easy transition? Send a self addressed envelope and I’ll gladly send you a "closet organizer" instruction sheet for reference. In the meantime if you want to get started examine your summer wardrobe and put all the items you are certain you’ll never wear again into a bag or box and donate it. Do the same as you examine your fall/winter items.

As you prepare for the upcoming season remember that what your wear is your statement to the world. Each item of clothing in your closet should contribute to your overall personal statement. Your clothes should fit your physical body, mind, heart and lifestyle needs. If you do it right you will always be comfortable and dressed appropriate for all the activities in you life.

Building a wardrobe that feels great and speaks positively is its own reward. Take your time build your basics and select your accents and accessories carefully – remember they speak!