Mini Closet Declutter & Personal Style Tips I Learned | Slow Fashion

[@sallyg2139]

Who else just wants Alyssa to be their best friend? Gorgeous, funny, clever, grounded and honest. What’s not to love?

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Oh my goodness thank you for the incredibly kind comment I take it to heart ❤️ and I do feel like we are friends!! 🤗

[@susantaylor7195]

I do! I do!

[@rachelmaxwell5953]

Ha! I literally had that same thought while watching this video 😆💝

[@khalidgustavo5903]

instaBlaster...

[@cindymichelotti1719]

she would be so cool to hang out with!

[@sharonsvendsen6959]

The lesson of getting out of your comfort zone vs. not being yourself was a great distinction.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you! It was a light bulb moment for me too! xx

[@Asyma88]

I loved it too ♥️

[@nic1213f]

I really liked this video, great idea to wear your “maybe” clothes around the house and then deciding, instead of it being on the hanger and it constantly being a “maybe”.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Yes! I thought it was a good way to expedite that waiting process! Thanks for watching xx

[@judithbrighton3040]

After 25 years of trying to find business wear I didn’t hate - not my “style” - my lifestyle has changed, my body type has moved from slim rectangle to slightly more hourglass, and I’m now 65. My personal sands have never stopped shifting! And finding my way in all this is so interesting! This was a helpful exploration of the right questions to ask when deciding what to keep and not. TY!

[@irairod5160]

Judith, I loved your phrase "my personal sands have never stopped shifting." What beautiful imagery!

[@ozywomandius2290]

Thanks for inviting us into your process! That yellow turtleneck is definitely you, glad the bra issue got sorted! I was rooting for the cream v neck, but I too have had issues with too-deep v’s. And if I put on a tee under somehow it looks frumpy and even jewelry can’t save it it...why?! 🤔. Life’s clothing mysteries. As someone who’s been thru multiple rounds of closet clearing over the years, including a hard-core Kondo a few years ago, I must offer this caveat to younger declutter-ers: you will regret letting some of your things go. So if you go round and round about something, but your main objection is that you don’t wear it (and it kind of breaks your heart to part with it), give it a year or two and see if it fits what your style evolves into. I’ve had items I’ve held onto which I received as gifts when I was younger, which have become beloved pieces down the road. I’m not anti-declutter by any means, but no-waste can also involve meeting our clothing needs down the road (provided we have the space.). And the piece which inspired my two cents here: your lovely culottes! 😢 they looked so great on you! I’m sure they’ll make someone’s day. 🙂

[@janicevin4207]

You are right: I have let go of clothes only because I was bored wearing them but they were still in good shape and even classic pieces. Now I put these in my basement till I am ready again to wear them.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

This is incredible advice thank you so much for sharing! :) and i love the term you coined - life's clothing mysteries!! So true! Thank you so much for watching and sharing! xx

[@candicewaller403]

That's great advice, Bonnie! I'll have to keep that in mind the next time I purge. I can't really say that I have any regrets so far. But, as I acquire better made and longer-wearing clothes, I can certainly see the benefit in putting otherwise wearable and lovely clothes aside until the inevitable change in lifestyle or personal style. I'm 35 and have changed what I like to wear more times than I care to count.

[@katec9893]

I just wanted to add that wearing a thin, close fitting scoop neck or v neck long-sleeved top under sweaters is how I get round any of them looking inappropriate. It would also work with a short sleeved top, the key is that it needs to be close fitting so it doesn't look bulky under the sweater. I also agree about how we can regret de cluttering certain items, I have regretted giving away some items so I'm more careful with what I give away now.

[@flavia9464]

I loved this video!!!!! About the Sézane sweater, there is something I always think about when I see this kind of garment: “is it really for winter????” because you can have a soft and warm fabric/knit but then you have also aaaaall your back/chest exposed. Sézane has a lot of pieces like this and although I really appreciate their fashion, I always struggle about pieces like this one. It’s like wearing a fluffy sweater with short skirt and boots but without cozy and warm tights, it doesn’t make sense to me HAHAHAH.

[@michelehlim]

I love Alyssa's catwalk and her unpretentious attitude to fashion and especially slow fashion and minimizing waste!! Thank you Alyssa!

[@andolique1075]

Alyssa: invest & keep items that show off what you love most about yourself Me: invests in a duvet

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

This made me lol hope you're doing well xx

[@pia9343]

I’m on a market for a good one. West Elm has one that I am dying to get but the cost is $175, would be almost forever but still...l.. Any suggestions? Need a natural material, no more polyester.

[@repa49]

I just LOVE the yellow turtleneck! Yellow is my favourite colour!!! Excellent video and suggestions.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@JeanFB16]

What a fantastic video! Thanks for walking us through your thought processes for each item. Sometimes I put something on and just blankly stare while making no decision whatsoever, or I suffer from "analysis paralysis" which is why it's in the "maybe" pile to begin with 😂. You've given me some good tips as to how to go about the decision-making process and truly deliberate with purpose. Love what you've chosen!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

I'm so glad you liked it! haha analysis paralysis is real and happens to the best of us! So glad you liked it thanks for watching! xx

[@Bejewelle88]

Glad you kept the 'chambray' shirt!

[@tuxedoneko9837]

Omg! I have been doing the same during this quarantine. Pick one maybe item and wear it all day. Then decide if it is a keeper or not. Btw, that yellow is beautiful on you.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Haha great minds! Thanks for watching :)

[@EmA-sm8se]

I've been doing the same! I'm also testing different outfit combinations along with trying to style my silk scarves more.

[@lb4lov]

The Sezane sweater can be warn with a pretty cami. It will give you extra warmth plus cover your décolletage..

[@dianamccarthy2377]

I love how you went about this declutter!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

yay! So glad you liked it!

[@Lesley4634]

Love the yellow and the cream, a cami maybe vs a bralette?

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Yes I thought of that but then felt that I lose the lines of the beautiful v ... Perhaps a cami with lace ... Thanks for watching! xx

[@hopenield8234]

Loved the way you portrayed how personal a decision it has to be. Lots of people posting about how they could have made a garment you let go work for them... but they aren’t you. It’s the kinds of questions to ask that make this video so useful. Luckily we’re not all the same so we’re going to have very different answers to those questions. Wish I’d seen some of this material when I was younger! In my 50’s now, I’ve only recently realised that what matters is how I feel about my clothes and I don’t have to keep anything that I don’t feel confident, comfortable and happy wearing.

[@alisonc4363]

Love the lace arm sweater! I'd wear it with a tank top under it, or maybe a long sleeve tee.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thanks Alison! I've tried this and sadly it looks a bit frumpy and not right as I think it messes with the lines of the v ... thank you for watching! xx

[@mon_avis2978]

I loved your stream-of-consciousness toward a "Should I keep it?" decision. Five garments were just enough to get a feel for how you decide: each candidate gets one last day before its fate is decided. Please do another for Spring/Summer, if you haven't already!

[@carolannnoble3981]

Thank you - this was sooo helpful! Reiterating what many of us go thru/say to ourselves was an eye opener - seeing ourselves outside ourselves brought me a lot of clarity. Thanks again!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you Carol, lots of eye openers for me too! I'm glad you found it useful :) thanks for watching!

[@candicewaller403]

I loved your tip about things that don't suit your lifestyle. I used to keep a lot of clothing for activities I never actually did, like beachwear and cocktail dresses. I hate the beach and never go to fancy cocktail parties, lol.

[@kathysteele3071]

Alyssa, I really appreciate your honesty and the time you took to share just how to determine keepers. I have things I WANT to wear, but don’t. I will try your technique.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

I'm so gald you liked the video Kathy thanks for watching! xx

[@BookTalksWithMrsThomas]

I would try that low cut white sweater over the Olive shirt/body suit that was under the short sleeve wrangler.

[@trishecoole8421]

Love this! I like the idea of wearing an item for the day to really see how you feel about it, instead of just trying it on

[@shiva5287]

Loved this video! Such a good way of reframing/finding the silver lining in all of this and using it as an opportunity to reassess pieces in your wardrobe. I've also been using this time to try to rediscover, wear, and style jewelry (I have so much that I never use!) to see if it feels like "me" -- it's nice to have such a low stakes way to try things out since no one will really see it. I'm finding that I can take things off my shopping list that I've rediscovered in my own collection! Thanks for all your content -- love all of it and it's been so helpful in my journey!

[@drikool3597]

Glad you kept the yellow turtleneck, one of the best colours I have seen so far for you, contrary to the one you used for showing your final choices. Many thanks for your videos, useful and entertaining.

[@sylvierozon3402]

So happy you kept the yellow sweater. It look so good on you!

[@juliegovier6570]

Great idea for checking if something still has a place in your wardrobe. Thanks

[@bipashachakraborty6938]

Thank god you kept the yellow piece..it is so beautiful..and as always..great ideas!!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Haha thanks Bipasha I'm glad you approve! And thank you for watching Xx

[@Keapix]

I love day two’s sweater. It’s the perfect level of plunge for me, and I love the feminine detailing on the sleeves. I haven’t been able to find anything like it for years, so am stuck with unflattering crew necks. I can totally understand why it didn’t work for you though! I’m going to give this a go with my maybes... thanks for sharing these tips.

[@freefallingintograce4634]

Such wonderful tips, Alyssa! The yellow turtleneck looks amazing on you! So glad you kept both pieces...I found it very interesting to listen to your talk through. Thanks for sharing, and have a great rest of the week! n

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

I'm so glad you liked it Natalya! Hope you're having a great week so far! xx

[@paulineredding9791]

This is such a great idea! I think I'll try this myself with some "maybes" that I can't seem to part with but also just don't ever reach for

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

I'm so glad you liked it!

[@jodycourt]

That was a great way to "test out" your Maybe pile. I would have chosen the same yeses for you. Now I need to do the same in my closet. Thanks for the idea, Alyssa.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Glad you liked the idea Jody, thanks for watching ! xx

[@marylhere]

The coulottes' pockets really made a funky silhouette...square. Didn't lay flat. That is a deal breaker for me. Pockets can't add width to my hips. I have found I prefer patch pockets over poorly place inset pockets.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

That is such an important detail! Thanks for watching Mary xx

[@marylhere]

X

[@jeannesnodgrass8073]

If the pockets aren’t necessary they can be sewed shut to keep the silhouette slim.💕

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I was going to say what Jeanne did - sewing the pockets shut would have streamlined them. Alas, not the end of the world.

[@sinnombre4357]

I saw that. I've sewn pockets before on bottoms I really liked.

[@birgitvankeymeulen9449]

2 years ago but I like this so much!!!! especially what you said about the Sezane sweater 😘.

[@dianacopeland1981]

I love the chambray shirt and black slacks!

[@martaanna3698]

Sometimes a piece can be still beautiful itself but it does not represent or compliment you anymore. And it a time to make a decision. I like the idea of wearing an item for a day . It already feels like stepping out of a comfort zone and helps in taking a decision. But probably you need a good mood day to do so, otherwise you would thow away more than just the maybe items 😉 Great video, Alyssa. Thank you as always 😘

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Great point on the mood of the day Marta - thanks for watching and sharing! xx

[@martaanna3698]

@@AlyssaBeltempo always a pleasure to watch everything from you. I have my ritual, my almost favorite part of Sunday when my husband is having a bath with our son and I watch another slow fashion video from you 😘

[@Craftytutu]

Why not sew a panel of lace across the lower section on the "V" on sweater no2. Or along the sides? 🤔Love your channel Alyssa! ❤️

[@lubrellejam2003]

Sharon Selfridge or wear a silk scarf -sad it was a no

[@reneels9756]

Wear yellow too with camel brown trousers - it looks good together

[@MLCruz13]

Good tip. I now need to go through and look at things and see which items I fidget in and constantly adjust or whatever. Really trying to hone in on my style.

[@lisbetsoda4874]

I love the yellow sweater on you. The cream sweater looks too ... uncomfortable. The chambray shirt is great

[@Nathally_QS]

Thank you for sharing this precious lessons, I'll hold on to them!

[@breannacarels6479]

Great video and approach to make these decisions. I have a hard time letting things go sometimes if I love them but they don't work for one reason or another.

[@NA-zy8yn]

Love your videos. I have a bunch of sweaters like Sezanne, mostly in wool, but also some cotton. Underneath I wear button down shirts with open collar or T shirt and a scarf. Have been doing it this way for decades, it never goes out of style.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Oh yes that is so chic!! I really love their sweaters hopefully I will find the right one ! :)

[@samiansley5740]

I really needed these tips to motivate myself to let go of my “maybes”. Thanks!

[@sashasatyadev3909]

Love the yellow top and belt combo 💛

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

So glad you liked it thank you!!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Great exercise. That yellow under black blazer. Or navy.

[@kerriuttaro6153]

So glad I found you! I’m sick of fast fashion, I am obsessed with your style, and I love that you are Italian too!! Hehe

[@louiseparisotto3630]

Purging a closet is something I have to be in the mood to do but thank you for the wonderful advise yet again!

[@shannonbardwell1125]

Love all your videos. You bring such life and joy not to mention good ideas. BTW I had a casual black sleeveless midi that I never wore because it needed something to soften the look in the summer. Today I found the perfect b & w cropped lightweight cardigan to wear with it. Only when I got to my closet and couldn't find the dress, I remembered I had donated it. Maybe lists of needs and don't needs would be a good thing.

[@Heather.C.ButterflySage]

I love the idea of spending a day in the maybes. I've been sprinkling in a bit of this tactic to my everyday wardrobe in an effort to weed out the no's. Love the inspiration.

[@kkouz45]

Such a great idea. Loved this video! But that sweater...so gorgeous on you, but when the fit is wrong, tough to move past.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

So gald you liked it Karen and glad you feel me with that white sweater - a fashion conundrum indeed!

[@v1mu]

These lessons were great, and thanks for taking us through your thought process!

[@jujugoketo3711]

Perfect time to try this. I have a few things in my closet that I "avoid", so why not figure out if they deserve to stay... Thx❤️!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Yes! That's how I felt :) thanks for watching!

[@lululopez879]

Alyssa, great tips to help us declutter of those items that although pretty may not fit our personal style to get more use out of them.

[@heidihaeni7783]

Thanks for walking us through your thought processes for dealing with the maybes. Making a decision about keeping or donating something that is sort of okay has always been tough for me. The obvious fashion don'ts are easy to spot, easy to get rid of, or to not even buy in the first place. I feel like a lot of the fashion don'ts that make their way into our closets and then sit there are actually in the maybe category. We need help identifying these items and either decide to donate them or figure out how to style them. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise. This video has been very helpful.

[@bellebb8673]

I would have paired that beautiful white sweater with a scoop neck leotard underneath. For my coloring I would have used rose or blush, and that also would have made the detailed open work in the sleeves more apparent. You could even have used the olive fitted knit you wore later in the video with it. This was a great idea, enjoyed it.

[@sarahryanthestylecoach]

Glad you kept the yellow top, it's a super colour on you! I thought you would have kept the Sezane sweater and paired it with a cami underneath? Great video :)

[@verasilva7660]

I love the black trouser.

[@susanwheeler2456]

I love your videos! They are so helpful in terms of keeping a sane, workable perspective on my wardrobe!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Yay! I'm so glad you find them helpful Susan :) thanks for watching xx

[@lisamacdonald9375]

That was a great video! Loved hearing your decision-making tree and loved the concept of wearing a "maybe" item for a full day. Keep 'em coming!

[@susanvanduyn2811]

This was brilliant. I too need to pull out what is not being worn and spend the day in them. Easy now since we are still not going out. As always thank you.

[@vanessaveeford]

That yellow turtleneck looks so good on you! I love the idea of wearing clothes from the maybe pile all day. Guess I will go pull out my yellow lace "tablecloth" dress today and give it a go. 😁 Thanks for the inspiration!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Glad you like the idea :) THanks for watching!

[@alexandraetienne9540]

I know this video is from last year but still super helpful Alyssa. Thank you. It's very educational to see how you declutter and all the thought process that goes into it.

[@SarahCunningham71]

Love the idea of a maybe basket. Definitely making room for that!

[@k.michellewatson5110]

Hi Alyssa! The deep v neck top would be great with a cashmere tank underneath. I have seen them on J. Crew. The store is closing so perhaps you could get a great deal.

[@lfkilcran]

Sorry to see the culottes go...they were incredibly fabulous on you. Of course, I am the opposite style...BoHo...maximista...color loving...fun fabulous easy breezy styles... I have perhaps 20 pairs of culottes like that in so many different colors and patterns, so do not need anymore. You have to have a wardrobe that suits you comfort zone. I need a full closet ...or two... of beautifully made pieces that I love. I have started purchasing more ethical brands, materials that are biodegradable, and second hand.... I am working hard to keep my pieces from landfills!~

[@paulafranciscac2787]

lovely yellow on you! It is interesting to "hear " your thought process. I think we all do it.

[@anitamorejon-moreira9536]

Impressively you choose wisely. Thanks for sharing, you encouraged me to do a closet check. Be safe and ones again thank you for sharing.

[@odessasudeku9985]

That yellow tone look stunning on you skin tone and hair colour❤️ people say for ex oh green no that looks horrible on me. But you just have to find a shade of colour that suits you and makes your skin tone and face looking awesome

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

thank you!:) So important to find colours that work :)

[@mariaalex3956]

I’m so glad you kept that yellow sweater, it looks amazing on you ❤️

[@roxannedevaney7138]

That yellow BR turtle with the navy bottoms with the tie belt would look nice - snug on top and loose on the bottom - you have the figure for it. the denim top and faux fur vest looked nice too.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

yes! I've worn that before - it is a nice combo:)

[@allinclusive4943]

That was gorgeous, as always 😍 looove it! Fun fact: I am exactly looking for a sweater like yours with the wide neck, because I bought so beautiful Camis with large laces at the chest area, I love the idea of peaking out... But with enough patience I find one 2nd hand. 😉❤️😘

[@grizeldareed5709]

Thank you Alyssa for the insight to making better choices! you are a gem!

[@naomia5702]

Honestly I’m SO glad that you kept that yellow turtleneck Alyssa! I think sometimes it’s hard to see what looks good on us objectively, and you looked amazing in it. :)

[@CatEyedFancy]

Being at home more right now (I am very lucky and blessed to be able to work from home during this time) has been good in a lot of ways, and has definitely opened my eyes to how much more stuff I have that really needs to go, hopefully to someone else who can use it more than me. Having to sit with all my "stuff" day after day makes me aware of all the things I've been holding on to because I "like" them or use them occasionally but don't love them and certainly don't need them.

[@cynthiabradford155]

The yellow would look great with that beautiful silk scarf you wear.

[@roxannedevaney7138]

That white sweater is cute - lovely sleeves - wear a higher tank in white/light cream under.

[@AmyMarks]

Really enjoyed this one! I think I might make a maybe pile...

[@rachelmaxwell5953]

What a great idea for the maybes!!! I think you made great choices btw, I doubt you have regretted it 💖

[@amethystjean1744]

I'm in the process of testing my maybe pieces too. Thanks

[@indupartha9423]

Yay! Alyssa mid-week. I really liked this idea of wearing your maybes! A great way to downsize

[@denisesawyer6980]

What a great idea! I’m going to try it.

[@beckyscheller9358]

Thanks for showing the progress you go through. Getting ready to switch out winter for summer clothes. This will help!

[@suzifrancophone]

Great video Alyssa! I keep my closet pretty tight but I loved your tips for decluttering and even for taking new pieces into my wardrobe. That Wrangler shirt was so cool but I appreciate that it didn't suit you so you let it go. I've got my eye on a Power of My People shirt or their newly released pants!

[@jimandjudyc48]

Yes, yes, yes to the yellow turtleneck, the chambray shirt(not the Wrangler short-sleeve one...too stiff) and the 'wrap' black culottes. No to the deep-V white sweater...too much trouble! (I voted on these before the end of your video.) It's OK to let the culottes go...brave move, because you recognize your own style. Thanks for an inspiring video!

[@dianedebernardo8419]

Great video! I do this same exercise with maybes. I make myself wear them for a day and then decide. Mostly they end up in my donation box, but not always. Sometimes it's like buying a new garment. I also am getting older and finally had to worry about age appropriate, which really is a thing despite what they say. So shorter skirts (above the knee) are moving out if I feel at all uneasy. Lower wasted pants I'd had forever but still were in great shame all went into the donation box. I have a t-shirt dress I wore yesterday - before I saw this video - to test will now be paired with leggings and be a tunic for a while longer. A few items remained because we are all home here and I want to wear clothes and why not wear stuff that has come close to it's end in my wardrobe to squeeze the last bit of value out of them.

[@faatimagathoo5983]

Love the yellow!

[@kristiecox7350]

I love that sweater!!!

[@jeannettemann96]

Very helpful. I learned a lot! Thank you Alyssa! Ciao!

[@mimiwetu6998]

Thanks for the inspiration. I’d be so happy to buy the sezane sweater off you! I am searching to something that is just that sweater

[@bevsines876]

Thank you Alyssa such a useful video. So glad you r keeping the gold turtleneck. I have some cream collettes and i actually haven t worn them either. I will rethink those as well. Cheers Bev xx

[@luvlocs06]

Outstanding video! Giving me lots of food for thought!

[@helenehelene1321]

Funny! I thrifted the Club Monaco chambray shirt and the Sezane sweater after seeing them and loving them on you! 🤗😘

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

ahhh I hope you are enjoying them! I still love the sezane sweater just not how cold I am in it all the time :(

[@helenehelene1321]

@@AlyssaBeltempo The sweater was a bit too itchy but I massaged it in my hair conditioner and now it's better (and smells awesome lol). The tencel chambray I'm reaching for alll the time, I love how flowy and wrinkle-less it is. It basically works with everything else in my closet.

[@nicolehood6408]

I'm able to look at your poshmark account, but silly Poshmark US won't allow me to follow your account. There's got to be a way! I recently went through my closet to create my maybe pile (which is much larger than yours at the moment due to some health issues in the last couple of years that led to weight gain). I love the assessing of items with the criteria you pointed out as lessons learned. A lesson for myself is that I don't prefer wearing T-shirts except for sleeping or exercising. I prefer button-down shirts for almost everything. So, I should pare down my T-shirts to just black and white, and boost my collection of long-sleeved button-downs!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Ah yes - I have the same frustration when I want to shop US Poshmark! I'm hoping they will integrate soon! I hope you are feeling better and love that revelation! I hope it helps as you build your new wardrobe! xx

[@vesch5083]

Love that cream sweater. Get thee a Cami from Third Base. They are awesome camisoles.

[@lose999]

The tencel denim shirt is a classic. That was my pick for you to keep.😉 Sadly, one of my favorite consignment shops went out of business during this pandemic.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you! I'm so sorry to hear about the consignment shop, hopefully the owners get back on their feet soon.

[@MsKim1963]

Such a great idea. Planning to try out my maybes. I have a small pile ready for a decision!

[@marylaidig5755]

Great video. Test wearing those pieces to help decide is something I’m going to do for sure!

[@JillMaurer]

Another great video Alyssa. What a wonderful way to test the maybes and discover what is really going on with them. xoxo

[@trueidentitytime2shine862]

Yes..that was fun! Let's do it again sometime! I had ny opinions on what you would pick! I got an A++...Glad ypu kept what you did! That yellow turtle neck looked great! I'd bet it would even look good with the orher shirt worn over it and unbuttoned!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

yay! I'm glad you liked it and the items I kept :) Thanks for watching! xx