Attacking a closet can be overwhelming, so proceed with caution. It’s hard to find the time to clean and more importantly keep your closet clean and organized. But once you do, you will be thrilled with how much easier it is to treat your closet like your own designated shopping area.

A few tips:

Recycle: Too many clothes? Living in an episode of Hoarders—not a cute look. Take a weekend to evaluate and play “when’s the last time you wore that?” A fun game that goes even better with champagne (cut to cheesy scene in Sex and the City 2, et al). Donate clothes to Goodwill, sell them at your local neighborhood Crossroads, or better yet–sell clothing pieces online at Etsy, Copious or Poshmark and make some extra $$$.

Sort: Sort through each section of your closet, head to toe, and make piles. If you have containers to separate each specific item or theme (hats, bags, etc.) then do so. The Container Store can be your best friend, with example custom closets built on display, it is easy to gain inspiration from walking around and finding pieces that you need to build your dream closet. Try to color coordinate, it will make finding things a breeze! Remember: Organization is an essential part of a functioning closet.

Make the Most of it: Always look for ways to maximize your space. Even a small closet has great potential to be great. Use bins, and under-bed storage for shoes, door racks and other special conscious organizational tools. Get creative, it is your space to make your own!

The New Year is all about re-invention. New haircut? Do it! New raw food cleanse? Go for it! I am an advocate for anything that produces positivity within yourself and gives you a reason to look forward to the future. Sure there are the typical New Year’s Resolutions; diet, exercise, quit smoking, cook more, etc. Most of which don’t last very long after the ball drops and the champagne falls flat. So this year, try to make the New Year about a slow and steady re-definition of yourself. You want to be able to feel good about your resolution, not guilty for breaking a promise to yourself. Here are some good examples:

• Watch less TV: This can be done in increments, or with a buddy or partner. Trust me, after a while you’re not going to miss Fear Factor or Jersey Shore re-runs. Snooki and Joe Rogan aren’t going anywhere.
• Join the Cause: volunteering and committing your time to something or someone can make all the difference in the world. Look up organizations that are doing something you are interested in, be it Breast Cancer 12k marathon, or a community garden, taking time out each week to help a non-profit or a philanthropic cause will show progressive change in yourself and your community.
• Work out…your left-brain: Learning something creative takes time and patience but is often rewarding in the end. Picking up a guitar, taking a pottery or sketching class exercises the left side of your brain, and can open up a whole new side of yourself that may be virtually untapped.  You may discover a newfound passion for poetry or knitting that provides balance to your daily hectic routine.

This year, just remember slow and steady wins the race. Take it one day at a time you will be feeling fab in 2012!