Summer Closet Logistics

Earlier this week the interior of our closet was featured on the blog Bonanno's or Barefoot! Vivian's post was titled "It's All About the Closet Space" and she invited readers to share pics that hopefully, included one of how they stored (displayed!) their Bonanno's.

Being the true Leo that I am, I jumped at the chance to showcase my summer closet organizational wizardry. Babe is fond of telling people that I'm a "logistics expert" which is a très fancy way of saying my wife has major OCD.

My friends used to hire me to organize their closets and the S.O.S. usually came in at least twice a year. Now, I'm not naming names (Joanie, Mary, Melissa, Kimba...) but some of my past clients/pupils required more frequent overhauls. And, in response to some recent requests I will impart some of my organizational wisdom/disease.

Above is my Hable laundry bushel that endures hefty trips down to the laundry room carrying multiple loads, detergent, fabric softener, stain remover, whitening booster and sometimes a bag of trash. Or two.

Just a cheapo belt hanger from The Container Store but, swanked up a little with a framed signature of Ralph Lauren (a moment of reverence please...), a much appreciated gift from my father-in-law.

One of my favorite tricks of the trade are my Joy Mangano Huggable Hangers from HSN. I have all black (just like the ones Nate Berkus outfitted Katie Lee Joel's NYC closet in) and they have been a godsend in small spaces. And, Joy's right, the clothes don't slip off! I outfitted Emma's dorm closet in all pink ones which look really pretty holding her sorority de rigueur Lilly's.

A little humor injected along with some Benjamin Moore Pink Cloud #887 paint...

Pottery Barn baskets are the best at durability and I use them to contain smaller items such as...

Scarves, small clutches, handkerchiefs, soft belts, my Bonanno leather color swatch...

Travel kits and shoe bags...

And, bathing suits and beach bag sundries, ahhh...

In Babe's little neck of the woods, or what I affectionately call his dogleg portion of the closet, a Bed Bath and Beyond cedar tie and belt rack has gone the distance with us through 4 different homes.

And, even though it's the back of the closet (it's a walk-in, that's my story and I'm sticking with it!) I still feel it's important to make it personal. The fact that it's too dark for him to see any of my special touches is secondary to the thought counting.

And finally, a sentimental photo overlooks a collection a containers to separate the family jewels from the junk and receipts that accumulates in Babe's pockets each week.

Kindness of all my above mentioned friends who know that I mock from the heart...