Marie Kondo & the KonMarie Method – My Thoughts

I remember Marie Kondo’s release of the book on The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, as I had a number of new clients make contact after using the method to rid their wardrobe of those things they did not love.

Then on January 1st, Netflix released the smash hit tv series Tidying Up, which set in motion a huge movement across the world that we are all talking about.

The question on everyone’s lips is: Does it spark joy?

Well, if you drove past a clothes donation bin in the New Year or visited an op shop, they were overflowing, to the point where they were turning away donations… so clearly there was not a lot of joy being sparked in people’s wardrobes!

So now that the madness is starting to calm down and wardrobes have been emptied how are we all feeling? Was it a positive outcome?

Or perhaps this is something you have been dreaming about doing but waiting for the time to do it but are nervous to start?

I have been asked a number of times as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant ‘What do I think about the Marie Kondo Method?’

Our phone is ringing with new clients who have emptied their wardrobes and now truly confused!

As a wardrobe consultant with 20 years experience in overhauling the wardrobes of both men and women, I can tell you there is a lot more to it than ‘sparking joy’ in regards to styling and creating a key core wardrobe, but there are a few key takeaways that really resonate.

Firstly, the premise of the KonMari Method is to rid the things in your life that do not spark joy so that you can cherish the things that do.

This is a really beautiful concept to reduce the quantity in your wardrobe and focus on the quality items.
Love this message!

Culling is very important considering a client who comes to us for the first time is generally only using 20% of their wardrobe!

Marie says you must pull out every item of clothing from every room, every storage box, every hidey hole and lay it all out together.

What I think is really important about editing your wardrobe in this way, is the huge wake-up call for many women of the sheer volume of clothing they have, and either the lack of any quality items or the many ‘oh I forgot I had that’ moments that highlight their great pieces are going to waste!

Another realisation comes regarding buying things on sale, which can really be a trap, buying 10 things on sale ‘to save’ vs. 2 or 3 they love, can sometimes cost more. Many women, in particular, are actually overconsuming fashion because they lack direction and purpose with purchasing.

When you pull everything out of your wardrobe and lay it out before you, it is very clear that a lot of the time, both men and women aren’t sure of their personal style, what they actually have and really need.

 

 

Marie Kondo also promotes thanking an item for its service. I think this is wonderful.
Mainly because we can see every purchase as a lesson, even if we have never worn the item, we now know not to purchase another like it.

If we don’t view this exercise as a positive one it can be very overwhelming when confronted with the amount of money we have spent on clothing, the waste we have accumulated and really the prospect of starting from scratch.

I think for the wardrobe, this is where a personal stylist really shines.

You need to create a balanced and considered wardrobe, curated to just beautiful essential pieces that reflect your lifestyle and personality.

We look at your lifestyle, how much of each item you really require, how often you will utilise particular items and exactly the right cut and style for you.

You may love an item, however, does it suit you? You know, that dress you adore on the hanger but aren’t sure when it’s on if it is really working for you… or perhaps its the way you are accessorising it?

You might have an item you love, but you never wear, so it will just sit there unless you are taught how to accessorise it.

We also know how to work within a budget, and let’s face it when you are doing a complete overhaul this is a serious concern!

We help you create a wardrobe you love, that you feel confident in and every item is curated for you by an expert in style.

That is really special.

 

 

Stylists help you understand the right cuts and styles for your shape, colours and how to mix and match pieces and ensure you don’t make the wrong purchases and find yourself in the same position years from now.

That is another point that really resonated with me from the KonMari method.
While tidying may seem trivial, if you are mindful with your purchases, if you really treasure them, preserve them in your wardrobe and thank them for their service, you will pass this mindset down to members in your family.

This is a very important life skill to learn on many levels, but most of all to be considered, grateful, how to budget and not overconsume.

I certainly learnt this life skill from my beautiful mother who taught me that when you feel confident in your wardrobe it allows you to feel confident in yourself.

It can be quite an emotional experience dealing with your wardrobe.

A lot of feelings of shame, guilt, stress, confusion and frustration.

A lot of women feel embarrassed or ashamed about their wardrobe for many different reasons, all of which I can assure you we have seen or heard before!

Most importantly at some point in our lives, have experienced those exact same feelings for ourselves.

We would love to help you, so get in touch!

What is your experience with the KonMarie Method?

Would love you to share your thoughts!

Cindy
xx