(Note:  I was having some Google Reader issues earlier, so sorry if you’re getting this twice)

Here’s my plan for my personal wardrobe inventory challenge. Feel free to follow along with your own wardrobe.

• Count all wardrobe items 
• Photograph and analyze each category.  Determine wardrobe gaps (that’s what this post is doing)
• Reverse hangers in closet and see what you wear for two weeks, four weeks, or whatever amount of time works best for you
• Get rid of what doesn’t work for you
• Organize closet.  Buy new hangers
• Buy clothes to fill gaps

So, without further ado, I present to you, my wardrobe!

Button-downs

On me: Express On fence (L to R): Ann Taylor LOFT, Old Navy, Ann Taylor LOFT, Express

# of items: 5

Gaps: Ah, button-downs.  Sometimes I love them, sometimes I hate them,  but they really do wonders to polish up an outfit.  I don’t have any three quarter sleeved button downs. I’d love to have some silk button downs.  I’m seriously lacking in diversity here.

Blouses

On me: L8ter? On fence (L to R): Target, Target, Old Navy, Rampage, ??, Forever 21, Old Navy, Target, Old Navy, Apt 9

# of items: 12 (Target blouse not shown)

Gaps: I’m doing pretty well in this area. What I should focus on are flattering cuts, v and scoop necks and more colors.

Tees – Long and Short-Sleeved

On me: Clash shirt On fence (L to R): Magadog shirt, Iggy Pop shirt, Target, AE, Busch Gardens, American Apparel, Target, Apt 9 In hands: Almost all Target, except for top two, which are a Ravelry t-shirt, and Old Navy

# of items: 16

Gaps: I don’t have any v-neck tees. Brighter and lighter colors are needed. I should avoid crew necks, as they don’t flatter me.

Tanks and Camisoles

On me: Old Navy.  Everything else is Old Navy except for seafoam tank, Express, lilac cami, American Apparel and beige cami, Ann Taylor LOFT

# of items: 13

Gaps: I’m doing pretty good with this essential item in my wardrobe. What I can focus on is buying better quality, since many of these camis have short life spans .

Jackets and Hoodies

On me: Old Navy On fence (L to R): The Limited, Kohls, Express

# of items: 4

Gaps: All my jackets are casual. I need some dress casual and dressy items.  A blazer is absolutely required.

Cardigans

On me: Anthropologie On fence: Everything is Ann Taylor LOFT except for the burgandy, DKNY, and the gray, handknit.

# of items: 7

Gaps: I want more cashmere for winter, more colors and more v-necks.

Dresses

On me: Apostrophe On fence (L to R): Sortie LA, Busch Gardens, Target, Target, Urban Outfitters, American Rag Cie, R&M Richards, Speachless

# of items: 10 (Rampage dress not shown)

Gaps: I need more cotton jersey, more colors, more above the knee, and more solid colored.

Skirts

On me: Lane Bryant (re-conned) On fence (L to R): Ann Taylor LOFT, handmade by me, handmade by me, ??

# of items: 6 (wool skirt not shown)

Gaps: I need more colors, more casual skirts, more work skirts.   I’d like to have at least one or two in cotton jersey.

Shorts, Capris, Jeans, Pants

On me: Express On fence (L to R): handmade by me, Ann Taylor LOFT (reconned), Target, Erik Stewart, Lucky Brand, Express, Ann Taylor LOFT, ??, Banana Republic Outlet

# of items: 10

Gaps: This is an area I’m somewhat weak in.  I generally just need more items in cuts that flatter. And more khaki and olive green.

Whew!  So there you go folks.  Now for step 3.  I put all of my clothes back into the closet with hangers reversed.  After wearing an item, I’ll put it back in the closet with the hanger in the correct direction.  After two weeks, I’ll look at what I haven’t worn and ask myself why I didn’t.  Then, after four weeks, I’ll seriously reconsider keeping anything that still hasn’t been worn.  Of course, anything that’s just impractical for this season (like a wool skirt) won’t be penalized.  I’ll let you know how this step goes in a few weeks.