The old adage, “Spring Cleaning,” is an event universal to cultures around the world. In China, it is customary to clean after Lunar New Year celebrations because it is forbidden to clean during the New Year period. Other cultures may clean before Lent, or simply take advantage of the good spring weather to air out the house. In any case, we Longhorns should take advantage of this uncommonly enjoyable spring weather to take care of some long awaited housekeeping.
1. Pack Away the Winter Duds
No, it’s not going to get down to freezing temperatures next week. The weather in Texas may be unpredictable, but the fleeting winter weather is long gone. Abandon all distant hopes of a freak storm and ensuing snow day (you still have to take your next midterm)! My peacoats, wool coats and other miscellaneous winter accessories have already been packed away in a giant plastic tub to make hanging room for my spring wardrobe. Although you are packing away clothing, you’re making what you have more accessible by eliminating the clutter! With unnecessary items out of the way, it will be easier to mix, match and style the pieces that you need for spring.
2. Purge Your Closet
Take the time to edit your wardrobe and fill up some bags of old clothing. You most likely have things in your closet that you haven’t worn in a while that feel passé. While you might not be able to make it work anymore (or if you’re just tired of it), feel free to pass on your unloved clothing to others. I hate this saying, but sometimes one Collegiette’s™ trash really is another’s treasure. Take the time to gather your edits and make a quick buck off the more valuable branded or trendy clothing at your local Buffalo Exchange on the Drag. In my own experience, keeping old clothes around in the hopes that you’ll consign or sell it online leads only to more clutter; options like this take a lot of time and effort. Keep in mind that the longer you keep your trend items, the less fashionable and valuable they become. Another option is to swap with a friend. My roommate had an awesome trench that she never got to wear because it was way too big for her. I had a pair of premium Japanese denim that would not be recognized at value here in the States. Long story short, she has a pair of jeans that make her derriere look Keri Hilson-esque, and I have a fabulous new trench.
3. Restore and Relieve
To keep your things looking great, you need to do your part to maintain your clothing and accessories. Don’t just use and abuse. Dry winter weather, snow and daily wear-and-tear easily scuff up leather as well as make it more prone to cracking and other types of damage. Take the time to give your leather riding boots, suede heels and well-loved clogs some much-needed loving. Buy a leather restorer, like the Kiwi Brand one below, and a throwaway t-shirt to polish and moisturize any leather items you may have.
Keep in mind that your suede items (like your Ugg boots) are very high-maintenance and cannot use a typical leather restorer. Keep a bristle brush on hand to brush stains and other particles out of your suede.
Follow all of your cleaning, restoring and polishing with a leather or suede/nubuck spray protectant (depending on what your item is). A protectant spray will help your leather or suede resist future water damage by acting as a sealant. Also, non-animal products need love, too!
4. Update (Shop)!
Now that you’re all done cleaning and tidying up, it’s time for the best part of all. The update: shop away!
Sources:
Amazon
Kiwi Shoes