Bitches, I get it. Having a closet that looks like this is the dream:
Image via Buzzfeed.
I don’t want to be a dream killer. I would rather call myself a reality consultant. We don’t all have closets like this. We can’t all have closets like this. And if I’m being honest, we probably shouldn’t all have closets like this. (Look, I love stuff. But do we all really need all that stuff? Probably not.)
In the last few years, magnificent closets on TV and in movies seem to be bombarding us and warping our sense of reality. The first really fabulous closet I remember seeing and loving and wanting belonged to Cher Horowitz. After that, Mariah Carey. And then, the housewives (Sweet baby Jesus, the housewives!). And the Kardashians. And the closet that Big built for Carrie. These are all fantastic closets to fantasize about, just like it’s ok to fantasize about Aaron Tveit or Charlie Hunnam being your boyfriend. All totally normal things. All not necessarily grounded in reality.
Since they seem to be TV and closet royalty, we’ll use the Kardashians as our case study (or should it be kase study?) for today's lesson, and we'll talk through the problems these aspirational closets have inflicted upon us.
First of all, it’s a space thing. I’m fairly certain the Kardashian closets are the size of my junior one-bedroom apartment. Even if they’re not that large, they have closets that are the size of an entire room. I have two closets in my entire apartment and they wouldn’t take up half of my bathroom. I doubt you have that kind of space, either. (Although, if you do, you are very lucky and I both envy and hate you. Moving on.) The point is, if you have the space, you have more flexibility. If you don't, you have to be realistic and get creative.
There’s also the issue of upkeep. The Kardashians’ closets are styled like a Bergdorf’s showroom. Racks of color-coordinated, backlit shoes. Pull out drawers for perfectly folded scarves and jewels. Clothing meticulously pressed and hung. Handbags displayed like they’re at the Smithsonian. It’s magnificent. But just like in the Smithsonian, things out on display are going to get dusty. I'm sure the Kardashians have someone dedicated to keeping their closets spotless and sparkling (and even if they don't, I wouldn't blame them if they did). But your closet is not a Kardashian kloset. You, my friend, have to do the upkeep. Not ideal.
Finally, there's the all-around issue of practicality. Who is going to see your closet other than you, your partner or roommate, and anyone you allow to see it? Don't get it twisted: I am all for a neat, clean, uniform, organized closet. I'm not for stressing out because your closet doesn't look like what you see on TV or in the movies. It's all about coming to terms with expectations. If you have one small closet in your rental, you're not going to open the door to a wardrobe wonderland. But, you can make what you have wonderful and work for you.