Spring Cleaning: What to Give Away

David Wolfe, one of the most revered fashion analysts, recently declared that trends are over. He went on the record saying, “Everything is in fashion!” Recently, the fashion world has been worrying less about items that are popular and focusing more on dressing for your body. Fashionistas are now choosing items from all decades: mixing ‘80s with ‘60s or ‘90s with futuristic. Therefore, if you are looking to clean out the clutter in your closet, don’t worry about the “out” items, instead consider the following:

• Start with the items that don’t fit anymore. Whether we want to admit it or not, our bodies’ change a lot during high school. Hence, anything that is too small or too tight should be the first thing to go.

• Think about cleaning out some of things that have been in your closet, unworn for the past four months. These items are probably not going to be worn in future.

• You might want to go through those items you’ve had for over four years. It is OKAY that you no longer fit into your 8th grade promotion dress. If the items do not have any sentimental value, they probably fit into one of the above categories and should be disregarded.

For all of the decent items you have cleaned out, you can make a dollar or two by selling them to second- hand stores. For anything else, consider donating clothes to shelters or community organizations.

Places to give clothes:

1. Crossroads: There are multiple locations in San Jose where you can sell your clothes. If you sell the clothes for cash, you will get less back than if you are to get a gift card back. They will, also, give you more for designer items and are more lenient on the wear and tear. They will accept anything with a label like GAP, J Crew, Banana Republic, etc. Beware: they are stingy; do not expect that much and do not expect to barter any more out of them.

959 W San Carlos St San Jose, CA 95128

2. Buffalo Exchange: Similar to Crossroads, you can trade or sell clothes at Buffalo Exchange. The company claims that most items go for about $15. It has a reputation for being a little less parsimonious than Crossroads. Any clothes that they do not buy and you do not want to take with you will be donated to a local San Francisco charity.

*for either store, call beforehand and see what they are buying at the moment, that way you can take your most applicable pile of clothes.

1210 Valencia Street San Francisco, CA 94110

1555 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117

3. Sacred Heart: If you are not trying to make a dollar off your old rags or they are too tattered to sell, consider Sacred Heart clothes closet.

1381 South 1st Street San Jose, CA 95110-3431

(408) 278-2160

4. Goodwill! Always a family favorite way of riding yourself of old, worn clothing.

3060 Almaden Expy San Jose,CA 95118

(408) 265-5692

What to Keep from Spring Cleaning

We all know it feels great to start over after some deep spring cleaning, but what doesn’t feel so great is wondering how you’re going to fill some of the gaping holes in your wardrobe. This year, think before you clean – you wouldn’t want to get rid of something that’s about to come back in style.

A quirky favorite for this spring is glossy metallics. If you have any sparkles or shimmers hidden away, now is the time to break them out. Sequin-accented apparel as well as anything shiny or futuristic will be a big hit this spring, so resurrect your glittery clothes and hold on to them – they’ll look great this season.

If you’ve been having second thoughts about girly, dramatic ruffles, the trends this spring should eliminate all doubts. Flattering cuts that accentuate your waistline coupled with big ruffles will give you a chic, sophisticated look, so think twice before throwing away anything that’s “too girly.”

Another thing to look out for while purging your closet is oversized shirts. Tunics, especially ones with big sleeves, are going to look great this spring over jeans or leggings. If you’re unsure about a long-sleeved tunic, try hemming back the sleeves to make them three quarter length. This trendy cut won’t be going out of style any time soon.

If, by chance, you haven’t already trashed your collection of tye dye clothes, you’re in luck. Though bold, obnoxious tye dye isn’t coming back, a softer, smoother variation is taking its place. Subtle gradients are in, and if you fade a bold tye dye print you already own, it will serve you very well this season.

The girly accents of this spring will contrast quite nicely with the boyfriend jeans that are rapidly coming into style. This fun, athletic look is sure to catch on, so don’t throw out those tomboyish jeans or capris. You may even want to steal a pair from your brother or boyfriend.

If you’re not a pink person, you may be tempted to rid your closet of this bold statement color; however, embracing pink this spring will be not only acceptable, but preferred. Whether it be a fun accessory or a cute blouse, a little bit of pink goes a long way to brighten up your look.