Calm Down…
I’ve got it all under control….
Oh yes, this week I’m in a “can do” mood. Terribly irritating for everyone around me but excellent for the Monica Geller that was in hibernation deep within.
This was the state of my shoe/ bag closet yesterday morning…
Shameful
I’d lost ALL control of storage. Too many shoes + not enough boxes= Shoe Chaos
Thankfully the postman delivered these two life savers yesterday….
A fifty piece shoe rack and a “purse” or bag rack. Whatever floats your boat! I paid just over 70 of my own pounds including 4 of postage. However if you live in the mainland UK I believe the shipping is FREE. Win for you! (I’ll just sit over here and grumble about being an unrecognised part of the UK… grumble… grumble…)
I did a lot of research before settling on Tszuji. I did think it was slightly pricey until I started looking into getting something custom built. I soon realised that actually 70 odd quid was a bit of a bargain!
However reviews on the site were mediocre so again I wasn’t convinced that it wouldn’t just topple down under the weight of two pairs of platforms. This is part of the reason I opted for the chrome framed one rather than the many plastic ones they offer.
I was pleasantly surprised. Although the frame is basic it does screw tightly together “Ikea” stylie. It took me about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Voila! *Happy sigh*
The purse rack was more fiddly. It comes with a set bracket size (you can order bigger ones tho) which were unfortunately two narrow for my door width. I had to use the wall fixings supplied instead which I screwed to the closet doors.
I’m really happy with it, however bags with thicker handles may require use of two clips (each rack is supplied with 6). Also if you’re a designer bag freak and can’t bear the thought of your precious leather sitting against plastic hooks then this might not be for you. I’m not that bothered. I think most bags look better with a little wear…. and actual use…
Overall I’m delighted. It’s my little Aladdin’s Cave and I can’t wait to add to it. Next up is a search for the perfect costume jewellery organiser. I quite like this one at Swag Bag but £30 seems a little steep. Maybe I can make something like it myself….
xo
1Lisa
wrote on 30 July 2010 at 11:50
Your shoes loook ammmaaazing!!
As for jewellery I did a post on how i store mine… but I think using hooks for necklaces can looks lovely as a display type thing and the earring holder i have is my fav thing ever
http://glitterandlovex.blogspot.com/2009/08/jewellery-storage.html
Lisa x
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dressjunkie Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Thanks!
xxx
Your jewellery storage is fabulous. I think I’m going to HAVE to order one of the earrings stands and the necklace hanger is inspired! Thanks for the link
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Lisa Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Yeah the earring stand is so fab as looks so pretty sitting out opened up, but can also be folded up and popped away somewhere if need be!
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2Alethea
wrote on 30 July 2010 at 13:29
Your shoe collection is impressive Arlene!!! You even have your shoes colour coordinated.
As it stands, my shoes are in boxes under my bed (which means in can be a nightmare to get at them, or find the right ones in a hurry) and my bags are hanging off the end of my bed.
If I had a walk-in wardrobe,I would like a storage system like yours
I like the idea of the swag bag. I just have one of those little jewelery figurines that have lots of wires coming out the top, to hang my costume jewellery on. Not the best, but better than nothing.
I saw someone on youtube using a clear fishing tackle box to store their jewellery, and thought it was fab. Had a little compartment for everything! Am still on the look out for a cheapy one, and waiting untill they come into somewhere like Lidl or Aldi.
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dressjunkie Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Haha I got a bit carried away sorting them into colours!
My shoes were the same, I quite like the underbed wheely boxes but this set up is a lot handier/ pretty.
My necklaces are currently on one of those wire thingys as well. They are pretty but everything gets tangled I find. Also costume jewellery seems to tarnish each other if they’re lying together. Fishing tackle box sounds great, I think I saw something like that in Tesco. Bit like this http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0176532/Trail/searchtext%3EUSEFUL.htm xo
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Alethea Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Thanks for the argos link-something like that would be fab. I’ll keep my eyes peeled in Tesco too.
I’ve put a bid on these on ebay, so hopefully I’ll win one:
You’ve inspired me to get my act together and I decided to start by organising my earrings-it’s a tought job but someone’s gotta do it
http://cgi.ebay.ie/STAND-RACK-EARRING-JEWELLERY-ROTATING-HOLDER-DISPLAY-BN-/270614446218?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_JewelleryBoxes_Supplies_CA&hash=item3f01e0c08a
http://cgi.ebay.ie/Clear-Jewelery-Display-Holder-Earrings-Stand-Showcase-/280535180108?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_JewelleryBoxes_Supplies_CA&hash=item415133234c
The Swag bag organiser is a little out of my budget, so something like this would do quite nicely.
Have a lovely weekend xx
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dressjunkie Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:39 pm
I saw one of these in a wee store in Dublin yesterday. It was like a carousel! Deadly cute! xx
3Amy @ForDGRedial
wrote on 30 July 2010 at 15:00
Hey Arlene
What width is the shoe rack? Do you know if they do anything narrower? Still trying to get my dressing room just right in the new place.
x
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dressjunkie Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Not 100% sure bird but all the measurements are on the site. There are a few smaller ones but the reviews weren’t as great. I believe the plastic ones just slot together, instead of screw :/
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4Av
wrote on 30 July 2010 at 16:37
Well done!! You feel so acomplished when you get an annoying job like that done!! I spotted a few empty spots on the shoe rack though – you know what that means – More shoe Shopping needed!!!!
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dressjunkie Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Haha you know me so well, I actually picked up a new pair in Dublin this weekend
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5ellamarie84
wrote on 30 July 2010 at 20:24
Wow, what an organizing job you did there! The after pics are an OCD person’s paradise
Looks amazing! I need one of those purse racks!
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dressjunkie Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
LOL @OCD Paradise
The purse rack is genius. So much easier to see what I have and start actually using my bags! xx
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6Breeda
wrote on 30 July 2010 at 22:43
Penneys/Primark are doing a jewellery organiser at the moment for €4 – It’s like a shoe organiser on a hanger but it’s double sided – it has two different sized compartments.
B
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dressjunkie Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll definitely be checking that out xx
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7Lillian
wrote on 31 July 2010 at 1:00
oh Wow, amazing shoe collection! I’m very jealous of your closet! I used to have an en-suite but my Mum (who owns the house) decided to tear out the toilet and make it into a sort of tiny walk in wardrobe for me (with a sink
) and now i keep all my shoes in it.
It all looks so lovely now you’ve organised it, well done!
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dressjunkie Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Oooohhh I’d definitely choose walk in wardrobe over an en suite. Sounds amazing! What a brilliant Mum
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8Beth
wrote on 31 July 2010 at 9:26
That shoe rack is fab – mine are all in big plastic storage crates. I’m a big fan of storage I must say. All my jewellery is in a little mini plastic chest of drawers with each item in its own little plastic bag so it doesn’t get mixed up, except for any stud earrings which are pinned through a sheet of card, sorted by colour.
All that being said, looking around me as I type I seriously need to do some sorting out. The place is a pigsty. It’s on my todo list today though.
I got your email and I’ll reply today, same as you, I haven’t had time to give it proper attention with work and stuff but I will today xx
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dressjunkie Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:42 pm
I’ve been eyeing up those wee acrylics chest of drawers but I think I’d still have a tangly nightmare. Thinking hooks might be the answer. No rush on reply, I’m literally in the door from Dublin and cream crackered xxx
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9Laura
wrote on 31 July 2010 at 10:47
Wow, well done, you did a fabulous job, it looks so much better, and SO organised now! Being able to see everything is so much nicer than having it all tucked away, fab! xxx
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dressjunkie Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:43 pm
It is! I love it
x
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10Dawn
wrote on 31 July 2010 at 11:51
Oh wow, fabulous reorganisation. I have a shoe rack like that and it’s so handy for being able to find all my shoes. I must find some decent way to organise my handbags though,
I got hooks with adhesive backing for hanging all my necklaces in my walk-in wardrobe, and use plastic boxes for all my bracelets.
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dressjunkie Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:43 pm
I think hooks is going to be the way to go for me too. They seem to tangle every other way I’ve tried xx
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11Emma
wrote on 31 July 2010 at 23:30
Well done!! I use a sweater/tshirt fabric rack that you hang in your wardrobe for most of my shoes (I also have the fabric hangy shoe thing for shoes, but can only get 1 or max two pairs in each hole…the sweater rack I can fit about 6 pairs in each) Although it’s not as neat as your solution. The handbag rack looks interesting…I do like a good storage solution! Lakeland have some interesting bits http://www.lakeland.co.uk/F/C/organising
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dressjunkie Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:44 pm
I’m always hearing about Lakeland but haven’t been yet. I’ll have to pencil in a visit. Sounds like an organisers dream! x
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12Toni
wrote on 1 August 2010 at 16:09
That is one good looking wardrobe
x
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dressjunkie Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Cheers Missis! I am awful proud of it lol xx
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13Claire
wrote on 1 August 2010 at 17:27
Wow! I want to get me one of those cupboards!
Hope you are having a great wedding anniversary and that Teddy is doing well. Just been catching up on your blog posts and can’t believe what has been happening! I don’t post much on things but really really enjoy reading your blog. xx
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dressjunkie Reply:
August 3rd, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Thank you Claire, that makes me smile
I had a fab anniversary in Dublin and feel so refreshed for the break. Teddy is definitely on the mend, check up with the vet this Sat so hopefully all good news xxx
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14sweetlikejelly
wrote on 4 August 2010 at 16:47
Those are fab storage ideas. I’m so tempted to indulge but am saving to go emigrate for a year or two so I suppose there is no point:( Someday when i’m more growed up and have my own home thats how my shoes and bags are going to look!
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15superficialgirl
wrote on 11 August 2010 at 14:17
Oh wow that looks awesome! going to that site now
x
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16Tina
wrote on 14 August 2010 at 19:43
Oh wow! My inner “Monica” salutes you, lol!
)
Looks so neat and organised now!!!
Man, I wish I had a walk-in closet or some sort of rack to put all my shoes… some.day.
xxx
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