It’s funny how we tend to think of organizing our closets as a spring or fall ritual—a wardrobe reset for the changing seasons. Yet here I was, in the middle of summer, pulling everything apart.
After a few weeks of traveling, I wasn’t craving new clothes (I’ve learned those rarely solve the problem). What I was craving was a fresh perspective.
So I pulled out my “summer purgatory” bin—the pieces I wasn’t wearing but wasn’t quite ready to let go of—and gave each one one last chance. Then, with a little help from my INDYX app—which keeps an honest record of what I actually wear—I moved my most-loved pieces front and center…
It was amazing what happened.
Instead of seeing a closet full of “nothing to wear,” I suddenly had outfits I was excited about again. Not because I bought something new, but because I styled what I already owned differently.
If you have beautiful pieces hiding in your closet—or maybe a few with the tags still attached—try pairing them with your favorite tee, your go-to denim shirt, or the shoes you reach for every week. Sometimes all it takes is one familiar piece to make everything else feel new again.
Welcome to The Curated Weekend—a collection of style, beautiful places, thoughtful finds, and the little moments making life feel just a bit richer. Think of it as our weekend catch-up over coffee.
So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s spend a little time curating the beautiful things together.
What I Wore (and Why)
During my closet experiment, one piece kept proving itself over and over again: my Citizens of Humanity Kayla denim shirt.
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, this probably doesn’t surprise you. This mid-wash denim version of the Kayla shirt has quietly become one of the hardest-working pieces in my wardrobe.
Quality denim shirts aren’t inexpensive, which is why I always recommend checking secondhand sites like Poshmark for brands like Citizens of Humanity before buying new. A well-made denim shirt only gets better with age, making it one of my favorite wardrobe investments. That said, any denim shirt you already own can create the same effect.
Once I rearranged my closet, I pulled four skirts from my “purgatory” bin to decide whether they deserved a permanent place there. Instead of reinventing each one, I paired them with one of my most-worn pieces—a denim shirt I know fits my lifestyle. I also watched (THIS) shirt-tying tutorial to learn how to tie my shirt as shown in these photos.
That one simple change answered my question: Would I actually wear these?
To my surprise, yes.
The neutral printed skirts earned their place back in the closet. The brighter skirts are still up for discussion, but they’re getting one more chance before heading to the resale pile.
The second group of four outfits shows four other ways I’ve recently styled this wardrobe workhorse.
Eight outfits. One shirt.
Now that’s what I call a great return on investment.
Worth Watching
If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about personal style and intentional wardrobes, I highly recommend Linda Vater’s latest video on deciding what to keep and what to let go.
Her approach feels thoughtful rather than overwhelming, reminding us that our wardrobes should reflect who we are today—not who we were ten years ago or who we hope to be someday.
Sometimes letting go of the “almost” pieces creates room for the clothes you’ll actually wear.
A Beautiful Place
One of my favorite places close to home is the Redwood Grove Nature Preserve in Los Altos, CA. Just minutes from downtown, this hidden six-acre grove feels a world away from the fast pace of Silicon Valley. Elevated boardwalks wind through towering coastal redwoods alongside peaceful Adobe Creek, making it the perfect spot for a quiet morning walk.
It’s hard to believe this little sanctuary is only about a 15-minute stroll from my house. Zoey, our Maltese, loves exploring the boardwalks just as much as I do, and we’ve spent many mornings wandering beneath the trees together.
Whenever I need to clear my head or slow down, this is where you’ll find me. Sometimes the best luxury isn’t far away at all—it’s discovering a beautiful place that’s been in your own backyard all along.
Little Luxuries
This week, luxury looked like something wonderfully ordinary.
While watering the garden, I noticed a single rose beginning to bloom.
In the middle of summer.
It was the first little sign that our roses were getting ready for their second flush—a quiet reminder that beauty often returns when you least expect it.
I love these small garden moments. The ones you could easily miss if you aren’t paying attention.
Sometimes the smallest details deserve the biggest appreciation.
Five Curated Finds
These are five organizing tools I reach for again and again. They’ve helped me make better use of the closet I already have—and made getting dressed much easier.
1. European Beachwood Space-Saving Hangers
Skirt Hangers, HERE | Pant Hangers, HERE | Shirt/Jacket Hangers, HERE
Worth every penny.
Yes, you can find less expensive versions, but after trying several options, these are the ones that have held up beautifully in my closet.
2. Small Clothing Rack with Shelves
It’s smaller than a traditional rolling rack, easy to move with its wheels, and the perfect spot to plan outfits with shoes and accessories all in one place.
3. Clear Shelf Dividers
These keep my handbags standing upright and help prevent closet shelves from becoming a leaning tower of bags and accessories. Sometimes the smallest organizing tools make the biggest difference.
4. Clear Storage Bins with Zippered Tops
I use these for off-season sweaters, jeans, and bulkier pieces that take up valuable closet space. I also keep one designated as my “purgatory bin” for items I’m not ready to part with but don’t currently wear.
The clear front lets me see what’s inside (and reminds me those pieces still exist!), while the zippered top makes it easy to revisit items before deciding whether they stay or go.
5. HiLife Portable Garment Steamer
It’s under $25, compact, easy to store, and works well enough that it’s the steamer I sent both of my kids when they left for college. Is it as powerful as a full-size home steamer? No. But for everyday touch-ups, travel, and keeping clothes looking polished, it’s hard to beat.
From Our Curated Home
Every week I love sharing beautiful things that inspire us to live well. Sometimes those conversations naturally extend to home. This week over at Rick & Suzanne Bell, I’m sharing thoughts on one of the biggest decisions many of our clients face after 50—knowing when it might be time to begin a new chapter. If you’re thinking about downsizing, relocating, or simply planning ahead, I hope you’ll find it helpful.
→ Read: Planning Your Next Move
This Week’s Reflection
Before summer slips away, what’s one simple moment you’re hoping to savor a little longer?
I’d love to hear what’s making this season special for you in the comments below.
A beautiful life isn’t built all at once.
It is created through the thoughtful choices we make every day — what we wear, what we bring into our homes, and what we choose to surround ourselves with.
P.S. If you enjoyed this week’s Curated Weekend, I’d love it if you’d share it with a friend who might enjoy slowing down with a cup of coffee and a little inspiration.
Until next weekend…
