A Closet of One's Own

Midlife Minimalist, Self-Expression Maximalist

In this essay, I share the journey of transforming a tiny reach-in closet—complete with crystal knobs, tulle, and soft lighting—and offer encouragement for refreshing your own space, no matter the size. You'll also find a gentle reminder that a capsule wardrobe is what you make it: not a rigid number, but a reflection of your style and self-expression! Here’s an Instagram reel where I show more on the transformation.

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Not long ago, I stumbled upon a dreamy closet makeover on Instagram. Small space, clever storage, charm to spare, and no doors. It was one of those posts that lingered long after I’d scrolled past. What if I could create a little more beauty out of my own space?

The very next day, I contacted four closet companies. Over the course of 25+ hours in the following weeks, I met with sales reps, measured, emailed, and explored every layout option. Both overwhelming and invigorating. Like spring cleaning with a blueprint. (One concept is pictured below.)

Eventually, I chose a company that manufactures locally and could meet a tight deadline: installation before early May, just in time to host my annual Coterie tea party.

But before the build, the real work began.

I emptied everything from my closet: shelves, hanging rods, chest of drawers, file cabinet, cubbies. Out came the layers, hip-healing accoutrements (pink canes and heating pads), leotards, tops, bottoms, dresses, stacks of bedding, and piles of paperwork (taxes going back to 1998, oh my!). And more thrifted and vintage coats—nearly a third of my wardrobe—than I care to admit.

It was just days before the Coterie tea party. 20 guests were on the list, cucumber mint tea sandwiches (and much more) needed prepping, and my mom was en route to stay with me for a few days. Still, the act of touching each item and asking if it still served or sparked something felt sacred. A seasonal shedding, complete with several donation bags, lots of dust, and a fresh perspective.

At one point, my entire collection of hanging clothes—mostly faux fur coats—spilled across my living room. Waiting. Airing. Anticipating their new home.

By the time Mom arrived and we gathered around the tea table, something had already shifted. Not just in my space—but in me. I felt lighter.

In my 600-square-foot home, where every inch counts, that once-overstuffed 20-square-foot nook is now a tiny pink haven. Think: sparkly crystal knobs, soft LED glow along the edges, and custom drawers that tuck everything neatly away.

Inside you’ll find capsule wardrobe staples (especially my 2in1 top and leggings “uniform”), a sprinkle of sequins, a wicker basket with scarves, rows of worn ballet slippers and a few fresh ones waiting for their debut, drawers of leotards and legwarmers, a few cherished costumes, a puff of tulle, a memory foam cot for guests, a vintage suitcase filled with old journals, vintage hat boxes filled with dog sweaters, and shoes that once hid in cubbies, now displayed like little works of art.

Despite the variety, everything mixes and matches with ease. Every piece falls within a curated palette of black with touches of white, stripes, floral, pink, and leopard print. It’s the magic of a capsule: versatile, seasonless staples that play well together, no matter the mood or moment. Even the more whimsical pieces find their place, layered over basics or worn solo for a statement that still feels effortless.

But here’s the vulnerable truth: I wasn’t sure how—or even if—I should share this.

Why? Because I talk a lot about capsule wardrobes. About simplicity, intention, and curating rather than consuming. And yet—I also adore the playful pieces that don’t always fit inside a strict 33-piece framework. The frilly, the sparkly, the sentimental. The travel finds. The impractical. I worried that this reveal might seem like a contradiction. Like I wasn’t practicing what I preach.

But here’s what I’ve come to believe: this renovation wasn’t about adding more. It was about seeing what was already there. Clearly and with reverence. It was about creating space that honors who I am now: a minimalist at heart, a maximalist in Swedish Hasbeen clogs (plus a few stilettos I can no longer walk in).

This closet is a love note to midlife—a season I’m shaping with thoughtfulness, beauty, and a bit more ease. It’s not Pinterest-perfect. It doesn’t follow a formula. But it feels like home. And now, my bedroom feels like a tiny boutique.

If you’ve ever found yourself caught between fewer things and fuller self-expression, please know you’re not alone. We get to live in that in-between. We get to write our own rules! And if we’re lucky, we may even create a little pink, gold, and white sanctuary to hold them.

PS If you’re feeling the nudge to refresh your own space, know that it doesn’t require a full renovation or a perfect plan. Start small—one drawer, one shelf, one overstuffed corner. Light a candle. Turn on a favorite playlist (obsessed with this one lately). Make it a ritual, not a chore. Let it be a conversation between your current self and the future you’re creating.

If something more expansive calls, begin by researching local closet companies. I connected with four before finding the one that aligned with my values, aesthetic, and timeline. Look for transparency in cost, a collaborative design process, and realistic turnaround options. Many offer free consultations or 3D renderings to help you visualize the possibilities even in the tiniest of spaces.

Whether it’s a simple tidy or a full-on glow-up, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s creating space that feels aligned, intentional, and oh-so-you! Beauty begins with awareness. Joy lives in the edit. And even the smallest corner can become a sacred container for who you’re becoming.

PPS If this story resonated with you—if you find comfort in personal reflections and ongoing midlife tranquility tools—I’d love to invite you to become a paid subscriber. Your support helps me keep creating and sharing these intimate reflections, along with little extras like journaling prompts, playlists, private podcasts, and guided meditations throughout the month. As a thank-you, paid subscribers and Coterie members will also receive a special Midyear Reset Substack Live this June: a reflective gathering to help you pause, realign, and infuse the second half of the year with intention. Details coming this week!