<p>Fashion Makeover Part One was supposed to take place on Day.  I originally intended to acquaint myself with "what's hot now" and quickly became sidetracked by another sort of smutty "hot" in Cosmo. </p>

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<p>I ultimately decided that it would be easier for me to arrange for a personal shopper at Nordstrom because she'll actually know what she's doing and won't get sidetracked by articles on untamed va-jay-jays.  (You'll need to go back and read Day for the latest and greatest on retro "hairstyles".  If you've invested in laser hair removal, then you're SOL.  Oops! ) </p>

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<p>And yes, a personal shopper at Nordie's is FREE.  Can you believe it?!?! </p>

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<p>Oh, Nordie's, Nordie's, Nordie's.  How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways! </p>

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<p>On another day.  I need to focus on Day 59. </p>

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<p>Before the Nordie's Fairy Godmother makes me over, I needed to make room in a closet overbrimming with unworn clothing. </p>

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<p>You may be asking, "How does cleaning out a closet serve as a Day of Living Curiously?  Aren't you supposed to pick something 'soul-scintillating', as you like to call it?" </p>

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<p>Fair question, dear reader.  Fair question. </p>

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<p>When you are born in the month of September, then there is a very good chance that you are a Virgo.  And if you are a Virgo, then there is a very good chance that you like to organize and clean.  And if you like to organize and clean, then there is a very good chance that reorganizing and cleaning a closet gives you a cheap thrill. </p>

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<p>I am guilty all of the above. </p>

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<p>So on Day 59, I couldn't wait to get in the trenches and toss clothing and shoes that met the following criteria:</p>

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<ul>
	<li>Not worn in a year</li>
	<li>More than 7 years old (call it my 7 year itch)</li>
	<li>Outdated</li>
	<li>Uncomfortable</li>
	<li>Anything that would cause my sister to taunt me with, "You're ugly and your mother dresses you funny."</li>
</ul>

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<p>I present to you the embarrassing "Before" photos.  Granted, it could be worse (the closet is still fairly color, type, and season coordinated), but it is still enough to drive a Virgo to the edge.  I'm not Mommy Dearest, but the dry cleaner hangers need to go.  And look at my hamper!  Or more specifically, the floor surrounding my hamper!  You would think a bachelor lived here!!!</p>

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<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB230178.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2178" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB230178-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a></p>

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<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB230180.jpg"></a> <a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB2301791.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB2301791-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><br class="spacer_" /></p>

<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB230180.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB230180-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a><br class="spacer_" /></p>

<p>In the midst of battle, I decided to concentrate only on fall/winter clothes.  All shoes were game. </p>

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<p>Holy Duststorm, Batman!  Have you ever noticed how much DUST accumulates in closets???  I had no choice but to whip out the dust mask and super-duper-micro-fibered As Seen On TV dust cloths.  Choke, choke, cough, cough. </p>

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<p>I was ruthless about the rules above.  In the past, I've gone soft with the "I haven't worn it in a year, but I promise to wear it soon" and "It's getting old, but it's so comfy and sentimental" excuses. </p>

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<p>Since I am a Virgo, I usually clean out my closet twice a year.  I wondered how much stuff I would really part with this time around.  I surprised myself. </p>

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<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260194.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2185" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260194-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>

<p>Before you think I'm waaayyyy too anal, I'm the rare Virgo who refuses to make her bed.  Except when I'm expecting guests, of course. </p>

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<p>In case you wanted to laugh at me even further, allow me to supply you with yet more humiliating photos.</p>

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<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260196.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2186" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260196-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a></p>

<p>I remember buying this dress for my first year of teaching in Arizona.  Which means that...ahem...THAT THIS DRESS IS FROM 1995!!!!  Kimeee, Dina <em>dah</em>ling, and Cooleenie -- WHY DIDN'T YOU STAGE AN INTERVENTION???</p>

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<p>Moving on...</p>

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<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260197.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2187" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260197-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>

<p>3 token male readers -- It's true.  Women buy too many black shoes.  Sue us. </p>

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<p>I'd rather not move on, as our next "exhibit" could rank as one of the most embarassing photos every posted by a female blogger with any sort of fashion pride. </p>

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<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260198.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2189" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260198-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>

<p>Arizona readers -- These are called "Duck Shoes", and I actually wore them in college to keep my feet dry as I trekked across a snowy New York campus.  Why do I still have them?  Your guess is as good as mine. </p>

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<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260206.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2190" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260206-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>

<p>One woman's trash is another woman's treasure.  All clothing and shoes will be donated to Bosom Buddies, a breast cancer charity. </p>

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<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260205.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2191" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260205-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a></p>

<p>Do you ever find unexpected goodies when cleaning out your closet?  Look what timely treasure I found!  [The Ttouch, not the puppy. :-) ]</p>

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<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260208.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2192" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260208-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>

<p>Ahhhhh...Virgoan bliss = Pared down, as well as type, season and color coordinated.  I actually arrange the colors by their order in the spectrum.  (Roy G. Biv!  Red, orange, yellow, etc.)  Now that I say that out loud, I'm wondering if this is healthy. </p>

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<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260207.jpg"><img title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB260207-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>

<p>Bella is perfect and does not chew on shoes.  She merely poses alongside them. </p>

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<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB2602101.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2195" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB2602101-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a></p>

<p>Yes, mom.  Even<em> I</em> was mortified with myself and placed the clothes inside the hamper where they belong. </p>