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Ask Lisa + Liz

Every time I buy something new, it turns out that I already have almost the identical thing in my wardrobe. How can I avoid these repeat buys?
By Elizabeth Cabral
To get the most out of your existing clothes and avoid making those repeat purchases, you must be organized. In order to see what's in your closet, start by arranging items by category. First, separate your summer clothes from your winter gear. Make room for the current season's pieces in your closet and store your summer wardrobe elsewhere in protective bins and bags. Then arrange everything together—for example: shirts with shirts, separated by dressy and casual styles, or by colour. Store shoes at the bottom of your closet in their original boxes with a picture on the outside or in clear plastic bins. If you have a shelf above the hanging rack, neatly fold sweaters and t-shirts in clear boxes, and display your handbags. Hang a rack on the back of your closet door to organize belts and scarves. Trust me, the extra time and effort now will save you making repeat purchases later.

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The cover of Chatelaine magazine's spring 2025 issue, reading "weekend prep made easy"; "five delicious weeknight meals", "plus, why you'll never regret buying an air fryer"; "save money, stay stylish how to build a capsule wardrobe" and "home organization special" along with photos of burritos, chicken and rice and white bean soup, quick paella in a dutch oven, almost-instant Thai chicken curry and chicken broccoli casserole in an enamelled cast-iron skillet

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Want to streamline your life? In our Spring 2025 issue, we’ll show you how—whether it’s paring down your wardrobe, decluttering your messiest spaces or spending way less time cooking thanks to an easy, mostly make-ahead meal plan for busy weeknights. Plus, our first annual Pantry Awards.