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Storing and Organizing Shoes

Storing and Organizing Shoes
Scogin Mayo
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Sheila Bridges, Age 39, New York City
The Challenge: How to store shoes in their original boxes (an economical way to protect them) yet still know which pair is inside.

The Soluton: Taping Polaroid photos on the boxes to identify their contents.

Why It Works: This busy interior designer, author, and TV host can't devote a lot of time to getting dressed. If she's taping multiple episodes of her show (Sheila Bridges: Designer Living airs on the Fine Living Network) in one day, she might need two or three outfits, so being able to see all her choices at a glance is essential. Sheila's long but shallow closet consists of hanging sections at staggered heights, interspersed with shelving for shoe boxes. Everyday shoes, including boots and sneakers, aren't kept in boxes, which makes them easier to grab and go (and sneakers can air out this way). Each hanging section holds a separate category (skirts, long dresses, tops), and same-season garments are grouped together within sections. Two valet hooks are mounted beside the closet for coordinating and packing clothes. Once Sheila has assembled her outfit, she can quickly scan her shoe boxes for the perfect footwear to match.

Why She Loves It: "I can always find what I'm looking for," says Sheila.

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