I took a running start at the new year by cleaning out my clothes closet. Truth be known I couldn’t stuff one more thing in there without everything tumbling all over itself in a limp  attempt to escape.

At the end of the day, I have hauled 5 garbage sacks full of stuff to the Salvation Army thrift store. Somehow resisting the urge to check out their racks, I hurry home to stand inside my clutter-free space and bask in self-righteous smugness.

Oh yeah, sure. I know the drill. Set up three piles – one to throw away, one to give away and one to put back. Be ruthless. Keep it only if it makes me feel and look good. Closet real estate is much too precious to waste on old news. Like I’m sure Oprah must say, Embrace the now or is it, Embrace you in the now?

For the most part, the overall impression in my closet is muted, neutral and well-mannered. That is, all except for a short black leather skirt, a silky rosy-scarlet tailored blouse and a red felt bowler trimmed in black.