How This Fashion Blogger Finally Organized Her Overpacked Closet

Having the closet of a fashion blogger definitely seems like a dream come true. But when it comes to living the reality in an every-inch-counts apartment in New York City, the overflowing racks of clothes can end up being more of a nightmare. Katie Sturino of The 12ish Style found this out the hard way. What began as her passion soon became an overwhelmingly stuffed-full closet that just seemed too tough to tackle. Luckily for Sturino, she found an organizing fairy godmother. Anna Bauer of Sorted By Anna guided her through a total closet overhaul. The end result is pure style serenity, but the before? Well, let’s just say the ramshackle sight may be a liiiiittle too familiar to some of us at home. Here are the expert tips that Sturino and Bauer used to make the transformation. (We’re taking notes).

1. Be realistic. “If your dream is to have a Pinterest-perfect closet, that’s great. But be realistic about how long it will take you to adhere to the vision you have,” cautions Bauer. Sometimes it’s best to work piecemeal. “Start with organizing the shoes or setting up all of your dresses together, chipping away at things so it feels less overwhelming,” she advises. In the end, perfection isn’t attainable, so don’t hold yourself to an unreasonable standard. “It may be that you have to tweak some things so your idea of perfection matches the reality of your life,” she says.

2. Break it down. Not sure where to start? Sticking to specific criteria can help you stay on track. “Make categories!” says Bauer. “Going through all of your belongings is daunting, so keep it simple by making piles of keep, donate/resale, and trash. This will help you get a better picture of how many items you really have,” she says. Keeping count, in turn, can help you develop systems that accommodate those pieces.

3. Make space for what you really love. Sentimental items aren’t the enemy: Throughout the process, Bauer made sure to make space for Sturino’s truly beloved items. Her best advice for knowing the difference? “Talk it out,” she says. (This is where it really helps to buddy up on your closet clean.) “Whether it’s an internal dialogue or out loud, don’t be afraid to talk through each item you are sorting through.” While you might not feel like thanking your inanimate objects a la Marie Kondo, even talking about the item can help you process. For example, Bauer said, let’s say you pull out a gift you received ages ago and forgot about immediately. “The first thought might be that you’re pumped you just found it!” Bauer says. “But continue to ask yourself some questions: How long was it hidden away? Had you ever thought about where it was? Was your life significantly worse because you didn’t have it?” After a few minutes, you might realize your priorities aren’t what you thought they were.

4. Know when to admit the truth. “If you have to justify keeping it, it probably means you shouldn’t,” says Bauer. Her rule of thumb seems brutal at first, but there’s definitely some sense to it. “There’s a distinct difference between knowing in your gut that it’s something you have to keep, versus quickly giving in to the sentimental justification that blocking you from rationally knowing what to do.”

5. Use labeled sections to keep your system working. Resist the inevitable backslide into laziness by making it crystal-clear what goes where using labels. “I’m honestly so shocked the labeling system has worked. It really, really helps me put clothes away in their correct section,” says Sturino of her new system. As for how it’s working after the fact, she says there’s just no going back: “It’s super important to me and it makes me feel like my closet isn’t a big black hole of garbage… I’m actually happy going into it now.”

Tackling a closet clean of your own? Tweet us @BritandCo to let us know how it goes!

(Images via The 12ish Style)

Cleaning your house can be the most stressful part of hosting guests. But the cozy, happy feeling you get when you have a spotless home is literally priceless. (I actually think hiring a house cleaner is an essential form of self care.) That said, all your effort can be overshadowed by unexpected dirt or grime in hidden nooks and corners. To help you avoid this, here are a few commonly missed spots to tackle before guests arrive!

Here are all the spots you (probably) missed cleaning recently!

Kaboompics.com

Sink Drains

A spritz of cleaner around the sink and faucet can be satisfying, but do you ever notice how gross a drain can get? Look out for mold and hair just under the drain cover for a truly clean sink.

Kaboompics.com

Behind the Toilets

Guests will likely notice dust buildup in these spots as they reach for their TP, especially in small bathrooms. Make sure to mop or wipe with a cloth behind your toilet for a fresh, clean space. You'll get to enjoy after they leave too!

Lauren Pressey

Your Entryway

It can be easy to get lost in cleaning the main part of your house that you forget the most important part! Make a good first impression with a tidy and organized entryway. Hide to mail, dust and clean, and add fresh flowers or a candle to make it more inviting.

Michael Oxendine

Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

Ever look up and find yourself horrified by the black dust building up on your white fan? Ditto. Grab a chair or ladder and dust the blades to keep dust from spreading all around the room.

Element5 Digital

Door Handles and Knobs

Given it's flu and Covid season, this is also a respectful and hygienic choice.

Kristyna Squared.one

Inside and Outside Your Fridge

This is a good time to use up food that's about to expire and reduce clutter in the fridge. But don't forget the outside too. Smudges and old reminders can be an eyesore.

Kira auf der Heide

Under Couch Cushions

Crumbs or debris can show up as soon as a guest sits down. As you vacuum the floor, give your cushions a quick clean up too. You may even find some change or items you've been missing.

Megan Nixon

Front of Kitchen Cabinets

Grease and fingerprints can make cabinets look dirty. We often overlook cleaning these and shelves, but having guests over is a good reminder!

Lisa Anna

Inside Your Microwave

Guests warming food may be grossed out by splatters and stains inside the microwave. Don't forget to clean the inside and outside!

Kelly Sikkema

Windowsills

Dust and dead insects often gather here, especially in warmer months. If you haven't cleaned them since summer, now is a good time to vacuum them up and wipe them down.

SHVETS production

Trash Cans (Inside and Out)

Even with a liner, odors can linger in trash cans. Hose them down or clean them in the sink to refresh your bins.

Taryn Elliott

Remote Controls and Electronics

These are high-touch items that guests may use, so a quick disinfecting wipe is a good idea this flu season!

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Trader Joe’s loves to keep us on our toes when it comes to their new arrivals. We’re constantly monitoring the aisles to discover all the new TJ’s sweet treats and savory snacks they launch – and these 7 new picks for January 2025 are not to be missed! All of these Trader Joe’s products will run you less than $5, which only makes sealing the deal on your grocery bill easier.

From delicious dips to a very enticing new frozen meal, these are the 7 best new Trader Joe’s finds you absolutely need to try in January 2025.

Trader Joe's

1. Teensy Candy Bars

These tiny little candy bar bites ($2.99) resemble Snickers in the best way possible: layers of nougat, caramel, and peanuts are enveloped in a delicious chocolate coating for maximum snackage. We're gonna have to resist eating the whole bag! TJ's even suggests using these bits as decoration for other desserts, like sprinkling some on a scoop of ice cream or baking them into some cookies.

Trader Joe's

2. Olive Tapenade Hummus

Trader Joe's array of dips is simply too good to resist, and this newcomer hummus ($3.49) is no exception! It's a tub of "smooth and nutty" hummus topped with a tapenade comprised of black olives, manzanilla olives, capers, and olive oil to give it a salty effect. It's gonna taste so great as a dip for crackers or as a spread on a Mediterranean pita wrap.

Trader Joe's

3. Organic Concord Grape Jelly

This squeezable grape jelly ($3.49) is nothing short of nostalgic. Trader Joe's says it's "super smooth, joyously juicy, and potently purple," which immediately has us sold on making PB&Js every day now.

Trader Joe's

4. Spicy Chicken Nuggets

Oh, yeah. Bring on the spice with these spicy nuggs ($3.99) that make the perfect easy meal no matter the time of day! Made from all-natural chicken breast and rib meat, breaded with wheat, rice and corn flours, then covered in hot sauce and lightly fried, TJ's has their texture down to a tee. You can easily cook 'em in the air fryer, oven, or microwave before chowing down!

Trader Joe's

5. Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos

These halved and fried frozen tacos ($4.99) will totally crush your Taco Bell cravings, since they come together super quickly and contain flavors with mind-blowing authenticity! Each taco is filled with a blend of seasoned mashed potatoes and some "ever-so- slightly spicy" poblano peppers that'll work so well with any dipping sauce, from TJ's salsa to their creamy Jalapeño Sauce.

Trader Joe's

6. Strawberry Mini Hold The Cone!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Trader Joe's is debuting a new flavor ($3.99) of their classic Hold The Cone! frozen dessert: strawberry! These tiny, chocolate-covered cones are lined with even more "rich" chocolate on the inside, then packed with strawberry ice cream, which TJ's says is crafted with plenty of strawberry purée.

Trader Joe's

7. Caesar Salad Dip

Trader Joe's shoppers have said this new Caesar Salad Dip ($3.69) makes a perfect girl dinner addition– which, if you get it, you get it! The tub starts with a "creamy" base that's then loaded up with Caesar-seasoned sour cream, mayo, anchovy paste, Parmesan, and finely shredded Romaine for the crunch. It's best enjoyed with crackers or veggie sticks to dip, but you could also smatter fried chicken or seared steak in it for some ahh-mazing flavor!

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When I moved into my first home, I noticed an interesting trend: my guests kept gifting me cleaning supplies. I turned to my BFF and asked, "Should I be offended?" After all, I’d always thought of myself as tidy and organized — but deep cleaning? That wasn’t exactly my thing.

Granted, I was going through a major life change and cleaning my home wasn't a top priority, but I clearly got the hint. During a recent visit, my mom shared a few game-changing tips for cleaning my washing machine and dishwasher (spoiler: all you need is vinegar!). Since then, I've picked up more tricks to tackle the tub, oven, and beyond.

So, here’s a comprehensive cleaning guide to help you kick off the holidays and 2025 with a clean slate and home.

Monthly: Clean Your Washing Machine

Rachel Claire

There's this common misconception that washing machines are always clean just by running loads of laundry. I learned the hard way, not true. Over time, detergent residues, fabric softener, and minerals from the water build up in your washing machine, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Yuck! To keep your clothes and linens smelling fresh and truly clean, a monthly deep clean is a must.

How to Clean It: Once a month, run an empty hot water cycle with a cup of distilled white vinegar. This will help break down any buildup inside the drum, as well as eliminate any bacteria. For front-loading machines, don’t forget to clean the rubber gasket around the door where mold loves to hide. I just did this and it was frankly, gross, but so satisfying in the end. Wipe it down with a mixture of vinegar and water, and let it air dry.

Monthly: Clean Your Dishwasher

cottonbro studio

You and your partner may argue over how you load the dishes, but have either of you actually cleaned it? Dishwashers, like washing machines, build up icky grime over time from food particles and soap scum, causing a stink and making your dishwasher work less well. A quick monthly clean can keep it in top shape.

How to Clean It: Pour a cup of vinegar inside and run a hot water cycle with no dishes. Afterward, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another cycle. This combo will help remove lingering smells and make your dishwasher sparkle.

Biannually: Clean Your Oven

Liliana Drew

If you're not using your oven for big meals all the time, twice a year is usually enough cleaning it will need (whew!). Otherwise, every few months will do the trick. Cleaning off all that baked-on grease and food residue with a biannual clean will keep it working more efficiently and ready for your next festive feast.

How to Clean It: Create a thick paste with baking soda and water, then apply it to the inside of the oven, avoiding heating elements. Let it sit overnight, and then wipe away the grime. Finish by spraying a little vinegar to tackle any remaining residue. You can also try a store-bought oven cleaner that works in minutes like Easy-Off.

Every 3 Months: Clean Hard To Reach Places

Shutterstock

Sometimes, it’s the places we don’t see that need the most attention: under the fridge, behind the couch, and in vents. A thorough dusting every three months will keep allergens at bay.

How to Clean: If you don't already have a robot vacuum, use a standup vacuum with a hose attachment or a microfiber cloth to reach these spots. For vents, remove covers and gently wash them in warm, soapy water. Replace disposable filters every three months too.

Weekly: Tub and Shower

Kaboompics.com

My least favorite room to clean: bathrooms, which tend to build up mold and mildew quickly due to all the moisture. A quick weekly clean can prevent buildup, while a monthly deep clean will ensure everything stays sparkling and germ-free.

How to Clean: I recently discovered Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover for my shower glass doors and it works great. For your tub and shower, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar as a natural scrub. Spray the surfaces with vinegar, sprinkle baking soda over them, and scrub with a brush or simply use your favorite all-purpose cleaner like Method or Meyers. Rinse well. Also, keep a squeegee in your shower to reduce buildup over time.

Weekly: Bed Sheets

Tatiana Syrikova

There's nothing better than climbing into your bed with freshly cleaned sheets. You should wash your bed sheets once a week, or every two weeks at most. If you sweat a lot in your sleep or suffer from major allergies, try to clean more often than that.

How to Clean: When washing your sheets, use a paraben-free and dye-free detergent like Seventh Generation or Arm & Hammer Free & Clear, especially if you have sensitive skin and wash your pillowcases and bed sheets at the same time to keep dirt at bay.

Seasonally: Windows

Nathan Fertig

Cleaning your windows every fall and spring can make a huge difference in brightening your home with more natural light and help you enjoy a better view. You won't regret it!

How to Clean: Use your favorite glass cleaner or put a few drops of dish soap in a warm bucket of water. First, wipe the frames with a dry cloth or a brush to remove dust and debris. Then using a sponge, start from the top and work down to lift off dirt, fingerprints, and grime. Use a squeegee for a streak-free finish, and a clean microfiber cloth (to prevent lint) to dry any remaining water droplets around the edges.

Kaboompics.com

Here's to a happy, healthy clean home! My last two tips: Bring in air-purifying plants to naturally clean your indoor air and pretty up your home. And for pots and pans that still show burnt marks, I found a sprinkling of Bar Keepers Friend with a nice scrub does the trick!

Check out our online newsletter for more organizing and cleaning inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner spent New Years Eve together, and based on the giant ring Dua's wearing on THAT finger, it looks like they could be spending the rest of their lives together too! This celebrity couple were first spotted together in January 2024, and immediately became my favorite couple, like, ever. Engagement rumors were flying by the end of the year, and thanks to Dua Lipa's latest Instagram posts, the internet is more convinced than ever that these two will be headed down the aisle soon.

Here's everything we know about those Dua Lipa and Callum Turner engagement rumors.

Dua Lipa's been wearing a gorgeous ring on THAT finger since Christmas.

In a post celebrating the holidays, Dua Lipa posted a roundup of photos — led by a shot of her wearing a sherpa jacket and reindeer antlers. But as fun as her outfit is, the internet immediately focused on another detail: her new ring. It appears to be a diamond on a chunky gold band, and if you ask me, the ring's modern, glam look is the perfect vibe for the "Houdini" singer.

"THE RING," one user commented, while another user said, "ENGAGED VIBESSSSSSSSSS," under another end-of-year post.

And when Dua Lipa finally posted photos from her epic New Year's Eve celebration on January 3, a third user commented, "We all still waiting to see the 💍." TLDR; the singer's fans really want to know if she's engaged! But if there's one thing I know for sure, it's that this couple won't tell us unless they want to. And I'm here for it!

And Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are totally "mad about each other."

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner keep their relationship pretty private (aside from some very cute walks), but according to one Page Six source, they've been "mad about each other" from the start. And it's clear because these two can't keep their hands off each other!

"Dua and Callum are so in love and know this is forever," a source told The Sun in December 2024. “They are engaged and couldn’t be happier. Dua has had one of the best years of her career professionally and this is the cherry on the cake."

"Callum is such a solid support for Dua and they make a wonderful couple," the source continues. "Their family and friends are so happy. It’s been an amazing Christmas for them.”

Stay tuned for the latest news on Dua Lipa and Callum Turner's potential engagement, and read up on Tom Holland and Zendaya's engagement!

Hot cocoa and a fuzzy blanket are the perfect companions for a night in, especially when you're having a winter movie night! The new movies coming in February make for the best Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day plans — even if you'd rather go to a rage room than sit down for a romantic dinner. No matter what your stance on February 14 is (or your relationship status) there's a movie for everyone. And check out the new February TV shows coming your way!

Here are the 11 most-anticipated new movies coming in February 2025.

Kinda Pregnant — On Netflix February 5, 2025

Scott Yamano/Netflix

Lainy's excited for her best friend's pregnancy, but she's also insanely jealous...which leads her to wear a fake bump and convince everyone in her life she's pregnant. That sounds complicated as-is, but things get even crazier when she meets her dream man. Kinda Pregnant already sounds hilarious, but with Amy Schumer and Brianne Howey, I know we're gonna be laughing out loud.

Kinda Pregnant premieres February 5 and stars Amy Schumer, Jillian Bell, Will Forte, Damon Wayans Jr., Brianne Howey, Alex Moffat, Joel David Moore, Lizze Broadway, Urzila Carlson, Francis Benhamou.

Love Hurts — In Theaters February 7, 2025

Allen Fraser/Universal Pictures

Marvin Gable's traded a life of crime for a career as a realtor in Wisconsin. But when his ex-partner Rose ropes him back into the world he's tried so hard to escape, Marvin realizes you can't escape your past. Or your murders brother.

Love Hurts hits theaters February 7 and stars Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Sean Astin, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, Marshawn Lynch, and André Eriksen.

Heart Eyes — In Theaters February 7, 2025

Spyglass/Sony Pictures Releasing

If you're missing Slasher Summer, you'll definitely want to see this new movie when it premieres on February 7. A murderer who goes by Heart Eyes targets couples every Valentine's Day — and Ally and her date might be next.

Heart Eyes premieres February 7 and stars Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy — On Peacock February 13, 2025

Jay Maidment/Universal Pictures

We're finally getting a new Bridget Jones movie, and it's coming oh so soon! Bridget, now a single mom, finds herself drawn to the young and handsome Roxster, but she also can't stop running into Mr. Wallaker. I can't wait to see how this one unfolds.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy drops on February 13 and stars Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher, and Gemma Jones.

Captain America: Brave New World — In Theaters February 14, 2025

Eli Adé/Marvel Studios/Disney

Marvel fans, we are so back! After a slew of movies and TV shows that contributed to superhero fatigue for all of us, the MCU is getting back to its roots with Captain America: Brave New World. Sam Wilson has taken up the mantle of Captain America but is constantly compared to Steve Rogers — especially when the government finds itself on the brink of a worldwide crisis.

Captain America: Brave New World premieres February 14 and stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Harrison Ford, and Liv Tyler.

Paddington in Peru — In Theaters February 14, 2025

Peter Mountain/StudioCanal/Sony Pictures

Paddington is off on a tropical adventure when his quest to find Aunt Lucy takes him (and the whole family) to the Amazon rain forest. Hopefully he has plenty of marmalade sandwiches!

Paddington in Peru premieres February 14 and stars Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Carla Tous, Ben Whishaw, Olivia Colman, and Madeleine Harris.

The Unbreakable Boy — In Theaters February 21, 2025

Lionsgate

In this new movie, Jacob Laval is a joyful boy with autism and brittle bone disease who makes everything around him more beautiful. This is the perfect encouraging movie to see with the family this winter, but you might want to bring some tissues!

The Unbreakable Boy premieres February 21 and stars Austin LeRette, Meghann Fahy, Zachary Levi, Patricia Heaton, and Gavin Warren.

Cleaner — In Theaters February 21, 2025

Quiver Distribution

When a group of radical activists take over an energy company's gala (and take 300 hostages), their mission takes a turn for the worse when one member takes things to the extreme. Now it's up to a soldier-turned-window cleaner literally hanging out outside the building to save everyone inside.

Cleaners hits theaters February 21 and stars Daisy Ridley, Taz Skylar, and Clive Owen.

Old Guy — In Theaters February 21

The Avenue

An older hitman is not happy about training a younger guy to take his place, but when they learn their employer set them up, they wind up becoming allies instead.

Old Guy premieres February 21 and stars Christoph Waltz, Cooper Hoffman, Lucy Liu, Ryan McParland, Ann Akinjirin, Jason Done, Tony Hirst, Kate Katzman, Conor Mullen, and Rory Mullen.

The Monkey — In Theaters February 21, 2025

Neon

Twins Hal and Bill grew apart after they found an old monkey toy that belonged to their father and people around them started dying. But now that the deaths have begun again, they reunite to protect their loved ones and destroy the monkey once and for all.

The Monkey hits theaters February 21 and stars Osgood Perkins, Theo James, Elijah Wood, James Wan, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Laura Mennell, and Sarah Levy.

Last Breath — In Theaters February 28, 2025

Focus FeaturesLast Breath — In Theaters February 28, 2025

When diver Chris Lemons becomes untethered 100 meters underwater, Duncon Allcock and David Yuasa have to figure out how to rescue him — if they can even find him. Yep, I'm getting anxious just thinking about this!

Last Breath premieres February 28 and stars stars Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, Cliff Curtis and Djimon Hounsou.

Which new movie will you be watching this February? Don't forget to catch up on the best January movies too!