I have been simplifying my wardrobe...yet again. Last week I mentioned bucket lists and one of the items on my list is to have a small but beautiful wardrobe. Since starting my blog I've been attempting to cross that off my list and yet I never have. But I must say I'm getting dangerously close to doing so, and that is exciting.
What's stopping me from creating the wardrobe I want and actually dream about? Fear is the main thing, fear of letting go, not having enough. Facing mistakes (the worst!) and possibly regretting letting go of something I may need one day. All of these reasons are really just excuses that keep me stuck. I made up my mind that if I really wanted to make this real, I needed to get serious.
I wanted to make this as pleasant as possible so I put on some music and had a pitcher of iced green tea to sip. I started by emptying all the drawers, my closet and armoire onto my bed. I vacuumed and wiped everything down, lined the drawers with lavender scented paper and then went through each and every item I own. One by one I sorted through everything and put things in bags either to be donated (4 bags!) or sold on eBay (already sold $400!). Once and for all I let go of things I had, up until this point, been unable to. If I was in doubt about an item I set it aside and went back to it later. Two days later I edited some more. I did this with my accessories also...so many mistakes. Letting them all go feels so good though. Yeah, this is way better. Very little will have to be purchased to fill in the holes. I plan to add a sweater for this winter and towards spring I think I'll add a couple of cooler items for the summer. Right now I have under 30 items of clothing and that includes my coats and jackets. Wow, the emptiness is amazing.
3 silk blouses
2 silk sleeveless blouses
1 chambray shirt
1 white shirt
3 dresses
3 t shirts
3 sweaters
4 jeans
1 slim black pant
2 skirts
1 trenchcoat
1 peacoat
1 herringbone jacket
1 dressy coat
1 dressy jacket
What's stopping me from creating the wardrobe I want and actually dream about? Fear is the main thing, fear of letting go, not having enough. Facing mistakes (the worst!) and possibly regretting letting go of something I may need one day. All of these reasons are really just excuses that keep me stuck. I made up my mind that if I really wanted to make this real, I needed to get serious.
I wanted to make this as pleasant as possible so I put on some music and had a pitcher of iced green tea to sip. I started by emptying all the drawers, my closet and armoire onto my bed. I vacuumed and wiped everything down, lined the drawers with lavender scented paper and then went through each and every item I own. One by one I sorted through everything and put things in bags either to be donated (4 bags!) or sold on eBay (already sold $400!). Once and for all I let go of things I had, up until this point, been unable to. If I was in doubt about an item I set it aside and went back to it later. Two days later I edited some more. I did this with my accessories also...so many mistakes. Letting them all go feels so good though. Yeah, this is way better. Very little will have to be purchased to fill in the holes. I plan to add a sweater for this winter and towards spring I think I'll add a couple of cooler items for the summer. Right now I have under 30 items of clothing and that includes my coats and jackets. Wow, the emptiness is amazing.
3 silk blouses
2 silk sleeveless blouses
1 chambray shirt
1 white shirt
3 dresses
3 t shirts
3 sweaters
4 jeans
1 slim black pant
2 skirts
1 trenchcoat
1 peacoat
1 herringbone jacket
1 dressy coat
1 dressy jacket
You are my role model! I,too, have tried to reduce my wardrobe but still have a long ways to go. Maybe rereading your post will help me in my endeavor next time I tackle the closet. -Diane
ReplyDeletethanks diane. it has taken me several attempts at this so i know what you mean.
DeleteI so admire your ability to purge your closet like that. I'm slowly working on doing the same but it is so difficult to let some things go. It does pay to buy quality items. The classics last so much longer and remain in style. Thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteit really is difficult to let go of certain things. perhaps just put them out of sight for a long while and then see? that's what i did.
DeleteMine is small too, though I have one jacket and one coat that don't even fit properly that I am loathe to let go of, I bought them back in my pre marital day of high earnings/no responsibilities.I need to get you round to prise them from my hands!
ReplyDeletei've seen your wardrobe and if i were you i wouldn't get rid of a thing! it's all too beautiful. i do have 2 too many coats myself but one is a sentimental piece that i'll probably be buried in. :)
DeleteOh God, now I'm all creeped out by the unnecessary visit I just made to Nordstroms.....this doesn't include workout attire does it?
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed this year by all the jackets I've bought over the years that I'm wearing the hell out of. Um but not the ones in the attic....
Ok, ok, you're right as rain.
Maybe I'll try EBay.
xo Jane
haha. no it does not include workout or pj's or undies. :)
DeleteHi Janet! Your wardrobe keeps my mind busy ;-)
DeleteHow do you do it with 3 T shirts? Do you wear them for gardening, cooking and duties in and around the house?
Or would those chores count as workouts, supplied by your workout-wardrobe?
I always keep extra T shirts, the nice one end up with stains, which I can't avoid.
Also I would not get very far with 3 T shirts. I would have to do my laundry every other day ...
So please, tell me the truth about your T's.
;-)
I am sure a lot of people think this is ... weird? Worrying so much about T shirts. 3, 5, 10 ... what does it matter.
I guess you got me hooked with the numbers. Concept. Plan. That's where I feel at home :-)
hi paula! i think a lot of people think it's weird that we are obsessed with our clothing but i don't really care...do you? :)
Deletei now have only 3 everyday t shirts. gray, black and white. i wear these for everything except gardening and working out in. this is what my outdoor/sports clothes consists of...
1 long sleeve shirt for gardening/hiking - protects me from sun and thorns
2 yoga pants
2 sleeveless yoga tops
2 tshirts for sports/outdoor work
1 zip up hoodie for cold day outdoor activities
does this help? x
Hello Janet! Thank you, you are very gentle and super-patient :-)) And above this you are an inspiration!
DeleteAs long as you blog, I will never be able to turn my back to the blogsphere. Coming back to your blog somehow has a calming effect. xo Paula
thank you paula. :)
DeleteI need to do this too...
ReplyDeleteYou never fail to inspire me Janet!
I've never sold anything on eBay...perhaps you could do a post on how it's done.
judging by the comments already i think i should do an ebay post. thanks leslie.
DeleteSo inspiring. I'll need to take several swings at it, as there is just so much crap in there. I think the fear of wanting it later is my worst enemy. Although I must admit, I've only ever regretted getting rid of something, once, in my 57 years! And now I don't remember what it was I missed so it couldn't have mattered that much. Silly isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThe idea of having all the shelves and drawers cleaned and fresh is intoxicating. I've never sold things on EBay but should give it a go. I'm usually just trying to get it out of the house quickly, once I've decided it needs to go. I'm reading "Living the Simple Life" that you recommended. I got it from the library, rather than purchasing it, but now wish I'd bought it. I was trying to make it simple:-)
xo Jennifer
hi jennifer. if you decide you want it go on amazon and i bet there are tons of used copies for under $5. look for her first book too. that's the one that so inspired me years ago.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteGot one for $3.73. Thanks.
DeleteHalf.com has her books. Some for $.75 + shipping.
DeleteYou are so efficient Janet. Thank you for the look into your closet. I'd like to simplify more but now that we are starting a family I doubt I'll manage, it will likely go in the opposite direction. I think it would be difficult to get down to 30 items of clothing here in Canada where the weather is so varied. Layering is an important concept in staying warm and dry as the temperature fluctuates. Still, I think I could do better.
ReplyDeleteyou are right, i think our mild climate here plays a big role in my being able to keep my wardrobe small. and yes, prepare for lots of baby stuff!
DeleteHonestly, I don't understand this need, but it is apparently important to you. You write about enjoying your wardrobe, having an active and varied lifestyle and enjoy creatively mixing and matching outfits. You are very disciplined, so it is not as though you are a spendthrift. If you have a few extra things, so be it!
ReplyDeleteyes, it is important to me. :)
DeleteI meant no disrespect. Only a different point of view.
Deleteno disrespect taken linda. i was just agreeing with you.
DeleteI LOVE this. I think you are right on, we worry so much about needing something so we just keep it. You inspire me! Found your blog last night from A Country Farmhouse and spent over an hour on it. Thanks for all you share.
ReplyDeletethanks diana elizabeth. trina is the best.
DeleteI second Leslie's request for a little info on how to sell on eBay. It seems you have been very successful! My last attempt at consigning was rather disappointing, not just from a monetary standpoint, but from the unpleasantness of the experience. And so, my 4 bags of next-to-new clothing sit on the attic stairs waiting for me to get the gumption to donate them. Bravo for accomplishing what you set out do!
ReplyDeletei will do an ebay post b/c it is rather daunting to start.
DeleteI know that we all would be very glad if you could, but don't feel pressured to do so by our requests. I hope you realize how much we all appreciate and enjoy your blog. It is always enjoyable, always inspiring.
DeleteThank you! I will be very happy to read a "how to ... ebay"-posting. I am "afraid" of the whole shipping-procress, how to find out how much shipping costs etc.
DeleteKristien, same for me! I entered a consignment store lighthearted and left it in a bad mood once. The lady who owned the store was very strict, very un-welcoming and would not let you bring by some clothes without scheduling an appointment beforehand ... I left some clothes there but never went back to check if she'd sold them or not.
Whenever I clean out, I always think of you! I always ask myself, "what would Janet do...?" Just because I admire your dedication and determination in everything you do. You live thoughtfully and I love that.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm in a pinch though - I thought I'd be in Georgia by now so I've donated all my winter clothes and it's 40 degrees here today!
oh no sarah! yikes.
DeleteI've just purged my wardrobe too. Having a small closet I share with my husband, there is no room for anything not worn. I tried on every item and if it didn't fit or had any issues, out it went. Also the fantasy clothes are gone. Should I need a formal gown (not likely) I'll pick something up at a consignment store.
ReplyDeleteGetting dressed is so much simpler, isn't it?
Betty
having such limited space really is the best motivator. and yes, getting dressed is easier.;)
Delete"Fantasy clothes." What a perfect description for some of the clothes hanging in my closet that I think I "might" need someday. . . yet have never worn. I guess we sometimes fantasize about a lifestyle that we just don't lead.
DeleteHere's another "Like" for the concept of fantasy clothes! And I don't even want to lead a dressed -up lifestyle; I avoid dressing up (other than for work) at all costs. So maybe these clothes are for if someone drags me to a fomal occasion at gunpoint?!
Delete- Karen
Thank you Janet - I continue to work on this myself, and though I am not down to 30 (as per xoxo's post above - would be impossible in Canada!), I am curious as to how you weeded. Are these FANTASTIC white shirts or chambray shirts, etc? I am about ready to do it again and my closet gets smaller and smaller!
ReplyDeletewendy i'll try to put a more in-depth post together.
DeleteOh God Bless - I always think you look so elegant, so would really benefit from the process!!
DeleteJanet I love your wardrobe posts very much! I've been editing and editing, but I'm doing something a little different now... I'm not replacing. I've looked at my clothing purchases over the last couple of years and I've realized that a closet purge would actually lead to lots of new items added in, and you know I have finally realized that space is okay, actually that's the goal, too much stuff makes me feel crazy. I am on the minimal side with my home and office so the closet is the final frontier.
ReplyDeleteAs xoxo and Wendy have pointed out in Canada we do need a variety of clothing options... we do have distinct seasons and though spring and autumn are shorter than they used to be we still get them... there's also the travel to the southern US to visit our family so that's another category. I could get down to 30-40 items for a small period of time but overall no I couldn't do it, though my "archive" could probably use an edit soon.
Janet thanks for being such an inspiration to us in so many ways.
you are welcome and i hope your class went well today!
DeleteJanet - Could you do a post on how to sell stuff on ebay? I give a lot to Goodwill, but would like to try to sell some designer clothing and shoes on ebay. The shipping scares me a bit. Love your website and your style!!
ReplyDeleteKim
yes i will kim. shipping is tricky!
DeleteThank you Janet!!! :)
DeleteKim
wow! I am so impressed - this would be impossible for me living in Calgary in Canada - I have four different pairs of boots alone depending on what is going on outside and yes, sometimes I wear my Uggs in the summer in the evenings! I also have at least 7 different winter coats and jackets to fit our winter temps of -30C to +15C (during the chinooks!)...and regrettably I also work a corporate job where formal business wear is required... I dream of having a 30-piece wardrobe! I felt proud that I am down to only a 100 items for all four seasons combined (including all the winter outerwear etc.). My go to designer is Eileen Fisher - that women is a miracle worker for well made clothing that moves from business to evening to casual so well!
ReplyDeletethe climate would play a huge role in your wardrobe. it is so mild here and so i'm lucky b/c we really don't need as much.
DeleteYou are sooo right about accessoires! And right about the others things, too. But sooo right about the knick-knack.
ReplyDeleteOnce more I envy you for living in a region, where the climate is not as extreme as in my the continental region, where winters can be extremly cold and summers can be hotter than carribean summers!
This year we had temperatures in Vienna ranging from -4°F to 107°F. You could say we need two totally different wardrobes. I used to meet my neighbour from the apartment above my apartment twice a year, when we changes summer/winter clothes and stored the season "out of season" in the basement.
It became a tradition!
Not any longer for me. A few years ago I donated bags of clothes and now I am able to store all my clothes inside the apartment throughout the year. Now I am on a slow but steady path: I don't go through the wardrobe and give away clothes but I won't replace damaged clothes as long as I have an alternative. I own 2 pairs of jeans. One will be worn through the sooner or later. I see no need to replace it as long as there still is the other pair of jeans.
Did you keep leather and wool? The blazer seems to be tweed ... I remember that you sold/donated your beloved second hand leather boots, because something had made "click" and you did not want to wear leather any more.
How do you deal with wool and leather today?
xo Paula
PS: has your Significant Other been away during your days of bedroom-chaos?
PPS: do our apartements/homes seem to grow smaller the longer we live in them or to we need more air and less stuff the older we get or did we carry more and more stuff inside our apartments/homes over time? What is it, that makes us want to de-clutter?
congratulations on paring down! i am still wearing my old things that have wool in them. i have pretty much failed at completely veganizing my wardrobe. i haven't bought anything new but i do still own my old stuff. larry was here during my purge. it took the better part of one day so it went pretty fast. for me decluttering seems to be in my blood. :)
DeleteYou always inspire! I am trying to just use the space I have rather than hope I get more. As others have noted, we in the North need different items for our seasons; I find this to be a pleasure,actually. Now the linens are receding and the tweeds/wools advancing.
ReplyDeletei did have to wear a sweater the other night and i was thrilled!
DeleteImpressive! I am trying to do the same but will probably think it is a major achievement if I can get down to 300 items. My math is as follows: 4 seasons so 30 x 4 = 120. Corporate job so 120 x 2 = 240. More closets, so 25% extra allowed = 300.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading a lot about donate vs sell on ebay with the advice that a big decluttering is best done by simply donating everything but personally I have found that parting with things that are really beautifully made, superb quality, in good condition are very hard to part with and if I cannot give it to a friend or good charity (such as Rosie's place or a shelter, where the clothes will go for free to women being helped to enter the workforce) then selling on ebay helps me part with it because it seems as though it is being adopted by a nice home. And is not a total financial loss.
Why is it so hard to part with things though? Fear of regret seems to be the main issue for me. In case you have not seen this I found the comments very interesting and helpful. This blogger asked people if they had regrets after a massive declutter.
http://ask.metafilter.com/92613/Anyone-had-regrets-about-a-massive-decluttering-of-their-lives
thanks for that link. yeah, fear and regret are big...and yet when you think about it, it's not that big of a deal. i think we drive ourselves crazy!
DeleteI agree! A small wardrobe is so much better. Simpler in so many ways. Living in a colder climate, I probably have double, but still pretty small. You always inspire Janet!
ReplyDeletethanks annie.
DeleteI love it! It's varied, tasteful, and you have something for every occasion. What more could you ask for!? And I'm sure it's wonderful not to have to dig to find things, have clothes cramped in the closet and wrinkly, and you know every thing fits. I'm inspired. :)
ReplyDeleteit is so nice not having everything crammed into drawers. So Nice!
DeleteI just took a huge boxful of clothes to Salvation Army this morning. I let go of a cashmere sweater that just about killed me but it is too darn small now. I think of what I paid for things...but, you know, gotta let it go; I like to think someone is going to have a nice sweater for Christmas who maybe otherwise couldn't afford it with typical retail. I don't think I ever even wore it (slap me upside the head...ugh...). All you can do is move forward and try to buy wisely. Wow, you scored $400 bucks on eBay. Smart girl! And, see, I look at your photo, and your list and, you know, it's enough, isn't it? It's enough. We all of us (some of us) need to learn that word...Enough. And isn't it very French to have a very select wardrobe of beautifully-cut or beautifully-tailored clothes with the very best stitching, style and fabric? I've always loved that idea...am so disgusted with some of the cheap crap I've bought which really did cost 'way too much money.
ReplyDeletei don't think you can go wrong with donating to charity. i donated to a local high school that has an on-campus store for kids in need. it's a really nice store full of great clothes.
DeleteYes, yes, yes, please do an eBay post. I was just about to make that comment, but see that others have asked as well. I love reading your wardrobe posts. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeletei will kathy. :)
DeleteI love this post, Janet. It reminds me of a story in a very glitzy magazine (maybe Vogue?) that I read three or four years ago. The story was about a very fashionable French woman in Paris and featured gorgeous photographs of her stunning apartment. One of the photographs even showed her closet that contained surprisingly few clothes for a woman of her means. And although I can't remember the woman's name or the name of the magazine, I will never forget what she said when the interviewer noted that her wardrobe was relatively small compared to that of most American women. She declared, "American women have too many clothes! How do they ever decide what to wear?!"
ReplyDeleteI still struggle to minimize my own closet, but that woman and now you, dear Janet, give me inspiration and motivation.
gail, i'd love to read that article. it's so weird b/c now that there are just a few options...it is just so less stressful. amazing.
DeleteWow everyone was reading my mind...my sister sells on Ebay/Craigslist and makes about $300 a month. That would be wonderful if you could do a post on Ebay. I just don't know how to get started. First on the list are the dishes from my first marriage...I was going to donate them but when I saw what they went for on Ebay, wow I was surprised. I have a few clothing items as well. I have saved a lot of boxes and bubble wrap so I will be all prepared when I am ready to go!
ReplyDeleteLinda
xo
whoa that is great! i think dishes would be really stressful to sell on ebay b/c of the risk of breakage. maybe see if a consignment shop can take them? that's what i'm planning to do.
DeleteI know what you mean...I might just start off with some serving pieces and see how that goes?
DeleteOne more thing to add...just talked to my sister today (she lives in Boise) and they made $1200 last month on Ebay! She and her husband are retired and go to garage and estate sales every weekend. If they find something cool then they buy it and list on Ebay for profit. I would say they are doing well but it is a part time job. :)
DeleteHow do I find some of your things on Ebay? And where did you find lavender drawer liners?
ReplyDeleteright now i don't have anything listed. i plan to put more up next week though. they sell the drawer liners on ebay! but i find mine at marshalls. :)
DeleteI have given away so many clothes in the past few years and am constantly revising my wardrobe to find the ideal for the moment - in any case, I only have two 50cm wardrobes at my disposal (one for dresses and the other for shorter items like skirts/blouses) and a small dresser, so nothing like an American closet!! Now I can actually get everything except coats/jackets in without too much of a squeeze and feeling much happier and easier to dress - and I dress better, too. I can see everything and combine more than I probably used to, as well. There are a couple of items that are too tight that I am hanging on to (live in hope!) and changing size is one reason why I didn't get this sorted long ago, I guess. But I love them too much to give away. On the other hand, I have given some things that were expensive away with no trouble - I find clothing doesn't sell on our local version of ebay so well and someone will be thrilled to find a fancy dress at a low price at the secondhand store. Having said that I have just sold some boots that didn't fit and did well; I sell other stuff at online auctions, though and have been very pleased with the results.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm not aiming at a number at all - the climate here in Switzerland is also variable (a bit like Canada or Vienna that were mentioned!) so though you can cut down you do need to be equipped for all weathers and be able to layer thoroughly. Having said that, I find if my underlayers are good and warm (wool) then I can wear normal clothes just with warm jackets/boots because indoors it's always well-heated. This works for me even in the mountains.
it sounds like your system is perfect for you. again, i'm lucky that i live in such a mild climate.
DeleteI recently did a vigorous culling of my wardrobe as well. Not nearly as pared down as yours, but I live in a four season climate. I keep most of the items on a coat stand in our bedroom and use a large plastic box to store multiples of items (black tees/leggings/etc.) and things that may or may not come back into rotation. It's really a pleasure to limit choice, less brain space required.
ReplyDeletethat's a great idea for multiples!
DeleteI love these posts. They always inspire me to take another look at my closet. And you, over the years, continue to remind me to be very choosy about what I bring into my closet (actually, purchase.). I really thank you for that. It reinforces the mentality that I have enough. I like that.
ReplyDeletethank you kathy. :)
DeleteYes, please do an eBay post... it would be great! I love your wardrobe posts and feel the same, much calmer and less stressed when I have less to wade through. The hard thing is avoiding the "cycle" when you start to build up things again. The idea of not replacing is key.
ReplyDeleteJill
you are so right jill. the temptation to fill up the drawers will be huge but this time i think i've got it. it just feels so good, i don't want to wreck it. :)
DeleteLove this post! You are sooooo inspiring. I've gotten my wardrobe down to 60 items and feel great. I live in a 4 season area and go to work at an office so a few more things are needed but it would be great to pare down even further. The more I purge the better it feels, but I suffer the same fear... Maybe I will need it later...maybe I'll regret letting it go... I am really trying to get a simple well coordinated wardrobe that is functional - one that meets the needs of any kind of event... I'm getting better but it is hit and miss. What I discovered is that most people don't really care what you wear or if you wear the same things over and over.... They want friendship, kindness, encouragement. I think I'll go purge some more! Now to tackle the accessories -- ugg!
ReplyDeletethat's such a great observation janice. i agree, i notice what my friends are wearing for like 2 seconds and then it's all about what they are up to, etc. i had put off the jewelry purge for so long and now that it's done i can't believe it took me that long!
DeleteYes, the jewelry! I would like to ask you and the other readers, how do you handle items that you never wear or use but that seem to have sentimental. Value. I struggle with this. I know I will probably never use it and I know others out there would enjoy it.. But but but... And I know the departed person who gave it wouldn't care... I have so many things like this that are taking up space... How do you let go in this???
DeleteI love the idea of editing my wardrobe but I always get stuck when attempting to do it. I just don't know what to get rid of! It all fits, I like it all but I know it's just too much - too many clothes and that bothers me. I try everything on and try to analyze each item but just can't decide what's good and what's got to go. Any thoughts on how to overcome this?
ReplyDeletei had the same problem. i did project 333 for a year and that is what gave me the guts to do this. after having much of my wardrobe off limits i could see that i really didn't need it. i think ea person is different though. if i had loved everything and it all fit well then i'm not sure i'd have been so inclined to do this. google project 333 and read some of the stories. it may be just what you need to give it a try. ;)
DeleteOne idea on someone's blog (?minimalist packrat) was to force yourself to actually wear each item for a full day. It turns out that what fits for 3 seconds when you try it on may somehow subtly not feel right when you actually try to deploy it for a day. It is stiff, or you keep having to adjust it in some way, or you just want to take it off and put something else on the whole time. And surprisingly a few items were wonderful. I had just had them out of the core rotation so I forgot how much I loved them. This helped me, although I am definitely not there yet as I have too many things I really do like.
Deleteoh man is this true. so many of the things that i got rid of had that problem. looked great on and felt good for about an hour...then i would start noticing how uncomfortable a waistband was, etc. sometimes it's heartbreaking to let a beautiful item go but when you realize you just never reach for it, it's time to pass it on to someone else and maybe it will fit them better. there's a reason why we reach for the same things over and over, right? thanks for sharing this.
DeleteI "put these clothes to test". Whenever I feel like donating clothes but lack the certainty, I would wear them all day long, put to test. Unfortunately, those clothes, that are on their way out of my closet receive plenty of compliments from colleagues, friends ... they happen to compliment those clothes more than any other outfit ... what a dilemma! ;-)
DeleteVery inspiring, Janet. I live in an apartment so I deal with limited space. I should purge more but also hang on to things just in case. I have quite a variety of jackets and coats. When my kids were little we took a family vacation to Eastern Canada. We all bought Prince Edward Island, wool sweaters (all 4 of us). I wore my sweater the other night and found an old grocery list in the pocket from when my kids were little and I used to cook like Martha Stewart LOL. I keep the list in the pocket as a reminder of another time in my life. I've decided there are some things I will not get rid of (so long as I wear them once in a while).
ReplyDeletethat story is so darn sweet lisa. i love it!
Deletei do have 3 tshirts on my list. :) black, gray, white.
Lisa, this is so true: as long as I wear them once in a while ... Over the years I noticed that my weight plays a big role in this game: some shirts and jackets look perfect with a few pounds less. Now that I've lost weight, I wear things I had planned to give away. You can bet I am glad I kept them in my closet. :-)
DeleteThanks Janet. I see the t-shirts now, LOL.. I have to have every color though :)
DeleteI agree Paula. In fact, there were a few times I considered giving away the black sweater because it isn't super stylish but now I'm glad I have it for the memory. Congrats on your weight management success. It feels great to fit into stuff that was too small!
I forgot to ask 'What about t-shirts?' You don't have any on your list! I love my t-shirts and live in them. Long sleeved, short sleeved and tanks...I love them all. I have about 20.
ReplyDeleteI recently did a purge of my closet and got rid of a big bag of clothes but I still think I have too much. since I retired three years ago naturally my lifestyle has changed and I no longer have to dress the same way. right now my life revolves around spending time at the barn with my two ponies, yoga classes and volunteering at the animal shelter. the main requirement is that what I wear be washable, and for much of the year, keeping me warm. I find I want to keep things "just in case". but it did feel good to donate a large bag of things to charity and I like the extra roominess in my closet. I also like to do a culling of my household effects periodically. again, that good feeling of lightening up,but I cant seem to resist replacing them with lovely things I find, especially when I travel. I discovered your blog a few months ago and continue to draw inspiration from it. Darby
ReplyDeletethanks darby. that's another good point. when our lifestyles change then our clothes do to.
DeleteWhat a fantastic idea. If you are doing another post on this topic, I would love to know the colors and fabrics of the pieces you selected. And do you have a lot of shoes? Thank you so much for sharing this part of your life. It is very inspiring. Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteok, i can do that. no i don't have a lot of shoes - that's another issue! :)
DeleteYou inspire me as well. Simplification once achieved feels good. You nailed all of my reasons (fear) for not letting go. Baby steps are sometimes required when simplifying. At other times, depending on the items, it's easy to let go and fill those toss/recycle/donate/sell bags. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletethanks mona and baby steps is a great way to put it. :)
DeleteI am always editing and have a lot more than you! I like options! well done J x
ReplyDeletei know! :)
DeleteVery timely post Janet, especially as the seasons are changing and the weather is warming up here in Australia. I know I have too many clothes as I only realised yesterday I must have another bag or two of summer clothes somewhere in the house I put away earlier in the year but can't locate ..I plan to retire in the next 2 years and are already keeping an eye out in second hand shops for clothes I am likely to need like nice tops and casual pants, and plan to sell/donate my work clothes to make space for my new life. Lynne
ReplyDeletesounds like a good plan lynne! someone will love getting all those work clothes.
DeleteHi Janet,
ReplyDeleteI have been a faithful reader for the past year, but never thought to comment until now. I've come to look forward to your blog posts, as they are always timely reminders, as if from a kind friend. Last year, I deliberately moved into a little 250 sq ft space, after I reread Thoreau's "Walden Pond." I had decided that there would be no other time in my life that would allow me to experiment living simply and intentionally...as it would "now." Throughout that year, I have purged several times and experimented with the spaces that opened after the purging and found that I had room, after all, for other joyful things. However, during the past year, I've drawn inspiration from your blog posts and they've helped me not be timid as I'm wont to do. Thank you, then, for continuing to write and be such a lovely, lovely voice out there in the blogosphere.
Esther
what a wonderful experiment and i'm so glad you decided to do it. see, here is another example of me being inspired by You. thank you for your beautiful comment.
DeleteI am continuously going through my closet, which is quite small. I have career clothes that I've been building on for years, some thing come and go, everything must be mix or match, or it's out of here. But as I have many "costumes", career, casual, gardening, seasonal...I don't think I will ever be small enough to fit in a wardrobe. Maybe when I retire. But I do have co-workers that have taken over multiple walk in closets, and have hundreds of pairs of shoes, and refuse to wear the same outfit twice in a month...sounds like too much work for me.
ReplyDeletedear LC. i have a friend that does not repeat an outfit for an entire quarter. she has an elaborate note system that she follows daily so she doesn't repeat! also, she never repeats a church outfit for an entire year! talk about a lot of work!
Deletewow janet. i am humbled & inspired, well done. i plan to do some serious wardrobe purging myself. soon. xxsp
ReplyDeleteI have a quick question--do you dry clean your silk blouses? I always shy away from purchasing silk because they seem so difficult to launder.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!
hi ali. i'm going to do a post on hand washing silk real soon. i've always hand washed 2nd hand silk but was recently given a new silk blouse and i've been scared to wash it. but for the sake of my blog...haha, i'm going to. so stay tuned!
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