One of the items on my 101 in 1,001 is to be able to better define my aesthetic in fashion. In order to do that, I need to tackle another item on the list, which is to scrutinize the contents of my closet and donate, store, or toss the items I never wear. To take it a step further, I also need to identify which looks work for me and which looks don't and I need to make a list of what clothing items I need to purchase.
As I mentioned yesterday, my wardrobe is in major need of an overhaul. I'm a classic example of the first world problem of too many clothes and nothing to wear. Here's my MO: I see something cute/trendy/on sale, I'm too lazy to try it on in the store so I buy it, try it on at home, it's not really that flattering but I never get around to returning it. Or I try it on in the store and ignore the fact that it's not all that flattering because it was cute/trendy/on sale and buy it anyways. Then it hangs in my closet after one or two wears {in which I confirm that it is definitely not flattering} and taunts me. Or {my worst habit} I buy work pants that need to be hemmed because I'm such a shorty and they never get to the tailors. Seriously, I currently have 5 {!!} pairs of pants that fit this definition, some of which were purchased 3 years ago. {Here's where I hang my head in shame.}
I also have a hard time parting with my poor-decision purchases because I think, "Well, I spent the money on them, so I should keep them." Of course, this logic is ridiculous. The money is spent whether or not I keep the items in question. So that brings us to today. My goal for this weekend is to truly clean out my closets. That means try on EVERYTHING. Be brutally honest with myself about what looks good and what doesn't. About what I love and what I don't. About what I will ACTUALLY wear and what I won't. There will be four piles: Keep. Donate. Toss. Repair/Alter/Clean.
Then comes {for me anyways} the really hard part: following through. I have to actually take the Donate pile to the Goodwill. I have to bring myself to toss the clothes that are not fit to be donated. And most important, I have to take those clothes in need of some TLC to their appropriate places by Memorial Day weekend.
I have to say I'm invigorated and excited just thinking about this. I don't know what it feels like to open my closet door and not feel a lot of guilt because 90% of the items in there aren't being worn. But I'm also majorly nervous because I'm a little afraid I won't be willing to be as harsh as I need to be. Do you have any advice for me? I know that for everyone of you who's a closet hoarder like me, there have got to me some expert closet editors out there!
I'll be back next week with the results...
6 comments:
I need to do this DESPERATELY! My closet is full of stuff I just don't wear/like anymore. And it's deceiving because it appears that I have a lot more clothing than I actually do - so I truly have a lot of clothes but nothing to wear! Since I am currently 32 weeks pregnant, now is not the time for me to try to do a closet overhaul, but as soon as I am back to pre-baby, you can bet an overhaul will be on my 'to do' list. No mercy! Can't wait to see how yours goes! Good luck:)
I JUST did a huge closet purge (post coming next week) and was really, REALLY brutal. Even stuff that I was like, "Ohh but I LOVE this dress!" Yeah well it's too short and it's five years old and goodbye.
This chart is brilliant!
Much of my blog is devoted to answering exactly this question:).
You don't have to donate them all, you can make some money back too!! I have consigned a LOT of my clothes at Current Boutique in DC, and have made good money! There is also Mustard Seed in Alexandria, and Buffalo Exchange in DC and other places around VA. Just something to look into so it isn't a total loss!
Sounds like me! You've inspired me to do a similar closet clean out. I usually go through all my clothes twice a year (spring and fall), but this time I want to try everything on and see if its worth a spot!
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