View Full Version : Decluttering Clothes
Life_is_Simple
3-24-13, 1:15pm
Clothes are the hardest things for me to get rid of.
Maybe we can have a discussion on here, on the reasons it is so hard. Also, maybe people who find it easy can teach us something
Looking through my closests... There is one closest of professional clothes, IN CASE I ever have to do an on-site job again. I also have 5 black jackets and 2 skirts, IN CASE I would ever have a job interview again. There are 9 work pants, which may or may not fit. 5 Eddie Bauer jackets of different colors, casual. Another few jackets I am unsure about. Some long-sleeved iron-free button-down shirts. All those things are things that I don't wear at all. Ever. :laff:
In that same closet, I have a 10+ sweaters and hoodies, half of which I do wear.
Oh gosh, maybe I should stop this post already! :laff: I think I have found the problem area.
Ok, let's switch over to the bright side. The other closet next to it is the "current wearing" casual shirts. They are mostly shirts I wear over the top of tank tops and tshirts, and just anything I currently wear. Lately, I've been getting rid of the ones I don't wear. This is making room for me to just hang up more of the (Eddie Bauer) tshirts that used to be in drawers. I have closet separators in there too. There is an "ambivalence box" next to this closet, and I have been tossing stuff in, then a few days later some of them end up in the thrift store donation bags.
Oh gosh, this is painful, thinking about all these clothes. I'm going to stop now and post this. I may regret it. :laff:
I haven't even gotten to the clothes where "someone may have given it to me as a gift - I can't remember for sure."
How are you guys doing with your clothes?
Clothes are pretty easy for me to declutter. I'm just not that attached but I also do not spend a lot of money on clothes. Can only think of shoes that I pay full price for and maybe a couple of pairs of jeans that were full price. The rest are great brands but thrift shop finds or outlet mall finds. I don't mind passing things back to the thrift shop if I'm not in love with the fit of something. Closet space is tight for me in this house so I have to switch out two seasons. If I don't wear it....there just isn't room for it and I'd much rather someone else get some use out of it than to have it fade or fall apart on a hanger at the back of my closet.
I am hard on clothes. I am never a donator of clothing to goodwill, I am a buyer. GW would never want anything I'm finished with, they are stained and dirty. Right now I am looking down on a shirt I've had less than 3 month. It's got black pinpricks on the front. Where did those come from????!!!!! Ok, maybe they aren't black but dark red. Blood? wine? Since I had a dog bite incident this week as well as a wine drinking event (haha! ) it's one of those.
Clothes and books are the easiest for me to declutter--just toss them in a bag and schlep them to the thrift store or library. I love my clothes, and will keep an item I rarely wear if I like it well enough. I cull items that fit poorly or that I've grown tired of.
I have my things that are hard to get rid of (anything anyone ever wrote to me) but clothes are not it. Clothes, in my mind, are SO easily replaceable it makes it easy to let them go.
In fact, I love getting rid of them--it feels cleansing.
We have an old-fashioned closet in our bedroom-- no big HGTV walk-in, just sliding doors--half mine, half DH's.
DH side: about 40 golf shirts in varying degrees of wear, about 20 dress shirts, 10 sweater vests, a few pairs of pants, 3 suits that don't really fit. bathrobe, kilt/kilt regalia.
My side: color coded from white to "guinness tan" to black/white to black. Except for a couple of red accents, those are the only colors I wear. I have:
one shite shirt
one beige shirt
two tan sweaters
one tan jacket
two black sweaters
4 pair black pants
one black-and-white dress
one black-and white skirt
one black skirt
one black dress jacket
one red sweater
In my drawers I have 4 identical pairs of black yoga pants, and a couple of casual and work t-shirts to wear under jackets, or every day.
I swap out the few seasonal things I have--otherwise, my clothes are all-season.
Every things else can go.
Life_is_Simple
3-24-13, 4:22pm
After reading your replies, I'm going to ask a few questions.
Do you guys have a hard time buying clothes or creating a wardrobe?
Catherine, I get the sense that you have your wardrobe of clothes that you like and go together, as if it is planned that way.
Float On, do you have an easy time finding just what you want in thrift stores or outlet malls?
Jane, you are able to get rid of books too? oh, that is probably my next topic!
Iris Lily, your stained-clothes sound fun! :laff:
Anyway, I never liked clothes shopping. Not for work clothes anyway. I always liked buying jeans, shorts, tshirts, tennis shoes, sports stuff. And right now, I am starting to ease back into that style, which is why I like and wear the stuff in the non-work-clothes closet.
Maybe with the Work Clothes I will try on a few things, and keep a few outfits that I might wear in case I would go and visit my client... then just not worry about what I might need. Maybe I could keep 1-2 interview-type outfits... and just realize that I can buy stuff in the future. I might just also walk around in a thrift store to see what's there, which may make me realize that at any time I could get what I need inexpensively.
Life, yes, I do pretty much stick with timeless classics that are practical, but look good and go together. The reason is, I HATE shopping, and I HATE making decisions. Fewer colors/styles, etc mean fewer decisions to make. Plus, when I travel, I don't like to have to think too hard about packing outfits that won't go together. I usually just grab a few hangers and go.
You might think how boring, but that's where accessories come in, like scarves and jewelry. I had a really well-heeled friend whose mother always said, "if you're on a budget, always wear cheaper clothes and invest in good accessories"
I JUST finished trying on all the clothes in that my closet! What I suspected and confirmed is that almost everything that I used to wear for the past 5 or 6 summers is about three sizes too big! I went from a size 12 to a size 6 this past year. I tried on a pair of Gap taupe dress pants that I probably purchased at least ten years ago just so I'd have a pair of dress pants just-in-case. I think I wore them at my brother's second marriage New Year's Eve 2011 and I seem to remember them being kind of tight back then. They are hilariously way too big now, really clownish! What I relief to be able to put them in the bag to go to the thrift store! Most of the clothing I am releasing was originally purchased at Value World or the Salvation Army, so I do not feel at all bad when they don't fit right anymore or I am sick of them. I never spend more than a couple of bucks on them anyway. The only things I buy new besides underwear, shoes and socks are jeans. I will pay a pretty penny for a good-looking and well-fitting pair of jeans. Same with shorts - I will have to buy them new because I am hard to fit for some reason and VERY particular about the way things fit.
So for the summer I am planning on purchasing maybe three pairs of shorts and a pair of capris. I will see if I can find any at SA because at least they have dressing rooms, unlike Value World. T shirts and tanks I usually get at Target because they are so cheap anyway and I usually wait for them to be on sale too. I would like to get a nice pair of sporty maryjane -type shoes and some light hiking-type shoes for my road trip this summer. Other than that, I like to thrift shop every couple of weeks and see what treasures I can get. Today I went to Value World with my 50% coupon and got two tops that fit really good - one was from Banana Republic and the other was an Ann Taylor. The total was $3.92! I often walk out empty-handed because over the years I have trained myself to be really critical and practical. Another plus is I really don't like to have very much clothing to choose from, but I like to wear everything I have and feel confident that it looks good on me.
It is very freeing to purge this old stuff and I feel excited to pass it along and get it out of my life finally! I proposed to my female facebook friends that perhaps we could do a clothing and accessory swap or something. We'll see if anyone takes me up on it.
At any given time, I keep 7-8 "outfits" in my closet. Now that I work 3 days/week, three of them must be work appropriate and the other four can be what I think I look good in or are really comfortable. Sometimes the work outfits transition to home outfits if I like them, otherwise they go to Goodwill.
I think that it is helpful to look at "What You Might Need In The Next Five Years" if you are trying to cull clothes from a previous life that you may or may not go back to. For example: how many interview outfits do you need? One? Two? It can't really be more than that, right? So pick out the outfit or two that you look most excellent in and keep that. The rest can be let go. Bonus if the outfit is one that can be worn to a wedding or funeral. You always want to keep one of those around. For me, that is a black sheath dress. With a fancy, sparkley scarf or sweater, it can be a wedding guest outfit. With A simple black cotton sweater, it is a funeral outfit (even in summer, I take the sweater with me as some air conditioned places are cold. If not, I take the sweater off. Black sheath is timeless and formal. Mine is wash and wear.
Do you love any of the jackets? Would you wear them with more casual stuff? Keep those. If you had to visit job sites again, realistically, how many outfits would you need? Two? A weeks worth? You are going to have a hard time convincing me that you need more than 5 of these outfits, because even if you were stranded at the job site for months and months, you could just wash/have cleaned the same 5 outfits and wear them again.
Unless you are in the fashion industry, nobody cares if you wear the same stuff over and over, as long as it is appropriate to the work. And if you are in the fashion industry and you do it, they call you a "trend setter." Hrrmmph.
[donning unlicensed counselling hat here] Usually when people keep the artifacts of a past portion of their life, they are ambivalent about leaving it behind. When they are enthusiastically leaving a portion of their life behind, they can not get rid of the artifacts fast enough. What of your past life are you ambivalent about?
Clothes are hard for me too. As someone who struggles with weight loss, I have 3 sizes in my closet. All from GW, so I am unwilling to relinquish them, since I am a highly strategic shopper and these were acquired through assiduous searching in the disorganized racks of the thrift store. I do have the room for them, so until that changes, this will be a final frontier of decluttering...
I generally do this twice a year when the seasons change. We don't have a lot of closet space in this old house so I can't leave summer and winter things down - one gets packed away and stored at the top of the closet. Anyway...I did this Friday. Although it felt wonderful to finally get rid of some things I had for a number of years, I also felt a twinge of regret at all the time and money spent on things that ended up being worn once or twice at best. I was brutally honest this time though - if it didn't fit quite right or hadn't been worn, out it went. I have finally realized now that I'm a woman of a certain age, that the way things fit and feel is what makes me wear them or not. Having a closet full of clothes and little to wear is maddening so I am going to be ruthless about my thrift store jaunts. I would give anything not to have so many choices as I find that paralyzing. Just trying to find a decent pair of black work pants turns into a major task.
Life_is_Simple
3-24-13, 6:07pm
[donning unlicensed counselling hat here] Usually when people keep the artifacts of a past portion of their life, they are ambivalent about leaving it behind. When they are enthusiastically leaving a portion of their life behind, they can not get rid of the artifacts fast enough. What of your past life are you ambivalent about?
It feels more like I worry about having to resort to a HSSJ sometime in the future. Maybe I should tell the Universe I don't want that, by chucking all the unneeded work clothes? Can I even get rid of the interview suits?
I give you permission to get rid of all clothing that would be appropriate for a HSSJ. !thumbsup!
After reading your replies, I'm going to ask a few questions.
Float On, do you have an easy time finding just what you want in thrift stores or outlet malls?
I do have a pretty easy time finding things at thrift shops and the occassional visit to the local outlet mall.
I've been watching styles I enjoy and collecting them on pinterest and so I have an idea of what I want to look for. Recently I wanted a short sleeve denim shirt jacket (sort of like one I gave up a few years back) to go with a white v-neck T-shirt, black skirt, brown belt, brown sandles. While traveling up to visit my parents there are three goodwills along the way that I always stop at (turns that 5 hour drive into a 7 hour drive but oh well). I found just what I was looking for in three different styles so I bought all three. Now I have three options for different looks I want. If I decide one of them is my not so favorite it can easily go back to goodwill.
Having a list of what I'm looking for is key. I spent $125 between the three stops but spread out between 4 of us, shopping from my list of what everyone wanted or needed for spring and I'm done. Found the boys shorts, swim trunks, polo shirts, short sleeve dress shirts. Found my husband 3 summer dress shirts and two pair of nice jeans. Found myself the denim short sleeve shirt/jacket, a few shirts and two skirts I wanted, plus a couple of exercise skorts/ tank tops sets that will be nice for kayaking. Those had their tags from MC Sports still - the skorts are $36 retail (not something I would pay).
The only thing I have on my list that I couldn't find was a springy dress for my parents 50th anniversary party. But if I don't find one that's o.k. a current skirt/light sweater will do.
A goal I had for this year was to work more color back into my wardrobe. I've grown a bit tired of my black t-shirt and capri jeans summer look.
I wanted some new sweaters for next fall and (thanks pinterest) had some looks in mind that I wanted. Younger son likes to visit the outlet mall and I stepped into the Christopher and Banks store which happened to be selling sweaters for $4.99 each. Found 5 that I wanted so I'm done for fall as well.
Maybe I should tell the Universe I don't want that, by chucking all the unneeded work clothes? Can I even get rid of the interview suits?
Yes you can.
The last day on the job I had as a bank manager. I changed into a denim skirt (denim wasn't allowed for bank staff at that time - no casual fridays) in my office and threw away the hose. Stopped by the thrift shop on the way home and donated the suits and heels. Threw away the rest of the hose when I got home. I haven't needed a suit or hose since (and its been 19 years). So glad I didn't keep those things cluttering up closet or drawers.
How do you shop for clothes on pinterest?
How do you shop for clothes on pinterest?
I just collect photos of styles I like. Some photos on pinterest if you click on them will eventually take you to a seller. Like a scarf may be made by an Etsy seller, or some shoes may take you to a Clark retailer. But I just collect images and then look for those or something similar when I'm hitting my favorite thrift shops.
SteveinMN
3-25-13, 11:20am
It feels more like I worry about having to resort to a HSSJ sometime in the future. Maybe I should tell the Universe I don't want that, by chucking all the unneeded work clothes? Can I even get rid of the interview suits?
I would. There's the psychological push provided by knowing that lowering yourself to a HSSJ would require some "investment" in appropriate clothes; it might just keep you away from the HSSJ anyway.
Besides, showing up for an interview in a suit and tie that clearly is out of date does not serve you in landing even a HSSJ. If you see that life is trending toward your having to get a "regular" job, you should have enough lead time to start scouting thrift and consignment stores for something more fashionable, especially if you happen to wear the more common sizes. I bought a sport jacket at Goodwill before our cruise; it came to $8.95. Cheap enough.
I just collect photos of styles I like. Some photos on pinterest if you click on them will eventually take you to a seller. Like a scarf may be made by an Etsy seller, or some shoes may take you to a Clark retailer. But I just collect images and then look for those or something similar when I'm hitting my favorite thrift shops.
I found a designer on Etsy who nails my esthetic perfectly. For some reason, her work reminds me of early Comme des Garcons. Note I don't dress this way at the moment, but that may change.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/clothingshow?ref=shop_sugg
ETA: I've always loved layering and mixing textures and colors, in art (quilting, polymer, multi-media) and in fashion, and it couldn't be a better fit with thrift shopping.
I think the hardest part for me is letting go of the person I used to be or the person I want to/thought I'd be. I am no longer part of the professional workforce. My hips are a little bigger now since having children. And no matter how hard I try, I am never going to be that cute trendy girl with the perfect hair, nails, and make-up. I simply do not have the time. money, or talent. I am in a season of practicality now. Heels and silk shirts are out; comfort and machine washable are in. It's been kind of a hard adjustment, but there is no sense holding on to clothes that no longer fit my lifestyle. It is a work in progress, but I am greatly enjoying the freedom that has come with less stuff and only keeping things that allow me to celebrate my life as it is now.
Life_is_Simple
3-26-13, 7:17pm
Life, yes, I do pretty much stick with timeless classics that are practical, but look good and go together. The reason is, I HATE shopping, and I HATE making decisions. Fewer colors/styles, etc mean fewer decisions to make. Plus, when I travel, I don't like to have to think too hard about packing outfits that won't go together. I usually just grab a few hangers and go.
You might think how boring, but that's where accessories come in, like scarves and jewelry. I had a really well-heeled friend whose mother always said, "if you're on a budget, always wear cheaper clothes and invest in good accessories"
Catherine, it doesn't sound boring, it sounds very functional and low stress. Do you mostly have solid colors, or any prints?
Life_is_Simple
3-26-13, 7:19pm
I JUST finished trying on all the clothes in that my closet! What I suspected and confirmed is that almost everything that I used to wear for the past 5 or 6 summers is about three sizes too big! I went from a size 12 to a size 6 this past year.
Good for you! :+1: (Note to self: start exercising)
Life_is_Simple
3-26-13, 7:23pm
Clothes are hard for me too. As someone who struggles with weight loss, I have 3 sizes in my closet. All from GW, so I am unwilling to relinquish them, since I am a highly strategic shopper and these were acquired through assiduous searching in the disorganized racks of the thrift store. I do have the room for them, so until that changes, this will be a final frontier of decluttering...
I know the feeling. I think I might have had some assiduous shopping myself :laff: Then if I ever find something I really like, I will buy it in several colors, hoping that will be the last time I ever have to shop for clothes !
Life_is_Simple
3-26-13, 7:31pm
I give you permission to get rid of all clothing that would be appropriate for a HSSJ. !thumbsup!
Well, I tried on a bunch of outfits, and took photos in the mirror of myself with them on. Once I was doing that, I realized that they didn't remind me of the previous HSSJ. I can't even remember what I wore there, except a few pair of black pants which I had already gotten rid of. And some of the pants hanging in my closet were ones I had gotten since. I got rid of a few things.
I think I have to do this in stages. :laff:
As for the interview clothing... The skirts don't fit. And I didn't try the jackets on yet. It would be nice to just get rid of them all.
I need more time to let this sink in though ;)
Life_is_Simple
3-26-13, 7:36pm
A goal I had for this year was to work more color back into my wardrobe. I've grown a bit tired of my black t-shirt and capri jeans summer look.
I wanted some new sweaters for next fall and (thanks pinterest) had some looks in mind that I wanted. Younger son likes to visit the outlet mall and I stepped into the Christopher and Banks store which happened to be selling sweaters for $4.99 each. Found 5 that I wanted so I'm done for fall as well.
My sisters and I go to a big rummage sale once a year when I go to visit them. The clothes I find that I like there are the Christopher and Banks. I have a bunch of C&B clothing, each which cost $0.50 to $2.00.
Because of that, I thought I would try the actual C&B store. However, I didn't see any clothes I liked, or any prices I liked in the actual store.;)
Lucky you - finding the $4.99 sweaters!
Life_is_Simple
3-26-13, 8:14pm
I would. There's the psychological push provided by knowing that lowering yourself to a HSSJ would require some "investment" in appropriate clothes; it might just keep you away from the HSSJ anyway.
Besides, showing up for an interview in a suit and tie that clearly is out of date does not serve you in landing even a HSSJ. If you see that life is trending toward your having to get a "regular" job, you should have enough lead time to start scouting thrift and consignment stores for something more fashionable, especially if you happen to wear the more common sizes. I bought a sport jacket at Goodwill before our cruise; it came to $8.95. Cheap enough.
On the one hand, I would love to get rid of the suits. On the other hand, I never have an easy time finding dressy clothes.
So my conflict is: embracing freedom, vs. avoiding future shopping pain that may never happen. Hmmm...
I'll get back to you on this. :laff:
I found a designer on Etsy who nails my esthetic perfectly. For some reason, her work reminds me of early Comme des Garcons. Note I don't dress this way at the moment, but that may change.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/clothingshow?ref=shop_sugg
ETA: I've always loved layering and mixing textures and colors, in art (quilting, polymer, multi-media) and in fashion, and it couldn't be a better fit with thrift shopping.
Jane, thanks for that link. I really like the look of that esthetic. Too bad it won't work on my body type.
Life_is_Simple, I think it can be real hit or miss at the C&B stores. I went in two weeks later and didn't like a thing in there.
Wow SiouzQ., very impressed. I better join Life_is_Simple with the exercising.
In my effort to bring more color into my closet, today I'm wearing a very cute soft red demin jacket with a light orange loose layered ruffled tank top. I think the orange tank was a $4 clearance at Kohls and the red demin was $3 at a thrift shop.
I have no problems letting go of clothes! My closet is full of what I wear all the time...not much, but I wear it. DH's is full of stuff he does not wear! He is the type to wear the same jeans and t-shirts all the time....and he hates letting go of the clothes. We have made a lot of progress the last few years, but he has this friend who keeps giving him more! UGH!
Not to hijack but congrats, SiouzQ, on your weight loss! If you discussed how you did that in another thread, point me to it! Or - was it just a side effect of the things you were going through recently? Anyway, some good things can come out of stress ;)
I JUST finished trying on all the clothes in that my closet! What I suspected and confirmed is that almost everything that I used to wear for the past 5 or 6 summers is about three sizes too big! I went from a size 12 to a size 6 this past year...
From Catherine - one shite shirt
LOL! I've got a few of those too ;)
A good book I found recently on how to get rid of things you don't really wear, is called:I Have Nothing To Wear!: A Painless 12-Step Program to Declutter Your Life So You Never Have to Say This Again! by Jill Martin. Her main thrust is that you should go through your closet and get rid of everything that isn't a ten - a favorite item that you love and feel great in every time you put it on. Your whole wardrobe should consist ONLY of the things you love. A side effect of the pruning process of course is that you end up with fewer clothes (but they're all your faves). Lots of other tips in that book, too, that I found helpful.
http://www.amazon.com/Have-Nothing-To-Wear-Declutter/dp/B008SMODNM/ref=pd_sim_b_2
Here's an article by another writer who makes pretty much the same point. The idea is not to split up your wardrobe into nice stuff and everything else, but to wear your favorite clothes all the time.
Your Closet, where Utility Meets Joy: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-03-05/features/sc-fash-0128-healthy-closet-20130305_1_closet-stacy-london-skirts-and-suits
I'm constantly trying to pare my clothes down. I used to be a person who had two pairs of pants, two skirts, and a few tops. I lost some weight a while back and started going nuts with clothes. I prefer internet shopping, so inevitably some clothes don't work out once I have them in hand. I've been lazy about returning items for store credit or cash, but I do recycle the things I don't use. Still have just WAY too much of everything, especially tops. I store off-season stuff in my office, which is in a different building from our apartment. Is that cheating?
minimalistgeneration
3-27-13, 12:42pm
The Shopping modern manifestation of man to buy so compulsive in times said on sales that sometimes are not so, it is the alienation to buy things on period in whom they told us to buy, and then to be stacked for hours in long traffic jamson the highway. For then we realize that in wardrobe is already full of clothesand maybe that Sunday reasoning us over could pass a different way and less stressful, maybe a nice walk in half on the nature.
www.minimalistgeneration.com :)
I bolded that because I have this mindset that, if I had enough money I could just take, like, a week and do a big shopping blitz and solve all my sartorial problems in one blow. And never have to enter a store again.
I know the feeling. I think I might have had some assiduous shopping myself :laff: Then if I ever find something I really like, I will buy it in several colors, hoping that will be the last time I ever have to shop for clothes !
I love that look too, and it looks SO comfortable. I think it would flatter a tall person really well. A tall, thin person. A really tall, really thin person...(sigh)
Jane, thanks for that link. I really like the look of that esthetic. Too bad it won't work on my body type.
Jane, thanks for that link. I really like the look of that esthetic. Too bad it won't work on my body type.
It certainly wouldn't look on me like it looks on the model, but I've seen variations worn successfully by women who might characterize themselves as "fatshionistas," so I know it's possible.
I love that look too, and it looks SO comfortable. I think it would flatter a tall person really well. A tall, thin person. A really tall, really thin person...(sigh)
Yep, I'd just look short, dumpy, and homeless if I tried that style.
Yep, I'd just look short, dumpy, and homeless if I tried that style.
I look that way anyway, so might as well add a little panache. And a few accessories.
I look that way anyway, so might as well add a little panache. And a few accessories.
Jane, with all your cool jewelry, you could wear a potato sack and look like a fashionista. :cool:
Life_is_Simple
3-29-13, 5:29pm
I dropped some things off at the Salvation Army store. Then I went in and looked at suit jackets and skirts. My assessment is they had better skirts than jackets.
Then, looking in Tradd's Interview Clothes thread, someone mentioned Talbot's outlet store. There is an outlet center 10 miles from me, and it has that store, plus Ann Taylor, Jones New York, etc. I forgot about that.:D
So here's the deal :laff: If I ever need good clothes, and can't find anything at a thrift store, remind me of that outlet center down the road. :+1:
This may take a load off my mind - that if I ever need such clothes, it will be easy to get them. Then I can get rid of some of what I have.
Also, I need a dress to wear at a friend's wedding. Where should I look? ;)
Jane, with all your cool jewelry, you could wear a potato sack and look like a fashionista. :cool:
Misdirection--it works for magicians! http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/rpg/jester.gif
I only have what I really need.
I own on pair of black pants, one nice long sleeve top, one nice short sleeve top. (this is for those occasions when I need to dress up, which are very rare).
I own three pairs of jeans which are worn daily.
Two sweaters and three sweatshirts that I wear for layering.
One button down long sleeve shirt
Five 3/4 length sleeve tops for work
Two mock turtlenecks
5 short sleeve T's.
One winter coat
One light fleece jacket
One denium jacket (fall/spring)
One long sleeve "work in the garden/painting" shirt
Two short sleeve "work in the garden/painting shirts
One pair "work in the garden/painting" jeans
Three sets of work out clothes (short sleeve Quick-dri tops and matching capris)
Three pair shorts
One bathing suit (rarely used)
Four night gowns (cold weather)
Four night gowns (warm weather)
One pair sneakers
One pair hiking shoe
One pair black walking shoe (for dressing up)
One pair old sneaker (garden work)
Also, I need a dress to wear at a friend's wedding. Where should I look? ;)
Start in your closet. Is there a dress there that could be accessorized with a cool scarf or dressy jacket or shawl? What time of year is the wedding? Inside or outside? Formal or informal? All those issues will affect what I would recommend. But right now I am favoring a solid color shift dress for most dressy occasions because I find them so versatile.
Don't forget alterations. I bought a beautiful black linen skirt a few years back that was almost floor length, because is was on sale for $10. It was too long for me to wear to work, so I cut off several inches and used the extra material to make patch pockets.
If there is something in your closet that you love "except for..." alter it. And if you do not sew, and do not have any friends that would do it for you, have it done professionally.
All that said, sometimes, you just gotta have a new dress. Then go for it. And I would start at resale shops and then move on to those stores you mentioned from Tradd's Interview clothes thread.
I am hard on clothes. I am never a donator of clothing to goodwill, I am a buyer. GW would never want anything I'm finished with, they are stained and dirty. Right now I am looking down on a shirt I've had less than 3 month. It's got black pinpricks on the front. Where did those come from????!!!!! Ok, maybe they aren't black but dark red. Blood? wine? Since I had a dog bite incident this week as well as a wine drinking event (haha! ) it's one of those.
I had to laugh at Iris' post as it describes me pretty well. Right now, I'm still living at my horse property and this lifestyle is extremely hard on clothes. I can barely walk from the house to my car without getting mud on me somewhere! By the time I'm done with my clothes, they are in shreds and covered with all kinds of stains. At least I don't spend a lot on clothes.
My decluttering issue with clothes is that I am currently losing weight and each week, I am able to wear some additional clothing items. Thus, I'm hesitant to get rid of anything that doesn't fit me until I hit a stable weight.
Life_is_Simple
4-4-13, 2:13pm
Fawn
Yeah, I don't have much in my closet for dresses. So I would have to get one. The wedding is in August, so I have time. I can go to a few thrift stores when I visit my sisters in May, plus they might have some in their closets.
Tradd's clothing thread is too exciting. It makes me want something new from a non-thrift store ;) Oh, oh!
...
All that said, sometimes, you just gotta have a new dress. Then go for it. And I would start at resale shops and then move on to those stores you mentioned from Tradd's Interview clothes thread.
And don't forget discount stores like Ross, Nordstrom Rack, Marshall's, and TJ Maxx. I found a nice pair of Talbot's slacks with original $99 tag for $12 at Ross not too long ago.
Those sorts of stores often sell overstock, so that's why they have the best deals. I got a lot of great clothes over the years there -- some of which I still wear today because they are just classic cuts and well made and cared for.
My denim jacket -- which is practically a signature piece for me -- came from TJMaxx. It's some expensive designer sold at Lord and Taylor, and I've had it for 13 years now.
My wardrobe has been transformed simply because I found a great Russian seamstress locally, who will do high-quality and very affordable alterations. I'd been keeping a lot of old stuff that was classic and nice, but was in need of repair: dropped hems, missing buttons, too-long sleeves, pants that were too baggy around the sides, etc. Over the past few months I've been excavating and slowly taking each piece to her. Once they are spiffed up, it's like getting a great new wardrobe, and I have felt more comfortable in donating or discarding the other stuff that I was wearing that wasn't as nice, but at least was presentable in terms of its "garment integrity," LOL!
Finding this seamstress has been a true godsend. A friend gave me a beautiful, hardly-worn, black leather jacket that no longer fit her because of weight gain. I got the sleeves shortened and the sides taken in, and now when I wear it, I look like the badass in the room! :)
Clothes are the hardest things for me to get rid of.
Maybe we can have a discussion on here, on the reasons it is so hard. Also, maybe people who find it easy can teach us something
Looking through my closests... There is one closest of professional clothes, IN CASE I ever have to do an on-site job again. I also have 5 black jackets and 2 skirts, IN CASE I would ever have a job interview again. There are 9 work pants, which may or may not fit. 5 Eddie Bauer jackets of different colors, casual. Another few jackets I am unsure about. Some long-sleeved iron-free button-down shirts. All those things are things that I don't wear at all. Ever. :laff:
In that same closet, I have a 10+ sweaters and hoodies, half of which I do wear.
Oh gosh, maybe I should stop this post already! :laff: I think I have found the problem area.
Ok, let's switch over to the bright side. The other closet next to it is the "current wearing" casual shirts. They are mostly shirts I wear over the top of tank tops and tshirts, and just anything I currently wear. Lately, I've been getting rid of the ones I don't wear. This is making room for me to just hang up more of the (Eddie Bauer) tshirts that used to be in drawers. I have closet separators in there too. There is an "ambivalence box" next to this closet, and I have been tossing stuff in, then a few days later some of them end up in the thrift store donation bags.
Oh gosh, this is painful, thinking about all these clothes. I'm going to stop now and post this. I may regret it. :laff:
I haven't even gotten to the clothes where "someone may have given it to me as a gift - I can't remember for sure."
How are you guys doing with your clothes?
Oh dear what a dilemma. I'm not much of a shopper, but I also feel many of the clothes I buy don't work after a year. I feel bad for 1. giving away items i dont' want and 2. not wanting to buy items I need. So, I have lots of what I dont need and not enough of what I do need!
perhaps those of you struggling with wardrobes in general should try something like the 333 project.
what really got me rolling on a good wardrobe was my first trip to scandinavia, which was 23 days. I took two pairs of shoes, a skirt, a pair of jeans, a tank top, two t-shirts (one short sleeve, one long), a sweater, a scarf, my denim jacket, yoga tights, undergarments, and PJs. My husband did jeans, khakis, one pair of shoes (which were really cool high-end yet casual), one button down, two t-shirts (one short, one long), a iight sweater, a light jacket, undergarments and PJs.
We were amazed at how comfortable these wardrobes were, how easy to keep, clean, and carry (we would wash about once a week -- so 2x total on the trip (we washed when we got home, so it was a little more than a week then). And, we just picked which layers and what not depending upon the temperatures.
So, i basically built my wardrobe out from there -- and it's still basically the same things. Two jeans, 2 skirts, tanks/tees, yoga pants, 2 sweaters, jackets (3?), and 2 pairs shoes (currently; I ordered the right rain boots finally), undergarments, pjs. I've itemized before.
Then, i really only buy when I need to replace something. And I replace it, rather than having to go out and shop.
Yep, I'd just look short, dumpy, and homeless if I tried that style.
I thought the same thing. My clothes are so raggedly that I can look homeless if I go into town wearing my yard work clothes. I wouldn't want to have to spend money buying designer clothes to achieve the same look.
Also, what does "HSSJ" stand for? I can't see to find the reference.
Also, what does "HSSJ" stand for?
Horrible Soul-Sucking Job
Life_is_Simple
4-13-13, 11:07pm
Today I put some interview clothes into a donate bag: two jackets, a skirt, and a shirt. I also threw some winter shirts into the bag, which I hadn't worn this winter, plus a few other things that I didn't like or didn't fit.
Also, I got some World's Softest Socks in the mail today from Hanes. So I threw out most of my old socks. It's nice to revitalize one's underwear drawer every now and then.
The issue of clothing is a big one in our house because our dear darling little house has NO CLOSETS. None! We each have a dresser and a over-the-door thingee that you can hang a few things on but not much. Fortunately I have my little house (198 sq ft woodframe house) that I use as a closet, guesthouse, art project place, etc. But even it does not have a closet so I put a broomstick across the shower stall and hang things there and also got two big bicycle hooks which I screwed into the ceiling a few feet apart and put a clothing rod on them. Of course, being 5 ft tall, I have to stand on a chair to get anything off of it but that's life.
My problem is that I moved here as a skinny minny (too skinny, in fact) and now I have finally gained weight, more than I would like but again, oh well. So I have clothing of all sizes. I usually keep about a weeks worth of clothing in the "big" house and switch them out periodically with stuff from the little house.
I'm assessing my spring/summer and fall/winter clothes as I make the exchange. I would like to have fewer, more flexible and better made items.
Horrible Soul-Sucking Job
Aha. Never heard of that before. I was thinking that it was some kind of High School something or other. Funny!
BayouGirl, I've lived in a few old places that had no closets and the broom or bicycle clip things are familiar. I'm glad you told about them here, in case it hasn't occurred to someone that a closet is not always a necessity.
BayouGirl, I've lived in a few old places that had no closets and the broom or bicycle clip things are familiar. I'm glad you told about them here, in case it hasn't occurred to someone that a closet is not always a necessity.
The closets here at Chez Albatross are so inadequate I bought a couple of commercial quality rolling chrome clothes racks. They'll do until a walk-in closet comes along.
Ooh, love this idea - I never thought of using bicycle hooks to support a rod. This would work for drapes too I bet (there's something wrong with my walls, I can't get screws in far enough to hold brackets.) Thanks! - We're like you, we have no closet space, so we use retail racks on wheels. Love your solution!
But even it does not have a closet so I put a broomstick across the shower stall and hang things there and also got two big bicycle hooks which I screwed into the ceiling a few feet apart and put a clothing rod on them.
rgwhitaker
6-8-13, 12:25pm
You answered your own question when you said "half of which I do wear."
It's the OTHER half that you can focus on.
If you haven't worn something for 6+ months, or longer, it's time to donate, sell online, or give to friends or family members who will use them.
And then the hard part: resist the urge to run out and buy more to replace what you've given away/donated.
Simply live simply with what you have.
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