Fashion

[wagirl]

@Desert Lily ---can I just say WOW?!!! No judgement here friend--I feel every move you are making!!  I am doing the same thing--my shoes---there are no words as to WHY-- in all that is holy--do I have so many??? There is a box sitting next to me as I speak--that need to go. Purses too--altho my DD packed the unwanted ones--to send to Threds Up, I think ,for resell. She will get a small amount if they are accepted. Jeans were easy for me--tried them on and had a pile of ones that don't fit--actually were too big instead too small😁and did the same for my summer bottoms. I have such limited closet space so need to be brutal----even purged many sheet sets too. Have too many throws,blankets, bedspreads.Did the same for jackets and sweaters a few years back-- gotta go thru the scarves now---had many  I wore around my bald head during my cancer adventure. Just did a huge purge of storage containers last week too. Going to do the same with my skincare/makeup hoard too. Yikes!!!

[Zoe]

@Desert Lily 

Sounds like you are craving a change with your wardrobe, and I agree with the earlier post that it seems you want to create a capsule collection. Is the driver quantity or colors -- or perhaps both? 

I did this about 8 years ago. It has done wonders for my mental health, and my closet is so soothing now. 

From my experience: 

• Choose the colors that make you feel your best. Immediately purge everything that doesn't fit the colors you love.
• Yes, try everything on, as another poster or two suggested. If you are on the fence about an item, do the "Wear it all day or give it away" trick -- wear the top or pants you're torn about for a full day, and that will tell you whether it is a keep or toss. If it tugs a certain way or the color washes you out, you will be able to move it to the purge pile right away.
• Purge in increments. You can make the deepest cut by category -- such as getting down ~10 tops in the colors you chose. But leaving the cuts in the bottoms for another day. OR you can do a smaller purge across all categories -- such as getting down to ~20 tops and ~20 bottoms that you love in the colors that you chose, leaving the deeper cut down to ~10 for another day. (Numbers are examples only, choose the number that's comfortable and realistic for you.) This is not a one-day task.
• You can leverage tricks like turning the hangers the opposite way so that the opening comes from the back of the rod -- when you wear something, put the hanger back on the rod the right way. This is a visual cue what you are wearing and love. (I do the same with sweaters -- those with the fold facing out are items I wear & love, those with the fold facing back gotta go.)
• If you truly want to build a capsule collection in the colors of your choosing, there are many capsule collection articles and apps to help you. I recently found a capsule collection I liked and then used AI to tweak it to the items of clothing and colors I prefer as I strive for an even deeper cut with a 333 wardrobe. I keep the graphic on my phone to remind me of my goals -- and which items I might want to purchase to fit those goals. 

Perhaps take a beat on purging & immediately replacing. That might get you into an accumulation cycle which can be counter-productive to your goals. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed or out of sorts with your wardrobe, that is your psyche telling you that you are ready for a change. Embrace it! Wishing you luck if you decide to take this on. Hope it brings you as much peace as it did me. 

[Desert Lily]

@wagirl  I've been purging in the other categories you mentioned, too.

I tossed lotions, soaps, face moisturizers, shampoos, & foundations that haven't worked for me. I'm now using Target's brand of body & face moisturizers because they work without clogging my pores. I found & really like Dove Moisturizing shampoo with hyaluronic acid.

When I moved from the west coast to the east coast, the movers lost my box of handbags, so they did that purge for me Lol. I then bought 4 smallish handbags in basic colors & none since.

I've got 2 blankets & 4 throws I've never opened that I'm donating to the local animal shelter.

And what's with all the shoes we seem to collect!?

I walk 3.5-4 miles in my regular exercise program, & I've caused myself all kinds of foot pains. I buy shoes in hopes of finding the solution to my latest ache. Yikes. 

[Desert Lily]

@Zoe  Thanks for the good advice. I appreciate it.

[nambee]

@Zoe - Excellent advice! I've done the backward hangar thing and it does help to weed out things I no longer wear.

Also, if I'm really unsure of getting rid of certain things, I pack them up and put the box/bag away for a year. If I haven't missed or needed anything in the box/bag, I donate it WITHOUT opening it up to review again. I have rarely missed anything once it's packed up.

[beach-mom]

Every time I think about this, which I really hate to do, I panic. I know deep down someone else would treasure what I loved. A former colleague once told me she had never met anyone who was so sentimental about her clothes! That's me.

 I won't get rid of any of my Linea pieces, which of course I wear, Now I'm thinking that I should be careful about parting with my original Isaac pieces.

 I'm going to be like Scarlett and think about it later!   

[Zoe]

@nambee 

Yes! The "maybe" box! Very, very helpful with kids when purging as well. 

Another tip for ongoing purging: Keep a donation bin or basket or box in your closet. (I just fill up Chewy boxes every time they come into the house. Super strong and has handles!) And make an appointment -- even if it's just with yourself -- to drop off the donations monthly, more frequently if that would work better for you.

[nambee]

@Zoe  - I love all these tips. I have always struggled to let go of things even when I don't use them anymore.

I'm at that age where I need to clean out my excess clothes, housewares, etc.  I'm making progress but putting all these hints into practice has really made this challenge easier.

[magicmoodz]

 @Desert Lily 

I can be your cheerleader as you move toward creating a capsule wardrobe!

With age, my style has changed. I don't do prints and I only like a very few (non)colors. This has helped tremendously in paring down what lives in my closet. As far as colors, I basically dress in black, gray, white, ivory (winter white), taupe and a little denim . While I understand many are not attracted to these colors, they work for me.

You mentioned jeans. I probably have the smallest jean wardrobe of anyone and I am ok with that. A while ago, I started feeling "masculine" in jeans and don't really care for the look of jeans with sneakers *on me*. I much prefer athletic pants that can be found at Athleta or Lululemon and think these pants create a casual vibe and look good with sneakers.

The plus side to my capsule wardrobe is everything goes with everything. Dressing has never been easier!

Oh, and when I am on the fence about something, I immediately think about the poor person who will be responsible for cleaning out my house...in the event... That makes it pretty easy to make a decision.

Good luck as you take on this endeavor. I am excited for you as I think you will be so happy with the end result!

[newjersey]

@Desert Lily , funny you say that, cause I was doing a little bit of clothing purging today myself, lol.     I still need to clean out another closet, but am doing a little at a time.