If It hasn't been worn in 2 years...
I did a major closet purge this week. Went through and pulled anything I hadn't worn in 2 years. There was a lot. The purging process gave me two insights into how I deal with clothes and, perhaps, life.
- I hold on to things that I used to love wearing, even if they're now old, worn, or out of style. Seeing the items reminds me how happy I was when I used to wear it and I convince myself I'll find another use for it again.
- If I paid a decent amount of money for something, I'll hold on to it no matter how ugly or unbecoming in the hopes that someday it will transform into exactly the piece I need and justify my decision to have spent money on it in the first place.
No more! I went through and got rid of clothes that were expensive and rarely worn or that were beloved but out of style. I filled 3 large trashbags, one of which was almost entirely shoes and purses. My friend Sarah Jane (yes, she of the former Sarah Jane boutique!) came over and helped me with some decisions and also showed me how to put some pieces together for new looks. She also offered tips on what to look for (teal) and what to avoid (my apparent love of all things purple and a shocking amount of bland oat-beige clothing).
In an ideal world, I'd prefer to avoid thinking about clothes. I don't like to shop and I don't want to spend time pulling "looks" together. Which actually was the point behind the purging exercise. I'd like to get my closet down to only those items that fit, look good, and I know what to do with them. It's a dream, but possibly one within my grasp.
Friday, October 2, 2009 at 11:47 AM | Dena Harris | 4 Comments | Email Article | Share via Digg | Print Article | tagged 2 year rule, closet purge, fall cleaning in Home Life 
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Reader Comments (4)
Oat-beige clothes are my favorite (and actually the color that looks best on me). Too bad we aren't the same size. But now that you know all about purging a closet, want to come help with mine? Everything's jammed in so tight, I literally can't move it any more.
Bernie - I'd love to come help you do a closet purge. It's like housecleaning - hate doing my own, but love doing it for other people. Name the day.
As soon as I get the two looming business trips behind me, you're on!
For someone that doesn't like to pull "looks" together, I must say that all the times that I've seen you (without your running clothes on) you have looked great. I understand the quest for the perfect wardrobe though, I just got rid of a bag full of clothing myself.