I was tempted to get out of the house and stroll through the mall to see what’s new. But on the spur of the moment I realized that it was time to go through my closet . . . and the end result made me feel much better.So, to get started . . . find an hour or two of uninterrupted time . . . this may depend on how big your closet is. At times like this it's a blessing to have a small closet.
Be ready to try on everything, especially pants and skirts, being open to putting things together that you have not thought of before. See if you can find a few new combinations. I found a skirt that I’ve hardly worn because I didn’t know what to wear it with. I also found a top in the same category and suddenly I realized that the two went together . . .
So . . . just try on like you would in store . . . lay things out on the bed, trying new combinations, adding a belt, a sweater or tights. As you try things on, you will quickly find out which things you just will never wear because they have shrunk =) or you have not worn them for two years.
Put them in a pile . . . for goodwill.You will also find things that can be altered . . . or they may only need a button sewn on.
Put them in another pile . . . for mending.
You may find something that needs dry cleaning.
Put it aside for cleaning
Then, when you have a new perspective on what you already have, make a mental or real list of items that can be added . . . clothing or accessories that will add to what you have . . . you will think of them as you try things on . . . such as a cardigan or little sweater with buttons that matches several outfits and dresses up a pair of jeans, a specific color of tights, a scarf or a pair of colored flats that bring out a dominant - or subtle color in your wardrobe. I have found that colored shoes (other than black or brown) can bring some fun into your wardrobe and match more than I first would have thought.
You may want to have a list in your purse, so that when you see something as you run past a store, you know immediately if you were looking for it.
14 comments:
Do you hire out?. . I often think a fresh perspective would be helpful. These days I am not so eager to try on . .too much summer pie :)
I love your clothing tutorials.
I simply gave up - when menopause hit - so could you come over and do that for me or with me??? Thanks! Loved your post!
This is so fun. This morning I spent about 20 minutes searching for one of my favorite basic brown tanks.....no where to be found....did I leave it in Calgary? As I shuffled through my huge closet the thought of a good going through came to mind. Your post has now inspired me to get at it. We should all go to the good will ourselves....never know what goodies we would find from others doing the same thing....kind of a swap and shop. If I had only ate the fruit without all the cream and ice cream this summer I would be better off...not to stress...all is well. I have a project planned, and then a wee bit of shopping. Kathy
It all sounds so simple. I wish the right things were just in the closet...without any trying on, organizing or shopping required!
I'm laughing at Kathy's missing top...as I have been searching high and low for my missing white hoodie. When did I last wear it?
Such good advice. If I would iron my clothes everything would look better, too. But that's another story.
This was an interesting read. I didn't know "just people" had wardrobes like that.
I have three pairs of pants, and three t-shirts, two of them short-sleeved. Two pullover sweaters, one of them v-neck, both wool. That's all. My clothes are navy, black and grey.
Two jackets, one winter, one others seasons. The second can go under the first. Both black. Both over 10 years old.
I've had and worn these things for many years. Some were from Goodwill. All were second-hand.
Thanks for the photos. I enjoyed looking at the lovely things.
Sharon
hmmmm....well....I get two piles...those things I can fit into and those I cannot...grin!
Hi Sharon ...
Oh to be content with little... Thank you for sharing another perspective.
I like to clean out and not have things stored away when they are not being worn.. so I clean out. But I also like to have some nice things that are beautiful ... I do believe there is nothing wrong with beauty.. it can be over-rated and abused, but simple beauty is a good thing. We all express it differently.. some in art, some in dance or music... but that is how we are made.
I wish I could take you shopping for something simple and nice ... that's what I was thinking.. but maybe you don't need that... being content is what matters... and you find beauty in another way.
Not at all anything wrong with beauty. My wardrobe is dictated by financial necessity. So starting there, I made sure what I had flattered me, was the best quality (silk pants from Goodwill? Yes.) Looks very classic, fits me well, goes with the the others, and appeals to my vanity. (You didn't know???)
I always try to find the positive, so I noticed that my plain clothing leaves doesn't distract from my skin and hari, which are the envy of everyone, if daily compliments are to be believed. Also, I learned once while researching travel packing (for an article) that you move to someplace else about every three days, and no-one notices what you wore, only that you looked good, pulled together, clean. Or not. I apply that to my dressing even though I'm not travelling. I also wear no jewellery or makeup but lipstick, do not colour my silver long hair which I cut myself.
I do love to look at your clothing posts. (And those of some of the other MGCC). I have kept another one you did a few years ago and sent it to my daughter, who does like to have variety. These posts of yours help me shop for her.
Ooops sorry for all the typos. My monitor blanks out in daylight making it impossible to see what I'm typing while I am.
It feels like the season is here again...but I don't seem to find that uninterrupted time yet, maybe next week.
But I like how you showed us new options....I sort of think like that alot...and this year I have started adding those funky shoes. They are fun and make life not so boring.
It's interesting that I too have learned to pick out some snazzy deals at consignment stores. It's been so much fun.
I love this post. It always feels so good to organize my wardrobe, to get rid of what I don't need (but somebody else will like) and realize that I have just enough.
How odd..I just pulled everything out of my closet on Friday and did a good sort too. A little mending was in order, and some weight loss too apparently!
Sharon's comment reminded me of the woman who wore a simple brown dress for a year. She found it freeing. When we moved last time with just two duffles, I found I got along fine with the basics too.
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