A few weeks ago, I mentioned the idea of having a list of wardrobe items in order to keep things minimal + manageable in my closet. Making this list somehow motivated me to go through my pieces again with a more critical eye. I've kept the number of shoes + clothing (not counting outerwear, pajamas, + athletic wear) in my closet to under 50 items for a couple of years now. It's been down to around 40 pieces for a while, but I hadn't cared for that to be a strict number. As I write this, I still don't want to necessarily have a number. I like to feel free + don't want my closet to be a source of guilt or stress.
My desire is for clothing to occupy the place in my life + my thoughts that I feel it should. Clothing is a micro-shelter for my body. I want it to be comfortable + to keep me warm or cool as necessary. Clothing is also expression. I want it to feel fun + to say a little something about me too. I want my clothing to nourish the hands that make it with a living wage, the ability to eat nutritious meals, + the ability to clothe and educate children. I want my clothing to benefit the earth from its growth as organic fibers to its decomposition back into nutrient rich soil. I want my clothing to be considered in purchase, cared for in use, + honored in disposal. And yet, I don't want clothing to become my idol.
The list is a tool I'm using to put my clothes into their proper place in my life. It's not really about a specific number, but more of a neighborhood. Too much rigidity just causes me stress. A little grace goes a long way. With time + focus, I've been able to hone in on my desire for + comfort with less. I've observed (+ recorded) my preferences + the feelings of too much/not enough/enough. For me, 25 pieces seem workable + just about right.
Once I had a list that I thought might be a good starting point, I listed the slots (tank, tank, tank, tee, tee......) and wrote my pieces into the blanks. My favorites went in first with the extras falling into a middle space to be further evaluated. A third column made space for listing pieces that were up for letting-go consideration.
My desire is for clothing to occupy the place in my life + my thoughts that I feel it should. Clothing is a micro-shelter for my body. I want it to be comfortable + to keep me warm or cool as necessary. Clothing is also expression. I want it to feel fun + to say a little something about me too. I want my clothing to nourish the hands that make it with a living wage, the ability to eat nutritious meals, + the ability to clothe and educate children. I want my clothing to benefit the earth from its growth as organic fibers to its decomposition back into nutrient rich soil. I want my clothing to be considered in purchase, cared for in use, + honored in disposal. And yet, I don't want clothing to become my idol.
The list is a tool I'm using to put my clothes into their proper place in my life. It's not really about a specific number, but more of a neighborhood. Too much rigidity just causes me stress. A little grace goes a long way. With time + focus, I've been able to hone in on my desire for + comfort with less. I've observed (+ recorded) my preferences + the feelings of too much/not enough/enough. For me, 25 pieces seem workable + just about right.
Once I had a list that I thought might be a good starting point, I listed the slots (tank, tank, tank, tee, tee......) and wrote my pieces into the blanks. My favorites went in first with the extras falling into a middle space to be further evaluated. A third column made space for listing pieces that were up for letting-go consideration.
A helpful adjustment that I made with the latest closet evaluation was to decide if each item served me in more than just one way. A top whose color lends itself really well to one season + whose style lends itself well to a very narrow weather situation does not really earn its spot on my list. A pair of pants whose shape I love, but whose comfort allows for very limited situational use is in the same boat. I still really like both of those pieces, but they are not serving me well enough. In this way, I was able to let another stack of clothes go...and I am closer than ever to my 25. These seldom worn pieces weren't really serving a real need, so they won't be missed.
Some of the reasons I let things so this time:
-the two reasons above
-pieces that don't really layer under or over (we have very few perfectly 75F all-day days)
-pieces that don't feel or look quite right + result in sporadic adjustment + second guessing
-redundant pieces
-pieces that I hadn't worn last year, but maybe this year? (no)
-holey pieces with nice shapes
-a beautiful piece that I just don't feel like wearing anymore, but know someone else will enjoy (+ know I can sell for a good price)
I was able to sell a bunch of these pieces, and have set aside that money to replace a couple of necessities (non-holey leggings-yay) + any other clothing related needs this autumn. Other pieces were donated or added to the rag bag. When selling clothing, I remember that I received value from wearing them. I don't think too much about the money "wasted" on an item, so I can set the price low enough for it to sell...while still receiving a little cash. I try to learn from my mistakes + not buy that mistake again.
I'm keeping a very short list of items that I am still questioning (because the season to wear them is almost here). I've already addressed three of those...and have five to go. I wrote a reevaluation reminder into my calendar, so it will not be forgotten.
A little more tomorrow. :)
Love,
Jane
Some of the reasons I let things so this time:
-the two reasons above
-pieces that don't really layer under or over (we have very few perfectly 75F all-day days)
-pieces that don't feel or look quite right + result in sporadic adjustment + second guessing
-redundant pieces
-pieces that I hadn't worn last year, but maybe this year? (no)
-holey pieces with nice shapes
-a beautiful piece that I just don't feel like wearing anymore, but know someone else will enjoy (+ know I can sell for a good price)
I was able to sell a bunch of these pieces, and have set aside that money to replace a couple of necessities (non-holey leggings-yay) + any other clothing related needs this autumn. Other pieces were donated or added to the rag bag. When selling clothing, I remember that I received value from wearing them. I don't think too much about the money "wasted" on an item, so I can set the price low enough for it to sell...while still receiving a little cash. I try to learn from my mistakes + not buy that mistake again.
I'm keeping a very short list of items that I am still questioning (because the season to wear them is almost here). I've already addressed three of those...and have five to go. I wrote a reevaluation reminder into my calendar, so it will not be forgotten.
A little more tomorrow. :)
Love,
Jane
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