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.
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