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working toward 25

9/25/2017

4 Comments

 
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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. 
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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
4 Comments
Heather link
9/25/2017 09:26:06 am

I loved this, Jane! One of your comments in another recent post reminded me that I wasn’t necessarily stuck with everything I have and that selling is an option. I’ve been trying eBay for the first time and it’s been going okay...I might do a little post on it, eventually. Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement! Also, generally speaking, I always find it so relaxing to read decluttering posts, such as this one! :)

Reply
Jane link
9/25/2017 08:25:35 pm

Yes! Someone else will think they've found a treasure + that piece will get the appreciation it deserves! Thank you for the encouragement to keep writing! I often feel that I get more joy out of decluttering than acquiring. :)

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Priscilla link
9/25/2017 10:41:51 am

I love your thought process and your organization, Jane. Thank you for donating or selling your pieces that still have life left so someone else can enjoy them.

Reply
Jane link
9/25/2017 08:26:31 pm

Thank you so much for the encouragement!! :)

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