This blog was originally posted on September 26, 2017.
I have been reading endless blogs, books, remembering old shows that discuss this (aka: What Not To Wear- what happened to that show?!?!), and also watching some documentaries about minimizing and the essence of happiness to embark on this overdue journey! I realized that I have cleaned out my closet literally what seems like a THOUSAND times in my 36 years of life, only to acquire more to put in and clean out later. Yes, I have different moods, and I love certain styles in different years and seasons, but I believed I was ready to really do a closet clean out, a true total one this time. My goal has been to buy nothing, NOTHING, new or my favorite, secondhand, for the next month or two and see what happens! I also read a TON of blogs about a capsule wardrobe and am on my way to finally realizing what it was and creating one for myself.
My closet clean out started four weeks ago. I finished watching The True Cost, Minimalism, and Happy on Netflix. I decided it was time for a change within myself. (I go through this often, but this time I was for real.) I started by taking everything out of my closet (yes, literally), laying it all on the bed and furniture and floor (wherever I could find room- I had ALOT of stuff!) and proceeded with the “Yes!,” “Donate,” and “Toss” piles. I prided myself in that most of the items in my closet were secondhand, whether from Goodwill, a local Hospice store to support the local hospice, Salvation Army, SOS, yard sales and ThredUp. I was already helping in the fight against fast fashion. I became more conscious of green living after marrying my husband and his obsessive need to recycle (which I now love about him) and having our daughter. “Reducing our carbon footprint” my husband always says.
So as I embarked on this room full of clothing and shoes, I started to go through piece by piece. Some items I realized I am actually sentimental about. Those I had to take a second and third glance at. I even had to sit with some, I know crazy right!! Haha! But seriously, I finally began to go through and start piling things. I also pride myself on the fact that I wear things out, especially my shoes (working in hospital will do that!) and so those that had holes in the toes or were coming apart from the soles, I needed to finally toss if they were indeed unmendable (my mother would be exceptionally proud). I ended up with a huge black garbage bag and a tall gallon trash bag full of things to donate, after filling up another huge trash bag for my sister-in-law and nieces (they were ecstatic!). I then proceeded to place my keep items back in my closet. I saw that I had a theme developing in my wardrobe. I actually could see my personal style!!
I had several bright colorful items, but mostly I had neutral colors which would be easy to add to and pair. I was starting my own capsule wardrobe!! I also kept the shoes that I knew I would wear on a regular basis and two pair of heels for evening and special occasions. I even narrowed down my dresses and skirts because literally all I ever wear is pants! I kept a few for weddings, church, and special occasions. My closet is still far from what my idea of perfection would be (I really want a minimal wardrobe) and I continue to see items here and there that I can give to my nieces or donate and have a bag I keep close by for those items. It’s actually very rewarding to be able to clean out your closet and it truly does make my mornings easier! Not to mention my husband is thrilled. (We live in an old, small farm house that we love and are always looking for storage space.)
Now for the mindful not buying for a while. I really think it will be easy because I have all I need for now and don’t have a reason to look for more. Next I will tackle my three year old’s clothes closet and drawers and her toy closet (yes, she has both!! in her room!! packed full!!).
The Journey Home 