Sunday, January 11, 2015

Pearls of Wisdom 1.11.15

Via
When I was younger, I would go shopping and buy things just because I liked them.  Sometimes those items were great purchases and other times they weren't.   My closet would end up bulging at the seams with clothing that I wore 25% of the time.  As I have gotten older and wiser, I have gained more discretion over what makes the cut and comes to live in my small closet.  I'm not like most of my friends whose closets have grown with their years.  I still have a smallish walk in closet which is the same walk in closet I had 20 years ago.  My sister on the other hand, has a closet that is so large she actually set up her last child's nursery in one side of the closet and still had an entire side for his and her clothing.   I think her closet was a bedroom converted into a closet by the previous homeowners. I haven't had the luxury of a space like hers.  I guess I have been guilty of closet envy on many levels, but recently I have come to terms with my envy.   My house was built in the 80's before the birth of the huge master bedroom closet. It was a simpler time lacking dressing room glamour.  Unfortunately, this house doesn't offer the option of knocking out walls and making my closet bigger.    I could claim my daughter's room next to the master and make a closet out of her room, but where would she sleep when she came home?  Somehow I don't think she would visit often if she had to sleep on the couch, do you?  I don't want to take that chance.


In pondering my situation, I think I have found a solution!  I have decided to buck the American way of thinking that "bigger is better".  I'm thinking practically folks!  My solution is quite simple!   I don't need a bigger closet, I need less clothing.  If I am wearing 25% of what is in my closet why do I have all those clothes?  I can get rid of those size 2 pants that currently don't fit and have no hope in sight of fitting anytime soon.  I can get rid of those tops that might be perfect, for a night out on New Year's Eve.  Heck we don't go out on New Year's Eve anymore!  If we did, I should buy a new top in celebration.

It's official, I'm cleaning out my closet and committing to choosing well and buying less. I
know what I like to wear and what I need.  Why not limit my closet to a small number of really great items and banish the rest?   I have found that sometimes it is more cost effective to splurge for that great pair of shoes that I reach for over and over again rather than the cheaper pair, that get pushed aside and never worn.  I'm taking inventory on my choices.  I'm re-evaluating my options.  I'm thinking minimalistic!  Yeah, sound good?
What is the saying the happiest people aren't the ones that have the best of everything but those that make the best of what they have?  I want to be that person!  I know, I know I'm suppose to be selling you on the bigger closet so I can come design it for you, right?  Well, actually I am the type designer that doesn't oversell.  

I'm on a rant to get this place organized.  I'm planning to take time this week getting organized want to join in on the fun?   Do you have a closet problem?  Is your closet issue overcrowding, organization or lack of space?  Do share!  I want to know! 

Here's what I'm going to do for my closet makeover:

Evaluate the contents of my closet
Make piles of items I wear and don't wear
Cull the piles of what I wear into groups of what I wear most
Define the holes in my wardrobe and make a list
Divide the items I'm getting rid of into piles for charity and consignment
Look at new storage options to keep things neater

Arrange my closet my garment and color ( My closet is arranged
 like this now, but you would never know it due to the overcrowding!)

Whew, I feel better already!

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8 comments:

  1. This is a project which I am always working on. It's been hit and miss and is definitely a 2015 resolution to do more purging, something I have no problem with. I too, have hung unto some clothing items, thinking I will someday be a size 8 again.....delusional, to say the least. Here's to better closet organization. Edit, edit, edit.
    Vickie @ blancheandkatedesign.com

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    1. Let's do it together Vickie! Cheers to purging!

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  2. Hooray! Irene did this for me already as a surprise for christmas. She bought all white wooden hangers which then crowded my smallish master closet. Now we are looking for white velvet ones. x Maria

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    1. Yay for Irene! Can she come south? haha!! I know every inch of your house is perfect! We need to move so we can start over! LOL!

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  3. Hi Lisa, there is a website called Project 333, it is all about creating a wardrobe with 33 pieces or less for 3 months. I have toyed with the idea but am more enamored with doing extreme editing and then upping my price point. I have a friend who uses a personal shopper at Bergdorfs and purchases one designer black suit every year, accessories and a few pieces to go with it. She has a few pairs of good jeans and she is as chic as can be! I know when I visit my daughters in NYC I am happy with a black jacket, tees, and slacks with colorful scarfs and a quality bag for 10 days. It makes getting dressed super easy. Some of the capsul outfits ideas on Pinterest for travel with limited pieces are great! Do it! Then your closet will be gorgeous too!

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    1. Wow Goldie, I can't wait to check out Project 33, sounds intriguing! Thanks for sharing great ideas here. Will let you know how it goes!

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  4. They say that we only wear 25% of what's actually in our closets and if you take inventory of everything you have, you're probably wearing the same things over and over. You and I must be on the same wavelength--I'm pretty much through my closet but I'm tacking this ENTIRE house now...and am really excited about it. Making room for more of the things I DO want in my life (and I don't mean stuff!).

    Thank you for your comments & support, always.

    Xo,
    Dayka

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    1. you are so right Dayka! Happy New Year! Adored your card! One of my all time favs!

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