Well it looks like my nesting instinct has feebly kicked in… somewhat. Yesterday, I finally got around to tackling my overstuffed closets.
I’m something of a reformed clotheshorse and a trying-not-to-be pack rat. Dman helped out by giving the definitive, “Hell no, throw that out!” whenever I got too sentimental—or pack-ratty.
But it got me to thinking… Just how long are we supposed to keep our clothes? On the one hand, I’ve got my mother and mother-in-law who have clothes from 40 years ago taking up way too much space in their jam-packed closets and then there’s Dman who will happily trash anything he hasn’t worn in three months.
Of course, I think we ladies are a bit more attached to a certain dress or a pair of shoes, but really, does that necessitate hanging on to them for years and years? I mean, I actually decided to keep a few dresses that I know I’ll never, ever wear again because I thought it would be nice for my not-yet-born daughter to someday have the chance to wear them. (These weren’t even my YSL, Valentino or Bill Blass gowns, which of course I would never throw away!)
But who’s to say my daughter will even be the same size as me? Or have the same taste in clothes? God knows when either of my moms try to hand me down their clothing from decades ago, I accept out of politeness or obligation rather than excitement over an excellent piece of vintage wear.
So what rules should I be following here? Keep the designer pieces, chuck all the High Street stuff? Sadly, there are plenty of designer things I’ve shed (i.e. a long, red leather Marc Jacobs skirt; the famous “bump dress” by Comme des Garcons) and I have to say I regret those hasty decisions to purge.
The bump dress (I actually have worn this out)
Anyway, I wound up chucking most everything that I haven’t worn in awhile, was stained or pilly, wasn’t really my style but I’d fantasized at the time that it was (i.e. all my Polo Rugby stuff—seriously what was I thinking?!)
But any advice for the next round of closet cleaning would be much appreciated!
5 Comments
Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 11:54 am
Too funny…we must be on the same wavelength… I just wrote about this.
I think we women tend to attach a certain amount of sentiment to clothes…depending on the circumstance we bought/wore the items…unlike the guys, who wear things until they fall apart because they’re “comfortable.”
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 9:41 am
I am such a clothes packrat. I can’t let anything go unless its hanging from the seams even if I acknowledge that there is no sentimental value attached to the clothing and that there is no way in hell I’ll ever wear the thing again. I’m always afraid I’ll regret throwing it away.
Good on you for doing it though. Next time, don’t hesistate. Just chuck everything. If you’re upset about it later, just go out and get yourself something new. Easy way to supress the packrat and bring out the shopaholic in you.
Friday, August 14, 2009 at 4:58 pm
So funny, I just cleaned out my closet. I am not so attached to the clothing as much as the shoes (227 pairs at last count). I tend to keep the classics and donate the trendy stuff. I’ve got suits that no matter what they will always be “in style” but I try to tell myself that someone else can truly benefit if I donate the other items. The other real benefit is I can then convince myself that my closet looks empty which means…you guessed it, more shopping! LOL it’s a vicious cycle but I look good while I run through said cycle. Don’t just toss them, donate the items, it’ll make you feel better about getting rid of your clothes because you’ll be helping someone else.
Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I’m on a decluttering spree now too! I have adopted this adage said my numerous wise declutterers – if you don’t use it or love it, TOSS it! (or give away, which i have done
hope this helps, good luck!
Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 4:28 pm
also i saw your twitter re. seeing an osteopath in paris – could you please email me? jocelyn.chia@gmail.com
thanks so much in advance!