I’m so excited to start blogging! This first post is just in time for spring cleaning season.
I recently looked through my closet and found a cropped brown sweater. With a hook clasp. And crocheted cut-outs. Um, it looked (a little) better than it sounds, but it was really old. As I sifted through the rest of my things, I discarded lots of stuff. And I realized clothes (and shoes) should go if any of these four things are true:
They haven’t been worn. Some people say if you haven’t worn something in a year, you should toss it. That’s a little harsh. But if it’s been a couple of years and that dress has stayed glued to its hanger, it’s probably time to give it away. But if they’re Band tees, then you probably might regret giving them away.
They’re ruined beyond repair. Some imperfections are fixable—and that’s when a relationship with a good dry cleaner is a must—but if your stuff has permanent pen marks or serious rips and tears, just let it go. (And probably not to a thrift store.)
They don’t fit. Okay, whether they’re too big or too small, if your clothes don’t work on the body you have now, don’t keep them. Life is too short to be sad about that skirt you can’t get into.
You feel like crap when you wear them. Not obvious—but very important. An item could fit well and look new. But if you don’t feel good in it—maybe it’s not your color or isn’t your style—say good-bye. Why feel insecure? Plus, when it’s gone, you can buy something fab.
By the way, when I started cleaning, I hadn’t made a firm decision about that brown sweater. (I was nostalgic—don’t judge!) But it completely fit in category one (and four), so I said farewell.
Is it time for you to thin out your wardrobe? And will it be hard to give things away—or can you discard stuff without a second thought?
Image: Barbie and the Closet
Today I read an article in AARP. Usually I don’t pay any attention to the By Line, I flip the page and move on. Leslie Quander Wooldridge, the name had a connection Here is how. My name is Leslie Riddick. Growing up in Washington, DC off of 13th and Ouincy st NW in the 50’s 60’s and 70’s, (My family still lives there), I grew up with the Quanders, who lived on 13th st. (Johnny, Ricky,Roe and a sister) On the other end of Quincy st. Were the Wooldridge’s,( Iris, Carol (a He) Carolyn and Shiela) and their mother The Rev Annie Wooldridge(MuDear)
Leslie, I appreciate you taking the time to write. Small world. It’s always nice to hear about other Quanders. I am not sure that I’m also related to the Wooldridges you knew, but seeing this is interesting. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Love the post ! Very true from one shopper (and semi-clothes-hoarder) to another… Just please don’t look twice at me when I walk down the street partially exposed since I had to toss half my wardrobe! Yikes! Time for a shopping trip?
Ha–and thanks! If you can swing a shopping trip to replace the bad stuff, I say go for it. 🙂
I love the blog!!
I just went through my entire closet before moving and got rid of five trash bags’ worth of clothes. There were things in there that I hadn’t worn since high school!
Thanks, Tracey! And wow. Having five fewer bags to move is a GREAT thing. 🙂
Congrats on your new blog!! 😀
I have a pair of size 4 jeans that I wore before I met my Husby. I’m determined to wear them again, or so I thought. I’ll never be a size 4, or I could but end up with a body of a 13 year old boy. Not sexy. I’m Latina! I’m meant to have these curves, right? Right!
Also, I throw out clothes when they start to build an old smell. Y’know, they’ve sat in your closet for-ev-errr and you decide to wash & wear it, only for it to still reek of old-y-ness.
Great tips! Totally subbing to your blog! Can’t wait for more reads ♥
Trina, thanks for your comment and for subscribing! You made me smile. I totally know that feeling about jeans. I had a pair that was PERFECT. But then they got too tight, and I couldn’t wear them anymore. 🙁 Someone gave them a new home, though, I’m sure. So be strong! And yes, those curves are meant to be!
Love your new blog Leslie! It looks so professional. You definitely reminded me that it’s time for me to start spring cleaning. Thanks!
Brandi, thanks so much! And I wish you lots of happy sorting. (That’s the fun part, right?) Glad you stopped by!
I purged just recently- but there are some things that don’t fit me well but I have NEVER worn them so I keep hoping- one day. Maybe just one day. 🙁 Maybe I should stick to the advice and get rid o them, lol 🙂
Welcome to blogging!
Thanks for the welcome! So funny. I thought that way about a few things, too. But if you can say good-bye, you probably won’t miss that stuff at all!
Oh no. You are making me feel the need to go through my closet this weekend. I purge it occasionally but it’s never fun, (though I enjoy giving bags of clothes away to charity. The house always feels “lighter” and I feel good knowing someone will benefit from things I don’t need.)
Aw, thanks for sharing. I agree: It does feel good. If you have time for a weekend purge, maybe just let that thought encourage you. 🙂