I've been majorly inspired by Debbie, from
Recovering
Shopaholic, and Janice
from
The
Vivienne Files lately. They've
both been doing project 333, and Debbie's insightful struggle with a shopping
addiction has really inspired me to do something about my own issues.
I have a lot to say about this because I’ve been thinking a lot
over the last few weeks. While I financially am doing well, am not putting
myself in debt, and am saving, I am not saving as much as I wish I was. I love
shopping and fashion, and consider it my hobby- but I spend too much on
clothing sometimes. The most important factor is that I have been shopping haphazardly
and have not been spending WISELY. This has resulted in a large collection of
clothing (huge to some, but small in comparison to others) that is too large
for ME and is not utilized well in a cost-per-wear scenario. I want to really
reduce and have a small closet with a few fabulous items rather than
an abundant closet filled with mostly mediocre items. When I think of
the money I have spent, it makes me sad- and I pride myself on my bargain
shopping!
Some numbers: Totals are including items from before doing my
multiple sorts over the last 4 months (still in process) and counts all recent
purchases. These are close to accurate but are not exact as I am still sorting!
Approx. 85
tops. I have sold 18, given away 2, donated 3, am selling 27, and have 35 in my
‘keep’ pile. But to be honest, I recently ordered 5 more tops to ‘try’ that are
on their way to my home!
Approx 18 skirts. I have 9 in my ‘keep’
pile, 2 for sale, and have sold 7.
Approx 35
pairs of pants- I have sold 6, have 3 for sale (and maybe 9 more to list), and
17 in my keep pile!
Approx 27
cardigans. I have sold 6, have 3 for sale, have donated 3, and have ~15 in my
keep pile.
Approx 13
dresses- 11 in my ‘keep’ pile, 2 to list
Approx 17
jackets/coats/blazers- 4 to list, sold 2, donated 2, 9 in my ‘keep’ pile.
Approx 21
pairs of shoes- 17 in my ‘keep’, trashed 3, 1 to donate. But honestly have 2
pairs I ordered on the way to ‘try’!
Uncounted
number (as of yet) of jewelry items and accessories (not many scarves/belts,
but do have a large jewelry collection)- have 12 for sale.
These numbers are embarrassing to me, especially considering that
a large percentage of these items never saw the light of day, or were worn 1x
or 2x at the most. Some of these are items that have sat in my wardrobe for
years, and some are new things that have accumulated. I bought these items on
ebay, thrifted them, and many I bought new (mostly on sale). But really- so
many dollars spent down the drain. I also never knew I HAD SO MUCH before
counting- I would have honestly estimated everything at about ½ the real total.
I always was proud that I wear clothing I got for a good price, and had a
realistic wardrobe for the average woman. Over the last 4 years though, my
wardrobe has been expanding without limit and I have finally reached a breaking
point. I feel like I should not be shopping right now, especially when I am
trying to downsize my wardrobe, curb my spending, and make my life simpler.
At the same time, as I am going through everything I have, I realize what I am
missing as far as what would help me wear other things more often (like a
neutral pair of pumps, a printed b&w cardigan). I have also realized that I
am sorely lacking in things that really make me feel great. This is partly what
fuels my shopping right now, (though admittedly in a much better way than
before- at least I have a little more focus) and is pretty opposite of what I
am trying to accomplish.
I also am having a hard time letting go of some items I have not
worn in quite a while or have never worn. It's a struggle because even if it's
something I feel frumpy in/it doesn't fit well, I hold on to it. I feel guilty
for wasting money, I feel like it's my fault and not the clothes, I feel like I
might find a way to style it better, or even if I lose weight I will look
better in it, etc. I also have a large amount of items in which I 'look alight'
in, but are nothing special. They're in good condition and look decent, and to
be honest I have so few pieces that look really great that I would be
left with a mostly empty wardrobe were I to get rid of them. The funny thing is
that I still don't wear them, so I rotate through my favorites as if I didn't
have all those hangers of clothing to wear!
So, to help me let go and downsize, I’ve challenged myself to wear
everything in my ‘keep pile’ over the next 3 months. I figure, if I
wear something and THINK about it, I will know by the end of the day if it is
worth keeping or re-selling. I started my challenge yesterday, and I will post
every week what I wore, rate it, and decide what I am doing with it!
