It really helped me identify those things I cherished most. I have no problem with things, I love things. Your last statement, about the resonance of clothing, really holds true for me. I think this is one reason I care about clothes so much, and perhaps part of why sewing has meant a lot in my life. Carolyn, so interesting.
I would love to read your thesis when it is published. I do get occasional bouts of wanting to have nothing much so I could pack up and go super easily — but they are very far and few between. Scarves only count as one thing, no matter how many you have, at least in my opinion. If you feel really badly about how many you have hanging around, of course, I could help you out. I need to find a place that sells smaller silk scarves, I think those would suit me better than the pashmina-style ones I have now.
What a great post, and a great discussion! I started re-thinking my wardrobe because it was making life too complicated — it really was as simple as that. I totally agree with you! So i think even with the best will to not fall on the trap it is very difficult and tiring, a non stop fight to push away those solicitations.
What are my priorities in shopping or in more global plan? Maybe considering some values, general or more in details can help changing the way and also the why we consume like we did. So i changed the regular sized plastic bag i put on my handbag for slightly larger ones to prevent collecting others one!
Ugh i write long! I have jewelry that I rarely wear but do wear on occasion so I keep it. I have some jewelry that I have not worn for a long time but came to me as gifts from loved ones. I keep them. Sometimes our belongings represent aspects of ourselves and the connections that we have with others that we find very hard to relinquish. The things I choose to keep have more value to me.
I think focusing on having too much, or too minimal is actually the issue; when I obsess about organizing my closet, I start to stress — too many tops?
Not enough camis? I think we are within our limits to enjoy the material pleasures of life, and when we stress or obsess in either direction, we perhaps sap some of the joy of consumming. I enjoy a dessert now and then — but if I felt guilty and obsessed every time I ate dessert, the pleasure is minimized.
It is good to question and discuss these issues, but overthinking can be the enemy, especially if we can gage our personal limits anyway. Just wanted to chime in… I think that as long as it bothers you it needs to be addressed, but there are a lot of different ways to live simply. Lots of comments about not feeling guilty about consumption unless it begins to be harmful — like taking time and money away from family, getting into debt etc.
I am a bit surprised there are few comments on consumption that is harmful to others or the environment. Evidently buying from thrift stores has minimal impact — except that when you have too much stuff, you have to buy a home with enough storage space, and you pay to heat and maintain it. Buying new of course involves choices that do impact the countries where the clothes are made. Okay, I have at least 40 scarves and ugh, 40 purses. My mum gifts them to me and they are a non-sized item.
Now jeans- I might have 4 pairs, but 40 pairs would be ridiculous regardless of if ever changed size. Scarves are little and can accessorize a plain outfit. Long live scarves. I am a minimalist for sure and purge more than I should.
Once again, your post has put into words the thoughts that have been mulling around in my mind. But as you said, inexpensive is not the point. I will surely be more mindful in my shopping from here on out. I have just over dresses alone, 75 hats, a cardigan in every color there is, etc. Its hard for me to part with fashion items because I remember the day that I found those things.
I only buy vintage or modern thrifted so it takes a lot of digging and thought before I purchase something. Every time I see it, I remember the fun I had that day at the estate sale with my best friend or how much I adored the color or print of the fabric. Fashion history is my passion and owning and wearing vintage is bringing that time in history back to life.
Many of my pieces were bought because they needed repairs that no one else was willing to do so the time and care I put into reviving these things also makes me happy every time I wear them. Some people feel ashamed but not me! Everyone has their pleasures in life and fashion is mine. Go to Seamwork. Sarai Mitnick — Founder Sarai started Colette back in Classic case of loss aversion, I guess. Continue to enjoy all your scarves. I really really like this idea, Janie.
I agree with everything you said, Tasha. Anyway, I can definitely see this being true. What a lovely collection of scarves! I can see why you would not want to part with them. Your last sentence… so true! That is a really powerful way to think about it. It really hits home for me. Thanks for the book recommendation Nina, I added it to my reading list. I think that would be a great topic for discussion. The world is made of material things. There is nothing wrong with reveling in its beauty.
I still think your collection of scarves is fine thought :. Oh, boy. Your field sounds absolutely fascinating, Carolyn. And I love your scarves and have absolutely no issues with you owning them! I'm reluctant to part from those -- that style of scarf is not terribly fashionable at the moment, but if they come back around, I'm set.
I am also reluctant to purge much jewelry-wise. There is something sentimental to me about these things, but I have toyed with the idea of a significant purge. I have been putting some things that are sentimental but unworn in a holding zone. I sort of feel like they take up so little room, and yet are so expensive to replace especially the silk ones I love , that I am loathe to let them go when I can fit so many in shoe box.
In the past I've held on to them but I feel it's time to let some go. I never get rid of any accessory. I still have a box full of floppy bow ties from the eighties! I go through my scarves seasonally and put the out of season colors away. The only belts I've gotten rid of are the ones I wore when pants were higher waisted.
I have silk flowers, costume jewelry, etc. This past year I am loving my scarves, some over twenty years old. But there have been years where I never wear a scarf. I only have 2 scarves purely decorative, not winter gear type so I may not be the person to ask, but I keep them even though I wear them each maybe 4 or 5 times a year at most. Belts I have started purging slowly. I have a hanger that holds around a dozen comfortably, so I stay around that number, give or take 2. Also recently started culling jewelry, even though there is room for it on the rack.
I am feeling a more streamlined look, back to my sterling silver preferences of yore. The lower quality fashion-y ones get purged but because they are so small I have hung on to some silk ones that I currently don't wear. Here are some photos from readers, below, who've already done this mission to show you what they accomplished, and also to get you motivated to tackle this task for yourself today.
The top photo within the above collage was sent in by a Declutter participant, Linda, who said, "Got rid of gloves with no mates and those items we never wear. The bottom photo of the collage was sent in by another reader, Emma, who said, "This is one of 20 scarves I got rid of :.
I hope these instructions have inspired you to get rid of your winter gear and accessories clutter, so your wardrobe and closet contain only the items that you love, and look and feel good on you. When you begin to declutter the feeling you get is contagious, so if you're loving the results you're getting I would encourage you to keep going.
I've got a whole series of 15 minute decluttering missions eventually of them! Just pick and choose the ones you want to do, that will make a big impact in your home.
But if you want someone else to tell you the order you can also grab the 15 minute daily decluttering mission calendars and follow along as we all get our homes clutter free together! In addition, here's a round up of all the Declutter missions on the site for decluttering clothes of all kinds. Let me help you put the pieces of your home puzzle together. I haven't counted mine which I will right after but they are way less.
I love this accessory because it's both practical and a plus to any outfit. Radiant as ever, my dear Pam. Pam- I resurrected some scarves from my attic storage recently. For a while it seemed as if scarves were slightly out of style. I thought you were wearing an Hermes in this picture. It is gorgeous!
That is quite impressive, Pam! Like Serene, I'd love to see your storage system. I have trouble keeping mine organized and visible, and I only have 11! I'm with you, though — they are hard to get rid of. I've kept some that I never wear because I'm just certain they'll be perfect, some day. But you wear them so well — if there's anybody who should have such a large collection, it is you! Well, that just gives me license to buy more for myself. I wear pretty simple clothes most of the time so a scarf to me really makes a statement.
Just bought one this last weekend on a sale table. You wear them so well, Pam! I have a couple of cold-weather scarves that I use for warmth, but I rarely try to accessorize with a decorative scarf. I often think that scarves look great on other people but ridiculous on me. Apparently I just don't know how to wear them. I'm glad you enjoy yours so much. Pam, I just read your beautiful comment on the Style Crone blog…so movingly written. You too model change…with dignity, hope and optimism!
Thank you! Ah, I love this post! I probably own about 20 well, you know what, I should do a count, there's probably more than that. I wasn't into them when I was younger but they grew on me over the years and now I love them. Adrienne and I love having you join us every month. You are the best! XO, Jill. I am a huge fan of scarves so I can definitely relate!
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