The things you own end up owning you.
~ Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club
Holla dear friends and readers!
I alluded a few months back to some closet cleaning I did in an attempt to free up some space.
I wouldn’t consider myself a minimalist, but living with (just a little) less has given me the opportunity to look at more than one area of my life. I often get bogged down by ‘stuff’ and feel the need to purge.
Sound familiar?
Part of this could have to do with my tiny 1940′s closet (one girlfriend cried when she saw it, citing ‘cruelty to women’), part of it is just trying to stay up to date with what the weather is doing, and a huge part of it is just wanting to be (just a little) more free.
A fit, healthy body – that is the best fashion statement.
~ Jess C. Scott
This past year has brought some big changes in my life as I started to approach things differently, with more awareness, and a huge desire to grow. It’s been challenging, exhilarating, and, quite literally, the best time I’ve ever had.
So, if you’ll oblige me, I’d love to talk (just a little) about our closets!
Many wealthy people are little more than the janitors of their possessions.
~ Frank Lloyd Wright
I’ve often found myself captured in a fantasy of me as a lone traveler wandering with a single backpack and nothing else.
In this fantasy I imagine the freedom to move with just the bare minimums at hand, and the thrill of having the world at my fingertips. The wide open spaces. The sheer open possibility without the burden of choice (what to wear?) and the weight of grounding possessions.
But reality is quite different. Real life requires certain things.
We work. We play. We run. We hike. We go out. We garden. We have outfits for each.
Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.
~ Democritus
Clothes are fun. I like clothes. Jeans, shirts, shoes. Bags, scarves, and more scarves (I have a few scarves).
If you are anything like me, you end up with a few jam-packed drawers, and clothes hung so tightly you can’t see what’s in there. Items hung and not worn for months.
Sure, that blue number you got last year is a cool piece, and you got a killer deal on it, but do you wear it?
So a few months ago, after too long of looking at the same stale picture of my closet, I took action. Before I shared, I wanted to see what happened. Here is what I did.
This is my all time favorite. Classic white. Wear it till it’s dead, and get a new one.
The Less:
Less clothes in your closet means more easy ways to find favorites. Less maybes means more yes’s so you can deliberate with ease. Less guilt around what doesn’t work means less weight on your shoulders, so you can dress those shoulders smartly everyday.
The More:
More loving what you do have means more loving what you wear. More knowing what you love means more knowing who you are. More letting go means more control over your life, so you can get on with what matters in your heart.
I always have one favorite. What’s yours?
The What. The How. The Wear (pardon the pun).
Shirts & Blouses: Anything not worn in the last 2 months got axed. I took out 2/3 of what was hanging in my closet! Vintage thrifted items, lace tops, colorful fussy things I never wore. My lifestyle doesn’t change too much, and I know if I am getting dressed (down or up) a little black anything is all I need, and feel best in guaranteed. All those dresses I bought and never wore? Gone. All those tops that get put on and taken off before I leave the house? Gone.
Jackets: Jackets take up lots of space, and I had a few blazers I’d collected through the years just hanging out. I work in a pretty casual industry and trust me, the need for a blazer is rare (business attire behind the espresso machine anyone?). The wool coats, down soccer-mom gear and fleece went to the basement for the winter (to keep), along with all the rain gear I never wore… ‘but it’s new!’. I never wore it. Gone.
Shoes: Anything uncomfortable was gone. Those black booties I got on sale and hid from the hubby during my dark days of obsessive shopping? Gone. They might have been (super) cute, but they hurt my feet. Loose shoes? Gone. Old shoes? Gone! I refined my shoe selection down to less than half.
T-shirts & Running Gear: After too many times of muttering ‘where is my sports bra?’…’where is my favorite t-shirt for sleeping?’ or passing over lesser items for the ones I really wanted to wear I said enough was enough. The ones I really wanted to wear were all I needed. 2 pairs of good running shorts, 2 good athletic tanks, 2 good sports bras, 3 favorite t-shirts.
Less laundry, more finding, and more living were mine. I just had to let go. And so I did. 80% gone, and 100% better!
Classic. Comfy. Goes with everything. What’s your classic?
The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.
~ Coco Chanel
The funny thing is, I cheated when I did this.
I totally went the easy route. And now I’m here to tell you I think you could too (only if you want to of course).
I didn’t actually get rid of any of the good stuff yet. I packed it in boxes, and put it downstairs. I told myself as I felt the scared ‘are you crazy?’….’this is beautiful!’…if I missed it, I could have it back.
Guess what?
Getting dressed has never been easier.
I am done in (seriously) one try. Everything (well, almost everything) in the closet now gets worn. I don’t feel guilt towards items that don’t work. I don’t feel remorse everyday looking at things that I should be wearing.
I realized the other day as I popped on a fave pair of pants, threw on my latest favorite t-shirt, and slipped into my oxfords, that I am free.
Freer than I have ever been as a matter of fact! I don’t miss a single thing, and couldn’t even tell you what is down there.
I like just a little. And it goes with everything!
Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.
~ Coco Chanel
I don’t even know what’s downstairs, and I really don’t need to. It’s out of my mind, and out of my space.
Just like a fast clears the body of food debris, and lightens the mind – this letting go in a material sense has been of tremendous value. I’ll keep those things downstairs and maybe ‘shop’ the boxes here and there, after all, a little absence may make the old seem new again.
But more likely I’ll be giving it all away.
I am no minimalist (yet), but I like letting go, and I think I’ll be doing it a lot more.
- Are you in need of a good closet clean or purge?
- What are your favorite basics you can’t live without?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. After all, we (hopefully) don’t eat more than we should, or stock more food than we need (unless you do). We only eat what we like, not what doesn’t agree with us.
Why shouldn’t we take the same approach to our closets?
Thanks for reading dear friends, I’d love to hear from you! I am off on a work trip this week and may be here and there with my comments again – this is the last one (I think) until the big one (France!)..have a wonderful week all!
Next up…a fabulously delicious dairy free white bean dip!
Yours in Less,
I love scarves too! They can help make an outfit different if one just sticks to the “basics” in her closet.
Totally agree Frances!
Thanks!
I try to see from time to time what I really wear and what are those that I just keep for the “maybe one-day” times but I always end up keeping everything:D (and getting some more..) I did gave away half of my closet about 3 years ago but it was because I moved. I like to shop and love fashion that’s the problem..But I do agree that less is more especially in fashion and clothing.
Ha! I love collecting too
It took me this long to just say enough was enough! I adore shopping but it gets out of hand too easily if I am not careful…less is more in so many ways! Thanks Bernadett!
I used to work in the film industry. We had a rep who always looked fabulous; really put together. I complimented her about that and she said she only had three colors in her wardrobe, white,black and grey which she accessorized with scarves and so it was easy. She did that to save time and money. I consider myself observant but hadn’t even realized that!
I like her style! I know it’s not for everyone but I’d rather be in the kitchen or outside than spending time getting dressed!
Thanks, that’s inspiring!
I love cleaning out my closet. It’s almost theraputic.
Totally! I SO agree with you 100%, it is so therapeutic indeed!
That Frank Lloyd Wright quote is PERFECT. Oh my gosh. I need to print that out and hang it up in my room.
I really need to get rid of stuff. I feel so unsettled when my room is a mess, and my room is a mess when I don’t have a place to put everything!
I struggle with the same placement issues..it’s so hard! Funny thing is even once I got rid of stuff, it still didn’t help get things into their proper places..
I am kind of hopeless that way but I try!
I have a couple dresses I wore to special events that I can’t seem to get rid of. I haven’t worn them in two years but like to see them hanging in my closet. Not very minimalist of me.
I have one or two of those too!
The ones that had to go were the ones I bought and never wore…not even once..so sad!
I need to do this!
I desperately need to do this. Thanks…
Alicia! I hope you do! Go girl…it feels so good! XO
I am so inspired…this has been on my to-do list for a long time, just needed the motivation to do it! I’m one of those people that still has shirts from highschool/college (why?) Since being pregnant, my choices are limited, and I love the simplicity this brings to my life.
Are you pregnant now? Such a perfect time to do this and I remember those days clearly…enjoy!
This is a great guide. I used to hate that my style was more classic than boho etc because I thought it was boring, but honestly, classics never go out of style and all I have to do is change up some (cheap) accessories and scarves and it looks new every time! PS. Wide leg jeans really don’t do it for me either – who ever thought they would do it for anyone? They just make your whole leg look as wide as its widest part, how is that good??? haha
I know! I dug them for a while but it was short-lived…these days it’s skinny or nothing or just leggings….
happy Monday Anna!
Totally agree on the classics! And they tend to look good on everyone too
This post could not have come at a better time – I go through these bing and purge phases with clothes, when i start to feel overwhelmed with clothes spilling out from every direction I know it is time to “clean house” so to speak. Mission this weekend, clean, declutter & donate. Out with the never worn, over worn and why in the world did I buy this!
You should check out project 333 http://theproject333.com/ . I haven’t taken the leap yet, but have been thinking about trying this for sometime now – Janet over at Gardeners Cottage had a great experience . http://thegardenerscottage.blogspot.com/search/label/fashion%20over%2050
I’ll check out that link for sure! And you go…. This sounds wonderful! You’ll feel so renewed (or at least be able to find stuff again! ) Good luck and have fun…let us know how you make out!
I’m one of those people that just can’t make scarves work for them. I just end up looking like someone’s grandma trying to be hip. But I love to wear a nice scent every day. I have 3 favourites that I pick depending on the mood.
Good post! I clean out my closet once or twice a year – it’s probably due right about now for another purge.
Heidi I’d love to know your favorite scents! I’m a one scent girl but I always love comparing notes…
Of course I love a good essential oil too. You crack me up about the scarves..definite proof that they don’t work for everyone. I’m the same with skirts….XO!
Eau Dynamisante, Burberry and Poison right now are my favourites.
Burberry = love! I’m a Chloe girl all the way..
I need to do something like this- I almost have too many options for clothes that I never know what to wear!
I have been in your shoes many a time…I totally hear you Jocelyn!
I rarely buy clothes. My standard outfit is a pair of black jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt, sweaters or vests if it is chilly. I have a few dresses (perhaps three). I haven’t counted my jeans, but I probably have five or six pair, including raggedy ones that I won’t leave the house in unless it is before dawn. I have one drawer of nothing but T-shirts and tank tops (which I layer over the T-shirts). I have beautiful scarves, which I rarely wear, and almost no jewelry (can’t be bothered). My accessory of choice is the hat, most often a beret. I do not like summer clothes — I have a few shifts and three bathing suits, one brimmed sun hat. I have two rain coats (periwinkle and black, one casual with a hood, one more formal) and one winter coat. My favorite clothing items, other than my black jeans, are crew neck cashmere sweaters in jewel colors: I have a whole chest full of them.
Sharyn – can I raid your closet? It sounds amazing! We share in the love of black jeans and I love your approach to it all! I’d like to go without buying any clothes for a time, I really admire people who’ve not the same need to collect. It’s coming slowly.. you are very impressive
I need to go through the closets again and purge as well as just organized for the work week. Thanks for sharing & Have a Great Day:)
Go Renee! You have a great day too!
gotta have a favorite pair of jeans! if i could, i’d be in jeans and a hoodie/t-shirt everyday!
along with a scarf! (i have quite a collection as well! shh!) have a good trip! much love.
Jeans…t-shirt…scarf. Total bliss! I like your style Ames! XO!
You have truly inspired me (again) I have so many clothes that I never wear that just take up space that someone else could surely use!!! Seriously cleaning out my drawers and closet today. FREEING! And thanks also sharing your little dark shopping obsession secret, I had one too for a while (mostly involving lululemon running shorts and singlets) I’m over it, but I still don’t understand what drove me to that place. Weird :/
GIANT smile over here Somer..how did it go? I’ve got addiction stories for sure…a giant part of why I started the journey – it’s a weird one for sure and I can soooo relate to you! Glad you kicked it too (and I’m sure you look adorable in your lulu!)
XO!
Yes, lulu is pretty dang cute! I’m reporting back that I’m in a frenzy and now purging the house. We have so much that it just ends up being mindless clutter everywhere. I even did the makeup and toiletries yesterday. Wow. So much stuff, foundation that didn’t match eyeshadows that don’t complement, down to bare bones. You would be proud! I have giant bags to go to good will and to the recycle bin. Woohoo! p.s. I kept all the lulu
I AM so proud! Talk about a woman of action!!! Very impressive Somer… You are amazing! xox
PS – good call on the lulu!
xoxo
That IS crazy! But not a bad way to upgrade…!!
So true!
I love this. I have cleaned my closet a few times within this past year. It was time. A lot of old clothes were purged, and I could afford to donate a few more. It is very rewarding cleaning out my closet!
So good to hear Britt! I think that must be why you are so darned spunky all the time
makes your bright smile even brighter! XO!
I need a clean out, but I can’t be bothered since I’m moving in not so long… My favourite is probably my beautiful, blue lambswool jumper made by racing green… that or my wonderful, green wax farmer’s jacket. My classic is my pair of brown, stylish brogues… I only wear brogues (or espadrilles). That reminds me… I need some more espadrilles… You are inspiring, but it;s not enough to overcome the fact that I’m a guy… even if I do take pride in my appearance… haha.
I think I like (no – love) your style Nick! And I bet you look just super in both espadrilles AND brogues! Loving the sound of the jumper and the wax coat too… I want photos!
Haha, thanks, Shira! Now, now, don’t get carried away!
I’m gorgeous, but let’s not move too fast (hah – as if).
Too true! Better to take it slow…but I can still admire your style!
hehe..
we need a clean out so bad
i think thats why there is this yearly clean up scheduled in indian festival calendar. Every diwali, you have to clean out the closets, give away things you dont need, refresh it a with new(depending on your needs or the need to show off 
) and so on. i need to get back on that schedule!
it took me 3 years to give most of my heels away, but i felt liberated when i did. anyway they would remind me f how i couldnt walk in them anymore. love all those quotes in your posts!
Richa this sounds so awesome! Such a great way to mark it by doing it annually or as part if a greater ritual…I’m with you and the heels – I still have a few but only ones I can wear without destroying my feet (and never for too long)…letting go = liberation, you are so right about that! Happy you enjoy the quotes friend!
XO!
I need to do a closet clean soon as well. We have a community garage sale in a few months time so will be boxing up my goodies to sell and swap
Sounds super liberating and a way to build up the good karma bank Sarah! Love it…amazing what a difference things can make to those who have less.
love it! xox
I love that quote about Happiness dwelling in the Soul…that is SO true…what a great post! You sure know how to put things in perspective!!
I need to clean out my closet for sure. It will be a liberating day! thanks for sharing your wonderful insight!
Thanks for that lovely Caralyn…I’d love to hear how it goes! You are so super positive all the time…your comments brighten my day every time!
Hello super-organised Van-girl… I’m a the tiniest bit intimidated by neat and organised people. I have the best of intentions, but something always sidetracks me. I know, I’ve read all the articles that say one must be ruthless… I just always seem to find some tangent when cleaning out a drawer/wardrobe/pantry to go off on… (sigh)
MOST impressed with your back to basics. Sometimes less IS more!
Oh J – don’t you worry I am just as distractible believe me! I just work fast…otherwise it’s like a cat with a ball if yarn, you are too adorable, really!
LOVE that you love the basics…and I think we both have a thing for scarves if I am correct?
Yeah, Baby! I am QUEEN of the scarves. Summer, winter – I don’t care. My scarf drawer over-floweth… And I am not chucking ANY of ‘em!
I couldn’t part with my scarves either…
Though half went into a bag for ‘discovering’ later…I’m so with you! All year long…
You have inspired tomorrow’s post…
The things you own end up owning you- so true Shira! I try to go through all my stuff once a year and I find that evey year, I end up owning less and less (you should have seen the pack-rat I was before I started doing this. I still have a tendency to save more than I should…). And it’s so freeing to have less! Plus that way the things that you own are those things that you love- anything else is just taking up space and crowding you!
I JUST gave away 4 garbage bags* full of clothes to good will last Monday- I had been hanging onto clothes I hadn’t worn in years. It felt so good!
Clothing I can’t live without- neutral coloured basics, a chunky cardigan, sweat pants, my motorcycle boots, my brogues, rain boots
Great post and congrats on freeing up some space! You must feel so light!
*And I still have a ton of clothes- I think I have a problem….
That’s ALOT if clothes to give away Gabby..good for you! How amazing does that feel?!
I did the same… 4 huge bags were donated after all the good stuff went to the basement. Instant lightness and freedom..
LOVE your basics too… I think we share the same style faves… my motorcycle boots are my second feet
XO! Have a great night!
I love to purge!
each season I hang everything backwards in the closet…
when I have worn/washed it, it goes in the right direction
when a new season comes, I get rid of all the items on the backwards hanger
repeat!
What a fabulous system! I think that is rather genius….
Thanks for stopping by and for that awesome tip!
Great post… you’ve got some really great ideas here for cleaning out the closet!
Thanks Tara!
Just this evening I put on a shirt that I “loved” for a couple of years; it was a maternity shirt that worked for a while after, but as my twins are now 5 and the body has returned to pre children sizing (if not shaping), it now looks silly. I’ve put it on at least 10 times in the last three years, worn it for a short time and then realized that I had adjusted it at least 50 times and felt like my boobs were falling out. Why o why did it take so long?! It went onto the pile with the cute pair of sandals that I’ve taken off the last 10 times I’ve put them one. I shall make this pile grow. I like your point of paring down to what you love so that you love what you wear all the time.
Wow. This is amazing, thanks for sharing!! I am always in awe of the way we can hang on to things (or thoughts or ideas even) until one day the lightbulb just goes on. It’s always a process and it sounds like in this case you are now in the path to winning. You should feel like a million…especially as a mom! You deserve nothing less! XO!
Good timing! I need to clean out my closet and dresser too. You know you have too much when you have to smash the clothes down as you close the drawer! I love that strategy of putting things in a box in the basement for a while before taking it to the Goodwill.
Fabulous Terra! Your situation sounds all too familiar!
Such a great post and spring cleaning is on everyone’s mind right now! I just cleaned out my closet too and it was LIBERATING! Next-the makeup drawer – gasp. I’ll be posting about that soon. Great post!
I’ll watch for that post!
Thanks!
Who doesn’t need a good closet cleaning? I have a big bag of clothes to donate sitting in my closet right now–and I’m definitely due for another purge.
I think since I did this first round I might be ready too
! Thanks Eileen!
Oooooh, you’ve lit a fire under my butt! I’m pretty good about consistently purging every few months the things that I haven’t worn in the last six months-year, but there are still things that I hold onto for only God knows why. Time to stream-line the closet! Thank you, Shira!
And I agree with you, a classic white shirt is the best. I could live in a nice white v-neck t-shirt and jeans or a long skirt, everyday. They just never go out of style.
I think we might share the same style Kristy! After all, with great classics who needs anything else?
I do wish it were that easy…but for now I am enjoying the extra space! And being able to find stuff in the morning too 
xo! Have fun with it!!
I’m right here with you, Shira. One of the most freeing parts of this purging journey for me (and it’s a long journey) is realizing that I can just do one small piece at a time. I can find myself overwhelmed when I go through storage, my closet, whatever, because I realize how much more is to be done. But ah, the freedom in realizing just one place with space to breathe and less energy being sucked from my body/managing of resources/etc. is a good thing! Thank you for this — I love thinking about what is truly me and what “should’s” I can leave behind. And then it frees us up for the important work of life.
Ashley – your words are very powerful here, and so so true! I couldn’t add anything to this – the reminder that we can take baby steps toward a bigger goal is indeed so empowering and I love sharing with others (like you) on the journey to ‘letting go’. Thank you
Such a simple idea to purge and keep the boxes for a bit. I love it! I’ll be much more likely to actually remove the items knowing I can get them again if ‘needed’… but, I bet I won’t miss them and will be happy to feel more free. Then they can find a new home giving (a little more) while I enjoy (a little less). Thank you, Shira! And happy travels
Thank you Deb!! Just got home….it’s super nice
It feels so good to be FREE! I hope it works for you too! Namaste!
Beautiful Shira!
When you are ready “to give them away”….. I want to be the first in line
xoxo
Well done honey, I know how hard that was. PROUD of you!
Natasha
Ha! Thanks my dear friend!! It might hurt too much to see them on someone I know….but THAT could be a whole other post!
XO! You can shop my basement..no problem!
Thanks! Just what I needed to see today. Woke up thinking I MUST cull, and here was the encouragement needed.
I hope it went well? DO let us know! Happy to help:)
I never get up the nerve to comment, but I absolutely love your site and always feel uplifted and inspired when I get one of your posts in my inbox! I just cleaned out my closet – it *is* indeed one of the best therapies to be had
After years and years of struggling to fit into a certain style – I’ve decided to simplify my *mind* and just go with what I like. I always felt boring and weird because I have these *three* outfits that I like to wear over and over – but why?! I’m giving it up – going with what I love and am comfortable in and my closet looks as though it has been released from a fashion prison 
Keep up the good work, and thanks for the encouragement!
Andi
Hi Andi! I am so happy you left this comment – you don’t know how happy it makes me to hear
You couldn’t be more spot on about being true to who you are, and this is reflected in what we naturally want to ‘reach for’ everyday to wear. I am so feeling your freedom! You are an inspiration yourself, for having the courage to take the plunge, and for sharing this! I am the one that owes you the thanks 
knowing better what you love means knowing better who you are…i love this idea shira…i think you’re so spot on right with every thought in this post. i think very little gives the same deep down breath-full satisfaction that cleaning a cramped and crowded space does. thank you always for such thoughtful posts!
Thank you for this Spree! I am so glad this spoke to you – it still feels great and the crazy thing is..I haven’t the urge to buy a thing these days! Less is so much more, and now it is to my bank account too
Great feeling!