When it comes to determining whether it’s time to part ways with an item, I ask myself three questions…
- Does this fit me?
- Does this suit my style anymore?
- Have I worn this at all in the last year?
To ditch or not to ditch? Here’s my advice:
1) BE RUTHLESS
Be as ruthless as Gok Wan (click here for a video example of this). Throw stuff on the floor and yell “gone!” It's pretty fun.
2) TRY IT ON
If you’re not sure about something you really should try it on. Your size is never set in stone. This week I was going to throw away a black corset top that has never really fit me, but I tried it on before throwing it out and it fits now! I also have a pair of brown trousers I was going to keep, but I realized they give me awful camel-toe now (never a good look) so those are going.
3) BE PRACTICAL
Don’t hold onto clothes that are way to small in the hope that they’ll fit someday. In the words of the wonderful Joy Nash, “they’re just taking up space and pissing you off!” Just think; you could sell that cute dress that doesn’t fit and fill the cleared space with a cute dress that does!
4) THINK GREEN
If an item isn’t working for you as it is, could it be recycled into something better? Those old jeans that are frayed around the hem might make cute cut-offs. You could cut the cute motif off of that t-shirt and sew it onto a cushion. Last year I made an old pair of trousers into a cute tote bag. The possibilities are endless; all it takes is a little imagination.
5) DON’T FORGET YOUR KNICKERS
Sorting through your underwear and socks and binning everything with holes will make your life better, I promise. I’m terrible at holding on to bras with missing underwires, but I’m trying to stop doing that.
This is my pile of stuff that is about to get donated to charity:
I think of everything I get rid of as an opportunity for reinvention. Every piece I ditch from 2008 is an opportunity to fill its place with a piece that truly reflects who I am now in 2010.
How about you guys? Do you tend to hold onto things for a long time or do you have a lot of clear outs? Do you have a hard time getting rid of old clothes?
Oh I find it SO hard to ditch clothes as I hoard absolutely everything! But I sell on Ebay, so at least I'll have money for something new. Older peices go to the Charity shop :)
ReplyDeleteI can somewhat easily "throw out" clothes. I sell them on eBay, LJ or online places.
ReplyDeleteThis week is a perfect opportunity to clean up, though! We're having a yard sale this weekend! :)
"DON’T FORGET YOUR KNICKERS" Made me Lol.
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, good post. I've recently had two huge clearouts of the "old Devon" clothes. Black t-shirts (men's t-shirts actually) and baggy jeans, LOTS of them, ONLY them. No dresses. No skirts. No ladies tops, shirts, etc.. Now.. Well, you know how I am now with my Curve obsession ;)
Both times I donated all of my old clothes to charity.
@Devon - haha, that's totally me. "Old Beth" lived and died in giant jeans and giant t-shirts. All gone now though, thank goodness!
ReplyDeleteI only recently cleared out my wardrobe & chucked/gave away stuff from 2006 that was either worn out or didn't fit. I am guilty of keeping items I don't wear though, if they fit, because I like to have the option to wear it. Theres nothing worse than a year later cursing yourself for throwing out something which you really want now. I chucked away a bunch of shoes when I was younger, because they weren't my style anymore, and then eneded up regretting it a few years later when my style changed yet again.
ReplyDeleteYou're totally right Georgina - and I do have a couple of things that I've held onto since my teens because I know they're due for a comeback (I'm crossing my fingers that this will be the winter I bring out my denim coat with the fur trim). It's all about finding that balance I guess.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, just like Devon - I had some spontaneous laughter, but mine was about your "awful camel-toe" comment.
ReplyDeleteI had to do a massive sort through everything last year when I moved to the UK... If it didn't fit in the ONE suitcase it didn't come. There were some hard choices (mind you rebuilding my wardrobe has been fun!).
Good on you Beth, I bet some people will really love your donated clothes. x.
Hehehe, I'm glad I can amuse you guys!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same position to a lesser extent, when I go to Canada it'll be with one suitcase so I'm going to have to think very hard about what to take. My parents will store anything I don't take though, so I'm only without those things until I come back to the UK.
I find it stupidly hard to ditch but I think this is a family trait, my mum has 6 wardrobes but only uses one! I am planning to use your ditch list to help me after I have finished uni...That way, when I shop over summer, it doesn't seem that bad :)
ReplyDeletexxxxxx
I do my sorting out in a similar kind of way, I am trying things on alot and ask myself: have you worn it withing the last year?!
ReplyDeleteFor a long time I also stored things I loved but didn't fit me anymore and was hoping that one day they will fit me again.. but i think all in all this makes you feel much worse!!
I have a clear out about every month (it seems!)
ReplyDeleteI ebay the more decent stuff, and send the then if my friend or Mum doesn't want anything I give it all to the Charity shop!