I keep thinking about Sally’s comment in her King 5 interview about Americans only wearing a small percentage of the clothes that are in our closets. What percentage do I wear? I have dresses I rarely wear. I do not need anymore pajamas or any more sweats. I have skirts I never wear. I have some printed t-shirts from far away destinations that I love to sleep in during the summer that I’ve had for (OMG!) 20 years. I have sweaters that I never wear and some that are starting to look faded, worn out but I have yet to donate. I have trousers that are starting to show wear in the knees. I own 11 pairs of black pants yet; I tend to only wear about 4 pairs regularly. I love my jeans and wear them out—my Lucky jeans for every day and then my fabulous David Kahn dark wash for dress up. I have buttoned down shirts I never wear because they require ironing after laundering (that ain’t happening). I have a plethora of inexpensive t-shirts that I love to wear under jackets yet several are starting to lose their shape. I’ve realized that jackets are my preference with jeans for work and could use some more of those but I hesitate to spend the usual higher prices for jackets. I have shoes that I wear to death. . . I love pointed toes yet they have to be wide enough for my size 7 ½ C. Some are in need of new heels and some are in need of replacement all together. But I get bored looking for new ones (I know. . . its probably a sin to say that and be female). I have pashminas in every color. I have a couple of boxes of great semi precious and costume jewelry but instead I wear, every day, a pair of silver hoops, simple Michael Kors silver watch, and silver Tiffany bracelet.
I regularly put clothes I haven’t worn in over a year into the donation pile. But, my closet is no where near empty and I still am not wearing everything in there. Why do I have all these clothes, half of which I rarely wear? Honestly, I’m not feeling any less fulfilled in life 2 ½ months into this diet. I’m not ‘Jones-ing’ for a shopping spree. I did just write up my Christmas/Birthday wish list (something my Mom always asks for from my sister and me) and, admittedly, asked for some cute tops and sweaters but I did not have any specifics in mind as I would’ve in the past. And, although it’s always fun to have something new to wear (not to mention a gift to open), I’m realizing the fun is short-term.
The good news is my TGAAD experience continues to make me more aware and to ask: what is my lesson here? Do I just need to pare down? How can I be more thoughtful about future clothes shopping? When the diet is over, where do I truly need to focus in order to get the best value for my money? As a marketing person focused on the in-store shopper, I get the need for people to buy. Heck, I wouldn’t have a job if shoppers did not buy the products I work on. I want to support our economy and keep American’s employed. But where is the balance between participating and supporting our ‘system’ and not just accumulating stuff that I do not need or ever use/wear after purchase? What does (or should) balance look like for me?
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I am with you girl. That’s why I think the ThredUp option is really compelling. Also, one thing to remember, if you have a swap party all your old clothes become currency. Certainly the good thing to do is to donate but if you want to get creative try swapping with someone. Remember one woman’s hand-me-down is another woman’s must have!
I’m right there too! I regularly donate a bag (I keep one going) and the swap parties really satisfy so many needs, (the most important being getting together with and making new girlfriends)! I call mine, “Nekkid™ Ladies” and it has been a biannual function for years!!! An Lawdy~ you should see the brawls~hmmph-ah-err I mean, discussions that ensue! Added plus: Knowing that a beloved item will get a 2nd life with a friend.