This ain't no fashion blog. And I'm not about to become some kind of expert on the latest styles or trends.
That's just not gonna happen in this lifetime.
It's just that we're packing up the summertime gear, the tank tops, the tees, the shorts, the sandals. And we're opening the cedar chests, unzipping the garment bags, pulling out the big 'ol plastic totes crammed with an assortment of winterwear accumulated over many seasons past.
And many of us are letting out a sigh. We're feeling a bit uninspired ... and maybe a tad overwhelmed. And not all that excited about the random collection that awaits to keep our bodies covered and snug in the months ahead.
I'm a big believer in the 80 / 20 rule. And I think it applies to what's jammed into our closets and stuffed into dresser drawers. The truth is this ...
We only wear 20% of our stuff 80% of the time.
So ... what if we were to let go of all the clothing that didn't make us smile. Each and every garment that was too binding or too tiny. Scratchy, quite unflattering, or long past its day.
My closet is barer than it's ever been and I'm still working on releasing what just isn't cutting it for me anymore. It's a continual process. And I'm good with that. If some article of clothing doesn't fit my body well in this season of life, it's outta there. And as we head into winter if it's not soft and fleece-y, warm and stretchy, I'm simply done with it.
Because I've discovered that I don't need a huge array of clothes.
Just the ones that call my name.
If this whole idea sounds like it might work for where you are right about now and you need a jumpstart in heading in that direction, check out Project 333. It's a minimalist wardrobe challenge where you dress with 33 items or less for 3 months.
And it's not for women only, guys.
This invitation could be the key to bringing a smile of relieved gratitude when you stand in front of your closet in the morning. Because instead of moaning that you've got nothing to wear, you'll only see the good stuff that you really truly want to reach for.
What a freeing way to start the day. 'Cause you've got bigger fish to fry, and so do I.
By the way, I'm still keeping the flip flops on. Even if it is mid-October in the northeast.
So ... what's happening in your closet?
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doing life with Kristen
it wasn't until i was in college that I realized there were summer & winter clothes. I wore the same ones all year around. I don't give much credence to that distinction even today. I wear jeans all year 'round and wear short sleeves even in the winter. I do put away the long sleeve ones though. I am not very fashionista. :) Never plan to be either.
ReplyDeleteI'm no fashionista either, Bill, although I'm sure there are some things I wear around the house that my husband would love to toss in the trash. Maybe I'll see what he says and do him {and me} a favor ...
DeleteFrom a man's perspective, he's with you. He's not all that interested in what he's wearing. If I mention to him that it would be a good idea for him to buy a new shirt, he'll say, 'I already have a shirt.'
Sigh.
;-}
I'm a big fan of Project 333 and reading this post makes me want to dive into my closet and completely de-clutter! I don't own many clothes, but I still do have some I don't like or wear anymore. The flip flops sounds great - it's been pretty warm here in northern upstate NY :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear how Project 333 worked for you, Yuko! What's the best thing that came out of it for you?
DeleteDo tell ...
;-}
Great post! A simple wardrobe is so relieving. After continuing to wear jeans that no longer fit, it was a relief to find a pair that looked good, buy three in the same size/style (2 colors), and say sayonara to the old ones. Now it's easy to pick something and know it works!
ReplyDeleteI think it's so cool that 2 out of the first 3 people in on this conversation are men! YES! I didn't want this to be a girl-talk kind of thing. I'm really glad you're here, Jonathan.
DeleteI've done the same thing with dress pants. Found a style I love and a size that fits and scooped up every color I could find, including bright cobalt blue {which horrifies my family!} Chicos doesn't make them anymore so I've bought a few NWT pairs on e-bay before they're nowhere to be found.
And don't get me started about jeans!!!
Sigh.
;-}
I think your family needs to accept you no matter your clothing choices!
DeleteI agree. Wholeheartedly! And I will be sure to tell them you said so!
Delete8-}
This post inspired me to go back through and audit my wardrobe, make a few donations/removals, and get the count down 100 items! Thanks for the inspiration.
DeleteYou're inspiring! And this is most impressive ...
DeleteI'm imagining that your donations are going to cause another gentleman to be most grateful, Jonathan!
My closet is actually quite minimal. Of course there is more that can still go. I'm not a shopper so things don't get to out of control. However, as I pack for a little getaway with my man I do realize I pack WAY to much stuff for three days. :) Love the flip-flops! Much love. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI used to love shopping. Those days have somehow waned away. Who needs the crowds, the endless walking through malls ... and more stuff to fill our closets.
DeleteBut a little getaway? NOW you're talking! Enjoy those 3 days, Beth. You guys deserve it.
;-}
My cardinal rule--If I have not worn it in a year---out it goes. I am an EXTREME minimalist! Those flip flops you have on---we wear year round here in TX!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
You've got it, girl! And there are so many others who could use our things that have seldom been worn and still look like new. It makes no sense to hoard them ... I'd rather share.
DeleteI've got airplane parts in my closet.
ReplyDeleteAnd in the living room, and the kitchen, and the breakfast room...
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2014/10/spiritual-respect-second-pillar.html
haha! You crack me up, man!
DeleteI'm sure most men would much rather gaze at the interesting airplane parts than another shirt. My husband would love to visit you, I'm sure!
And your wife MUST be a saint! Or very very grace-filled.
;-}
A saint yes. And I didn't mention the dogs.
DeleteAs I write this, there are thirteen (count 'em!) Pit Bulls sleeping within ten feet of me...in the living room. Kinda like big happy throw pillows.
All of them came from sad and desperate circumstances. I think their dreams now are happy ones.
13 pit bull throw pillows? Big & happy?
DeleteOh my! I'm going to be writing about PETS before this autumn series is done, Andrew. I'm hoping you'll drop in!
woof.
I probably qualify for this already. I travel for a living and only own enough clothes to fill one suitcase. Packing is a breeze. Laundry is a breeze. Deciding what to wear is a .... well, you get the point.
ReplyDeleteI am packing again in the morning and might have to count to see if I fall under the 33 items.
I'd love to hear how this works for you, Debby! One suitcase. Wow.
DeleteHear this, people?
Wow!
I just started Project 333 recently. It has ben sooooooo freeing. I highly recommend it. I can't believe how much stuff I had that I wasn't using.
ReplyDeleteI want to hear from all you Project 333 fans out there! Tell us how this unfolded for you!
DeleteI wish my closet was not so full. I go through times of purging but I do like to shop in between so more gets added. I love the 80/20 rule and will work toward remembering that when I buy new things, more needs to be let go. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI hear you! One shirt in, one shirt out. One pair of pants in, one pair of pants out.
DeleteKind of makes sense, doesn't it. How many clothes do we truly need?
;-{
Linda, can you imagine only 33 books?
ReplyDeleteI've been whittling my collections down for about a year or so. Just . too . many . volumes! But 33? mmm ... that's cutting it way too close ...
Delete;-{
What?!! Only 33 books...........nooooooo.............;-)
ReplyDeleteOh my. You wouldn't know what to do!!!!
Delete;-{
Hi Linda! I have my clothes in all stages right now, as summer turns to fall. I tried on a jacket I have had for several years, it's a nice red one, I've worn it many times. This time? I noticed the huge loss-prevention tag still hanging on it by my hip. I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. How embarrassing!
ReplyDeleteFortunately, the store removed it and apologized to me! (The embarrassment is all mine ma'am.) That was simplifying was very needed :)
Hugs,
Ceil
That's HYSTERICAL, Ceil! I can't believe it! No one ever said anything?
DeleteJust too much!
8-}
Oh I am so checking out that website! I try to go through my closet occasionally, but there are always a few things I can't release yet.
ReplyDeleteGetting there with ya, me and my flip flops ;)
I seem to get rid of things in what I call 'layers.' I comb through stuff {clothes, books, collectibles, whatever} and get rid of what I'm ready to get rid of. I don't beat myself up if I'm not ready to pass it on.
DeleteSometimes you just KNOW when it's time to say adios, you know?
8-}
Love this...if I have not wore it in the past year, through all season..it's out. I love to clean out my closets...drawers...anything that cause clutter. But you have to watch me, I am known for throwing out good stuff.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't you just love passing those things on to someone who'd treasure them, Betty? That's half the fun, isn't it!
DeleteI'm glad you've joined us here. Truly!
I just got rid of two books yesterday. I now need to lie down in a darkened room to recover.
ReplyDeleteJust think, Debby ... if you sell them on half.com, you'll get some cash to buy more clothes!
DeleteOr books!
8-}
My local library is preparing for their book sale. I dropped them off and was done! I'm still in shock thinking of life with only 33 books! Must rest again.
DeleteJust passed a box of FREE books on someone's front lawn ....
DeleteSigh.
8-{
I have made it a habit that whenever I buy something new, I have to get rid of something old. It makes me think I wish there were more clothes swaps. I only went to one, years ago, but it was a great way to get rid of stuff that was just taking up space and pick up a few new items I really did wear.
ReplyDeleteA clothes swap! You don't hear about those much anymore. It's an idea whose time has come again.
DeleteLove that, Leigh! And I'm glad that you're here, sharing community with us.
I started with the cookbooks, Linda. It didn't hurt so much.
ReplyDeletehttp://higheredhands.blogspot.com/2014/10/organizing-day-12.html
Readers - be sure to check out Debby's October Organizing series! And if you love quilting or crafts, you'll really be crazy over her site!
ReplyDelete8-}
This is one talented woman!