Friday, April 25, 2014

In Which I Clean Out the Cedar Trunk


I love the change of seasons.  
 
I really get into packing up clothing that the changing temperatures don't allow me to wear anymore.  And unpacking and pawing through the things that have been stored away tight.  Not because my wardrobe is so fabulous or anything like that. 
 
Hardly. 
 
It's just that I like getting rid of stuff that I don't love anymore.  Those things that don't fit me well or feel good on my skin.  The stuff that's too small or too baggy or doesn't make me look skinny.  Needless to say, my wardrobe has shrunk. 
 
Drastically. 
 
I seldom do the retail therapy thing these days and usually don't buy something unless I need it.  Or it's such a great deal that I can't pass it up.  Or it somehow screams 'THIS IS YOU' at me.  My lifestyle is simpler and far more casual than it was a decade ago, and I am more than happy to pass along still wearable things to those who might get a kick out of them.

This round?

11 tops
Some really beautiful things from Banana Republic.  I really wish these still fit.  {Sigh.}  And a bunch of cute tank tops that aren't all that cute on me.

5 jackets 
Very nice pieces from back in the day when I worked in a church office.  That's just not who I am anymore.  Need I say more?

3 bridal party dresses  
Ah, the vintage 1980 homemade maid-of-honor dress {sorry, Marilyn!} and my mother-of-the-bride dresses, one of which quite oddly made me look a bit like Morticia Adams.  Trust me, if I'm ever in a wedding again, I'll be buying a new dress.

3 t-shirts 
Too small.

2 pairs of boots 
Cute!  But my feet must be changing because these have been leaving me feeling a bit disabled by the end of a long day.  If my shoes don't feel like slippers, they're outta here.

2 scarves 
No thanks.

1 pair of Sketchers sneakers 
These babies are in fabulous shape, but they're a bit too heavy for the walking I'd like to do.  Someday.

1 black hat 
I love this hat, but I got weary of the odd face my husband made whenever I wore it, so it's out the door.

1 pocketbook
Not so much on this one.

What a huge relief to clean out the piles, reorganize my pared down dresser drawers and closet, and pack up what doesn't work for me any more.  I actually feel lighter as more stuff heads out the door to THE BARN in Pleasant Valley, a bargain hunters paradise where the proceeds go to dozens of organizations making a difference near and far. 

It's a win / win / win deal!
 
So ... what's leaving your closets these days? 
 
And where do you donate your stuff?
 
If you're really ready to pare down, check out Project 333.





 
Visiting Laura  .  Kristen  .  Emily

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14 comments:

  1. I am SUCH a "Cleaner Outter" ! HARD & LASTING RULE in my life-

    If I have not had it on in a year---it is OUT of here. Too many people --in need to not share by hoarding!
    HAPPY FRIDAY!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For me, it's more like if something makes me sigh and think 'ugh' that does it.

      ;-}

      Have a great weekend, my dear!

      Delete
  2. It's been on my mind to go through my closets lately. I'm not known for holding on to stuff as I don't have the storage space so it's always a good reason to part ways. Out of convenience, I typically donate to the Salvation Army as they have a truck every weekend at a local grocery store. I'm not a shopper but I'd love for someone to magically fill up my closet with some cute new clothes. lol. Wishing you a wonderful weekend, friend. Much love. xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love that they have a truck there! Makes it so convenient ... one less place to go. Great to keep a donation box by the back door and just toss it in the car when you leave!

      Good to see you, Beth. I hope this weekend shines for you ...

      ;-}

      Delete
  3. I've always wanted to participate in project 333, but somehow I haven't. I wonder if it's a good timing to start now as it finally started to feel like spring here. I love your list of 33. Why do clothes shrink on us all the time? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's something very compelling about whittling things down to the minimum. I mean, really ... most of us have washing machines. How many clothes do we really need? I do believe we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time!

      ;-}

      Delete
  4. Not really getting rid of things now - wearing them out instead. My life has changed a lot through illness, and I find that I may as well wear what I've got until it's no longer functional. Being the same size I was in high school does help.

    http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2014/04/proactive-marriage-counseling.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, yes. Illness changes our perspective and surely alters what really matters. Comfort is a high priority when our bodies are feeling poorly.

      Thanks for weighing in tonight, Andrew. Always good to get your perspective. Have a rest-filled weekend ...

      Delete
  5. I like how it feels to bag up clothes that are done for me. I mark the girls' growth each season by what does not fit from last year. Some day that will change but for now I like it. Plus hopefully someone will enjoy the chothes. Also by the time I do this, we are in a bit of a clutter. And itf it gets to be too much, I get stressed out and unproductive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For sure, the idea is to do these tasks before we're stressed and crazy! I like to do the sorting thing spring and fall so that stuff doesn't morph into mountainous out of control piles that are overwhelming.

      I hear you about the girls' growing! One of my daughters keeps big plastic tubs marked with sizes and seasons of hand-me-downs so she knows where to go for the next new size.

      Thanks for dropping by this afternoon, Linda! I hope you're having a restful weekend ...

      ;-}

      Delete
  6. I've done some of this changing out for the season, Linda. It's always a nice treat to pull out some clothes that match the brighter, warmer weather. And an added plus for me is that I often forget that I had this or that! It's like shopping in my basement! ha! I do love some retail therapy! I'm kind of sad though that I won't get to see you in that black hat or the Morticia Adams MOTB dress! But I suppose you need to spread the wealth around, right?! :) Love ya!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If the Morticia Adams dress hadn't had that little train thing going on in the back, it probably could be wearable. It did have beautiful beadwork on the front. But where do I go where I need a formal black dress?

      I'll be the one in the flip flops ...

      ;-}

      Delete
  7. I envy you this gift of organization, Linda! One of the things I dread about the change of season is having to go through all the clothes. Perhaps because I do it with my boys also and they act as if I am torturing them to have them try on the old. It does feel good to lighten up, though, doesn't it? You've inspired me, friend. This weekend? My closet will get the workover!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, good times with the sons, huh? Yep, I can see why this whole closet thing might not be one of the season's highlights ...

      ;-}

      Delete

Welcome to the table, friend!

This is where we gather and hang out. I'd love for you to pull up a chair and jump right into the conversation. Or simply say 'hello.'

l'll be dropping in to visit you sometime soon ...

Linda

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