closet feelings.

How does your closet make you feel?

I am currently facing some indecision and upset when I think of mine. I am wholly inspired by the well-made basics out there (such as Everlane & Emerson Fry) and the beautiful “fewer, better things” mantra of Cuyana. I have really made good progress toward intentional buying and eliminating clutter (this includes several donations and several goodie bags to friends, cousins and sister-in-law). That being said, I do have a wealth of positive feelings that come from having items that make me feel comfortable and confident, but right now there are just some things that I cannot see past.

I want to own fewer things, but I just can’t part with some items I never wear. I make lists on sticky notes and page corners listing items I can sell online and items I can stand to give away. I know someone SHOULD be making use of these items and on a good day I can get that someone to pay for them (usually eBay). Like a walking “closet case,” if you will, I find myself standing in elevators or staring out train windows thinking about the convoluted list to follow.

I tend to become emotionally attached to items because of nostalgic reasons, or when I may have worn them (Ralph Lauren oversized shirtdress, Sorrento, Italy 2010), because of who gave them to me (mostly items from mom), or for no other reason than the crazy length of time I’ve owned them (college jeans). The worst is when all of these scenarios join up to create an impenetrable, un-donate-able force as seen with the Gap cardigan that mom bought me for picture day sophomore year of high school. It still fits, it has no real damage or wear and mint green may come back. Did I mention it’s from my mom?

The item has consistency and quality that is almost impossible to find these days in a world full of poly-blends and acrylic sweaters. I love the idea of it, the feel of it, and even the style, but it just doesn’t fit right and I don’t reach for it when I’m getting dressed in the morning. Yes, everyone needs comfy clothes that are really only good for lounging around the house or grocery shopping, but when you have more of these clothes than there are weekends to wear them something’s got to give.

Lastly, hooded sweatshirts can become a problem. We all have them. They are from high schools and colleges, sports teams and vacations spots. They belonged to a high school boyfriend, a college roommate or someone left it in your car and you like to tell people that. Regardless of where they are from, no one needs thirteen of them, and I have thirteen of them.

So what is the solution to having too many things, and having an emotional attachment to them that literally brings on slight feelings of anxiety? Thus far my plan of attack has been to take these items, put them in a bin and out of sight. If over the course of the season I look for them to complete an outfit or occasion then they are re-promoted to drawer or closet status. And if I don’t reach for them? Well, fortunately I have a wealth of attic space. Ha. Stay tuned for the ACTUAL solution to these closet purging road blocks…

C

Pictured: Everlane Slim Zip Wallet in Whiskey