Out with the Old, In with the New

I keep getting notifications from Ebay about free insertions. I also have it as a calendar reminder on my phone…I’ve been pressing snooze on it for about 6 months now.  The digital revolution still facilitates long-finger-syndrome. Anyway, point is, I’ve been genuinely trying to initiate a wardrobe clear out for some time now.

You know…the clothes that no longer fit or work for you, the pieces that are so out of fashion that a revival is somewhat unlikely (anyone really think suede cowboy chaps are coming back in at any point? Although, I really didn’t predict a dungaree revolution either…) I’ve got mountains of clothes toppling out of every conceivable nook and cranny and shoe piles more precarious than Everest.

It’s time to be ruthless.

So how do you go about choosing? It’s not easy, especially when you’re emotionally attached to certain items (that fringed bikini top for example…reminds me of carefree days when (a) I could fit into a fringed bikini top and (b) when it was acceptable to wear one)  – either you chose it, or someone gave it to you, so editing and curating can be a difficult, emotional process. It’s not like a piece of sentimental jewellery – 77diamonds – that you’ll keep for years – clothes are so unforgivingly trend driven, a cherished piece can become unacceptable in a matter of weeks.

The harem pants, the shoulder-pad jackets from the eighties (the mini revival is coming to an end) that scarf you thought was brilliant but actually makes you look like Jack Sparrow on a bender – get rid of them! If they’re ugly and just taking up space, then you don’t need them. That’s one section of your wardrobe done – what’s next?

Clothes that don’t fit, that’s what. Anything that’s lost shape or elasticity – bin it. The holes, the missing buttons, the broken zips, the fallen hems…be honest with yourself – searingly honest. Are you really going to fix ‘em up?  Ditto for the “in case you need it” pile. You don’t need that aquamarine sleeveless puffa…you bought it for that one time you went skiing, 5 years ago…that time you broke your ankle and swore you’d never be going on a ski holiday again…

Do a stealthy drop off at your local charity shop or recycling drop and let those feelings of altruism wash all over you.  What next? To the shops, obviously.  It’s time to replenish!