Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Style Question Wednesday: What do YOU hoard? Plus, a Wee Closet Update

I have continued to be ruthless in the closet.

I have also discovered something supernatural: I believe that when tights and socks get lost in your washers and dryers, they somehow magically appear in my hosiery drawer!  Which, until last evening, was stuffed so full it was nearly impossible to open!

How many pairs of black tights does a person need?  Would you say that 15 pairs seems excessive?

It seemed excessive to me.

Ah, here is the thing: you can have too much of a good (or even a boring!) thing.

How many pairs of socks do you really need?  I know that I have too many.

Maybe I have too many of these things because I think that I will suddenly get invited to an obscure villa in Lake Como, Italy and need to pack at least three weeks' worth of socks and undies and tights.

Maybe I forget that there are washers and dryers wherever I go and that if for some reason I go someplace where there is NO washer and dryer, there is likely a sink and a bar of soap.

I didn't think I was a hoarder.  I mean, you can walk easily around my house, everything is clean.  But still, I think I have too much stuff - and certainly my summer and winter closets are proof of that.  And when I saw how much was jammed into these drawers and what I keep "in case" - well, I think I may just have a bit of the old hoarder in me.

Why do we think we need so many things?  Wait - let me re-phrase that: why do I think I need so many of these things?

Some of it is because we lead complicated lives, I think.  We have sports socks, and dress socks, and wool socks and cotton socks.  We have fancy shoes and boots and sandals, casual shoes and boots and sandals and sporty shoes and boots and sandals.

Some of it is because I like to shop and like the new.  I had enough in my closet at one point to basically go almost a whole month and not wear the same thing twice.  well maybe I would have to re-wear the white tshirts, but..

But the old dictum that says we only wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time is true regardless of how much stuff you have.  and is it worth it to keep that one thing that you might pull out once a year (excluding fancy dress clothes) - does it justify the closet real estate?

The sad thing is that there is an equal amount of work to be done in the fall when I have to put these summery things away,,,

How about you all?  Anything you have too much of?  Anything that is your weakness and that you look at your collection of and think: why would anyone need so much of THAT?

Going through all of this is making me feel very light.  It has also helped me see what is an actual gap in my wardrobe (like not having a black summer skirt).  When I open my closet, I can see it all.  My drawers have been all sorted and old or multiples thrown out.  I actually have an empty dresser drawer.

I have adopted the Fred sorting system.  I have put a small container under my blouses that now holds all of my scarves and my belts.


The hanging container holds all of my tights and knee highs on one side and my clutches on the other side.



I know - not fancy, but works in a pinch until I can get a full-on fancy closet system.


I have vowed to follow faithfully the "one-in, at least one out" rule.  Anything not worn by the end of this summer will find a new home.  Thus far, I think everything that is left has been touched at least once.

I have also stumbled upon a nice line of simple and chic summer skirts and tops - FIG, a company out of Montreal.  A lot of their things remind me of Eileen Fisher, only less expensive and I picked up a flirty black skirt on sale for less than $40.  I do plan to add some Eileen skirts in the fall, but for now, consider this a closed closet!

Have a great day and stay safe out there!

75 comments:

  1. I have way too many J. Crew perfect shirts in every print! I love to wear them with tippis. I have stopped buying these shirts as few months back as they are just multiplying! The reason why I love these perfect shirts is that they fit me just right. I'm not busty so there is no fear of any buttons popping open and the fit just works so well. Plus, it adds an element of being dressed up even in jeans.

    Your closet redo looks amazing! My closet is half the size of your closet, hence another reason to buy less. I need to organize my closet like you so I know what I don't need anymore vs buying and buying because I forgot I already had it...hangs head...I once found a pair of black trousers still with tags I bought in 2006. It's 2013! I need to reorganize my closet STAT!

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    1. Hi Wendy - i love the perfect shirt - I am too busty right now with this extra weight to fit them very well (well they never fit me VERY well...) - they are so nice! They are the perfect preppy shirt!

      2006 pants! I am getting so organized I don't think that could happen - but never say never..

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  2. You are so organized. I can't imagine getting down to that size closet, never mind fewer dresser drawers. I did a major purge recently but still have quite a lot. I think I am still figuring out how to dress for Canadian weather and worried that I will be caught without the right layers.

    What do I hoard? Well shoes of course! I have so many pairs and I wear them all but even there I am slowly paring down as life evolves and I choose better quality and less quantity. I should go through my handbags again too and be a bit more ruthless this time. I probably have 15 pairs of tights but they aren't all black! You know, if you were to go to Lake Como you likely wouldn't need that many pair of undies, would you? Couldn't you spend most days in a swimsuit or "something more comfortable"? LOL

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    1. xoxo - I think you have captured the weather conundrum in Canada - we go from -35 to +35 in a 6 month period - very hard to dress! I will likely have even less at the end of the summer there is nothing in there that isn;t wearable - it all fits, it's all good for this new life, etc - so if I don;t wear it it means I don't love it, which is a good reason not to keep something. Wasn't it Jennifer who said that there is a "love" version for even the most mundane of items?

      I thought Of you last night - I have actually contemplating really saving for a nice pair of shoes for fall - breaking my price barrier. We will see - so far am looking at lanvin loafers and the flat version of the those valentino rockstud shoes, though am afraid they might be too trendy to be an investment..

      you are right about Lake Como!

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    2. Sounds like you have got the closet organization nailed. I'm taking notes.

      I saw some of the rockstud shoes and I would not buy them. The studs did not look so nice IRL they seemed almost plastic. With all the Christian Louboutin studded shoes around it is definitely trendy. I think a pair of classic Lanvin or Gucci loafers would be much better value for the money.

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    3. Oh I must look up the gucci. I want something that is dressy enough to wear with dresses and trousers and only a very small heel. Thanks!

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    4. Hi WMM - Have you looked at the Salvatore Ferragamo Varina pumps? They are my practical 'investment' shoe. I find them very comfy, versatile, and timeless! :)

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    5. L - I have not - thanks! The most expensive pair of shoes to date in my wardrobe are a pair of Pliners. But I have promised myself that in the next year or so I am going to actually buy a really nice "statement" shoe - am off to go take a look!

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    6. I want to get a pair of the Valentino shoes too - but I would want to see the studs in person before committing to buying the shoes (I drool online)!

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  3. Like Wendy,i kind of went a little overboard with perfect shirt or popovers.I have them in all kind of plaid and prints:) Since my closet is way smaller than yours i am pretty good at not buying too much.


    Did i tell you when we were in Como last year that they have this George Clooney obsession there?
    You can get all kinds of touristy stuff with his portait on it and erverybody knows where his mansion is,haha.

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    1. Oh my gosh - of course they would have that obsession. If I lived there I would be on 24-7 George watch and have a restraining order out against me! Are you good about taking things out of your closet when you get new things?

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  4. No, I don't hoard anything or have /buy too much of anything from make up to socks to general clothes, I've never been much of an acquirer and always just bought what I needed, I could never collect anything either because too many of one thing would drive me up the wall. Mum is exactly the same so maybe it's earned behaviour?

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    1. It could be earned behaviour! I have too much of that "in case" stuff, but am slowly letting it go....

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  5. Your new wardrobe arrangement looks great - I'm very jealous - we have almost zero storage in our old house......
    I hoard shoes, old tee shirts and lingerie!
    I bought some fancy new lingerie this week, and realised that I have Way Too Many bras! I'm a tricky size, so if I find a brand or style that fits, I buy multiples. I have 12 black Panache bras, which is clearly lunacy!
    You've inspired me to cull, but I have no idea which ones to cull..... ,!!

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    1. Ruth, I was about to post that I have too many bras, and then your comment appeared.

      I am also a tricky size, and get a little thrill when I find my size. I don't know which ones to get rid of either, or where to donate them. I think that if I knew a "good" place to donate them (ie where they'd be wanted), it would be easier.

      Now, the real question is, how many do you wear on a day to day basis? I am thinking of setting myself a limit of five.

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    2. That is funny - 12 black bras! I recently culled some that I was holding onto - I usually don't donate them, even if they are in good shape!

      I was wondering about the bra thing, too. Right now, I have about 15! I still need to cull there obviously....

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    3. Abby, I'm glad to know I'm not the only bra hoarder!
      I think I need about 5 or 6 everyday ones, a couple of posh ones, a couple of sports ones and strapless/halter/racer back ones. Hmm. It's hard to work out.
      I do suffer from an irrational fear that I won't be able to buy replacements, due to the size issue! Lunacy!

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    4. well i can relate as I am a 34G! Even when I am teeny-tiny, wearing 4s, I am still a 32E!

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    5. Yes, I hear you on the joy of finding foundation garments for the fuller chest! I'm a 28 DD or E. It's a bloody pain trying to find ones that fit, let alone nice, chic, comfy ones. Hence I panic buy!

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    6. Oh no, I wasn't even counting sports bras. Argh.

      I did just do some googling and find a place to donate to, so maybe that will motivate me.

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    7. That makes me think - I need a new sports bra!

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    8. Jealous of you ladies, I don't have enough bras! I also have the sizing conundrum, but unlike you, Ruth, there are no posh ones. My size only comes in the granny style and costs a small fortune. I would love o find a nice, supportive bra with a little lace in my freakish size!

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    9. Abby, if you don't mind telling us, where did you find this place that takes in bra donations?? I have a small mountain of bras I'd like to donate.

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    10. Louise, I just looked in Toronto, since I'm going there soon, but if I recall you are there too? I found these resources:

      http://thecwse.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/donations-of-socks-bras-and-underwear-needed-for-toronto-women/

      and

      http://www.prlog.org/11708213-the-bra-recyclers-establish-official-bra-recycling-location-in-toronto.html

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    11. Anthro Blogger = Chantelle has some lovely ones with lace and jewels, as does prima donna and they go down to small bands sizes while still keeping large cup sizes!

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    12. WMM, thank you for the suggestions and I agree, but I am sized out of both brands. Think 28 with humongous (larger than what the beautiful Ruth posted above) cups. Not to mention that I have yet to find a strapless bra in my size. And as you can imagine, I can't let the "girls" flap about free :)

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    13. that's when you have to get them custom made, i guess!

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  6. Your closet is looking great, Wendy. I cannot remember where I saw it, oh right, a Tim Gunn book, he said that your closet doesn't need to be beautiful, it just needs to work for you.

    I like your set up.

    I am feeling a desperate need to cull. I guess I shouldn't say desperate, but I just want More Gone. I have a pile of things to go, and now I've reached the trickier decision zone and am debating if I want to go all out or continue to hedge.

    My husband and I are both on a huge kick to get rid of more things and keep it that way. We both don't shop much, and we literally deliberate over buying a single new dish, but the things still manage to pile up.

    What do I have too much of? Clothes that don't fit, tights, belts, scarves, bras, and pjs. I also have what feels like too many undies, but I collect them college student style because we have a shared washing machine and infrequent access to it.

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    1. Morning Abby! I hear you on the too tight. I saved a few things that were too tight, but it is always my experience that except for a few special pieces, keeping things "in case" I weigh 20 pounds less feels negative, whereas buying a few new pieces when you are 20 pounds less feels divine!

      My next thing is shoes - I have too many shoes! and a few mistakes! I will do that after vacation!

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    2. Yep, I try to only keep absolute favourites that I would be thrilled to wear again, but the truth is that I keep a lot more than that.

      Shoes, argh. Those are tough because comfort is so important.

      I hope that you have a lovely vacation :)

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    3. I am sure i will Abby! I will have all of my posts ready right through Sunday and then will start blogging real time!

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    4. Fun :)

      Wendy, speaking of seasons, is that your four season closet up there or just summer?

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    5. Hangs head.

      It is about 50% summer/50% four season and no outdoor coats...

      I will change it out at end of Sept. Too hard to get it all in one place, but it may be possible this fall...The big change out will be shorts and dresses and the light cotton pants/blouses.

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    6. I also have a lot of clothes that I am holding onto in different sizes. I went up almost 20 pounds in the quest to get pregnant and don't even want to tell you how much I gained thereafter during my twin pregnancy! I am now back down to below my usual resting weight so have purchased a lot of new clothes over the last year or so. I've held steady at this weight for a year, but I have been up and down too many times over my life to feel comfortable jettisoning the bigger sizes. It's fun to get new clothes when you shrink, but not very fun to do so when you expand!

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    7. Michelle - you, my friend, have said a mouthful...

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    8. Sorry if I offended somehow ... ?

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  7. I'm obsessed with buying J Crew sweaters (Tippis usually) and the temps here average 70 F. I'm banned from further sweater buying! And on top of that, like you would say, I'm a wee thing, so they are XXS because the XS looks like I'm playing dress up in my moms clothes. The problem with that is that after a wash, I can no longer layer them over shirts because they shrink. So now I have at least 3 Tippis that are fairly fitted in the arms. Yikes! Oh, and Jackie cardigans, I have a few of those. But in my defense, I probably have about 60 pieces in my closet not counting underthings and shoes.
    Your closet is looking lovely!

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    1. Anthro Blogger - 60 pieces! I bow down. Now I need to go count!

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    2. I am a minimalist. Even my husband has more clothes than I do! I think what you are doing is really valuable, it may help you assume this new role as famous authoress by letting go of the past and clothes so deeply tied to your old job. Usher in the "new" Wendy!

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  8. Great job Wendy! I hoard shoes and purses. I try to buy only good quality made in Spain or Italy, so I never want to let them go. They make me so happy:). My husband kind of understands, but he still makes fun of me. Good shoes are so important. You can never have too many quality shoes.

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    1. A - I do agree - I have decided to get VERY picky about my shoes from here on out - want shoes to last! The Tory Burches I bought in the spring were very good and I have a few other good ones, but fewer but better is my new mantra!

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    2. Hubs teases me too when I insist on buying good (expensive) boots (Aquatalia, La Canadienne, etc) and pay the silly shipping charges, etc but when he sees how long they last and how often I wear them, he's like "oh good job hon, those were a good investment!"

      My Mom was scandalized when I bought a new Dooney & Bourke purse a few years ago in NYC....I recently visited her and she was like "is that the purse that you bought in NYC?" Yes, THAT purse. "It still looks new!"

      YUP!

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  9. I like your observation that we live complicated lives, and that our wardrobes and gear reflect that. You've done a great job organizing!

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  10. I hoard coats. This fall I have to get rid of loads but I'll make sure they go to good homes, I could consign them but I think I'll donate which I'll feel better about. There is a shelter for young mothers here which will get some, and the traditional women's shelter as well.
    I've been going through my closet again too, so many of my summer things aren't working for me, like the skirts with button front shirts, I just don't wear them, why can't I remember that I don't find that sort of outfit comfortable?!
    And even though I have a million coats I still need a longer black one for wearing out, I wrecked mine last year so that needs replacing. I bet it will be hard to find this fall with short hemlines on everything.

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    1. I need a black coat, too, sadly. Although it may not happen this fall - will depend on finances! It is funny the things we are drawn to and then walk away from because we don't wear them. I hope the things I purchased this week get a lot of wear. They are dressier tanks - I found the JC ones I have are really only good under things - I look too trashy wearing them outside except in the garden!

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    2. Dani, maybe we all need an "I won't actually wear" short list? Mine is Brora jersey dresses, love them, but they are too sweet for work, too impractical for errand and chore days and not dressy enough for the going out I do have.

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    3. Good idea, GF. I have a mental "wish I wore, but I won't" list.

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  11. MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES I hoard striped tees and I used to collect good handbags, but have really pared down there. Would hoard cashmere tights if I could afford it.

    I was thinking the other day about fact that 12 years ago I had no wardrobe (moving countries) and how much space it now takes up. It is really satisfying to have a selection of coats for all weather now etc. But it was much simpler and my life was a lot less about clothes, ironing, laundry etc. when the climate dictated simple tops and bottoms, a few sundresses, sandals, cotton jackets to throw over, that's it. My JC etc. orders were also fewer and mostly summer sale. And I didn't get as "attached" to the items since they weren't overall as pricey, mostly worn for a year and then done.

    I think the thing about generally drastic Canadian climate (and xoxo's is even more up-down than mine) is you have all these in-case layers (being cold, soaked, or over-heated is miserable.) And then you "need" to collect scarves, gloves, boots, etc. to go with them as well. It's a breeding ground.

    Friends of ours lived on a boat for 18 months not too long ago. I really craved her wardrobe. Although that too has challenges, like fabric fade, no metal zips.

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    1. I think I would love that at this point!

      our climate is definitely a game changer. I also find it hard to part with things, though I am getting better at that....

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    2. The seasons, as much as I enjoy them, really do complicate things. Here, we have so much rain. Aside from hating the rain, I also get frustrated because must of my shoes are not rain appropriate. Not sure what to do about that one, because I don't want to wear rubber boots half the year. It doesn't pour often, just frequent rain.

      Why no metal zips on sailboat clothing? Storms?

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    3. Sticking, corrosion and even rust from the salt air/ water. Even the priciest yachts with great ventilation systems are prone, especially in most humid of places.

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  12. Your closet looks very organized and compared to mine, practically minimal! I am a terrible hoarder, and it is due to a whole bunch of factors: being a poor student for so many years got me into the habit of sale shopping, having to deal with the extreme climate of Southern Ontario (+35C in the summer, -20C in the winter) which I absolutely hate, and finally two pregnancies within two years completely threw me for a loop. I am trying my best to cull!

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    1. Keep at it Louise. Totally understand about weather!

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    2. Louise - it is brutal, isn't it? It's like me changing my life so completely and not needing all the power suits and pencil skirts and blouses and having some extra weight. It feels so much better looking into it though...

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  13. The better question is what don't I hoard? I have clothes for every climate (4 seasons here) plus I've skied for many years and I have a lot of ski clothes. Tennis clothes, running shoes. As far as regular clothes, I think my worst things are t-shirts, sweaters and purses. Areas I am lacking are dresses and dressy pants. I suppose I also have a lot of shoes. Most of my life, I never had the right shoe to wear with anything. Now I do, so I need to be done buying shoes (and get rid of some).

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    1. It is funny - shoes are also my downfall. If there is even one occasion where I think "my god, I need a flat and high heeled pair of nude shoes", well I run out and get them. But it ends up with a lot of shoes...

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  14. thanks, Wendy, I hope the "system" works for you!

    I'm a victim of changeable climates and changeable sizes, I think I hold on to too much of everything. Every day I throw out or give away one thing, that's the most I can deal with.

    I think the worst thing I hoard is make-up. Do I really need more than 10 colors of mascara? The best ever was the lavender-grey Givenchy limited edition (yes, mascara! best ever! oh, I said that) of a few years ago, I stocked up. I'm not rational on the subject of mascara.

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    1. But I bet you have pretty eyes! I was hoarding makeup but did a serious clean-out and am down to a dull roar on that side of things!

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    2. I forgot about changeable sizes, that accounts for holding onto extra pants, skirts and shorts and sometimes dresses.

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  15. I have recently had to go through the contents of my closet and storage bins to itemize everything and estimate replacement costs for insurance during our move. It was a bit of an eye opener -- apparently I had 66 pairs of shoes and 8 pairs of boots. I hardly ever get rid of shoes, but I promptly donated 10 pair that had not recently seen the light of day or were really looking dated. I am not sure I agree with the notion of spending a lot on shoes to get "better quality", as I find that my expensive and less expensive shoes actually wear similarly to each other. As a general matter, leather uppers wear similarly whether expensive or cheap, and I find the same to be true of heels getting worn down. In the end I have found that I prefer mid-range shoes (Nine West, Seychelles) to either expensive or cheap shoes -- I have gravitated over time to what feels most comfortable, and then do a decent amount of shoe maintenance by having shoes reheeled from time to time, having thin rubber treads attached to the bottom, etc.

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    1. Michelle - I think you are right, though just once I would like an obscenely expensive pair! :-) for me anyway!

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  16. I think I'm a minimalist, although I have a nice pencil skirt collection.

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    1. Rose - you made me laugh out loud with the nice pencil skirt collection comment..

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  17. I have another purge planned soon (mostly house stuff and knickknacks, castoffs from people which we STILL get) - I've done pretty good with trying to balance out my wardrobe though! Good job with yours!

    p.s. I am definitely going to check out Knit Yarns's blog!

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    1. Oh she is AMAZING! That and painting (along with writing!) will be my creative pursuits this fall!

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  18. Oh and I hear you about changing weather. The weather here is similar to what xoxo gets in Calgary (I'm a province over in SK). A month and a half ago, it was still snowing/sleeting on the odd day (and we had a brutal snowy winter that never wanted to end!), and at the end of June and last week, it was in the late 20s/early 30s Celsius...and humid. You have to be prepared for everything!

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    1. it is hard, isn't it? we have to be prepared for everything! My brother keeps telling me to come and see him in Jasper in September - is the perfect weather apparently!

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  19. I am too anal to be a hoarder although I do buy white t shirts in multiples because of my acid yellow stinky armpit sweat that stains after three wears...yeah I know tmi. Anyhow, your closet is looking good darlin'

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    1. BB - the full monty will wait till you come do a safari up here in the Maritimes! We will leave husbands on deck with beer and you will organize me!

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  20. I like a lot of your advice in this post. I keep wishing I had more closet and storage space when I really should just shop less and have less clothing! HAHA

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    1. TC - girl - I got your back on this one! I need to stop shopping, too!

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  21. I like that we are all thinking about our stuff and what to do with it. I have sneaked some things into my girls' closet as they are away. Never did that before. But, in my defense, I have cleaned out a lot that has gone to Goodwill and a consignment shop. I have staved off getting coats I don't need and have one long winter, one short, one down puffer for winter.

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    1. Lane you are smart - that is my big vow for this year as well; buying less and wearing what I have and being realistic about the life I have!

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Kindness is a virtue...