There is nothing so overwhelming as a good old-fashioned de-cluttering.
I am currently doing this in my office and have become trapped by the boxes and flotsam and jetsam of my life!
To wit, the top of my desk, awaiting filing and sorting tomorrow morning:
Not sure if you can see, but in the right hand corner, under the camera bag, is Arianna Huffington's new book, Thrive. I will do a review later this week or early next. I heard an interview with her on the radio earlier this week and was intrigued enough to go and buy it!
Anyhow, I completed the purging of my closet(s) - I had some things in the back room as well - and decided to follow a more orderly approach to seasonal dressing.
I follow Jennifer L. Scott's Blog, The Daily Connoisseur, faithfully and many of you will know her as the author of Lessons from Madame Chic.
One of the central aspects of the book is that of the ten core item wardrobe. And since Jennifer is about to unveil her new Spring Ten Item Wardrobe, I thought now was as good a time as any to start getting ready to pull mine together.
Lest you think that either Jennifer, or I, will be strictly living on only ten items, never fear. Well, I think she will be a LOT purer than me, but I am getting there and I think I am down to a lot less.
Having a seasonal core colour story, a la our beloved Dani, or having fewer, but well-loved options, makes for a simpler life. Or so I hope.
So I basically have divided my wardrobe into Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. A novel approach to be sure...
Except for my winter coats and boots, the rest of winter has been packed away into its own bin, as has fall and summer. I have saved one cashmere sweater, but there is a rumour that after tomorrow's blizzard, temperatures will rise, and I am ever hopeful.
The bins, ready to be stored away:
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| Hope it's a long time till I see you Fall.... |
A navy Calvin Klein blazer waits to be taken to the seamstress tomorrow to get the sleeves shortened so I will actually wear it. These are tasks that we so often put off (or at least I do) and as a result our clothing languishes in our closets unworn.
A massive bin of fall and winter clothing is being stored away for a visit to the consignment shop in the fall:
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| It almost look like a gift card, doesn't it? "Dear Consignment, Please Love My Unworn Clothes..." |
Where did I struggle?
Well not with my clothing, surprisingly. I found it easy to let most of that go and focus on choice pieces, and things that made me feel good.
I kind of struggled with shoes. I got rid of a few pairs and then organized things, packed a few away and have all of my shoes (excepting boots and including sandals) on my infamous wall of shoes.
Why did I keep so many? Well I realized I really love my shoes. I can be simple and accessorize fewer articles of clothing, but every decision about getting rid of a pair of shoes (unless I simply couldn't walk in them) was like a Sophie's Choice. Could I really abandon Tory, Stuart, Donald J, Cole Haan, Sam Edelman's, van Eli's and Kiki? No, I could not.
I love, love, love my shoes. I was pretty sure that Jennifer would approve.
And if I make enough consigning, hello new pair of Stuart Weitzmans... Ah hell, who am I kidding, they're coming at some point...
The work goes on, and some decisions about my spring wardrobe are still being worked on. But my closet is a place of peace these days, with few choices, and my little wall of shoes are the cherries I choose to put on top...Or more accurately, on bottom.
Now I just have to keep organizing and cleaning... Not even one room done and many more to go... I think I'll go take a bath and take a rest...
How's your spring whittling going?
Have a great day and stay safe out there!
PS - on a completely different tangent, just heard that Gwyneth and Chris are through.
You know how I love him.
I am sorry for their family and anticipate there will be many stories about this in the coming days. I never wish anyone ill, so hope that it is amicable for the sake of their young children...
And no, I didn't go look at the statement on Goop...;-)
Totally with you on the shoes--as I get older I find that I am more likely to wear the same pieces but vary them with scarves and shoes.
ReplyDeleteI'm in closet crunch mode. I've found some very nice bargains on eBay lately, top--quality old-school J.Crew and Kate Spade, but these have brought my closet to the crisis stage. This even though I did a very substantial purge in January. I've never been in the habit of packing away my seasonal items--I don't have that many. Although it's dark and rainy here, the temperatures are fairly mild, which means I have only a few items that are limited to one season.
Do you hang your tee shirts? That would get me some room in the closet, but if I stored them in a drawer I'm afraid I'd forget about them or find that they got too wrinkled. (I never, ever iron, ever!)
Hi Hex! As you know I've been trying to be good about how much I bring in and keep using the a) do I love it b) is it flattering and c) does it fit my life? That has helped me stay on track. I was quite ruthless about assigning certain clothes to "seasons" and we will see how that works, but at least I know where something is if I need it! I am the worst at forgetting things! The only things in drawers are my workout clothes and socks and undies! I only have two expensive tees hanging, the rest are folded neatly, but again, I have been very disciplined about getting rid of things, so I probably have a lot less!
DeleteMy drawers are shallow so I simply roll my tees to see the colors. I also have drawer seperators so vnecks one side, crew necks the other.
Deletei have my great grandparent's massive old dresser and things can get easily lost but may try the rolling!
DeleteWow you've really been attacking it and it's going so well! Yay! And thanks for the mention darling. You are kind, funny I've been organizing my fall colour story before I put it in my storage closet and slowly bring some spring in, so that my current closet which is usually spare has 3 colour stories and seasons right now. I was thinking that before my recent edits I would never have been able to fit it all in there even temporarily.
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to treat myself to more closet organizing tomorrow so thanks for the inspiration. :)
I've been editing and organizing the whole house and I did get the dreaded furnace/tool room done, major accomplishment as I delayed it forever.
Oh and I just read the statement on Goop, I didn't know what it was about (I subscribe to goop so it came in an email), hope it goes well for them and their children, not an easy time for anyone to be sure.
Dani - I realized that I buggered up and my response to you is below. However, right now I would say I have early spring and later spring all mixed in together, and anticipate moving something into the spring box by the end of April, but right now I need some sweaters!
DeleteJust make sure you keep those blue sparkle-y Kikis for the book tour. I think that is what I am saving my blue glitter Darb shoes for. Too much snow, salt or melting snow to where them around here, but I think they will look great with navy, denim and khakis for spring. Oh please hurry and be published! I just noticed; your shoe collection is much like mine(only larger)- mostly flats.
ReplyDeleteKNit Yarns - what I got rid of where old tired shoes that fit for no one and ones that I couldn't comfortably walk in! I wish I would hurry and get published! I have submitted to agents, but who knows how long it will take? As for flat - my gift to myself since 50 is nothing over 2 inches. I love high heels but they do not love me and s0 have let them go!
DeleteWell I was cheered up as there are some nice colourful cardigans folded neatly! And anything that was off in some way is gone! None of the rest of the house had gotten any spring cleaning. I am so busy these days I can't get it all done, so will be picking away at it over the next month!
ReplyDeleteI am in full-on house-painting mode, doors and trim now, so I'm giving no thought to spring clothes, clad as I am in paint-spattered t-shirt and leggings. I don't have a huge wardrobe anyway, everything fits in my small walk-in closet and a couple of dresser drawers. I'm glad you kept your shoes - good move!
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing Arianna on TV when I was a teen in the UK - she was always so impressive, such an intellect. I'm going to look out for that book.
Oh dear, Chris and Gwyneth - by the time I saw the email from Goop the site had crashed. This will be big news for a few days, for sure.
Oh I wish we were doing that - Barry is very busy with work these days, so that won't happen till summer, though we may get son to paint the upstairs bathroom - it is all wainscoting and so very forgiving!
DeleteI don't subscribe to goop, but laughed as it was the top story EVERYWHERE! amazing.
I am quite hopeful about this stricter seasonal approach as it will force me to wear a smaller number of items a lot!
Oh, dear, my reaction to Madame Chic was that the author had never slept under a roof, eaten off a plate or worn shoes during the week until she got to France! I know for a fact that there are stores and wine and food in California I've checked!) so why such things eluded her attention until she left home...
ReplyDeleteSo I can't bring myself to take any of her discoveries seriously.
Oh, well. Back to throwing things out. Except - I agree - shoes. Always shoes!
Oh Fred! You made me laugh! I actually could relate to Jennifer - I did not come easily or early to knowing what worked and did not and never had a mother who was interested in clothing and always wondered why certain items never fit me well, when they were obviously not correct for my body type. My mother also never cooked or cleaned or ever discussed wardrobe issues with us. We only discussed books and politics. So I guess that may put me under a rock as well on many of the things that Madame Chic taught Jennifer!
DeleteYou are right as to shoes. In the end, if they are in good shape, shoes can be the frosting to an otherwise plainer wardrobe!
I'm going to push the point, Wendy, I'm sure your parents' home fostered courtesy, table manners, personal hygiene, thoughtful discourse and intellectual curiosity. The girl who arrived at the door of Famille Chic seems to have had none of those until - probably in self- defense - Madame took over. And created still another expert on the cure-all properties of white shirts.
DeleteI'm bored, I'm ready for spring, au fond, isn't organizing closets another kind of housework? It certainly makes name just as grumpy. Come to New York, we'll have a nice lunch and go shopping.
Good work on the sorting. 10 pieces would not work for me: I have too many spills and too much dog hair in my life. 25 per season seems to work well. I've allowed myself one closet and my drawers for all four seasons. But I cheated by moving to slimmer hangars. And don't get me started on shoes. Shoes are an asset class like bags and jewels. You wouldn't toss out your RRSPs would you??
ReplyDeleteJen - I think 25-30, including tees and extra cardigans, works best for me as well. As I said, I don't think Jennifer is 100% strict on ten items - I believe she does allow extra tees and sweaters?
DeleteYou are right - only two purses I did not love got tossed. everything else stayed!
It looks you have done a great job with all the bags going to consignment! I know all about living amongst flotsam, jetsam, boxes and piles. I am embarrassed to admit, but the rail and shelving system in my closet collapsed a few weeks ago under the weight of all my stuff. Good lesson to me to cull my stuff!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of Madame Chic, but I'm off to check it out!
Louise - I laughed at the collapsing closet story! That was definitely me. I am now employing one in, one out. There were about 5 things I kept that are slightly too tight but which I love. Since I am keeping such a small wardrobe now, replacing things as I go up or down is not as big a deal. I will be happy to finish organizing and cleaning my office today. It needs a good cull as things are getting lost!
DeleteThat's a lot of boxes, Wendy! You'll be feeling much more free, you will see what mean.
ReplyDeleteMy neighbour laughs when she comes over to visit. She calls my place minimalistic. It's a small space, yet it is quite airy.
Hi Rose - I find that having less really does make me feel less scattered. I need to do jewelry next - I have some pieces that I just never wear and which are costume!
DeleteWow I am I awe of your shoes!
ReplyDeleteMadame Chic is the voice of reason when it comes to a minimal wardobe.
Do you feel lighter with fewer clothes? Nature does abhor a vaccuum!
Leslie, I find my shoe collection kind of embarrassing actually. Every time I rid myself of some pairs, more arrive! I agree re: Madame Chic and she would NOT support my shoe fetish one little bit!!
DeleteI do feel lighter with fewer clothes, especially since all the corporate ones are pretty much gone. I do not miss them one little bit and may be the woman who wears the same suit and 2 dresses to meetings if I ever have to go to them! As for nature abhorring a vacuum - you are right! That's what keeps happening to the shoes!
Hi Wendy, I am back (from Hawaii, sometimes I forget that I haven't a blog anymore and that if you aren't on Insta you might not know what's going on as I post a lot there). I just read through two weeks worth of posts (I have insomnia due to jetlag) and I am going to try to post some comments even if late to the game).
ReplyDeleteI think that store things that you don't readily need in boxes is a great organizational idea and sometimes I think that it would be a great improvement in my messy, hoarder-like closet but then the question is: where to store the boxes? I guess that only works if you have a house with a room dedicated to storage (an attic or a garage or a guest pavillon). In the city that's difficult to have and I consider myself very lucky that 1) we have a storage space in the building, sort of the size of a chimpanze cage and 2) I do have a big walk-in closet. The problem is the more space you have the more you feel justified to buy without getting rid of and the walk-in closet has now reached maximum capacity. I tend to never get rid of things and when I do I immediately regret. But I think a real spring cleaning-decluttering is in order and I feel more motivated than usual. If I had a friend I could give some of this stuff to like you did it would be easier to do, I just don't want to throw things away because it seems such a waste. Consignement is not easy in NYC as they tend to take only clothes by high end brands in perfect condition and still in demand. But JCrew has now gained fashion week status so it should be easier to download a few collection pieces at least.
Sorry for the long post. And oh! Thank you for keeping me updated on the life of celebrities. I never particularly liked G+C but the end of a marriage is always sad. On the other merrier news I learned that Ashon+Mila are expecting! They are such a cute couple and will make beautiful babies...
Ema - I need an Instagram tutorial! I just suck at it and haven't been able to find you and now I want to see Hawaii pics! wahhhhh! Okay, will try and figure this out today! You are right about needing space - it is easy for me as I have a crawl space and they are neatly stacked in that!
DeleteLike you, I relegate off season things to bins, but I try to use clear ones so I can at least see what's in there if I need something. Here in the Pacific NW the season kind of melt together, so it's difficult to totally clean out. I was about to pack my wool skirts off to the cleaner's due to a couple sunny days, but then the rain and cold returns. I am in awe of your more minimalistic approach but doubt it will ever truly happen for me.
ReplyDeleteI think Gwyneth is admirable with all her many talents and they seemed like a fairy tale couple. I am sorry that the media will no doubt hound them. Her conscious uncoupling take was an interesting phrase to use, I thought, but I found the article included in the email I received a little preachy. But that could totally just be me, who knows.
WA Shopper - I definitely need see-through bins, but I had the blue ones already and was trying to be frugal! I have since seen the article attached to it and I kind of wondered if that was a good PR person at work, finding professionals who could validate her decision!
DeleteI am enraged by those apologists she has paid, I feel 2000 words coming on.
DeleteTabs - felt the same way. Way over the top!
DeleteThank God, I thought it was just me, the guff they wrote!
DeleteSo I take it you like shoes?? Wow you got a collection ther Wenders!! I am trying to do piles as we speak but very heard bc then they just stay there...I am really trying to edit but oh so hard!
ReplyDeleteI know! If you look up Wenders - you will see shoes! On the other hand, I have vowed that what does not get worn this spring and summer does not stay...
DeleteI am amazed at your shoe collection. I have assessed my closet and am actually quite happy with what fills it. I do want a red pair of sandals though. Somehow the rag mags seem to eventually get the splits correct. Do hope Gwen's divorce stays amicable and focused on the kids.
ReplyDeleteI have a lovely cherry red wedge Marc Fishers in 6.5...
DeleteI am amazed at my shoe collection as well..
I am dizzy looking at all those shoes! That would drive me bananas!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a colour story but it would be too expensive of me to do, I just have to use what I have each season and add in one or two pieces, that's why it takes me so long to put a style volte face into operation.
ha! that is many years of collecting m'dear - a horrible habit that could have taken me to your doorstep twice I think... No more!
DeleteI Love my shoes and can't part with them unless they are ridiculously uncomfortable, or completely beat up! I love your shoe wall!
ReplyDeleteThere is Alwas room for more shoes and you can never have too many. My husband disagrees of course, but he knows not to question me about shoes:)
As for Gwyneth and Chris, I am not surprised, but I wish their family well.
A - your husband is a smart man!
DeleteGood work Wendy! I have been decluterring a lot over the past two years. I am not down to 10 pieces per season, but I am much, much "lighter" than I was before. And yes, Dani's color stories have helped me a lot... And it still helps me, preciously when I am shopping... I still have one or two odd pieces, which do not blind into those stories, but I am able to wear them and I wear them a lot so I keep them...
ReplyDeleteNow I am ready to deliver a scoop here, something I have never, ever written anywhere else... I was a shoe freak... I owned over 80 pairs of shoes... That was an awful lot! I was not wearing most of them, only on exceptional occasions! While decluterring I have been able to get down to around 30... And this includes everything, flip-flops, sneakers... And I am still working on getting better... But for you, it looks you are wearing all of them, so is there really a point of letting them go?
Steph - some I didn't wear at all last summer - but it was a cold rainy summer, so I gave them a reprieve in case our Wicker Man ceremony pays huge dividends!
DeleteMy desk is looking like your desk these days. No time to organize and I am left wondering how paper can multiply overnight.
ReplyDeleteShoes are special because they can have such a big impact on an outfit and even if we gain or lose a few pounds they will still fit and make us feel fabulous. I try to cull once a year but usually there are very few pairs that I will let go. Nice to see lots of color on your shoe wall.
But no violet! I need violet xoxo!
DeleteI need to do a massive cleanout or I will be on the next episode of hoarders. After living in the same house for 22 years, stuff just accumulates. It is very overwhelming. I just need to start and work on a bit everyday but there are always distractions, such as which clothes and shoes you decide to keep, that take up all my time!
ReplyDeleteI always wish I didn't think quite so much about my clothes... sigh... but I do... I do love my clothes and shoes, even if there is a lot less of them!
DeleteWow, quite the successful clean out. Being in California, I really only have two seasons of clothes and so my shifting of stuff is easier. Shoes, handbags and accessories don't count in a clean out in my book. There are always justifications / reasons why I need them. My shoe collection only looks tidier than yours because mine are stored in their boxes, with photos on the ends! Anal, I know, but the leather doesn't dry out and I can keep them forever. Unless they hurt, then out they go. I've successfully postponed any de cluttering and organizing by spending time out of town :) I will have to dig in at some point but it will be ugly because I've put on ten pounds...hate when that happens.
ReplyDeleteJennifer - I am in same boar. That's why shoes are our friends...
DeleteThe Stuart Weitzman Offset arrived for me today and they're perfect. Comfortable, easy to walk in, the heel strap stays put, just a few toes show, not too many, not too few, and the leather is soft. I highly recommend them! Thanks for posting about them!
ReplyDeleteAnon, I wish you weren't Anon so you could send photos! Dying to see them in real life!
Delete