This is a post from the archives, as I am at the fabulous
Vancouver Blogger Meet-up today. Hope you don’t mind a re-run from
2011. ☺
I have read many books, articles and blogs
about simplifying one’s wardrobe, minimalism, de-cluttering and
“pruning” the closet. And I’ve done quite a bit of this, especially when
we’ve moved house. It always feels good, and I love the feeling of a
cleaned-out space with fewer, better options.
So why
does it seem so difficult to stick to the pared down wardrobe? I truly
enjoy having “just a few well-loved items”, and a “closet of gems”.
Getting dressed is easy, the family budget is relieved. But I am still
adding to my wardrobe, albeit at a far slower rate than in my 30’s and
40’s. Here are some of my theories:
- “Dithering” purchases: these are the quick stops into Ross,
Marshalls and TJ Maxx on my way home from work, or tacked on to another
errand. I see an attractive blouse or scarf, it’s (always) less than $25
and suddenly it’s mine. Did I need it? Certainly not. I wanted it, it
looked good, I can afford it, and wardrobe philosophy be cursed. - Thrifting. A blessing and a millstone. Like many
fashion-lovers I enjoy the hunt, the hope of a score, the “OMG this is a
real Marc Jacobs!” moment. And it’s a social time too, when I chat with
other women and we trade stories, advise each other. But sometimes I
come home with STUFF that now needs: cleaning, pressing, arranging and
justifying. - The mythology of “this one will be perfect.” For example, I
have four pairs of great jeans. That’s enough for my lifestyle, by far. I
have dark and medium denim, two straights and two bootcuts. If I wore
jeans every day, and at three wears each, that would be twelve days
before laundry was due. PLENTY. But I still long for what magazines call
the “perfect pair of dark denims”. Well, at age 60, I think I would
have found them by now.
Of course there are good reasons to add to my wardrobe: those
great jeans will wear out and need replacing. All my favorites (shoes,
boots, bras) will need to be replaced over time. And I like to add a
bunch of fresh tee shirts every spring, new tights, a few new necklaces,
a new belt and a nightshirt. The challenge is to be wise in my
purchases, and keep the pleasure of the simple closet in the front of my
mind.
What about you? I think all approaches are good, if they give you joy. Do you like to have a little or a lot?
Stay fabulous,

There’s always room for a great pair of jeans, cute flats or a yummy nightgown:
Not Dead Yet Style is a ShopStyle affiliate – please be aware that all links to these vendors are affiliate links. I do benefit from your purchases through the links on the blog.














“tradeKey” is a Malaysia B2B Marketplace where sellers meet buyers. tradekey is a website that offers products for only online stores.
I think this is a real great blog article.Much thanks again. Really Great.
Muchos Gracias for your article.Thanks Again. Really Great.
wow, awesome blog post.Thanks Again. Will read on
Nothing can be authentic. Gain access to coming from wherever this resonates along with ideas or even heats up the mind.
Wohh precisely what I was searching for, regards for putting up.