I’ve had a little bit of a secret. I’m not proud of it. While I TRULY do get rid of my clothes if I haven’t worn them in six months (two seasons) and I have a one-in-one-out policy that I learned from my mom, I have a secret closet. These are the items that I haven’t been ready to part with.
You see, I don’t just know my closet, I remember where I was, what I was wearing when I bought a new item, the memories made in an item. This is both a blessing and a curse. I’ve been holding onto some items that people who aren’t in my life anymore got me. A few items that hold extremely strong sentimental value. Some items I’ve pretended I would fit into again. All of these times took up literal space in my closet, and mental space I don’t have the capacity for now. Especially the items I hold onto to see if I will fit them in a few months. Don’t do that. Stop beating yourself up for where you think you should be vs. where you are.
The woman my closet reflected isn’t the woman I see in my mirror
We’re in that terrible end-of-season fashion rut and all looking forward to the next season. I’m looking at my closet in a whole new way. Not just a clean-up. But a re-do. You see, I took a look around. What I had in my closet(s) in no way reflect who I am today. It’s a reflection of who I was three, four, even five years ago. Sure, I still like a lot of it, but it’s not who I am now. 25 year old Alissa who was just starting out in her new job, finding out who she was, not really super comfortable with her body, sure she’s in there. 27 year old Alissa who has had a promotion, is a boss and OWNS who she is, that’s not in there. Early 20’s Alissa had her time to shine, it’s time to let late 20’s Alissa shine too.
I gave all my clothes to friends and shelters. Yeah, I could have done Poshmark but I knew that once I was emotionally ready to get rid of it, I needed it to be GONE. It took years to get to this point. I needed it gone. Goodbye to those memories, I was ready to close that part of my life. It was so emotionally freeing! It’s DONE. I don’t own anything that I didn’t buy for myself or was from someone who is in my current life. We’re talking everything from shoes to underwear. All of it. I own my own stuff. It. Feels. Amazing.
And now the work begins…
It’s not just about having designer items. Rent the Runway has shown me that’s not all it’s cracked up to me. It’s about having carefully selected items that express where I am in life. I know what I like and what I don’t like. I’m actually enlisting professional help to tell this story. There is no shame in seeking help for that. Often we can’t tell our own story right and I love the perspective of an outsider. While I do help other people shape and transform their closets, we all sometimes need guidance.
I have a wishlist (with thought-out reasons for each item) that is built on my current life. Items that are versatile. Will work for flights. Work appropriate. Life appropriate. I’ve got a stylist appointment to learn about how to achieve my style on my budget and timeline. I’m excited to build and learn about myself through my clothes like I have before.
So here’s to letting go of what no longer fits you figuratively or emotionally, closing out chapters and creating your closet story.
I hope you always have the closet that reflects the woman you are.
Cheers!
Rachelle
good for you for doing that, it is actually smart because in the end you will wasted less money getting things you don’t even enjoy. I’ve been working on that for the past year and I’ve been really careful about the pieces I bring to my closet. I also got rid of half of mine. You look stunning in that outfit, every single piece is beautiful.
xo
Pinksole
Trish @ The Trish List
This is beautiful and so brave of you! I have the same secret closet. Stuff that will never fit me again. Stuff I will never wear again, but somehow it clings to my heart and I can’t let go. I have WAY to many clothes and I really need to let a lot of it go to clean up the clutter. Thanks for the reminder.
Trish
http://www.thetrishlist.com
Karly
Good for you, girl! Proud of you. I’m sure this post will help others take a second-look at what they’re holding onto, too.
Maddy
I’ve been working through purging a lot from my closet as well this summer (and not just the cute stuff – I’m talking socks without a match, sports bra that are a little too snug, bikinis I haven’t worn in years, etc) and it feels good.
I’m going the selling route- as there are a ton of great consignment shops near my house, but I’ve also donated two bags as well.
I have yet to go through my strictly fall/winter pieces (still tucked away), but as soon as it gets chilly I will do another round of selling.
Good work getting rid of all the excess! Its almost like a weight off my shoulders haha.
xo, Maddy
http://cassidylou.com/
Meg @ Closet Fashionista
I need to do that too, but I get so sentimental about pieces and where i bought them, etc. It’s also hard parting with pieces when I spent a good chunk of change on them.
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
Alyssa
I am in the exact same space. 27 must be a transitioning year! I’ve never dressed too trendy or “young” I don’t think, but lately I look at some of the things in my closet and they just feel too young and not me anymore.
Anna
Well this is timely. After losing 30 pounds and turning into a runner (only partially related), my style has undergone a massive shift. I really need to sort through *all* of my clothes and figure out 1. what fits, and 2. what I actually *want* to keep. I also have a few sentimental items that I can’t seem to get rid of, so maybe it really is time to let those go. Thanks, Alissa!!
Girl & Closet
Firstly, I’m obsessed with this entire outfit, and my gosh, that dress is FAB!!! As for closet clean ups? Amen sister, did that last year, and again this year and it felt so good. Love creating space in my closet, and curating something that feels more “me”!! xo
http://www.girlandcloset.com
Lyddiegal
Closet purges are always a challenge. It’s hard to let go. I think having those things in a separate closet was probably good for you, out of sight, out of mind. It’s easier to break that emotional attachment when you know you really wont miss it. We evolve, so it only makes sense that our closets should too.
Chic on the Cheap
Nicole
it is awesome that you got rid of them. There is something about a cleaned out closet that makes you feel so good and less cluttered mentally as well. I’m also impressed you clean out every 6 months! I need to do the same!
Nicole
Nicole to the Nines