I think that the evolution of a wardrobe is so beautiful. I don’t think it is wasteful if you have cared for your items and donate or resell to someone who will continue to love them. It’s ok to like new or current styles without feeling guilty about your older items. What served you a few years ago may not be what serves you today.
This might be an odd request, but would you mind sharing some of what you let go of? I’m in a season where I can tell my style is shifting, (not really into what’s ‘in’, aka Daisy Dukes 2.0) but I haven’t really dialed it in. Feeling like we can equally find/feel inspired to let go. 🙂 Did you donate locally or via online retailers?
Oh that is a great idea — since I haven't dropped the bags off yet maybe I can snap a few photos of things and do a post on it, or even just add to Instagram stories. I agree that it can be helpful to hear the "why" behind it all!
I have definitely struggled with the best ways to find new homes for my previously loved items. I typically keep my clothes in excellent condition, so often times when I’m giving something away, it’s like new. Finding a place that will just give them to people who need them is really hard. I’m also exhausted by the resale market. I’ve had local consignment stores go out of business with a ton of my items in their inventory, I’ve spent way too much time negotiating with people on Poshmark. I’ve been disappointed by the return I’ve gotten from items listed by The RealReal And thredUP. On a positive note, all of these experiences really help me to shop with intention now.
It’s the best feeling when it’s done, but I feel so wasteful. Trying, (really trying!!) to go with my instinct when I receive it in the mail or try it on in the dressing room. If it’s even a slight “no” I feel like it should be a hard no!
Yes, the wasteful feeling really hits me in the gut. But I remind myself that if I'm not going to wear it, I shouldn't cling to it. And I let it be a teaching moment to myself to ensure more mindful purchases in the future that ideally will not make it into the donate pile.
I could not sympathize with this more! My clothes are currently split between hanging in a tiny closet, the drawers of our bed frame and a crowded dresser. All of which is unorganized and drives me into a fit; overwhelmed each time I see it, and yet every time I sort it out I can’t seem to let go of items I haven’t touched in ages.
I find I get extremely attached to items not because of what they are but because of the stage of life they’re attached to. Now realizing as I write this it’s not the clothing I am clutching so tightly but that stage in my life I’m afraid of saying goodbye to…
Not knowing what to do with the items is a big impediment. I find the process of listing, selling, shipping too time consuming but I don’t want to just give stuff to Goodwill and hope the items find a home somewhere. Any suggestions as to what to do with it all would be helpful!
I personally donate to a local home for survivors of human trafficking. You could also look into women’s shelters or if you want to sell the items, a local consignment shop is less stressful than selling on Poshmark in my experience.
Ugh I feel this so much! I’ve been trying to take Conni’s advice on IG to heart and do slow edits, which has helped. I’ve resold some things on Poshmark and found others to donate and saw it as a way to also personalize my style. Still wasn’t easy!
Yes! It really is easier said than done. I really struggled to physically put things into the bags, but I feel so relieved now. They needed a new home, and I now have even more confidence in my wardrobe and personal style as well.
I brutally decluttered my wardrobe. The goal was to keep only those pieces that are comfortable, fun to wear, attractive to my eye, and have some longevity. I typically buy natural fibers and clothes with a classic/conservative flare. Some is fast fashion, some slow. While trying to be mindful of the environment, the reality is that's challenging on a tight budget. Over the past year I've noticed that my white/beige/brown/black/navy/olive wardrobe has been spiked with jewel tones and pastels, mostly in accessories. Lots of yellow. A cobalt blue computer bag, apple red purse, lime green crossbody. It's been interesting watching my wardrobe evolve without being intentional. It sounds like you, too, are having fun exploring styles. Clothes are functional, yes. But they can also serve as an expression of our personalities. That's where the fun is.
I think that the evolution of a wardrobe is so beautiful. I don’t think it is wasteful if you have cared for your items and donate or resell to someone who will continue to love them. It’s ok to like new or current styles without feeling guilty about your older items. What served you a few years ago may not be what serves you today.
LOVE this perspective. Needed to hear it. So true 💯
This might be an odd request, but would you mind sharing some of what you let go of? I’m in a season where I can tell my style is shifting, (not really into what’s ‘in’, aka Daisy Dukes 2.0) but I haven’t really dialed it in. Feeling like we can equally find/feel inspired to let go. 🙂 Did you donate locally or via online retailers?
Oh that is a great idea — since I haven't dropped the bags off yet maybe I can snap a few photos of things and do a post on it, or even just add to Instagram stories. I agree that it can be helpful to hear the "why" behind it all!
I have definitely struggled with the best ways to find new homes for my previously loved items. I typically keep my clothes in excellent condition, so often times when I’m giving something away, it’s like new. Finding a place that will just give them to people who need them is really hard. I’m also exhausted by the resale market. I’ve had local consignment stores go out of business with a ton of my items in their inventory, I’ve spent way too much time negotiating with people on Poshmark. I’ve been disappointed by the return I’ve gotten from items listed by The RealReal And thredUP. On a positive note, all of these experiences really help me to shop with intention now.
Too funny I did some clearing out today and I asked myself would Natalie wear this?! Nope = gone!
Haha, I’m glad I’ve been a helpful guide!
It’s the best feeling when it’s done, but I feel so wasteful. Trying, (really trying!!) to go with my instinct when I receive it in the mail or try it on in the dressing room. If it’s even a slight “no” I feel like it should be a hard no!
Yes, the wasteful feeling really hits me in the gut. But I remind myself that if I'm not going to wear it, I shouldn't cling to it. And I let it be a teaching moment to myself to ensure more mindful purchases in the future that ideally will not make it into the donate pile.
I think sometimes for me it’s that I don’t know what may come up in the future where I might need something! But it is good to pare down.
Oh yes, I can relate to that. We all have had experiences when we get rid of something and later regret it and that fear gets me every time!
I could not sympathize with this more! My clothes are currently split between hanging in a tiny closet, the drawers of our bed frame and a crowded dresser. All of which is unorganized and drives me into a fit; overwhelmed each time I see it, and yet every time I sort it out I can’t seem to let go of items I haven’t touched in ages.
I find I get extremely attached to items not because of what they are but because of the stage of life they’re attached to. Now realizing as I write this it’s not the clothing I am clutching so tightly but that stage in my life I’m afraid of saying goodbye to…
Love that observation about being connected to the period of time. So true!
Not knowing what to do with the items is a big impediment. I find the process of listing, selling, shipping too time consuming but I don’t want to just give stuff to Goodwill and hope the items find a home somewhere. Any suggestions as to what to do with it all would be helpful!
I personally donate to a local home for survivors of human trafficking. You could also look into women’s shelters or if you want to sell the items, a local consignment shop is less stressful than selling on Poshmark in my experience.
Yay hi!! So glad you're here. Now to connect all of our substack user names to our IG user names to our IRL faces 😂🫠
Hahaha right?!
This spoke to me! I need to do a closet clean out but for some reason feel bad letting things go.
It really can be so challenging!!
So good to see you on Substack!
So happy to be here!!
So timely! I really needed to read this today! I often wonder why I hold onto things for so long! TY for the reminder!
Gladly!
Ugh I feel this so much! I’ve been trying to take Conni’s advice on IG to heart and do slow edits, which has helped. I’ve resold some things on Poshmark and found others to donate and saw it as a way to also personalize my style. Still wasn’t easy!
Yes! It really is easier said than done. I really struggled to physically put things into the bags, but I feel so relieved now. They needed a new home, and I now have even more confidence in my wardrobe and personal style as well.
I struggle so much with the guilt of giving away clothes I paid good money for. Feels so wasteful.
I brutally decluttered my wardrobe. The goal was to keep only those pieces that are comfortable, fun to wear, attractive to my eye, and have some longevity. I typically buy natural fibers and clothes with a classic/conservative flare. Some is fast fashion, some slow. While trying to be mindful of the environment, the reality is that's challenging on a tight budget. Over the past year I've noticed that my white/beige/brown/black/navy/olive wardrobe has been spiked with jewel tones and pastels, mostly in accessories. Lots of yellow. A cobalt blue computer bag, apple red purse, lime green crossbody. It's been interesting watching my wardrobe evolve without being intentional. It sounds like you, too, are having fun exploring styles. Clothes are functional, yes. But they can also serve as an expression of our personalities. That's where the fun is.