Pondering…
I’ve finally finished clearing out all my clothes. At the end there really wasn’t much to get rid of – a jacket in an ‘unusual’ green that I had bought secondhand years ago and never worn (because it doesn’t go with ANYTHING. The clothes have not been created that go with that jacket. I know. I’ve tried) and a bikini that isn’t ever going to see the light of day again. The Daily Mail said a while ago that 47 is the age to stop wearing bikinis and I’m taking their advice. It’s been many years since I’ve felt comfortable in a bikini in the summer. Mostly a bikini just makes me want to go and hide under a rock. I think it’s time to stop putting myself through that anymore. Not to mention my family…
So simplifying didn’t really happen. But at least it’s all tidy now and so looks much better and I came across several things that I haven’t worn for ages and had forgotten about. Which was a nice surprise and actually even better than buying something new, because I didn’t have to spend any money. I think I agree with Tracey who commented on my last clothes post, that maybe what I have is just right. Through this exercise I have really realized though that I have more than enough to be going on with and so I won’t be buying anything new…for a very long time!
Mel sent me some links to minimalism sites – have a look at the comments for the last clothes post and you can click right through to them. I guess it’s a nice idea, but I think I’d just die. One of them recommends having 10 (10!!!) critical pieces of clothing – most of which are black and all of which mix and match. They are so very sensible….and so dull. I guess it would work if you’re a black or a beige sort of girl. My mother could certainly do the beige version. At the drop of a beige hat. I’m not sure there are many black or beige quilters around. I think patchwork and quilting are all about colour. I LOVE colour. I love pattern and most of all…I love variety.
So a full wardrobe it is, ladies. Maybe if I keep it tidy it won’t overwhelm me and things are bound to wear out sometimes. But hopefully not the things I absolutely love!
Helen
June 4th, 2011 at 9:29 am
Well done Helen! I know just how you feel, though, even the “weedings” that yield little still bring forgotten items to the fore and inspire you with new ideas for combinations and wearings – aren’t we lucky to live in a climate with seasons that practically forces us to reconsider twice a year?!
Yes, some of those sites are fairly drastic – mind you, even the black/berry girl admits to having multiples of her black basics! – but even though I couldn’t go that far myself, either (and not in those colours, either – colour rates above practicality in my book, too!), I do think they’re a good tool to build upon. But then a certain sense of order is one of my things! Obviously I got stuck in the building block stage of kindergarten!
Admittedly, although I think I love variety, I’ve noticed I subconsciously stick to a smaller range of things in everyday situations. It’s that old 80/20 rule, must be human nature LOL
June 5th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
That Daily Mail thing is nonsense! If you want to wear a bikini, you wear it! You must be fabulously fit with all your running, Helen, and I bet you look dead good in one. Ideally I skinny dip, but when I have to cover up, I have a bikini and even though I’m over the DM age limit, I shall carry on wearing it forever 🙂