Uncategorized

2013 Wardrobe Resolutions

I’m a little late this year in posting this, but I decided to write down a few key “wardrobe resolutions” for this year as we finish out the first month of 2013, and wanted to share. Here are some of mine, and as always – I’d love to hear yours!

image via MisuraEmme

What I’d love my closet to look like: image via MisuraEmme

1. Edit, edit, edit. Despite several rounds of clean outs last year, my closet is still too stuffed for my liking. I have to admit that I can get very sentimental about clothing, and I am also always fearful that something is going to come back into fashion and I’ll feel like an idiot for having thrown it out. Though…in the interest of full disclosure, this has yet to happen. Hmm.

One trick that I’ve used in the past is a “purgatory” drawer. The clothes that I am on the fence about throwing out, I toss in a drawer, which I never look at. If in the next six months I find myself looking for something that’s in that drawer, I take it out and put it back in my closet. Otherwise though, the items go. I need to put my system back into action and be absolutely strict about what I allow myself to keep! There’s more than a few BCBG dresses and “going out” tops from my post college era which for everybody’s sake should probably be retired to greener pastures.

2. Write it down, and tally it up.  I’ve always been a semi-obsessive Mint user, but to get a better handle of my fashion spending, I started a Google Doc list of my wardrobe purchases in late 2011 and continued it in 2012. I don’t keep returned items on the sheet – I just delete them, and I have a running sum function at the bottom that serves to remind me how much I’ve spent on fashion during the year. It can get scary.

Screen shot 2013-01-25 at 1.32.02 PM

At the end of 2012, I went back and highlighted all of the items that in retrospect, I wouldn’t have purchased (but that weren’t able to be returned due to time, use, etc). This helped me figure out not only clothing types that seemed to just never work for me, but also certain brands. For example, I’ve never had great luck with Topshop for some reason, and so now stay away.

This year, the tally was around $250 which isn’t as bad as previously but still isn’t great. I’d love to get that number down to as close to $0 as possible in 2013.

3. 30 pieces for 2013. From my handy Excel sheet, I can see that I purchased 48 items in 2012. That includes all the basics like t-shirts and all of my fashion mistakes. Even so, that’s quite a lot. So this year, I want to give myself a stretch goal that I’m only going to buy 30 pieces, total, in 2013. That includes bags and shoes, but I’ll give myself a pass on underwear and socks and the like. Otherwise, I’m going to hold myself to to try and buy only on average, 2-3 items per month. And then maybe one day I can be like a chic French lady and buy only 10 pieces a year, though I’m not holding my breath!

My non-wardrobe related resolutions? Usually the same every year – be nice to loved ones, do a good job at work, meet short term and long term savings goals, discover some great new books, and travel as much as possible.

Now please share if you like – what are your resolutions – wardrobe and overall?

61 Comments

  • Reply
    irene
    January 28, 2013 at 8:22 am

    I’m in the process of editing after not doing it for years… and I work a lot so there are certain $$$ things that I want to resell that I can’t bring myself to just donate, and… that takes time.

    I started doing a Google spreadsheet but I’m not so good at consistency. Some things I do like doing is sifting through my Amex statement online, tagging transactions especially items I need to return or returned and am waiting for a credit. You can also search by retailer and it’s really scary looking to see all your expenses over a period of time. What’s been the most effective way to keep track of my recent purchases is Pinterest. I have a secret board of everything I buy which reminds me to return/resell sometimes.

    I’m not sure if you’re an Amex user, but if you are, you can use their Return Protection program for final sale/missed return deadline items, up to $300/item, $1000/year/card.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      January 28, 2013 at 9:22 am

      Thank you for the Amex tip! I do know about it but some of my purchases are so small (it’s just that there’s a lot of them) that I just give up and decide not to bother. But maybe I should.

      Pinterest is a really good idea! Thank you for sharing, I’m going to have to adopt that as well.

  • Reply
    Tabitha
    January 28, 2013 at 8:30 am

    The Purgatory drawer is absolute genius Katherine! I’m so impressed with your tally sheets, I’m hopeless with figures/numbers, as is hubs, we both need a house manager. I can’t understand spreadsheets at all, they make me want to cry.

  • Reply
    Tabitha
    January 28, 2013 at 8:32 am

    Oh and the pinterest tip – more genius! I’m going to do that, I just discovered pinterest a few weeks back.
    I need a lot of basics this year, my eye sight has changed so I need prescription sunglasses/ optical glasses and contacts, all three at once are a big expense, plus I’m saving for a new car … so there won’t be many pretties for me for a while.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      January 28, 2013 at 6:00 pm

      Tabitha have you ever thought about Lasik? One of the best things I have ever paid for.

  • Reply
    adele
    January 28, 2013 at 9:11 am

    I love how you go back & re-visit your spreadsheet – very thorough!
    Happy Monday Hun xoxo
    http://www.intotheblonde.com/

  • Reply
    Prêt à Porter P
    January 28, 2013 at 9:28 am

    You are not alone!!!!! I started doing the same sheet in Excel 4 years ago, but even scarier. When I return something I delete it too, and I don’t factor in things like shipping, etc…that’s perhaps the only sane thing not on my excel. My main thing is to buy less clothing, priority to jewelry/accessories, and maintain a wardrobe that is suitable for me. I plan on getting another pair of navy shoes, but I will wait until Friday, so tha January will be a clean of fashion purchases.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      January 28, 2013 at 6:00 pm

      Ha! I do the same thing with my Mint purchases, I often try to hold out one more day for a “fresh” month.

  • Reply
    Jill
    January 28, 2013 at 9:59 am

    I think I am going to implement a spreadsheet like you have. I used to tally up what I bought and what I paid but didn’t do it for 2012. I think I will try again for 2013 and add beauty because I’m noticing that I am spending more money there than ever before. I have a tiny wardrobe so most of what I’m spending goes to accessories, especially Hermes. I am trying to save for a vintage Kelly though so Catherine at Aesthetic Alterations and I have set a goal of a Shopping Ban for 2013! So far so good but it’s only January, ha ha! Great post. Thanks for the inspiration! XO, Jill

    • Reply
      Katherine
      January 28, 2013 at 6:02 pm

      Best of luck to you and Catherine (a favorite read of mine!).

  • Reply
    Kathryn
    January 28, 2013 at 10:20 am

    These are all fabulous ideas! I especially like the log of purchases although admittedly that would “scare” me too! But I know if I have to write it all down at the end of the day, I would be more careful with my spending. I’m going to try it. The only goal I have set for myself is that I only want to purchase one new bag this year. So, I’m thinking long and hard as to what it should be. It is good to challenge myself in this way. Keep us posted on your progress!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      January 28, 2013 at 6:03 pm

      One new bag (especially for a bag lover like me) can be very hard, I have the same resolution – I hope we both achieve it!

  • Reply
    Cee
    January 28, 2013 at 10:27 am

    #1 and #2 are definitely high on my wardrobe resolutions for this year too. I read somewhere (Pinterest maybe?) that suggested turning all your hangers backwards at the start of the year. Then as an item gets worn, the hanger can then be rehung normally. At the end of the year, all the hangers that are still backwards are clothes that you probably aren’t ever going to wear again and can be purged.

    I’m Google Docs obsessed as well, haha. I tally up cost by months, so I don’t know the overall # of items I bought in the last year. I have to say 48 doesn’t sound like much at all, Kat! Kudos to you for working on trimming this number down to 30.

    I’m also going to try implementing the “1 in, 1 out” rule to not just my bags, but also clothes that are too similar.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      January 28, 2013 at 6:04 pm

      That hanger idea is genius but also really scary. I don’t know if I could do it!

      I love Google Docs, and yes I didn’t think that I bought so many items this year, was shocked to find it was close to 50! Let me know how 1 in 1 out works 🙂

  • Reply
    Samantha
    January 28, 2013 at 10:28 am

    Wow Katherine!

    I really like your wardrobe resolutions – You’ve inspired me. Your plan of action is very doable, unlike mine which are usually somewhat nebulous! That spreadsheet idea is great so you can really evaluate needs/ wants/ what worked. I need to be more structured and not buy because it’s a great deal {which the hubby said that I’m only saving money if I don’t buy it} or it’s too good to pass up!!!!

    xo, Sam

  • Reply
    Girlie Blogger
    January 28, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Great ideas. You are so organized. I like the idea of a “purgatory” drawer.

  • Reply
    StyleAspirations
    January 28, 2013 at 10:55 am

    Hi Katherine,

    I’m a newer Feather Factor reader and even newer at commenting on blogs. I love your blog and especially your mindset of creating a fantastic closet while making smart financial decisions! We’re definitely thinking on the same wavelength these days… I just wrote in my blog about my Style
    Aspirations for the year; my biggest goal is to acquire only 25 items this year. My other goals are to:

    Sell items I don’t use on eBay.
    Repair and tailor existing items that I’m not wearing.
    Try to come up with new outfit combinations.
    Attempt to take photos of my outfits each day (To help with creating new outfit combinations).

    I look forward to reading about your 30 pieces for 2013! I think I may have to follow your example by using a spreadsheet for purchases and a purgatory drawer!

    http://www.styleaspirations.com/?p=436

  • Reply
    Sunaina
    January 28, 2013 at 11:07 am

    This is such a great idea! I am a Mint-obsessed user too since we are saving for a house. I think it’s a great idea to tally up purchases and learn from them.

  • Reply
    chanello
    January 28, 2013 at 11:51 am

    And I’m going to make that google docs spreadsheet cuz god knows i’m totally out of touch.

    BUT…HAVE U SEEN THIS J.crew sweater. Toby, the tabby.

    https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-isuGIfg0SR0/UORsjWLQ9OI/AAAAAAAAcno/fEUBIRtOUOA/s450/JCrew-Tabby-Cat-Sweater-Catalog.jpeg

    Not online yet — but in catalogs! <3

    • Reply
      Katherine
      January 28, 2013 at 6:04 pm

      LOVE that! I have seen their other sweaters but this is the first I really loved. Thanks for sharing <3

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    January 28, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    I have decided not to shop much this year and so far have stayed away from all the glorious after christmas sales… But its just Jan.. Lets see how i do at the end of the year. I like the idea of maintaing the spread sheet so it is all out in the open than the mind doing all the maths.

    • Reply
      NewPetite
      January 28, 2013 at 12:30 pm

      I have decided not to shop much this year and so far have stayed away from all the glorious after christmas sales… But its just Jan.. Lets see how i do at the end of the year. I like the idea of maintaing the spread sheet so it is all out in the open than the mind doing all the maths.

      PS – Sorry about the double post.

  • Reply
    Tang
    January 28, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    If I kept a list of everything I’ve bought, I might have a big reality check! I’ve been try to do that this year, cleaning out the old and keeping only what I’m wearing. I feel bad giving away gifts though, so I tend to keep those forever. Must learn to let go!

  • Reply
    Anna
    January 28, 2013 at 1:16 pm

    I need to create a spreadsheet like yours! I love how you highlight things that didn`t work out for you in the end. I haven`t done anything, just scaled down my purchases, but especially as I will be on a stricter budget this year with my studies and travel plans and the likes having an overview over what I actually bought this year would be great. I don`t even know which of the items in my closet moved in in 2012 and which were added before that. What I do know however is that somehow I keep discovering things that suit my style while I`d much prefer to have a smaller wardrobe of pieces that I absolutely love to wear… That`s my main goal for this year I think. Part with the things that I keep for various reasons, downsize, quality over quantity, think before I buy.
    Stealing your spreadsheet idea! 🙂

    • Reply
      Katherine
      January 28, 2013 at 4:26 pm

      Having a smaller wardrobe and a bigger travel budget is my dream too – wishing you the best Anna!

  • Reply
    Mel
    January 28, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    I especially like your last goal. I am trying to only spend “big money” on staples — classic items that I’ll use in the years to come. I don’t mind purchasing trendy pieces every now and then, but I don’t want to get carried away and I don’t want to spend a lot on them. Most of them don’t look good on me anyways!

    Great list, Katherine!

  • Reply
    tippy
    January 28, 2013 at 2:32 pm

    Love your ideas! I tried to maintain a spreadsheet but my wardrobe had been changing so much that it was hard to keep up. Now, I just have a list on my iphone of clothes i’m NOT allowed to buy (things that I find myself buying then returning/selling i.e. oversized cardigans, dresses with crazy, whimsical prints that I can’t wear to work, etc. ). When I go shopping, if I’m on the fence about something I’ll refer to my list to help me make the final decision. So far it has helped me stay on task!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      January 28, 2013 at 4:05 pm

      The NOT allowed to buy list is a great idea – I need to establish something like that for myself (crazy printed dresses are also a weakness of mine that I rarely wear).

  • Reply
    Annabelle
    January 28, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    The spreadsheet is a great idea; I’m not even sure what sort of resolutions I should be making for this year but I bet I would if I’d kept track of last year. I’ve gotten pretty good at not buying (or returning if I buy) things I’m not going to be happy with, but I could stand to spend some concentrated time figuring out how to make my existing pieces work better with each other.

  • Reply
    Jyoti
    January 28, 2013 at 2:44 pm

    Great post Katherine! I really enjoyed reading it and a lot of things rung true for me!

    My first resolution is to make enough money to build a wardrobe like that photo, lol.

    But being serious, I am totally with you on feeling that stuffed closet feeling. I think my wardrobe is actually just about in the perfect place right now, its just everything is packed in a bit too tightly due to lack of storage space! I’m traveling right now, but I left my room and the guest room in total disarray as I was going through both and painfully reorganizing. It’s hard, but it feels really good to haul out a few garbage bags of stuff. xD

    I know what you mean about being afraid that things will come back in fashion. I’ve had this happen like… once. I found a fur scarf the other day that my aunt gave me ages ago and had been hiding in the basement. I actually thought it was a shirt when she gave it to me, so I never wore it. xD But I can’t actually recall any clothing that I’m that sad about getting rid of!

    I have a purgatory bag too and it really does help!

    I also have an excel spreadsheet that I use to track my purchases. I never thought about going back and highlighting things though! That’s a really great idea!

    So in summary, my wardrobe resolutions are:

    1) Keeping my closet clean.
    2) Getting my ‘to mend’ pile mended.
    3) Figuring out how to work eBay and get rid of some more expensive mistakes.
    4) Buying less stuff! I’m running out of room to keep it!

    Maybe I should write a blog post about it. This comment was very cathartic. xD

    • Reply
      Katherine
      January 28, 2013 at 3:59 pm

      I’d love to read a blog post about it, Jyoti! The mend pile is an excellent point (as is my large and unfinished “tailoring” pile). I think it’s always a great idea to rework and repair existing items vs. just use new ones.

  • Reply
    Jennifer
    January 28, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    YES! My pack rat tendencies all stem from the fear of things coming back into style. Just recently I regretted donating my old denim jackets after seeing some cute vintage styles now being done by J Brand.

    That being said, there are items in my closet that will never be put in the donation bin because they’re classics: Burberry trenches/peacoats, classic Ferragamos and Manolos, good quality pencil skirts, classically cut dresses (i.e the sheath), a well cut jacket, a good piece of jewelry. These things will either never go out of style, or will come back into style eventually without needing much alteration. So my resolution is to save up to buy more quality items rather than indulge too much in the latest trend. I started keeping a spreadsheet of my clothing/beauty purchases in January (because I felt like I was spending too much) and boy, was this month an eye opener! Even if you keep most purchases to $50 per item and under, it’s amazing how quickly a few things here and there will add up!

    Great post Katherine!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      January 28, 2013 at 4:00 pm

      Agreed that all the $50 and under items do add up – it can be a little scary (and depressing!). I have a decade old Burberry coat that is still going strong, actually I’ve kept and still love all my Burberry and MaxMara outerwear.

  • Reply
    Jie
    January 28, 2013 at 4:42 pm

    Great tips! I love the idea for the purgatory drawer; I’m thinking of just putting everything in that and taking out things that I actually wear. The google doc idea is great as well! Thanks!

  • Reply
    Chic 'n Cheap Living
    January 28, 2013 at 6:09 pm

    I am a fellow Mint user (Moneywiz for non-US transactions) and love the idea of budgeting for certain categories. I don’t go crazy if I am over budget one month if I don’t spend in it for the next few months. I have an ongoing “ideal wardrobe list” for the year and this has been the best set of guidelines to control my shopping.

    I have categories like:
    – little black dress (2)
    – crossbody bag (2)
    – work to weekend dress (7)

    I’ll places Xs in front of a list item when I buy items in the category. I bet I can do some conditional formatting in Excel and make a formula that colors out the item or something though.

    Anyway thanks for the reminder to purge and streamline!

    You can definitely do 30 pieces! Go for it! I’m sticking to a smaller number but hope for some wishlist items this year (hoping for a vintage Chanel bag or a few pieces of costume jewelry when I go to France this year!)

    xoxo,
    Chic ‘n Cheap Living

  • Reply
    Chic 'n Cheap Living
    January 28, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    p.s. I also have a Topshop lace jacket that has never been worn. i need to stay away from them too!

    xoxo,
    Chic ‘n Cheap Living

  • Reply
    Michelle
    January 28, 2013 at 9:33 pm

    I have never seen such an organised shopper using a spreadsheet before, what a great idea!
    Im with you I need to really edit my wardrobe. I have become quite ruthless in the past 2-3 years where if I try something on and it doesnt look good on me or I dont feel hot in it, it doesnt go back into the wardrobe. I put it all aside and about twice a year my girlfriends and I get together for a clothes swap, get rid of the old and take home something new which doesnt cost any of us a single cent (well besides the hostess who puts on the nibbles and bubbly!)

  • Reply
    Mrs C
    January 29, 2013 at 2:47 am

    Wow, this is so thorough, Katherine! I have been doing something like your no. 1 for a while now, and I always end up using some again.

    Greetings from Dubai!
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES DAILY
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    Katherine
    January 29, 2013 at 3:07 am

    These are great resolutions! and I love that idea of having a purge drawer where you can see if you will use the items or discard them 🙂

  • Reply
    Cassie
    January 29, 2013 at 6:41 am

    Im in the process of editing my wardrobe down further. Actually, I’m downsizing in general, and my wardrobe is one of the big items that needs decreasing. I’m not in a position of being able to do a no shopping year, but my spending will likely be minimal this year. The two big things I need to get this spring are rain boots (eyeing up a pair of Hunters) and a pair of jeans. I like the idea of writing down all of your wardrobe shopping in a spreadsheet. I might have to give that a try this year 🙂

  • Reply
    Laura
    January 29, 2013 at 7:11 am

    Genius!! I purge a lot but love the idea of a Purgatory drawer! I think you’re very smart about your purchases – especially big ticket items!

  • Reply
    Belen
    January 29, 2013 at 10:22 am

    Funny that you posted this since I decided to edit down my closet a lot last week.
    I’ve decided to try out this system:
    For everyday wear, 10 tops and 5 bottoms for each season (cold and hot). I work from home so it’s mostly cute jeans/pants and tshirts.
    At the beginning of each season I select/buy my 10/5. Any too old pieces get donated and replaced for new ones. Then I’m set for 6 months! After that, I can focus the rest of the season on buying more special pieces to complement my wardrobe.
    I just started this, so I might go up to 12/6 in the future, but for now I’ll give 10/5 a try.

    • Reply
      Belen
      January 29, 2013 at 10:23 am

      Oh, and I have a purgatory shelf!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      January 29, 2013 at 11:52 am

      10/5 is a great way to think about it! And it definitely simplifies dressing as well.

  • Reply
    Marlene @ chocolatecookiesandcandies
    January 29, 2013 at 11:34 am

    My goodness, Katherine, you’re super organized. I’m deathly scared of spreadsheets while the hubs is a genius on it. I have such a tiny closet (which I also share with my daughter) that if I don’t edit once every 2 months, it would be stuffed like sardines in a tin. So far, one in one out rule has worked for me. It makes me more vigilant financially too that I don’t over-spend.

  • Reply
    Makeup Morsels
    January 29, 2013 at 7:37 pm

    That closet is incredible. How much do you wanna bet whoever owns it has another one in the house hahaha? Love your list of resolutions, particularly the idea of the purgatory drawer. I think I need to start doing that. My wardrobe is in a weird state right now, since I just cleaned out/donated all of my grade school clothes last year LOL talk about sentimental attachment. So I’m in the process of building it up because it was practically empty at the beginning of the year, but there’s still a few pieces I think I should get rid of. I generally make sure that a new item will fit in with the rest of my clothes before purchasing, so I’ve only ended up with a few pieces I don’t wear on a regular basis. (Which I should probably get rid of sometime soon)

  • Reply
    miss sophie
    January 30, 2013 at 10:08 am

    the google docs idea is genius! such a great way to track. lists and tracking are so key for keeping yourself honest and sticking to goals.

  • Reply
    Jenny
    January 30, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    Hahah that was my exact same resolution as well! 🙂

    I use pinterest to visually see my 2013 purchases. I have two boards: 1) Shopping List 2) Purchased. The Shopping List board helps me keep track of what I really want vs what I kind-of-sort-of-like and it also helps me to visually see trends in what I keep getting drawn to wanting to buy (like lace dresses and sequined skirts, which my boyfriend reasonably asks, “Where can you wear that?” and I gleefully answer, “Everywhere! Errands! Shopping at Costco!” The Purchased board helps me to see and remind me of what I’ve bought and see any patterns in my spending. It also helps me to create ideas for outfits. When I return an item, I just delete the pin.

    …Which leads me to my googledocs spreadsheet. I keep the items I return and write long justifications for why I returned the item. It helps me to figure out my fit, my likes, and my dislikes so I can be better when I’m “in the field” shopping. Like peplum, makes my hips a leeeetle too big for my liking. And darn those faux leather leggings, I try and try, but none agree with me. I have two columns to keep track how much I could have spent if I kept everything and what I have actually spent, taking into account the returns. I like seeing the two numbers because it kind of gives me motivation to not spend money because I see how much I have saved.

    My stipulation for buying anything is that I need to write a long (at least a solid paragraph) about why I like the item, which void in my closet it fills, and how I would pair it (unfortunately, as you can see, I can talk for days about any subject so it’s as good of a deterrent as I had hoped…)

    • Reply
      Jenny
      January 30, 2013 at 2:19 pm

      *it’s not as good of a deterrent….

  • Reply
    Lindsay
    January 31, 2013 at 12:15 pm

    These are so great! I love the idea of a purgatory drawer! I do something similar w/ Google Docs, but I use my to plan my spending. That might help you in your 30 items goal. I list the item, my budget for that item, and then fill it in with the amount when I find or save up for it. Again, great post!

  • Reply
    Irina
    February 1, 2013 at 11:32 pm

    Good evening:) I for one will not comment on how great the purgatory drawer idea is since i tried it more than once and it never worked for me) BUT! I would request a post on how you use Mint if possible? I’ve been signed up for that for a year and never could make it work in a sense that i hope it would. Just an idea for one of yo ur future posts:)
    Sweet dreams!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 2, 2013 at 11:50 am

      Hi Irina, I will try and put together a post about how I do my personal budget – I hesitate to do personal finance posts all the time because I’m not sure how much people like them but it seems like there is at least some interest 🙂

  • Reply
    Wendy
    February 3, 2013 at 2:55 am

    I’ve been doing what you’ve listed for 3 years in a row. I can’t say it’s helped me shop less though. I edit VERY often, I get rid of the mistake buys very quickly and my wardrobe is never really cluttered. When I look into my closet now, 85% of the items were acquired in 2012. My biggest problem is once I have doubts about a particular piece, I have to get rid of it immediately. My so-called purgatory drawer is more like “I’m too lazy to list it on ebay” drawer. Without getting into how much I’ve spent the past 3 years, let’s just say that I’ve given away at least 300 items, ranging from high street to designer pieces. I was pretty good at selling things on ebay the first two years but in 2012 I couldn’t be bothered.

    My new years resolution is to let go of the idea of acquiring the perfect wardrobe.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 3, 2013 at 2:52 pm

      That’s interesting and I like your resolution, perhaps there is just not such a thing as the “perfect wardrobe” right? Are you happy with your wardrobe after having given away so much of it?

  • Reply
    kaloka
    February 3, 2013 at 9:21 am

    I plan to buy only 1-2 bags per year. I achieved it last year. I got LV pochette ang Mulberry Bayswater. Thanks for this post Kat. Starting this month of Feb I’ll list also what I’ve shopped.

    Cheers!
    http://thekaloka.com

  • Reply
    iche
    February 3, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    The spreadsheet is such a great idea Katherine! I’m gonna try it. I really enjoy reading your blog. I live in the bay area too, san francisco. hope to meet you in person someday. 🙂

  • Reply
    Jess L
    February 3, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    My resolution this year is to clean out my closet. 🙂

    I love the purgatory drawer idea. I’m also holding onto a lot of things I haven’t worn (and yes, this includes some items from college that I would never wear again but I can’t seem to bring myself to give away).

    I started keeping a spreadsheet last year but I haven’t gone back to reflect on regrets or retailers I should stay from. I have a separate column to keep track of how much I returned because I know I have a bad habit of buying things just to try on (quickly crunched the numbers and I returned 45% of what I bought). I would save so much more time to do more important things if I gave the items I buy more thought.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 3, 2013 at 8:40 pm

      I order a ton online and always end up with returns (multiple sizes, etc) and always think about how much time I’d be saving if I didn’t have to do returns too. Wish there was a way to be more sure about online purchases!

  • Reply
    2014 Wardrobe Resolutions | Feather Factor
    January 8, 2014 at 9:09 am

    […] year, I put together my 2013 wardrobe resolutions,and it was a very helpful exercise for me. I had three resolutions – to further trim down my […]

  • Reply
    Hazel
    June 11, 2014 at 10:34 am

    It’s encouraging to see that not all “fashionable” people hoard stuff in their closet! I have a serious need of closet cleaning to do as well, as I have invaded even my hubby’s closet space, what with all the new stuff I have bought (and yet to wear) plus all the other old ones I haven’t worn or have not seen the light of day in a LONG time. I sometimes get to the point where I find something I haven’t worn for I-can’t-remember-how-long and actually end up stylinge an outfit with it. Plus, I also get very sentimental with clothing, bags, even footwear, especially if they’re gifts from loved ones, ESPECIALLY if they’re gifts from my mom. Help! 🙂

    • Reply
      Katherine
      June 14, 2014 at 7:46 pm

      I am very sentimental as well – it’s always tough but I always think that your loved ones and friends would just want you to get the most out of your items…and as long as you remember their kind thoughts, that is all that matters 🙂

    Leave a Reply to Kathryn Cancel Reply

    <

    /html>