I really enjoyed reading the comments and messages after my post about some of the bags which have left my closet. Hearing about other’s experiences and thoughts was really interesting and fun! To that end, I thought I’d share some of the process I go through on a regular basis when doing my “closet clean outs” – and how I decide what stays and what goes. I hope to make this a seasonal series, since that’s usually when I do some wardrobe culling.
1. Y & Kei blouse. I bought this blouse I want to say….a little under ten years ago, and I think from Barneys. I loved super feminine pieces at the time and just thought it was beautiful. There are so many lovely details on this top. And, I remember feeling super proud because I saw a photo of Nicole Richie (in her Rachel Zoe days) wearing the same one, ha! For those reasons I’ve kept this blouse for a while…but haven’t worn it in a year or more, and before that was only wearing it once a year or so.
Verdict? Going…it’s gorgeous but not as much my style anymore.
2. Burberry trench. This was purchased on sale from the Burberry San Francisco store. It was more than 50% off I think, and I liked that it was single breasted (I sometimes find single easier to wear than the classic double breasted style). It’s a super classic style and item. For some reason though, I’ve barely worn this trench. Maybe it’s because the gold buttons are so prominent – so I feel like I can’t wear silver items as easily with it. And the belt actually has quite a heavy buckle – it clangs when I walk!
Verdict? I’m keeping it for one more year and then if I don’t wear it, it’s going. I suspect it’s one of those “basic” items that you think you’ll get tons of wear out of, but don’t.
3. Saint Laurent pumps. I bought these after seeing them in person on the always alluring Wendy who of course was able to walk flawlessly in them and make them so super chic. I’ve worn these a few times, and they are really comfortable because of the platform, but I’m always afraid that I’m going to tip over in them. For some reason I don’t have the same fear with my favorite Tribute sandals, but these always scare me a bit.
Verdict? Not keeping…I have limited shoe space and other “nude” colored heels.
4. Burberry London trench (yes, another one!). This one was purchased at the Burberry flagship in New York on the last trip my mom and I took there – I want to say in 2008 or so. It wasn’t one I would have tried on myself, but the salesperson brought it over and belted it for me, and I said to wrap it up! I wore it a lot for awhile, but haven’t put it on for at least a year. I kind of forgot I owned it, if I’m being completely honest.
Verdict? Keeping…I still love it and have worn it since I unearthed it!
I realized after writing this post that the two items that I kept were both fairly classic outerwear. I think that’s pretty natural, but I wonder if I justify keeping certain items because they seem more “forever” pieces, which isn’t good. Next year, not only will I hopefully be keeping up with this “Closet Cleanout” series – but I can also update on whether I’ve been wearing my two trenches, or not!
Are you all doing some closet clean outs of your own, to get ready for fall?
17 Comments
Lisa
September 28, 2015 at 4:10 pmI love how disciplined you are….I want to shop your closet. 🙂 I have identified a whole rack of clothes to consign and now I just need to actually get to phase 2 and out of the closet!
Katherine
September 30, 2015 at 7:53 pmPlease share how you like consigning clothes! I’ve never done it before.
Anonymous
September 28, 2015 at 5:08 pmI love this topic, Kat! What do you do with clothes that you decide to not keep? Consign, ebay, give to family or friends?
Katherine
September 30, 2015 at 7:52 pmFor clothes I usually donate…if higher end name brand/good for professionals I’ll do a specific charity like Dress for Success, etc.
Anonymous
October 1, 2015 at 6:56 amGood to know! It’s so awesome that you donate your clothes 🙂
Iris
September 28, 2015 at 7:29 pmI really love your post and your last post. I was quite shocked that you sold both of your birkins. I was so inspired and i’m sending my LV work bag to Ann’s fabulous find…again thank you for recommending Ann’s ff. I’m selling it as it doesn’t fit my lifestyle. I used to drive everywhere until I move to my current city where I have to take subway everywhere. My beloved LV got its first scratch after moving to this city. Another reason is that I don’t have a cube any more. I’m sitting at a trading desk so I have to put my bag in its dust bag and then place it next to the trash bin:( As I get older, I’m less obsessed with bags but more with good garments that fit me well. I’m a little sad sending it to Ann’s ff tonight. I will say ‘thank you for your service’ (haha you know i read the Kon Monri method you recommended) before parting with it….Please keep the cleaning series up. I really enjoy it.
Katherine
September 30, 2015 at 7:51 pmAh, I still thank my items as well! I’m glad you like the series 🙂
Sarah
September 29, 2015 at 3:55 amGosh, even though I like to think I don’t buy much, still seem to manage to give lots away. Basically I don’t keep anything for more that 7 years. (Except some Chanel and Hermes bits & bobs) I just don’t have the space.
Vanessa
September 30, 2015 at 11:15 amDo you usually sell your items or do you donate?
Katherine
September 30, 2015 at 7:53 pmFor accessories if they’re worth the trouble I’ll send them off to consignment…otherwise I’ll just donate.
Whitney Farris
September 30, 2015 at 1:12 pmI am ashamed to say, but I have a lot of moments when I forget I have things. My closet is pretty large and I am the first one to admit that , I have a little shopping problem! There is another out there, near and dear to my heart, my sister! Sometimes, it’s all about the chase…..then you get it AND the thrill is gone! ?
I pay mainly for my larger purchases. My husband never knows what I have, old….new. He just goes with the flow!
Katherine
September 30, 2015 at 7:52 pmI’ve forgotten about items too..you are not alone!
Jaime Stephens
October 1, 2015 at 4:00 pmLove you, evil twin!
ahhhsoneo
October 1, 2015 at 9:48 pmI did a massive closet clean-out using the KonMari method a few months ago. Ended up donating a very full trash bag and sending a few higher end items and purses to consignment. I just got overwhelmed by how much stuff I had, even though it wasn’t that much to begin with. When we were in boarding school, my dad used to say that we should only have enough clothes to fill one large suitcase! I find it it slightly odd that I’m starting to think that way! The one thing I hardly get rid off is outerwear. It’s usually bought with so much care and research since it has to last so long.
http://ahhhsoneo.com
Ava Lon
October 7, 2015 at 3:11 pmDear Katherine,
Excellent post!
I hope you have not given away your Y& Kei blouse yet – I have a solution for you but before I give you that, the Burberry trench with the gold buttons I have the best solution I hope you will find helpful! Bring to a trusted tailor and have them change out those gold buttons for something a little more subtle to your liking and I promise you will be wearing it all the time! Frankly, I think you could do this change yourself, but with Baby Feather it might be too much added work.
As for your Y & Kei blouse, your tailor might know someone or even those shoe dye places that dye wedding shoes so the bridesmaids can all wear the same color etc. see if they can dye that blouse into a solid dark navy or black and perhaps give it new life? It would look great with dark denim then and a bit more edgier?
🙂
x
Ava
Katherine
October 8, 2015 at 3:38 pmThanks so much Ava! That’s a fabulous idea about the buttons – I’m definitely going to see if my tailor can do.
Ava Lon
October 9, 2015 at 12:35 pmOh and the buckles (sleeve and belt) you can swap out to match your new buttons – if your tailor doesn’t have the style you like this is a great resource http://www.pacifictrimming.com
I am not sure how their shipping and customer service is online but in store it’s good.
🙂
Best of luck! 🙂