I blame it on the fever. A few nights ago sleep evaded me. I tossed and turned all night thinking about my style goals, my closet and how I had recently purchased some things that just weren't working (the dangers of being on YLF right before bed)! The next morning, after I had gotten hubby to the airport and daughter to school, I entered my closet with a my jaw set and two Very. Large. Bags.

I asked myself if (knowing what I know now) I would purchase each item all over again. Out went my 4 polyester summer dresses, a few pair of shoes that I'm through with (including some recently purchased strange croc-like peds--they were *only* $8--and so comfortable--maybe I could use them for washing the car? What was I thinking?!!!) Next into the bag went a nice leather tote that just felt a bit *mumsy* and I never wanted to carry, and several new blouses that didn't make me feel fab. (I was reading a thread recently that stressed how something makes you *feel* when you wear it as opposed to just how it looks). Out went a few pairs of not quite right pants/jeans and a sweater I thrifted because it had seemed *good enough* to wear around the house. Another sweater was too tight to button, so I said goodbye to it. Oh, and out went my yoga pants *gasp*. I have never done yoga in my life. My recently demoted jeans will do for lounging and will look a lot more fab The yoga pants always made me feel sloppy. I got rid of my thrifted denim skirt with the intentional rips and holes in the back pockets. Yes, it fits great but the distressing is not me. Also from the accessories department I culled many faded and snagged summer scarves and various belts that never felt right. I had gone to a thrift store the day before and bought a tweed blazer that fit great but was not in my colors. It still had the tags on it but I tossed it in the bag too. Do I really want another credit at a thrift store?

Then I took the bags and put them in the trunk of my car. I usually put my donation bags in the garage. That way if I change my mind, I can go and rescue an item. I have been known to run to the garage, half naked while getting ready for an event and start digging throught the bags like a crazy woman. I hate when I do this (and I *have* been sorry for donating a few things) but 99% of the time when I pull them out again they STILL don't work. Later, on my way to the grocery store, I realized my trunk would not hold my groceries because it was full. In a blinding moment of clarity (or insanity) I went directly to the donation site and unloaded my goods. When I heard the metal door clank shut, I knew I had turned a corner!

The next day, it was like everything was a dream. I went to the closet to put on my yoga pants and they were gone! I stood there having a moment. I finally came to grips with the fact that I would have to wear real clothing. Being a bit under the weather has been a blessing in disguise because it has kept me from going out and implulsively buying things. I've had more time to read the archives and zero in on what I want to look and feel like. I think I need to have a moratorium on thrift stores for a while. But that's a subject for another thread!