I find closet sweeps very hard. I always end up regretting one or two things that I threw away. I still mourn a corduroy jacket I had from the Gap (of all places). It was actually really cute. It had several of these small antique gold tone spherical buttons and these pleats in the back that actually made me look tiny, even though it was a little big for me at the time. Now it would probably fit pretty well.

Incidents like that make me afraid to do a closet sweep and I guess I probably end up not getting rid of as much as I can. I have a terrible habit of holding on to things that are too small in hopes of fitting into them again.

I guess we have the opposite problem, but I think you're probably on the right track. I'm just neurotic.

No, you're not neurotic at all! I know what you mean. There are a couple of pieces from past closet sweeps that I mourn too and that's why I am a little paranoid. I wish Angie could magically appear in my closet and give me the stamp of approval :)

I am thinking of putting everything in bags for Salvation Army, and waiting a month before taking them away, so I can see if I miss anything.

Laura - that's exactly what I do! I bag it all up and put it in the garage or the guest room. Nine times out of ten I end up taking back something from the bags, and then deciding to put it back in the "get rid of" bag. But I need that psychological "holding period."

But I applaud you for going cold turkey. I kind of believe that you have to create that empty space for the "universe" to fill it with better things! Plus, I think that now you will be able to tell what items you find yourself really wishing for - what you want to reach for every day. I find that when I keep things that aren't perfect, I just put up with them and don't replace them. But if I don't physically have that item, I am forced to buy a better one that fits right or that I love.

That sounds like a great idea Laura and Tarzy. You know, sometimes if you used to really like an item, but you find you just don't wear it anymore, it's useful to put it away in a drawer or somewhere you can't see it. Then check on it again next year and see if you like it again. I find that I get tired of things easily, but if I don't see them for awhile and then find them again, I magically think they're great. I don't do this with a lot of things (because then you're not really cleaning out your closet), but good pieces that you just think maybe you're tired of.

When I did my first YLF closet cleanout, I had about 4 things left hanging in there. It was scary, so I know how you feel! That was a hard couple of months while I got some nice things. But before, my closet was so stuffed! It was nice to have a clean slate. And I still make mistakes--buying something that just doesn't work, or getting rid of something that does. I hate clutter, so I'm more likely to jump the gun and give something away than hang onto it. Right now, my closet is full, so I'm trying to replace some of the older/not perfect things I already have. This one in, one out thing is hard, too because you feel like you're just getting rid of good stuff, even though you have something much better to replace it with. I don't want to end up with overstuffed closet again though.

Sorry, long post, but I think you're doing the right thing, and I like your idea of putting it in a holding bag or something before totally getting rid of it.

To answer your quezzie, no Laura. I think it’s imperative to be as strict as possible when it comes to the closet sweep. I am very strict with my own closet AND with the ones I review. But you’ve hit the nail on the head with the “holding zone”. Those items can stay stored for a season and if you don’t miss them, pass them on.

The reason I encourage strictness is because you have to set boundaries. If you don’t, you’ll end up compromising which is not the goal. I hope that makes sense.

Before the end of the season, I force myself to try to wear things I haven't worn. I did that this past summer, and it resulted in me learning to love a few things I thought were mistakes. They ended up not being mistakes afterall.

Those items that clearly were mistakes - went to goodwill without a second thought and no regrets.

Otherwise, I use the "holding period" strategy for things I'm on the fence about; except I hold until the season comes back around. Nine out of 10 times, after months have passed, I can easily toss and cull with no regrets.

I can get sentimental about clothing - even if it doesn't flatter me. For example some of the unflattering clothing from years and years ago - that I recently shared photos of - I still have sentimental feelings about. Even if I looked ridiculous!! But, a digital photo takes up no room in my closet. :-)

I like having a small closet... it forces me to be pretty strict. I still have some items in there that may be compromises, but I am finding less can be a lot more. I have empty hangers lately - yet feel like I have plenty of stuff to wear. That's unusual for me!

Thanks everyone. Your input is so helpful - it is a scary feeling to get rid of so much at once, like flying without a net. At the same time it is exhilarating. The hardest part is to remember how much I paid for each item. Ouch. But out with the old --

Suddenly it feels as if none of those clothes suit who I am anymore. I had the most amazing thing happen last night - I saw a top that almost sent me into cardiac arrest.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....in=related

I don't know if I can pull it off, but I ordered it. Then I realized that maybe, just maybe, I was developing a sense of personal style. (Pause here to thank Angie!)

And I wanted to feel that way about all my clothes. (Of course something like a BP cami will never send anyone into cardiac arrest, but I'm talking about the major items!). Now it dawns on me that Maya, Nicole, Tanya, Anna, Shiny, Antje, Patience, Inge and many, many more of you that I am forgetting to list already have that sense about yourselves, and now I get it :)

Laura, That top is definately YOU! I love it and I can totally picture you in it. I can't wait to see the photos! I can relate to your Cardiac Arrest Moment (C.A.M.), because I experienced my first CAM with my red boots. And now I am so much pickier about what I will put on my feet. I have been trying to find some cold weather boots, but can not bring myself to settle on anything less than perfect. I have come to realization that shoes will be my statement pieces.

As far as clearing out the closet--I have to do that too. I have a lot of pants that are too big, and tops that are too short. I know I'm stalling because I'll really be limiting my options once I do the deed.

What do you all do about favorite articles that still fit, and still are your style, but may have a small barely noticeable imperfection? My favorite sweater has a small "pull" on the sleeve.

Excellent, Laura! Well done. You already have a sense of personal style. Perhaps it’s evolved with YLF, but be it as it may – you are a stylish creature and it sounds like you’re having fun with it. That’s the BEST part.

Yup. That top sends me into orbit too. I’d pair it with my black skinnies and ballet flats, when it eventually warms up here. At the moment, it’s snowing again. I hope the tops works.

I’m doing the annual YLF closet sweep post on Tuesday. It’s nothing new for all of you I’m sure, but I do one at the beginning of every year for new readers. I hope that YOUR experiences inspire them.

Nicole, can you have the sweater repaired somehow? That's what I would try to do. I know there are re-weavers because my husband snagged his suit jacket and Nordstrom sent it out to be re-woven. I understand the red boots now. They are so perfect on you! When we're in NY, we're going to have to keep our eyes open for more signature footwear for you :)

So C.A.M.'s and being sent into orbit are the same thing, only orbiting is so much more eloquently put than calling it cardiac arrest!

Until spring, I was planning to layer the top over a long-sleeved black t-shirt, and wear it with black skinnies and riding boots.

Angie, I am looking forward to Tuesday's post. It's a great way to start a new year.

That top is gorgeous!
Also, if you have quality, designer, expensive items of clothing, try to sell them on ebay or other second hand websites or taking them to a consignment store before sending them to Goodwill. You might get some of your money back. Probably nothing near the original price but then you can spend it for new pieces!

Sounds like a plan, Laura. Love that creative ensemble idea! Thats putting your thinking cap on.

Nicole, how bad is the snag. Is it a hole? You ROCK those red boots. I was convincing my client today that she needs to get a pair just like that because you looked so good in yours. I said "my friend in Boston looks killer in her red LC ankle boots".

Laura - you absolutely have a personal style! Maybe now you are just feeling more confident and "owning" it?

The thing I love about this forum is that there are so many different styles represented here - young and trendy, cute, sophisticated, classic, funky. It really proves that you can't worry too much about what's "in," but find out what works for you and go for it.

I can't wait to see you wear that top!

This is so good to read and Angie, I'm glad you are doing another closet sweep post. I put a bunch of things in a 'holding zone' in my closet but need to just do a true purge and be brutal! I'm scared though, because I know I'll be left with so few items to wear. I'm still trying to nail down my 'style' but I know I'm getting closer. It's so helpful to hear how everyone else works it all out.