Closet Edit: Prologue - YouLookFab Forum

OK, didn't mean to have a prologue, but.... realized there were a couple of things to mention that weren't specific to any editing, but still worth talking about.

I had the day off work, and my goal was to do my seasonal wardrobe changeover, while at the same time doing a first cut at editing the incoming winter items.

Summer items will be edited when they come out next spring, I know, maybe it makes sense to do them while "this is why I didn't wear this" is fresh in my mind, but I also know that places (ie Dress for Success, which is where a lot of them will go, or consignment stores) are not interested in summer clothes right now, so the items have a much better chance at finding a good home, if I wait. Anyone else feel this way? I get the impression most YLFers are more interested in just getting things out the door.

The other thing: I need to loose weight! Eek. I knew I was up, but with the loose summer dresses, and stretchy bottoms I often wear, it hadn't shown itself as much of an issue. Well, dress pants and jeans... another story. Most things fit, just are snug. And I have a little pile of things that are to be brought out once 8-10 lbs come off, because they are not able to be worn now. No, I am NOT going to "embrace the body I have now", because if I do, I fear I'll just keep gaining. I have to get control of this. Hopefully I can!

5 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

I'm with you on holding clothes until they're seasonally appropriate for Dress for Success to use to help someone.

I'm also with you on holding some items in smaller sizes. I need to lose some weight too, and I've already bought so many new wardrobes due to weight gain that it will be nice to NOT have to frantically rush around like an idiot buying whatever I can find that will do for now.....

Suz

(website)

I actually hold onto some "editable" items until they are in season, too. I used to send stuff to consignment but stopped bothering in Kingston since they never wanted my stuff. (That story might be different here.) But even for donations, my thinking was much like yours. In season is more likely to go to a good home.

Bijou

Yes - I have some bags that I will hold onto (not in a holding zone for me to access again) but merely because they will do better at the charity that I intend to send them to if they are received in our autumn. We have a local RSPCA store and I love to give them my best stuff because I think it is such a brilliant cause.

I do hear you on the weight fluctuations. I have 4lbs I want to lose, so I sympathise. Now is the time (before we hit December) to get serious with what I am eating, managing portion sizes and exercising daily - it will come off. I know I will feel so much better for it and be better prepared to handle the food temptations that the holiday season inevitably will bring.

Anonymous

I agree if you're going to consign things to wait on the edit. And by then they may work for you. Otoh you may lose the weight and decide youre not excited about the clothes for whatever reason. Unfortunately consignment shops have such a low rate of payout it feels discouraging, especially if you spent a lot for something and didn't wear much.

LaPed

Yep, I hold onto things to donate or consign when they're seasonally appropriate. The places I take things are pretty open about not having the space to hold out-of-season goods. It's the biggest reason I have a holding zone.

Kathie

I also try to donate in season, and also to charities that have specific goals, so different ones depending on whether it’s my work clothes or my children’s clothes. Good luck with your weight loss.

kkards

yes, to donating/consigning in season.....conflicted on losing weight vs loving the body you have.....i totally understand were you are coming from....but i'm also watching a friend fade away to nothing as she ages becuase she is "afraid" of gaining weight..i'm all in favor of taking the time to reevaluate eating habits....

Elizabeth P

Thanks ladies! I suspected that I wasn't the only one who liked to give clothes away in the right season. I guess what I could have done (and maybe will with the remaining summer clothes) is put things that I'm happy to give away in a "give away holding zone" until next spring, then add to it when I bring the spring clothes out again. So two edits rather than one.

But honestly, I do like the feeling of bringing out the clothes I'd put away for the season, and judging my reaction to them. "Oh yay, I get to wear that again!" Or "ugh, you again?"

And thanks for the good luck wishes for taking off a few pounds. Kkards, don't worry, I'm not going to fade way, I like my food (and beer) far too much. I would like to get this taken care of, before it gets too daunting.

I am guilty of dropping bags of clothes off at the Salvation Army Thrift shop not necessarily in season, which I know is frustrating for them. Sticking unworn pieces back into storage for the winter only to have to deal with them again in 6 months holds no appeal for me...but I do understand that it forces the thrift shop to store them too. I never consign anymore - too time consuming and fussy and my clothes likely aren't worth it anymore.

The weight issue sucks, doesn't it? Almost every.single.female.I.know is struggling with this (of a certain age ) and results are mixed. The Accidental Icon (do you ever read her blog?) wrote about her recent experience with the Dr. Perricone 28 day plan, which I found interesting and motivating. My personal weakness is getting enough vegetables - I don't love them. Anyways - good luck with your plan...keep up posted !

Lisa, I've decided to have labeled bins, DFS and VV. When the season is right, that bin goes into the car, and off it goes. Resorting things is part of my problem, I've always felt this need to get rid of things in season, and to the appropriate place, and because this always seemed so much work, well, I just didn't do it. Hoping being more organized with my bins will help. No double handling. And I've never really been a consignor, because of the work. But I've also got a few things I'd feel better if I at least tried, rather than giving away (an EF dress for example) I've just discovered a higher end place here that wants photos via fb messenger and they'll tell you if they are interested, so it's a easy way to see if they will take them. Even if it's $10, I'll feel better And this is so easy.

I read AI occasionally, so I'll go and check that out. As I shared with you some time ago, I had a lot of success with Arbonne once, so may try that again. Kicking myself for not trying harder to keep it off!! I do blame it all on me, could eat so much better. Hope to get started soon. But not today

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Elizabeth, I sometimes leave the editable "out of season" items till the next season too. Makes sense. Better head space. That said, I never consign my items.

As for the weight gain, may I suggest you pop the stuff that doesn't fit at the moment into ONE area. Out of the way so that you can focus on what does fit and milk it. Give yourself a time limit to lose the weight and see how you go with your wardrobe. Deal?

Lisa p, come on over to my house. I am Queen Veggie, and will make veggies you'll enjoy eating.

Your food posts are amazing, Angie, and I have no doubt I'd eat everything you put in front of me. I'll eat any and all/most vegetables - I just can't be bothered preparing them in anything other than soup . Terrible, I know .

Angie, deal. That is in fact what I'm doing. I haven't gained enough to put me out of most of my clothes, just that some are snug. Ones that are truly uncomfortable (but within range) are going into a bin. Ones that are snug can stay, as I'll still wear them like that, and they serve as a reminder NOT to get a turkey dinner at lunch :). I did find some jeans that will never fit again, so they have gone out the door with no remorse. I'm realistic.

JAileen

At the thrift store where I volunteer, we actually have a holding zone for out of season clothes. We switch out the store twice a year. The old stuff doesn’t go back into the holding zone, instead we keep lowering the prices to clear out everything. I don’t know what other thrift stores do, though.

I need to lose some weight, too. It’s so hard..

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