I did Stage 2 of my wardrobe edit, removing the Albatrosses. I call these my Albatrosses because I felt that I could not get rid of them, yet there was no love or joy from holding them.

Stage 1 was easy - removing things that were worn out or dated. For Stage 2 I imagined I had Angie with me and if she was standing next to me, would I really have the nerve to pretend that I would be wearing this in the near future...it was a tool that worked well for me.

Lessons learnt:

1. If something is not right, return it
I need to improve on returning items, especially when I buy things online. So many of my Stage 2 edits were just not right - either in fit or style and on reflection in many cases when I bought them I knew it, but somehow thought I could make them work....

2. If clothing does not fit my life or body, remove it from my wardrobe
Over the last 10 years, I have changed jobs 3 times (all with different dress codes), had a baby and changed my leisure activities...This has meant that over this time, I have been different sizes and my pursuits have changed. Of course my wardrobe needed to change too. It is OK to edit out things that once worked but no longer do.

I had clung onto designer jackets from my 1st job, because they were great jackets for that role...but that time has passed. I have moved on, my wardrobe needs to too.

In the last two years I have dropped one dress size. I have been training more regularly, yet I held onto my nicer bigger clothing, worried that in the future I will get bigger. Menopause may not be that far away for me, yet it may well be 5 - 10 years away and do I really want to hold onto items that I hope I never need again? I decided to let all the too big stuff go. I will deal with menopause when it arises and buy clothing appropriate for my lifestyle if future body and life change require another seismic shift in my wardrobe.

3. A dressy capsule needs editing too
I have a number of dressy events that I attend and I like to dress up for these. The issue I have is that over time, I have built up quite a collection of items. Dressy items date too. It was time to stop being sentimental and be honest about what I prefer to wear and realistically will wear in the future.

4. I don't need a Holding Zone
I am decisive when doing a closet edit. I did an edit in April and put things in a holding zone. Nothing came out of that. I have put a few items on notice (so maybe that is my holding zone) and will take all of the April and currently edited items to the local charity shop.

5. I need to edit monthly
I need to be more mindful of editing. Doing this large scale edit and critically looking at items for wear and tear - has helped me appreciate some overlooked gems in my closet and also see what needs to go.

6. How did I get so many t-shirts??
I do wear t-shirts from time to time, but I had far more than my needs. I got rid of at least half of my collection, they won't be missed. I need to be more mindful about smaller purchases or editing when a new t-shirt comes in.

7. Dresses are my thing
The wardrobe edit showed that I have a good and diverse range of dresses. In terms of numbers, that is the most represented and worn category of clothing. I edited out the old, the doesn't fit, don't like that colour anymore, no longer my style - and I love what is left.

I still have my shoes, bags, loungewear and make-up to go. My closet is looking much neater and now I can see those items that I love to wear!