Whew...it's taken me some time to read through all of these amazing replies and thoughts and absorb what you've all said. First of all, thank you all so much for chiming in. These types of conversations are invaluable for moving me forward.
Celia - your comments about not wanting to ruin THE ONE perfect item hit home for me. I am working really hard at getting away from this thinking. If I've already found THE ONE then why aren't I wearing it? No more substitutions for either of us ok? THE ONE is the perfect items - it's what we were looking for and finally found. Time to wear it and love it. And when it wears out (and it will) we will search for the next ONE.
Linda - I too used to balk at purchasing the expensive item and then spent time looking for a lesser pricey option. This just results in wasted time and energy and unhappiness at the substitute item. So then I usually end up buying the expensive item anyway - this now ended up costing more money than I was worried about in the first place, plus an extra item in my closet that I don't want or need. Gotta get off that train!
Pam - a "simplicity forum" huh? Need to think on that.
Eliza - you are I sound like we're really traveling the same road.
Aziraphale - I have stopped saving my favorite items. This is like my comment to Celia - if they are our favorites, we should wear the heck out of them right?
Amiable - so glad you're thinking about getting back to sewing and your probation plan sounds perfect for you.
Marlene - I really enjoyed reading of your simplicity/minimalism success. This gives me hope that this endeavor will be so worthwhile.
Claire - simplicity continuum - brilliant! I need to ponder this some more.
Ingunn - I will be looking at moving/downsizing in the not too distant future as well and do not want to move more than I need.
rabbit - hmmmm....interesting thought about the increased laundry with a smaller wardrobe. I hadn't thought about that.
Lyn D - it has really quite surprised me in this thread how many Fabbers are on the same wavelength and journey.
Katie - my love of variety is what got me feeling overwhelmed in the first place. I really need to "tame that beast"!
Caro - I have also started to realize that what I thought I liked and what I actually wear can differ. I have things in my closet that I genuinely like and stay there on the hanger. So does just liking them justify them staying in my closet?
Una - how to reconcile my desire for simplicity while dealing with gluttony is a question I'm working on. I don't have an answer - at least not yet. You and I have very similar personalities when it comes to shopping (as we both know). Maybe we can figure it out together?
jumpingfrog - bargains, sales racks, clearance sections - yep, those are what led to most of my purchasing mistakes and unnecessary duplication.
Ornella - "Only more quality time with our very selves and our loved ones". Amen. Truly a goal worth pursuing