Spring cleaning in the closet, saying goodbye to beloved items, and plans for S/S…

*Sigh* one of my eyeglasses frames broke whilst on vacation last week. They were 7 yo, so I certainly got my wear out of them! I loved those glasses. The lenses were replaced twice! I have an eye check-up next week, and also due for new frames. I still have the pair nemosmom helped me source in 2019 (see Finds below) (lenses replaced once) - but that’s it for my specs collection!

Then my beloved white leather Converse had to be binned! Inside back heel cup completely worn through and no tread left underneath. They have been my ‘inside’ shoes as well as my favourite walking shoes. With the mild winter we had I chose the lighter weight leather sneakers over boots when I could. With wool socks, my feet were fine. I still have other sneakers, and have been ‘into’ my loafers more - so not planning to replace right away.

Weight has been trending downward as I age, and has affected pants size this year. A try-on of all my pants has resulted in an edit of some fitted pants. Elastic waists are okay, as are two newer pair (Finds below) bought one size down. I’m holding onto two pair of jeans that I will demote to gardening work. Worried that my ‘signature’ green pleather pants are feeling too loose…

Winter accessories (gloves and mitts) took a beating this season. I’ll be doing a lot of replacing next F/W. I’m postponing planning for F/W, but rattling around in my head is how mild winters have become and how best to select and collect winter outerwear?

The capsule I packed for a recent trip to Florida was perfect practice for my summer capsule. I’m very happy with what I have for the coming warm weather (in another month?) especially after adding two ‘new’ dresses (one thrifted.) (Finds below)

April is a weird month. I have no idea what I’ll be wearing!

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7 months ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Oh sorry about your glasses Carla. But maybe you will find something you like as much that gives you a fresh outlook. So you wear Converse as inside shoes? I am far too lazy to lace up indoor shoes! Sounds like you have a plan, and you certainly look smashing!

Bonnie

Your trip wardrobe will make a wonderful summer capsule. Our winters have changed, too. Yours are getting milder and ours are getting wetter.

bella

It seems like you are up for some shopping but with a plan at hand, it should be enjoyable.
I am planning a trip next week and will take another look at your travel capsule.

Suntiger

Active Member

Sorry about glasses :/ At least you have an appointment to replace them soon!

Winters are stupidly unpredictable here. This winter was very cold, and we got a few inches of snow, while last winter was warm enough for sandal booties and short sleeves many days. I'd suggest hanging on to a very heavy coat and snowboots in case next winter is bitter cold and snowy!

anchie

Good luck with finding new frames. Your spring/summer capsule is coming up nicely. I am also editing lot of pants due to fit issues, but not trying to replace all, and planning to work with more minimal wardrobe, similar as you.

April

"April is a weird month" - truer words were never spoken. We'll still have the March winds for a while, rain is typical, might see a little more snow, at least a few days will be muggy, could be thunderstorms or hail.

It's so hard to let beloved workhorses go! Also so gratifying to know they served you long and well.

cat2

Great chambray dress. The prediction I saw that feels like it has been playing out for us is that the weather has gotten more unpredictable and with stronger events. So for us, three really bad drought years and then a massive rainy year. I’m keeping my wardrobe options open.

RobinF

I hate it when a favorite item bites the dust, so hard to find a replacement. Sure hope your pleather pants keep working for you! They are so fab! Do they have belt loops? That could help.

Dee

Too bad about your eye glass frames, but a fun opportunity to check out what’s new. Yes weight fluctuations can certainly play havoc with our wardrobes.
Winter wear is getting harder to figure out. Was this winter an anomaly or not? I’ll hang on to my warm stuff just the same, but certainly wont need to add to it.

Joy

Winters and Spring/Fallhave been so unpredictable recent years that I can hardly predict the next week. I can hardly put winter clothes away. They keep being put into service so that the closet is over flowing. I have got to clean up before DS1 visits for a month in May. It has been very inspiring

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Suz

That's a shame about your specs, Carla. I am sorry. I know you will find a wonderful new pair, but in the interim you must feel bereft. It will be fun picking the new ones, though!

Those dresses were terrific purchases. Dresses may work better for any weight variations than trousers and jeans, as well. So that is convenient.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Oh, no!!! The specs, Carla

Have fun finding new ones, and keep us posted.

KILLER dresses! And new sneakers on your shopping list.

Sal

You run a tight ship Carla and it really works for you.

I too vote to replace the sneakers - not in a panic - but over the next couple of months. You will wear them, maybe not as much in summer, but if you get the right pair they will get lots of wear.

I am on the pants/jeans look out again - I have ripped one pair of denim that will become gardening shorts, one pair of trousers are up for donation as they are too loose. I always feel super well set up in spring and summer with clothes and struggle come autumn and winter...

I will have to part with lots of favorites to get a wardrobe that fits now. My pile of pants that do not fit is growing. I knew older women get smaller as they age, I just did not expect it to happen so soon or so fast. Good luck , Carla, catching it before skirts and pants wind up around your ankles. This is not the way I envisioned cleaning out my closet.

I am sorry that your favorite eyeglasses broke. We know they were favorites when you chose them to take on your trip as th ex

BlueJay

I am sorry about your eyeglasses breaking, Carla. OTOH, it might be kind of fun to go shopping for new ones?

...also, I found the weight you lost...

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