Th e changing seasons always prompt me to do a little closet evaluation. The other day I spent some time with a few areas: 1) footwear, 2) graphic tees, 3) scarves, and 4) tops.

1) Half a dozen pairs of shoes and boots went into the giveaway pile. Oddly enough, in a time when I’ve been craving burgundy in my wardrobe, my burgundy footwear went unworn this winter. Two pairs were no longer comfortable, one slides off my heels unless I wear a very specific kind of sock and I’m kind of over the style anyway, and one pair just felt too heavy and stiff for my current preferences. All had been in my closet for at least 5 years, so I feel like I got my use out of them, but they are still in good enough condition for someone else to enjoy them.

As a result, even though I have purchased a couple of new pairs of shoes for spring/summer, I have more room in my closet now. I do not really want to add more. Nothing I see at retail beyond what I just purchased is really wowing me, so for now I plan on enjoying what I have.

2) Graphic tees: yeah, I have so many this is a category on its own. Concert tees, etc. I let go of about 8 of them, and I put another 6 in a sentimental pile (I may have a blanket made from them as I have done in the past). Many remaining ones got a hack treatment — most tees are too long on me, so I simply cut several inches off the bottoms of a bunch of them to make them easier to wear. They’re now reorganized and not so crammed into their bins.

3) I also have a ridiculous number of scarves. I am letting go of a half dozen and could part with more. I think before the giveaway bag goes, another 3-4 will join it. Again, the scarves are now more neatly organized and I can better see what I have. Nothing new is tempting me.

4) Tops. I pulled my summer tops out of the holding zone and reviewed them, along with my winter tops. Oh my, I have a lot! Some I am excited to wear. Others are useful/serviceable. I got real about keeping some that I just don’t seem to bother with, and about ten went into the giveaway pile. I made another pile that I would more likely wear if they were altered — all by shortening them. I’m so tired of all tops having these very long hems that either need to be tucked or tied. Before I go to the tailor, I’m going to really look at those pieces to decide whether I will wear them once they are altered. I tried on a very cute cropped simple white button-front shirt the other day and realized I can achieve the same look by altering the one I already own.

I’m so glad I reviewed the tops in my wardrobe before setting foot in a store to be tempted by new merchandise. I tried on a really cute white shirt sleeve Johnny collar top with black piping, but then thought that the white and black stripe one I already own has the same vibe. Purchase averted.

I freed up at least a dozen hangers (that I will not be filling back up), and now have most of my tops spanning all seasons hanging on one rack in my closet. (The exception is special occasion and heavy winter tops).

Whew!

Have you got the spring cleaning bug??