After spending a day ruthlessly putting a few years worth of clothes that were rarely worn or no longer fit into the Salvation Army donate bin , I'm still in amazement of how lovely a closet can look when pieces don't touch, and are completely visible. I had kept a lot thinking the pieces were wearable still, but found a lot of the silk shirts and sweaters I had were simply too fitted for my liking now. Too fitted and too small, I'm not kidding myself here.

Today I'm going back in for a further cull - there are a couple of things still in the closet that I've now decided I will not wear and were just bought in the quest for the perfect black cashmere sweater, or that perfect fitting pant. Several blazers are still there that won't now get worn until spring.

Between the day of the purge/ sartorial/emotional breakdown and today, there have also been some really interesting discussions on the forum. You know, it never hit me until just yesterday that the reason there is no variety in my closet is twofold:

1. I buy versions of the same thing over and over again (black pants, black skirts, black blazers and black sweaters) trying to get that perfect piece. One that fits perfectly, and makes me feel like a million bucks when wearing it. Because I'm spending my money trying to get these pieces down pat, and rarely succeeding, I have nothing left to spend on pieces that allow me more colour or variety.

2. I have realized that I also don't necessarily care about variety. The discussions about Project 333 really hit home for me - I have zero desire to own a lot because I don't have enough days in the week and different occasions to dress for to support more than one or two good pieces in each category. I have a full-time job and a moderate social life but don't see the same people every day, and don't feel uncomfortable wearing something really often when I love it and feel good in it. I find that what i am attracted to at retail changes often enough in terms of silhouette and fit that I don't want a bunch of things that are in danger of being outdated in a year or two and then tossed out. I've operated that way for years and just am ill at the amount of money I have essentially given away in the quest for the right clothes.

Realizing that I am essentially a minimalist at heart, and not looking for a ton of different looks is so freeing. It's like being allowed to be who you really are and not having to fit into someone else's idea of how you should dress.

My goals for next year - and the balance of this winter: some additional colour in the way of trousers that fit and move perfectly (i'd like navy, and taupe or brown) as well as a red or berry luxe sweater, an upgrade on my stay-at-home wear, great fitting jeans that I feel good in , a knit skirt ( I now don't own a single skirt for winter) cognac block heel boots, and an olive green parka. I've got the parka and boots picked out; and will just sit and wait to see if such a perfect pant and sweater exists. Jeans - not a big priority now - but eyes are open. I'm heading into a period of travel and trade shows- one of which is in home decor and interior accessories- and will want to be at my dressed up best.

Step 3 : culling of bags and boots.

Lastly, thank you ALL for indulging me this musing. I know I have reacted somewhat emotionally to the minimalist/project 333 discussions and how many pieces might be in someone else's closet. It's only a reflection of my own confusion and a bit of envy , not a judgment on what anyone else is doing. Believe me, I am the LAST person to judge anyone for anything .